Dear U-32 Families, Students, and Caregivers,

Welcome back from break. This short week was full of activity. Last night was our second middle and high school concert of the year. Thank you for the great turn out; our musicians put on a great show. A special thank you to our high school students, Hazel and Baker, who helped with lighting!

For the past two years, a team of adults has spent February Break in Nepal forming a partnership with the Thangpal Valley School, a kindergarten through 12th grade public school in a rural region of Nepal. This year, 9 of us from across WCUUSD visited to engage in a learning experience aimed at being able to expand our partnership work and bring students in the coming year. Students from TVS shared their community and culture through a community day. And, teachers from WCUUSD engaged students in lessons, answered questions, and built relationships across communities. The experience was incredibly impactful. Moving into next year, we are excited to continue to deepen that partnership and move beyond letter writing to include a cultural exchange where students have the opportunity visit and learn and work alongside students from TVS.

Finally, tonight we have both the Middle School Dance and Hockey Playoffs. Good luck to our boys hockey team!

Best,

Becca

Dear U-32 Community,

It is time for our Spring Parent/Teacher Student Conferences on Wednesday March 19 & Friday, March 21. We will have virtual and in-person time slots available for families to meet.

Wednesday, March 19 ~ VIRTUAL ONLY (2:20 - 3:50) time slots for students/parents in 8th Grade Cores (Cedar, Maple, Spruce), and High School Off-Team Teachers. Please do not sign up for a Team Conference with a Team Teacher during this time.

Friday, March 21 ~ VIRTUAL (8:00 - 10:15) and IN-PERSON (10:30 - 3:15) time slots for students/parents in 8th Grade Core (Cedar, Maple, Spruce), 9th Grade Teams (A & B), 10th Grade Teams (C & D), and all other middle and high school teachers who teach classes off-core or off-team.

**Please choose your timeslot carefully because some are in-person and some are virtual!

Additional Grade level Information:

• 7th Grade families will only be able to sign up for Conferences with off-core teachers (Visual/Performing Arts, World Language, Health/PE) for classes in quarter three. Families can also sign up to meet with the TA. 7th Grade students should attend their conferences.

• 8th Grade Core conferences will take place within 15 minute time slots, and each conference will last roughly 12 minutes to allow for transition time. 8th grade students are expected to attend and conferences will be 'student led.' 8th Grade families should only sign up for one Core time slot. It will be with two of the Core teachers who will have information from the other two Core teachers. This is so that we can see more families. Please only sign up for one meeting with the Core team. In-Person meetings will occur in one of the Core classrooms.

• 9th Grade families will sign up for one meeting with their student's team. It will be with two of the team teachers who will have information from the other two team teachers. This is so that we can see more families. Please only sign up for one meeting with the team. If you are coming to an in-person meeting, they are meeting in classrooms on the second floor. Our hope is that our 9th grade students will attend the meetings as well.

• 10th Grade families will sign up for one meeting with their student's team. If the meeting is virtual, it will be with two of the team teachers who will have information from the other two team teachers. Please only sign up for one meeting with the team. This is so that we can see more families. If meeting In-Person, it will be with individual teachers. If you are coming to an in-person meeting, the meeting will be held in classrooms on the second floor. Our hope is that our 10th grade students will attend the meetings as well.

• 11th and 12th Grade families will sign up for meetings with individual teachers. Please note that teachers who teach 9th and 10th grade students AND 11th and 12th students may have limited slots due to their team conferences.

You can find your child's teachers and sign up at this link: https://ptcfast.com/schools/U32

On March 26th U-32 will administer the Youth Risk Behavior Survey in extended TA to students grade 7-12. Click here for more information.

U-32 will administer the Vermont Comprehensive Assessment Program VT CAP ELA & MATH to students in grades 7, 8 & 9 on April 3rd. This will be a non-attendance day for grades 10, 11, 12. CVCC students are expected at CVCC.

• 8th grade science test will be administered the following week in core classes

• 11th grade science test will be administered in US History classes

As in previous years, our school board has chosen to participate in the Winooski Valley Regional Public School Choice Collaborative for 2025-2026. Through this program and the state school choice program, students may apply to go to any public high school in Vermont at no cost. The Vermont Legislature passed a law in May 2012 (Act 129, Sec. 34. § 822d 2A) which allows high school students to apply through school choice to any public high school in Vermont. This law sets rules for school districts regarding the number of entering and exiting student slots allowed through school choice. Students are chosen by lottery from all the applicants for each school district based on the number of open slots. You may view school choice information at the Vermont Agency of Education website:

http://education.vermont.gov/vermont-schools/school-operations/public-schools/public-high-school-choice.

If your student is interested in attending a high school outside of your district next year, please contact U-32 Student Services to obtain a school choice application by calling 802-229-0322 or emailing tmartin@u32.org. Completed applications must be received in Student Services by Friday, February 21, 2025. You will be informed of the outcome of the lottery by April 1, 2025. You will need to confirm whether your student will accept or decline the placement by April 15, 2025. If you do not confirm placement by this date, your slot may be given to another student if the school has a waiting list. If you have any questions, please call Tracy Martin at 802-229-0322 or email tmartin@u32.org.

