On the Horizon
VUHS April 12th, 2024
Principal Message
This past week started off with a breathtaking Solar Eclipse. With many budding Solar Eclipse chasers among us, the excitement was palpable. The energy in Vergennes could be heard all around the community. It was fun to be a part of cheering and community excitement. That excitement seemed to have kicked off our Baseball, Softball, Lacrosse, and Track and Field teams. The strength and skills of our students is another place where we can be a part of the cheering and community excitement.
Meanwhile, behind the scenes, our student groups are buzzing with anticipation, crafting plans for not one, not two, but three exciting events slated for May: Environmental Day on May 1st, FFA Agricultural Day on May 10th, and the Social Justice Fest on May 24th. Mark your calendars because these are events our students will not want to miss!
From inspiring games to the melodious harmonies of our Spring Concert, there's something for everyone this week. Let's not forget about the fearless adventurers departing on our Germany Trip on April 17th and our Italy Trip on April 21st. Bon voyage!
Prom is fast approaching on Saturday, May 4th, and this year, we're bringing the galaxy far, far away to Camp Common Ground in Starksboro with our Star Wars-themed extravaganza. Calling all members and family of the Class of 2025: your assistance is needed to ensure this prom is out of this world!
If you're planning on bringing a guest from another school or a former VUHS Class of 2023 graduate, swing by the main office to grab a permission slip. Those are due by the end of the ERD day on May 1st.
This week we were going to host our first round of Portrait of a Graduate work but we have now merged the two events. We want this new resource to be reflective of what we all see as important for our graduates to have when they leave VUHS. Please come and share your voice on May 8th! Please see more information below in the district updates section.
While spring is in full swing (although winter could always make a guest appearance) we have to start planning for summer. Summer at VUMHS is where the adventure begins. We will have summer programming for access to poolside fun, thrilling activities, and endless opportunities for growth and learning. Sign up now for the ultimate fusion of fun and learning! 2024 VUMHS Summer Fusion Registration
Some events that are coming up in the next few weeks are:
- April 15th:Varsity Track & Field @ CVU, 3:30pm.
- April 16th: Varsity Softball Home vs. Oxbow, 4:30pm, Varsity Baseball Scrimmage Home vs. CVU, 4:30pm, and Varsity Girls Lacrosse 2 Hartford, 6:30pm.
- April 16th: Spring Music Concert at 7pm
- April 20th: Varsity & JV Girls Lacrosse @ St. Johnsbury, 11am/12:30pm and Varsity Baseball & Softball @ Thetford Academy, 11:00am. Please note, the games will be held at Rivendell Academy.
- April 22nd through April 26th: April Break
- May 1st: Early Release Day ~ Green Team Environmental Day
- May 8th: Portrait of a Graduate Community Events (VUMHS Library)
- May 10th: FFA Agricultural Day
- May 23rd: Choral Pops Concert at 6:30
- May 24th: Social Justice Fest
Thank you for all your support!
Jody Chamberlin JChamberlin@anwsd.org
Messages from the District
Upcoming Board Meetings
Please see the upcoming April board meetings (agenda for 4/15).
Budget Revote
You can call your local town office and vote at any time through April 30th.
Portrait of a Graduate Community Input
The ANWSD Community Engagement Committee has combined the two upcoming Portrait of a Graduate community events into one and changed the location. Please just us on May 8th from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at the Vergennes Union Middle and High School for this important event. Parents of students of all ages are invited. We hope to see you there!
School Spotlights
April is Month of the Military Child. On April 9th a proclamation was read on the house floor in Montpelier, VT making April the month of the Military Child in the State of Vermont.Let's wear purple to show their support to military kids.
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Our very own Kimari Collins put together a poetry reading on Friday to celebrate National Poetry Month. We had students and staff who shared their favorite artists and braved the stacks to read their own. Thank you for a wonderful event.
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School Counseling News
School Counseling Office Upcoming Events:
Tuesday, April 16th, SGT Pelno, US Army & Reserves - in cafeteria blocks 4&5
Thursday, April 18th, ASVAB results for students who took the test, school counseling conference room, blocks 5&6
Congratulations to our 2024 Boys State Delegates
Congratulations to the following students on being selected as this year's Boys State delegates and alternates. These students will be going to the campus of Norwich University June 23-28 where they will learn about Vermont town, county and state government. These students were nominated by faculty and staff based on leadership, scholarship, character and loyalty & service to their school. Our delegates are sponsored by the Vergennes American Legion Post #14.
- Ethan Croke
- Grey Fearon
- Spencer Gebo
- Jackson Gernander
- Reese Paquette
The alternates for this year are Brody McGuire & Zachary Norris. Brody McGuire will be attending in Ethan and Jackson's place as they both have a prior commitment and cannot attend and alternate Zack Norris is unable to attend.
