Dear U-32 Families, Students, and Caregivers,

In order to understand and deepen our commitment to our core values, we regularly survey families, students, and staff about school culture, climate and engagement. We use these surveys to gather information about how things are going in our schools. The information we gather from these surveys will be reviewed and analyzed in our building so that we can set goals for ourselves; in addition, our WCUUSD Board will review district-level themes to inform their work.

You will receive a survey under separate cover, I encourage you to take the time to fill this out as we continue to work to support all learners across our school community and district.

I appreciate our students' flexibility on Thursday when we had to call school off and then on again due to a sewer issue. In every classroom I walked into, they got back to the work of learning and we were able to find humor together. This is a testament to the community we build here everyday. Thank you.

Best,

Becca

On Wednesday, our 8th Graders had the incredible opportunity to learn Hands-Only CPR as part of the American Heart Challenge!

We’re proud to be part of a movement preparing the next generation to respond in a cardiac emergency. Did you know that over 350,000 sudden cardiac arrests happen outside the hospital each year? By learning CPR, our students are helping to change that statistic.

Thanks to a newly received Hands-Only CPR training kit, all U-32 middle school students will be trained and ready to make a difference in a cardiac emergency.

We encourage all families to join us in supporting this life saving mission.

Register today at: http://www2.heart.org/goto/U32

Our vision is to inspire creativity, passion, and contribution in our young people. As a part of our newsletter, I am trying to improve our connection to helping our community see the ways in which students demonstrate these values through their education. This month, 11th grader, Colby Tuller, traveled to Washington D.C. to share his passion for Military History and contribute to the work of the American Battlefield Trust. Colby wrote about his experiences here and I encourage you to read his reflections on his contributions. I am incredibly proud to work in a community that truly does inspire passion and contribution.

Dear Fellow Vermonter,

As April nears, I’m very pleased to announce that my office will once again host a “Youth Chess Day.” Over the first two years of this event, more than 250 young Vermonters from across the state have come out to play one of the oldest games in human history.

The response has been overwhelming each year, which is why we are happy to continue putting on this now annual event. The third-annual “Youth Chess Day” will be held on Saturday, April 19 from 11:00 AM to 4 PM at Vermont State University in Randolph.

The Learn to Play session is a great opportunity for first through eighth grade students to learn how to play and hone their skills, while more experienced players grades first through twelfth can test their knowledge in a recreational tournament in the afternoon. I encourage ALL young Vermonters, grades 1-12, to sign up and take part – whether you have years of playing or you’re just starting out. Students with all levels of experience are welcome and everyone is encouraged to join together for a free lunch.

Chess helps young people improve their intellectual skills, as well as their ability to strategize, think ahead, and focus. It’s also a great way to make friends and build community while playing a fun game. I know that’s exactly why we see students come back year after year.

I look forward to seeing some familiar faces, watching how players have progressed their skills over the last year, and hopefully meeting some newcomers. You can watch videos of our first two events here: First Annual Youth Chess Day; Second Annual Youth Chess Day.

If you know someone who may be interested in participating, please forward this Buzz along.

Sincerely,

Bernie

Hello!

My name is Stella Stoufer and I am a junior here at U-32. I am working alongside my mentor Meg Allison, in the library on a Branching Out Project called Out Run The Floods! My idea surrounds fundraising for flood relief. Please consider joining me on Saturday, May 31st to raise money for flood relief.

Thank you!

Hello WCSUUD Community!

According to The Huffington Post, the total cost of having a period over a lifetime is $18,171. To address this, S/HEZAMM—U-32’s feminist club and affinity group for people of marginalized gender identities—Is hosting a period product drive from now until April 30th. There is a donation box located in student services at U-32. We are taking pads, tampons, menstrual cups, menstrual discs and period underwear! We are hoping to donate these to non-profits around the state and people in need, so please spread the word and stock up!

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.

IMPORTANT GRADING INFORMATION

Report Card Dates for 2024-2025

Semester 2

Quarter 3 HS/MS Progress Report - Available Wednesday, April 16, 2025

Quarter 4 HS/MS Report Cards - Available TBA mailed pending snow days

COURSE SELECTION for 2025-2026

Incoming high school students will receive their schedules in May. Times will be allotted in May for students to make any changes to their schedules.

Move Up Day (for incoming 7-12 graders) is scheduled for June 10th and additional information will follow.

Finalized schedules will be mailed home in June with Quarter 4 report cards.

