Dear U-32 Families, Students, and Caregivers,

Thank you to Pep for bringing us a week of spirit. Unfortunately, we were not able to culminate with our mid-winter dance due to the snow storm.

This week we will end with a concert in honor of Black History Month during callback on Friday as well as our teen Mental Health First Aid. These two initiatives align to our commitment to humanity and justice as well as the importance of supporting wellness in our community.

This year, our commitment to fostering collaboration and connection with the Thangpal Valley School in Nepal continues. Over February break, I will travel with 8 teachers from the district to deepen our partnership with the support of GoGlobal Vermont. To prepare for this journey, students in 7th grade have been studying the Sustainable Development Goals and are creating zines that outline the goal that they believe will make the most positive impact in their home communities. Our 9th grade students have been writing letters with students from Thangpal Valley. As a part of our journey, we are also bringing examples of artistic expression from our community. If you (students) or your family are interested in donating a piece of your home culture (small quilt, photo, wood project) that can be carried to our partner school in Nepal, please don't hesitate to drop it off in the main office with a photo of you and your family and brief message about how/why the piece was created. As we continue this partnership, we hope that there will be more opportunities for sharing and learning across our communities.

Best,

Becca

On March 26th U-32 will administer the Youth Risk Behavior Survey in extended TA to students grade 7-12. Click here for more information.

U-32 will administer the Vermont Comprehensive Assessment Program VT CAP ELA & MATH to students in grades 7, 8 & 9 on April 3rd. This will be a non-attendance day for grades 10, 11, 12. CVCC students are expected at CVCC.

• 8th grade science test will be administered the following week in core classes

• 11th grade science test will be administered in US History classes

2025 U.S. Physics Olympiad, F=ma exam

Congratulations to Gregory Hayward, Alden Bond, and Ari Chapin for competing in this year's U-32 Physics Olympiad F=ma exam competition.

On Wednesday, February 12, these students completed the grueling preliminary exam for the U.S. Physics Team selection.

The American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) and the American Institute of Physics (AIP) sponsor this competition for high school students to represent the United States at the International Physics Olympiad Competition. The mission of the U.S. Physics Team Program is to promote and demonstrate academic excellence through preparation for and participation in the International Physics Olympiad.

Students who score well on this preliminary exam will be invited to compete in a second round exam in early April.

Students selected for the national team will then compete in 55th International Physics Olympiad (IPhO), Paris, France in July.

As in previous years, our school board has chosen to participate in the Winooski Valley Regional Public School Choice Collaborative for 2025-2026. Through this program and the state school choice program, students may apply to go to any public high school in Vermont at no cost. The Vermont Legislature passed a law in May 2012 (Act 129, Sec. 34. § 822d 2A) which allows high school students to apply through school choice to any public high school in Vermont. This law sets rules for school districts regarding the number of entering and exiting student slots allowed through school choice. Students are chosen by lottery from all the applicants for each school district based on the number of open slots. You may view school choice information at the Vermont Agency of Education website:

http://education.vermont.gov/vermont-schools/school-operations/public-schools/public-high-school-choice.

If your student is interested in attending a high school outside of your district next year, please contact U-32 Student Services to obtain a school choice application by calling 802-229-0322 or emailing tmartin@u32.org. Completed applications must be received in Student Services by Friday, February 21, 2025. You will be informed of the outcome of the lottery by April 1, 2025. You will need to confirm whether your student will accept or decline the placement by April 15, 2025. If you do not confirm placement by this date, your slot may be given to another student if the school has a waiting list. If you have any questions, please call Tracy Martin at 802-229-0322 or email tmartin@u32.org.

**Parents are responsible for providing their student's transportation if they are chosen.**

Youth Art Camp: All Things Sculpture!

Monday, 2/24 8:30am-4:00pm
Tuesday, 2/25 8:30am-4:00pm

This is a two day, mini art camp for middle and high school aged youth.

Join Robert, Cleopatra and guest artist Heidi in this sculpture based camp. We will play with clay and more! Part of the camp will consist of working with potter Heidi Louise as she guides us through making a pinch pot set!

$50-$150 sliding scale & scholarships. All Middle & High School Aged Youth Welcome! Homeschoolers, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ safe space.

For more info & to register: https://forms.gle/LhPfsE1gntT9f8jK8

Youth Art Camp: All Things Collage!

Monday, 3/3 8:30am-4:00pm
& Tuesday, 3/4 8:30am-4:00pm

This is a two day, mini art camp for middle and high school aged youth.

In this camp we will be experimenting with all types of collage materials both 2D and 3D!

$50-$150 sliding scale & scholarships. All Middle & High School Aged Youth Welcome! Homeschoolers, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ safe space.

For more info & to register: https://forms.gle/QZBTdKfny2RmtE66A

BETA HIGH SCHOOL JOB SHADOW EXPERIENCE

OVERVIEW

BETA is a Burlington, Vermont-based aerospace manufacturer developing fully electric aircraft and related charging networks. During BETA’s 2025 High School Job Shadow Experience, students explore STEM careers like Flight Simulation, 3-D Printing, Fleet Maintenance, Batteries, Carpentry, Composites, Software, Manufacturing, Motors, and Electronics. During the 4-day summer immersion program, students shadow professionals in the field and culminate their experience with a professional development workshop and presentation. This program is hosted at various BETA locations in South Burlington, VT, and offers a firsthand look into the world of electric aviation.

