NEWS & HAPPENINGS

September 20, 2023–

The 2023 Spring Assessment results are in and HCS students demonstrated increased proficiency in 19 of 24 tested areas and stayed the same in one area of the 2023 state assessments, including the M-STEP, PSAT, and SAT. Superintendent Chuck Hughes said in his weekly update, “While these scores are rewarding to share, district staff will focus on 8th grade Science and 10th grade math while supporting students and staff in all curriculum areas. As always, we will continue to work toward getting better.”

According to the Department of Education website, the Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress, or M-STEP, is a 21st Century computer-based assessment designed to gauge how well students are mastering state standards. These standards, developed for educators by educators, broadly outline what students should know and be able to do in order to be prepared to enter the workplace, career education training, and college. When combined with classroom work, report cards, local district assessments and other tools, M-STEP results offer a comprehensive view of student progress and achievement.

August 1, 2023—

The Hartland Living partners invite you to a brand new event for 2023, the hARTland Art Walk! It’s an Art Festival and Competition September 23 through October 7, 2023 in and around the Hartland community, including Settlers Park and local organizations and businesses. 

The art selected will be displayed for the two week period of September 23 through October 7 at Settlers Park and at various businesses in the Hartland community, with a kick-off event at Settlers Park on Saturday, September 23 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm that includes local art and craft vendors, food trucks, free crafts and activities for kids, and two live music (and painting!) performances from the band Empty Canvas at Noon and 2:00 pm. 

The event culminates with an awards ceremony at Settlers Park on October 7 from 12:00 to 2:00 pm. The winners in each category will be announced, along with a musical performance from the Hartland High School Band. 

The hARTland Art Walk is a Partners in Progress event, so Cromaine Library, the Hartland Area Chamber of Commerce, Hartland Consolidated Schools, and Hartland Township are all working on the event together. Emmalyn Wheaton, Chamber Director, said, “We are excited to bring this amazing new event to Hartland this fall. The opportunity to showcase local artists, our parks, community and businesses is a large part of what our community partnerships are all about. We hope everyone can join us and enjoy incredible artwork throughout the Hartland Community!”

The contest was open to amateur and professional artists from Michigan and K-12 Hartland Consolidated Schools students. There are two categories for artists to enter, amateur and professional artists from Michigan—no age limits, and Hartland Consolidated Schools students that completed Grades K-12 in May.

There are prizes for both categories, a $1,500 prize as selected by a panel of judges, and two People’s Choice prizes of $500, as well. Vote for your favorite in the open category HERE. The HCS K-12 category has eight $250 scholarships, two scholarships for each grade level: K-4, 5-6, 7-8, and 9-12, and will be determined by a panel of judges. 

September 6, 2023–

The Hero Round Table is back for 2023 in Livingston County with an amazing lineup of over 20 speakers from around the world! Held at Emagine in Hartland, the two day event is October 9 and 10.

Kristy Ellis has been instrumental in bringing the event to Hartland the last few years. When asked what it means to her she replied, “The amazing thing about attending a Hero Round Table is that they are one-off events. That group of people will never be in the same room again. That magic you feel in the air will never happen in the same way again. The conversations, meetings, and life-changing messages happen once. At this time and this place.”

September 8, 2023 –

We Need Your Help!

There are six amazing nominees for Volunteer of the Year, and now we need your vote! Public voting takes place September 8 – 22, 2023.
Due to a quick turnaround, we are still working on publishing full bios on each candidate. One nominee will be highlighted each day on the Hartland Living Facebook page beginning Monday, September 11. Read about each one and cast your vote carefully, as only one vote per voter is allowed. Voting is not anonymous (your email address verifies your one vote).

The winner of the Hartland Living Volunteer of the Year award is decided by equal votes from Hartland’s Partners in Progress (Hartland Area Chamber of Commerce; Hartland Consolidated Schools; Cromaine District Library; Hartland Township), and from the public voting ONLINE.

The Hartland Living Volunteer of the Year is an initiative of Hartland’s Partners in Progress, a joint venture between Hartland Consolidated Schools, Cromaine District Library, Hartland Area Chamber of Commerce and Hartland Township.

August 14, 2023—

It’s time to nominate the outstanding volunteers you know for Hartland Living’s Volunteer of the Year 2023! This year will mark the 9th annual recognition of an outstanding volunteer in Hartland. 

Nominations are being accepted through September 6th here: bit.ly/VOYnominations2023. The Hartland Living Volunteer of the Year committee will then select the top nominees to be made available for an online public vote that will take place between September 8th and the 22nd. The winner is decided by equal votes from Hartland’s Partners in Progress (Hartland Area Chamber of Commerce; Hartland Consolidated Schools; Cromaine District Library; Hartland Township), and from the public voting ONLINE.

