Save the Date! Our open house is on Wednesday, September 10th at 5pm! This is your opportunity to meet your student's teachers and staff members to learn about curriculum and classroom activities. We look forward to welcoming you to GPA!
New Staff Spotlight: Ms. Barbara Batista, ELL Teacher
My name is Barbara Batista, and I am very excited to be joining Great Path Academy this year as an ELL teacher. This is my ninth year in education and my first year at GPA, and I am so excited to be part of this wonderful school community and family.
I hold a degree in Modern Languages with a concentration in English, as well as a Master’s in Applied Linguistics for Teaching English as a Second Language. I speak three languages, and as a former multilingual learner myself, I understand the challenges my students face. Supporting them as they grow, reminding them of their potential, and celebrating their cultures and languages are at the heart of my work as an educator.
Beyond the classroom, I enjoy spending time in nature, singing, reading and writing, and exploring new things to learn. I am eager to bring both joy and support to our community this year.
My name is Barbara Batista, and I am very excited to be joining Great Path Academy this year as an ELL teacher. This is my ninth year in education and my first year at GPA, and I am so excited to be part of this wonderful school community and family.
I hold a degree in Modern Languages with a concentration in English, as well as a Master’s in Applied Linguistics for Teaching English as a Second Language. I speak three languages, and as a former multilingual learner myself, I understand the challenges my students face. Supporting them as they grow, reminding them of their potential, and celebrating their cultures and languages are at the heart of my work as an educator.
Beyond the classroom, I enjoy spending time in nature, singing, reading and writing, and exploring new things to learn. I am eager to bring both joy and support to our community this year.
New Teacher Spotlight: Mr. Jordan Waston, Special Education Teacher
My name is Jordan Watson, and I am very excited to be working at Great Path Academy this school year as a Special Education teacher. I will be a first-year teacher this year having just completed my master's degree at UConn in May. I will primarily be supporting freshmen this year which I am looking forward to as I believe this year is one of the most important in a student’s high school career. To say a little bit about myself, I was once a student at Great Path Academy during my first two years of high school. Having navigated being a student at Great Path I come with experience and advice that will be helpful to my students. Overall I can’t wait to meet all the students at GPA and support them in their academic endeavors as well as prepare them for life after high school!
Outside of school I have a range of interests that I’m always happy to talk about with my students (during the appropriate times.) Some of these things include soccer, basketball, UFC, music, TV, anime, cooking and many more. I believe being a young and fresh teacher will help me connect with students as I am sure many of our interests will intersect. Can’t wait to get started with you all!
My name is Jordan Watson, and I am very excited to be working at Great Path Academy this school year as a Special Education teacher. I will be a first-year teacher this year having just completed my master's degree at UConn in May. I will primarily be supporting freshmen this year which I am looking forward to as I believe this year is one of the most important in a student’s high school career. To say a little bit about myself, I was once a student at Great Path Academy during my first two years of high school. Having navigated being a student at Great Path I come with experience and advice that will be helpful to my students. Overall I can’t wait to meet all the students at GPA and support them in their academic endeavors as well as prepare them for life after high school!
Outside of school I have a range of interests that I’m always happy to talk about with my students (during the appropriate times.) Some of these things include soccer, basketball, UFC, music, TV, anime, cooking and many more. I believe being a young and fresh teacher will help me connect with students as I am sure many of our interests will intersect. Can’t wait to get started with you all!
New Staff Spotlight: Ms. Yolanda Colon, School Social Worker
My name is Yolanda Colon, Licensed Master Social Worker with three decades of dedicated service in school social work services, child welfare, mental health, and family advocacy. I am so happy to be joining the GPA community! I believe that education is not just about academics—it is about unlocking potential, nurturing self-worth, and creating opportunities that ripple through generations. My approach blends compassionate counseling with practical resource connection, empowering students to overcome barriers, discover their strengths, and achieve their potential. I am going to work tirelessly to connect families to resources, mediate challenges between home and school, and ensure that the students feel seen, supported, and capable of success. Whether in the classroom, in a therapy session, at a community meeting, or during a quiet one-on-one conversation, I would like to be a source of hope, guidance, and empowerment for the students that cross my path. When not working or providing services in the community, I can be found enjoying time with my kids, especially my grandchildren. I enjoy relaxing while listening to music, attending local concerts and dancing to Latin music.
My name is Yolanda Colon, Licensed Master Social Worker with three decades of dedicated service in school social work services, child welfare, mental health, and family advocacy. I am so happy to be joining the GPA community! I believe that education is not just about academics—it is about unlocking potential, nurturing self-worth, and creating opportunities that ripple through generations. My approach blends compassionate counseling with practical resource connection, empowering students to overcome barriers, discover their strengths, and achieve their potential. I am going to work tirelessly to connect families to resources, mediate challenges between home and school, and ensure that the students feel seen, supported, and capable of success. Whether in the classroom, in a therapy session, at a community meeting, or during a quiet one-on-one conversation, I would like to be a source of hope, guidance, and empowerment for the students that cross my path. When not working or providing services in the community, I can be found enjoying time with my kids, especially my grandchildren. I enjoy relaxing while listening to music, attending local concerts and dancing to Latin music.
