Washington Central Connections

At Washington Central Unified Union School District (WCUUSD), our commitment to student learning and well-being is grounded in the belief that we achieve more when we work together. One of the most powerful drivers of student success is collective efficacy—the shared belief among educators that, through their collaborative efforts, they can positively impact student outcomes. Research shows that collective efficacy has the greatest influence on student achievement, surpassing factors like socioeconomic status and prior achievement.

Collective efficacy is more than teamwork; it is a deep, shared conviction that as a professional learning community, we can overcome challenges and make a meaningful difference in our students’ lives. It requires trust, shared goals, and a culture of continuous learning and reflection. When educators believe in their collective ability to effect change, they are more likely to take risks, embrace innovation, and persist in the face of difficulties.

Our district’s strategic goals emphasize rigorous curriculum and instruction, strong community engagement, and transparent leadership. Achieving these objectives requires a collective commitment to high expectations and a willingness to learn from one another. When teachers, support staff, administrators, and families work together with a unified sense of purpose, students thrive.

As we continue our work at WCUUSD, let’s reaffirm our commitment to collective efficacy. Every student deserves the best education we can provide, and we achieve that by believing in our shared ability to make a difference. Through collaboration, trust, and a relentless focus on student success, we will continue to build a district where all learners thrive.

Together, we are stronger. Together, we make a difference.

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It is with great pleasure that I share that Arlyn Bruccoli, Librarian at East Montpelier Elementary School, was the winner of the Rosen Publishing Northern New England School Librarian of the Month for January 2025. This award was presented to Arlyn at the January meeting of the Vermont School Library Association (VSLA) on January ninth.

We also want to celebrate Randy Brown, science teacher at U-32, for being selected to receive a Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). Randy was recognized along with 5 other Vermont educators for his teaching and contribution to education. Learn more about his accomplishment in this press release.

INVITATION

Washington Central allies and caregivers of children exploring and/or identifying LGBTQIA++

(not our official name!)

The SECOND MONDAY every month--- 5-6:30pm.

Beginning February 10th

Location: Room 128 at U-32

We invite all district members with children (preK-12) in their care or in a caring relationship with kids who are or are exploring their gender expression.

Sometimes the health and well-being of our kids is hampered by the social expectations we have all been taught-- about what to expect from boys and girls.

As adults we carry our upbringing of such expectations AND we adore our kids who may be breaking up with those very ideas.

This group welcomes conversations about how our kids are declaring who they are, defying expectations, how our kids love pink or don't, play with trucks instead of dolls, wear dresses instead of pants, or both, love everyone and sometimes do not receive such open heartedness from others.

What do we do about pronouns, bullying, our own 'coming out' as adults who love and adore kids who tell us they are questioning how they fit in the world? What about LGBTAQ++ and non-binary? Wondering about gender and as age appropriate, growing into social and emotional intimate interests?

We want to create a place to share experiences and resources guided by Shelley Vermilya, district equity scholar and gender studies educator, and parents.

Looking forward to meeting you!

Shelley

Please send questions and RSVP

Shelley Vermilya svermilya@u32.org

The Washington Central Unified Union School District (WCUUSD) seeks a qualified and motivated individual to serve as the District Clerk. This critical position plays a key role in the administration of elections within the district, working closely with the towns of Berlin, Calais, East Montpelier, Middlesex, and Worcester.
The District Clerk will be responsible for coordinating all aspects of the election process, including:
● Posting legal warnings for upcoming elections
● Ensuring ballots are accurately prepared and compliant with legal requirements
● Preparing voter checklists and verifying eligibility
● Overseeing the commingling and secure handling of ballots
● Acting as a liaison between the district and local communities to ensure smooth, transparent elections

This role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a thorough understanding of election processes. It offers an excellent opportunity for individuals with experience in elections, public administration, or those looking to serve their local communities in an important administrative capacity.

Applicants residing in Berlin, Calais, East Montpelier, Middlesex, or Worcester are encouraged to contact Board Chair Flor Diaz Smith at fdiazsmith@u32.org or Melissa Tuller at mtuller@u32.org for more information or to express their interest. To appear on the Town Meeting ballot, a petition with 60 signatures is required.

Don’t miss “Hadestown Teen Edition,” a collaborative musical theater experience between Montpelier High School and U-32.

“Hadestown” started as a DIY theater project in Central Vermont before heading all the way to Broadway and winning 8 Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

Now “Hadestown” is coming home to its roots and our cast and crew has worked in collaboration with the original creators to bring you a giant show with close to 100 students on stage and behind the scenes. It’s EPIC!

January 23-25

January 30-Feb 1

Don't delay - tickets are going quickly. Follow this link to claim yours today:

https://theaterengine.com/productions/2775

January 23-25, 30th and February 1st: Hadestown @ U-32

January 22, 2025: Configuration Committee @ U-32 5:00 PM

January 22, 2025: WCUUSD School Board Meeting @ U-32 6:15 PM

January 21-23: J Term @ U-32

January 31, 2025: Spaghetti Dinner & Raffle @ Calais Elementary 5:30 PM

January 31, 2025: Circus Performance @ Rumney

February 1, 2025: Pie Breakfast @ Doty Memorial 9-11 AM

February 5, 2025: WCUUSD Ed Quality Meeting @ U-32 5:00 PM

February 5, 2025: WCUUSD Board Meeting @ U-32 6:15 PM

February 8, 2025: Winter Carnival @ Calais Elementary

February 11, 2025: Transition Night for Rising 6th Grade Families @ U-32 6:30-8:00 PM

February 12, 2025: Policy Committee Meeting 5:15 PM

February 14, 2025: Morning Mug @ Rumney

February 18, 2025: Bingo Night @ Berlin Elementary

February 19, 2025: WCUUSD School Board Meeting @ U-32 6:15 PM

March 4, 2025: Town Meeting Day .. School Budget Vote !