Updates from U-32
May 17, 2024
WCUUSD School Board Vacancies
Dear Washington Central Community,
The Washington Central Unified Union School District has three School Board vacancies:
Calais Resident Board Vacancy
Worcester Resident Board Vacancy
Middlesex Resident Board Vacancy
Governed by a 15 member board, our single-budget district consists of five town-based
elementary schools and one regional middle and high school, serving the towns of Berlin,
Calais, East Montpelier, Middlesex, and Worcester. We have 3 Board Members from each
town that represent the hopes and dreams of ALL of our kids and residents in ALL of our
schools and communities.
If you live in Calais, Worcester or Middlesex and are interested in serving on the School
Board please send a letter of interest addressed to the WCUUSD School Board by May 17th
to School Board Chair: Flor Diaz Smith at fdiazsmith@u32.org or mail it to 130 Gallison Hill
Road, Montpelier VT 05602
The Board intends to conduct interviews and appoint a new Board Member on May 22nd at
our regular meeting.. We are hoping to have a full Board at the end of May. Please feel free
to reach out if you have any questions about what a School Board Member does and what
the time commitment is. No expertise is needed, just a willingness to learn with us and help
with the work. We have a very thoughtful and committed board. Please join us. The
commitment to serve on the Board will be from June until next March when you can decide
if you want to run for election in 2025.
Thank you,
Flor Diaz Smith
WCUUSD Board Chair
Two Talent Search Winners at U-32!
Vermont Math Students Honored
On May 2 the winners of the 31st annual Mathematics Talent Search sponsored by the Vermont State Mathematics Coalition were honored at an awards dinner at the DoubleTree Hotel in South Burlington. The winners received the highest cumulative scores on four math tests administered throughout the academic year. They will join other top math students from Vermont on the "Vermont All Stars" team at the American Regions Mathematics League competition at Penn State, May 31 and June 1. More information about the Vermont State Mathematics Coalition can be found at vtmathcoalition.org. From Left to right: Erica Herrmann, Rachel Herrmann, Alden Bond, Lucy Drury, Nathan Ellison, Jacob Graham, Elias Leventhal, Lav Patel, Yuyang Zhang, Talent Search co-chair Kiran MacCormick. Not pictured: Yiwei Zhao.
U-32 Theater Department Recognized at VT State House
See this article in the Montpelier Bridge newspaper about our talented U-32 theater students!
https://montpelierbridge.org/2024/05/u-32-theater-department-receives-acclaim-for-original-play/
Did you know? May is National Speech - Language -Hearing Month
Happy May! My name is Erica Smith, and I’m the speech-language pathologist at U-32.
I’m writing to let you know that May is National Speech-Language-Hearing Month. This month raises awareness about speech and language disorders, which are among the most common disabilities that school-aged children experience. It also helps all students, no matter how they communicate, feel included in their school community.
More than 1 million children nationwide receive treatment services for speech and language disorders each year through the school system. Left unaddressed, speech and language disorders can affect a child’s academic and social success. Speech-language pathologists in schools work with children who have difficulties in the following areas:
Speech sounds—A child may substitute one sound for another, leave sounds out, add sounds, or change a sound, making it difficult for others to understand.
Spoken and written language—A student may have trouble understanding what others are communicating and may have problems explaining their thoughts or feelings. They may also have difficulty with reading and writing.
Stuttering (fluency)—A child may get stuck on certain sounds or words. They also may have tension or negative feelings about talking. This tension can get in the way of how they talk to others.
Cognition—A child may have problems with long- or short-term memory, attention, problem-solving, or organization.
Social communication—A student may have difficulty understanding how others feel or following the rules of conversation, such as knowing how to take turns.
Voice—A child may lose their voice frequently or use a hoarse or breathy voice. They may also speak with strain or effort.
Augmentative and alternative communication—A child may need to find other ways to communicate besides talking, such as using a picture board or a speech-generating device.
Feeding and swallowing—Problems with feeding and swallowing can make it hard for a student to participate in the school day. Speech-language pathologists help students eat and drink safely during the school day so that they have the energy to learn.
Whether or not your child has a speech, language, and/or swallowing disorder, it’s important for everyone to reflect on how we can be respectful and supportive of those who do. Encourage your child to give people time to get their message out, to focus on what a person is saying rather than how they’re saying it, and to never bully someone for how they communicate.
I wish you all success as we approach the end of the school year!
Erica L Smith, MS CCC-SLP (she/her)
Speech-Language Pathologist
U-32 Middle & High School
Is your French student interested in a trip to France?
Bonjour!
