Dear U-32 Families, Students, and Caregivers,

Our week began with a visit from Transcend Education. Two coaches from Transcend visited classrooms, met with focus groups of students, families, and staff, and helped a small team begin to analyze and make sense of this information. A team met on Thursday to help consider how best to share this information back with the community so that we can set some more specific goals aligned to the district-wide strategic plan and our values of equity, inclusion, belonging, relevance, and contribution. Our hope is that our goals are truly rooted in the voices of our young people and families as we move into the future. Thank you for those who have already participated in this process and we look forward to more engagement in the year ahead.

This coming week, we hope you'll join us for Mentor Appreciation Night. This evening is a time to celebrate learning in our Flex Programs (Branching Out, Pilot, Community Based Learning, Inc, etc). These spaces offer deep relevance and contribution to our community. We are grateful to the many mentors and adults who support young people in exploring their passion and creativity through these programs. Come out and participate in their learning from 5:30-7pm on Wednesday, May 21st. The Board Meeting that evening will start at 6:30pm in order to ensure the Board can participate.

Please don't forget to check-out The Chronicle for new articles this week.

Prom is tonight; as of this writing, the Plaza Hotel is set up and beautiful. Thank you to Pep Squad student leaders and advisors, Krista and Sarah for beautifying the space. I am looking forward to a safe and joyful prom this evening.

Best,

Becca

Congratulations to Ursula Lamb, Elliott Stewart, Alex Zandy, Maxwell Stanforth, and Jackson Kelley for participating in the Vermont State Geography Bee on Tuesday, May 13 at Saint Michael's College. We are so proud of these Raiders for coming in 2nd in a tough competition of 11 schools across the state. We are grateful to Jenn Zandy for taking photos, and for all the parents and guardians who drove up to support their kids. Steve, Chris, and Elizabeth put the team together after multiple rounds of internal competition in the middle school at U32, and Chris and Elizabeth coached the team as they competed at St Mike's. Please show your support and pride for these raiders when you see them around!

Elizabeth, Chris, and Steve

We invite you to help us celebrate the amazing work of our U-32 educators and staff by sharing your shoutouts, recognitions, and words of thanks through this short survey. Your comments will be used to lift up the incredible dedication of our team during our End-of-Year Celebration Luncheon and will help determine this year’s U-32 Educator and Staff Member of the Year Awards. Thank you for taking a moment to show your appreciation—it truly makes a difference!

Educator/Staff Recognitions for 2024-2025

Congratulations to Rowan Landis-Marinello and Brandon Gagne for having their original compositions selected for and performed at Music-Comp's electronic music showcase!

Over April break a group of juniors and seniors who are enrolled in Spanish classes went to Peru! We landed in Lima, and then flew to Cusco in the morning where we would begin our adventures. The home of the Incas, Peru is filled with incredible ruins. We visited Sacsayhuaman which rests above Cusco, and then continued on to more ruins. The next day in Cusco we woke early to go to the hot springs. Little did we know that the road would be washed out and we would spend the next 30 minutes hiking through mud and sharp rocks. It was a treacherous walk, but the destination was worth it as we got to swim in the beautiful natural hot springs overlooking the mountains. We visited a few more towns and ruins, touring the markets and local food of Aguas Calientes before heading to Machu Picchu early in the morning. While it was raining hard, we made the most of it as we toured the famous ancient ruins.

One of the most unique experiences was during our stay in Patacancha, a rural Quechua community over 13,900 feet tucked in between the mountain peaks. We were met with music and dancing, we got to help plant potatoes in one of the many carefully constructed plots along the steep mountains, and they taught us rope and bracelet making. We stayed two more nights in Cusco, and explored the local markets and restaurants. To give back to the city that hosted us, we volunteered at a local llama and alpaca farm! They had a huge selection of the animals and we helped to clean their pens, and brush them. In Lima, we saw ancient pyramids that remain within the city and visited local churches and sites. On our final day, we toured the catacombs under an old church. By the time we flew home we were all exhausted, but sad to leave. We had an incredible and unforgettable experience and we will always be thankful for all the people who welcomed us.

It's time for our Spring coffee project, and we hope you'll support our class! Below is the link to view our roasts, and order your coffee! As in past years, we are working with Paul Dayton and Big Gear Coffee Roasters in Berlin. We thank you for your support!

