Hatfield School Committee adopts bullying policy, sets pre-K calendar end date

HATFIELD — February 9, 2026 — Hatfield School Committee adopts bullying policy and sets pre-K year-end date. The committee voted unanimously at its February 9 meeting to approve the JICFB Bullying Prevention policy on a third reading, while holding the related hazing policy pending legal review. Members also voted unanimously to set June 8 as the final day of school for pre-kindergarten students in the 2026-2027 academic year, reserving the final days of the school year for incoming student assessments and classroom preparation before summer school begins around July 8. Superintendent Dr. Driscoll presented mid-year iReady benchmark data showing math proficiency at Hatfield Elementary School nearly doubling from 17 percent at or near grade level in the fall to 40 percent by winter, while students testing two to three grade levels below shrank from 18 percent to 5 percent; at Smith Academy, the green band rose from 31 to 40 percent school-wide. Driscoll also disclosed that preliminary conversations have already taken place with staff whose positions may be affected by budget reductions, with up to seven positions potentially at risk, and announced that administrative assistant Julia Lozier has begun phasing into Smith Academy to replace Jackie McChrystal after 19 years with the district.