Updates from U-32

Dear U-32 Families, Students, and Caregivers,

Our week started off with our adult learning community honoring the work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.. Faculty and staff across our district gathered to watch local filmmaker Bess O'Brien's work Just Getting By and reflecting on the ways housing and food insecurity affect our work with young people as well as how we can show up for economic justice through our work.

On Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, students and adults in the U-32 community took pause between semesters for J-Term. The purpose of J-Term is to provide an opportunity for young people and adults to engage together in ways that offer students choices in their learning. This week was full of passion, creativity and contribution. Below are some highlights from this week of learning. Our regular newsletter format will be back next week.

Best,

Becca

Students explore robotics, climbing, yoga and wellness, and paint book covers for their favorite books.

Students explore the art of creating mosaics, learn from local sports referees, play summer sports in the winter, and create artful designs.

Students learn empowerment self-defense, enjoy the sun after dog sledding, pack food for our community, and create a community mural inspired by a Latin American muralist.

Students learn to knit from local experts, paint with Bob Ross, the art and science of cheese making, and share their expertise in and passion for military history.

Filmmaker Bess O'Brien joined our adult professional learning on Tuesday as we watched and discussed her film Just Getting By, a documentary about food and housing insecurity in Vermont and its impacts on our community. If you haven't seen the film, take a moment to hear Bess talk about the film on Across the Fence last April. Thank you to the Humanity and Justice Committee for bringing this important topic into our learning.