Dear U-32 Families, Students, and Caregivers,

This week, members of our Student Council worked to engage students in conversations about the budget. I am excited to hear their presentation to the Board when we return and to continue to partner with them as representatives of our school community.

We ended the week with celebrations in TA. They were celebratory and are clearly a space where students feel connected to each other and our community. TA is one way that we work to build a culture of inclusion and positivity through relationships; it is a place where students can be known by a small group they may not otherwise choose.

Enjoy the time away from school and we will welcome you back in the New Year.

Best,

Becca

Starting January 2, 2025, U4 and U6 will no longer be running in the morning. Students have been assigned to a new route, either NEW U3/U4 AM or NEW U5 AM or NEW U7 AM. These routes will be live in MyRide on December 27, 2024. Please check the MyRide app for the new stop locations and times. The U4 and U6 afternoon buses will be the same route with a different driver.

For parents who have not signed up for the MyRide app, please take the time to do it so that you get notifications about changes, delays, cancellations, etc.

Please use this link for set-up instructions: MyRide App.

This year marks the 11th successful year of the Giving Tree at U-32!

This year we helped 23 U-32 students in 17 families. We gave out $2,300 in Price Chopper and Shaws gift certificates ($100 per student), contributed $470.00 to the 2025 Senior Class Trip and contributed $385.00 to the 8th Grade Washington DC trip.

We received cash donations from the U-32 community in the amount of $2,665.00. We received many gifts and gift certificates from U-32 and district staff including sweatshirts, sweatpants, leggings, shirts, sneakers, Carhartt pants, Celtics and Bruins clothing, drawing supplies, Lilo & Stitch accessories, skincare products, running gear, Nintendo Switch, Gamestop and Sephora gift cards.

This would not happen without the kindness of the U-32 community! Thank you and we hope you all have a wonderful holiday break!

Today U-32 hosted the U-32 Post High School Alumni Fair and Student Panel.

Post High School options represented where:

• 4 year colleges (Bentley, UVM, Middlebury, URI, CCV, Univ of Southern ME)
• Careers: Electrical, Nursing, CVCC COOP

Alumni shared their highlights and challenges in their current setting as well as what they wish they knew when they were at U-32.

U-32 students also asked individual questions of the panel.

We are grateful to our U-32 Alumni for giving their time!

Congratulations to U-32 Band 11th grader Ben Warfield for being accepted into the New England Music Festival Concert Band on Bass Clarinet!

Ben will have the opportunity to represent U-32 at the NEMFA Concert Festival on March 13-15 in Middletown, CT.

U-32 and Montpelier High School are teaming up to bring you Hadestown Teen Edition!

January 23-25 / January 30-Feb 1. It may seem like a long time from now, but I promise, it will sneak up on you...

GET YOUR TICKETS!

Each semester, U-32 "Incorporated" (Inc.), collaborates with Paul Dayton and Big Gear Coffee Roasters from Berlin. We are proud to announce our first sale of the year, and four specific roasts that you can choose from. Below is the form for you to submit your order. The students will handle the rest and the beans will arrive here at school when we return from break.

Please see the order form linked below.

As always, thank you for supporting the class!

George

U-32 Inc Coffee Order Form Fall Semester (2024)

We are excited to announce a presentation for U-32 high school students on January 9th by Chris Herren, a basketball legend whose NBA career was derailed by addiction. Now alcohol- and drug-free since 2008, Chris has inspired over two million students nationwide. His powerful talks spark honest discussions and encourage a fresh perspective on addiction, focusing on recovery from the last day to the first.

Learn More: www.herrentalks.com

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.

Parents of juniors: In December, the school counselors will meet with the juniors to discuss post high school planning options. Every junior will receive a U-32 Post High School Planning Guide. To view a copy and for additional information check out the 11th gr U-32 PLP IC course or view the pdf on the U-32 website.

IMPORTANT GRADING INFORMATION

Report Card Dates for 2024-2025

Semester 1

Quarter 2 HS/MS Report Cards - Available Thursday, January 30, 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

SAT / ACT Test Preparation (FREE On-line)

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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

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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

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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/

Rising and current U-32 Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors! Are you interested in becoming a leader? Or challenging yourself this summer?

Norwich University offers a 9 day military style camp. The camp is led by current Norwich University Cadets and professional staff to ensure participants get the full experience of the camp and safety of all participants.

