Updates from U-32
March 29, 2024
Principal's Update
Happy Friday U-32,
Many of you now know that the WCUUSD School Board has hired me as the next Superintendent beginning July 1st and I want to thank those who have reached out in congratulations. You can check out the article in the Times Argus for more information about the search and my appointment. Suffice it to say, I am excited about leading the district as we tackle some big decisions in the near future and I am a little sad that I will not be at U-32 every day. I have appreciated the support that this community of teachers, students, staff, and family have given me over the years in my current role, and I look forward to expanding my work to the entire district.
The big question now is who will be the next principal of U-32. There will be a national search for this role and the district will provide you with more information about the process and how you can get involved in the coming days.
I hope everyone has a great weekend,
Steven
Unspoken Word Rescheduled for Tuesday April 2nd
The last showing of Unspoken Word has been rescheduled!
Join us on Tuesday, April 2nd at 7pm
Written by Erin GB and Cal Boyd (11th grade), with original poetry by Ella Thomas (10th grade), this play touches on the themes of Bullying, Mental Health, and Self-Expression with a little bit of magical realism too. This play also introduces the audience to Maria Sibylla Merian, the often overlooked scientist from the 1600s who was the first to observe and document metamorphosis. Unspoken Word is a great example of how the arts and academics can work together.
Entry by donation
Reminder: No School on April 8th (Eclipse Day)!
On April 8th, Central Vermont will be in the path of the total solar eclipse. Vermont is predicted to have anywhere from 30,000-200,000 additional people entering our state on this day. Local emergency officials have recommended to school districts in the Champlain Valley and Franklin County to close schools because of the significant influx of people, road closures, and strain on emergency services. Our local first responders are now extending these recommendations to the superintendents in Barre, Harwood, Washington Central, and Montpelier Roxbury as well. In addition, our school districts are collectively noting significant staff absentee rates for April 8th.
In light of these factors, Washington Central, along with Barre, Harwood, and Montpelier-Roxbury schools will all be closed for the full day on April 8th. This will be treated as an inclement weather day and will be made up at the end of the school year (as per our normal procedures, the last day of school will be determined by the Board and communicated at a later date once the chance of inclement weather has passed).
If you would like additional information regarding the eclipse and road closure information, it is posted on the Vermont.gov website.
For a Limited Time! Order Your U-32 Gear!
U-32 Spring Craft Fair - Sunday April 7th!
U-32 seniors travel to New England Music Festival!
Last week three U-32 seniors represented our community beautifully at the New England Music Festival Association Concert Festival in Boxboro, Massachusetts. Avery Cochran (1st flute in the orchestra), Olivia Serrano (1st horn in the orchestra) and Ethan Neimark (cello in the orchestra) rehearsed Thursday and Friday and performed at the historic Mechanics Hall in Worcester, MA Saturday afternoon.
Avery was also selected to perform their prepared piece as a solo performance Friday night (a distinction to the wind instrument student with the highest score), and received the Burt Cowgill Scholarship as a student who participated in the festival all four years of high school and received the highest instrumental score.
Bravo to Avery, Olivia, and Ethan! Next up all three of them will participate in the Vermont All State Music Festival May 9-11 at Spaulding High School.
8th Grade Students visit St Michael's College
Our 8th grade students visited St Michael's College this week. They learned more about college life, the college admissions process, wildlife management and habitats in Vermont, ate in the dining hall and took a campus tour.
Seeking Social Justice Students present at School Redesign in Action Conference
Students from both high school and middle school Seeking Social Justice presented a workshop on youth agency and freedom dreaming at the prestigious School Redesign in Action conference held in Providence, Rhode Island. In attendance were superintendents, principals, educators, graduate students from Brown, and students from around New England. Our students modeled fantastic leadership and facilitation skills, and participants left not only feeling inspired, but also equipped with tools to use at their own schools to create places of more equity and joy.
Students who participated were Avery Cochran, Ace LaFountain, Isla Johnson, and Anna Cotterill. They were supported by their faculty advisors Meg Allison and Steve Sheeler.
VT Comprehensive Assessment Program (VT CAP) Details
Grades 7, 8 9 & 11 will participate in the VT Comprehensive Assessment Program (VT CAP) on the following dates.
Testing is as follows:
- Grade 7 - April 2 Math S1 & S2, April 11th ELA Session 1, April 15th ELA Session2- all in Core classes
- Grade 8 - April 2 Math S1 & S2, April 11th ELA S1, April 15 ELA S2, April 16th Science S1 & S2- all in Core classes
- Grade 9 - April 9th & April 10th in 9th grade Teams
- Grade 11 -Ist week of April during US History classes- Science S1 & S2
Please encourage students to bring their charged chromebooks to all sessions.
Would you like to attend Vermont State University for free?
Beginning in the fall semester of 2024, qualified Vermont residents can attend Vermont State University tuition free!
Delivering high quality and affordable education is our number one priority. With locations spanning across the entire state, Vermonters can be sure to have greater access to our programs going forward. VTSU will close the standard tuition* gap with institutional aid after all federal, state, institutional, and employer supported aid is applied to a student’s account.
Who is eligible?
- Vermont residents of any age enrolling as new students in degree programs starting in the fall semester of 2024 or spring semester of 2025.
- Student/family adjusted gross income of $50,000 or less as reflected on their FAFSA.
- Students seeking their initial undergraduate degree. Those with previous bachelor’s degrees do not qualify.