**Parents are responsible for providing their student's transportation if they are chosen.**

Students and families:

Explore Flexible Pathways opportunities at Norwich University. Attend our exclusive webinar to gain valuable insights into both the Early College and Dual Enrollment programs.

Webinar Details:

Register Today!

During the webinar you'll learn about:

The Application Process, Enrollment Timeline, How We Support You ...and more!

I look forward to sharing all of the wonderful opportunities Norwich has to offer you. If you have any questions or need further information, don’t hesitate to reach out!

BETA HIGH SCHOOL JOB SHADOW EXPERIENCE

OVERVIEW

BETA is a Burlington, Vermont-based aerospace manufacturer developing fully electric aircraft and related charging networks. During BETA’s 2025 High School Job Shadow Experience, students explore STEM careers like Flight Simulation, 3-D Printing, Fleet Maintenance, Batteries, Carpentry, Composites, Software, Manufacturing, Motors, and Electronics. During the 4-day summer immersion program, students shadow professionals in the field and culminate their experience with a professional development workshop and presentation. This program is hosted at various BETA locations in South Burlington, VT, and offers a firsthand look into the world of electric aviation.

ELIGIBILITY

Applicants must be enrolled in high school and be at least 16 years old. A total of 14-16 students will be accepted. Ideal candidates display a positive attitude, willingness to learn, enthusiasm, and curiosity! Applicants will be required to submit a resume and cover letter, upon receipt, they will be invited to a Video Interview.

IMPORTANT INFO

• The application is open until APRIL 1, 2025 and will be available on our website: www.beta.team/careers
• Selected students will be notified by JUNE 1, 2025
• The program will run on Wednesdays: JULY 9, JULY 16, JULY 23, and JULY 30, 2025
• Availability on these dates is required for acceptance.

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.

IMPORTANT GRADING INFORMATION

Report Card Dates for 2024-2025

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

COURSE SELECTION for 2025-2026

Current students in grades 7-11 will receive a U-32 Program of Studies on March 12th during TA/Callback. Students should work with their TAs and parents/guardians to finalize their course requests by March 26th. Scheduling conferences will be held for students in grade 8 and 10. Parents/guardians of 8th & 10th grade students, please contact your student’s TA if you have yet to schedule a meeting.

Incoming high school students will receive their schedules in May. Times will be allotted in May for students to make any changes to their schedules.

Move Up Day (for incoming 7-12 graders) is scheduled for June 10th and additional information will follow.

Finalized schedules will be mailed home in June with Quarter 4 report cards.

SAT TESTING DATES (register online at www.collegeboard.com)

Test Date (Deadline to Register)

May 3rd (April 18th)

June 7th (May 22nd)

ACT TESTING DATES (register online at www.actstudent.org)

Test Date (Deadline to Register)

June 14th (May 9th)

July 12th (June 6th)

UVM Summer Academy

Designed for motivated high school students who have completed 10th, 11th, or 12th grade, the University of Vermont’s Summer Academy is an outstanding, academically challenging 4-week program (2 weeks on-campus, 2 weeks online) that provides students with the opportunity to earn credits, explore a specific area of career interest, experience college life and showcase their talent and ambition to college recruiters.

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

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

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/

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.

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The Middlesex Community Fund is a resource to Middlesex families and the broader community. They support grants to meet basic needs, education scholarships, camp scholarships, community projects and disaster responses.

Education Scholarships are for tuition, fees, room and board, course-required books, travel, equipment, and more. The typical amount is for $300 though any reasonable amount will be considered. They must be applied for by May 1 of each year. For an application, click here. MCF scholarships are limited to students residing in Middlesex (part time or full time). For more information, please email : amy.rose.vt@gmail.com

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1) Folds of Honor Scholarship - $5,000 – 100 Awards (Deadline: March 31, 2025)

To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:

A) Be a family member of US military personnel.

B) Be enrolled or planning to enroll in a program of study at an accredited college or university, or an accredited technical or trade school program, which results in a certificate or license.

Applications can be found by going to:

https://studentscholarships.org/scholarship/19711/folds-of-honor-scholarship

2) SM Scholarship - $2,000 - 12 Awards (Deadline: March 31, 2025)

To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:

A) Be currently enrolled as a high school junior or senior.

B) Be a legal resident of the United States, the District of Columbia or any US Territory.

Applications can be found by going to:

https://studentscholarships.org/scholarship/18358/sm-scholarship

3) Society of Women Engineers Scholarship - $10,000 - 330 Awards (Deadline: March 31, 2025)

To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:

A) Be studying engineering or computer science full time at the collegiate level in the upcoming academic year.

B) Have a high school GPA above 3.5 and identify as a woman.

Applications can be found by going to:

https://studentscholarships.org/scholarship/8914/society-of-women-engineers-scholarship

4) Herbert Lehman Scholarship - $12,000 - 3 Awards (Deadline: April 1, 2025)

To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:

A) Demonstrate financial need (combined family income of $70,000 or less).

