Dear U-32 Families, Students, and Caregivers,

Wednesday's Mentor Appreciation Night was a beautiful showcase of the personalized learning that takes place here at U-32. This work is deeply embedded in the vision for our community. Students showcased the ways they explored their passion, creativity, and contribution to community. Our mentors are defining a community school experience bringing expertise into the bounds of school and learning outside the bounds of school. Thank you to the team of adults: George Cook, Liza Semler, Karen Liebermann, and Amy Koenigbauer who support these learning adventures with students. Our 7th and 8th graders were able to tour these learning displays on Wednesday and Thursday. Upon reflection, one 7th grade group wrote, "These projects were super cool to look at in the Atrium. Until today, I didn't know these opportunities existed. I read and learned a lot!"

On Thursday, three student voice councils from across the region gathered to share their work and learning for the year. Guided by UpForLearning, these young leaders shared their experiences, described the ways student leadership can impact their school community and began to consider how to learn from each other. These opportunities are models of youth collaboration that I hope we can continue to foster and replicate in years to come.

Best,

Becca

Background: In May 2022, Vermont's Governor Phil Scott approved H.293 (Act 109), enacting the creation of the Vermont State Youth Council. The purpose of the newly created State Youth Council is to advise the Governor and the General Assembly on issues affecting young persons in Vermont. Vermont strives for an open, effective, and inclusive government. Almost all government policies and decisions impact young peoples' lives; therefore, youth have a right to influence those decisions. The State Youth Council is an opportunity for youth to directly participate in Vermont's democracy and guide its future. If you would like to learn more about the State Youth Council, visit their website here: https://www.vtstateyouthcouncil.org/

Commitments and Responsibilities: If appointed to the State Youth Council, individuals will attend at least 2 virtual meetings per month. Meetings will last approximately 90 minutes each. Meetings will occur Tuesdays or Thursdays between the hours of 3:00-8:00 PM. The group will be tasked with advising the Legislature and the Governor on policies, making recommendations to the General Assembly, holding public hearings, and meeting with the Governor annually. Youth appointed to the Council will have 3-year terms.

Compensation: Youth will receive a stipend of $50 per meeting they attend. The occasional full-day in-person meeting may occur and youth who attend will receive a $150 stipend. Some additional funding will be applied toward transportation and technology to ensure the Council is accessible for all youth appointed.

The deadline to apply is May 31st, 2025. Applicants will hear back about appointments by July 2025.

https://www.vtstateyouthcouncil.org/apply

It's May and our tradition of Green Team partnering with Bolduc's Recycling is alive and well.

A dumpster for metal recycling will be delivered today to U32. Look for near the wood shop doors.

For the month of May, please bring any metal recycling to the dumpster! See Bolduc's website for details about what can and cannot be recycled. Lots can!

Proceeds support Green Team in attending conferences, and carrying out initiatives to make our campus more sustainable and biodiverse.

What We Don’t Accept:

• Any containers with fluids (must be opened, drained, and cleaned)
• E-Waste like computers, printers, cell phones or TVs
• Furniture
• Garbage
• Kegs
• Lithium ion batteries
• Nickel cadmium batteries
• Nothing containing PCBs of any type
• Railroad property (plates, spikes, tracks)
• Safes
• Individual vehicle tires
• Wood

Hi Everyone,

We're excited to invite you to the Williamstown College and Career Day, where local businesses, colleges, and military representatives will share career opportunities, educational programs, and insights to help guide your future path.

Date: Friday, May 30th

Location: 120 Hebert Rd, Williamstown, VT

Activities:

• Morning VSAC workshops and a panel of alumni to speak to their post HS experience in the career world.
• College and career expo with a job fair for employee recruitment
• Over 45 area business, military representatives and colleges will be attending, including:

Colby-Sawyer College, Genuine Foods, Onion River Animal Hospital, Northfield Savings Bank, Norwich University, Saint Michael's College, SD Ireland, Southern New Hampshire University, Sugarbush Resort, USPS, UVM, University of Southern Maine, Vermont Creamery... and more!

Please let Liza Semler know if you would like to attend all or part of the day by emailing lsemler@u32org by Tuesday, May 27th.

This is a PAID opportunity where youth come and get paid to learn about sex education. This is an all inclusive and comprehensive series. The program will cover:

• Sexual Health and Wellness basics
• Abstinence to Safe Sex Options
• Consent and Healthy Relationships
• STI and HIV Prevention Information
• Pregnancy Prevention Information

Anyone is welcome to join and they get paid to come! We are offering $125 stipends for those who complete the program.

There are two programs this summer, each running 3 days. Both sessions are for youth ages 13-15. Lunch will be provided.

• The June program will run over three days from Tuesday June 24th--Thursday June 26th. Each session will run from 8:30am-1:30pm.
• The July program will run over three days from Monday July 21st--Wednesday July 23rd. Each session will run from 8:30am-1:30pm.

Students can scan the QR code or sign up HERE!