A trip to Paris, Normandy and a homestay in Langres, France, is happening in April 2025. Students enrolled in a French class and who will be either in 10th, 11th or 12th grades have the opportunity to join this trip.
A meeting with interested students has already happened during a Call Back. The next meeting is a chance for students and families to get more information and any questions answered.
THIS MEETING WILL TAKE PLACE ON JUNE 10TH AT 5:00 PM IN CAROLINE'S CLASSROOM (114), right before the Spring sports banquet.
Please feel free to email me at cgrace@u32.org with any questions.
Merci,
Caroline
CVCC Future Facilities
Student Job and Internship Opportunities!
Would you like to attend Vermont State University for free?
Beginning in the fall semester of 2024, qualified Vermont residents can attend Vermont State University tuition free!
Delivering high quality and affordable education is our number one priority. With locations spanning across the entire state, Vermonters can be sure to have greater access to our programs going forward. VTSU will close the standard tuition* gap with institutional aid after all federal, state, institutional, and employer supported aid is applied to a student’s account.
Who is eligible?
- Vermont residents of any age enrolling as new students in degree programs starting in the fall semester of 2024 or spring semester of 2025.
- Student/family adjusted gross income of $50,000 or less as reflected on their FAFSA.
- Students seeking their initial undergraduate degree. Those with previous bachelor’s degrees do not qualify.
How do students apply?
- Apply and be admitted to Vermont State University for a standard tuition program.
- Submit a FAFSA (School Code: 003698).
- Submit a Vermont Grant Application through VSAC.
What are further requirements for eligibility?
- Register for a minimum of 12 credits each fall and spring semesters (does not include summer).
- Maintain good academic standing (2.0/4.0) and satisfactory academic progress towards degree completion.
- Eligibility will be reviewed each academic year based on the current year FAFSA.
* The Vermont State University Free Tuition Guarantee covers standard program tuition only. Program tuition for Engineering and Technology; Nursing and Respiratory Therapy; and Dental and Radiologic is not covered by this program.
Free Summer Shakespeare Camp!
VTVLC Registration
2024-2025 VTVLC Course Registration Information
Priority registration for VTVLC (VT Virtual Learning Cooperative) courses opens May 1st. These are free online courses for students in grades 7-12 for courses offered “traditionally.”
Click here to see the courses available to U-32 students. Students are eligible to register for courses that are listed as traditional enrollment. See information regarding On Demand enrollment below.
Who are successful online learners? VTVLC recommends that students who enroll in their courses are strong readers and writers, possess good time management skills, are self-motivated and self-disciplined, committed to spending five to ten hours a week on the course, and have the ability to use technology properly.
Process for students opting to take course(s) through VTVLC to have coursework count towards U-32 Graduation level Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs):
***Students who request to take an online class due to a teacher or classroom conflict need to participate in a restorative circle prior to enrolling in a VTVLC course. ***
Process for enrolling:
1. Meet with your school counselor to discuss options.
2. Go to VTVLC.org and create an account.
3. Log into VTVLC.org and complete Student Profile.
4. Request enrollment in class.
Grading & Transcripting:
Coursework with a final grade of C- or higher will “satisfy course specific Graduation level SLOs through transfer.”
1. Course will be listed on U-32 Transcript under Additional Course section with actual grade awarded
2. Grade / course score is NOT factored into U-32 GPA
3. Students may need to work with content level departments to determine which Performance Indicators (PIs) the course addresses.
4. Student may need to present evidence (portfolio, assessments, essays, labs, etc.) to a small committee to demonstrate proficiency in specific Graduation level SLOs through transfer
Failure to successfully complete a VTVLC course may prohibit a student’s ability to enroll in future courses.
VTVLC also offers On Demand courses that allow students to have flexible start and end dates. These courses offer a personalized pace. Like the other VTVLC courses, these are taught by Vermont licensed educators (HQT where applicable). These courses cost students $275 per semester length course. On Demand courses start on either the 1st or the 15th of each month.
For further questions about VTVLC courses or to sign up, students should see their school counselor.
Free Summer Class!
Student Services Newsletter
Student schedules for the 2024-2025 school year
Students in current grades 8-11 are now able to view their 2024-2025 tentative schedules. Current 7th graders will receive their schedules closer to Move Up Day on June 11th.
If you or your student has questions or concerns about his/her schedule for next year, the Student Services Office will be available to assist as follows:
Incoming seniors: Immediately once you have received your schedule
Incoming juniors: May 20-23
Incoming sophomores: May 24- 28
Incoming freshmen: May 29-31
Our plan is to work with all students and parents who have concerns prior to school closing. We encourage you and /or your student to make an appointment with his/her adopted counselor if needed.
