Updates from U-32
November 8, 2024
Principal's Update
Dear U-32 Students, Families, and Caregivers,
I am incredibly proud of how we showed up together this week to mark the end of a challenging national election cycle. The tone on Wednesday was calm and focused on learning. And in our 7th grade, it focused on World Peace. The World Peace Game is a simulation that builds students' understanding of the interconnectedness of decision making. Students take this task incredibly seriously and doing so helps them to practice the very real compromises and collaborations that are often necessary in making decisions. It is directly related to our goal of helping students to engage actively in their local and global communities.
Our first Word of Mouth was today. This student run show of music and spoken word highlights the ways in which the arts can give voice to young people. It is a joy to see our students perform their original pieces and an example of how inclusion and kindness can live in our community. I was deeply impressed with the bravery it took and the compassion we showed each other during today’s performances.
I hope you’ll come out and join us for the Craft Show tomorrow; it is more than just a fundraiser, it’s an opportunity for us to connect over food, art, and local crafters.
I look forward to seeing you on Monday to celebrate student learning at Conferences.
Best,
Becca
Rebecca Tatistcheff, Principal U-32
Caregiver/Teacher Conference Information
U-32 Caregiver / Teacher Conferences Information & Link
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11
VIRTUAL CONFERENCES - 7th Grade Cores, 9th Grade Teams, 10th Grade Teams and High School ~ 8:00 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.
IN-PERSON CONFERENCES ~ 10:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13
VIRTUAL CONFERENCES - 7th Grade Cores and Off-Team Classes for High School Team Teachers ~ 2:45 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.
8th GRADE CONFERENCES WILL TAKE PLACE IN MARCH.
U-32 Fall Craft Show!
A Message from the Family of Color Affinity Group
The Family of Color Affinity Group was created to provide space for families to connect with our community, participate in ongoing learning , and advocate for our students. Over the past two years we have met with the Restorative Practices facilitators, the U-32 Admin Team, representatives from the Student Curriculum Council, and the Humanity and Justice Coalition. Additionally we have provided feedback on the Strategic Plan and several District Policies. We also meet with community organizations like the Education Justice Coalition, to learn about additional resources and events that are of interest to us and our students.
This year, in order to increase outreach beyond U-32 and into the Elementary Schools, we have asked all District Administrators to share this information in their newsletter on a monthly basis. In this way, we hope to engage more BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) families to come and join us. In this case, a BIPOC family could have parents and students who identify as people of color, or just students who identify as people of color.
Our next meeting will be Tuesday. November 19 at Berlin ES from 5:30-7:00.
The tentative agenda includes sharing notes and reflections from our mtg with the Curriculum Council, sharing a draft of the response to hate incidents protocol that is being developed, and allowing space for reflection around the election and what that means for our children and families moving forward.
Please use this Google Form to indicate if you are able to attend the mtg or not.
Hope to see you there!
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.
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 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
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/
Join us November 15th to Support the U-32 French Trip
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.
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.
1) Dell Scholars Program - $20,000 - 300 Awards (Deadline: December 1, 2024)
To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:
A) Be on track to graduate from an accredited high school in the current academic year.
B) Demonstrate a need for financial assistance.
Applications can be found by going to:
https://studentscholarships.org/scholarship/9745/dell_scholars_program
2) Arthur M. & Berdena King Eagle Scout Scholarship - $10,000 – 15 Awards (Deadline: Dec. 31, 2024)
To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:
A) Be a high school senior that plans on attending college or university in the Fall of 2025.
B) Be an Eagle Scout who is registered in an active unit and has not reached their nineteenth birthday.
Applications can be found by going to:
https://studentscholarships.org/scholarship/12050/arthur-m-berdena-king-eagle-scout-scholarship
3) Niche Scholarship - $50,000 - 1 Award (Deadline: December 31, 2024)
To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:
A) Be a senior in high school.
B) Be attending or planning to attend college or university in 2025.
Applications can be found by going to:
https://studentscholarships.org/scholarship/20302/niche-50000-scholarship
4) Boeing Scholars Program - $7,000 – 10 Awards (Deadline: January 15, 2025)
To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:
A) Be enrolled as a high school senior and plan on joining a career in the aviation industry.
B) Be interested in aeronautical science or aviation maintenance science.
Applications can be found by going to:
https://studentscholarships.org/scholarship/32681/boeing-scholars-program
5) Profile in Courage High School Awards - $10,000 – 17 Awards (Deadline: January 17, 2025)
To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:
A) Be a United States high school student in grades nine through twelve.
B) Be attending public, private, parochial, or home schools and be under the age of twenty.
Applications can be found by going to:
https://studentscholarships.org/scholarship/9681/profile-in-courage-high-school-awards
6) Breanna Coleman Memorial Nursing Scholarship - $5,000 - 1 Award (Deadline: January 24, 2025)
To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:
A) Be a high school senior who will be pursuing a four-year degree in nursing.
