Updates from U-32

Dear students, families, and caregivers,

I had the privilege of visiting our American Sign Language students at East Montpelier Elementary School today. Students in our ASL 2 class are partnering with Kindergarteners at EMES to teach them the signs of helping and feeling words. Students introduced themselves, explained deafness and ASL as a language of communication and then practiced signing the alphabet and their names. This class began as a Branching Out course based on student interest and we now offer two classes in ASL. This kind of innovation builds relevance, community and connection, and deepens our work of equity and belonging in order to help our young people contribute to their communities.

This weekend, I hope you'll come out for the Stage 32 performances of RIDE THE CYCLONE. Tonight, students attend for free. Tomorrow, shows are at 2pm and 7pm. Don't miss it!

Best,

Becca

In the class "Middle School Local Impact," students want to announce a food drive, going on from November 8th to 20th. Students, and staff members are welcome to donate non-perishable food items, and/or personal hygiene products. The boxes to donate will be at U-32 inside the main door and the events lobby. Donations will be given to Just Basics Food Pantry in Montpelier, which is an organization which helps all sorts of people have food access, no matter who they are and what their income is.Thank you for your efforts in supporting our cause.

Congratulations to our Students of the Quarter for Quarter 1.

These students were recommended for this honor by their instructor for demonstrating Respect, one of our core CVCC Values.

Congratulations to the following students:

• Alex Ivey - Automotive
• Lola Pembroke - Cosmetology 1
• Aidyn Joy - Culinary Arts
• Courtney Tatro - Graphic Design
• Ace Lafountain - Videography
• CJ Brigham - Electrical Technology
• Liv Stridsberg - EMS 1
• Noah Douse - Exploratory Technology
• Aaliyah Hood - Exploratory Technology

We are so proud of each and every single one of you!!

Reminder!

Students in grade 9-11 who are interested in attending the Central Vermont Career Center next year can begin the application process on November 20th. Details are available on the CVCC website.

Please contact Ellen in Student Services if there are questions.

Senior Families!

Recognize your student with a Recognition Ad. Celebrate your student for their accomplishments and achievements this year! Purchase today! OFFER ENDS 2/6/2026

Open this LINK to see all the information you need for your yearbook submissions.

2026 SENIORS WILL RECEIVE A FREE YEARBOOK!

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 https://education.vermont.gov/student-learning/flexible-pathways/dual-enrollment

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

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

The PSATs were administered to juniors on Wednesday, October 1, 2025 at U-32. Scores and how to interpret the results video were shared with students via extended TA

The Pre ACTS were administered to sophomores on Wednesday, October 1, 2025 at U-32. Scores and how to interpret the results video were shared with students via extended TA

November

• Meet with college representatives virtually.

• Check with your teachers, coaches, and/or TA to ensure that letters of recommendation are sent on time.

• Mail applications for colleges with “rolling” deadlines as soon as possible.

• Keep polishing your essay.

• Continue to attend meetings with college representations.

• Check in with your counselor.

• Remember; Colleges take senior grades seriously.

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 26: 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.

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.

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/

We are currently open for nominations for the John Lewis Youth Leadership Award. This award was established in 2021 by the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS). The award honors the extraordinary accomplishments of Congressman John Lewis. The national award recognizes those 25 years or younger who have demonstrated leadership abilities, have a passion for social justice, and are motivated to improve the quality of life in their community. If you’d like to nominate someone, please click here! The deadline for nominations is November 14, 2025.

Dear Families,
As a token of appreciation, Lifetouch is offering discounts on school photography!

• 50% off a purchase of $50+ with code 50THANKS
• 40% off a purchase of $40+ with code 40THANKS
• 30% off a purchase of $30+ with code 30THANKS

Valid through 12/01/25

To order, log in to your account on mylifetouch.com or create an account, find your student and order using your student's student ID number (if available at your school). Don’t forget to order your FREE Digital SmileSafe card!
More about the Smilesafe program here.

Thank you!