

Lamoille Union High School
Newsletter October 4, 2024

Lamoille Union High School
Newsletter - May 23, 2025
"Building a community prepared for the choices and challenges of life."
Message from the Principal
We're in the Final Stretch!
With the sun staying out a little longer each day and a calendar full of exciting events, it’s clear that we are entering the final stretch of an exceptional year at LUHS. The energy in the halls is high, and our students continue to make us incredibly proud.
A huge congratulations to all of our students who successfully completed their AP exams. We're especially proud of those in AP U.S. History, AP Pre-Calculus, AP Calculus, AP Human Geography, AP Statistics, AP Environmental Science, and AP English Language and Composition for their focus, dedication, and resilience. A heartfelt thank you as well to our amazing AP teachers, whose commitment and expertise help make these opportunities possible.
From student performances to an amazing prom celebration (shown above), May and June are full of events that highlight the approach of graduation and the excitement of summer.
Please take a few moments to explore the updates and information below.
-Bethann Pirie, LUHS Principal
Important Reminders
Thursday, May 22nd - Equity Design Team to U-32
Thursday, May 22nd - LUHS Dare to Dream Dance Recital 7:00 pm
Friday, May 23rd - 8th Grade Step Up Day 9:30 am - 11:00 am
Monday, May 26th - No School
Tuesday, May 27th - Earth Science field trip to the Johnson Arboretum
Saturday, May 31st and June 1st - Senior Class Trip
Wednesday, June 4th - Business Award Ceremony 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Thursday, June 5th - LU Pops Concert 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Tuesday, June 10th - GMTCC Completion Ceremony
Wednesday, June 11th - LU Athletic Celebration Ceremony 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Saturday, June 14th - LU Graduation 11:00 am
Thursday, June 19th - Last Student Day/Early Release with a 12:35 pm dismissal
Looking Ahead: A Special Meeting with the Class of 2025
Last week, the Class of 2025 came together for an important meeting with School Counselor Ian Trombulak, Registrar and Senior Class Advisor Christine Cooney, and me. This gathering was a special opportunity to celebrate the achievements of our rising seniors and set a positive, focused tone for their final month at Lamoille Union.
We shared how proud we are of their growth, leadership, and the many ways they’ve contributed to our school community. As they look ahead, we emphasized the importance of staying focused, leading by example, and approaching their final stretch with purpose, integrity, and pride.
We also gave students a preview of what to expect on Graduation Day - including expectations about caps, gowns, sashes, and cords. Sharing these details with our students now, ensures they feel informed and confident as we move toward June 14th.
Seniors, if you're reading this, please take a moment to complete the Post-Grad Plans Survey and the Senior Wisdom Survey. We have a graduating class that's off to do amazing things, and we can’t wait to celebrate your next steps and share your wisdom with the school community!
Updates to the Daily Schedule
As part of a multi-year review, we’re preparing to make strategic updates to our daily schedule next year. One meaningful change is saying goodbye to our current Homebase model and introducing a redesigned Teacher Advisory (TA) program. This shift is designed to increase accountability, strengthen connections, and provide consistent support as students move through the grade levels.
Using a relationship mapping process, students will be placed into advisories that foster strong student-teacher relationships and a deeper sense of belonging. As part of this process, students can also indicate peers they’d like to be grouped with in their TA.
All students will begin their day with their TA each morning. During this time, they’ll have their official attendance taken, hear announcements and messages, enjoy breakfast, and check in with their advisor and peers. This consistent morning connection will help set a positive tone for the day ahead.
Students will notice that their TA has not yet been assigned on the new schedules we hope to release today. That’s because the relationship mapping process is still underway. TA placements will be shared once it’s complete.
Student Schedules for 2025-26!
After months of collaborative planning, our master schedule for next year is complete and has been shared with faculty. Students will receive updates from their school counselors when individual student schedules are ready to be viewed!
LUHS Summer Program
We are excited to share our 2025 summer school registration packet with you. The LUHS summer program allows students an additional opportunity for academic recovery. Students can continue working on course expectations allowing them to stay on track for graduation. If you feel the summer program would benefit your student, please fill out the attached paperwork and return it to LUHS by Friday, June 20th. If you would like to email the packet to the school, please attach the completed packet and email it to Christine Cooney, ccooney@lnsd.org. The LUHS school counselors will be mailing hard copies to students that are being referred to the program based on current and past grades. If you have any questions, please reach out to Greg Davis, gdavis@lnsd.org, Summer Program Director.
Graduation Standards: Continued Refinement
LUHS Highlights!
