Updates from U-32
January 3, 2025
Principal's Update
Dear U-32 Families, Students, and Caregivers,
We were excited to welcome students back to campus in the New Year! We have just two weeks before the end of the first semester and many things wrap up during this time. Our arts show next week will showcase student work from the semester and make our common spaces come alive with the creativity we pride ourselves on as a school community.
And, we are just a few weeks away from our musical performance of Hadestown. I hope you’ll join us for a performance and for Arts night to showcase the ways arts reflect students passions and contribute to the beauty of our community.
Best,
Becca
Important Bus Updates!
Bus Route Changes for U3, U4, U5, U6 & U7
Starting January 2, 2025, U4 and U6 will no longer be running in the morning. Students have been assigned to a new route, either NEW U3/U4 AM or NEW U5 AM or NEW U7 AM. These routes will be live in MyRide on December 27, 2024. Please check the MyRide app for the new stop locations and times. The U4 and U6 afternoon buses will be the same route with a different driver.
For parents who have not signed up for the MyRide app, please take the time to do it so that you get notifications about changes, delays, cancellations, etc.
Please use this link for set-up instructions: MyRide App.
Will you Help us Improve our After-School Programming?
We are currently working to improve our after-school programs (beyond sports and theater) for middle school and high schools students at U-32. We are interested in your input and feedback as to where we should focus our efforts.
Thank you for taking the time to fill out the survey linked below.
Hadestown: Teen Edition! (Recently Featured in the Burlington Free Press)
U-32 and Montpelier High School are teaming up to bring you Hadestown Teen Edition!
The upcoming production was recently featured in the Burlington Free Press in an article titled "'Bringing it back to where it originated': Young performers stage 'Hadestown' in Vermont"
Read the article at the link below!
January 23-25 / January 30-Feb 1. It may seem like a long time from now, but I promise, it will sneak up on you...
Coffee and Conversation with the Superintendent
Guest Speaker to Visit U-32 January 9th
Learn More: www.herrentalks.com
VT SBDC Entrepreneurship Month Competitions
VTSU Engineering Course Opportunity - Limited Spots Available!
Vermont State University’s Explore Engineering (ARE 1710) course, part of their Engineering Bridge Program, is a newly developed course that introduces students to the field of engineering through a combination of online learning and hands-on labs at the VTSU Randolph campus.
Students in this 3-credit college course will:
- Explore Seven Disciplines of Engineering: From mechanical to renewable energy, students will engage in labs led by VTSU faculty at the Randolph campus.
- Earn College Credit: Credits align with VTSU’s engineering technology degree programs.
Gain Confidence in STEM: The course explores the history and evolution of engineering technologies, career pathways in engineering, and is agnostic with regard to existing math and technical skills.
Receive Full Funding: Course tuition can be covered by VT AOE Dual Enrollment Vouchers. Additionally, Engineering Bridge participants who continue on to VTSU Engineering Degree programs will have all tuition, fees, and additional program costs completely covered through 2026.
This is for students who...
- Love to tinker, build, or solve problems but might not yet envision themselves in an engineering career.
- Are curious about how things work and ready for a hands-on introduction to engineering concepts.
- Could benefit from a low-risk, high-reward opportunity to explore STEM careers while earning college credit.
Course Details:
- Course Name: Explore Engineering (ARE 1710)
- Start Date: January 21, 2025
Format: Online weekly lectures and in-person Saturday labs (please inquire for more information about the on-campus lab portion of the course).
- Location: VTSU Randolph Campus
Transportation Assistance Available: For students needing help traveling to campus, support is available—please contact Jeremy Wheeler at VTSU with further questions.
Due to the hands-on nature of the laboratory sessions and limited equipment availability, enrollment is limited to just 15 students!
Interested? Contact Jeremy Wheeler, Program Coordinator at VTSU at Jeremy.Wheeler@VermontState.edu or 802-798-4608
News from the Student Services Office
2025-26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is Now Available!
Do you have students that need help filing their FAFSA for the 2025-26 school year? VSAC is offering 1:1 appointments, virtually and in person, now through February. Visit the VSAC calendar for a full listing.
STUDENT/PARENT Resources
IC PLP courses- all students have a course called PLP in the AS (After School) slot in their IC schedule. There is a lot of info so we hope you will check it out.
Naviance - Remember to frequent Naviance as this site helps U-32 students explore post high school planning options, build a resume, manage timelines and deadlines for making decisions about colleges and careers. This is also where all of the scholarship opportunities are housed. Each student will work with his/her TA and school counselor in Naviance to create his/her Personalized Learning Plans (PLPs).
If you have forgotten your password, you can reset it yourself. If you have misplaced your registration code, please notify Student Services.
