page background

Updates from U-32

October 25, 2024

Updates fromU-32October 25, 2024

Principal's Update

Dear U-32 Students, Families, and Caregivers,


It was an active week of student learning and celebration this week. Thursday evening was our first fall concert. Our musicians work hard in a very short amount of time to perform together. For some of our 7th graders it is just a few months into performing with larger ensembles and they have the opportunity to try new instruments as well. One quarter is not a long time for a band to come together and perform such quality pieces; it was a testament to both the hard work of our students and the work of our music teachers. This year we also welcomed Jazz Band back to our stage after a 3 year hiatus. I can’t wait to hear where they go and look forward to seeing our MS Jazz Ensemble begin their work.


Today, the League of Women Voters was here helping to educate students on the processes and importance of voting and other forms of civic engagement. Students had a call back presentation led by Elly Budliger, a senior here at U-32; this was a great example of student leadership and civic mindedness. As we get closer to the election, I hope you’ll take an opportunity to review the policy passed by the School Board on the importance of fostering civil discourse in service of student learning. You can find that policy here.


Lastly, our Student Council organized a successful Thirdspace Fair that featured student clubs, affinity groups, callback activities, and leadership opportunities. It was a joy to see our student leaders share their interests and invite others to join co-curricular activities here at U-32. I look forward to continuing the work of fostering student voices through their leadership in these activities.


As we look to next week, please make sure you are familiar with the expectations around Halloween.


Best,

Becca


Rebecca Tatistcheff, Principal U-32

Halloween Expectations at U-32

Dressing up for Halloween at U-32


Guidelines on how we can enjoy the fun of Halloween and do it in a safe, inclusive, and respectful manner


No Full Face Coverings – Costumes should allow your face to be seen for safety and recognition. Masks that cover the entire face are not permitted.


No Weapons (Real or Fake) – Do not bring any weapons or props that look like weapons (e.g., swords, knives, guns, etc.) as part of your costume, even if they are fake.


Avoid Costumes with Blood or Gore – Costumes that include excessive blood, gore, or violence are not appropriate for school and can be unsettling for others.


No Appropriation of Other Cultures – Avoid costumes that disrespect or stereotype cultures or people. For example, dressing as a Native American, using cultural clothing like kimonos or saris for a costume, or wearing an item like a feathered headdress is not respectful. If you are not sure, check with an administrator before you decide what to wear.


Keep It School-Appropriate – Costumes should be fun but still appropriate for the school environment. Costumes that promote violence, drug use, or offensive behavior are not allowed in a school setting. Avoid anything that’s too revealing, scary, or offensive to others. Follow the dress code and any additional school rules regarding Halloween costumes. Just because it’s Halloween doesn’t mean normal policies don’t apply.


Keep Movement Free – Choose costumes that allow you to move easily and participate in regular school activities without hindrance.


Be Kind and Inclusive – Halloween is meant to be fun for everyone who wishes to participate. Be mindful of others’ feelings and don’t exclude others or make fun of or criticize anyone’s costume.

Middle School Halloween Dance Information!

Hi Middle School Families,


We are excited to announce that we are hosting a Halloween Dance Party on Friday, November 1st from 7:00 - 9:00 pm at U-32.


Here is some important info about the dance:


- Please drop your students off between 7:00-7:15pm (no earlier than 7pm please), and pick them up between 8:45-9:00 pm (no later than 9pm). It is important to pick them up by 9:00 pm so that we know everyone is safe and so that all our awesome volunteers can go home.


-Unfortunately, students cannot stay at U-32 between the end of school (or practice) and the dance. They must go home and be brought back to school at 7:00 pm. Please consider carpooling for ease, and if your student really wants to come but has no way to get here, reach out and we will see if we can help find a nearby family that is driving to the dance.


-Sending your student off for their first dance is a pretty huge deal and transition. If you are feeling uncomfortable, please feel free to come in and talk to us. You will not be able to go inside the dance as this night is for the students, but we will help put your mind at ease.


- The dance is free! The dress code is costumes or semi-formal, semi-formal meaning anything that makes the students feel comfortable. If students do wear costumes please know that they must be school-appropriate (no drugs, alcohol, weapons, blood, etc.), and no full face masks are allowed.


-The students would love to have cookies or other easy-to-eat snacks. We are looking for interested people to volunteer to make cookies or other snacks. Please be sure to include a list of ingredients so that students with allergies and diet restraints will know what they are able to eat. Gluten-free snacks would be a wonderful addition. You are welcome to send the snacks in on Friday morning with your student and have them bring the snacks to room 119. Thanks so much for your consideration!


Thanks, Everyone! Question? Please email me: kdy@u32.org

Krista Dy Art Teacher and Spirit Leader

U-32 Fall Craft Show!

Students Representing U-32 at the Winooski Valley Music Festival!

Library After Dark at Kellogg Hubbard Library, Saturday, October 26th!

Marine Ecology Opportunity for U-32 Students

Marine Ecology, a course available to U-32 students in current grades 9-12, is an innovative course that combines face-to-face learning, online discussion, and a research experience abroad. Students will delve deep into Earth’s oceans and study ocean geology, biology, ecology, zoology, chemistry, and how humans impact ocean ecosystems. Students will investigate characteristics of marine food webs, distribution patterns of aquatic life, and threats to our precious underwater ecosystems.


The second half of the course will center around preparing for a July trip to Bermuda. In Bermuda, students will be intimately involved with marine research, collecting fish biodiversity data while snorkeling in coral reefs and other marine ecosystems.


