Dear U-32 Families, Students, and Caregivers,

Each year, we provide the opportunity for 8th Graders to visit a College Campus as they are beginning to consider their transition to high school. This year, I was able to attend with our 8th grade class on their trip to St. Michael's College. As I mentioned to our 8th graders, regardless of where students are in their own considerations about post-secondary planning, our role and responsibility as a school community is to ensure that all students have access to opportunities that help them envision life beyond graduation. For some members of our community, college feels far away, not just in time, but in accessibility. Ensuring all students have access to what it looks like and feels like to be on a college campus is part of how we see our ability to break down barriers that might cause some students (and families) to say, "that's just not for me."

I also had the privilege of attending two events with students this week that demonstrate their passion for learning and contribution to our community. First, students enrolled in French language and culture classes were asked to speak in recognition and celebration of Francophonie Month in Vermont at the Vermont State House. Three students spoke to a room filled with members of the French speaking community in Vermont and Canada. They eloquently described how speaking another language connected them to history, community, and expanded their perspectives.

At the same time another group of students from around the state gathered on the steps of the State House to raise awareness and take action related to human-caused climate change. U-32 students were leaders on Thursday, representing their learning authentically through contribution. Their work was a model of the kinds of learning we want for all young people in our community.

Best,

Becca

Dear U-32 Community,

It is time for our Spring Parent/Teacher Student Conferences on Wednesday March 19 & Friday, March 21. We will have virtual and in-person time slots available for families to meet.

Wednesday, March 19 ~ VIRTUAL ONLY (2:20 - 3:50) time slots for students/parents in 8th Grade Cores (Cedar, Maple, Spruce), and High School Off-Team Teachers. Please do not sign up for a Team Conference with a Team Teacher during this time.

Friday, March 21 ~ VIRTUAL (8:00 - 10:15) and IN-PERSON (10:30 - 3:15) time slots for students/parents in 8th Grade Core (Cedar, Maple, Spruce), 9th Grade Teams (A & B), 10th Grade Teams (C & D), and all other middle and high school teachers who teach classes off-core or off-team.

**Please choose your timeslot carefully because some are in-person and some are virtual!

Additional Grade level Information:

• 7th Grade families will only be able to sign up for Conferences with off-core teachers (Visual/Performing Arts, World Language, Health/PE) for classes in quarter three. Families can also sign up to meet with the TA. 7th Grade students should attend their conferences.

• 8th Grade Core conferences will take place within 15 minute time slots, and each conference will last roughly 12 minutes to allow for transition time. 8th grade students are expected to attend and conferences will be 'student led.' 8th Grade families should only sign up for one Core time slot. It will be with two of the Core teachers who will have information from the other two Core teachers. This is so that we can see more families. Please only sign up for one meeting with the Core team. In-Person meetings will occur in one of the Core classrooms.

• 9th Grade families will sign up for one meeting with their student's team. It will be with two of the team teachers who will have information from the other two team teachers. This is so that we can see more families. Please only sign up for one meeting with the team. If you are coming to an in-person meeting, they are meeting in classrooms on the second floor. Our hope is that our 9th grade students will attend the meetings as well.

• 10th Grade families will sign up for one meeting with their student's team. If the meeting is virtual, it will be with two of the team teachers who will have information from the other two team teachers. Please only sign up for one meeting with the team. This is so that we can see more families. If meeting In-Person, it will be with individual teachers. If you are coming to an in-person meeting, the meeting will be held in classrooms on the second floor. Our hope is that our 10th grade students will attend the meetings as well.

• 11th and 12th Grade families will sign up for meetings with individual teachers. Please note that teachers who teach 9th and 10th grade students AND 11th and 12th students may have limited slots due to their team conferences.

You can find your child's teachers and sign up at this link: https://ptcfast.com/schools/U32

As of March 11, 2025, there has been one case of measles in Vermont in 2025. Stay up to date at HealthVermont.gov/measles.

Key Facts about Measles

• Measles is not just a little rash. It can be dangerous, especially in children younger than 5 years old. About 1 in 5 unvaccinated people in the U.S. who get measles are hospitalized.

• Measles is one of the most contagious diseases. An infected person will spread measles to about 9 out of 10 people they come into contact with who are not vaccinated. The virus can spread to other people when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can stay in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area. People can become infected if they breathe in the germs or touch a contaminated surface and then touch their eyes, nose, or mouth.