B) Be involved in volunteer work or other extracurricular activities outside of school.
Applications can be found by going to:
https://studentscholarships.org/scholarship/27824/breanna-coleman-memorial-nursing-scholarship
7) Broad Horizons Scholarship for High School Juniors - $1,000 - 1 Award (Deadline: January 31, 2025)
To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:
A) Be a high school junior and plan on graduating in 2026.
B) Plan on enrolling at an accredited college or university in the Fall of 2026.
Applications can be found by going to:
https://studentscholarships.org/scholarship/32864/broad-horizons-scholarship-for-high-school-juniors
8) ExploraVision Awards - $10,000 - 40 Awards (Deadline: January 31, 2025)
To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:
A) Be a United States citizen living within the United States or U.S. Territories and enrolled full-time in a public, private, or home school and no older than 21 years of age.
Applications can be found by going to:
https://studentscholarships.org/scholarship/9625/exploravision_awards
9) Academy of Model Aeronautics Scholarships - $8,000 - 6 Award (Deadline: February 3, 2025)
To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:
A) Be a graduating high school senior who can get a reference from a school official.
B) Have an interest in model aeronautics.
Applications can be found by going to:
https://studentscholarships.org/scholarship/32643/academy-of-model-aeronautics-scholarships
10) Children of Warriors National Scholarship - $5,000 - 15 Awards (Deadline: March 1, 2025)
To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:
A) Be a daughter, son, grandson, granddaughter, great-granddaughter, great-grandson of a veteran who served in the Armed Forces.
B) Excel in academics at school and participate in volunteer activities outside of school.
Applications can be found by going to:
11) Shell Oil Company Technical Scholarship - $2,500 - 20 Awards (Deadline: March 15, 2025)
To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:
A) Plan to enroll full-time in one of the following majors: geology, geophysics, physics, chemical, civil,
electrical, geological, geophysical, mechanical or petroleum engineering.
B) Be a graduating high school senior with an interest in the energy industry and demonstrated aptitude in mathematics and science.
Applications can be found by going to:
https://studentscholarships.org/scholarship/10151/shell-oil-company-technical-scholarship
12) Foundation for Women in Accounting Scholarships - $10,000 – 8 Awards (Deadline: March 30, 2025)
To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:
A) Identify as a female and be accepted or enrolled in a degree with a focus in accounting.
B) Demonstrate financial need.
Applications can be found by going to:
13) Beyond the Cure Ambassador Scholarship - $3,500 - 58 Awards (Deadline: March 31, 2025)
To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:
A) Be a childhood cancer survivor under the age of 25 and diagnosed before the age of 18.
B) Be accepted into a post-secondary school for the fall semester of the upcoming academic year.
Applications can be found by going to:
https://studentscholarships.org/scholarship/15058/beyond-the-cure-ambassador-scholarship
14) Kochhar & Co. Scholarship - $1,000 – 1 Award (Deadline: March 31, 2025)
To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:
A) Be attending college or university on a full-time or part-time basis no later than September 2026.
B) Have achieved a GPA of 2.5 or greater during the last academic year.
Applications can be found by going to:
https://studentscholarships.org/scholarship/27348/kochhar-co-scholarship
15) Airmen Memorial Foundation Scholarship Program - $5,000 - 15 Awards (Deadline: March 31, 2025)
To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:
A) Be age 23 years or younger and have a GPA of 3.5 or higher.
B) Be a child/adopted or stepchild of an active duty, retired or veteran member of USAF, ANG or AFRC.
Applications can be found by going to:
https://studentscholarships.org/scholarship/21237/airmen-memorial-foundation-scholarship-program
STEM Enhancement in Earth Science (SEES) Internship Opportunity
NASA and The University of Texas at Austin Center for Space Research Summer Intern Program is a nationally competitive STEM experience for high school students. Interns will learn how to interpret NASA satellite data while working with scientists and engineers in their chosen area of work, including astronomy, remote sensing, and space geodetic techniques to help understand Earth systems, natural hazards and climate science.
Summer internships are offered to motivated high school students who have an interest in pursuing Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics careers. The interns will work beside NASA subject matter experts analyzing and visualizing data. This content knowledge, coupled with hands-on experiences, allows the intern to gain experience in authentic NASA research through field investigation and data analysis.
Interns are selected on the basis of their academic records, written application that includes answers to essay questions, introduction video, recommendation form, and interest in STEM. The deadline for submitting your application for the summer 2025 internship program is February 22, 2025.
- Apply Online at: https://spacegrant.net/apps/sees
- Sign up to receive notification for SEES application window and deadlines. Sign up at: https://bit.ly/3DeRMwL
College Calendar and Checklist for Seniors
November
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
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.
- 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.
- Talk to friends home from college on break.
- Where possible, set up interviews with admissions officers or alumni interviewers.
- 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.
