Updates from U-32
December 13, 2024
Principal's Update
Dear U-32 Students, Families, and Caregivers,
Yesterday, I had the privilege of accompanying four members of the Student Council to the Vermont Vision for Youth Success Action Symposium. This day, co-facilitated by the Vermont Council on Rural Development and UpforLearning, brought together young people and adults from around the state to work together on the question, what would it take for young people to thrive in our state and communities? Together, we looked at the Vermont Vision for Youth Success Report that was the culmination of listening sessions and youth forums throughout the state. The conversations were rich and generative, and the U-32 community was well represented by our student leaders. Youth leadership is part of our work in the U-32 community and we left yesterday with some concrete plans to create a framework for decision making about how we create a system for change through youth-led initiatives in our school community. Student Council members continue to work with UpforLearning to identify and create action plans around initiatives that are important to the young people they represent. I hope that work can serve as a model for how youth and adults can work in partnership on initiatives moving forward.
Best,
Becca
Hadestown: Teen Edition - Tickets Available Now!
U-32 and Montpelier High School are teaming up to bring you Hadestown Teen Edition!
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...
Food Resources For All - Holiday Edition
Upcoming Family of Color Affinity Group Meeting
The Family of Color Affinity group will be meeting on Tuesday, December 17, from 5:30-7:00 at the U-32 Library. We will be joined by Rebecca Tatistcheff, Principal of U32.
In addition we will be continuing to discuss the Process for Responding to Hateful or Harassing Speech, along with any additional topics that may be brought up.
We hope to se you there!
U-32 Library: Highlights & Happenings
Coffee and Conversation with the Superintendent
CVCC Applications Due by December 18th
If you are interested in applying to the Central Vermont Career Center for the 2025-2026 school year, the application window opens on November 21st. Students can apply here. Current CVCC students need to reapply each year.
The deadline for applying in "round 1" is December 18th.
Application process:
1. Apply (current CVCC students need to reapply each year)
2. Attend the Shadow Day (date TBD 2025)
3. Attend the Program Preview Day (date TBD 2025)
4. Decisions for Round 1 will be released in late March 2025.
If students need assistance with the application, please make an appointment with your U-32 School Counselor. And be sure to watch your emails in the new year for additional information about Shadow & Program Preview days.
U-32 French Trip Bottle Drive
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/
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.
$20,000 (2 Awards)
Diversity Advancement Scholarship
Deadline: January 10, 2025
$1,000 (20 Awards)
DFA Cares Foundation Scholarship
Deadline: January 10, 2025
$35,000 (50 Awards)
American Quarter Horse Association Scholarships
Deadline: January 15, 2025
$1,000 (1 Award)
Jet Future Business Leaders Scholarship
Deadline: January 31, 2025
$25,000 (1 Award)
Deadline: January 1, 2025
$50,000 (1 Award)
Deadline: December 31, 2024
$3,500 (1 Award)
College Mix Christian College Scholarship
Deadline: May 31, 2025
$2,000 (12 Awards)
Deadline: December 31, 2024
$1,000 (50 Awards)
ScholarshipOwl No Essay Scholarship
Deadline: December 29, 2024
Cancer Pathways Teen Writing Contest
College Calendar and Checklist for Seniors
December
Put the finishing touches on your essay. Be sure to proofread!
Try to wrap up applications before winter break. Photocopy all application materials before sending them in.
Send standardized test scores to your colleges. It can be done electronically at collegeboard.com or by phone at 800-SAT-SCORE.
Early Decision and Early Action letters start arriving this month. Check with individual schools to confirm dates. Good luck!
Regular applicants: call admissions offices to set up interviews if needed.
Complete CSS Profile if you haven’t already done so
Check in with your Counselor.
- 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.
- Talk to friends home from college on break.
- Where possible, set up interviews with admissions officers or alumni interviewers.
- Check in with your Counselor.
- 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.
- Keep your grades up.
- 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.
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.
Yearbook Info!
Seniors and their families, please see this important information about senior quotes, farewells, younger photos, and family dedication ads.
Purchase your yearbook before December 31, 2024, for $35.00
Purchase your yearbook after December 31, 2024, your yearbook will be $40.00
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.
