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Kristen Downey

The Class of 2030 Builds Community at Hulbert Outdoor Center NewsOutdoor EducationParentsStudent Life

The Class of 2030 Builds Community at Hulbert Outdoor Center

Last week our 8th grade students traveled to the Hulbert Outdoor Center in Fairlee, Vermont for an overnight experience designed to do more than build memories. The trip placed students in situations of shared challenge, where learning happens through experience and reflection. These moments revealed the five habits we value…
Kristen Downey
February 10, 2026
Middle School Debaters Compete at New England Middle School Open in Lebanon AcademicsNewsParentsStudent Life

Middle School Debaters Compete at New England Middle School Open in Lebanon

What a day! Six schools and almost 40 students competed at the January 31st tournament in Lebanon, delightfully dubbed the New England Middle School Open. This tournament was designed to increase enthusiasm for debate among our younger students across Vermont and New Hampshire.  Seventh graders Coral Riegler, Emelyn Leitao, Zachary…
Kristen Downey
February 2, 2026
Students Demonstrate Learning Through Culminating Projects and Experiences AcademicsArtsNewsParentsStudent Life

Students Demonstrate Learning Through Culminating Projects and Experiences

At the end of every semester, you'll find students at Thetford Academy putting their learning to work, applying the the skills and ideas they've practiced in the classroom. Through culminating projects and experiences, teachers encourage students to not only demonstrate their mastery of course material, but also their creativity and…
Kristen Downey
January 12, 2026
Summer is for Reading: Middle School Students ‘Get Hooked on a Series’ AcademicsNewsParents

Summer is for Reading: Middle School Students ‘Get Hooked on a Series’

by English faculty Sarah Hancock and Kristen Downey Summer months are for reading.  What better way to spend summer than getting lost in a fun new novel? As middle school English teachers, we care deeply about helping students discover or rediscover the joy of reading. That’s why we’re wrapping up…
Kristen Downey
May 27, 2025
Speech and Debate Season Opens with Scrimmage at Hanover High School AcademicsNewsStudent Life

Speech and Debate Season Opens with Scrimmage at Hanover High School

Sonya Sotomayor, Oprah Winfrey, Brad Pitt, Weird Al Yankovic, and Zac Efron. What do these notable people all have in common? They joined their high school speech and debate teams! And just like those notable personalities, eighteen intrepid TA students have joined TA's speech and debate team for our second…
Kristen Downey
November 4, 2024