Sunday, December 22, 2019

Harwood Middle School update, December 20, 2019

Harwood Engineers at work.
 Pictured above, students test their interplanetary lander designs.
Pictured below - scientists learning the art of circuiting.  Not be confused with "circusing"
Harwood middle offers a STEM class  that focus on
Mind-on/Hands-on learning activities
 that allow students to explore the world of how things work.
Students become designers and builders for a host of
projects that demonstrate their prfenciens with the world of engineering. 

 


HUMS hosted winter spirit contests and activities throughout December.
Activities included, team spirit day, hoodie day, food collection and a gingerbread building
context.  The TA thats showed the most spirit was recognized at our  Friday, end
of the day assembly on Friday.  The smilies and effort put into this
was amazing!


n


HUMS bakers at work.  The HUMS cookie brigade delivered homemade chocolate chip cookies
to all HUMS students this past week.  As head chefs, Jen Dreimiller and Hillary Wheeler organized their bakery
into a streamlined production line of happy workers.  The end results were
very much appreciated by all.

Harwood Unified Union School District Logo
Subject: HUUSD Board Meeting Recap 12/18
Dear members of our six town community,
At our last meeting on December 18, 2019, of the Harwood Unified Union School District (HUUSD) Board: 
David Epstein of Truex Cullins and Bert Delabruere of ReArch gave a presentation on the District Bond including the scope of work, priority levels, projected costs, and  schedule. This presentation addressed all elements of our district PreK-12 plan, but was primarily focused on the work at Harwood Union High School where the bulk of the work will occur both to address deferred maintenance and facilities upgrades and enhancements. A June 2020, bond vote is planned.
Michelle Baker, Director of Finance & Operations, gave a presentation and answered board member questions on updates on the FY21 Budget. She presented a preliminary projected equalized homestead tax rate of $1.70. Her report, and all FY21 budget documents, can be found at https://huusd.org/business-office under “FY21 Budget Development.”

The Board took action on the items below:
Approved the following items as pSart of the consent agenda: Approve: Minutes of 12/11/19 Accept: Voucher 1139 for $256,801.20, Approve: $30,294.07 proposal from Cutting Edge Contracting for Waitsfield Elementary School cabinets to be funded from the Maintenance Reserve Fund. 
Approved a motion directing board leadership to develop a timeline that would bring a district-wide bond for consideration to voters in June 2020.
Affirmed its intentions to pursue a bond that includes Harwood Union High School’s priority 1 and priority 2 renovations as well as programmatic additions.
Approved a motion to direct the project team to develop architectural programming recommendations which account for the D(c) scenario for consideration according to the bond timeline that the leadership team develops. The recommendations will include very rough cost estimates as well as details about any changes/improvements/renovations being considered but will not include design information.
Approved a motion directing the administration to draft an RFP for a bond-related communications consultant by January 15, for board review.
Approved a motion to take the full surplus and put it in maintenance reserve.
Approved a motion to direct admin team to prepare a budget that limits per pupil expenditure increase to 2.2% over that of FY 2019 per the tax commissioner’s recommendation passed. This would limit FY 2021 PPE to $18,353 and necessitate an overall expenditure reduction of ($984,000) from what is currently proposed in the FY 2021 budget.

Approved a motion to appoint Kristen and Christine to the negotiations teams.

Our next meeting is Wednesday, January 8, at 6:00 pm in the Harwood Union School library. Please visit https://huusd.org/huusd-board to confirm time and place of meetings. 

You’ll also find all board and committee agendas, packets and minutes, and the link to board meeting videos. The direct link to watch this and other recent meetings is: https://mrvtv.com/category/school-board-meetings/. An archive of older meetings can be found here: https://archive.org/search.php?query=Harwood+Unified+Union+School+Board&sort=-date 

Thank you for your continued support and engagement.

Respectfully,
The HUUSD Board


HUMS celebrates the end of 2019 - and the beginning of a new decade!  
Have a great holiday for all of us to all of you!  

