MUHS Community Newsletter

Dear MUHS Community,

Things feel heavy right now. News close to home—including recent immigration enforcement activity and protests in South Burlington—along with conflicts abroad and broader uncertainty in the world can weigh on all of us. Our students see and feel this too.

One of the strengths of public education is that our larger community is reflected inside our school. We learn together across many differences. That diversity is a gift, but like any real community, it can also bring challenges.

Over the past few months, we’ve seen an increase in some concerning behaviors at school, including vandalism and hurtful language. It’s clear many students are processing a lot right now.

Recently, the MUHS Student Council invited us to join a meeting to talk about how we can create space for students to discuss current events in thoughtful ways. We’re grateful for their leadership and look forward to the conversation.

We value student voice and want MUHS to remain a place where everyone feels safe and respected. If students see behavior that feels like bullying or harassment, we encourage them to let us know so we can help.

We're grateful to be part of this amazing community, and we look forward to seeing many of you at Progress Conferences next week.

Warmly,

Caitlin Steele, Principal

Ben Weir, Assistant Principal

Sean Farrell, Activities Director

Julie Pettis, Student Response Coordinator

Three Opportunities for Student Voice

We currently have three opportunities for students to participate in important conversations.

Assistant Principal Search: MUHS is hiring an Assistant Principal for next year. Next week, three finalists will visit the school. We’re looking for two student hosts and 8–10 students to join a conversation with the candidates and share feedback. This is a chance for students to help shape an important decision for our school.

State Graduation Requirements: On April 1, the Agency of Education and UP for Learning will host a Student Engagement Session to gather feedback on the state’s proposed graduation requirements. One session will take place at PAHCC and another in our building. We’re excited for students to review the draft and share their perspectives.

Middlebury Town Plan: The Middlebury Planning Commission is developing the town’s new plan and wants to hear from students. They will host a stakeholder session here at the high school, also on April 1.

Students can learn more and express interest through this Google form. Space is limited for each opportunity, and we’ll aim to include students representing a wide range of perspectives across the school.

March Mental Health Awareness at MUHS

Throughout the month of March, the MUHS Mental Health committee is sponsoring a series of activities focused on mental health awareness, wellness, reducing stigma, and the importance of caring for ourselves and one another. Students will participate in advisory activities and wellness initiatives that promote connection, resilience, help-seeking and the many resources available.

We encourage families to ask their students about these activities to promote open conversations at home, and remind students that mental health is just as important as physical health. More information on mental health support and resources will be sent home to families over the next two weeks. Please reach out to your student's school counselor if you have any questions.

Neurodiversity Celebration Week is Next Week (March 16 – 20)!

What is neurodiversity?

Neurodiversity refers to the biological fact that everyone has a uniquely wired brain and their own way of thinking, learning, and experiencing the world. Just like our communities are diverse in terms of race, ethnicity, gender, and sexual orientation, we are also diverse in terms of our brains.

What does it mean to “celebrate” neurodiversity?

Recognize the naturally-occurring neurodiversity among us as a community. We all have different brains, and there is no such thing as a “normal” brain.
Acknowledge that much of the world we live in (including our school system) has been designed for so-called “neurotypical” brain types – brains that are not shaped by dyslexia, autism, ADHD, anxiety, Tourett’s, OCD, depression, or other so-called “neurodivergent” characteristics. This makes it hard for some people to navigate some aspects of the world – not because there’s something wrong with their brains, but rather because the world was built for “neurotypical” brains.
Celebrate the fact that we all have different brains and the many ways this diversity contributes to our world – from making scientific breakthroughs and creating beautiful art to building meaningful relationships. We need this diversity!

Ways to celebrate neurodiversity and learn more!

Stay tuned for information about activities related to Neurodiversity Celebration Week from leaders in your school community.
Learn more about neurodiversity and Neurodiversity Celebration Week at: https://www.neurodiversityweek.com/introduction

This is a message from the Addison Central Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC). Learn more about the Addison Central SEPAC and how to get involved at https://www.addisoncentralsepac.org/.

Questions? Email us at connect@addisoncentralsepac.org!

Vacant ACSD Board Seat

There is currently one open seat on the ACSD Board for a representative living in Middlebury. If you live in Middlebury and are interested in serving on the ACSD Board, please send a letter of interest to Board Chair, Steve Cash, at scash@acsdvt.org by March 20, 2026. If you know a Middlebury resident who would make a great Board representative, encourage them to reach out to scash@acsdvt.org. The Board plans to appoint someone to fill this seat at the March 23rd meeting of the ACSD Board. Read the full Notice of Board Vacancy here.

The ACSD Board’s mission is to provide high-quality, equitable, and varied learning environments that inspire a passion for learning and growth among our students. Board members represent the interests of all students in the district, not just the town in which they live.

PROJECT GRADUATION 2026

Parents, guardians, and adults responsible for an MUHS Senior: we need you! Every year Project Graduation provides an entire evening’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.

Morning Announcements

Student Council Suggestion Form

MUHS Student Art Exhibition

Students from Middlebury Union High School proudly present their final DP Art Exhibitions, alongside a diverse collection of student artwork. Through a range of media and approaches, the works on view highlight the dedication, critical thinking, and creativity of MUHS students.

The community is invited to celebrate these emerging artists and experience the powerful ideas and personal narratives expressed through their art.

Opening Ceremony: Fri Mar 20 5-6:30 pm at the Town Hall Theater, Jackson Gallery

Art on exhibit March 18 - 27

Rotary Speech Contest: Round 2

Congratulations to Taryn, a junior, who competed and won $300 dollars in the second round of the Rotary Speech contest on March 10th. Her speech answered the question “How can we be instruments of peace?” She will move on to the District Round 3 in Lyndonville on April 18 to compete against students from Vermont and Canada. Any students interested in competing in next year’s speech contest should contact Mrs. Martin.

Best of luck in Round 3, Taryn!

Try a Major Day at Vermont State University’s Randolph Campus

Are you interested in the following areas?

Architectural Engineering Technology
Automotive & Diesel Power Technology
Business
Civil & Environmental Engineering Technology
Construction Management
Electrical & Electromechanical Engineering Technology
Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering Technology
Nursing
Veterinary Technology

Then join the School Counseling Team for a field trip to VTSU’s Randolph campus for Try a Major Day! Get hands-on experience in your area of interest, tour the campus, eat lunch in the dining hall. The field trip is scheduled for Wednesday, April 15th Spaces fill quickly, so come to School Counseling to pick up your permission slip and register. This trip is open to 10th and 11th grade students.