WELCOME TO THE 2022-2023 SCHOOL YEAR!!!

U-32 Calendar

U-32 Website

This newsletter was created by Hannah Fuller and Jes Wills with contributions from U-32 staff. If you have questions, please email either hfuller@u32.org or jwills@u32.org.

STUDENT/PARENT resources:

Canvas PLP courses

All students and families have been invited to grade level PLP courses. There is a lot of info on these pages so we hope you will check them out.

Naviance

Naviance helps U-32 students explore post high school planning options, build a resume, manage timelines and deadlines for making decisions about colleges and careers. This is also where all of the scholarship opportunities are housed. Each student will work with his/her TA and school counselor in Naviance to create his/her Personalized Learning Plans (PLPs). If you have forgotten your password, you can reset it yourself. If you have misplaced your registration code, please notify Student Services.

School Closings & Delays

The WCAX-3 station in Burlington has a comprehensive listing of school closings & delays in our area. CLICK HERE

IMPORTANT GRADING INFORMATION

Report Card Dates for 2022-2023

Semester 1 Due electronically Date available to Students

Quarter 1 HS/MS Progress Report Tuesday, Nov 1st 3pm, Thurs, November 3, 2022

Quarter 2 HS/MS Report Cards Thurs, Jan 19th 3pm Monday, January 23, 2023

Semester 2

Quarter 3 HS/MS Progress Report Thurs, Apr 6th 3pm Monday, April 10, 2023

Quarter 4 HS/MS Report Cards TBA mailed pending snow days

Mark Brown and Kara Rosenberg are thrilled to announce the results of the 2022-23 Vermont History Day contest! Eighteen U-32 students participated in the state contest at UVM. Our students won 13 prizes, and 7 projects qualified for the national competition. They have done tremendous work over the past three months, including being interviewed by a panel of judges. Please congratulate them when you see them.

Senior Historical Papers

1st place: Josie Haley for "Rachel Carson: The Frontier of Chemical Regulations" (qualifies for National History Day)

2nd place: Cole Saunders for "Father of Fire" (qualifies for National History Day)

3rd place: Edith Lane for "Fish Fears, Films, Frenzy"

Senior Individual Websites

1st place: Ari Chapin for “Integration of Chinese Acupuncture into US Medicine” (qualifies for National History Day)

3rd place: Maddie Beaudoin for "Henrietta Lacks"

Senior Individual Documentaries

1st place: Elly Budliger for “Maria Tallchief: Crossing New Frontiers in the Ballet World and Pushing for Change” (qualifies for National History Day)

3rd place: Cal Boyd for "How Watchmen Changed Literature"

Senior Individual Exhibits

1st place: Habiboullah Ould Meiloud for "The Congress of Vienna" (qualifies for National History Day)

2nd place: Angus Whitman for "Thomas Newcomen and His Steam Engine" (qualifies for National History Day)

3rd place: Annabelle Morland for "The Forgotten Children: The Story of the Chinchorro Mummies"

Senior Group Exhibits

2nd place: Sophie Martel and Maia Pasco for "Matthew Shephard" (qualifies for National History Day)

The International Studies Prize (with a cash award)

Cal Boyd for his documentary "How Watchmen Changed Literature"

The Freedom and Unity Prize (with a cash award)

Colby Tuller for his exhibit "The Saint Albans Raid and US Frontier Cavalry"

It is that fun time of year again when we would like your input to decide who our 2023 U-32 Teacher and Staff Member of the Year will be! Please consider taking the time to fill out the Google form.

Also, we pass along all of your kind comments to each faculty member so they can read the appreciation. We value the time you take and your thoughtful responses.

Kara was nominated for the National History Day Teacher of the Year.

"Each National History Day affiliate may nominate one high school and one middle school teacher for this award. Every nominee for the $10,000 award is a teacher who demonstrates a commitment to engaging students in historical learning through the innovative use of primary sources, implementation of active learning strategies to foster historical thinking skills, and participation in the National History Day Contest.

“This award recognizes the very best educators from across the nation and beyond,” said National History Day Executive Director Dr. Cathy Gorn. “These educators are leaders and innovators in the teaching of history. They engage their students with hands-on, inquiry-based learning with primary sources. I congratulate them on their well-deserved nominations.”

The national winner will be selected by a committee of experienced teachers and historians, and announced on Thursday, June 15, 2023, at the National History Day National Contest Awards Ceremony in College Park, Maryland. Nominees’ work must clearly illustrate the development and use of creative teaching methods that engage students in history and help them make exciting discoveries about the past."