Community Announcements
Please note that the opportunities/events listed below are not specifically endorsed or screened by school staff. As always, families should use their own standards and review processes to determine appropriate activities.
 Winter Solstice Tea Party and Fire Pit in the Park  Saturday, December 21st, 3-5 PM. This Solstice, come celebrate the light with Joslin Library and Lindsey Vandal! We'll welcome longer days as we sip tea and tell stories. Drop by the Joslin Memorial Library Park anytime between 3 and 5 pm and warm up around a campfire as you sip your tea. In the event of bad weather, we'll relocate indoors and warm up around a (pretend) fire. Free and open to all ages.

Volleyball Registration for Harwood Volleyball Club March Madness 2020 Season is open for all interested grade 5-8 boys and girls in HUUSD. Learn the basic skills and rules of the sport. Month of March only: twice a week practice, once a week match, and end-of-season tournament. Practices at Thatcher Brook Primary School and Crossett Brook Middle School.  Matches/tournament at various locations.
Early Signup Discount by 1/20/2020. For more information and to register, go to: http://tinyurl.com/ :


Registration NOW OPEN for Mad River Valley Youth Lacrosse Mad River Valley Youth Lacrosse offers girls and boys lacrosse for grades K-8.  Weather permitting, outdoor practices begin in April at Mad River Park.  The registration fee is $100 before January 31st and $120 after. For more information and to register, please go to www.madriverlax.com.

Escape Room Open through February 23rd  An escape room with a mad scientist themed course is now open at the Sugarbush Health and Recreation Center.  This project was completed by a group of local high school students.  Your team must work together to find clues, crack codes, and solve mind puzzles to complete the mission before time runs out. To register, visit the following link: https://www.sculptureschoolvt.com/escape-room-2019

MRVJC Annual Hanukkah Party December 26, 4-6, at the Waitsfield Church Village Meeting House.  Join us for an afternoon of dreidels, music, latkes, and miracles.  Bring your favorite menorah and something  yummy for the potluck.




Friday, December 13, 2019

Harwood Middle School update, December 13, 2019

7th Grade Students practice the art of Connecting! In the (Developing Sustainable Habits) DSH class, students explore who they are as individuals, and as citizens of the local, state, national and global community. Emphasis is placed on discovering and pursuing interests and passions, and connecting them to global sustainability goals. Students practice adaptable, 21st Century skills and experience different types of professions needed to solve many of the most pressing problems facing the planet and its inhabitants.
Curious about writing....
Future 7th grade Authors practice teamwork, reflecting
on the plot structure of a classic--"The Veldt" by Ray Bradbury
Partners Club (Unified Sports) — SNOWSHOEING!    

Want to help differently-abled students participate in sports? Do you thrive in an atmosphere where fun is more important than skill level? Partner’s Club, Harwood’s unified sports program, may be for you!


Snowshoeing starts on January 9Harwood has the snowshoes; it’s your responsibility to dress for the outdoors (boots, hat, gloves, snow pants, etc.). Unified Sports is an inclusive sports program that unites Special Olympics athletes (individuals with disabilities) and partners (typically developing individuals) as teammates for training and competition.


To SNOWSHOE, students must be signed up on FamilyID. If your student is not already registered for Partner’s Club, please visit FamilyID TODAYhttps://www.familyid.com/programs/2019-20-clubs-and-activities-and-overnight-field-trips 


To participate in unified sports, all students must have a Well-Athlete form on file at Harwood. Students without a recent physical cannot participate. If you’ve turned one in this fall, your child is all set. For current physicals, the doctor’s office can complete the form without an appointment. If your child needs a physical, please schedule an appointment, and have the doctor complete Harwood’s well-athlete form. Please return the Well-Athlete form to Alison Watt (awatt@huusd.org) or Jeff Ogden (jogden@huusd.org), or fax it to Partner’s Club: 802-882-1198.


Starting January 9, Partners Club meets on alternate Thursday afternoons from 3-5pm and is open to students in grades 7-12. They take the late bus home or are picked up by parents.

Visit https://www.harwoodhighlanders.com/partnersclub to find forms, a link to FamilyID, and the club meeting schedule.

