Maddy Hulbert

Dear Families,  

As you know, this is a very exciting time of year for all of us. The intention of this letter is to provide you with some information about myself, as well as the expectations I have for  students throughout the year. I hope you find this letter to be informative and useful as you and your child prepare for 5th grade.

My Background

I grew up in Barre, Vermont: just a short drive from here! I lived there until moving to Burlington to attend UVM where I studied Elementary Education and Communication Sciences. Upon graduating I worked in Burlington for six months and then traveled to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia with the Human Capital Foundation. I taught English at a private school and tutored children who lived in the orphanage associated with the organization I volunteered with. While in Ethiopia I lived in the Selamta orphanage office, played many hours of soccer, and was taken on several trail runs in the mountains and hills that surround the city. I also had the privilege of working with other volunteers at a theater camp and a painting class that culminated in an art show for the students. At the Alpha Korenyo School I taught four sessions of fourth grade English, each class with approximately 60 students.

Upon returning to Vermont I was hired at Anna Stowell Sunderland Bingham Memorial School in Cornwall. I spent the next five years teaching fifth grade at this small school outside of Middlebury. In 2016 I earned my Master’s Degree through the Vermont Mathematics Initiative in Mathematics Curriculum and Instruction. I am thrilled to be a member of the Stowe Elementary School Community for the eleventh year!

Classroom Community

I believe that the foundation to students’ academic success is a strong and respectful classroom community. A foundation of learning in my classroom will be an environment where students are able to recognize their strengths and needs, hard work is valued, and each student is a respected member of the learning community. This is when true learning can take place and each student can push themselves to their highest potential. I have many methods of developing this community and accomplishing this goal. It is important that as I get to know the students as individuals and the class as a whole that I choose the methods that will best match them.

Planner and Homework

Students will be asked to read every night and record their reading in their personal planner. This planner (which is provided by the school) will go home and be returned to school daily. This is the only regular homework that will be assigned. The fifth grade team's homework philosophy is research-based; students work incredibly hard on enriching tasks during the school day and should focus on family and other passions when outside of school. 

Snacks and Water Bottles

I feel that it is important for students to take snack and water breaks throughout the day. Therefore, I ask that you send your child to school with a healthy snack and a water bottle to fill (no glass, please). They can keep these water bottles at their desks and hydrate on a regular basis.

Communication

If you need to contact me, please email me at: maddy.hulbert@lamoillesouth.org. I typically check email first thing in the morning, during unified arts, and at the end of the school day. You can also send a note in with your child or write to me in the daily planner. I am happy to schedule a time to meet with you about any issues or concerns as needed. If you need to reach your child before the end of the school day I recommend calling the office to deliver a message to me; this will ensure that your child and I receive the message by the end of the school day.

I am looking forward to the upcoming year and the opportunity to work with you and your children.

Thank you!

Maddy Hulbert