MUHS Community Newsletter

Dear MUHS Community,

Throughout the month of March, our MUHS community has placed a strong emphasis on student mental health and overall wellness. We are committed to supporting not only the academic success of our students, but also their emotional well-being, resilience, and sense of connection.

In recent weeks, the MUHS Mental Health Committee has led a range of activities centered on awareness, stigma reduction, and the importance of caring for ourselves and one another. Through advisory sessions and schoolwide initiatives, students have explored ways to build connection, strengthen resilience, seek help when needed, and better understand available supports.

For a more in-depth look at the activities completed during Advisory, please see the slideshow used for all grades here.

We also want to share a collection of resources for parents and guardians to support ongoing conversations at home. These include MUHS-based supports, as well as resources from the broader Middlebury community and trusted regional and national organizations. We encourage you to explore them and use them as a starting point for discussion with your child.

We are grateful for your partnership in supporting the well-being of our students and community! If you have any questions or would like additional information, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Sincerely,
The MUHS Mental Health Committee

Sam Lewis, School Counselor

Emily Schademan, School Counselor,

Adrien Preston, Director of School Counseling

Michaela Bicknell, MUHS Social Worker

Brooke Jette, MUHS Social Worker

Julie Pettis, Student Response Coordinator

Resources:

One Love Foundation (Relationships)
MUHS School Counseling and Wellness Center
CSAC 24/7 Emergency Hotline: 802-388-7641
Jed Foundation
Dougy Center (Grief)
The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+)
Mental Health (MHA) (BIPOC)
NAMI
Text or Call 988 Suicide/Crisis Hotline
Text 741741 for Crisis Text Line

Si desea un resumen traducido de este documento, póngase en contacto con Fernanda Canales en fcanales@acsdvt.org.

如果您想要本文档的翻译摘要，请联系 Fernanda Canales，电话 fcanales@acsdvt.org。

If you would like a translated summary of these resources, please contact Fernanda Canales at fcanales@acsdvt.org.

Assistant Principal Hiring Update

We're sorry to say that our initial search for a new Assistant Principal for next year was unsuccessful. The job has been reposted. You can find it here if you want to forward it along to potential candidates. We will share updates as we have them.

There are other open jobs at MUHS and in ACSD, and more will be posted in the coming days and weeks. You can always check out our openings on the ACSD website here.

Senior Play Tickets on Sale Now

Tickets for the Class of 2026 Senior Play “Grease” are on sale! Tickets available at https://gofan.co/event/5850691.

Model UN

Middlebury Model UN travelled to a conference at Vermont Commons School on March 14th. Delegates participated in one of two crisis committees: Mars colonization in 2111 and Romeo and Juliet. Three delegates won an award for their committee participation: Peter Conklin and Fiona Mackey in the Mars committee and Eve Menguc in the Romeo and Juliet committee. Well done, Middlebury model UNers!

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

State Graduation Requirements – Youth Engagement Sessions

Background

As part of the passage of Act 73, the Vermont Agency of Education (AOE) has drafted proposed statewide graduation requirements for high school students. The Agency is engaging partners across Vermont to provide feedback on those requirements, and student input must be a central element in shaping this vision. This focus group series seeks to ensure youth voice is meaningfully included in the conversation about how best to prepare students for life beyond K–12 education. The Agency has partnered with youth and adult staff at UP For Learning to design and facilitate the focus groups.

What will be discussed at the event?

The Agency of Education is eager to hear from Vermont students on topics including the proposed requirements, transferable skills, access and experiences with flexible pathways, personalized learning plans, and ways to recognize deeper learning.

How is the event structured? What will happen?

During the event, participants will engage in several structured small-group activities to explore questions and express their thoughts. These activities will be led by trained youth and adults working with UP for Learning, with the goal that they be accessible and inclusive for all youth.

The dialogue at Middlebury Union High School will be held on April 1, 2026 from 11:30 to 12:40.

If you are interested in participating, please let us know using this Google form.

Middlebury Town Plan - Student Stakeholder Group

The Middlebury Planning Commission is developing the town’s new plan and wants to hear from students. They will host a stakeholder session here at the high school, also on April 1, 11:30-12:40.

Students can learn more and express interest through this Google form.

UK Trip--April 2027

If your rising 10th, 11th or 12th grader would like to travel abroad next spring break, contact Cathy Stoddert, Lang. & Lit. teacher, for the details. We will tour with ACIS educational travel company to England and Scotland--and the more, the merrier!

Managing Education and Training Costs: Virtual Presentation on April 9th

On Thursday, April 9th at 6:30pm, join VSAC Outreach Counselor, Kate Rowland, for a virtual Managing Education and Training Costs presentation. There will be an overview of how families pay for education and training, the different types of financial aid, as well as the application process and timelines. Several websites will be shared that can help you research the true cost of college and get ready to file financial aid forms. This event is publicized and geared for 11th grade families and students who live in Addison County, though families of 9th and 10th graders are also welcome to attend.

Please register in advance for this meeting (up until 6:15 on 4/9):

https://vsac-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/I52h8aNQTOSMy0PH03h9Vg

*After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing a link with information about joining the meeting.

2026 Consider Canada College Fair

On Monday, April 13th, South Burlington High School will host the Consider Canada College Fair from 6:00pm –7:30pm! Meet representatives from 16 Canadian colleges and universities and explore the unique opportunities they offer. Students and families of all grades are encouraged to attend and discover what studying in Canada could look like for you. Please see here to learn more!

Last opportunity to apply to GIV Summer programs

GIV hosts several amazing summer institutes on College Campuses across Vermont. These programs are open to 9, 10, and 11 grade students. Applications for GIV Summer Programs are due March 31st. Please see Margo Austin for more information.

Try a Major Day at Vermont State University’s Randolph Campus

Are you interested in the following areas?

Architectural Engineering
Business
Electrical & Electromechanical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Construction Management
Nursing
Veterinary Technology
Civil & Environmental Engineering

Then join the School Counseling Team for a field trip to VTSU’s Randolph campus for Try a Major Day! Get hands-on experience in your area of interest, tour the campus, eat lunch in the dining hall. The field trip is scheduled for Wednesday, April 15th. Spaces fill quickly, so come to School Counseling to pick up your permission slip and register. This trip is open to 10th and 11th grade students.

Juniors

There is still space available in Green Mountain Girls State and Boys State Programs. Girls State applications are due April 3rd and Boys State applications are due May 1st. Boys State Applications and Girls State Applications. Interested Juniors should come see Margo Austin with questions.

Sophomores

Sophomores who are interested in attending the Rotary’s Youth Leadership

Academy (RYLA), need to apply by April 6th. Here is the LINK to apply. The RYLA event is happening June 19-21 at Vermont State University- Lyndon Campus. Learn more about the RYLA program HERE. Interested Sophomores should come see Margo Austin with questions.