For more info and to sign up, please visit https://northbranchnaturecenter.org/marine.

PACE Vermont Study Recruiting Participants

The PACE Vermont Study, a partnership between the Vermont Department of Health and the Rutgers Institute for Nicotine & Tobacco Studies, is recruiting new participants (ages 12-25) to assess the impact of state-level policies and communication campaigns on substance use beliefs and behaviors.


Participants will complete online surveys twice a year starting in Winter 2024, and each survey takes only 10-15 minutes to complete from home. Participants can earn up to $75 in gift cards for participating.

News from the Student Services Office

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.


IMPORTANT GRADING INFORMATION


Report Card Dates for 2024-2025


Semester 1

Quarter 1 HS/MS Progress Report - Available Friday, November 1, 2024

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


SAT / ACT Test Preparation (FREE On-line)

Go For Launch! STEM Opportunity


“Go For Launch! delivers a multi-day (Nov 2-3), in-person, truly out-of-this-world experience to 8th-12th grade students leveraging spaceflight and space exploration the launchpad for students to develop and strengthen their skills in STEM, teamwork, communication, research design, and leadership. Go For Launch! students work side-by-side with an astronaut for the entire event - learning growing and developing the life-long skills that create a successful, meaningful future. Registration deadline: October 28, 2024”


Go For Launch! Norwich University | Norwich University


Since 2015, 1,500 students across the United States have attended more than 50 GFL! events! To date, 12 student-designed experiments from Go For Launch! have launched to the International Space Station (ISS) and one GFL! student-designed experiment has been flown in suborbital space. Four more student experiments are scheduled to be launched on SpaceX-27 and even more are scheduled to launch later this year and next.


-------


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/


-------


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


-------


SAT / ACT Test preparation FREE


SAT test prep is offered free through Khan Academy by matching your PSAT scores. Students will learn about how to match their accounts at the December callback when they learn how to interpret their scores. ACT also offers free online ACT test prep.

Join us November 15th to Support the U-32 French Trip

Scholarship Opportunities!

The scholarships below are accepting applications between October 29th, 2024, and May 31st, 2025. For more details about each scholarship and the eligibility requirements, read the details below carefully.



$20,000 (100 Awards)

Equitable Excellence Scholarship

Deadline: December 18, 2024

For Eligibility: Click Here


$5,000 (80 Awards)

DECA Student Scholarships

Deadline: January 10, 2025

For Eligibility: Click Here


$1,000 (1 Award)

Avoiding Probate Pitfalls Scholarship

Deadline: February 10, 2025

For Eligibility: Click Here


$1,000 (2 Awards)

Daughters of American Agriculture Scholarship

Deadline: March 1, 2025

For Eligibility: Click Here


$25,000 (1 Award)

Be Bold Scholarship

Deadline: November 1, 2024

For Eligibility: Click Here


$50,000 (1 Award)

Niche Scholarships

Deadline: December 31, 2024

For Eligibility: Click Here


$3,500 (1 Award)

College Mix Christian College Scholarship

Deadline: May 31, 2025

For Eligibility: Click Here


$2,000 (12 Awards)

SM Scholarship

Deadline: October 31, 2024

For Eligibility: Click Here


$1,000 (50 Awards)

ScholarshipOwl No Essay Scholarship

Deadline: October 29, 2024

For Eligibility: Click Here

College Calendar and Checklist for Seniors

October

  • ACT information

  • Check out commonapp.org to see which colleges accept the common application.

  • Meet with college representatives virtually.

  • Many colleges use data from CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE to provide nonfederal financial aid. Begin applying online at profileonline.collegeboard.com.

  • Finish a draft of your essay.

  • Ask teachers for recommendations. Have a resume to give teachers to help them out.

  • Heads up for Early Decision and Early Action deadlines – they usually fall on either November 1 st or 15th. Early Action deadline at UVM is November 1.

  • Arrange campus visits

November

  • November 4th - SAT

  • SAT Reasoning & SAT Subject Tests information

  • ACT information

  • Meet with college representatives virtually.

  • Check with your teachers, coaches, and/or TA to ensure that letters of recommendation are sent on time.

  • Mail applications for colleges with “rolling” deadlines as soon as possible.

  • Keep polishing your essay.

  • Continue to attend meetings with college representations.

  • Check in with your counselor.

  • Remember; Colleges take senior grades seriously.

December

  • SAT Reasoning & SAT Subject Tests

  • ACT information

  • 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.

Yearbook Info!

Purchase your yearbook early! You can customize it!


Seniors and their families! See THIS important information about senior quotes, farewells, younger photos and family dedication ads.


If you purchase your yearbook before October 31, 2024: your yearbook will be $35.00 and icons are FREE. If you purchase your yearbook between October 31, 2024 and December 31, 2024 your yearbook will be $35.00 before customizing. If you 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 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.

Winter Dance Classes at Dance and Movement Center

The Dance and Movement Center aims to be an accessible, collaborative, inclusive space.


We hope to provide a safe space for people to connect with their own bodies as well as other like-minded individuals. Serving all ages, with many different avenues to connect through movement and dance, in a joyful and inclusive atmosphere.


We offer 3 different programs:


U-32 Boosters Club

Interested in knowing more about the U-32 Booster Club?


Email Melissa at u32boosterclub@gmail.com

U-32 Tandem Calendar & U-32 Chronicle

U-32 Middle & High School
U-32 is using Smore to create our weekly newsletters