Stefanie Furge, from the Hartland Living VOY selection committee, is looking forward to once again learning about volunteers that give their time saying, “We have been able to thank and honor so many volunteers over the years and that wouldn’t have been possible without the help of the community. If you know of someone making a difference in our community, nominate them today and let us recognize their hard work!”

The winner will be honored at the State of the Community Address on October 25. They will also be honored in the Hartland Area Community Council’s Memorial Day Parade and Booklet. 

The Hartland Living Volunteer of the Year is an initiative of Hartland’s Partners in Progress, a joint venture between Hartland Consolidated Schools, Cromaine District Library, Hartland Area Chamber of Commerce and Hartland Township.

August 31, 2023–

Each year the US News & World Report ranks the state and national rankings for high schools. This year Hartland High School received the
following rankings:

Michigan Ranking: Out of 1,166 high schools in the study, HHS ranked #112 or in the top 10%. Of the
1,870 high schools in the state, HHS sits in the top 6%.

National Ranking: Out of about 25,000 high schools in the nation, HHS ranked #3,252 or in the top 13%
of all high schools.

Superintendent Chuck Hughes offered congratulations to the staff and students for their outstanding performance in 2022-23 in his weekly update to the district.

August 30, 2023–

The Friends of Cromaine District Library announce their annual Fall Book & Bake Sale: Thursday, September 14 through Saturday, September 16 from 10 am to 4 pm.

The sale takes place on the third floor of the Library in the Village Community Room at the Cromaine District Library located at 3688 N. Hartland Road in the Village of Hartland. Thousands of gently used books and media are on sale, along with delicious baked goods, while supplies last!  Saturday is bag sale day; fill a brown bag for just $5! Cash and check can be accepted for payment.

Sunday, September 17, all remaining items from the Friends Book Sale in the Community Room are free for one hour, from 12-1 pm. Please bring your own bags and boxes.

To learn more about how you can join the Friends of the Library, visit cromaine.org/friends-of-cromaine .  The Friends are also seeking volunteers to help with the set-up, sales, and tear-down from the sale.

August 4, 2023—

Following 13 years of dedicated full-time service to Hartland, Bob West has announced his resignation as Township Manager
as he transitions into a part-time position as Project Specialist. West began his tenure at Hartland Township in 2010
in the role of Public Works Director and was appointed Township Manager in 2020. In the wake of this announcement, the
Township Board has appointed the current Director of Public Works Mike Luce as Interim Township Manager.

Over the past three years, West has focused on creating a strong team and positive work
culture. The Township Board recognizes this effort and is confident that Luce will work to
maintain this work environment while leading the Township forward in daily tasks and new
business.

“Bob has demonstrated incredible leadership and direction within our organization for many
years. His daily presence will be missed by both staff and community members in the future,”
says Township Supervisor Bill Fountain. “The board stands united in our support for Mike Luce
and the entire staff at Township Hall. We know this transition will be conducted efficiently and
professionally.”

As Luce takes the lead on day-to-day Township Hall business, West will still be involved in key
ongoing projects he has already started with the Township. The Board, coworkers, and
community have appreciated West’s efforts and leadership over the past three years and wish
him all the best in these new endeavors.

Cromaine Library’s Summer Concert Series is back for the 15th year! Family-friendly musical performances are held next to the Library on the South Lawn on Tuesday nights from June 27 through July 25.

“We’ve worked hard to make Cromaine’s Summer Concert series a great time for all ages, so bring your kids and grandkids. I look forward to meeting members of the community, while enjoying the excellent entertainment.” said Director Sarah Niedert.

Cromaine’s Community Engagement Manager Liz Welch can’t wait to welcome the community for live music, “I am thrilled to be joining the team of sponsors, community partners and staff that make this long-standing event possible. Our summer lineup looks outstanding and I think our patrons and local families are in for a real treat!”

Guests are invited to find their favorite spot on Cromaine’s South Lawn at 6:30 pm; concerts begin at 7:00 pm and continue until 8:30 pm. Dinner is also available for purchase; each evening will feature a different local food truck and Kona Ice will be on hand for an after-dinner treat.

In the event of inclement weather, concerts will relocate to the Hartland Music Hall.  Rain date will be called by 5:00 pm; watch for postings on Cromaine Library’s website WWW.CROMAINE.ORG or Cromaine’s Facebook page. Concerts are a family-friendly event–don’t forget to bring your lawn chairs or a blanket.

To view the summer lineup:  Cromaine Summer Concert Flyer

July 25:
Miranda & the M80s–The 80s rock that we know and love.
Food Truck–Impasto + Kona Ice

June 27:
John Louis Good and the Rose City Troubadours–Americana and rockabilly favorites.
Food Truck–Hickory BBQ + Kona Ice
LESA Backpack Drive – Tony Sacco’s will provide a “peel a deal” card for every school supply donation.