George & Inc Class

CLICK HERE TO VIEW AND ORDER

It's May and our tradition of Green Team partnering with Bolduc's Recycling is alive and well.

A dumpster for metal recycling will be delivered today to U32. Look for near the wood shop doors.

For the month of May, please bring any metal recycling to the dumpster! See Bolduc's website for details about what can and cannot be recycled. Lots can!

Proceeds support Green Team in attending conferences, and carrying out initiatives to make our campus more sustainable and biodiverse.

What We Don’t Accept:

• Any containers with fluids (must be opened, drained, and cleaned)
• E-Waste like computers, printers, cell phones or TVs
• Furniture
• Garbage
• Kegs
• Lithium ion batteries
• Nickel cadmium batteries
• Nothing containing PCBs of any type
• Railroad property (plates, spikes, tracks)
• Safes
• Individual vehicle tires
• Wood

https://www.vermontparksforever.org/paf-pilot

Vermont Parks Forever, the only non-profit foundation for Vermont’s 55 state parks, is excited to announce a first-in-the-nation, privately funded pilot program that will provide free day-use entry to Vermont State Parks for over 100,000 income eligible Vermonters this 2025 park season.

Dear Students and Caregivers,

We are thrilled to announce an exciting opportunity for rising 6th to rising 10th graders in the WCUUSD: Shakespeare Summer Camp, hosted by Peter Gould, director of Get Thee to the Funnery Summer Camp, and Erin Galligan-Baldwin, Director of Theater at U-32. In this camp we will stage an adaptation of The Tempest! Students will leap into voice training, physical theatre, script analysis and acting techniques, culminating in a public performance on July 9 at 3:00pm in U-32’s theater. The performance will feature non-threatening group work—no one is expected to learn lines and be "off-book" in such a short time! Limited to the first 20 students who register, so sign up today!

Camp Details:
Dates: July 8th and 9th

Times: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Location: U-32 Theater
Activities: Script analysis, acting workshops, and rehearsals
Performance: Open to the public at the end of the camp. July 8 at 3:00pm

Additional Info:
Lunch: Students are required to bring their own lunches
Snacks: Provided during breaks

Don't miss this unique opportunity to explore Shakespearean drama and enhance your acting skills in a fun and supportive environment. Spaces are limited, so register now to secure your spot!

Please fill out this contact form to register. For more information, please do not hesitate to be in touch: egalliganbaldwin@u32.org.

We look forward to a fantastic 2 full days of Shakespeare with you.

Thank you,

Erin Galligan-Baldwin
Director of Theater, U-32
and Peter Gould, 2025 U-32 theater-artist in residence

The Basement Teen Center has a new space in the basement of the Kellogg-Hubbard Library!

The BTC is a safe and welcoming drop-in space for all folks ages 12-17.

We have games, art and craft supplies, computers, hang-out space, and FOOD!

Come participate, or just hang out with friends, meet new friends, and grab a snack.

The BTC is for everyone, and there’s never a fee. LGBTQIA, BIPOC, and you are welcome at the BTC!

Open every Thursday 2-6, and every Friday 2-8.

Learn more at basementteencenter.org, or on Instagram at the_btc_123

We're excited to bring Mentor Appreciation Night back to U-32!

Please join us on Wednesday, May 21st, 5:30-7:00pm.

It's our chance to celebrate the awesome partnership between mentors and students, and the meaningful learning experiences they've created together. We’d love for you to join us for a night of connection, gratitude, and inspiration.

Advance Vermont, a statewide nonprofit organization, is seeking participants for a survey examining people’s experience with career and education planning in Vermont middle and high schools. The survey will inform a new initiative called Graduate with a Plan that will help ensure more students are prepared for their career and education next steps. Participants of the survey will have a chance to win a $75 cash gift card.

Would you be willing to share your perspective about how our school is doing with supporting students in their education and career planning? Click here to learn more and to take the survey.

TheGreen Team is organizing a clothing swap to keep clothes out of the landfills and fight fast fashion. The clothing swap will take place on Tuesday, June 3 in the atrium, with more specific information coming closer to the date. Over the next few weeks (beginning on Tuesday, May 13th), there will be a box in student services where you can donate individual pieces of clothing or bags of them. We are accepting all types of clothing, excluding underwear and socks, but please don't bring in something that is obviously bad shape.