• Measles is almost entirely preventable with vaccines. While most people in the U.S. and Vermont are vaccinated against measles, communities with lower vaccine coverage are at higher risk for outbreaks.

According to 2023-2024 school immunization survey data, 93% of children in Vermont public and independent schools are fully vaccinated against measles before entering kindergarten. This data doesn't include children who are homeschooled or not yet enrolled in school. Because measles is so contagious, 95% of a population needs to be immune to limit the spread of the virus effectively.

Our U-32 community vaccination rate for Measles is 86%, which indicates that our community is at an increased risk of a measles outbreak.

• Measles vaccines are safe and highly effective. It is part of the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine or "MMR." Two vaccine doses are 97% effective against measles (one dose is 93% effective).

• Measles is still common in many parts of the world. Every year, measles is brought into the U.S. by unvaccinated travelers who get measles while they are in other countries.

Here’s how you can help keep your family, school, and community healthy:

1. Make sure you and your family are vaccinated against measles—especially if you plan to travel outside of the U.S. Measles is still common in many parts of the world. Every year, measles is brought into the U.S. by unvaccinated travelers who get measles while they are in other countries.

• Children should get two doses of measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine—the first dose at 12-15 months and the second dose at 4-6 years.

• Babies 6-11 months old who are traveling internationally should get an early dose of the MMR vaccine at least two weeks before travel.

• Symptoms usually start with a high fever, then a cough, runny nose, and red and watery eyes. A rash usually appears three to five days after the first symptoms.

• If you do not have a health care provider, call 2-1-1 to be connected to care.

• If you suspect measles, make sure to call before going to a doctor’s office, the hospital, or a clinic to let them know about symptoms. Because the virus is so contagious, the office will need to take precautions before you arrive.

• While there is no treatment for measles, your doctor will have the best guidance on how to care for a child with measles.

Hello WCSUUD Community!

According to The Huffington Post, the total cost of having a period over a lifetime is $18,171. To address this, S/HEZAMM—U-32’s feminist club and affinity group for people of marginalized gender identities—Is hosting a period product drive from now until April 30th. There is a donation box located in student services at U-32. We are taking pads, tampons, menstrual cups, menstrual discs and period underwear! We are hoping to donate these to non-profits around the state and people in need, so please spread the word and stock up!

On March 26th U-32 will administer the Youth Risk Behavior Survey in extended TA to students grade 7-12. Click here for more information.

U-32 will administer the Vermont Comprehensive Assessment Program VT CAP ELA & MATH to students in grades 7, 8 & 9 on April 3rd. This will be a non-attendance day for grades 10, 11, 12. CVCC students are expected at CVCC.

• 8th grade science test will be administered the following week in core classes

• 11th grade science test will be administered in US History classes

The 38TH Annual Vermont State Scholastic Chess Championships will be held on Saturday, March 29, 2025 at Lamoille Union High School. This is the selection tournament for Vermont’s nominees to the national Denker, Haring, Barber and Rockefeller Invitationals. This tournament is open to Vermont students in grades K-12. Participants must be VT residents or be enrolled in a VT public or private school. VT resident home school students are eligible. Chessboards, pieces, and clocks will be provided. No prior tournament experience necessary. High School and 8th Grade sections will be USCF rated. K-7th Grade sections will be unrated. Individual and team prizes will be awarded. All players must pre-register for the event. No walk-ins allowed. Registration closes on March 23rd. Registration may close prior to March 23rd due to space limitations. Online registration only, no entries will be accepted via mail or email. Complete rules and registration information can be found at https://vermontchess.org/.

Inspirit AI is a Harvard-alumni led 25-hour summer program that introduces students in grades 6 to 12 to fundamental AI and computing tools to create impactful projects such as harnessing AI to flag misleading news content. Students collaborate live online with Ivy League graduate students to build AI-powered projects tackling diverse problems across STEM and humanities disciplines. Applications for summer are due March 31st.

MHS Girls Ultimate is looking for more female-identifying athletes to complete our roster for this season. Preseason will start with indoor practices 3/24 at Main Street Middle School until the MHS fields are ready for the move outdoors. We practice 5 days a week with 2 or 3 games scheduled per week during the season. We hope to complete a team, and grow our skills for years to come! Any questions about MHS Girls Ultimate can be directed to Coach Jarrett Piette (jarrettpiette@mpsvt.org) (also a social worker at Union Elementary School) or MRPS Athletic Director Matt Link (matthewl@mpsvt.org).