Parents of juniors: In December, the school counselors will meet with the juniors to discuss post high school planning options. Every junior will receive a U-32 Post High School Planning Guide. To view a copy and for additional information check out the 11th gr U-32 PLP IC course or view the pdf on the U-32 website.
IMPORTANT GRADING INFORMATION
Report Card Dates for 2024-2025
Semester 1
Quarter 2 HS/MS Report Cards - Available Thursday, January 30, 2025
Semester 2
Quarter 3 HS/MS Progress Report - Available Monday, April 7, 2025
Quarter 4 HS/MS Report Cards - Available TBA mailed pending snow days
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DUAL ENROLLMENT: Vermont high school juniors and seniors can take one FREE college class during their junior and senior year. Dual enrollment gives students the opportunity to experience college while still in high school, and they can earn credit toward a college degree (saving hundreds of dollars in tuition fees).
Learn more about dual enrollment at http://www.vtdualenrollment.org/
To create an account and apply for a dual enrollment voucher, go to:
https://dualenrollment.vermont.gov/vtde
Community College of Vermont (CCV) Spring Schedule
Community College of Vermont (CCV) Summer Schedule
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Not All Colleges and Universities Require SATs/ACTs
Not all admissions processes are created equal. One major point of difference among colleges these days is how admissions officers consider your SAT scores. More schools are de-emphasizing SAT scores as part of your application with “test optional” and “test flexible” policies. One college has even eliminated SAT scores completely!
There are now over 800 accredited, bachelor-degree granting institutions that have changed their approach to standardized test scores. (Keep in mind that the majority of colleges, especially the more prestigious schools, do still require and strongly consider your SAT scores.) Let’s take a look at the different policies and which schools no longer require applicants to submit their scores for admission. Go to www.fairtest.org for more info
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Looking for an alternative to college?
VSAC is a fantastic resource for college and non college bound students www.vsac.org
VT DOL Apprenticeship Site - This Web site features detailed information on Vermont Registered Apprenticeships, employer-sponsored training programs that offer both supervised work experience and related instruction.
https://labor.vermont.gov/workforce-development/job-training-education-and-apprenticeship/apprenticeship or https://www.apprenticeship.gov/
Youth Mental Health First Aid at WCMH
Community Forums with the Superintendent
Bolton Ski and Ride - January 2025!
Scholarship Opportunities!
The U-32 Student Services Office strongly urges all students and parents to frequent the scholarship section on the Naviance Family Connection site. Scholarships are updated weekly.
$40,000 (130 Awards)
Deadline: January 31, 2025
$8,000 (1 Award)
Dr. Aura-Lee A. and James Hobbs Pittenger American History Scholarship
Deadline: January 31, 2025
$2,000 (16 Awards)
Deadline: February 3, 2025
$1,000 (1 Award)
Deadline: February 10, 2025
$3,500 (1 Award)
College Mix Christian College Scholarship
Deadline: May 31, 2025
$1,000 (50 Awards)
ScholarshipOwl No Essay Scholarship
Deadline: January 29, 2025
Cancer Pathways Teen Writing Contest
Student Services Calendar and Checklist for Seniors
January
- ACT information
- January 17: Start of Quarter 3.
- Students admitted by Early Decision must withdraw applications to other schools. Deferred students should consider sending in additional letters of recommendation and other supplementary materials.
- Where possible, set up interviews with admissions officers or alumni interviewers.
- Check in with your Counselor.
- January 30: CVCC Shadow Day
- ACT information
- SAT information
- February 4: 9th Grade Information Night for 8th Grade Parents & Students @ U-32 at 6:30pm in auditorium (in person) - More information below.
- February 11: 7th Grade Parent/Guardian Information Night for Rising 7th grade families at 6:30pm in auditorium (in person)
- February 15: Recommended FAFSA deadline.
- Contact colleges to confirm they’ve received all your application materials.
- February 21: CVCC Preview Day
- Continue the scholarship search. Check out fastweb.com and finaid.org for ideas.
- Use February/March break to visit colleges.
- Check in with your Counselor.
March
- Use February/March break to visit colleges.
- Some states have FAFSA deadlines as early as March 1.
- March 12: Program of Studies and Course Selection Sheets to students grades 7-11 during Callback
- March 14: CVCC Acceptance Letters sent out
- March 12-21: TA Advising Conferences begin - all grades
- March 12-21: Scheduling conferences with 8th & 10th grade TAs, parents and students
- March 21: Last day to make changes to course requests with TAs
- April 10: Start of Quarter 4
- Keep your grades up. Study hard for exams. Colleges take senior grades seriously. Colleges will want a final transcript and expect to see a strong senior year. Any serious drop in grades or level of difficulty could result in your acceptance being rescinded.