Curious what happens at Recess?
HUMS students creating a new 4 square challenge during recess.  


Harwood Middle School's lost and found is growing and almost out of room.
Please ask your son/daughter to check the lost and found
(located outside of the middle school' office
for something missing) Thank you!  
Student Early Dismissal Notice


We understand that some appointments must be scheduled during the school day.  
If this is the case please help us
to help you get your son/daughter to you for early dismissal pick up.  

 If you provide a  parental dismissal notification prior to the day or before the school days beings.  Please have your son/daughter connect with liz Hepp (the HUMS admin assistant)  in the morning so that they can pick up a note/pass to excuse them from class.   


 If you provide notification after the school day begins (after 8:12am)  for a dismissal on that day -  Please contact the school, we will get the note to them so that they will leave class in a timely manner.  

Thanks for helping us - help you!  

Please contact Liz Hepp at lhepp@huusd.org with questions or concerns.  

HUMS Students enjoy the brief snowfall during a
break from their studies.  




Subject: HUUSD Board Meeting Recap 12/11
Dear members of our six town community,
At our last meeting on December 11, 2019, of the Harwood Unified Union School District (HUUSD) Board: 
Michelle Baker, Director of Finance & Operations, gave a presentation and answered board member questions on the FY21 Budget. Her report, and all FY21 budget documents, can be found at https://huusd.org/business-office under “FY21 Budget Development.”

The Board took action on the two (2) items below:

Approved the following items as part of the consent agenda: Approved: Minutes of 12/4/19 and Policy Committee Minutes of 12/2/19; Accepted: Voucher 1129 for $361,889.19 

Voted against having all HUUSD 7th and 8th graders attend Crossett Brook Middle School next year.

Our next meeting is Wednesday, December 18th at 6:00 pm in the Harwood Union School library. Please visit https://huusd.org/huusd-board to confirm time and place of meetings. 

You’ll also find all board and committee agendas, packets and minutes, and the link to board meeting videos. The direct link to watch this and other recent meetings is: https://mrvtv.com/category/school-board-meetings/. An archive of older meetings can be found here: https://archive.org/search.php?query=Harwood+Unified+Union+School+Board&sort=-date 

Thank you for your continued support and engagement.

Respectfully,
The HUUSD Board
____________________________________________________________________________
Subject: HUUSD Board Meeting Recap 12/4

Dear members of our six town community,
At our last meeting on December 4, 2019, of the Harwood Unified Union School District (HUUSD) Board: 
Michelle Baker, Director of Finance & Operations, gave a presentation and answered board member questions on the FY21 Budget. Her report, and all FY21 budget documents, can be found at https://huusd.org/business-office under “FY21 Budget Development”
The Administration gave a presentation and answered board member questions on the status of intra-district choice (IDC) for incoming 7th/8th graders for SY2020-21.
The following motion was made and tabled and will be discussed at the next meeting on 12/11: That all 7th and 8th graders attend Crossett Brook Middle School effective for the school year 20/21.

The Board took action on the four (4) items below:
Approved the following items as part of the consent agenda: Approve: Minutes of 11/20/19 (amending the first bullet under public comment to add “teachers” after “statement from some CBMS”); Accept: Voucher 1125 for $110,519.53; Approve: Bid from LGR1 Inc. for Crossett Brook MS Roof in the amount of $575,000 from the Maintenance Reserve Fund(s)

Adopted: Add discussion of protocols regarding media/public events and/or written communications of both individual Board member and the full Board to a Board meeting agenda prior to Town Meeting Day 2020.

Adopted: Add discussion of equity in our district - how it is evaluated, how it is applied, comparisons by student population, and costs per pupil - to a Board meeting during budget season 2019-20.

Adopted: that the Intradistrict Choice policy and implementation continues unchanged for school year 20/21, allowing 7th and 8th graders to continue to apply for IDC at CBMS according to the policy and implementation that existed prior to the Nov 20 school board meeting

Our next meeting is Wednesday, December 11th at 6:00 pm in the Harwood Union School library. Please visit https://huusd.org/huusd-board to confirm time and place of meetings. 