Participating in a clothing swap will not only provide U-32 students with the ability to get rid of clothes and get new clothes for free, but it helps our community be impactful on a national and global scale as well. Buying clothes from mass-production brands such as Shein, Zara, Nike, UNIQLO, Forever 21, H&M, Lululemon, etc. is participation in the fast fashion industry, which constitutes 10% of the world's global carbon emissions. According to Business Insider, 85% of clothes produced end up in landfills each year. World change begins in our homes, schools, and communities, and becomes even more impactful if we take these actions with others beyond our town and school area. Read more about fast fashion, and about the companies that care least about their employees and the environmentif you are interested in learning more.

So please take a few moments in the next few weeks to look through your closets and bring in clothing that needs a new home! The swap is completely free and you do not need to donate any clothes to participate - although of course we greatly appreciate donations.

If you have any questions please reach out to ethomas26@wcsu32.org

Ella Thomas, Ani Eckhaus, and Leela McCann
Green Team Members

This July, the University of Vermont will host the 20th Anniversary Stem Cells, Cell Therapies, and Bioengineering in Lung Biology and Diseases Conference, a prestigious international event that brings together leading scientists in the field. As part of this milestone event, and in collaboration with the Vermont Academy of Science and Engineering (VASE), we are inviting up to 25 Vermont high school students to participate, at no cost, in our High School STEM Mentorship Program.

What’s in it for Students?

• Participate in a hands-on STEM workshop and formal lab experience led by world-class researchers
• Option to attend the entire international scientific conference at no charge
• Get mentorship from graduate students and postdoctoral researchers
• Receive professional advice and guidance about pursuing a STEM career
• Connect with a community of peers who are curious about science and engineering

Additional Details:

• Completely free to attend!
• Subsidized housing and transportation may be available
• Registration opens May 1 - Here is the Link- https://www.uvm.edu/larnermed/cmie/20th-anniversary-stem-cells-cell-therapies-and-bioengineering-lung-biology-and

This program is designed especially for students from underrepresented and rural communities, including those who may be the first in their families to consider college or careers in science.

We would be so grateful if you could help share this opportunity with your networks—teachers, counselors, parents, and students alike. If you already know a student who might be a great fit, please encourage them to connect with us and apply.

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 Now!

Quarter 4 HS/MS Report Cards - Available TBA mailed pending snow days

COURSE SELECTION for 2025-2026

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)

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 / Early College

As an incoming Vermont high school junior or senior, 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.

High School Seniors are also eligible for Early College- got to http://education.vermont.gov/student-learning/flexible-pathways/early-college for more information

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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$5,000 (3 Awards)

Ridgeline International STEM Scholarship

Deadline: May 31, 2025

For Eligibility: Click Here

$5,000 (1 Award)

Lily Pabilona Emerging Entrepreneur Scholarship

Deadline: May 31, 2025

For Eligibility: Click Here

$1,000 (95 Awards)

JFLF’s Welding Awards Program

Deadline: May 31, 2025

For Eligibility: Click Here

$1,000 (1 Award)

Empowerment Through Education Scholarship

Deadline: May 31, 2025

For Eligibility: Click Here

$2,000 (12 Awards)

Sallie Mae Scholarship

Deadline: May 31, 2025

For Eligibility: Click Here

$25,000 (1 Award)

Be Bold Scholarship

Deadline: June 1, 2025

For Eligibility: Click Here

$50,000 (50 Awards)

ScholarshipOwl No Essay Scholarship

Deadline: May 29, 2025

For Eligibility: Click Here

$15,000 (1 Award)

Niche Scholarships

Deadline: May 31, 2025

For Eligibility: Click Here

$2,000 (1 Award)

Faith Based College Scholarship

Deadline: May 31, 2025

For Eligibility: Click Here

May

• 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 8: Senior Award Ceremony at 3pm
• June 9: Graduation Practice 8:15am-10am
• June 10: Graduation Practice, Caps & Gown parade 9:45am-11:30
• June 11-12: Senior Trip
• June 13: Graduation at 6:30pm

• June 30: Final deadline to submit FAFSA.

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.