- Early May: Next year schedules to students
- May: Schedule adjustments
June
- June 10: Move Up Day
9th Grade Transition Night – for 8th Grade Parent/Guardians & Students
February 4th @ 6:30 PM – U-32 Auditorium
This is an evening for 8th graders and parents to learn about course selection for 9th grade, and the transition to high school. This program gives an overview of the transition to high school and provides opportunities for questions. The program is conducted by Rebecca Tatistcheff, Principal, Ellen Cooke, Counselor, & Lisa LaPlante, Director of Student Services
In the weeks following this program individual meetings will be scheduled with 8th grade TAs to select courses for 9th grade. Watch for more information on these meetings.
Stressed out? Need some ideas on how to manage your stress?
They a few of these coping skills:
Exercise (running, walking, etc.).
Put on fake tattoos.
Write (poetry, stories, journal).
Scribble/doodle on paper.
Be with other people.
Watch a favorite TV show.
Post on web boards, and answer others' posts.
Go see a movie.
Do a word search or crossword.
Do schoolwork.
Play a musical instrument.
Paint your nails, do your make-up or hair.
Sing.
Study the sky.
Punch a punching bag.
Cover yourself with Band-Aids where you want to cut.
Let yourself cry.
Take a nap (only if you are tired).
Take a hot shower or relaxing bath.
Play with a pet.
Go shopping.
Clean something.
Knit or sew.
Read a good book.
Listen to music.
Try some aromatherapy (candle, lotion, room spray).
Meditate.
Go somewhere very public.
Bake cookies.
Alphabetize your song list/books.
Paint or draw.
Rip paper into itty-bitty pieces.
Shoot hoops, kick a ball.
Write a letter or send an email.
Plan your dream room (colors/furniture).
Hug a pillow or stuffed animal.
Hyper focus on something like a rock, hand, etc.
Dance.
Make hot chocolate, milkshake or smoothie.
Play with modeling clay or Play-Dough.
Build a pillow fort.
Go for a nice, long drive/walk.
Complete something you've been putting off.
Take up a new hobby.
Look up recipes, cook a meal.
Look at pretty things, like flowers or art.
Create or build something.
Make a list of blessings in your life.
Go to a friend's house.
Jump on a trampoline.
Watch an old, happy movie.
Contact a hotline/ your therapist.
Talk to someone close to you.
Ride a bicycle.
Feed the ducks, birds, or squirrels.
Color with Crayons.
Memorize a poem, play, or song.
Stretch.
Search for ridiculous things on the internet.
“Shop” on-line (without buying anything).
Color-coordinate your wardrobe.
Make a CD/playlist of your favorite songs.
Play the “15 minute game.” (Avoid something for 15 minutes, when time is up start again.)
Plan your wedding/prom/other event.
Plant some seeds.
Hunt for your perfect home or car on-line.
Try to make as many words out of your full name as possible.
Sort through your photographs.
Play with a balloon.
Give yourself a facial.
Find yourself some toys and play.
Start collecting something.
Play video/computer games.
Clean up trash at your local park.
Perform a random act of kindness for someone.
Text or call an old friend.
Write yourself an "I love you because…" letter.
Look up new words and use them.
Rearrange furniture.
Write a letter to someone that you may never send.
Smile at least five people.
Play with little kids.
Go for a walk (with or without a friend).
Put a puzzle together.
Clean your room /closet.
Try to do handstands, cartwheels, or backbends.
Yoga.
Teach your pet a new trick.
Learn a new language.
Move EVERYTHING in your room to a new spot.
Get together with friends and play Frisbee, soccer or basketball.
Hug a friend or family member.
Search on-line for new songs/artists.
Make a list of goals for the week/month/year/5 years.
Face paint.
Yearbook Info!
Seniors and their families, please see this important information about senior quotes, farewells, younger photos, and family dedication ads.
Here is the link to purchase your yearbook!
You can also purchase your yearbook from Sara Wolf in the technology office. Please bring cash or a check made payable to U-32. Yearbooks will be distributed in June.
If you have any questions please email yearbook@u32.org or call Sara Wolf at 802-229-0321 ext. 5107.
U-32 Boosters Club Needs Your Help!
The U32 Boosters are looking for a couple of volunteers to help with the concession stand at the JV/V girls and boys basketball games. Even if it is just for an hour or so. Super easy and fun!
If you can lend a hand please see the attached schedule and add your name and phone number. If you have any questions please reach out to u32boosterclub@gmail.com
2024-2025 Concession Schedule:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1eFnWCsoOq68ee8Rp6Q0fsLr0uZ2AxeyGNYJbdmaxQ30/edit?usp=sharing
GO RAIDERS!!!