You’ll also find all board and committee agendas, packets and minutes, and the link to board meeting videos. The direct link to watch this and other recent meetings is: https://mrvtv.com/category/school-board-meetings/. An archive of older meetings can be found here: https://archive.org/search.php?query=Harwood+Unified+Union+School+Board&sort=-date 

Thank you for your continued support and engagement.

Respectfully,
The HUUSD Board



Community Announcements
Please note that the opportunities/events listed below are not specifically endorsed or screened by school staff. As always, families should use their own standards and review processes to determine appropriate activities.

Volleyball: Registration for Harwood Volleyball Club March Madness 2020 Season is open for all interested grade 5-8 boys and girls in HUUSD. Learn the basic skills and rules of the sport. Month of March only: twice a week practice, once a week match, and end-of-season tournament. Practices at Thatcher Brook Primary School and Crossett Brook Middle School.  Matches/tournament at various locations.
Early Signup Discount by 1/20/2020. For more information and to register, go to: http://tinyurl.com/harwoodmsmm2020

Christmas Toys for Children Toys will be available at the Mad River Valley Food Shelf for children of families in the Mad River Valley that need a little extra help at Christmas.  Please visit the toy room in the basement of Evergreen Place in Waitsfield(down the hall from the Food Shelf) on the following dates to choose a gift or two for your young children: Thursday, December 12th, 10-12:00, and Tuesday, December 17, 9-12:00.


Gifts of Kindness Harwood Union Rotary Interact club is holding the Gifts of Kindness clothing and toy drive for our 16th year. This drive seeks to collect new and like new toys and clothing for families in Washington County experiencing homelessness. We plan to collect items between the dates of November 25th and December 11th. There is a collection box in the school lobby. Interact works with the Good Samaritan House, the only homeless shelter in Central Vermont, and CIRCLE in Barre, who provide shelter for families experiencing domestic violence. Our goal is to brighten the holiday season for people in need. We hope you will be able to help out! Please feel free to contact Ellen Berrings, 882-1167 or eberrings@huusd.org for more information. 


Registration NOW OPEN for Mad River Valley Youth Lacrosse  Mad River Valley Youth Lacrosse offers girls and boys lacrosse for grades K-8.  Weather permitting, outdoor practices begin in April at Mad River Park.  The registration fee is $100 before January 31st and $120 after. For more information and to register, please go to www.madriverlax.com.

Escape Room Opens December 4th -February 23 An escape room with a mad scientist themed course is now open at the Sugarbush Health and Recreation Center.  This project was completed by a group of local high school students.  Your team must work together to find clues, crack codes, and solve mind puzzles to complete the mission before time runs out. To register, visit the following link: https://www.sculptureschoolvt.com/escape-room-2019


Friday, December 6, 2019

Harwood Middle School update, December 6, 2019

Connected by a Thread!   
HUMS knitting club meets every morning to
knit!  That's right - middle school students knitting.  Thanks to
 incredible community donations, our amazing advisor Kyla and
some really dedicated students, the club grows in
size each day.  Rumor has it that they plan to knit a cap for Mr. Pierson - we really
don't know why??
Emily Smith, HUMS world language educator, and Erika Lindberg (Valley world language educator) recently presented
 "Beyond MovieTalk - Fun and Assessment Can Go Hand in Hand" at the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages national conference in Washington D.C. 
Their work with student assessment and engagement was recognized nationally.  
Proud they are part of HUMS!  
Subject: HUUSD Board Meeting Recap 11/20(Board recap, 12/4 will be sent soon) 


Dear members of our six town community,
At our last meeting on November 20, 2019, the Harwood Unified Union School District (HUUSD) Board:

Heard from Michelle Baker, Director of Finance & Operations, who gave a presentation that focused on historical budget data as well as some projections.
Heard the Student Representatives’ Report.
Had a brief discussion and check-in regarding the timing and scope of the bond.

