Updates from U-32

Dear students, families, and caregivers,

We welcomed 15 students from Rostock, Germany this week for the second time. This exchange provides a great way for young people to forge connections across the globe and comes at a time when we need youth leadership and connection in our world.

We look forward to another great week of learning.

Best,

Becca

Congratulations to U-32 Music Teacher Anne Decker, who has been named Outstanding Educator of the Year by the Vermont Music Educators Association! We are so fortunate to have Anne as a dedicated, caring, and inspiring colleague whose passion for music education enriches the lives of our students and our entire community.

On Sunday, October 5th, sixteen members of our U-32 community walked together in the Central Vermont Out of the Darkness Walk to raise awareness around suicide prevention. The U-32 Team raised a total of $960 towards suicide prevention that will go to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. U-32 Walk Team Captain, McKenzie Tucker, said, “Seeing people’s reactions as we walked by in downtown Montpelier made me feel proud. Even though it wasn’t a huge crowd, it was still powerful to hear people’s experiences, and to see people come together and be there for each other.”

Come join the Families of Color Affinity Group for our first meeting of the year!

We will be meeting at U-32 from 5:30-7:00 on Thursday, October 16.

The Family of Color group is a space for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) parents and/or parents of BIPOC students, to come together to discuss how things are going at school. We are a safe space to share concerns, ask questions and engage in advocacy and change throughout the district.

Below is an incomplete list of the activities/efforts we have engaged in over the past three years

• Met with Alyssa Chen of the Education Justice Coalition spoke with the group about opportunities for advocacy

• Met with admin about racial incident which led to changes in communication to families

• Met with the student rep for the Curriculum committee in regards to work they are doing

• Provided feedback for District Equity Policy, Core Beliefs and Strategic Plan

• Met with Restorative Practices facilitators to discuss growth in the program

• Spoke with Principal in regards to ongoing PD for staff

• FOC members joined the Humanity and Justice Coalition for a mtg to provide feedback

• Provided opportunities for PD from other organizations, as well as participation in conferences and camp

• Engage with Curriculum Committee

• Bring equity work into elementary schools

• Have a presence on the District Humanity and Justice Coalition

• Continuous work/feedback on policies/procedures

For this first meeting, we will take time to get to know each other and identify areas of strengths and challenges, as well as meet with Bec, the Community Schools Coordinator, to discuss how we can continue to create community for our families within the schools.

If you are interested in attending, please email at neckart@gmail.com

I hope to see you there!

Natasha Eckart

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

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.

Stay Connected with the IC Parent Portal!
The Infinite Campus Parent Portal is the best way to stay up to date on your child’s progress. Families can view grades, attendance, schedules, and important school messages all in one place. If you haven’t checked recently, take a moment to log in and make sure your contact information is current.
Access the IC Parent Portal here

Don't Forget to Order This Year's School Pictures

ENJOY 10% OFF

your order!

CODE: F2510OFF

EXPIRES: July 31, 2026

Redeem Now

Don’t forget to order your FREE Digital SmileSafe card!

More about the Smilesafe program here.

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!

October 7th- U-32 is hosting a post HS planning fair during callback.

Students can sign up with Lisa in Enriching Students to attend.

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)

October

• October 4: SAT

• October 24- Registration deadline for Nov 8 SAT

• Start filling out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). File VSAC application. For more information, visit fafsa.ed.gov.

• FAFSA and VSAC Applications should be filed as soon as possible.

• Complete CSS Profile if you haven’t already done so

• ACT information

• Check out commonapp.org to see which colleges accept the common application.

• Meet with college representatives virtually.

• Many colleges use data from CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE to provide nonfederal financial aid. Begin applying online at profileonline.collegeboard.com.

• Finish a draft of your essay.

• Ask teachers for recommendations. Have a resume to give teachers to help them out.

• Heads up for Early Decision and Early Action deadlines – they usually fall on either November 1 st or 15th. Early Action deadline at UVM is November 1.

• Arrange campus visits

November

• November 8th - SAT

• SAT Reasoning & SAT Subject Tests information

• ACT information

• 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

• SAT Reasoning & SAT Subject Tests

• ACT information

• 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.

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)

SMART Scholarships

Deadline: December 5, 2025

For Eligibility: Click Here

$3,000 (6 Awards)

Barbara Lotze Scholarships for Future Teachers

Deadline: December 1, 2025

For Eligibility: Click Here

$1,000 (1 Award)

Duckett Local Conservation Scholarship

Deadline: October 31, 2025

For Eligibility: Click Here

$40,000 (1 Award)

Niche Scholarships

Deadline: October 15, 2025

For Eligibility: Click Here

VIEW ALL SCHOLARSHIPS