How do students apply?
- Apply and be admitted to Vermont State University for a standard tuition program.
- Submit a FAFSA (School Code: 003698).
- Submit a Vermont Grant Application through VSAC.
What are further requirements for eligibility?
- Register for a minimum of 12 credits each fall and spring semesters (does not include summer).
- Maintain good academic standing (2.0/4.0) and satisfactory academic progress towards degree completion.
- Eligibility will be reviewed each academic year based on the current year FAFSA.
* The Vermont State University Free Tuition Guarantee covers standard program tuition only. Program tuition for Engineering and Technology; Nursing and Respiratory Therapy; and Dental and Radiologic is not covered by this program.
Community Book Discussion
Begin a Lifetime of Fly Fishing at the Vermont Trout Camp
Trout Unlimited presents the 12th annual Vermont Trout Camp for Teens at Quimby Country in Averill, VT, June 23-27, 2024. Teens age 13-16 interested in the out-of-doors and learning to fly fish are invited to apply.
This is a marvelous opportunity for young people to experience the outdoors to the fullest. The camp program features instruction in basic and intermediate fly fishing skills (casting, knot tying, fly tying, fishing tactics), entomology, fish biology, conservation and cold water fisheries management and of course lots of time on the water fishing with experienced guides. No experience is necessary and all equipment is provided while at camp.
Details and an application are available at www.vermonttroutcamp.com
The application deadline is April 15th.
Upcoming Parent Workshops
Girls on the Run Vermont Alumni Scholarship
Student Services Newsletter
Visit this page for a FREE SAT Bootcamp!
SELECTIVE SERVICE
Did you know it is federal law that all young men need to register with the Selective Service System when they turn 18. Good news - it takes about 2 minutes go to https://www.sss.gov/Registration/Register-Now/Registration-Form
Failure to register can present significant roadblocks to a young man’s future opportunities. This is critically important because registration is linked to numerous federal and state benefits that can help bring funds into communities. These include access to all federal student loans and grants, job training programs, and eligibility for hundreds of thousands of federal jobs, including the U.S. Postal Service, and numerous state, municipal, and federal contractor jobs. Additionally, immigrant men who wish to become citizens will have the process significantly delayed if they don’t register.
Remember to register prior to your 18th birthday!
SAT TESTING DATES (register online at www.collegeboard.com)
SAT Test Date Registration Deadline
May 4, 2024 April 19th
June 1, 2024 May 16th
ACT TESTING DATES (register online at www.actstudent.org)
ACT Test Date Registration Deadline
June 8, 2024 May 3rd
Dual Enrollment / Early College
As a current Vermont high school junior or seniors, you are eligible for two Vermont Dual Enrollment Vouchers, allowing you to take one free college course in your junior year of high school and one in your senior year of high school.
It’s called Dual Enrollment because your free college courses will also earn you credit towards graduation from high school.
Dual enrollment is offered through all VT public colleges/universities and some private colleges too. Go to http://www.vtdualenrollment.org/ for a list of participating colleges and to request a dual enrollment voucher. Summer 2023 courses are now viewable and Fall 2023 courses will be viewable as of April 2023.
High School Seniors are also eligible for Early College- got to http://education.vermont.gov/student-learning/flexible-pathways/early-college for more information
SCHOLARSHIPS: Please frequent Naviance (Family Connection) often for available scholarships.
$20,000 (1 Award)
Gus Archie Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: April 15, 2024
$3,500 (4 Awards)
Deadline: April 12, 2024
$2,000 (1 Award)
Deadline: April 8, 2024
$1,000 (75 Awards)
Foundation for Fraternal Excellence Men's College Scholarship
Deadline: April 1, 2024
$25,000 (1 Award)
Deadline: April 1, 2024
$2,000 (12 Awards)
Deadline: March 31, 2024
$10,000 (1 Award)
Deadline: March 31, 2024
$1,000 (50 Awards)
No Essay Smart Owl Scholarship
Deadline: March 29, 2024
$2,500 (12 Awards)
Deadline: March 31, 2024
Central Vermont Job Fair on April 18th
Student Services Calendar
May
Early May: Next year schedules to students
May: Schedule adjustments
June
June 11: Move Up Day
Senior Calendar
April
- April 4th: Start of Quarter 4
Regular Decision admissions letters begin to arrive.
Discuss the financial aid package provided by each school with your family. If you haven’t received financial aid packages by early April call to make sure all necessary materials arrived.
Attend admitted students’ weekends at college campuses.
Use April break for any additional campus visits.
If you are on a waitlist set up a meeting with your counselor to discuss options.
Celebrate with family and friends!
Send in the acceptance notice to your chosen school. Make sure to send in your deposit.
Decline offers of admission from remaining colleges.
May
May 1: Deadline for notifying colleges of your decision.
AP Exams are administered. Be sure to send the AP Grade Report to your college.
Send thank-you notes to your teachers, coaches, TA, and anyone else who helped you on the way.
Fill out housing-preference forms, and check out any special living centers.
Wait-listed students can expect more information about their status after May 1.
Complete Graduation Survey on Family Connection
June
If you plan to compete in Division I or Division II college sports, have your transcript sent to the NCAA Initial Eligibility Clearinghouse. More information is available at ncaaclearinghouse.net.
June 14: Graduation…. Congratulations!
June 30: Final deadline to submit FAFSA.
U-32 Boosters Club
Yearbook Orders