BETA HIGH SCHOOL JOB SHADOW EXPERIENCE

OVERVIEW

BETA is a Burlington, Vermont-based aerospace manufacturer developing fully electric aircraft and related charging networks. During BETA’s 2025 High School Job Shadow Experience, students explore STEM careers like Flight Simulation, 3-D Printing, Fleet Maintenance, Batteries, Carpentry, Composites, Software, Manufacturing, Motors, and Electronics. During the 4-day summer immersion program, students shadow professionals in the field and culminate their experience with a professional development workshop and presentation. This program is hosted at various BETA locations in South Burlington, VT, and offers a firsthand look into the world of electric aviation.

ELIGIBILITY

Applicants must be enrolled in high school and be at least 16 years old. A total of 14-16 students will be accepted. Ideal candidates display a positive attitude, willingness to learn, enthusiasm, and curiosity! Applicants will be required to submit a resume and cover letter, upon receipt, they will be invited to a Video Interview.

IMPORTANT INFO

• The application is open until APRIL 1, 2025 and will be available on our website: www.beta.team/careers
• Selected students will be notified by JUNE 1, 2025
• The program will run on Wednesdays: JULY 9, JULY 16, JULY 23, and JULY 30, 2025
• Availability on these dates is required for acceptance.

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.

IMPORTANT GRADING INFORMATION

Report Card Dates for 2024-2025

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

COURSE SELECTION for 2025-2026

Current students in grades 7-11 will receive a U-32 Program of Studies on March 12th during TA/Callback. Students should work with their TAs and parents/guardians to finalize their course requests by March 26th. Scheduling conferences will be held for students in grade 8 and 10. Parents/guardians of 8th & 10th grade students, please contact your student’s TA if you have yet to schedule a meeting.

Incoming high school students will receive their schedules in May. Times will be allotted in May for students to make any changes to their schedules.

Move Up Day (for incoming 7-12 graders) is scheduled for June 10th and additional information will follow.

Finalized schedules will be mailed home in June with Quarter 4 report cards.

SAT TESTING DATES (register online at www.collegeboard.com)

Test Date (Deadline to Register)

May 3rd (April 18th)

June 7th (May 22nd)

ACT TESTING DATES (register online at www.actstudent.org)

Test Date (Deadline to Register)

June 14th (May 9th)

July 12th (June 6th)

UVM Summer Academy

Designed for motivated high school students who have completed 10th, 11th, or 12th grade, the University of Vermont’s Summer Academy is an outstanding, academically challenging 4-week program (2 weeks on-campus, 2 weeks online) that provides students with the opportunity to earn credits, explore a specific area of career interest, experience college life and showcase their talent and ambition to college recruiters.

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

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

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/

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.

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The Middlesex Community Fund is a resource to Middlesex families and the broader community. They support grants to meet basic needs, education scholarships, camp scholarships, community projects and disaster responses.

Education Scholarships are for tuition, fees, room and board, course-required books, travel, equipment, and more. The typical amount is for $300 though any reasonable amount will be considered. They must be applied for by May 1 of each year. For an application, click here. MCF scholarships are limited to students residing in Middlesex (part time or full time). For more information, please email : amy.rose.vt@gmail.com

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$7,500 (1 Award)

Ben Brock Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: March 29, 2025

For Eligibility: Click Here

$5,000 (50 Awards)

Planet Fitness Judgement Free Generation Scholarship

Deadline: March 31, 2025

For Eligibility: Click Here

$5,000 (4 Awards)

4-H Youth In Action Scholarships

Deadline: March 31, 2025

For Eligibility: Click Here

$1,500 (31 Awards)

NWCA Foundation Scholarship

Deadline: March 31, 2025

For Eligibility: Click Here

$25,000 (1 Award)

Be Bold Scholarship

Deadline: April 1, 2025

For Eligibility: Click Here

$50,000 (50 Awards)

ScholarshipOwl No Essay Scholarship

Deadline: March 29, 2025

For Eligibility: Click Here

$25,000 (1 Award)

Niche Scholarships

Deadline: March 31, 2025

For Eligibility: Click Here

$2,000 (12 Awards)

SM Scholarship

Deadline: March 31, 2025

For Eligibility: Click Here

$2,000 (1 Award)

Faith Based College Scholarship

Deadline: May 31, 2025

For Eligibility: Click Here

March

• ACT information
• SAT information
• 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.

• 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 wait list 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.

• Early May: Next year schedules to students
• May: Schedule adjustments

June

• June 10: Move Up Day

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.