Woodstock Academy announces Dr. Michael Harten as principal
WOODSTOCK — The Woodstock Academy appointed Dr. Michael Harten, dean of Academics, as its next principal.
Harten’s career has been firmly rooted in the classroom, an experience that continues to shape his approach as an academic leader. A twice-recognized Teacher of the Year, he has dedicated his career to supporting high-quality instruction, thoughtful curriculum development, and meaningful professional growth for faculty, according to school officials. Since joining The Woodstock Academy in 2015, Dr. Harten has worked closely with teachers and administrators to strengthen the school’s academic program, expand opportunities for students, and cultivate a culture grounded in collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
“Mike’s leadership is defined by respect, high expectations, and a genuine belief in the power of relationships and shared purpose,” said Head of School Dr. Lawrence Filippelli. “He knows our faculty well and values the work they do every day. We are confident in his ability to lead The Woodstock Academy forward.”
This leadership transition also provides an opportunity to express deep gratitude to Holly Singleton ’86 for her remarkable 26 years of service to The Woodstock Academy as both a teacher and administrator. Her dedication to students, faculty, and the broader school community has left a lasting impact.
Dr. Harten will assume the principalship effective July 1. “This moment of change marks an exciting new chapter for our school,” said Dr. Filippelli. “We are deeply grateful for Holly’s 26 years of outstanding service and leadership that have shaped generations of students, and we look forward to a bright future under Dr. Harten’s leadership.”
“It has been an honor to work with the students, staff, administration, and community of The Woodstock Academy,” said Dr. Harten. “I am humbled by this opportunity and look forward to serving The Academy community in this new role.”
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On the Hunt, page 4
Pomfret:
More than 150 guests braved the cold for the Easter Egg Hunt. Those who found silver eggs: Elsie Dyer, Drew Abram, Corey Arpin, Arthur Howdle, Reagan Lewis, Ben Dyer, Connor Hamilton, and Kirk Biancardi. Our deepest gratitude is offered to the Recreation Commission members, specifically Bev Champany, Jen Hudock, Alexandra Smith, Muriel Mrakovich, Jennie Mix and her husband Eric, Junior Recreation members Emily Pike and Madison Lussier, Woodstock Academy student volunteer Alex Millardo, and William Wolfe, for their help. 4,000 Easter eggs were hidden across multiple fields and the wooded disc golf area, awaiting discovery by the children. Pomfret's hunt began in the 1970s and originally, it involved hard-boiled eggs. Photos by Carrie Wolfe and Recreation Commission member Alexandra Smith.
From left: Isla MacLeod, Anabel Olsen and Willow Olsen. Linda Lemmon photo.
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The Easter Bunny festivities and the Putnam Little League's egg hunt fund-raiser was held at Putnam Elementary School. Christine Martin, president of the Putnam Little League, said there were about 1500 eggs and 150 people attended. The league just under $400 for baseball scholarships. She said, "We use the money to sponsor children in our community to play baseball and softball."
Landon Marcoux, 8, of East Putnam.
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Roseland site manager Laurie Masciandaro said 2,200 eggs were scattered on the lawn of the cottage. Woodstock Academy provided help in the form of some honor society members and Andrea Danforth's class helping to fill the eggs with candy. TEEG also donated some eggs. She said about 250 kids took part. She joked that it starts at 1 p.m. and by 1:03 it's all over. In addition, the popular tradition, Peep dioramas shared the carriage house with crafts, a canned food drive and more. The diaoramas are popular because families work together on them, she said. "They get creative with their materials."
She added, "We love family events."
Diorama in honor of the 250th anniversary. More photos, including all the dioramas, will be posted Wed. night on our FB page.
Hailey Ravenelle of Eastford
Woodstock Academy honor society members, from left: Danielle Demers, Ivan Lin, Clara Dowdle, Isabelle Tedisky and Avery Nielsen.
page 1 caption:
Easter Eggs
Everywhere
Left: Lillian Mahoney, 1 1/2, of Putnam was excited about Easter festivities in Putnam. Linda Lemmon photo. Above: Running through Pomfret's Recreation Park on the hunt. Photo by Commission member Alexandra Smith. Photos from the Putnam Elks Hunt, Pomfret Hunt, Putnam Hunt and the Roseland Hunt and PeepDioramas on page 4. Expanded photos array Wed. night on our FB page. Linda Lemmon photo.
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Legal Notice
PUBLIC HEARING
APRIL 13, 2026, 6:00 PM
The District Authority of Putnam Special Services District will hold a Public Hearing at the Town of Putnam Municipal Complex, in conference room 201, 200 School Street, Putnam, CT on April 13, 2026, at 6:00 PM, in accordance with Chapter IX, Section 11 of the Putnam Town Charter.
Itemized estimates of the expenditures of the Putnam Special Services District for Fiscal Year 2026/2027 will be presented. All legal voters and citizens qualified to vote in the Putnam Special Services District shall be heard regarding any appropriation which they are desirous the District Authority should recommend or reject.
Anne St. Onge
District Authority Chair
April 2, 2026
Town of Putnam
Zoning Board of Appeals
Legal Notice
The Town of Putnam Zoning Board of Appeals was scheduled to hold a public hearing on March 17, 2026, at 7:00 P.M. in Room 201 on the second floor of the Putnam Municipal Complex, located at 200 School Street, Putnam, CT. Prior to the commencement of the meeting the following application was WITHDRAWN resulting in cancellation of the meeting.
Appeal # 2025-008 Sukpaseuth Phongsa and Khamphanh Phongsa request for variances from Section 601 of the Town of Putnam Zoning Regulations to reduce the 33 required parking spaces down to 22 parking spaces and Section 601(c.) setback of parking access from property line: reduced from the required 5 feet down to approximately 2 feet. The applicant is seeking variances for the construction of a restaurant and a grocery store. Property is located at 611 School Street, Town Assessors Map 26, Lot 67, Zoned Highway Commercial.
Scott Zadora, Chairman
April 2, 2026
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Putnam Elementary/Middle
Every day but Tuesday: Fruit. Monday: Chicken sandwich, potato smiles. Tuesday: Orange popcorn chicken rice bowl, broccoli. Wednesday: French toast sticks, berry topping, sausage or egg patties, hash browns. Thursday: Beef Fiesta Nachos, corn. Friday: Stuffed-crust pizza, salad.
Putnam High
Monday: Chicken and waffle bar or spicy chicken sandwich. Tuesday: Chicken Alfredo bake or bacon cheeseburger. Wednesday: Cheesy beef Tot-Chos or turkey bacon wrap. Thursday: Chicken potato bowl or "Wild Mike's" cheese bites. Friday: Calzone or chicken tender fry basket.
Woodstock Public Schools
Every day: Fruit. Monday: Hamburgers or cheeseburgers, baked beans. Tuesday: Pancakes, sausage, hash browns. Wednesday: Chicken tenders, mashed potatoes, green beans. Thursday: Grilled cheese, tomato soup. Friday: Pizza, broccoli.
Pomfret Community
Monday: Bacon cheeseburger. Tuesday: Meatball grinders, cuke wheels. Wednesday: Pancakes, sausage, sweet potato fries. Thursday: Loaded chicken patty, chickpeas. Friday: Cheese or roni pizza, romaine salad.
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