Hartwood isn’t just a school, It’s a reset
Change is difficult in any aspect, especially within sports teams who bond and become close. Rebecca Dietz, the Stafford girl’s soccer coach explains how having key members you once had can be difficult to lose. “Anytime you lose experienced players and leaders, there’s a shift.” Despite the unfortunate change. Dietz shows her optimism: “That doesn’t mean it’s negative. It just means new voices will emerge, and the identity of the team will grow in a different direction.”
Even though it’s a big change, it’s a part of the season and just one of the gaps the team will fill. “Every season has its own personality, and the upcoming year will be about building something new while respecting what came before.” Dietz says
The team is still unsure of who exactly is being relocated to Hartwood, leaving uncertainty, but as of right now, Dietz says “They’re focused on supporting each other and staying present as a team.”
Aiden Dingus, the orchestra director at SHS is dealing with the exact same situation. Even though it is his first year teaching here at Stafford, he still feels sad about those who have to go. “I won’t continue to see them improve and grow as musicians but I know that the director at the new school is fantastic so I don’t have any worries about them not improving.”
Many of his students, especially the sophomores as well, feel sad about the situation. “They’ve had two years with people that they don’t live near which is kind of unfortunate, but in this day and age with social media, it’s not like they’ll never see each other again.”
From previous experience of student-teaching in Maryland, Dingus does not have worries about losing those stronger skilled students who are being relocated to Hartwood. Hartwood is a new school, meaning more opportunities and advantages will be provided for those being relocated. “[Students from older schools] get stuck in one group and kind of suffer, but I’m glad that’s not the direction this pathway is going.” says Dingus.
Hartwood, a school born on a ‘leap year’ of sorts. With its debut in August 2026, skipping the senior class with their own timeline. That’s right, no senior class. No senior sunrise, no senior skip day, no senior assassin, and no senior graduates.
Those are just a few examples of some events that don’t strictly affect seniors, but a school environment.
“I hope that Hartwood makes new events that are more interesting and celebrated around the school more, and give students opportunities to participate more.” Said Khloe Marcia, a sophomore Stafford High student who is transferring to Hartwood next school year.
The senior void creates the question of what activities will take place instead.
Hartwood principal, Michael Kelly, brings insight on this: “One of the nice things about not having seniors during the first year is that it will allow us time to work with the juniors to develop the senior rights of passage! We have a year to work together to create these important traditions.”
While yes, the absence of a 2027 class leaves many long-standing senior events out, it also opens doors for many more to come. Students and staff at Hartwood now have the rare opportunity to build their own traditions.
With the rising juniors now being the oldest in the school, this shift will likely come with added responsibility. Without seniors to set the scene, juniors are receiving a leadership role earlier than expected. At the same time, underclassmen will experience an alternate dynamic. Underclassmen may find themselves more willing to contribute, knowing they can have a genuine say in the new school’s atmosphere. “Once again, the student voice is very important for developing strong school spirit.” Kelly added.
At the end of the day, the missing class of 2027 isn’t simply a gap in the yearbook, it is a blank canvas with room for creativity.
Hartwood isn’t just opening its doors, it’s setting the stage. The star of the show? The grand theatre and fine arts program.
For the facilities alone, there is a 1,000-seat two-story theater, a blackbox theater, a sunken dance studio, TV recording and editing studios, as well as orchestra, band, and choir classrooms that all include soundproof qualities and recording studios. Another honorable mention is two fine art labs.
Beyond the physical spaces provided, the curriculum is equally as extensive. It is supported by the Arts, Media, and Production (AMP) Center. This is designed to provide the best arts education, aimed directly at students who are aspiring for careers in the creative industries. It will focus on everything from performance to technical skills.
These teachings are structured to prepare students for real world experiences, which gives early exposure to a plethora of opportunities that will be encountered outside of high school.
Aiden Kruse has been involved in the SHS theatre arts since his freshman year. Now, as a junior, he shares his hopes for Hartwood, “For arts I would like to see more specific skill classes like portraits, sculpture, and painting. Basically how we have electricity, carpentry, etc.”
As Hartwood continues its finishing touches, the real impact will be seen everywhere; not just in the school’s impressive facilities, but also in the students who get to step onto the stage, and in the ones who will discover their place behind it.
As the months count down for Hartwood High’s opening, its new facilities, programs, student life, and administration represent more than just a fresh start, but potential for growth and experience. While only time will tell for the long term impact, the foundation has been firmly established.
Students will start to make the space their own, and what feels new and exciting now will soon become a lasting community for Stafford County.
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photo by Anaiya McKnight
