Dear U-32 Families, Students, and Caregivers,

Thursday's Winter Thaw was a fantastic afternoon filled with laughter and fun. The weather truly embodied the name and it was a great end to a spirited week. It was also a day that exemplified passion, creativity, and contribution in our school community. The afternoon activities were student led (planned by Pep Club) and allowed students to sing, create art, join volleyball or Mario Cart tournaments, and support their peers. I appreciate the ways that, when given the opportunity, our young people show up in community to support each other and have fun together. It is truly what makes U-32 a special place.

Thank you for those of you who were able to sign up to meet with teachers and discuss your student's learning this week. Please know that if you have questions about your student's progress, their Teacher Advisor is your first point of contact. Please do not hesitate to reach out.

Best,

Becca

As you know, students have begun to work on their schedules for next year. In February, I sent an update about a shift from a 8 class schedule to a 7 class schedule. Students are now working to put in requests for their schedules for next year. While this shift is prompting questions, please be assured that all students can meet their required opportunities to demonstrate proficiency and continue to have choices throughout their high school career. I encourage you to have a conversation with your student about their full high school trajectory and consider their high school enrollment in terms of four full years. In fact, the reduction in classes means that we can decrease the chances of a class not running because of low enrollment. This week, I will be working with Department Facilitators and Lisa LaPlante to look at course enrollment numbers as we work to finalize course offerings and schedules. You can find our 2025-2026 Bell Schedule here.

Congratulations to U-32 11th grade Ben Warfield for performing at the New England Music Festival Association Concert Festival on Saturday, March 15th in Middletown, Connecticut! Ben's performance included a world premiere of 'Toccata' from "Organ Suite No. 1" by Florence Price arranged for Concert Band. In addition to Ben's fantastic performance, U-32 Band Director Matt Davide served as the manager of the festiva's Jazz Ensemble and accompanied the NEMFA Chorus for their performances of 'Children, Go Where I Send Thee' and 'Bridge Over Troubled Water'.

To purchase tickets, please visit this link: https://theaterengine.com/productions/2849

For more information, please visit: https://gmcf.life/aquatics/lifeguarding/

Participants must be 15 years of age or older by completion of the course.

The Governor’s Office is seeking a student representative for the State Board of Education. This appointment will be for a two-year term (first year as a non-voting member and the second year as a voting member). Rising sophomores and rising juniors are encouraged to apply. Candidates may apply using the Application for Gubernatorial Appointment.

Application deadline is Monday, April 28, 2025.

Questions about the State Board of Education may be directed to AOE.EDInfo@vermont.gov.

Questions about the application or the nomination process itself can be emailed to EXE.Appointments@vermont.gov.

U-32's Rocketry team is in the final stages of testing before the upcoming April 7th national competition deadline. This year there are 1001 registered teams from 46 states, and U-32's team is Vermont's only team this year. For this year's competition, teams must successfully launch a rocket with a payload of two raw eggs to an altitude of 790 feet and have the rocket safely return to Earth within 41 - 44 seconds. Teams are scored based on how close they get to this target altitude and time, and the top 100 teams will travel to Virginia in May for the national finals.

More information about this national competition can be found at: https://rocketcontest.org/faq/

If you are interested in learning more and participating on this team, contact Randy Brown in room 212.

U-32 Rocketry team members Riley Cato, Ari Chapin, and Pan Graham, and TARC rocketry mentor, Ken Matzner, at the team's launch field in East Montpelier.

Hello WCSUUD Community!

According to The Huffington Post, the total cost of having a period over a lifetime is $18,171. To address this, S/HEZAMM—U-32’s feminist club and affinity group for people of marginalized gender identities—Is hosting a period product drive from now until April 30th. There is a donation box located in student services at U-32. We are taking pads, tampons, menstrual cups, menstrual discs and period underwear! We are hoping to donate these to non-profits around the state and people in need, so please spread the word and stock up!

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

The 38TH Annual Vermont State Scholastic Chess Championships will be held on Saturday, March 29, 2025 at Lamoille Union High School. This is the selection tournament for Vermont’s nominees to the national Denker, Haring, Barber and Rockefeller Invitationals. This tournament is open to Vermont students in grades K-12. Participants must be VT residents or be enrolled in a VT public or private school. VT resident home school students are eligible. Chessboards, pieces, and clocks will be provided. No prior tournament experience necessary. High School and 8th Grade sections will be USCF rated. K-7th Grade sections will be unrated. Individual and team prizes will be awarded. All players must pre-register for the event. No walk-ins allowed. Registration closes on March 23rd. Registration may close prior to March 23rd due to space limitations. Online registration only, no entries will be accepted via mail or email. Complete rules and registration information can be found at https://vermontchess.org/.

Inspirit AI is a Harvard-alumni led 25-hour summer program that introduces students in grades 6 to 12 to fundamental AI and computing tools to create impactful projects such as harnessing AI to flag misleading news content. Students collaborate live online with Ivy League graduate students to build AI-powered projects tackling diverse problems across STEM and humanities disciplines. Applications for summer are due March 31st.

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 will receive 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.

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)

May 3rd (April 18th)

June 7th (May 22nd)

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

Test Date (Deadline to Register)

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.

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The Middlesex Community Fund is a resource to Middlesex families and the broader community. They support grants to meet basic needs, education scholarships, camp scholarships, community projects and disaster responses.

Education Scholarships are for tuition, fees, room and board, course-required books, travel, equipment, and more. The typical amount is for $300 though any reasonable amount will be considered. They must be applied for by May 1 of each year. For an application, click here. MCF scholarships are limited to students residing in Middlesex (part time or full time). For more information, please email : amy.rose.vt@gmail.com

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1) Folds of Honor Scholarship - $5,000 – 100 Awards (Deadline: March 31, 2025)

To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:

A) Be a family member of US military personnel.

