Updates from U-32
January 10, 2025
Principal's Update
Dear U-32 Families, Students, and Caregivers,
On Wednesday evening, three student council members reported out their findings from working with students across grades to educate and gather thoughts about the budgeting process. Notably they reported, ”We need more education on what goes into choosing the proposed cuts, how taxes affect them, and the process of creating a proposed budget. Once students have more of an understanding of why these cuts are happening, they will be able to have more thoughtful and informed discussions about it and give more relevant feedback to be taken into consideration. On a more regular basis, achieving this transparency and collaboration can be done through surveys, emails, TA handouts, or any other way of information sharing, as long as it is written in understandable language or tailored to students. But students also want to hear this information from you. They want school board members to educate them in their classrooms and to hear presentations straight from the source. They want to be informed about what is going on and contribute to the conversation.” They shared perspectives and answered questions eloquently. Their entire remarks can be found here.
Another powerful moment in our community this week was the presentation by Chris Herren to our high school students. It was inspiring and real, and students connected to his message about struggles with substance use, recovery, and support in real and impactful ways.
This week was also a week of loss for our community. Students and adults coming together to support each other is what I have come to know and love about the U-32 community.
I hope you’ll join us for Arts Bash tonight to see the beauty that can come from our students' lived experiences and identities. Their art is a reflection of the many perspectives that make our community unique.
Best,
Becca
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...
All students can also claim one free ticket! (non-transferrable). To claim yours, click here!
U-32 Library Highlights & Happenings
Coffee and Conversation with the Superintendent
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/
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.
1) Mas Family Scholarships - $32,000 - 15 Awards (Deadline: January 31, 2025)
To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:
A) Have a minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.
B) Be from Cuba or have parents/grandparents that are from Cuba.
Applications can be found by going to:
https://studentscholarships.org/scholarship/12457/mas-family-scholarships
2) SAA Native American Scholarships - $10,000 - 5 Awards (Deadline: January 31, 2025)
To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:
A) Be Native American.
B) Plan on pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in the Fall of 2025.
Applications can be found by going to:
https://studentscholarships.org/scholarship/9640/saa-native-american-scholarships
3) Material Handling Education Foundation Scholarship - $6,000 - 61 Awards (Deadline: Jan. 31, 2025)
To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:
A) Be enrolled in school for the entire academic year (2025/2026 academic term).
B) Plan to study: Engineering, Computer Science, Business, or an Imaging related degree.
Applications can be found by going to:
4) New Year, New Opportunity Scholarship - $2,025 - 1 Award (Deadline: January 31, 2025)
To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:
A) Be 13 years of age or older and a legal resident of the 50 United States or District of Columbia.
B) Be currently attending high school, college, vocational, or any other accredited post-secondary institution.
Applications can be found by going to:
https://studentscholarships.org/scholarship/19120/new-year-new-opportunity-scholarship
5) Society of Manufacturing Engineers Scholarship - $20,000 - 60 Awards (Deadline: February 1, 2025)
To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:
A) Be a graduating high school senior, current undergraduate or graduate student who will be enrolling as a part-time or full-time undergraduate or graduate student.
B) Have a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Applications can be found by going to:
https://studentscholarships.org/scholarship/15382/society_of_manufacturing_engineers_scholarship
6) Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association Scholarship - $14,000 - 100 Awards (Deadline: Feb. 7, 2025)
To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:
A) Be a high school student planning on earning their private pilot certificate, advanced ratings certificate, aviation maintenance certificate, or other related aviation certifications.
Applications can be found by going to:
7) Vegetarian Resource Group Scholarships - $10,000 – 5 Awards (Deadline: February 20, 2025)
To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:
A) Be a senior in high school in the United States.
B) Have promoted vegetarianism in their schools and/or communities.
Applications can be found by going to:
https://studentscholarships.org/scholarship/9544/vegetarian_resource_group_scholarships
8) Li Family Scholarship - $10,000 - 5 Awards (Deadline: March 1, 2025)
To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:
A) Be an Asian American high school senior.
B) Be a first-generation college student in the Fall of 2025.
Applications can be found by going to:
https://studentscholarships.org/scholarship/33050/li-family-scholarship
9) National Catholic Committee on Scouting Scholarships - $5,000 - 12 Awards (Deadline: Mar 1, 2025)
To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:
A) Be a practicing Catholic in senior year of high school.
B) Have provided service and leadership to your Church, community or school.
Applications can be found by going to:
10) Women's Cyber Security Scholarships - $5,000 - 10 Awards (Deadline: March 3, 2025)
To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:
A) Be pursuing, or plan to pursue, a degree with a focus on cybersecurity or information assurance.
B) Be a senior in high school with a GPA of at least 3.3 on a 4.0 scale.
Applications can be found by going to:
https://studentscholarships.org/scholarship/13483/women_s_cyber_security_scholarships
11) Navy Supply Corps Foundation Scholarship - $20,000 – 28 Awards (Deadline: March 14, 2025)
To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:
A) Be a family member (child, grandchild or spouse) of a qualifying Supply Corps officer or a child/spouse of a supply enlisted member (active duty, reservist, or retired).
Applications can be found by going to:
https://studentscholarships.org/scholarship/31601/navy-supply-corps-foundation-scholarship
12) Diversity Scholars Program - $20,000 - 1 Award (Deadline: March 15, 2025)
To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:
A) Be a high school or community college student of African American; Native American, Alaskan, Hawaiian; or Hispanic/Latino heritage.
B) Have an intended or declared major in transportation engineering, planning, or a related field.
Applications can be found by going to:
https://studentscholarships.org/scholarship/20797/diversity-scholars-program
13) Beyond The Boroughs National Scholarship - $20,000 - 2 Awards (Deadline: March 15, 2025)
To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:
A) Be a current high school senior entering college in the fall or currently attending a college or university.
B) Live in a low-income household and have a GPA of 2.5 or higher.
Applications can be found by going to:
https://studentscholarships.org/scholarship/12089/beyond-the-boroughs-national-scholarship
14) Animal Welfare Institute Scholarship - $3,000 – 12 Awards (Deadline: March 16, 2025)
To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:
A) Have demonstrated a commitment to animal welfare through volunteer work and/or advocacy.
B) Plan to pursue a career that will seek to reduce animal suffering and protect vulnerable species.
Applications can be found by going to:
https://studentscholarships.org/scholarship/33184/animal-welfare-institute-scholarship
15) Overcoming Disability Scholarship - $2,500 - 2 Awards (Deadline: March 26, 2025)
To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:
A) Be attending an accredited college or university in the Fall 2025 semester.
B) Be at least 17 years of age and have a physical or psychological disability.
Applications can be found by going to:
https://studentscholarships.org/scholarship/20785/overcoming-disability-scholarship
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.
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!!!
