Updates from U-32
October 31, 2025
Principal's Update
Dear students, families, and caregivers,
Today was an active day at U-32 with students arriving to music, donuts and a few roosters. It was truly exceptional to see how many students stepped in to ensure that our visitors were okay and to offer to help find their homes. Our feathered friends were picked up - thank you!
On our half day, faculty and staff learned about Universal Design for Learning as a way to ensure we are engaging all learners. This is work that we are engaged in district-wide as well.
As we head into November, it is the end of the first quarter and we will mark that end with Student-Family Conferences on November 10th. Please be on the lookout for the sign-up for those and remember that this is an excellent time to reflect on the first quarter and set goals moving into the winter.
Congratulations to all of our teams who are competing this weekend and we hope you'll join us to celebrate their accomplishments.
Enjoy the weekend,
Becca
Fall Craft Fair
U-32 Theater
U-32 Chronicle
Please take a moment to check out the U-32 Chronicle for the latest from our student-run newspaper including articles on beach day, John Lennon, a press conference with U-32 principal Becca Tatistcheff, and more topics our students would like to share with you.
U-32's journalism class created a full page update for the Times Argus's In the Schools initiative. This ran in the Wednesday, 10/29 edition of the Times Argus, and it's available online here. The next U-32 submission to this initiative is scheduled for Wednesday, 12/17.
News from our School Board
INVITATION:
Community Invitation: Listening Sessions on Wednesday, November 5th at 6:15 p.m.
Wednesday, November 5th | 6:15–8:15 PM
Held in all five Elementary Schools Berlin, Calais, East Montpelier, Middlesex and Worcester.
Dear Community Members,
You’re invited to join us for a Listening Session on Wednesday, November 5th from 6:15–8:15
PM, happening simultaneously in each of our five district towns.
These sessions are an opportunity for the Configuration Committee to listen and learn from you,
our students, families, staff, and community members. Together, we’ll talk openly about the new
school configuration model presented to us on October 15th and discuss what it could mean for
our district’s future.
Your input will help us understand what’s most important as we plan for any potential transition
related to the proposed school configuration.
While the Configuration Committee has recommended a model, this is a moment to hear from
you:
● How does our community feel about this possibility?
● What priorities, hopes, and concerns should guide the School Board and Administration
as we move forward?
During the session, we’ll discuss questions such as:
● What concerns do you have about possible school closures?
● What challenges or opportunities do you see in creating multi-town elementary schools?
● How can we build strong, connected, and student-centered school communities?
● What would help students, families, and staff feel welcome and proud in a new multi-
town school?
● What can we do to make any transition easier for everyone?
Your thoughts, experiences, and ideas will help shape our shared vision for the future of our
schools.
Notes and reflections from all five sessions will be shared with the full School Board to inform
future discussions.
We encourage you to stay engaged, reach out to the Board directly or share public comments at
upcoming meetings.
Let’s come together to listen, learn, and plan for a strong, connected, and student-centered
future for our schools. We hope to see you there!
The Washington Central School District Configuration Committee and your School Board
Can't Look Away: The Case Against Social Media
Film Screening of Can't Look Away: The Case Against Social Media
Thurs. Nov. 6, 2025
6:30-8:30pm
Montpelier High School Auditorium
A must-see for parents / caregivers, educators, older students (rated for 13 and up) and community members.
FILM DESCRIPTION
Can't Look Away: The Case Against Social Media is a gripping documentary that exposes the dark side of social media and its devastating impact on young users. Witness the high-stakes legal battle to hold tech companies accountable for the harm caused by their negligence and dangerous algorithms. The film follows the Social Media Victims Law Center fighting for justice for families whose children suffered tragic consequences linked to social media use. Can't Look Away underscores the urgent need for industry reform and serves as a wake-up call about the dangers of social media and a call to action to protect future generations.
This film deals with difficult subject matter. Viewer discretion advised.
(NR = Not Rated, but generally considered appropriate for ages 13+)
Free. Light refreshments and childcare provided.
RSVP HERE (helpful but not required):
https://forms.gle/ZVFgfusfomNkgDps6
The film is 1 hr. 15 mins. followed by a 45 min. discussion with local community leaders:
Jason Gingold (MHS Principal)
Favor Ellis (Elevate Youth Services, Exec. Director)
Rep. Angela Arsenault (Williston)
Brought to you by:
-Montpelier High School
-Main St. Middle School Support Group for Parenting in the Digital Age
-Elevate Youth Services
-VT Coalition for Phone and Social Media-Free Schools
-Smartphone Free Childhood, US
Can't make it? Stream the film at home at Jolt.film
John Lewis Youth Leadership Award
We are currently open for nominations for the John Lewis Youth Leadership Award. This award was established in 2021 by the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS). The award honors the extraordinary accomplishments of Congressman John Lewis. The national award recognizes those 25 years or younger who have demonstrated leadership abilities, have a passion for social justice, and are motivated to improve the quality of life in their community. If you’d like to nominate someone, please click here! The deadline for nominations is November 14, 2025.
Coffee and Conversations
Lifetouch Class Photos
Don't Forget to Order This Year's School Pictures
ENJOY 10% OFF
your order!
CODE: F2510OFF
EXPIRES: July 31, 2026
Don’t forget to order your FREE Digital SmileSafe card!
More about the Smilesafe program here.
Yearbook Information for Seniors
Senior Families!
Recognize your student with a Recognition Ad. Celebrate your student for their accomplishments and achievements this year! Purchase today! OFFER ENDS 2/6/2026
Open this LINK to see all the information you need for your yearbook submissions.
2026 SENIORS WILL RECEIVE A FREE YEARBOOK!
News from the Student Service Office
Free Degree Promise Extended!
Vermont’s high school classes of 2027 and 2028 (current 10th and 11th graders) now have access to a fast-tracked, debt-free associate degree of their choosing at CCV just one year after high school graduation. Students on this pathway, which builds on the state’s Early College program at CCV, are graduating at twice the rate and in half the time as community college students nationally. Read the full announcement by clicking the button below. Learn More
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/
Scholarship Opportunities
Check out Naviance Student weekly …. Not Just for Seniors
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
SAT / ACT Test preparation FREE
SAT test prep is offered free through Khan Academy by matching your PSAT scores. Students will learn about how to match their accounts at the December callback when they learn how to interpret their scores. ACT also offers free online ACT test prep.
Senior Calendar (see the 12th Gr PLP Course in IC for future months)N
November
November 8th - SAT
Meet with college representatives virtually.
Check with your teachers, coaches, and/or TA to ensure that letters of recommendation are sent on time.
Mail applications for colleges with “rolling” deadlines as soon as possible.
Keep polishing your essay.
Continue to attend meetings with college representations.
Check in with your counselor.
Remember; Colleges take senior grades seriously.
December
Put the finishing touches on your essay. Be sure to proofread!
Try to wrap up applications before winter break. Photocopy all application materials before sending them in.
Send standardized test scores to your colleges. It can be done electronically at collegeboard.com or by phone at 800-SAT-SCORE.
Early Decision and Early Action letters start arriving this month. Check with individual schools to confirm dates. Good luck!
Regular applicants: call admissions offices to set up interviews if needed.
Complete CSS Profile if you haven’t already done so
Check in with your Counselor.
Scholarships
The scholarships below are accepting applications between September 4th, 2025, and December 5th, 2025. For more details about each scholarship and the eligibility requirements, read the details below carefully.
Scholarships Available
$38,000 (10 Awards)
Deadline: December 5, 2025
$3,000 (6 Awards)
Barbara Lotze Scholarships for Future Teachers
Deadline: December 1, 2025
