South Burlington High School

Dear South Burlington High School Community,

Each month, our Advisories focus on a different theme. Over the last few weeks, we have explored questions about gratitude and moved into meaningful discussions about tradition. Gratitude and tradition are two things I find myself reflecting on every day as I pull into 550 Dorset Street. As I read the words of our school motto Building a Proud Tradition, I am reminded that we have so much to be grateful for as a school and as a community.

At the same time, I recognize that this season can be difficult for many individuals, both inside and outside of our school. As we move through these days and weeks, I ask that we continue to extend grace and empathy to one another. I also hope you know that asking for help, whether from a friend, teacher, counselor, administrator, family member, or even a stranger, is a sign of strength. It is through these connections that we deepen the relationships that make SBHS such a special place.

As we reflect on the year, on what we are grateful for, and on the traditions we’ve built both within and beyond our walls, I must also share that we are facing significant challenges. As I mentioned in my last newsletter and as many of you may have seen in the news, we are in the midst of a particularly difficult budget season. Our team at SBHS has been working closely with district leadership to develop a budget that is both mindful of taxpayers and protective of the resources our students and staff rely on. Unfortunately, many aspects of the school funding formula lie beyond our control, as they are determined at the state level.

This December, as Acting Principal and someone who cares deeply about our students, teachers, and school community, I ask for your help in staying informed. During this Wednesday’s school board meeting, three potential budget models, along with their associated tax rates, will be presented. Regardless of which model is ultimately adopted in January, the high school may face the loss of vital mental health supports for students, valued teachers and staff, administrators, and elements of our teacher leadership model that help advance equity. While reductions are inevitable across our district, it is critical that you, as students, parents, and community members, stay engaged and informed. I encourage you to attend or tune in to the December 18th and January 8th school board meetings to learn more about the FY26 budget.

As we move into the new year, I remain hopeful that, together, we will navigate these challenges while preserving what makes our school community strong. I am incredibly grateful for the dedication, resilience, and care that I see every day from our students, families, and staff. Thank you for your ongoing support as we work to ensure that SBHS continues to build on its proud tradition for years to come.

With gratitude,

John Craig

Acting Principal, South Burlington High School

It’s hard to believe that after the December break, we’ll have just over two weeks left in the first semester! As we welcome 2025, school counselors will begin planning academic programs for the 2025-26 school year with all students in grades 8-11.

This process includes several important steps:

• Opportunities to explore and visit our two tech centers.
• Grade-level presentations and small group discussions focused on course selection and considerations.
• A Department "Open House," where students can attend information sessions about classes they are interested in for next year.
• Conversations with current teachers to discuss course recommendations.

We’ll share more detailed information about the timeline and specific events after the break. Stay tuned!

Important Upcoming dates:

• Thursday, January 16th - Class of 2026 (Junior) Post High School Planning Info Night, HS Aud 7:00 -8:30 pm
• Wednesday, January 22 - 8th grade Academic Info Night, HS Auditorium, 6:30-7:30 PM

Finally, this Winter & Holiday Resource Guide 2024 highlights local resources available to support families and individuals during the winter and holiday season. Assistance includes heating programs like Crisis Fuel and Warmth Support, as well as food shelves and meal programs throughout Chittenden County in Burlington, Hinesburg, Milton, Shelburne, and Winooski. Free holiday events for children, including Jay's Christmas Party and sensory-friendly experiences, are also offered by local organizations. Additional support is available for transportation, utility bills, medical needs, and even bunk beds for children. For more details on hours, eligibility, and how to access these services, click here.

Many families will face increased food insecurity over winter vacation. Unfortunately, federal regulations do not allow school meals to be offered when school is not in session. This places a greater strain on home food budgets. Our partners at Hunger Free Vermont have released a one-page flyer on available food resources, Food Resources For All – Holiday Edition.

December 23 - January 1st - EARLY WINTER BREAK (No School)

January 7th - 10th - Culminating Activity Period “CAP” Week

Thursday, January 16th - Class of 2026 (Junior) Post High School Planning Info Night, HS Aud 6:30-7:70 pm

Monday, January 20 - MLK Day (No School)

Wednesday, January 22 - 8th grade Academic Info Night, HS Auditorium, 6:30-8:00 PM

Wednesday, January 29th - Late Start

As we begin playing games this weekend, we would like to remind you of the following message from the Vermont's Principals Association: VPA Sportsmanship Video

To better support our operations and drivers, we will be consolidating late activity bus runs into a single run starting January 2, 2025. The late bus will depart daily at 6:00 PM, making the usual stops in Georgia and the Islands. While the stops remain the same, drop-off times may vary due to the changing number of students riding the bus each day. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility as we make this adjustment. It will help us better support our dedicated drivers.

This message is from Tracey Higgins and Anna Leavey - we are your Freshmen Class Representatives to the Parents Association. You will hear from us from time to time when the PA needs help.

We are helping to collect gift cards for the winter holiday season. There are many families in our school who could use a little help during this time of the year. Each year, we collect gift cards for groceries, gas, and clothing/gifts.

If you are interested in helping out, you can purchase a card on your own or contribute money and we will purchase them. If you want to buy the gift card, please send it to school with your student and have them deliver it to the SBHS Career Development Center. Gift cards to the grocery store are the most needed card, but they can also use gas station cards or gift cards from department stores.

If you'd rather make a monetary contribution and let us purchase the cards, you can either use Venmo (@Kathie-Borrazzo, last 4 digits of cell are 4619) or send a check/cash to school (deliver to the CDC).

The Coalition for Community Service is also collecting gift cards at this time - and it is for the same purpose. Donating through any of these methods will help out families in our community.

Thanks for your consideration! You'll be hearing from us again during Talent Night season!

~Tracey and Anna

Assistant Principal: Meg Hughart

AssistantPrincipal: Maryellen Schaefer

9th Grade Dean: Denise Weaver

Director of Student Activities: Mike Jabour

Director of School Counseling: Meghan Sweet

Website: https://sbhs.sbschools.net/o/sbhs

Attendance Phone Line: (802) 652-7002

School Counseling Phone Line: (802) 652-7586

Athletics & Activities Phone Line: (802) 652-7578