Seniors - Helpful FAFSA Resource (how to make corrections & more)
From our VSAC Outreach Counselor, a helpful resource for seniors who have filed their FAFSAs and are wondering “what next,” or “Why can’t I access making correction(s) I need to make?” This article, “How do I Make Corrections on the FAFSA,” from understandingfafsa.org, is very easy to understand, and gives some great information and action steps for students and families.
Design Electronics and Get Them Manufactured For Free - STEM Grant Opportunity for Students
Hack Club is a nationwide, Vermont-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering teenagers with coding skills and an engineering mindset, at no cost. In 2024 Hack Club is giving 5,000 grants to students ages 18 and under to build STEM projects. This grant series is a direct-to-student learning opportunity and grant. Each grant is valued at $100. More information can be found here.
Free MedQuest Health Careers Expo for Students
Southern Vermont Area Health Education Center (AHEC) in partnership with Come Alive Outside, is hosting a MedQuest Health Careers Expo on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, 3-7pm, at the Rutland Recreation & Community Center, 134 Community Drive, Rutland. Admission is FREE and the event is designed specifically for 14–21-year-olds, but all are welcome! There will be an array of health career-related activities and amazing demonstrations with over 20 different health career pathways represented. There will be music, giveaways, a Nerf battle, and even food trucks.
Drive for Excellence - Juniors & Seniors - A Chance to Win a New Car or a $1,000 Scholarship
Qualifying students (current Juniors and Seniors who are at least 16 years on or before 7/20/24) have the chance to win a new car or one of three $1,000 scholarships. Important information and instructions regarding this opportunity can be found here.
Job Opportunities For Students
Job opportunities for students are posted on the School Counseling Resources Webpage as well as in Job Opportunities for Students 23-24 document. As opportunities arise, they will be added to this document throughout the year. If you are looking for a job, check one of these two places often. Job opportunities are also posted on the wall right outside the School Counseling Office. Summer job opportunities are starting to come in including one from Goodies Snack Bar for this summer.
Summer Programs 2024
A list of summer program information that we have received in the School Counseling Office can be found here. And also on the School Counseling Resources Webpage. While we are not endorsing or recommending any one program, we wanted to make this information available to students and families. Each opportunity is a link to further information online from the sponsoring organization. Parents and/or students are also welcome to visit the School Counseling Office at any time to look at the information we have on file regarding summer programs. Please contact your school counselor if you have any questions.
Boosters, CPTG, Friends of Music
CPTG - Commodore Parent Teacher Group Sign up. Let's work together to ensure that our children have access to a stimulating and nurturing educational environment. Your partnership with VUHS Commodore Parent Teacher Group will help shape the minds of future leaders, innovators, and lifelong learners.
Friends of Music - Consider joining the Commodore Friends of Music for our children, our music educators and our community. Meetings are held the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 6:30pm via the Zoom link. For more information please visit our website https://sites.google.com/view/commodore-friends-of-music/home
Food Services
Nurse Announcements
Please contact me if you have any questions or would like to discuss your child's illness. Jaime Wells at jwells@anwsd.org or 471-2298
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We have put together a new Community Health and Wellness site that can be accessed from the ANWSD website. The site is updated as new info becomes available.
Athletics from Pete Maneen
Fusion
Session IV Registration (see daily schedule below our summer opportunities)
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Dear Families,
Get ready for an exciting summer adventure with ANWSD! We are thrilled to announce that we will be offering a variety of fun and enriching learning activities in a camp-like setting for all students.
2024 VUMHS Summer Fusion Registration, this is an open enrollment form. Please make sure to register your student by April 26th.
Confirmation with the list of programs offered this summer will be sent via email by May 10th, 2024 to all registered students.
Our summer enrichment programs are completely FREE and are open to students entering 6th - 12th grades for the 2024-2025 school year. The programs will be held at Vergennes Union High School from Monday, July 8th to Friday, August 2nd.
Not only will students have the chance to participate in engaging activities, but they will also be provided with FREE breakfast, lunch, and snacks throughout the program. There will be group pick up/ drop off locations to be determined based on the needs with more information to come.
It's going to be a summer filled with learning, fun, swimming and delicious food!
Don't wait any longer - sign up your student today and get ready for a summer of adventure and learning with ANWSD.
As always let me know if you have any questions and in the meantime - Have a great day.
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Asia Kruse
Director of After School & Summer Programs
Addison Northwest School District
50 Monkton Road
Vergennes, VT.05491
Phone: 802.471.2211
Patricia A. Hannaford Career Center News (interested and current students)
Check out the new and updated (March) PAHCC Newsletter!
Important Documents
Community Events
Contact Information
Vergennes Union High School
Email: JChamberlin@anwsd.org
Website: https://vumhs.org/
Location: 50 Monkton Road, Vergennes, VT, USA
Phone: (802) 877-2938