July 11:
Bernadette Kathryn & the Lonely Days Band–A Nashville-recording artist with Motown roots.
Food Truck–All City Dogs + Kona Ice

July 18:
American Ages–Classic rock, new rock, and new country.
Food Truck–Hallboy BBQ + Kona Ice

July 19, 2023–

This year, 607 Advanced Placement (AP) exams were taken by Hartland High School Students, which is an increase of 115 exams taken. The results are in and 78% of the exams taken resulted in a passing grade of “3” or better. This is a 2% increase over last year’s results for Hartland students. AP gives students the chance to tackle college-level work while they’re still in high school—whether they’re learning online or in the classroom. Through taking AP Exams, students can earn college credit and placement.

According to HHS teacher Barbara Gazda, HHS AP Government and AP Comparative Government scores handily beat the state and global scores. English teacher Kathleen Hoerauf added that 94% of HHS AP Literature students passed their exam this year as well!

HHS Superintendent Chuck Hughes said in his weekly update to families, “What a great accomplishment for students and staff…It is fulfilling to see so many students (788 AP seats filled compared to 738 in 2021-22) challenging themselves by taking these college level courses.”

March 13, 2023–

Join the Livingston County Chamber Alliance, Brighton, Hartland, and Howell Chambers for “Changing the Game”  Advancing Business Together: A 5-part speaker series for 2023, each event includes coffee and a breakfast buffet. Potential attendees can register at any time–you do not have to attend all five events!

Register today on the Chamber website below.

• July 26 – Cyber Security
• October 25 – Cultivating the Next Generation of Leaders
• January 25 – Economic Forecast with The Bowtie Economist
  
• March 22 – Demystifying Artificial Intelligence
• ​May 24 – TBA

May 26, 2023—

The Hartland Area Community Council is proud to announce the 2023 Memorial Day Parade Grand Marshals are Matt and Anna Devitt! 

Matt and Anna are staples to the Village and the Hartland community. Both of them grew up in Hartland and attended Hartland Schools, as well as their two children and their granddaughter–who is the 5th generation from their family attending HCS. The two were high school sweethearts and have been married for 45 years.

Matt’s service as an Officer in the Air Force took them around the world. He served from 1977 to 1992 in a top secret program that took them all over the Midwest, and a few more states including Maryland and Nevada, and overseas to Turkey. But when he was offered an early out, they knew Hartland was where they wanted to be and where they wanted to raise their children. While in service, they were awarded the Great American Family representing the Air Force presented by First Lady Nancy Reagan in 1988. 

Anna dedicated over 28 years to Hartland Schools and retired in 2021. She was in the role of Athletic Administrative Assistant for 23 years and worked under four athletic directors. JD Wheeler, Hartland Athletic Director, said, “From day one Anna showed tremendous enthusiasm in her role. I can honestly say that it was not a job for Anna, it was a way of life.”  

When asked what they love best about the Hartland community, Matt didn’t hesitate to answer, “It’s the small town feel with friendly neighbors and people.” Anna said, “We’re lucky here in Hartland. There is a great school system and great teachers, wonderful coaches that mentor our children, and there is so much to do for a small town!” As soon as you mention the Grand Marshal selection, the couple beams with pride.  For Anna, it is really special. Her mother, Diana Sweeten, was the parade Grand Marshal in 1994. She couldn’t wait to call her mom and tell her that she and Matt had been selected for 2023! 

These days for fun the couple enjoys fishing, kayaking, nighttime rock hunting and of course watching Hartland athletic events!  

Matt’s view of the parade will be slightly different this year as he has carried the American Flag in the Memorial Day Parade for 30 years! But not this year. He joins Anna in the Grand Marshal convertible! The Hartland Area Community Council is thrilled to have such proud Hartland residents and supporters as the Grand Marshals for the 2023 Memorial Day parade. Matt and Anna ARE Hartland and definitely represent the culture and pride that are valued in the community

May 19, 2023–

Every school year, HHS Student Council sends a survey to students asking them to nominate their favorite teacher for the Golden Apple Award. This year’s Golden Apple Award goes to Automotive teacher, Mr. Dan Trahey! Students nominate a teacher and they must give a reason for the nomination. At the end of the year, all of the nomination comments are given to every teacher nominated. Kathleen Hoerauf, Student Council Advisor, hopes it is a little something to put a smile on the faces of all staff at the high school.

Here are some of the nomination comments for Mr. Trahey:
-He’s the best auto teacher, he lets us work on cool things. He buys us amazing equipment to use for our advantage in learning auto as a trade.
-He was able to help us in our admissions and he was just able to deal with everyone’s shenanigans.
-He is very kind and respectful to everyone. He is also very good at remembering names.
-Learned more useful skills in this class than any other class I’ve had.

Congratulations to Mr. Trahey on this award!