Participants will take on challenges throughout the week, learn leadership skills, and have fun! Activities include rappelling, rock climbing wall, paintball, first-aid, classroom instruction, a challenge course, and more!

Norwich University is running a $300 off Black Friday discount for first time FLC participants effective until December 24th 2024 !

For More information click HERE

For questions related to Future Leader Camp, call us at (802) 485-2836 or email nuleadership@norwich.edu or email me at ctuller26@wcsu32.org

Informational Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3u9YleoLWtk

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.

$10,000 (4 Awards)

Dr. Bart Kamen Memorial FIRST Scholarship Fund

Deadline: February 1, 2025

For Eligibility: Click Here

$20,000 (2 Awards)

Dolly Parton Songwriters Award

Deadline: January 15, 2025

For Eligibility: Click Here

$20,000 (500 Awards)

Asian and Pacific Islander American Scholarship Program

Deadline: January 15, 2025

For Eligibility: Click Here

$5,000 (1 Award)

Better Brothers LA Scholarship

Deadline: January 10, 2025

For Eligibility: Click Here

$25,000 (1 Award)

Be Bold Scholarship

Deadline: January 1, 2025

For Eligibility: Click Here

$50,000 (1 Award)

Niche Scholarships

Deadline: December 31, 2024

For Eligibility: Click Here

$3,500 (1 Award)

College Mix Christian College Scholarship

Deadline: May 31, 2025

For Eligibility: Click Here

$2,000 (12 Awards)

SM Scholarship

Deadline: December 31, 2024

For Eligibility: Click Here

$1,000 (50 Awards)

ScholarshipOwl No Essay Scholarship

Deadline: December 29, 2024

For Eligibility: Click Here

December

• SAT Reasoning & SAT Subject Tests

• ACT information

• Put the finishing touches on your essay. Be sure to proofread!

• Try to wrap up applications before winter break. Photocopy all application materials before sending them in.

• Send standardized test scores to your colleges. It can be done electronically at collegeboard.com or by phone at 800-SAT-SCORE.

• Early Decision and Early Action letters start arriving this month. Check with individual schools to confirm dates. Good luck!

• Regular applicants: call admissions offices to set up interviews if needed.

• Complete CSS Profile if you haven’t already done so

• Check in with your Counselor.

January

• ACT information
• January 17: Start of Quarter 3.
• Students admitted by Early Decision must withdraw applications to other schools. Deferred students should consider sending in additional letters of recommendation and other supplementary materials.
• Talk to friends home from college on break.
• Where possible, set up interviews with admissions officers or alumni interviewers.
• Check in with your Counselor.

February

• ACT information
• SAT information
• February 4: 9th Grade Information Night for 8th Grade Parents & Students @ U-32 at 6:30pm in auditorium (in person) - More information below.
• February 11: 7th Grade Parent/Guardian Information Night for Rising 7th grade families at 6:30pm in auditorium (in person)
• February 15: Recommended FAFSA deadline.
• Contact colleges to confirm they’ve received all your application materials.
• Keep your grades up.
• Continue the scholarship search. Check out fastweb.com and finaid.org for ideas.
• Use February/March break to visit colleges.
• Check in with your Counselor.

9th Grade Transition Night – for 8th Grade Parent/Guardians & Students

February 4th @ 6:30 PM – U-32 Auditorium

This is an evening for 8th graders and parents to learn about course selection for 9th grade, and the transition to high school. This program gives an overview of the transition to high school and provides opportunities for questions. The program is conducted by Rebecca Tatistcheff, Principal, Ellen Cooke, Counselor, & Lisa LaPlante, Director of Student Services

In the weeks following this program individual meetings will be scheduled with 8th grade TAs to select courses for 9th grade. Watch for more information on these meetings.

Seniors and their families, please see this important information about senior quotes, farewells, younger photos, and family dedication ads.

Purchase your yearbook before December 31, 2024, for $35.00

Purchase your yearbook after December 31, 2024, your yearbook will be $40.00

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.

The U32 Boosters are looking for a couple of volunteers to help with the concession stand at the JV/V girls and boys basketball games. Even if it is just for an hour or so. Super easy and fun!

If you can lend a hand please see the attached schedule and add your name and phone number. If you have any questions please reach out to u32boosterclub@gmail.com

2024-2025 Concession Schedule:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1eFnWCsoOq68ee8Rp6Q0fsLr0uZ2AxeyGNYJbdmaxQ30/edit?usp=sharing

GO RAIDERS!!!