Check out the article written by Our Principal and Assistant Principal:

"Flavored tobacco products are fueling an epidemic that is significantly impacting Vermont schools.

One of the best things we can do to help students succeed is to provide an environment where they can learn better. Unfortunately, the advent of e-cigarettes, vaping products and flavors is enticing kids, creating a crisis for schools that have impacted learning, demands on school administrators, teachers and counselors, and anxiety of students. Kids are trying to learn while addicted to nicotine, and many are struggling.

Vermont legislators have the ability to change this by passing S.18, legislation that would eliminate the sale of menthol and flavored cigarettes. Menthol and flavors are the lures that hook kids to tobacco. Many try the products thinking it might be a fun one-time use with friends because the bubble gum, cotton candy, or mango vape tastes and smells appealing, but later find the nicotine won’t let them leave.

Students become addicted, and schools across Vermont see the negative impacts of that addiction. We want to thank the Senate for doing the first part of this hard work. We now need Vermont legislators to take action; this cannot wait."

Read more at https://vtdigger.org/2023/04/17/wills-dellinger-pate-menthol-and-flavors-are-the-lures-that-hook-kids-to-tobacco-ban-them/

1) 1. What is your role at U-32?

High School Counselor

2. What do you love about U-32?

I love the community. The folks in this building, students and staff alike, make me laugh every day. I appreciate how people work together to support one another. I definitely feel like I am part of a team.

3. What is a fun fact about you that many people do not know?

My name was spelled Kirsten for the first few weeks of my life. My parents decided ultimately they didn't want my initials to be KGB so my mom completely changed the spelling and made up Cairsten. Turns out, our ancestors last name was Cairney which she didn't know until way later. Just a funny coincidence!

4. What is the last book you read?

Crescent City: House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas

5. What is a hobby of yours?

I love cooking/baking especially when I can find new recipes to try out!

6. What is on your travel bucket list?

I would love to visit Australia, specifically Adelaide.

7. Are you currently binge-watching any shows?

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

We are hosting a Blood Drive in the Gym on May 18th from 11am - 4 pm. All it takes is one hour to save a life!

If you are interested in donating, please let Amber Larrabee or Kerri Zurowski know and they can sign you up!

You must be at least 16 with a parent/guardian's consent OR 17 or older to donate. See the attached form for the parental consent document.

Here is a list of eligibility requirements and if you are a teen, click here for your requirements. If you have further questions, please call the Donor Care Line 866-236-3276.

U-32's Director of Theater, Erin Galligan Baldwin, has an original play, My Mother's Three Mothers premiering at Lost Nation Theater, Montpelier's professional theater company, from May 25 through June 11. Based on a true story, My Mother's Three Mothers is about a woman’s search for her birth mother, sending shock waves of secrets, shame, and consequences through generations.

For more information and to order tickets: https://lostnationtheater.org/my-mothers-three-mothers.html.

The Basement Teen Center has food and drinks, games, movies, music, and more. Meet friends and join in the activity, or just grab a snack and use the wifi. Open after school and located in the basement of Montpelier City Hall, the BTC welcomes all local folks ages 12 through 17. Learn more at basementteencenter.org, or on Instagram at the_btc_123.

Time is running out to purchase the 2023 U-32 HIGH SCHOOL yearbook. Reserve yours before 5/31/2023 to save the memories of this special year. We have already placed our order with Jostens, but a limited number of additional copies have been ordered. When these are gone, we cannot guarantee that any will be available for sale at distribution. A payment plan is available (for purchases over $30) at checkout when you order at:

http://jostensyearbooks.com?ref=A08746650

Lisa LaPlante, Director of Student Services

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TESTING:

VTCAP will be administered to students in grades 7, 8 & 9 in early / mid May. All testing will happen in the normal school day.

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Student schedules for the 2023-2024 school year

On Wednesday , May 3rd, students in current grades 8-11 will be able to view their 2023-2024 tentative schedules during extended TA. Current 7th graders will receive their schedules closer to Move Up Day on June 2nd.

If you or your student has questions or concerns about his/her schedule for next year, the Student Services Office will be available to assist as follows:

• Incoming seniors: Immediately once you have received your schedule

• Incoming juniors: Week of May 8th

• Incoming sophomores: Week of May 16th

• Incoming freshmen: Week of May 22nd

Our plan is to work with all students and parents who have concerns prior to school closing. We encourage you and /or your student to make an appointment with his/her adopted counselor if needed.

Please know that students can make changes to their schedules for semester 1 until August 23rd. Scheduling changes for semester 1 will not be allowed after August 23rd.

