MUHS Community Newsletter
March 20, 2026
A Message from the MUHS Leadership Team
Dear MUHS Community,
If you are planning to attend tonight's Art Exhibition Ceremony at Town Hall Theater, please watch your phones for an update. We are aware that roads have gotten very slippery out there and are assessing whether or not rescheduling is a viable solution.
Happy spring.
Warmly,
Caitlin Steele, Principal
Ben Weir, Assistant Principal
Sean Farrell, Activities Director
Julie Pettis, Student Response Coordinator
Announcements
Art Exhibition Opening Ceremony — TONIGHT, Friday, March 20th!
Come celebrate the work of our student artists at the opening of their show in the Jackson Gallery, located on the lower level of the Town Hall Theater. Live music and light refreshments will accompany guests as they take in the work of these accomplished artists. The ceremony will run from 5-6:30.
2026-2027 District Calendar
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.
Vacant ACSD Board Seat
There is currently one open seat on the ACSD Board for a representative living in Middlebury. If you live in Middlebury and are interested in serving on the ACSD Board, please send a letter of interest to Board Chair, Steve Cash, at scash@acsdvt.org by March 20, 2026. If you know a Middlebury resident who would make a great Board representative, encourage them to reach out to scash@acsdvt.org. The Board plans to appoint someone to fill this seat at the March 23rd meeting of the ACSD Board. Read the full Notice of Board Vacancy here.
The ACSD Board’s mission is to provide high-quality, equitable, and varied learning environments that inspire a passion for learning and growth among our students. Board members represent the interests of all students in the district, not just the town in which they live.
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.
Opportunities for Students
Two Opportunities for Student Voice
We still have two opportunities for students to participate in important conversations.
State Graduation Requirements: On April 1, the Agency of Education and UP for Learning will host a Student Engagement Session to gather feedback on the state’s proposed graduation requirements. One session will take place at PAHCC and another in our building. We’re excited for students to review the draft and share their perspectives.
Middlebury Town Plan: 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.
Students can learn more and express interest through this Google form. Space is limited for each opportunity, and we’ll aim to include students representing a wide range of perspectives across the school.
School Counseling Updates
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.
AHEC Health Careers Informational Visit: Friday, March 27th
Two representatives from the Northern Vermont Area Health Education Center (AHEC) will hold an informational workshop for students interested in exploring the vast world of health careers during Flex on Friday, March 27th. Students will learn about one and two year certification, associate degree, bachelor’s degree and apprenticeship programs available for students in fields such as radiology, sonography, surgical technology, nursing and more! Interested students should sign up in the School Counseling Office in advance and they will receive a pass that morning.
Governors Institute of Vermont (GIV)
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
Sam Lewis
Emily Schademan
Adrien Preston
Important Dates
March 20 - Visual Arts Exhibition Opening Reception, Town Hall Theater
March 26-28 - Senior Play
March 28 - Success Saturday
April 1 - Early Release
April 7-9 - VTCAP Testing
April 11 - Success Saturday/Proficiency Recovery, as recommended
April 20-24 - April Break
Check out the MUHS Events Calendar online here.
Middlebury Union High School Music Department Calendar
March 19-21 - New England Music Festival- Gilford, New Hampshire
April 8, 6:00-9:00 PM - Concert Choir and Middlebury Community Chorus Dress Rehearsal
April 11 - Band and Choir Trip to Boston to see The Outsiders
April 14, 7:30 PM Concert Choir and Middlebury Community Chorus Collaboration
April 15 - MUHS and MUMS Band Concert
May 6-9 - All State Music Festival- Missisquoi Union High School
May 13 - MUHS/MUMS Jazz Concert
May 25 - Memorial Day Parades (Band)
May 28 - MUHS Jazz/Camerata Concert
June Discover Jazz Festival
June 5 - MUHS Final Assembly (Jazz and Camerata)
June 6 - MUHS Graduation (Band and Camerata)