MUHS Community Newsletter

Dear MUHS Community,

December is off to a cold and snowy start, and we hope you’re staying warm! We are required to hold a fire drill in December, and ours is scheduled for next week. Please encourage your child to have warm layers with them in case we need to step outside briefly.

Next Wednesday (12/10) will be an early-release day, with dismissal at 12:40 p.m.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Warmly,

Caitlin Steele, Principal

Ben Weir, Assistant Principal

Sean Farrell, Activities Director

Julie Pettis, Student Response Coordinator

Tuesday, December 16th | 6:00–7:15 PM

Join us for an evening of exploration and opportunity! This event is geared toward 10th grade students and their families, but all are welcome. Learn about the many course pathways and programs available to MUHS students during their 11th and 12th grade years, including

• Early College
• IB Diploma Program (DP)
• Hannaford Career Center
• Dual Enrollment college courses
• Branching Out
• Online learning options and more!

If you’ve heard of these opportunities but want to learn more — this event is for you!

HOPE in Middlebury wants to remind families that we run a free Holiday Shop to support gift giving for kids. Parents with income of up to 200% of the federal poverty level are encouraged to make an appointment to visit and select new toys, games, gadgets, books, etc for their children, birth to 18. We also offer a family gift to each household – kitchen items, linens, and more. To reach HOPE, visit https://www.hope-vt.org/ or call 802-388-3608

This week, all grade 10 MUHS students had the opportunity to tour programs at the Hannaford Career Center that will be available to them as juniors and seniors. Students heard from program teachers, saw the classrooms and heard about programming from current enrolled students! More information can be found on the Hannaford Career Center website. Applications will become available within the next week, and are due February 13th. For more information, speak with your school counselor!

On Tuesday, December 9th, the School Counseling team will host VSAC Outreach Counselor, Kate Rowland for financial aid “Forms Night." This program is specifically for our students in the Class of 2026 who are planning to attend college or pursue career training in the 2026-27 academic year.

There are two sessions, 4:30–5:45 PM, 6:00–7:15 PM. Families do not need to attend both, but advance registration is required. Students can sign up in the School Counseling office. Space is limited so be sure to sign up soon! Please check your email for details and a list of the paperwork that you must bring with you to Forms Night. Additional FAFSA Help:

If you cannot attend, there are other opportunities to complete the FAFSA with VSAC’s assistance. Visit VSAC’s website for a list of dates and times Questions? Contact VSAC’s toll-free FAFSA helpline at 833-802-8722 (Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM).

The VT Department of Health is reporting a significant rise in pertussis (whooping cough), a very contagious respiratory disease that often affects school-aged children. We are not aware of any cases in ACSD, and hope the information below will help prevent and treat any cases that occur.

Symptoms & Treatment: Early symptoms look like a common cold (runny nose, low fever, mild cough) and usually appear 5-10 days after exposure. Later Symptoms can include severe coughing fits with a “whoop”, vomiting during/after coughing fits, difficulty sleeping, struggling to breathe, and rib fractures. Early treatment is crucial to prevent severe symptoms and shorten illness. Students/staff diagnosed with pertussis must complete 5 full days of antibiotics before returning to school; without antibiotics, they must stay home for 21 days from the start of the cough.

Spread & Prevention: Pertussis spreads easily through respiratory droplets from coughs and sneezes. Help prevent illness by staying up to date on Tdap/DTap vaccines, washing hands, covering coughs, and keeping students home when sick. Good rest, nutrition, hydration, and time outdoors also support overall health.

For questions, contact your school nurse or healthcare provider, and visit the ACSD Illness Guidance page or www.healthvermont.gov/whoopingcough for more resources.

December 6 - SATs

December 6 - Success Saturday

December 10 - Early Release

December 16 - Flexible Pathways Information Night

December 24-January 4 - Winter Break

Check out the MUHS Events Calendar online here.