MUHS Community Newsletter

Dear MUHS Community,

It's a festive time of year at MUHS with Winter Ball tonight (8:00-10:00 in the Cafeteria) and Winter Carnival next week. We love our annual talent show. We're excited for our student volleyball game. And we can't wait to see school spirit on display as folks dress up by theme each day:

Monday – Pajama Day

Tuesday – Sports/Jersey Day

Wednesday – Twin Day (We will be doing the Talent Show Twin Day Parade this year!)

Thursday – Throwback Thursday (Dress from any decade or past era.)

Friday – Class Color Day

It's been a long winter already! We look forward to a bit of fun in the week before vacation!

Warmly,

Caitlin Steele, Principal

Ben Weir, Assistant Principal

Sean Farrell, Activities Director

Julie Pettis, Student Response Coordinator

PROJECT GRADUATION 2026

Parents, guardians, and adults responsible for an MUHS Senior: We need you!

Every year Project Graduation provides an entire night's worth of activities to celebrate the senior class. It’s a fun-filled, substance-free night where the class can get together one last time before they head off into the world. But it can’t happen without your help. We need volunteers.

The process of approving volunteers takes some time. If you think you want to volunteer, be sure to sign up on the following form, follow the instructions, and get the process started for the background check. Sarah Johnstone will handle questions about the volunteer approval process. Any questions specifically about Project Graduation should be directed to George Rooney, Project Graduation Coordinator.

SEPAC Meeting February 18

The SEPAC invites all families and caregivers of ACSD students with disabilities to join them on Wednesday, February 18th.

Please join the Addison Central Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) on Wednesday, February 18th. We will be joined by Dr. Sonya Oefelein, ACSD Director of Equity, Inclusion, and Restorative Practices. Sonya will introduce herself and share her goals for the year. We will also hear from Megan Hendee of the MUHS Best Buddies Club.

Wednesday, February 18th
5:30 – 7:00 pm
MUHS Library (virtual option: https://meet.google.com/gjk-ymhg-drj)

ACSD’s new Elementary School Transfer Policy

*Please note two changes ti the Open House schedule below*

The ACSD Board recently revised Board Policy C30, School Assignment and Intra-District Transfer, to offer more flexibility to ACSD families when choosing an elementary school for their child(ren). If you are interested in having your child attend a different K-5 elementary school, please read more about the policy and the application process here. To apply, use this form or visit your school’s front office or the ACSD District Office for a paper application. The application window opened January 30th, and all applications must be received by March 2nd, 2026.

There will be a second information session to learn more, ask questions, and get support filling out the application: Weds, February 18: 8:30-9:30am: at the Superintendent's Office (49 Charles Ave, Middlebury)

Schools have scheduled open houses for all interested families.

Thurs, Feb 12, 5:30-6:30: Salisbury Community
Mon, Feb 16, 5:30-6:30: Cornwall Elementary
Tues, Feb 17, 5:30-6:30: Mary Hogan
Weds, Feb 18 5:30-6:30: Weybridge Elementary
Thurs, Feb 19 5:30-6:30 Bridport Elementary

Vote to Name the New High School Gathering Space at Ilsley!

High schoolers: your voice matters! When the newly renovated Ilsley Public Library opens, there will be a dedicated high school gathering space designed just for you, and you get to name it!

Your peers in the Teen Advisory Group have brainstormed a short list of great options, and now it’s your turn to decide.

This survey is your chance to tell us what you think, and help shape the future of your library. Let's make this space shine!

Morning Announcements

Student Council Suggestion Form

Learning to Be Heard – Global Public Speaking Challenge

Learning to Be Heard is a free, short global challenge for students aged 14–18. You’re invited to submit a 60-second video responding to a prompt in the challenge guide. The focus is on sharing an original idea clearly and thoughtfully. No prior public speaking experience is required; the emphasis is on clarity of thought, structure, and judgment.

Outstanding entries will be considered for full or partial scholarships to attend the new TED Summer School, delivered in partnership between TED and Immerse Education.

Why take part

Develop and share an idea that matters to you
Practice expressing your thinking clearly and concisely
Be considered for a full or partial scholarship to TED Summer School

Deadline: 26th February 2026

Next step: Register to receive the challenge guide and full details

Governors Institute of Vermont (GIV)

GIV hosts several amazing summer institutes on College Campuses across Vermont. Applications for GIV Summer Programs are due March 31st. Please see Margo Austin for more information

Green Mountain Girls State: June 20-June 25th

Are you a junior interested in learning more about local Government with peers from across Vermont on a college campus? Details and application HERE. Come learn about Girls State on Tuesday, February 17th during Flex in the School Counseling office. For more information see Margo Austin

Neuroscience Club participated in the Vermont Brain Bee

The Neuroscience Club traveled up to UVM to compete with other high schools at the 2026 Brain Bee competition which consists of a written test, laboratory practicum, and oral examination rounds. Students also learned about the current research of Saint Michael’s and UVM professors and gained insight into what opportunities lay ahead. Tristan was our top scorer, placing in the top 5!

VSAC College and Career Pathways Event

FREE for Students and Families (geared towards Juniors and Sophomores)

On Saturday, March 14, 2026, families are invited to join in person at the University of Vermont (UVM) Davis Center or online via Zoom to take part in live workshops, discover free resources, and connect with local experts to help prepare for education or training after high school. For more information or to register visit HERE.

Seniors! VSAC Scholarship Session DEADLINE IS WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 11TH

Every year VSAC provides thousands of dollars in scholarships to deserving students across Vermont. You must apply to be considered and the deadline is: Wednesday February 11th!

Please see Sarah Kemp or Margo Austin in School Counseling with questions

VSAC College and Career Pathways Field Trip: Sophomores and Juniors

On Wednesday, April 8th interested students will attend College and Career Pathways at Vermont State University, Castleton Campus. This is an excellent opportunity to attend workshops like: College Search, Finding the Right Fit, Pathways to a Great Career Without a College Degree. In addition, students will get a tour of the campus and eat lunch in the college dining hall. There is limited capacity for this event. Permission slips are available in the school counseling office. Signed permission slips are due by March 6th. See Margo Austin for additional details in School Counseling.