On the Horizon

Considering the traffic and safety concerns associated with the April 8, 2024 solar eclipse in Vermont, the Champlain Valley Superintendents Association in consultation with local authorities and representatives from NASA, are moving forward with the early dismissal for students on this date. This proactive measure would prioritize the safety of our students, ensuring that they are not caught in the potential traffic congestion and safety hazards that could arise due to the eclipse's significant public interest.

The path of the eclipse moves directly across the Champlain Valley including areas north and south of Burlington. Although it is hard to imagine, it is anticipated that more than 250,000 people will travel to this area alone to view the eclipse. This does not account for those of us already living here. It is anticipated that eclipse goers will begin to line up along major traffic corridors and side roads beginning mid-day. The eclipse is scheduled to end in totality at 3:30 and partially at 4:30 creating traffic congestion that could potentially last until 6:30 p.m.

For these reasons, students will be dismissed on a regular Early-Release schedule on April 8th to provide ample time for them to arrive home safely. There will be no after-school or evening events. This includes child care. We will be providing Eclipse viewing kits for each student to take home. These will include safe viewing glasses and other information.

Sheila Soule

HOBY Youth Leadership Ambassadors

Every year, each high school in the United States may choose at least one sophomore to represent them at their state’s Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership (HOBY) Conference. This year, Vergennes Union High School’s HOBY Ambassadors are Calvin Almeida and Phoebe Raphael. Calvin and Phoebe were nominated and selected for this honor based on their demonstrated and potential leadership skills and traits. Calvin and Phoebe will attend the Vermont HOBY Seminar on May 23-26. This year’s seminar will be held at Vermont State University (Randolph Campus). The HOBY Vermont seminar brings select young leaders, with similar passions from all regions across the state, together in one location. HOBY Vermont provides ambassadors with experiences and opportunities to better the talents and skills that they already possess through a variety of activities. These include, but are not limited to, guest speakers, entrepreneurship workshops, team building activities, cultural awareness exercises, volunteer service projects, and social/personal leadership development. Congratulations Calvin and Phoebe!

Reminder - AP Exam Balances are Due

If you are taking an AP exam and you owe a balance for your exam fee(s), this is a reminder that the balance is due on or before Friday, April 5th. You can pay by cash or check made payable to ANWSD. Reach out to Anne Vincent (avincent@anwsd.org) in the School Counseling Office if you have any questions,

VSAC’s College & Career Pathways Event for Families

Families are invited to attend the free event on Saturday, March 23 (see this flyer), with options to participate in-person at the University of Vermont or online via Zoom. All sessions will also be recorded for future viewing. You can find more information and additional college and career planning resources for families at vsac.org/ccp \

Free MedQuest Health Careers Expo for Students

Southern Vermont Area Health Education Center (AHEC) in partnership with Come Alive Outside, is hosting a MedQuest Health Careers Expo on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, 3-7pm, at the Rutland Recreation & Community Center, 134 Community Drive, Rutland. Admission is FREE and the event is designed specifically for 14–21-year-olds, but all are welcome! There will be an array of health career-related activities and amazing demonstrations with over 20 different health career pathways represented. There will be music, giveaways, a Nerf battle, and even food trucks.

Job Opportunities For Students

Job opportunities for students are posted on the School Counseling Resources Webpage as well as in Job Opportunities for Students 23-24 document. As opportunities arise, they will be added to this document throughout the year. If you are looking for a job, check one of these two places often. Job opportunities are also posted on the wall right outside the School Counseling Office. Summer job opportunities are starting to come in including one from Goodies Snack Bar for this summer.

The Governor’s Institutes of Vermont (GIV) - Summer Sessions 2024 - Apply Now:

Students currently in grades 9,10,11 can now apply for this year’s summer sessions being offered. Apply for Summer Sessions at GIV 2024

Drive for Excellence - Juniors & Seniors - A Chance to Win a New Car or a $1,000 Scholarship

Qualifying students (current Juniors and Seniors who are at least 16 years on or before 7/20/24) have the chance to win a new car or one of three $1,000 scholarships. Important information and instructions regarding this opportunity can be found here.

Reminder for Seniors - Available Scholarships:

Seniors are encouraged to check the linked document, Scholarships Currently Available for Application, often. This document is updated on a regular basis and scholarships are starting to come in more often now.

Summer Programs 2024

A list of summer program information that we have received in the School Counseling Office can be found here. And also on the School Counseling Resources Webpage. While we are not endorsing or recommending any one program, we wanted to make this information available to students and families. Each opportunity is a link to further information online from the sponsoring organization. Parents and/or students are also welcome to visit the School Counseling Office at any time to look at the information we have on file regarding summer programs. Please contact your school counselor if you have any questions.