SAT TESTING DATES (register online at www.collegeboard.com)

Test Date (Deadline to Register)

May 3rd (April 18th)

June 7th (May 22nd)

ACT TESTING DATES (register online at www.actstudent.org)

Test Date (Deadline to Register)

June 14th (May 9th)

July 12th (June 6th)

UVM Summer Academy

Designed for motivated high school students who have completed 10th, 11th, or 12th grade, the University of Vermont’s Summer Academy is an outstanding, academically challenging 4-week program (2 weeks on-campus, 2 weeks online) that provides students with the opportunity to earn credits, explore a specific area of career interest, experience college life and showcase their talent and ambition to college recruiters.

Dual Enrollment / Early College

As an incoming Vermont high school junior or senior, you are eligible for two Vermont Dual Enrollment Vouchers, allowing you to take one free college course in your junior year of high school and one in your senior year of high school.

It’s called Dual Enrollment because your free college courses will also earn you credit towards graduation from high school.

Dual enrollment is offered through all VT public colleges/universities and some private colleges too. Go to http://www.vtdualenrollment.org/ for a list of participating colleges and to request a dual enrollment voucher.

High School Seniors are also eligible for Early College- got to http://education.vermont.gov/student-learning/flexible-pathways/early-college for more information

Registration for Rosie's Girls is now OPEN!! Empower your camper’s summer by registering them for Vermont Works for Women's Rosie's Girls camp today. This year we have more camp spots open than ever before, meaning more opportunities for youth to explore the skilled trades and STEAM fields. Explore the exciting range of activities we have in store for middle school girls and gender non-conforming youth entering grades 6-8 this summer on our website

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

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/

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.

---

The Middlesex Community Fund is a resource to Middlesex families and the broader community. They support grants to meet basic needs, education scholarships, camp scholarships, community projects and disaster responses.

Education Scholarships are for tuition, fees, room and board, course-required books, travel, equipment, and more. The typical amount is for $300 though any reasonable amount will be considered. They must be applied for by May 1 of each year. For an application, click here. MCF scholarships are limited to students residing in Middlesex (part time or full time). For more information, please email : amy.rose.vt@gmail.com

---

$4,000 (300 Awards)

Mike Rowe Work Ethic Scholarship Program

Deadline: April 17, 2025

For Eligibility: Click Here

$5,000 (77 Awards)

American Foreign Service Association Scholarship

Deadline: April 18, 2025

For Eligibility: Click Here

$3,000 (20 Awards)

Montessori Teacher Education Scholarships

Deadline: April 19, 2025

For Eligibility: Click Here

$500 (2 Awards)

Herren Project Student Scholarship

Deadline: April 25, 2025

For Eligibility: Click Here

$2,000 (12 Awards)

Sallie Mae Scholarship

Deadline: April 30, 2025

For Eligibility: Click Here

$25,000 (1 Award)

Be Bold Scholarship

Deadline: May 1, 2025

For Eligibility: Click Here

$50,000 (50 Awards)

ScholarshipOwl No Essay Scholarship

Deadline: April 29, 2025

For Eligibility: Click Here

$15,000 (1 Award)

Niche Scholarships

Deadline: May 31, 2025

For Eligibility: Click Here

$2,000 (1 Award)

Faith Based College Scholarship

Deadline: May 31, 2025

For Eligibility: Click Here

April

• Regular Decision admissions letters begin to arrive.

• Discuss the financial aid package provided by each school with your family. If you haven’t received financial aid packages by early April call to make sure all necessary materials arrived.

• Attend admitted students’ weekends at college campuses.

• Use April break for any additional campus visits.

• If you are on a waitlist, set up a meeting with your counselor to discuss options.

• Celebrate with family and friends!

• Send in the acceptance notice to your chosen school. Make sure to send in your deposit.

• Decline offers of admission from remaining colleges.

May

• May 1: Deadline for notifying colleges of your decision.
• AP Exams are administered. Be sure to send the AP Grade Report to your college.
• Send thank-you notes to your teachers, coaches, TA, and anyone else who helped you on the way.
• Fill out housing-preference forms, and check out any special living centers.
• Wait-listed students can expect more information about their status after May 1.
• Complete Graduation Survey on Family Connection

June

• If you plan to compete in Division I or Division II college sports, have your transcript sent to the NCAA Initial Eligibility Clearinghouse. More information is available at ncaaclearinghouse.net.

• June 8: Senior Award Ceremony at 3pm
• June 9: Graduation Practice 8:15am-10am
• June 10: Graduation Practice, Caps & Gown parade 9:45am-11:30
• June 11-12: Senior Trip
• June 13: Graduation at 6:30pm

• June 30: Final deadline to submit FAFSA.

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.