CVU Celebrations

Dear CVU Community: Week two might feel a bit early for a pep talk. So, I won't offer any pep--just a reminder that it takes energy and patience to adjust to the new year. Don't be alarmed if some tiredness, doubt, or stress snuck into your psyche this week. Whether you are a student, parent, caregiver, or educator, we all need to get in shape for the year. I spoke to one student this week who was convinced Wednesday HAD to have been Friday. It's Friday now, so get some rest and have some fun this weekend. We've got this!

We kick off C3 on Tuesday of next week. C3 stands for Clubs, Community, and Connect. Clubs include groups like Amnesty International, Chess Club, Film Club, Math League, Robotics, and many, many more. In Communities students choose to be in common spaces for things like walking, basketball, studying, puzzles, board games, and more. Connect is a time for students to meet individually or in small groups with their academic teachers.

C3 is an awesome program at CVU that takes a huge amount of effort and logistical support to run (signing 1350 students up for personalized experiences is no joke!). Please remind your students that these opportunities are important and can help build relationships, future direction, and--well--fun! Attendance is required.

9/19 - C3 officially begins

9/20 & 9/21 - Seniors order caps/gowns

9/25 - No School - Yom Kippur

9/28 - CVU @ a Glance (Open House): 6:00-8:00 pm

9/30 - Homecoming Dance: 7:00-10:00 pm

10/5 & 10/6 - Student Teacher Conferences

Check out the Bass Fishing team's tournament photos from September 9th!

Nik and Ollie working hard behind the scenes to bring the CVU community together—Senior Sunrise, Rally in the Valley, Homecoming Dance, Club Fair!

From Troy Paradee: Abby N presenting her Nexus Project Plan to the Shark Tank!

From Jennifer Marriott - Outdoor LTA - canoeing unit, working on carrying boats, loading/unloading, paddling and teamwork skills on the pond at CVU!

What a perfect day for the annual Snelling Core canoe trip! Sunshine and smiles as just under 80 students and staff paddle down the Lamoille River.

Nichols Core went on a hike up Mt Philo today!

Last Friday, Chittenden Core went on their annual canoe trip. After all the rain we were thankful to get outside and get to know each other in the first couple weeks of school!

Shout out to the WHOLE CVU Core program. The start of school has gone smoothly for our 9th graders thanks to the dedicated professionals who thoughtfully plan community building for these first few weeks that warmly welcomes all students.

Let's celebrate all the work done by Olaf Verdonk and Andrew Scott this summer to make the Wood Shop sparkle this fall!

A big thank you to Katie Mack for single-handedly organizing and planning a common read experience of “The Story of More” for our 9th grade students. Katie created thoughtful materials with the purpose “to provide all incoming ninth grade students with a common reading experience that helps them to discover shared community values, facilitate interdisciplinary connections, and introduce foundational Harkness discussion skills with support from the library and other invested faculty and staff.” Your devotion to students (and supporting your colleagues) does not go unnoticed and unappreciated

Senior Kick-Off: On Tuesday morning this past week, Direction Center staff members Russ Aceto and Jen Bickel-Hayes held the Senior Kick-Off event. This was an opportunity to inform all Seniors and Caregivers about the college application process and/or future planning processes in Senior year. For those who weren't able to attend, or would like to watch the presentation again, here is the YouTube link of this presentation.

CVSD Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Town Halls

We welcome everyone back and are excited to announce a new format for the CVSD Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Town Halls this school year. We will meet virtually for the first Town Hall on Wednesday, September 20 at 6:30 pm. At that time, we will provide an overview of this year's Town Hall topics. We will also answer questions about the DEI work that is underway in the district. Future DEI Town Halls will take place in November, January, March, and May. Those will be in-person Town Halls with a specific focus. The Zoom information for the September 20th Town Hall is posted on the district's website calendar and on the CVSD DEI website. We look forward to continuing the conversation!

On alternate months, (October, December, February, & April), the CVSD Virtual Town Halls will focus on the Strategic Plan and Growth & Belonging.

Project Hoeppner is excited to be collaborating with Champlain College Dare to CARE in bringing Drew Petersen to campus. Drew is a professional skier, writer, filmmaker, and advocate on a mission to change our culture surrounding mental health.

Told through the lens of ski touring, “Ups and Downs” is an introspective look at the mountains and valleys along his path... His story is truly one of finding the light, and how giving voice to his struggles ultimately saved him.

The program is OPEN TO THE PUBLIC and includes an ice cream social on September 28, 4:30-6:00. Suggested minimum age is 12 years old.

What: Champlain College Women in Cyber Summit: The Next Generation of Cyber Professionals

Who: The event is geared toward high school and college students, but is open to everyone

When: Friday, November 3, 2023 from 9:00 AM–2:30 PM

Where: Champlain College main campus

Register by: Friday, October 27

What it’s all about:

• Students will get the opportunity to learn about cybersecurity, pursuing a degree, and entering the field
  

• Hear from keynote presenter Lynn Dohm, Executive Director of Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS)
  

• Experience interactive sessions, panels featuring cyber professionals, and expert speakers exploring topics like “Stories from the Front Line” and “How to Get into the Field”
  

• Receive guidance on how to start a WiCyS chapter at your school
  

• Get assistance in applying for scholarships to the national WiCyS Conference in Nashville, Tennessee in April 2024
  

Find more information here.

Funding is available to assist with travel expenses and students are also invited to attend our Fall Open House the following day.

I hope to see you on November 3rd as we highlight women in cybersecurity and continue to work toward our goal of being the best place in the world for women to study cybersecurity and digital forensics.

Alex Hernandez, President

Champlain College