South Burlington High School

Dear SBHS students and families,

A few quick notes from the my corner of the Wolves’ den:

1) “Bell to bell” phone-free is working.

We’re seeing more eye contact, more laughter, and more face to face conversations. Thank you for backing our no cell phones, bell to bell expectation. Your partnership is making classrooms more focused and free blocks and lunch more social. If your student needs to reach you during the day, there are free phones in the lobby and the Main Office.

2) Help us amplify SB’s many great activities and outside the classroom opportunities.

Our hallways are bursting with flyers for clubs, activities, and community opportunities. I’d love to help those efforts reach an even wider audience. Students (or advisors), please send me a clear photo of any flyer you post—I’ll share highlights on our official school social accounts so more Wolves can get involved. Send me attachments to pburke@sbschools.net. Pro tip: convert your PDF to a jpeg file or snap the flyer straight-on in good light for best results. Also, if you have a great club photo, rehearsal clip, or team snapshot please send it along with the flyer. I love showcasing SB Wolves in action!

3) Welcome, Dr. Joe Clark our new Interim Superintendent.

The District has hired Dr. Joe Clark as our new Interim Superintendent. He’s eager to be present in the life of the school on campus, in classrooms, and at many preK-12 SB events (from the sidelines to the stage). Please join me in welcoming him when you see him at athletics and arts events and around the building.

4) SLAM Community Service Day: Friday, October 10th

On October 10th, all 9th graders, Peer Leaders, and 9th Grade Advisors will take part in our longstanding SLAM (Student Leadership Advisory Meeting) Community Service Day. Each SLAM group will serve at community sites—including local non-profits, elementary schools, and parks—such as Common Roots, Hope Lodge, Shelburne Farms, VYCC, Ethan Allen Homestead, Catamount Outdoor Center, Old Spokes Home, and SBSD elementary schools.

As always, students thank you for all you do and families, thank you for sharing your students with us and for helping keep SBHS an amazing learning community. We’re off to a great start!

Patrick Burke

Principal, South Burlington High School

P.S. I posted a new "Quick Hits" video this week. Check it out here.

Last week, school counselors wrapped up classroom meetings with all seniors currently enrolled in an SBHS English class; here are a few important resources and reminders with you:

1. Classroom Presentation – Here is the Slide Show we reviewed with seniors this week.
   

2. College Application Sessions – Seniors may use this Google Form to sign up for upcoming sessions. Please note: the form will be updated and re-sent each week with new dates. The current version includes sessions for the next two weeks only.

Parent/Guardian Night - We invite all parents and guardians of seniors to join us on Thursday, September 18, at 6:30 PM in the SBHS Auditorium. This session will provide an overview of the post–high school planning process and the resources available through SBHS.

College Visits at SBHS - Throughout September–November, SBHS will welcome over 80 college admissions counselors to meet with our students. Seniors are encouraged to check the list of visiting colleges and sign up for sessions with the representatives from schools that interest them.

We look forward to supporting all of our seniors and families during this important year!

Thursday, September 18th - Senior College Planning Info Session 6-7:30pm

Wednesday, September 24th - Late Start Wednesday

Thursday, September 25th - Open House @ 7PM

Thursday, October 2nd - No School for Students

Friday, October 3rd - In-service for Teachers, No School for Students

Saturday, October 4th - Homecoming

Friday, October 10th - 9th Grade Community Service Day

Tuesday, October 14th - SAT, PSAT, and CLA Testing Day

Wednesday, October 22nd - Picture Re-take Day

Being present in class matters...not just for grades, but for relationships, learning, and the rhythm of our community. We want every student to get the most out of their classes, and we’re here to help if challenges come up. Please reach out to your school counselor or grade-level administrator if you need support.

Key Updates for 2025-26:

• Loss of Credit Threshold: Students may lose credit after 10 absences in a semester course or 20 absences in a full-year course. At that point, the grade recorded will be a W/F, though students may appeal with an attendance contract.
• Absence Definition: Missing 20 minutes or more of class now counts as a full absence, not just a tardy.
• Class Cuts: Students cannot make up work if a class is cut (unexcused absence of 20+ minutes).
• Tardiness & Parking: Chronic tardiness to Block 1 or Block 2 may result in the loss of parking privileges for upperclassmen.

We care deeply about what happens in the classroom. Regular attendance is the foundation of success, and our team is ready to support students and families in meeting these expectations.

Principal: Patrick Burke

Assistant Principal: Meg Hughart

Director of Student Activities: Mike Jabour

Director of School Counseling: Meghan Sweet

Website: https://sbhs.sbschools.net/o/sbhs

Attendance Phone Line: (802) 652-7002

School Counseling Phone Line: (802) 652-7586

Athletics & Activities Phone Line: (802) 652-7578