Team Solstice

About Our Team

What does Solstice mean?

In astronomy, the solstices occur near when the sun is at its highest and lowest points in the sky (around June 21^st and December 21^st). Middle school can be a time of ups and downs, both academically and socially. Our team name reminds us that an “up” time is always around the corner – even during the “down” times. The solstices are also connected to our seasons…the summer solstice and the winter solstice mark the beginning of each of those seasons.

Meet Our Team

Ms. Bellot

Humanities

Ms. Bellot appreciates going for long walks, shopping, and listening to books on Audible. She enjoys a good strawberry frosted donut with sprinkles. She is excited to welcome her first child in late November. Other than teaching, her dream is to run a Hallmark store where she can find the perfect cards for her customers (and maybe collaborate with Mr. Newton on the drawings).

Ms. Sawtell

Humanities

Ms. Sawtell enjoys traveling, drinking iced coffees, reading mysteries, and spending time with her two young children. She has been teaching students at Hunt with Mr. Newton for 16 years. A fun fact is that Ms. Sawtell used to be a wedding and event planner while skiing and snowboarding in Lake Tahoe, California. She dreams of being a museum curator.

Ms. Gagnon

Math

I’ve been teaching math at HMS since 2005. I really enjoy inspiring students and and cultivating appreciation for the opportunities that education provides. In my non-school life, I can be found working on business endeavors, having conversations about software engineering and obsessing over my cat (look up Pixiebobs).

Mr. Newton

Science

In addition to having been a math teacher and currently a science teacher, Mr. Newton likes to read, draw, and paint. He has an art degree and has been at Hunt for 20 years. The walls in his room showcase some of his pieces. He is also a fan of comic books and has an extensive collection. He dreams of being a comic book artist.

Ms. Lafont

Special Education

Ms. Lafont likes hiking, skiing, and spending time with Carson, her six week old son. She is a fierce advocate for students as they strive to reach their full potential. Ms. Lafont’s goal is to complete her doctorate in Special Education with a focus on autism. Other than teaching, her dream job is to be an autism specialist.

What We Are Learning

Team Solstice Curriculum