Over the next few weeks, we will be introducing our new faculty and staff at GPA!
New Staff Spotlight:
Hello GPA Community!
My name is Ms. Chelsey Hood, and I am so excited to be joining Great Path Academy this year as the Culinary Arts teacher. This is my 12th year in education, but my first year at GPA and my first year teaching culinary arts. My background is in Career and Technical Education, where I’ve taught courses in graphic design, digital media, and STEM. I love helping students discover their creativity, build confidence, and develop skills they can use far beyond the classroom.
Outside of school, I’m a proud mom of two wonderful kids. We love cooking together, trying out new recipes, and spending time outdoors. I look forward to bringing my passion for food, creativity, and hands-on learning into the kitchen here at GPA.
New Staff Spotlight:
Hello GPA Community!
My name is Ms. Chelsey Hood, and I am so excited to be joining Great Path Academy this year as the Culinary Arts teacher. This is my 12th year in education, but my first year at GPA and my first year teaching culinary arts. My background is in Career and Technical Education, where I’ve taught courses in graphic design, digital media, and STEM. I love helping students discover their creativity, build confidence, and develop skills they can use far beyond the classroom.
Outside of school, I’m a proud mom of two wonderful kids. We love cooking together, trying out new recipes, and spending time outdoors. I look forward to bringing my passion for food, creativity, and hands-on learning into the kitchen here at GPA.
Good Afternoon Great Path Academy Families,
Please note that returning students and parents are welcome to collect their school issued devices as follows:
Wednesday, August 20th and Thursday, August 21st between 9am-1pm - Returning students and parents are required to come to GPA to pick up their laptop, charger and sign off on the Device Contract. There is no fee or deposit needed.
Students and parents new to Great Path Academy are required to attend the Mandatory Laptop night on Thursday, August, 28th,at 5:00 PM.
August 28th - New Student and Parent Mandatory Laptop Night at 5pm. We will review our Device Policy and new students will pick up their laptop, charger and sign off on the Device Contract. There is no fee or deposit needed.
Please note that returning students and parents are welcome to collect their school issued devices as follows:
Wednesday, August 20th and Thursday, August 21st between 9am-1pm - Returning students and parents are required to come to GPA to pick up their laptop, charger and sign off on the Device Contract. There is no fee or deposit needed.
Students and parents new to Great Path Academy are required to attend the Mandatory Laptop night on Thursday, August, 28th,at 5:00 PM.
August 28th - New Student and Parent Mandatory Laptop Night at 5pm. We will review our Device Policy and new students will pick up their laptop, charger and sign off on the Device Contract. There is no fee or deposit needed.
Save the Date! Meet the Teacher Night will be Wednesday, September 10th from 5pm-7pm at GPA.
Get ready for back to school! We will be holding a GPA Back to School Social at Great Path Academy from 1pm-3pm. Come and enjoy lunch and a chance to re-connect with staff and students before the first day of school on Tuesday, August 26th.
Please join us for our BoE Regular Meeting on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at 5:30 PM at M.D. Fox School, 470 Maple Avenue Street in Hartford.
The Agenda is on BoardDocs: https://go.boarddocs.com/ct/hartford/Board.nsf/Public
You may join the livestream here: https://www.youtube.com/live/j9GtiUwA3Ig
The Agenda is on BoardDocs: https://go.boarddocs.com/ct/hartford/Board.nsf/Public
You may join the livestream here: https://www.youtube.com/live/j9GtiUwA3Ig
Please join us today, Monday, August 11, 2025 at 2:30 PM for a VIRTUAL Policy Committee Meeting. You can find the agenda at https://go.boarddocs.com/ct/hartford/Board.nsf/Public
and then watch the livestream beginning at 2:30 PM on YouTube.
Please join us for our BoE Regular Meeting on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at 5:30 PM at M.D. Fox School, 470 Maple Avenue Street in Hartford. The Agenda is on BoardDocs: https://go.boarddocs.com/ct/hartford/Board.nsf/Public
You may join the livestream here: https://www.youtube.com/live/WeMGCqrDcfU
Join us Wednesday, July 9 for a VIRTUAL Committee of the Whole Meeting. To view the agenda, visit https://go.boarddocs.com/ct/hartford/Board.nsf/Public and watch the livestream beginning at 5:00 on YouTube.
Please join us for a Special Meeting of the Board of Education on Tuesday, July 1, 2025 at 5:30 PM at the M.D. Fox School Auditorium, 470 Maple Ave., Hartford for the appointment of the new Hartford Public Schools Superintendent.
