CHARLEMONT — A renewed focus on student writing, the expansion of student-led conferences and newly painted picnic tables are some of the highlights at Hawlemont Regional School heading into the 2026-2027 academic year, which begins Sept. 2.
According to Principal Amber Tulloch, in the 2025-2026 academic year, the school began to introduce student-led conferences for the older grade levels. This year, however, Tulloch hopes to expand those conferences to some of the younger grades.
“A couple of our grade levels actually had student-led conferences in the spring, but all grade levels did student reflections to start for fall conferences and spring conferences,” she said. “Students talked about some of the goals they had for their learning, how they might accomplish those goals … and then they displayed different pieces of work that they were proud [of] and they talked about why they were proud [of] it.”
She added that part of the mission at Hawlemont is to celebrate student achievements, whether that be academic, athletic or in the performing arts. Within academics, a major focus for all students will be making sure they can effectively communicate what they’ve learned through writing.
“Our primary focus this year is thinking about student writing,” Tulloch said. “Our big goal is that our students across the board will independently and confidently articulate their critical thinking across content areas through robust academic writing.”
Without going into too many details, as contracts aren’t yet signed, Tulloch said some new faces will be at Hawlemont, specifically in the related arts. And while no major improvements or renovations occurred in the building, she did mention that the picnic tables located on the school campus were painted over the summer by a community member. She also cited the custodial staff’s hard work during the break.
“Our [custodians] did a phenomenal job, and were able to [finish both] the summer cleaning and work through our growing to-do list for maintenance,” Tulloch said. “They were all-stars.”
While available after-school programs have remained the same from last school year, Tulloch said she’s “putting out the call” for people who are interested in being club leaders. She invites members of the community to share their passion or expertise with the youngest residents of Franklin County.
Over the summer, students at Hawlemont took part in a reading challenge, and Tulloch said she’s excited for the first week, and more specifically, the first day of school, to see how students did.
“The first day of school, and really the first week, is always a bit magical,” Tulloch said. “[I’m excited to] welcome our students back for the school year. … I am so eager to see student work celebrated in our hallways, and I’m really excited for the student conferences to sit in and listen to our students really own and talk about their learning.”