Above: Lacrosse celebrates Senior Day with five dedicated seniors. Photo credit goes to LUHS Alum Jessica Orost!
The Lancer Softball team poses with their biggest fans, showing off team spirit and community pride! Photo credit goes to Kristina Coan!
Celebrating a Year of Growth: Professional Development Highlights for Teachers Grades 7-12
Earlier this month, our faculty wrapped up our final early release professional development day. Over the course of the year, our faculty participated in 30 hours of impactful professional learning through our partnership with Red House Learning. This work has deepened instructional practices and continues to align with our commitment to student success.
8th Grade Step-Up Day: Welcoming the Class of 2029
On May 23rd, we had the pleasure of hosting another incredible 8th Grade Step-Up Day. As 8th graders entered the auditorium, they were greeted by close to 50 current LU student leaders and performances from the LU Band, The Jamtones, and our Dance Team, showcasing just a few of the many opportunities available at LUHS.
Student leaders then took the stage to welcome the class of 2029 and share some of the values that guide our school culture. Our students shared the core expectations that create a strong and respectful community at Lamoille:
Colby Hall, a junior, introduced the idea of LUHS as a school community, not just a building. He emphasized our first expectation: Respect for All. This principle guides how we treat every member of our community - no exceptions.
Koiya Adii, also a junior, spoke about Academic Engagement - encouraging incoming students to show up, be present, and take advantage of the support offered by teachers and counselors.
Alyssa Walker, a sophomore, addressed our commitment to being a Substance-Free Campus, emphasizing that this is about respect and ensuring a safe environment for all students.
Zeb Whitlock, a senior, wrapped up the student remarks by underscoring how these shared expectations foster a community where all students feel safe, welcome, and celebrated.
Following the assembly, our large group of current students split up and facilitated small-group discussions and building tours, helping students feel more confident and connected as they prepare for high school. The day ended with popsicles and personalized copies of each student’s schedule for the upcoming school year.
We are so excited to welcome the Class of 2029 and proud of the way our current students helped lead the day.
Above: Student Council honored Mental Health Awareness Month with activities and the signing of a pledge to prioritize well-being, support each other, and practice kindness every day. #mentalhealthawarenessweek
Above: Celebrating our very own Assistant Principal - part of the first Southern Arkansas University cohort to earn their Education Doctorate in Rural and Diverse Educational Leadership! Congrats to her on this amazing achievement!
Above: New "Summer Jobs" bulletin board! Students in Career & Self will add new job opportunities to the board weekly. Students are welcome to join Ms. Lyon’s office hours - sign up today for help with resumes, cover letters, and interview skills!
Above: Eleven Lancers represented LUHS at the 98th Vermont All-State Music Festival! From left to right: Frankie Martell, Ava Maher, Lily Murphy, Sophie Hunsberger, Ella Kinney, Sam Goodell, Phinn Bouffard, Marie Center, Hazen Longe, Wyatt Bailey, Maybel Leaker
Above: Students from Reed & Burke’s History & Science of Mummification class completed their chicken mummy, prepared using authentic Ancient Egyptian methods!
Above: The Arts department had a fantastic trip to Montreal! Students visited the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, then explored Chinatown and Old Port.
Above: Senior Toni Howard submitted her charcoal drawing Dancer to the Congressional Art Competition, where 100 student artists had work on display in the U.S. House of Representatives. She attended the awards show and met Rep. Becca Balint—congrats, Toni!
Above: Amelia, a former Johnson Elementary student, returned to Ms. Newberg’s classroom - her former fourth-grade teacher - for a special visit with the kindergarten class. After joining in reading, recess, and math, she left feeling inspired to one day become a teacher or classroom helper!
Above: Who knew science could taste this good? Students in Ms. Hoffman's class had the chance to make their own ice cream.
Above: Intro to Culinary students are serving up their final projects!
Community Updates!
Looking to Capture the Moment? Sign Up for a Graduation Day Photo Session with LU Alum Thea Koch!
Fill out the form below if you are interested!
Substance Prevention - Helpful Links from Healthy Lamoille Valley!
Changing Your Mind: A Parent's Guide to Tech Decisions A thoughtful article to share with families about navigating technology decisions. This guide offers support and insight for when it’s okay to rethink tech rules at home.
Talk. They Hear You: Why Small Conversations Make a Big Impression
As summer approaches, we’re resharing one of our favorite resources from SAMHSA. The "Talk. They Hear You." campaign offers helpful fact sheets, conversation guides, and even a mobile app to help parents and caregivers initiate meaningful discussions about alcohol and other drugs. Check out the 5 Conversation Goals to get started.