Superintendent's Corner
August 12th, 2025
Superintendent's Corner - February 6, 2025
Our Vision:
Engaging hearts and minds for a limitless future
WSESU - where students want to learn, staff want to work, and families want to live
Our Mission:
WSESU is a diverse community of learners where:
Every learner has the potential to be a leader
Students have a strong voice in shaping their school experiences
Learning is personal, connected, and relevant
High expectations exist in caring, nurturing environments
Individuals grow into larger communities, while also broadening a sense of self
Positive relationships define the interactions between school and the community
Students get better at making decisions by making decisions
Everyone is able to bring their full selves to the learning experience
Subject: Stronger Together
Dear Windsor Southeast Supervisory Union Community,
It is often said that schools are the heart of a community, and right now, that heart is feeling the strain of the world around us. We are keenly aware that recent challenges to constitutional rights are creating ripples of concern throughout our schools.
We want to pause and acknowledge the fear, anxiety, and vulnerability many in our community are feeling, particularly our neighbors in immigrant, Black and brown, and LGBTQ+ communities. Please know that we see you, we care about you, and we recognize the very real impact these conversations have on your sense of peace and security.
Please know that our primary mission remains the same: to provide a safe and welcoming environment where every student feels like they belong.
We know that children often process the world through the lens of the adults they trust, and to support your children at home, we offer the following suggestions and resources:
Suggestions:
Monitor Media Exposure: For younger children, constant news coverage can be overwhelming. Consider limiting "background" news and discussing events in a way that is age-appropriate.
Stick to Routines: Stability is a powerful antidote to anxiety. Keeping regular mealtimes, bedtimes, and school attendance helps children feel that their immediate world is still secure.
Directly Impacted: If you and your family are directly impacted by current events, please reach out to your school administrator for support, and refer to the resources listed below.
Resources:
Shout Outs
Windsor High School Student of the Month Sponsored by Rotary
Congratulations to Aiden Doxter, January's Student of the Month. Aiden shows up to class ready to give his all. He focuses on getting things done when they need to get done, and grinds through difficult tasks with his goals in mind. Aiden achieved this honor through persistent hard work, and through monitoring his academic achievement closely and taking responsibility for it. His growth and maturity have been noticed by all. Great work, Aiden!
Windsor High School Staff Member of the Month Sponsored by National Honor Society
We are proud to present January's Teacher of the Month as Rob Johnstone. Mr. Johnstone exemplifies what it means to be a truly impactful educator. Students consistently describe him as understanding, supportive, and deeply invested in their growth,both inside and outside the classroom. He challenges students to work to their fullest potential while creating an environment where they feel encouraged and valued. As one student shared, Mr. Johnstone “is very understanding and pushes you to work to your best ability,” while another noted that he is supportive not only academically, but also in the goals students are working toward in their own lives. Known for his thoughtfulness and genuine care for others, Mr. Johnstone takes the time to listen, connect, and inspire. His dedication to his students and his willingness to engage in meaningful conversations make him an incredible teacher and a deserving Teacher of the Month.
The Dartmouth Health Black, Indigenous, & People of Color (BIPOC) Employee Resource Group is excited to announce that nominations are now open for our Community Social Justice Impact Awards (CISJA), which honor individuals who have demonstrated a deep commitment to social justice, community care, and systems-level change.
We are currently seeking nominations in the following three categories:
• Youth Award (individuals under the age of 24)
• Dartmouth Health Employee Award
• Community Member Award
Nominees may be engaged in advocacy, organizing, education, or other forms of social justice action that promote human rights and inclusive system change. The nomination form opens on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, January 19, and closes February 28, 2026. Please use this link to submit nominations.
Award recipients will be recognized at our in-person celebration on Saturday, May 2, in Keene, New Hampshire. Tickets for the celebration can be bought here.
Please feel free to forward this email to colleagues, community members, or organizations who may wish to nominate someone doing meaningful social justice work. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Thank you for all that you do and for your continued commitment to justice, equity, and community care.
FEBRUARY: Lunar New Year (17th) and Black History Month
Sharing a few upcoming events: Lunar New Year celebrations in Brattleboro (8th) and Hanover (14th) and The Black Experience in Burlington (28th)
Windsor Southeast Supervisory Union
Email: christine.bourne@wsesu.net
Website: https://www.wsesu.net/
Location: 54 Main Street, Windsor, VT 05089
Phone: 802-674-2144
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WindsorSoutheastSupervisoryUnion
X(formerly Twitter): @WSESU
Instagram: @wsesuvt