Dear HUUSD Community,
Welcome back! This is our first monthly edition of our district newsletter for the 2024-2025 school year. It is our goal to provide information to our families and towns on the many good things that are happening in all of our schools. In addition to school news, we will also highlight important updates for families on topics like registration, procedures for emergency notifications, school calendars, changes in transportation, and many other topics.
Establishment of Finance Committee
We know that we face challenges in the coming year regarding school funding. Harwood, like all other school systems across Vermont, is facing funding challenges as a result of various economic factors related to the manner in which Vermont funds its schools. We are confronting rising costs, many of which are the result of external mandates, at the same time we are experiencing changes to the funding formula.
Our school board has formed a finance committee to help navigate the challenges. The finance committee has been meeting over the summer to develop immediate, short-term, and long-term plans to increase efficiencies and reduce costs. I encourage you to stay informed either attending their meetings which are advertised on the district website or by watching recorded sessions which you can find on the district's YouTube channel.
HUUSD Superintendent Appointment to Statewide Commission
I have been appointed to the statewide Commission on the Future of Public Education in Vermont as a representative of the Vermont school superintendents. This commission was created by the state legislature this past session. The commission has been meeting since July 15 and has 13 members representing a range of key players connected to the state’s education system. The commission is charged with studying preK-12 education to make recommendations on the state’s public education system--including its role, governance, and administration at the state and local levels, as well as its size and scope, and the financing system. Our next meeting is Monday, September 9 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. All meetings are open to the public and are also live streamed. For more information on this particular meeting, visit this link.
Closing
Thank you for being an essential part of the Harwood Unified Union School District family. We invite you to stay connected and informed about the many opportunities available to our students, as well as the various ways you can contribute to their success.
Together, we can inspire and empower our students with the tools to help them achieve their dreams and make a positive impact in our community and the world. Wishing you all a fantastic school year ahead!
Sincerely,
Dr. Mike
The HUUSD has moved to a new alert platform. Designated recipients will continue to automatically receive emails and phone calls, but recipients MUST sign up to receive texts.
Identified guardians, contacts, and staff members in PowerSchool will receive a text message from SchoolMessenger on Friday, September 6th at 4PM inviting them to sign up for text messages.
If for some reason you do not receive the text, you may sign up by following the instructions in this flyer.
- We need your student's data, medical info, signed agreements (e.g., field trips), and your contact information.
- Students will not be able to go on field trips until registration is completed.
- The bus company gets your student's transportation info from registration.
- See the HUUSD's Returning Student Registration page for more information, and contact your school registrar if you need help.
Brookside
Our first weeks back have radiated with positive energy and excitement! As a long line of first graders walked up the stairs to one of their first classes, one student exclaimed, "This school is like a city!" Students in all grade levels have enjoyed time outside, learning new staff and spaces, and establishing community at the classroom, team, and school levels.
Moretown
Once again, smiles have filled our hallways as students reconnected with friends and supportive adults. The start of the school year is always so special--filled with anticipation and excitement. Not even a flood or a delayed start could take away the joy of welcoming our students back from summer break.
Warren
Our first two weeks of school have been nothing short of excellent. Our two new staff members are quickly assimilating into our dynamic school culture, and the energy in the building is wonderfully positive. Next Friday is our annual Mountain Day/all school hike, followed by two other iconic Warren School field trips to Hosmer Point and Button Bay.
Fayston
The first days of school focused on building strong connections and creating a warm, welcoming environment for all our students. Teachers spend time getting to know each child, introducing classroom routines, and setting the stage for a year of learning and growth. We're helping students feel comfortable, excited, and ready to take on new challenges through engaging activities and interactive modeling. It’s all about starting the year with a sense of belonging, joy, and a love for learning!
CBMS
CBMS is excited to have all the students in the building! We are seeing relationships flourish and new routines being learned. We really want to thank everyone for an amazing start to the school year. The Trish Feld Library welcomed students with a chance to look for, check out, and read books! CBMS staff and students also shared where they have been during the summer months on the library door.
- September 11: School Board Meeting
- September 25: School Board Meeting
- October 14: No School