B) Be enrolled or planning to enroll in a program of study at an accredited college or university, or an accredited technical or trade school program, which results in a certificate or license.

Applications can be found by going to: https://studentscholarships.org/scholarship/19711/folds-of-honor-scholarship

2) SM Scholarship - $2,000 - 12 Awards (Deadline: March 31, 2025)

'To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:

'A) Be currently enrolled as a high school junior or senior.

'B) Be a legal resident of the United States, the District of Columbia or any US Territory.

'Applications can be found by going to: https://studentscholarships.org/scholarship/18358/sm-scholarship

3) Society of Women Engineers Scholarship - $10,000 - 330 Awards (Deadline: March 31, 2025)

'To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:

'A) Be studying engineering or computer science full time at the collegiate level in the upcoming academic year.

B) Have a high school GPA above 3.5 and identify as a woman.

'Applications can be found by going to: https://studentscholarships.org/scholarship/8914/society-of-women-engineers-scholarship

4) Herbert Lehman Scholarship - $12,000 - 3 Awards (Deadline: April 1, 2025)

'To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:

'A) Demonstrate financial need (combined family income of $70,000 or less).

'B) Be a graduating high school senior, a first-year student in an accredited four-year college, or a student transferring into an accredited four-year college.

'Applications can be found by going to: https://studentscholarships.org/scholarship/15814/herbert-lehman-scholarship

5) ALPA Scholarship - $60,000 - 1 Award (Deadline: April 1, 2025)

'To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:

'A) Be enrolling as a college freshman or already be enrolled in college.

'B) Be a child of a medically retired, long-term disabled, or deceased pilot member of the ALP Association.

'Applications can be found by going to: https://studentscholarships.org/scholarship/10411/alpa-scholarship

6) Redefining Victory Scholarship - $2,500 - 8 Awards (Deadline: April 1, 2025)

'To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:

'A) Be planning on attending a community college, university, trade school, or certificate program in the fall.

'B) Be enrolled in a public, private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States or be a dependent of U.S. military or civilian personnel in an overseas school.

Applications can be found by going to: https://studentscholarships.org/scholarship/27821/redefining-victory-scholarship

7) Water Ski Foundation Scholarships - $10,000 - 27 Awards (Deadline: April 1, 2025)

To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:

A) Be an incoming freshman through senior at a two (2) or four (4) year accredited college or university

B) Participate in the sport of water skiing, as a skier, rider, barefooter, volunteer, or official.

Applications can be found by going to: https://studentscholarships.org/scholarship/9492/water-ski-foundation-scholarships

8) Distinguished Young Women Scholarship Program - $50,000 - 50 Awards (Deadline: April 1, 2025)

To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:

A) Be a graduating high school senior interested in pursuing a college in the fall.

B) Compete in all of these categories: Scholastics, Interview, Talent, Fitness and Self-Expression.

Applications can be found by going to: https://studentscholarships.org/scholarship/10005/distinguished-young-women-scholarship-program

9) Young Women in Public Affairs Award - $5,000 - 37 Awards (Deadline: April 1, 2025)

To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:

A) Be a woman, aged 16-19, living in a Zonta district or who are citizens of a Zonta country.

B) Show an active commitment to volunteerism.

Applications can be found by going to: https://studentscholarships.org/scholarship/14063/young-women-in-public-affairs-award

10) Vicki Soto Memorial Scholarship - $12,000 - 4 Awards (Deadline: April 1, 2025)

To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:

A) Be a full-time senior student at an accredited 4-year high school graduating in the spring of 2025.

B) Intend to pursue a career in education at an accredited college.

Applications can be found by going to: https://studentscholarships.org/scholarship/26499/vicki-soto-memorial-scholarship

11) Chief Petty Officer Scholarship - $5,000 – 52 Awards (Deadline: April 1, 2025)

To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:

A) Be a dependent child, step-child, or a non-uniformed spouse of a US Navy Active Duty, Retired, Honorably Discharged, Reserve or deceased Chief, Senior Chief, or Master Chief Petty Officer of the United States Navy.

Applications can be found by going to: https://studentscholarships.org/scholarship/30000/chief-petty-officer-scholarship

12) American Nuclear Society Scholarship - $5,000 - 96 Awards (Deadline: April 1, 2025)

To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:

A) Be planning to enroll in a course of study related to nuclear science or nuclear engineering at an accredited university in the United States.

B) Demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, career goals, and financial need.

Applications can be found by going to: https://studentscholarships.org/scholarship/9785/american-nuclear-society-scholarships

13) Boomer Esiason Foundation Scholarships - $10,000 - 20 Awards (Deadline: Apr. 18, 2025)

To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:

A) Be enrolling in college or university in the fall of 2025.

B) Have been diagnosed with cystic fibrosis.

Applications can be found by going to: https://studentscholarships.org/scholarship/9464/boomer-esiason-foundation-academic-scholarships

14) Odenza Vacations Scholarship - $500 - 1 Award (Deadline: May 1, 2025)

To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:

A) Be between the ages of 17 and 24 on September 1st.

B) Submit an answer to the essay question prior to the deadline.

Applications can be found by going to: https://studentscholarships.org/scholarship/10666/odenza-vacations-college-scholarship

15) Review It Scholarship - $1,000 - 1 Award (Deadline: May 15, 2025)

To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:

A) Be attending college or university no later than September of 2025.

B) Have a GPA of 2.5 or greater and plan on attending a school in the United States.

Applications can be found by going to: https://studentscholarships.org/scholarship/13677/review_it_scholarship

March

• ACT information
• SAT information
• 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.

• 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.

• 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.