South Burlington High School

Dear South Burlington High School Community,

Today, as we honor Veterans Day, I want to take a moment to recognize the commitment, courage, and sacrifices made by all those who have served in our nation’s armed forces. To our community members, families, and friends who are veterans—thank you for your service.

Congratulations to our students and staff on successfully completing Quarter 1 and beginning Quarter 2! Grades are available in PowerSchool. A second round of congratulations goes out to all our fall athletes: special shout-outs to our field hockey and girls' soccer teams for reaching their championship games and to our undefeated D1 boys volleyball state champions. Thank you to all our students who came out to cheer on their peers! Best student section in the state!

Family-Teacher Conferences are just two weeks away on Monday, November 25th (11:30 a.m.–7:00 p.m.) and Tuesday, November 26th (8:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.). Starting Wednesday, November 13th at 9:00 a.m., you can book 10-minute appointments with teachers via Pick-a-Time. More details are available here.

As Superintendent Nichols mentioned in recent newsletters, this is a challenging budget season. I’ve been meeting with our academic leadership, Activities Director Jabour, and district leaders to discuss potential reductions at SBHS due to Vermont’s current education funding situation. These reductions could impact various academic and athletic programs as well as student supports. I encourage you to join the November 13th Community Budget Listening Session at the South Burlington Public Library from 5:45–6:45 p.m., or virtually on Zoom, to learn more and share feedback. Additional budget information and timelines are available here.

Lastly, over the last several weeks, students and staff have been asked to reflect on their experiences in school in online surveys with our tool, Panorama. Additionally, to better understand the needs of our community at large, we are asking families to also participate. From November 11th-27th families can respond to a survey about you and your students’ experience with school. This 15-20 minute online survey will help inform us on a systemic and individual school level of how to best support students and families socially and emotionally. More information can be found linked on the button below.

Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to seeing you at Family-Teacher Conferences soon.

John Craig
Acting Principal, South Burlington High School

• St. Michael's College and SBHS are co-teaching a course this spring at SBHS: African American History will be offered Semester 2 block Grey 2; contact your school counselor to enroll; this will earn 4.0 college credits.

• Dual enrollment portal opened on 11/8 - if you are a junior or senior and want to use one of your dual enrollment voucher to take a Spring 2025 make an appointment with your counselor.

• Military Open House - Friday, 11/15 from 10:15-11:30 in the Lobby

• Last day to add a Q2 class is Monday, November 11th!

• Last day to drop a Q2 class is Monday, November 18th

Finally, as we head into the holiday time and navigate uncertainty in many realms, here are a few simple self-care practices you can incorporate into your daily routine:

• Physical Activity: Regular exercise, even a short walk, can significantly improve mood and energy levels.
• Mindful Moments: Practice deep breathing exercises, meditation, or simply taking a few minutes to focus on the present moment.
• Healthy Eating: Pay attention to your nutrition by choosing balanced meals and staying hydrated.
• Quality Sleep: Aim for consistent sleep schedules and create a relaxing bedtime routine.

• Connect with Others: Spend time with loved ones, reach out to friends, or join a support group.

• Set Boundaries: Learn to say no when necessary and protect your personal time.

• Engage in Hobbies: Dedicate time to activities you enjoy, whether it's reading, listening to music, or pursuing a creative outlet.

If you are feeling overwhelmed, please know that you are not alone. Reach out to your family doctor, a mental health professional, or the school counseling office for support and guidance.

Wednesday, November 13th - Late Start

Monday, November 25th - Family Teacher Conferences

Tuesday, November 26th - Family Teacher Conferences

November 25th - 29th - No School

The Athletic Department is thrilled to announce that our boy's volleyball team has made history by winning their first-ever state championship in school history. This remarkable achievement is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and teamwork displayed by our talented athletes throughout the season. Under the guidance of our exceptional coaching staff, these young men have demonstrated resilience and sportsmanship, overcoming challenges and pushing their limits to reach this monumental milestone. Congratulations again to the boy's volleyball team!

In addition congratulations to all our sports teams! Your hard work, dedication, and teamwork have truly shone this season. Whether through thrilling victories or learning experiences, you have represented our school with pride and passion.

The winter season is fast approaching. The season officially starts on December 2. Registration is open and will close on November 25. All winter schedules can be found on the school's website under athletics and activities

Believe it or not, our students will be graduating high school soon! Typically, a few events are held toward the end of the school year to celebrate this milestone- a senior breakfast, decorating the front lobby for the final CAP week, painting the front school windows with a message for 2025, and decorating seniors' cars for graduation. We will need a good amount of volunteer effort to pull off these events. Here are a few ways you can pitch in:

1. Volunteer to chair an event: Help by leading the event. Set the time, organize/purchase materials (which will be reimbursed), and communicate with people who would like to volunteer as the date approaches.

2. Volunteer to help with an event you are interested in: This is an easy way to get involved. All you have to do is show up on the date and time and help out.

3. Volunteer to help with any committee: If you are willing to help out where needed, find this tab on the spreadsheet and add your name and email. Once things get rolling, we will let you know which committees need more help.

4. Donate money: If you are too busy to lend a hand, please consider donating money to buy supplies for these events (decorating material, paints for windows and cars, printed cards, balloons, banners, food/drinks/paper goods).

To sign up use this: 2025 Senior Class Celebrations Spreadsheet.

You can donate money via Venmo: @Rachel-Seremeth or by check. Checks can be made out to SBHS Parents Association Senior Celebration- Attention: Rachel Seremeth and dropped off at the main office.

There is no limit to how many people can show up and help at these events- the more the merrier! Most importantly, be sure to include an email address when you sign up so that we can contact you with more details as the date gets closer. Also, chairing a committee is simple. Every event has been done before, and there are plenty of ideas and details that will be shared.

If you have any questions or further suggestions, please contact:

Liz Siddle (elisabethsiddle@gmail.com)

Kara Campbell (kara.kennedycampbell@gmail.com)

For questions regarding money donations:

Rachel Serementh (rseremeth@gmail.com)

Thank you for making this happen!

Class of 2025 Senior Celebration Committee

Liz Siddle, Kara Campbell, Kari Sanchez, Rachel Seremeth and Stephanie Griffin

Asst. Principal: Meg Hughart

Asst. Principal: Maryellen Schaefer

Director of Student Activities: Mike Jabour

Director of School Counseling: Meghan Sweet

9th Grade Dean: Denise Weaver

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