Harwood Middle School Blog update, November 21, 2021

SNOW DAY DREAM CRUSHER

The Vermont Agency of Transportation sponsored a “Name the Plow” program allowing students from across the state to name their fleet of snowplow trucks. This past Wednesday, students had the opportunity to see the trucks in person and meet their drivers. We think our plow name is the best!

HUMS Snow tasters taking a mask break last week..

Harwood Middle School Families, 

As we head into theThanksgiving holiday we want to appreciate our families and students who  continue to create a school environment that holds safety as our top priority.   We understand that this endeavor takes the combined energy as well as effort from all members of our community.   As we move forward we ask that all members of our school help with the following:   

• Curious - be curious by asking questions to school staff about what is happening at school, and perhaps why things are happening (both positives and challenges) 

• Caring - assume the best intent by both students and staff.  View challenges as learning opportunities.  

• Connectedness - reach out with concerns and support when needed.  Seek the helpers (Jen Dreimiler, Mara Urban, Mr. B and your TA teachers)  

Over the past few weeks we have heard reports from both families and students that some do not feel safe at school when using our bathrooms as they have experienced issues with other student vaping or they do not want to be involved with some inappropriate behaviors they encounter.   We are grateful to the students and families who have reached out to express their concern and seek support.  The school has taken the following steps to reduce some of the challenges presented to us:  

• Staff are using student bathrooms and redirecting and encouraging students back to class if they are found socializing.

• Student support staff and administrators are routinely supervising hallways, checking bathrooms and intervening when necessary. 

• When concerning behavior is reported, staff immediately respond.  This usually includes:

• a check in with the student

• report to our student student specialist staff or administration

• search of students bag (we will connect with parents if a search has been conducted) 

• If students are in possession of illegal substances, discipline will be issued. Law enforcement may be called depending on the offense.

• We are encouraging students to share their concerns with staff and in a future community dialogue 

• In addition, we have begun considering and planning with student leaders what this dialogue will include.

• Students and staff are working together to create a campaign to bring awareness of addiction resources to our students

We appreciate your feedback, patience and dedication to our school.  We hope you have an excellent Thanksgiving Holiday with your family and friends. 

Potts and Gordon's TA demonstrate an excellent after Thanksgiving 

Dinner activity for your family!  

Click below to view the  funvideo:  

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ip28cZABV1gUp7mvKaCzU0ogPDEwwVry/view

Harwood Middle School has partnered with UP for Learning to bring Cultivating Pathways to Sustainability (CPS) to the 7th and 8th grades. There is a group of 11 students who have joined the team, building leadership skills in a youth-adult partnership to create change in our community. CPS uses the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals as a foundation for identifying an area in our community that they would like to see change and then using an inquiry-based model create a project to make change happen. 

HUMS scientist sailors at work. 

How many pennies can an aluminum foil boat support before sinking?

Ask your 8th grader about this fun project!

Harwood Union Theatre presented Agatha Christie’s classic murder mystery ‘The Mousetrap’ to the Harwood Community in early November.   We were proud and excited to see many of our middle school actors/actresses/lighting engineer (Tarin, Marley, Camille, Emma, Amelia) as a important part of the production.  

Topics	Information/Links
Winter Sports Sign Ups	Sign Ups are Now OPEN for the 2021-22 Winter Sports Season!  Please follow the correct link and sign your student-athlete up for Winter Sports today!  Remember, the athletic department will need a physical dated within the last 2 years  for your student-athlete to be eligible on Day 1. Do not wait to sign up! Middle School Winter Sports Sign Ups
Updates from the Health Office	Please review the updates on COVID Testing Programs available in our district.  Reach out to the health office if you have any questions.   The HUUSD Nurse team has been in contact with the Outbreak Prevention and Response Team at the Vermont Department of Health this week.  At this time, Harwood Union High School cases have NOT been investigated as outbreaks occurring within the school community.   We continue to see evidence that mitigation strategies including masking and distancing, are effective tools for reducing the risk of spread within the school setting. Thank you to all for your support in keeping our school community safe. As we head into the holiday season, we wanted to make you aware of opportunities for support. Thanksgiving: Mad River Interfaith Council - is providing complete Thanksgiving dinners. MRV Thanksgiving Basket Sign up (link is embedded.) National Life and Sodexo are providing a free Thanksgiving meal to their neighbors in Washington County. They partnered with Just Basics, Hannaford, Central Vermont Medical Center, Hunger Mountain Coop, Cabot Cheese, the Vermont Foodbank, and Vermont Creamery to offer traditional turkey and vegetarian meals to-go.Since we’re still navigating the impact of Covid-19, they will once again provide a free pick-up or delivery of Thanksgiving meals to those who need one.  To reserve a free meal, call 802-229-7300 or email giving@nationallife.com by Nov 17.

Calendar Reminders:

• November 24th - November 26th - Thanksgiving Holiday -