B) Be a graduating high school senior, a first-year student in an accredited four-year college, or a student transferring into an accredited four-year college.

Applications can be found by going to:

https://studentscholarships.org/scholarship/15814/herbert-lehman-scholarship

5) ALPA Scholarship - $60,000 - 1 Award (Deadline: April 1, 2025)

To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:

A) Be enrolling as a college freshman or already be enrolled in college.

B) Be a child of a medically retired, long-term disabled, or deceased pilot member of the ALP Association.

Applications can be found by going to:

https://studentscholarships.org/scholarship/10411/alpa-scholarship

6) Redefining Victory Scholarship - $2,500 - 8 Awards (Deadline: April 1, 2025)

To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:

A) Be planning on attending a community college, university, trade school, or certificate program in the fall.

B) Be enrolled in a public, private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States or be a dependent of U.S. military or civilian personnel in an overseas school.

Applications can be found by going to:

https://studentscholarships.org/scholarship/27821/redefining-victory-scholarship

7) Water Ski Foundation Scholarships - $10,000 - 27 Awards (Deadline: April 1, 2025)

To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:

A) Be an incoming freshman through senior at a two (2) or four (4) year accredited college or university.

B) Participate in the sport of water skiing, as a skier, rider, barefooter, volunteer, or official.

Applications can be found by going to:

https://studentscholarships.org/scholarship/9492/water-ski-foundation-scholarships

8) Distinguished Young Women Scholarship Program - $50,000 - 50 Awards (Deadline: April 1, 2025)

To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:

A) Be a graduating high school senior interested in pursuing a college in the fall.

B) Compete in all of these categories: Scholastics, Interview, Talent, Fitness and Self-Expression.

Applications can be found by going to:

https://studentscholarships.org/scholarship/10005/distinguished-young-women-scholarship-program

9) Young Women in Public Affairs Award - $5,000 - 37 Awards (Deadline: April 1, 2025)

To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:

A) Be a woman, aged 16-19, living in a Zonta district or who are citizens of a Zonta country.

B) Show an active commitment to volunteerism.

Applications can be found by going to:

https://studentscholarships.org/scholarship/14063/young-women-in-public-affairs-award

10) Vicki Soto Memorial Scholarship - $12,000 - 4 Awards (Deadline: April 1, 2025)

To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:

A) Be a full-time senior student at an accredited 4-year high school graduating in the spring of 2025.

B) Intend to pursue a career in education at an accredited college.

Applications can be found by going to:

https://studentscholarships.org/scholarship/26499/vicki-soto-memorial-scholarship

11) Chief Petty Officer Scholarship - $5,000 – 52 Awards (Deadline: April 1, 2025)

To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:

A) Be a dependent child, step-child, or a non-uniformed spouse of a US Navy Active Duty, Retired, Honorably Discharged, Reserve or deceased Chief, Senior Chief, or Master Chief Petty Officer of the United States Navy.

Applications can be found by going to:

https://studentscholarships.org/scholarship/30000/chief-petty-officer-scholarship

12) American Nuclear Society Scholarship - $5,000 - 96 Awards (Deadline: April 1, 2025)

To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:

A) Be planning to enroll in a course of study related to nuclear science or nuclear engineering at an accredited university in the United States.

B) Demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, career goals, and financial need.

Applications can be found by going to:

https://studentscholarships.org/scholarship/9785/american-nuclear-society-scholarships

13) Boomer Esiason Foundation Scholarships - $10,000 - 20 Awards (Deadline: Apr. 18, 2025)

To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:

A) Be enrolling in college or university in the fall of 2025.

B) Have been diagnosed with cystic fibrosis.

Applications can be found by going to:

https://studentscholarships.org/scholarship/9464/boomer-esiason-foundation-academic-scholarships

14) Odenza Vacations Scholarship - $500 - 1 Award (Deadline: May 1, 2025)

To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:

A) Be between the ages of 17 and 24 on September 1st.

B) Submit an answer to the essay question prior to the deadline.

Applications can be found by going to:

https://studentscholarships.org/scholarship/10666/odenza-vacations-college-scholarship

15) Review It Scholarship - $1,000 - 1 Award (Deadline: May 15, 2025)

To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:

A) Be attending college or university no later than September of 2025.

B) Have a GPA of 2.5 or greater and plan on attending a school in the United States.

Applications can be found by going to:

https://studentscholarships.org/scholarship/13677/review_it_scholarship

March

• ACT information
• SAT information
• 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.

• Regular Decision admissions letters begin to arrive.

• Discuss the financial aid package provided by each school with your family. If you haven’t received financial aid packages by early April call to make sure all necessary materials arrived.

• Attend admitted students’ weekends at college campuses.

• Use April break for any additional campus visits.

• If you are on a wait list set up a meeting with your counselor to discuss options.

• Celebrate with family and friends!

• Send in the acceptance notice to your chosen school. Make sure to send in your deposit.

• Decline offers of admission from remaining colleges.

• Early May: Next year schedules to students
• May: Schedule adjustments

June

• June 10: Move Up Day

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.