Important Dates

• Wednesday, June 3 - Norwich School Board Meeting, 6:30 PM, Marion Cross School
• Tuesday, June 9 - Dresden School Board 6 PM, Hanover High School
• Tuesday, June 9 - SAU 70 School Board Meeting, 7 PM, Hanover High School
• Wednesday, June 10 - Hanover School Board Meeting, 7 PM, Bernice A. Ray School
• Tuesday, June 16 - MCS last day of school
• Wednesday, June 17 - Ray, RMS, HHS last day of school

District Calendar

From Our Superintendent

Dear Families, Staff, and Community Members:

As we near the end of the school year, I want to take a moment to look back on the journey we have shared during my first year as Superintendent. The end of a school year is always a bittersweet milestone, but more than anything, it is a time for immense gratitude and celebration.  Together, we have made this year a memorable one. Our students have grown, our educators have inspired, and our community has stood by us every step of the way.

In my opening address this past August, I shared a story about Jiro Ono, a world-renowned sushi chef featured in the film Jiro Dreams of Sushi. I spoke about how Jiro and his apprentices don't chase a static idea of "perfection." Instead, they commit to the relentless, daily pursuit of small improvements—massaging the octopus, toasting the seaweed, and mastering their craft a little bit more each day.

I challenged our staff and students this year not to be flawless, but to simply focus on being a little bit better than they were yesterday.  Today, looking back at the incredible milestones we have achieved, I am proud to say: You answered that call beautifully. ---

Our successes this year were not accidental; they were the direct result of our collective, daily dedication and attention to detail. Like master craftsmen and diligent apprentices, our community worked tirelessly behind the scenes, and the results speak for themselves:

• Academic Growth: By focusing on small, daily gains in the classroom, our students achieved at incredibly high levels, proving that steady effort yields extraordinary results.
• Dedication to the Arts & Athletics: Our students poured hours into practicing their passions—resulting in amazing concerts and plays, stunning art shows, and hard-fought athletic triumphs.
• Innovative Spirit: Our educators embraced curiosity, trying new instructional strategies and programs, and expanding opportunities to ensure every student had the tools to reach their unique potential.
• A Culture of Belonging: True to our goal, our staff worked daily to make our schools welcoming places where all students felt seen and valued.
• Community Impact: Through food drives, volunteer work, and local partnerships, our schools gave back to the community that so graciously supports us.

To our graduating seniors: You are the ultimate reflection of this daily pursuit of growth. Over the years, you have practiced, failed, learned, and persevered. You have continued to master your art.  As you step out into the world—whether heading to college, the trades, the military, or the workforce—remember that mastery is a lifelong journey. Don’t worry about having it all figured out on day one. Focus on getting a little better, a little wiser, and a little kinder every single day. The future is yours to shape.

An exceptional school year is built on the quiet satisfaction of hard work.

• To our teachers, administrators, and staff:  Thank you for your tireless dedication, your creativity, and the unwavering love you show our students. You are both masters and apprentices, learning from one another and perfecting your craft daily.
• To our parents and guardians: Thank you for trusting us with your children, for partnering with us in their education, and for being our strongest advocates.
• To our School Boards: Thank you for keeping our district moving forward and for your tireless support of our schools.

Now, it is time for a well-deserved summer break. I encourage all of our families to disconnect from screens, dive into a good book, explore the outdoors, and enjoy the company of loved ones. Take this time to recharge your batteries and celebrate your own personal growth this year. 

We will spend the summer preparing our buildings and refining our programs, eagerly awaiting the energy and excitement that a new school year brings this fall.  Thank you for an unforgettable year of growth, discovery, and happiness. It has been an honor to serve as your superintendent through this journey.  Have a safe, happy, and wonderful summer!

With deepest gratitude,

Robin Steiner

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Board Meetings

We would love to have you join us at a meeting; however, we realize sometimes that’s hard to do.  Below you will find the Zoom links and start times to the upcoming Board meetings.

Should you encounter issues, the necessary zoom links, including passcodes, can be found on the SAU 70 calendar on the pop up of the event.  Meetings are also available on our YouTube channel, both live and on demand following the broadcast.

Regularly Scheduled Board Meetings for June and associated Zoom links:
 

Norwich Board Meeting - June 3, 2026 - 6:30 PM Marion Cross School

Dresden Board Meeting - June 9, 2026 - 6 PM Hanover High School Library

SAU Board Meeting - June 9, 2026 - 7 PM Hanover High School Library

Hanover Board Meeting - June 10, 2026 - 7 PM Bernice A. Ray Elementary School

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Contact a Board Chair

Gina des Cognets - SAU 70 Board Chair - Board Point of Contact for SAU Office and Staff
ginadescognets@hnsb.org

Benjamin Keeney - Dresden Board Chair - Board Point of Contact for Hanover High School, Frances C. Richmond Middle School
benjamin.keeney@hnsb.org

Kelly McConnell - Hanover Board Chair - Board Point of Contact for Bernice A. Ray School, Hanover Transportation, Hanover Special Education
kelly.mcconnell@hnsb.org

Garrett Palm - Norwich Board Chair - Board Point of Contact for Marion Cross School, Norwich Transportation, Norwich Special Education
garrett.palm@hnsb.org

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Policy Updates

The Policy Committee meets monthly at the SAU. Meeting dates and times are available on the  SAU 70 Calendar. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Ryanne Schoonover. 

Below you will find what was presented to the Boards this month. Staff members are encouraged to review the agenda, as some topics may be relevant to your role. You can find our documentation on our board governance solution, Simbli.

SAU 70 Updates - May 4, 2026 - The Board will re-approve policy DFA regarding investment, which is required annually.

Dresden Updates - May 26, 2026 - The Board will review the following policies:

First Reading:

Second reading:

JF - Enrollment and Enrollment Capacities

Third reading:

IJOA - Field Trips and Excursions

Hanover Updates - May 13, 2026 - The Board will review the following policies:

Second reading:

JF - Enrollment and Enrollment Capacities

Norwich Updates - May 6, 2026 - The Board will review the following policies:

First Reading:

JF - Enrollment and Enrollment Capacities

Second Reading:

GJFAB - Admissions of District Employees Non-resident Students

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Religious & Federal Holidays as identified by the Calendar Committee  

None identified by the Committee for June.

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