Find the Agenda on BoardDocs here: https://go.boarddocs.com/ct/hartford/Board.nsf/Public
and live streaming, here: https://www.youtube.com/live/RZnlMUPWziM
Find the Agenda on BoardDocs here: https://go.boarddocs.com/ct/hartford/Board.nsf/Public
and live streaming, here: https://www.youtube.com/live/RZnlMUPWziM
Great Path Academy, CT State Manchester, and ReadyCT faculty and staff had an opportunity to attend the Middle College National Consortium Summer Institute in Jersey City, NJ Saturday, June 28th to Monday, June 30th to collaborate over 30 middle college high schools throughout the country. We had the chance to meet staff and faculty from New York, New Jersey, Michigan, California, Ohio, Maryland, and more about topics such as supporting student success in middle college, Generative AI to deepen student learning, and responding to our changing landscape in education! GPA also presented in collaboration with ReadyCT and CT State Manchester. On Saturday, June 28th, ReadyCT and GPA staff - Dr. Kate Darcy Hothenhal, Dr. Fitzgerald, Mr. Tatham, and Mrs. Heredia presented on "Education and Industry Interconnectedness: Collaborations For Positive Youth Workforce Development" and on Sunday, June 29th, CT State Manchester faculty member Mrs. Jennifer Sherman and Mrs. Laura Gray presented on "Bridging the Gap: How We Revolutionized College and Career Readiness at Great Path Academy" and Mrs. Gray presented on "Leveraging Collaborative Fine Arts to Lift and Empower Student Voice: A Case Study." Congrats to our staff for their presentations and collaboration this entire weekend to showcase the great programs at GPA and work with others to learn and grow together.
New to Hartford or Hartford Public Schools? Learn more and REGISTER TODAY! Summer is the perfect time to make sure your child is ready for the school year ahead at Hartford Public Schools. Is your child entering school for the first time? Are you new to Hartford? If so, register now for the 2025-26 school year at Hartford Public Schools.
Visit the Hartford Public Schools’ Welcome Center at 280 Trumbull Street in Hartford or online at www.hartfordschools.org/enroll.
School is out. Summer is in. Let school registration begin!
Congratulations to Class of 2025 Senior Class President Jaiden Ryans! Jaiden was this year's recipient of the Hartford Public School Administrators (HPSA) Principal's Scholarship as well as the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education (CABE) Student Leadership Award for his dedication to his school community. He had an opportunity to address the Class of 2025 for the final time and shared these words of inspiration: "Always remember that you can do anything you put your mind to. Push yourselves and explore the world— Know that the journey won’t be perfect or easy, nothing in life comes easy. There will be times we’ll struggle, stress, cry, or worry about our future— But always remember that we all have a calling and a purpose in this world. Mine ended up being Dance— so find it and do magical things with that gift. — maybe yours is music, coding, activism, entrepreneurship, nursing, a passion, or something the world hasn’t even seen yet. But whatever it is, chase it. " Congratulations Jaiden!
Great Path Academy was proud to have Co-Valedictorians from the Class of 2025! They represent a high standard of academic achievement. They have taken advantage of every opportunity that Great Path and more has had to offer them. From always being involved in the school as GPA ambassadors and supporting new families and students, to helping their peers with academic work and school work, applying for and attending a junior leadership field trip to Washington, DC. We are privileged to announce our co-Valedictorians - Mariah Burgos and Arianah Gonzalez. During their time here, they have been members of the GPA community that many could rely on for academic success, collaboration, support, and friendship. Respectively, Mariah has earned 15 college credits and Arianah has earned 15 college credits at CT State Manchester and they will be able to apply those at their new colleges in the fall - Mariah will be heading to the University of Southern California and Arianah to University of Central Florida! Here are some inspiring words from their joint speech: "I want the class of 2025 to take a moment to acknowledge their hard work and celebrate reaching the finish line. And to those graduates whose family and friends couldn’t be here today—take pride in how far you’ve come, and hold gratitude in your hearts for those who supported you from afar. Thank yourselves for your perseverance and resilience. And take a moment to honor those who’ve supported you along the way, near and far. This moment is yours — enjoy it, you’ve earned every bit of it!"
Please join us for the Board of Education Regular Meeting, being held on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, 5:30 p.m., at M.D. Fox Elementary School, 470 Maple Avenue, Hartford, CT 06114.
Find the Agenda on BoardDocs here: https://go.boarddocs.com/ct/hartford/Board.nsf/Public
and the YouTube Link for live streaming, here: https://www.youtube.com/live/EJ4U24wmi3M
Congratulations to our Class of 2025 Salutatorian Isabelle Pastrana! She shared a heartfelt and inspiring speech to her fellow graduates. "I never once thought I would be up here making this speech, but here I am stepping out of my comfort zone and accepting this great honor I've earned over the past 4 years. Over the next 4 or 5 years as we embark in the beginning of adulthood, there will be points in our life where we are forced out of our comfort zones whether it be public speaking, job responsibilities or your own professional goals. Rather than pushing back and reimagining your comfort zone, I encourage you to step out and explore the opportunities that life has to offer you, you never know where they may take you." We are proud of you Isabelle!
Great Path Academy had the honor at graduation to acknowledge Mr. Brako-Frempong, parent of graduate Genelle Brako-Frempong, and member of the Great Path Academy School Governance Council and PTO. Thank you Mr. Brako-Frempong for your many years of service to support both of his children and the school from planning fundraisers to sharing in governance over Great Path Academy. The award reads: “Parent Appreciation Award: In recognition of your PTO leadership and dedication to both our students and school.” Congratulations!