ELIGIBILITY

Applicants must be enrolled in high school and be at least 16 years old. A total of 14-16 students will be accepted. Ideal candidates display a positive attitude, willingness to learn, enthusiasm, and curiosity! Applicants will be required to submit a resume and cover letter, upon receipt, they will be invited to a Video Interview.

IMPORTANT INFO

• The application is open until APRIL 1, 2025 and will be available on our website: www.beta.team/careers
• Selected students will be notified by JUNE 1, 2025
• The program will run on Wednesdays: JULY 9, JULY 16, JULY 23, and JULY 30, 2025
• Availability on these dates is required for acceptance.

High school families, now is the time to start preparing for what comes next. Whether your student is planning on college, short-term training, an apprenticeship, military service, a gap year, or is still undecided, VSAC’s free College & Career Pathways event is for you.

Join us in-person at UVM or online over Zoom on Saturday, March 8th to take part in live workshops, discover free resources, and connect with local experts to help you prepare for education and training after high school.

REGISTER HERE

Event Schedule:

• 1:00 - 2:00 pm: Registration & Resource Fair (in-person only)
• 2:00 - 2:15 pm: Welcome
• 2:25 - 3:10 pm: Workshop 1
• 3:20 - 4:05 pm: Workshop 2
• 4:15 - 5:00 pm: Workshop 3

Workshop Topics:

• Financial Aid & Managing College Costs
• Scholarships: Free Money!
• The College Search: Finding the Right Fit
• Strategies for the SAT & ACT
• Navigating the Admissions Process
• Writing the Admissions Essay
• MyFutureVT: Your Guide to Success After High School
• Supporting Your Teen's Career Search
• I Wish I Knew That! Programs to Pursue Before You Graduate
• Apprenticeship Opportunities
• Taking a Gap Year: Build an Intentional Path to Your Future
• Navigating the College Search for Students Who Learn Differently

Interested in attending more than three workshops? All workshops will be recorded and posted to our website following the event.

You can find additional event information, including workshop descriptions and a full list of organizations who will be at the Resource Fair at vsac.org/ccp.

College & Career Pathways is funded by VSAC; Vermont State GEAR UP, a federally funded program; and the J. Warren and Lois McClure Foundation.

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 Monday, April 7, 2025

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

COURSE SELECTION for 2025-2026

Current students in grades 7-11 received a U-32 Program of Studies on March 12th during TA/Callback. Students should work with their TAs and parents/guardians to finalize their course requests by March 26th. Scheduling conferences will be held for students in grade 8 and 10. Parents/guardians of 8th & 10th grade students, please contact your student’s TA if you have yet to schedule a meeting.

Current 6th grade students received a U-32 Program of Studies, a course selection sheet and health forms on February 1st. 6th graders need to return their course selection sheets and health forms to their elementary school no later than Feb 21st.

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

March 8th February 21st

May 3rd April 18th

June 7th May 22nd

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

Test Date Deadline to Register

April 5th February 28th

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

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 http://www.vtdualenrollment.org/

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

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.

$10,000 (75 Awards)

James R. Hoffa Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: March 1, 2025

For Eligibility: Click Here

$6,000 (5 Awards)

AMS Scholarship for Underserved Communities

Deadline: February 28, 2025

For Eligibility: Click Here

$1,000 (1 Award)

Textile Merchandising Scholarship

Deadline: February 28, 2025

For Eligibility: Click Here

$1,000 (1 Award)

Nuclear Family Scholarship

Deadline: February 28, 2025

For Eligibility: Click Here

$25,000 (1 Award)

Be Bold Scholarship

Deadline: March 1, 2025

For Eligibility: Click Here

$25,000 (1 Award)

Niche Scholarships

Deadline: March 31, 2025

For Eligibility: Click Here

$50,000 (50 Awards)

ScholarshipOwl No Essay Scholarship

Deadline: February 28, 2025

For Eligibility: Click Here

$2,000 (1 Award)

Faith Based College Scholarship

Deadline: May 31, 2025

For Eligibility: Click Here

$2,000 (12 Awards)

SM Scholarship

Deadline: February 28, 2025

For Eligibility: Click Here

February

• ACT information
• SAT information
• February 15: Recommended FAFSA deadline.
• Contact colleges to confirm they’ve received all your application materials.
• February 21: CVCC Preview Day
• Continue the scholarship search. Check out fastweb.com and finaid.org for ideas.
• Use February/March break to visit colleges.
• Check in with your Counselor.

March

• Use February/March break to visit colleges.
• Some states have FAFSA deadlines as early as March 1.
• March 12: Program of Studies and Course Selection Sheets to students grades 7-11 during Callback
• March 14: CVCC Acceptance Letters sent out
• March 12-21: TA Advising Conferences begin - all grades
• March 12-21: Scheduling conferences with 8th & 10th grade TAs, parents and students
• March 21: Last day to make changes to course requests with TAs
• April 10: Start of Quarter 4
• Keep your grades up. Study hard for exams. Colleges take senior grades seriously. Colleges will want a final transcript and expect to see a strong senior year. Any serious drop in grades or level of difficulty could result in your acceptance being rescinded.

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 wait list 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

• Early May: Next year schedules to students
• May: Schedule adjustments

June

• June 10: Move Up Day

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.