The Board took action on the four (4) items below:
Approved the following items as part of the consent agenda: Approve: Minutes of 11/13/19; Accept: Voucher 1115 equaling $118,055.47

Voted against having all HUUSD 7th and 8th graders attend Crossett Brook Middle School next year.

Adopted: No students in the initial first year of IDC for school year 2020-21 will be approved in grade 7 or 8. Those students in year 2 and beyond will continue in their existing placement, with limited exceptions as identified by the Administration. 

Adopted: The board affirms their support for a plan that ultimately combines 7th and 8th grade students into a single middle school environment at CBMS. 

Our next meeting is Wednesday, December 11th at 6:00 pm in the Harwood Union School library. Please visit https://huusd.org/huusd-board to confirm time and place of meetings. 

You’ll also find all board and committee agendas, packets and minutes, and the link to board meeting videos. The direct link to watch this and other recent meetings is: https://mrvtv.com/category/school-board-meetings/. An archive of older meetings can be found here: https://archive.org/search.php?query=Harwood+Unified+Union+School+Board&sort=-date 

Thank you for your continued support and engagement.

Respectfully,
The HUUSD Board
HUMS students in health class!  
HUMS students all take health as a part of our middle school curriculum.  Important and timely topics regarding the many adolescent issues - developmentally, socially and emotionally
they may face as they go through these turbulent and exciting years of their life.  
Topics like bullying, digital citizenship, depression, relationships, healthy choices
and a host of others are discussed and focused on as part of this class.  

Liz Hepp, our amazing school assistant, not only keeps
the school running smoothly, she also offers weekly help to
our aviation club!  Pictured here one of top pilots shows off his
homemade functioning plane!  


Community Announcements
Please note that the opportunities/events listed below are not specifically endorsed or screened by school staff. As always, families should use their own standards and review processes to determine appropriate activities.

Registration for Harwood Volleyball Club March Madness 2020 Season is Open. For all interested grade 5-8 boys and girls in HUUSD.Learn the basic skills and rules of the sport. Month of March only: twice a week practice, once a week match, and end-of-season tournament. 
Practices at Thatcher Brook Primary School and Crossett Brook Middle School.  Matches/tournament at various locations.
Early Signup Discount by 1/20/2020.
For more information and to register, go to: http://tinyurl.com/harwoodmsmm2020
Please direct any questions to Eric Brewer @ mail@brewfam.com

Christmas Toys for Children Toys will be available at the Mad River Valley Food Shelf for children of families in the Mad River Valley that need a little extra help at Christmas.  Please visit the toy room in the basement of Evergreen Place in Waitsfield(down the hall from the Food Shelf) on the following dates to choose a gift or two for your young children: Thursday, December 12th, 10-12:00, and Tuesday, December 17, 9-12:00.

Gifts of Kindness Harwood Union Rotary Interact club is holding the Gifts of Kindness clothing and toy drive for our 16th year. This drive seeks to collect new and like new toys and clothing for families in Washington County experiencing homelessness. We plan to collect items between the dates of November 25th and December 11th. There is a collection box in the school lobby. Interact works with the Good Samaritan House, the only homeless shelter in Central Vermont, and CIRCLE in Barre, who provide shelter for families experiencing domestic violence. Our goal is to brighten the holiday season for people in need. We hope you will be able to help out! Please feel free to contact Ellen Berrings, 882-1167 or eberrings@huusd.org for more information. 

Registration NOW OPEN for Mad River Valley Youth Lacrosse
  Mad River Valley Youth Lacrosse offers girls and boys lacrosse for grades K-8.  Weather permitting, outdoor practices begin in April at Mad River Park.  The registration fee is $100 before January 31st and $120 after. For more information and to register, please go to www.madriverlax.com.

Escape Room Opens December 4th -February 23 An escape room with a mad scientist themed course is now open at the Sugarbush Health and Recreation Center.  This project was completed by a group of local high school students.  Your team must work together to find clues, crack codes, and solve mind puzzles to complete the mission before time runs out. To register, visit the following link: https://www.sculptureschoolvt.com/escape-room-2019