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District Newsletter

January 3, 2025

District NewsletterJanuary 3, 2025

Superintendent's Message

Dear HUUSD Community,


Welcome back! While the winter weather gave us a little surprise yesterday, we are ready to begin the new year! I have a few topics to highlight as we kick off 2025.


Intradistrict Choice Deadline:

The deadline to apply for intradistrict choice (IDC) for the 2025-2026 school year is January 15, 2025. Once the deadline passes, I will work with building principals to review the requests while analyzing enrollment projections in each of the buildings for the upcoming school year. We will notify families by February 14 regarding the status of their application and if approved, we will ask them to confirm their decision by February 28.


2025-26 School Calendar:

I recently met with our regional superintendent group to discuss calendar planning for the 2025-26 school year. Developing a school calendar varies each year due to the timing of holidays and other yearly changes in how events fall on different days of the week. School calendar planning is also complicated by the fact that schools in Vermont who share a common career center like we do, are required to have a calendar with common instructional days as required by 16 V.S.A. §1071(e).


I have begun a draft calendar that has a start date of Wednesday, August 27, a winter break of February 23 to March 3, and a spring break from April 21 to April 25. I plan to share a draft of the calendar with the school board, parents, and teachers later in January.


HUHS Socrates Cafe:

On January 9, from 5:00 to 6:30 PM, the Harwood Harkness Leadership class will host a Socrates Cafe in the Harwood Union High School library. The topic for this discussion will be How do we "live now" while still respecting the past? All students, parents, and community members are welcome to attend! For more info, see page 9 of this Valley Reporter edition.


Best Schools Designations:

Several HUUSD schools earned a “Best Schools” designation in the latest school rankings in U.S. News & World Report and Niche.com. Read the full story here.


Radon Testing:

We have completed the required sampling for radon at Harwood Union Middle/High School, Brookside Primary School, Fayston, Waitsfield, and Moretown. We are happy to report that all tested areas are well below the EPA action level of 4.0 pCi/L. We will post additional results as they come in.


Sincerely,

Dr. Mike

mleichliter@huusd.org

DEADLINE to Apply for Intradistrict Choice JANUARY 15

The deadline to apply for IDC is approaching. Complete this form if your current PK4 - grade 7 student wishes to transfer to another HUUSD school in 2025-26.


This district page has links to the policy, procedures, FAQs, and more.

Budget

We have created a new budget page, which will house all budget 25-26 budget info in one place.


We plan to hold additional budget meetings in January, and dates will be announced soon.

What Our Students Are Up To!

CBMS

Teachers had a super secret spirit week right before break. It was a great bonding experience and an opportunity for teachers to have a little fun. Some of the fun we had--flannels, anything but a cup day, and more!

Fayston

In December, our students participated in a wonderful gift-giving activity. They moved through eight stations, where they could create a unique, winter-themed craft. At the end of the day, the children took home their handmade crafts, excited to gift them to someone special. The "Gifts for Giving" day reflects the heartwarming nature of our community--allowing our children to experience the fulfillment that comes from giving. This experience not only nurtures empathy but also strengthens our sense of belonging within the school community.

BPS

The BPS community once again anchored the River of Light lantern parade on December 7. The streets of Waterbury were abuzz with excitement for this year’s theme of "creatures and critters," and the event once again delivered beyond all expectations. Creatures of all kinds and all sizes lit up the parade route and included monsters, sea creatures, insects, butterflies, woodland creatures, and so many more. This was the 15th year of the parade in Waterbury. Thanks to all who made this event possible!​

Moretown

First and second grade students in Sarah Thompson’s homeroom took their reading to new levels when they performed L. Frank Baum’s The Wizard of Oz for their parents and students. They spent class time reading the script, casting the characters, designing costumes and props, and preparing for the performance. It was a magical production!

Waitsfield

Waitsfield students celebrated the last short school day in December with bagels, books, and buddies--enjoying the “buddy” classroom connections we’ve been building all school year.


We invite families and community members to join us on Tuesday, January 21, at 6:00 PM in the library for a community meeting about our school. See this flyer for more.

Warren

Before the holiday break, students participated in two treasured annual traditions: the Winter Carnival--for which 5th and 6th graders create activities for all students and staff to enjoy (including Dr. Mike playing knee hockey last year!) and "Boxes of Cheer"--a collection of student-made cookies and crafts designed to bring holiday cheer to members of our community.

HUMHS Annual Music Fundraiser

When a tractor trailer filled with citrus for the music fundraiser arrived on our weather closure day in December, students, family, and staff volunteers streamed in to unload and help prepare the boxes for pick up. One of the most beautiful aspects of the Harwood community is how we always show up for each other.

HUHS

On Friday, December 6, the Agency of Education held a Listen and Learn Tour event for Harwood Union High School students with the help of UP For Learning. During the event, participants engaged in several small-group structured activities to explore questions and express their thoughts on public education in Vermont.


Thank you to Secretary of Education Zoie Saunders and UP For Learning staff for engaging Harwood students in these important discussions.

From the Athletic Director

Greetings! Winter sports are underway. To see the current schedule, click here.


If you plan to attend a high school basketball or ice hockey game there is an entry fee--$5 for adults and $3 for students and senior citizens.

Host a Student from East Asia This Spring?

Interested in hosting a student from East Asia for a short exchange this Spring? Students are visiting Vermont from April 19th-May 5th. They are visiting to learn about youth leadership, conflict resolution, and environmental sustainability. All participants speak English. PH international, a nonprofit based in Waitsfield, is coordinating the exchange. Please contact Drew.Diemar@ph-int.org for more information.

Upcoming Important Dates

  • January 8: Board Meeting in the Harwood Union High School library
  • January 9: Socrates Cafe at Harwood Union High School
  • January 17: Semester 1 ends
  • January 20: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day -- No school for students
  • January 21: Waitsfield School Community Meeting
  • January 22: Board Meeting in the Harwood Union High School library

About Us

Website: huusd.org

Facebook: HUUSD
Phone: 802-496-2272

Location: 340 Mad River Pk, Suite 7, Waitsfield, VT 05673

Shannon Wisdom
Dir. Innovation, Communications, & Enrollment