MUHS Community Newsletter

Dear MUHS Community,

Despite the early release, we were able to fit in our student volleyball game and wrap up Winter Carnival today. It was a fun week with lots of great school spirit on display. The talent show is always a highlight of the year, and this one did not disappoint - impressive talent, brave performances, and fun collaborations between students and staff, including two parent-child duets.

An extra half-day of February break is kind of fun. Enjoy the snow. If you're heading out of town, travel safely. We look forward to having everyone back at school on March 2!

Warmly,

Caitlin Steele, Principal

Ben Weir, Assistant Principal

Sean Farrell, Activities Director

Julie Pettis, Student Response Coordinator

2026-2027 ACSD Districtwide Calendar

The 2026-2027 ACSD Calendar is available and can be found on the website here.

ACSD’s new Elementary School Transfer Policy

*Please remember, the deadline to apply for a 2026-27 school transfer for your rising K-5th student is March 2, 2026*

The ACSD Board recently revised Board Policy C30, School Assignment and Intra-District Transfer, to offer more flexibility to ACSD families when choosing an elementary school for their child(ren). If you are interested in having your child attend a different K-5 elementary school, please read more about the policy and the application process here. To apply, use this form or visit your school’s front office or the ACSD District Office for a paper application. The application window opened January 30th, and all applications must be received by March 2nd, 2026.

Community Conversation: Teen Mental Health in a Changing World

Sunday, March 1 at 4pm at the Middlebury Congregational Church

Adolescence has always been a time of change, but many experts believe today's teens are experiencing unprecedented pressures on their mental health. Join us for a panel discussion that invites our community into a thoughtful conversation about current trends, experiences, and meaningful support. Following this 75-minute event, we welcome you to join us for a reception and opportunity to view "Nothing to Hide," a photo-text exhibit of families whose lives have been affected by mental illness.

Panelists

LuAnn Chiola, Operations Director, Youth and Family Services at Counseling Service of Addison County

Bea Hooper, Student at the University of Vermont and alumna of Middlebury Union High School

Brooke Jette, Prevention Specialist at Middlebury Union High School

Robert Moeller, Associate Professor of Psychology at Middlebury College

Marc Werner-Gavrin, Youth and Family Open Dialogue Team Leader at Counseling Service of Addison County

Moderator

Rev. Elizabeth Gleich, Associate Pastor at the Congregational Church of Middlebury

This community event is free and open to all. We hope to see you there!

PROJECT GRADUATION 2026

Parents, guardians, and adults responsible for an MUHS Senior: we need you! Every year Project Graduation provides an entire evening’s worth of activities to celebrate the senior class. It’s a fun-filled substance free night where the class can get together one last time before they head off into the world. But it can’t happen without your help. We need volunteers. The process of approving volunteers takes some time. If you think you want to volunteer, be sure to sign up on the following form, follow the instructions, and get the process started for the background check. Sarah Johnstone will handle questions about the volunteer approval process. Any questions specifically about Project Graduation should be directed to George Rooney, Project Graduation Coordinator.

Morning Announcements

Student Council Suggestion Form

Governors Institute of Vermont (GIV)

GIV hosts several amazing summer institutes on College Campuses across Vermont. Applications for GIV Summer Programs are due March 31st. Please see Margo Austin for more information

Winter Sports Update

It’s championship season for winter sports! Our Nordic team competed in the VPA Skate State Championships at Rikert on Thursday. Congratulations to Mary and Jorgen for their first place finishes! The Tiger Girls’ relay team consisting of Meredith, Sadie, Avery, and Mary took third. After the first day of competition, the girls are tied for 3rd place and the boys are in 4th.

Upcoming Events:

Dance State Championships @ Vergennes UHS, Saturday, 2/21; 5:30pm

Gymnastics State Championships @ Saint Johnsbury Academy, Saturday, 2/21; 6:00pm

Nordic Classic State Championships @ Craftsbury Outdoor Center, Tuesday, 2/24; 9:00am

Wrestling State Championships @ CVU, Friday, 2/27; 12:30pm and Saturday, 2/28; 9:45am

Rotary Speech Contest 2026

A big congratulations to all the MUHS students who participated in this year’s Rotary Speech Contest. Participants were asked to prepare and deliver a five minute speech that addresses the question, “How can we be instruments of peace?” After four wonderful speeches, junior Taryn was awarded the winner. Round 2 of the contest will take place in Vergennes, and Taryn will go up against students from Vergennes and CVU. Best of luck, Taryn and thank you to all of this year’s participants.

VSAC College and Career Pathways Event

FREE for Students and Families (geared towards Juniors and Sophomores)

On Saturday, March 14, 2026, families are invited to join in person at the University of Vermont (UVM) Davis Center or online via Zoom to take part in live workshops, discover free resources, and connect with local experts to help prepare for education or training after high school. For more information or to register visit HERE.

VSAC College and Career Pathways Field Trip: Sophomores and Juniors

On Wednesday, April 8th interested students will attend College and Career Pathways at Vermont State University, Castleton Campus. This is an excellent opportunity to attend workshops like: College Search, Finding the Right Fit, Pathways to a Great Career Without a College Degree. In addition, students will get a tour of the campus and eat lunch in the college dining hall. There is limited capacity for this event. Permission slips are available in the school counseling office. Signed permission slips are due by March 6th. See Margo Austin for additional details in School Counseling.