Dear Students and Caregivers,

We are thrilled to announce an exciting opportunity for rising 6th to rising 10th graders in the WCUUSD: Shakespeare Summer Camp, hosted by Peter Gould, director of Get Thee to the Funnery Summer Camp, and Erin Galligan-Baldwin, Director of Theater at U-32. In this camp we will stage an adaptation of The Tempest! Students will leap into voice training, physical theatre, script analysis and acting techniques, culminating in a public performance on July 9 at 3:00pm in U-32’s theater. The performance will feature non-threatening group work—no one is expected to learn lines and be "off-book" in such a short time! Limited to the first 20 students who register, so sign up today!

Camp Details:
Dates: July 8th and 9th

Times: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Location: U-32 Theater
Activities: Script analysis, acting workshops, and rehearsals
Performance: Open to the public at the end of the camp. July 8 at 3:00pm

Additional Info:
Lunch: Students are required to bring their own lunches
Snacks: Provided during breaks

Don't miss this unique opportunity to explore Shakespearean drama and enhance your acting skills in a fun and supportive environment. Spaces are limited, so register now to secure your spot!

Please fill out this contact form to register. For more information, please do not hesitate to be in touch: egalliganbaldwin@u32.org.

We look forward to a fantastic 2 full days of Shakespeare with you.

Thank you,

Erin Galligan-Baldwin
Director of Theater, U-32
and Peter Gould, 2025 U-32 theater-artist in residence

TheGreen Team is organizing a clothing swap to keep clothes out of the landfills and fight fast fashion. The clothing swap will take place on Tuesday, June 3 in the atrium, with more specific information coming closer to the date. Over the next few weeks (beginning on Tuesday, May 13th), there will be a box in student services where you can donate individual pieces of clothing or bags of them. We are accepting all types of clothing, excluding underwear and socks, but please don't bring in something that is obviously bad shape.

Participating in a clothing swap will not only provide U-32 students with the ability to get rid of clothes and get new clothes for free, but it helps our community be impactful on a national and global scale as well. Buying clothes from mass-production brands such as Shein, Zara, Nike, UNIQLO, Forever 21, H&M, Lululemon, etc. is participation in the fast fashion industry, which constitutes 10% of the world's global carbon emissions. According to Business Insider, 85% of clothes produced end up in landfills each year. World change begins in our homes, schools, and communities, and becomes even more impactful if we take these actions with others beyond our town and school area. Read more about fast fashion, and about the companies that care least about their employees and the environmentif you are interested in learning more.

So please take a few moments in the next few weeks to look through your closets and bring in clothing that needs a new home! The swap is completely free and you do not need to donate any clothes to participate - although of course we greatly appreciate donations.

If you have any questions please reach out to ethomas26@wcsu32.org

Ella Thomas, Ani Eckhaus, and Leela McCann
Green Team Members

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 Now!

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

COURSE SELECTION for 2025-2026

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)

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 / Early College

As an incoming Vermont high school junior or senior, you are eligible for two Vermont Dual Enrollment Vouchers, allowing you to take one free college course in your junior year of high school and one in your senior year of high school. It’s called Dual Enrollment because your free college courses will also earn you credit towards graduation from high school.

Dual enrollment is offered through all VT public colleges/universities and some private colleges too. Go to http://www.vtdualenrollment.org/ for a list of participating colleges and to request a dual enrollment voucher.

High School Seniors are also eligible for Early College- got to http://education.vermont.gov/student-learning/flexible-pathways/early-college for more information

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.

---

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

---

$10,000 (6 Awards)

Orth Dermatologics Scholarships

Deadline: June 11, 2025

For Eligibility: Click Here

$2,500 (5 Awards)

Women in Trades Scholarship

Deadline: June 8, 2025

For Eligibility: Click Here

$1,000 (5 Awards)

National Videogame Museum Scholarship

Deadline: June 1, 2025

For Eligibility: Click Here

$48,000 (100 Awards)

Minuteman Scholarship

Deadline: June 1, 2025

For Eligibility: Click Here

$2,000 (12 Awards)

Sallie Mae Scholarship

Deadline: May 31, 2025

For Eligibility: Click Here

$25,000 (1 Award)

Be Bold Scholarship

Deadline: June 1, 2025

For Eligibility: Click Here

$50,000 (50 Awards)

ScholarshipOwl No Essay Scholarship

Deadline: May 29, 2025

For Eligibility: Click Here

$15,000 (1 Award)

Niche Scholarships

Deadline: May 31, 2025

For Eligibility: Click Here

$2,000 (1 Award)

Faith Based College Scholarship

Deadline: May 31, 2025

For Eligibility: Click Here

May

• AP Exams are administered. Be sure to send the AP Grade Report to your college.
• Send thank-you notes to your teachers, coaches, TA, and anyone else who helped you on the way.
• Fill out housing-preference forms, and check out any special living centers.
• Wait-listed students can expect more information about their status after May 1.
• Complete Graduation Survey on Family Connection

June

• If you plan to compete in Division I or Division II college sports, have your transcript sent to the NCAA Initial Eligibility Clearinghouse. More information is available at ncaaclearinghouse.net.

• June 8: Senior Award Ceremony at 3pm
• June 9: Graduation Practice 8:15am-10am
• June 10: Graduation Practice, Caps & Gown parade 9:45am-11:30
• June 11-12: Senior Trip
• June 13: Graduation at 6:30pm

• June 30: Final deadline to submit FAFSA.

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.