Updates from U-32

T. Elijah Hawkes, Principal

ehawkes@u32.org

802 -229 -0321

Now that we are a quarter of the way into the school year, I’m writing to share some updates on school climate and culture. There are some positive trends to share and some notes of concern where we are taking responsive and preventative actions. I invite you to read more at this link here.

I welcome your feedback, thoughts, questions as we work in partnerships to support all of the young people in our community,

Elijah

On Monday, the U-32 Jazz Band participated in an inspiring workshop with world-renowned musician and educator Daniel Ian Smith. It was an incredible learning experience for our student musicians! A huge thank you to Anne Decker and TURNmusic for making this event possible.

Stage 32 is proud to present Slain at the Speakeasy

A Murder Mystery Dinner Theater Play

Friday, November 13 + Saturday, November 14 at 6:00 pm

U-32 Theater + Ruth's Speakeasy

Good for the Whole Family!

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE

About the Show:

It’s a typical night at Ruth’s Speakeasy, where you can find the best jazz singers in town. Gangsters, crooked cops, businessmen, and rising stars can all be found there, and everyone respects Ruth’s rules of “no business” and “no guns.” However, betrayal, vengeance, and greed threaten the peace, and one person ends up killed. Was it the crooked police chief? The sultry jazz singer? A scorned woman? Join private investigator Maxwell Parker as he uncovers secrets and solves the mysteries of Slain at the Speakeasy.

• Show with Dinner tickets available only on-line until Monday, November 9. NO DINNER TICKETS AT THE DOOR.
• Show only tickets available until November 13 and at the Door.
• Show starts at 6:00 p.m. with Dinner at Intermission.
• Act II will resume in the Auditorium with Audience Participation to help solve the crime.
• Come in Costume for our contest with Cash Prizes. We will have a cash-only snack bar.

BUFFET DINNER

Waldorf Salad, Green Salad, Deviled Eggs, Chicken a la King, Sliced Ham, Pasta Salad,

Roasted Potatoes, Roasted Veggies, Desserts, Punch, and Lemon Water.

Make Sure Your Family Is Protected Against Measles

Cases are on the rise in the U.S. and in the region. While most people in Vermont are protected, measles can spread quickly in communities with lower vaccination rates, and cases are often linked to international travel.

Measles Facts

• Measles spreads very easily. It travels through the air when a sick person coughs or sneezes. The virus can stay in a room for up to two hours after they leave.

• Measles is not just a little rash. It can cause pneumonia, brain swelling, and hospitalization. This is especially true for young children.

• Vaccination is the best protection. The MMR vaccine prevents measles and its complications. Getting measles is much riskier than getting the vaccine.

•Some people depend on community protection. Babies under 12 months and people with weakened immune systems may not be fully protected and rely on others to reduce spread.

How to Keep your Family, School, and Community Healthy

• Make sure your children are vaccinated against measles. Children should get two doses of MMR vaccine: 1st dose at 12–15 months and 2nd dose at 4–6 years. Adults should also make sure they are protected. For guidance, visit

https://www.healthvermont.gov/disease-control/measles#adults

• If you plan to travel outside of the U.S., talk to your doctor about recommendations. Everyone 6 months and older (including adults) should be vaccinated before international travel, ideally at least two weeks before. When you and your family return home, watch for symptoms for three weeks.

• If your child has symptoms, stay home and call your doctor. Symptoms often start with a high fever, then a cough, runny nose, and red and watery eyes. A rash usually appears three to five days after the first symptoms. Make sure to call ahead before visiting a clinic. Thank you for taking steps to protect our community. To learn more, visit HealthVermont.gov/Measles.

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 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

Central Vermont Career Center Application Time line

Scholarship Opportunities

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.

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

SAT / ACT Test preparation FREE

SAT test prep is offered free through Khan Academy by matching your PSAT scores. Students will learn about how to match their accounts at the December callback when they learn how to interpret their scores. ACT also offers free online ACT test prep.

Calendar for College Bound Seniors

November

• November 7th - SAT

• SAT information

• ACT information
  
  

• 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 information

• 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 22: 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.

Looking for an alternative to college?

VSAC is a fantastic resource for college and non college bound students www.vsac.org

New Video for Distribution: Month-by-Month Financial Aid Planning for High School Seniors and Their Families
Senior year comes with a lot of deadlines. VSAC's new video helps students and families know what to do and when to do it.

In a step-by-step conversation, Resource Center staff members Carrie and Chris cover the FAFSA and financial aid deadlines, the FAFSA Parent Wizard, scholarships and the Vermont Grant, types of admission, StudentAid.gov accounts, how to understand financial aid offers and school costs, and more.

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/

Filing for 2027-28 Financial Aid? It's as Easy as 1-2-3!

1. FAFSA. This application is the 1st step to getting college financial aid.
2. Grants. These are often called "gift aid" as they don't need to be paid back.
3. Scholarships. Use a single application to apply for more than 150 VSAC-Assisted Scholarships. Don't miss the February 10, 2027 deadline.

There are great offerings for all ages at the Clubhouse Commons on Langdon Street in Montpelier. This is a youth-forward space, led by a team of young people, including two U32 graduates! We encourage you to check out this wonderful space that has hours and activities that are intentionally aligned with the schedules of young people. All are welcome! Go get something yummy at the Late Light Cafe at the Clubhouse Commons and enjoy the energy there.

1. We have a show this coming Saturday 11/14. A UVM indie-rock/Americana band and Magic User

2. We have a wonderful community volunteer hosting a yarn club every Wednesday at 6:45-8. All skill levels and ages welcome.

3. We are trying to get a regular all ages open mic going every 2nd and 4th Friday of the month. The next one is 11/13z Here’s the link to sign up

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf62IzkB_5AItNED3-nDemBabnz_AGyE1f8p8SIO9yqnk6ZVA/viewform?

Build confidence, situational awareness, and practical personal safety skills in a supportive, trauma-informed space. The SAFETY Team is hosting a Level 1 Empowerment Self-Defense Class at U-32 on Wednesday, January 27, from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM.

Designed exclusively for female-identifying participants of all fitness levels, this hands-on workshop focuses on boundary setting, physical self-defense techniques, and fostering resilience.

• Date & Time: Wednesday, January 27 | 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM

• Location: U-32 (930 Gallison Hill Rd, Montpelier, VT)

• Eligibility: Female-identifying participants (all fitness levels welcome)

• Cost: $35/Scholarships available

Sign-Up Information:

To register or learn more, contact info@thesafetyteam.org or visit thesafetyteam.org.

Vermont Pathways to Partnerships Project Enrollment

U-32 Student and Family Handbook

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U-32 Chronicle

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U-32 Yearbook

Order your 2027 yearbook!

U-32 Raider Gear

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from your favorite athletic and leisure brands.