Hartford Area Career and Technology Center, HACTC

UPDATE: EVERYTHING MUST GO! ALL REMAINING PLANTS 50% OFF Thursday and Friday. Revised Hours: Thursday, 5/21 from 1:30-5PM, and Friday, 5/22 from 11am-4PM.

The HACTC Natural Resources program plant sale is this week. The greenhouse will be open and staffed on Weds, 5/20 from 1:30-5pm, Thurs, 5/21 from 1:30-5pm, and Fri, 5/22 from 11am-5pm (or until inventory is sold). There are a variety of vegetables, flowers and herbs, plus chainsaw-carved decorative wooden mushrooms for the garden, wooden coat racks with antique maple tree taps as hooks, and a limited supply of 100ml size maple syrup. When you arrive, check in at the HACTC main office.

HACTC Staff Spotlight: Megan Sawyer, Paraeducator in Cosmetology
This is Megan’s first year as Paraeducator in Cosmetology at the HACTC. She works closely with Mrs. Dunham to help students earn their 1,000 hours towards their Cosmetology license. Fun fact about Megan: she is a licensed cosmetologist and received her Cosmetology license through a program just like this one!

Happy Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week to all of the wonderful folks at the HACTC! We appreciate all that you do!

HACTC Staff Spotlight: Vicky Trombly, Cooperative Education Coordinator
A veteran HACTC staffer, Mrs. Trombly has worked in two roles at the HACTC - first as Business Administration instructor for 18 years, and most recently as Cooperative Education Coordinator for the past five years. Mrs. Trombly helps match students with local employers for job shadows as well as longer-term paid or unpaid career work experiences. Fun fact about Mrs. Trombly: she loves to spend time with family and vacation in Maine.

Looking to improve your culinary skills? Join HACTC Adult Ed for three Culinary Boot Camp sessions in June! Even more fun - sign up with a couple of friends!

HACTC Staff Spotlight: Lance Johnson, Building Trades Instructor

Mr. Johnson eagerly shares his knowledge of building with many aspiring young carpenters, plumbers, electricians, and construction managers as they work together to build a house. New this school year: students are gaining additional skills through volunteering to help build a new home with Habitat for Humanity. Fun fact about Mr. Johnson: he is a huge Star Wars fan, and is known to many as “Skywalker”.

Please join us in congratulating the March HACTC Students of the Month who were recognized for "Serve" which is the fifth word in the HACTC Mission Statement. Great job all!

HACTC Staff Spotlight: Shawn Cassidy, Autobody, Motorsports and Customs Instructor
Mr. Cassidy has been teaching at the HACTC for 11 years! A 2024 HACTC teacher of the year, Mr. C integrates a combination of autobody repair, painting, and reconditioning vehicles with a motorsports unit, some welding, and construction of a hot rod truck that began as a kit. Fun fact about Mr. Cassidy: he plans to race with the Sprint Cars of New England (SCONE) Series this summer, which includes four states and five tracks.

Consider joining us for an American Red Cross blood drive on Friday, May 1st from 8:30am to 1:00pm in the HACTC Best Room! Use the QR code on the flyer to sign up.

The HACTC Summer Tech Camp for rising 7th, 8th and 9th grade students will be held June 22-26, 2026. Campers sample hands-on activities in many of the HACTC programs throughout the week. Space is limited, so scan the QR code to sign up today!