Please know that students can make changes to their schedules for semester 1 until August 22nd. Scheduling changes for semester 1 will not be allowed after August 22nd.
Students can make changes to their semester 2 classes until Jan 17, 2025
MOVE UP DAY
June 11th – Move Up Day (students in current grades 6-11 will follow their school schedule for the 2024-2025 school year.) Current 6th graders will come to U-32 to meet their 7th grade teachers, participate in classes and Unity day activities.
DUAL ENROLLMENT/EARLY COLLEGE
As a current Vermont high school junior or senior, you are eligible for two Vermont Dual Enrollment Vouchers, allowing you to take one free college course in your junior year of high school and one in your senior year of high school.
It’s called Dual Enrollment because your free college courses will also earn you credit towards graduation from high school.
Dual enrollment is offered through all VT public colleges/universities and some private colleges too. Go to http://www.vtdualenrollment.org/ for a list of participating colleges and to request a dual enrollment voucher.
High School Seniors are also eligible for Early College- got to http://education.vermont.gov/student-learning/flexible-pathways/early-college for more information.
UPCOMING SAT & ACT TEST OPPORTUNITIES
SAT: Test Date- June 1 Registration Deadline May 16
ACT: Test Date July 13 Registration Deadline June 7
SAT / ACT Testing Tips
On the Test Day:
Give yourself plenty of time to get to the test center. Consider traffic, weather conditions, flat tires, and anything else that could slow you down.
Be sure to test at the center indicated on your Admission Ticket. You will need your Admission Ticket and photo ID for admission to the test center.
Even if you’re scheduled to test at a center that was not your first choice, you are only guaranteed admission to the test center listed on your Admission Ticket. Seating is very limited at other test centers.
Use breaks to eat or drink any snacks you have brought with you. You will have several breaks during the test. Use them to relax and eat a snack, so you can stay focused.
Make sure you use a No. 2 pencil. You must fill in the entire circle darkly and completely. If you change your response, erase it as completely as possible. It is very important that you follow these instructions when filling out your answer sheet.
Pace yourself during the test. Remember, each question counts the same. If you find yourself spending too much time on one question, move on to the next questions.
TEST PREPARATION
JUNIORS: If you are not yet pleased with your PSAT scores use Khan Academy for SAT prep as an on-line course to help you build your math, reading, writing, and SAT test prep skills. Log into Khan Academy and link your PSAT scores.
If you have any other questions, please contact your school counselor for more information.
Scholarships
Currently there are over 30 scholarships posted on Naviance. Go to your Naviance account, click on the College tab then Scholarship List to view each scholarship. While there, click on National Scholarship Search to look for additional scholarships.
Please frequent the Scholarship page often as new scholarships appear as soon as we receive them.
$10,000 (7 Awards)
Jessi Combs Foundation Scholarship Program
Deadline: June 1, 2024
$2,000 (8 Awards)
HFA Eric Delson Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: May 31, 2024
$2,000 (2 Awards)
Shane R. Kadlec Public Service Scholarship
Deadline: May 31, 2024
$1,000 (1 Award)
Louise Tumarkin Zazove Foundation Scholarship
Deadline: May 27, 2024
$25,000 (1 Award)
Deadline: June 1, 2024
$2,000 (12 Awards)
Deadline: May 31, 2024
$25,000 (1 Award)
Deadline: May 31, 2024
$1,000 (50 Awards)
No Essay Smart Owl Scholarship
Deadline: May 29, 2024
$2,500 (12 Awards)
Deadline: May 31, 2024
Photos from Free Comic Book Day at U-32
Do you have any Legos that need a new home?
Registration for Rosie's Girls is Now Open!
Registration for Rosie's Girls is now OPEN!! Empower your camper’s summer by registering them for Vermont Works for Women's Rosie's Girls camp today. This year we have more camp spots open than ever before, meaning more opportunities for youth to explore the skilled trades and STEAM fields. Explore the exciting range of activities we have in store for middle school girls and gender non-conforming youth entering grades 6-8 this summer on our website
Senior Calendar
May
AP Exams are administered. Be sure to send the AP Grade Report to your college.
Send thank-you notes to your teachers, coaches, TA, and anyone else who helped you on the way.
Fill out housing-preference forms, and check out any special living centers.
Wait-listed students can expect more information about their status after May 1.
Complete Graduation Survey on Family Connection
June
If you plan to compete in Division I or Division II college sports, have your transcript sent to the NCAA Initial Eligibility Clearinghouse. More information is available at ncaaclearinghouse.net.
June 14: Graduation…. Congratulations!
June 30: Final deadline to submit FAFSA.
U-32 Boosters Club
Yearbook Orders