Students can make changes to their semester 2 classes until Jan 12, 2024

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MOVE UP DAY

June 2nd – Move Up Day (students in current grades 6-11 will follow their school schedule for the 2023-2024 school year.) Current 6th graders will come to U-32 to meet their 7th grade teachers, participate in classes and Unity day activities.

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UPCOMING SAT & ACT TEST OPPORTUNITIES

SAT: Test Date- June 3 Registration Deadline May 4

ACT: Test Date June 10 Registration Deadline May 5

ACT: Test Date July 15 Registration Deadline June 16

SAT / ACT Testing Tips

On the Test Day:

• Give yourself plenty of time to get to the test center. Consider traffic, weather conditions, flat tires, and anything else that could slow you down.

• Be sure to test at the center indicated on your Admission Ticket. You will need your Admission Ticket and photo ID for admission to the test center.

• Even if you’re scheduled to test at a center that was not your first choice, you are only guaranteed admission to the test center listed on your Admission Ticket. Seating is very limited at other test centers.

• Use breaks to eat or drink any snacks you have brought with you. You will have several breaks during the test. Use them to relax and eat a snack, so you can stay focused.

• Make sure you use a No. 2 pencil. You must fill in the entire circle darkly and completely. If you change your response, erase it as completely as possible. It is very important that you follow these instructions when filling out your answer sheet.

• Pace yourself during the test. Remember, each question counts the same. If you find yourself spending too much time on one question, move on to the next questions.

TEST PREPARATION:

JUNIORS: If you are not yet pleased with your PSAT scores use Khan Academy for SAT prep as an on-line course to help you build your math, reading, writing, and SAT test prep skills. Log into Khan Academy and link your PSAT scores.

If you have any other questions, please contact your school counselor for more information.

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SENIORS; What a great opportunity to check out available SCHOLARSHIPS also in Naviance: Please frequent the Scholarship List in Naviance as it is updated often for available scholarships.

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Dual Enrollment / Early College

As a current Vermont high school junior or senior, you are eligible for two Vermont Dual Enrollment Vouchers, allowing you to take one free college course in your junior year of high school and one in your senior year of high school.

It’s called Dual Enrollment because your free college courses will also earn you credit towards graduation from high school.

Dual enrollment is offered through all VT public colleges/universities and some private colleges too. Go to

http://www.vtdualenrollment.org/ for a list of participating colleges and to request a dual enrollment voucher.

High School Seniors are also eligible for Early College- got to http://education.vermont.gov/student-learning/flexible-pathways/early-college for more information

The Community College of Vermont will be holding two virtual information sessions to explain options for students through CCV’s Early College program. The sessions will be held at 6 PM on Wednesday May 3 and Wednesday May 24 and will cover general information about Early College at CCV and will outline details of the CCV-specific programs: Early College Certificate and The McClure Free Degree Promise.

There will be a short presentation by CCV staff and plenty of opportunities for participants to ask questions about applying to EC at CCV, financial aid for the EC year, and the EC Certificate and McClure Promise programs.

Students, parents, and educators are all welcome. Please share the attached flyer widely. Participants will need to register in order to receive the link for the session. Registration details are included on the attached flyer. You can also sign up here:

Please reach out to Brianna Langevin (Brianna.langevin@ccv.edu) or Sarah Kresser (sarah.kresser@ccv.edu) with any questions.

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FREE GYM Membership this summer at Planet Fitness for students 14-18

High schoolers aged 14 through 19 are invited to come to any of the 2,400 fitness locations in the U.S. and Canada for free from May 15 to Aug. 31.

Eligible teens can visit Planet Fitness’ website to register for the program, which will allow them access to the gyms.

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VTVLC (VT Virtual Learning Cooperative) courses have opened for registration for the 2023-2024 school year. These are free online courses for students in grades 7-12 for courses offered “traditionally.”

Click here to see the courses available to U-32 students. Students are eligible to register for courses that are listed as traditional enrollment. See information regarding On Demand enrollment below.

Who are successful online learners? VTVLC recommends that students who enroll in their courses are strong readers and writers, possess good time management skills, are self-motivated and self-disciplined, committed to spending five to ten hours a week on the course, and have the ability to use technology properly.

Process for students opting to take course(s) through VTVLC to have coursework count towards U-32 Graduation level Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs):

***Students who request to take an online class due to a teacher or classroom conflict need to participate in a restorative circle prior to enrolling in a VTVLC course. ***

Process for enrolling:

1. Meet with your school counselor to discuss options.

2. Go to VTVLC.org and create an account.

3. Log into VTVLC.org and complete Student Profile.

4. Request enrollment in class.

Grading & Transcripting:

Coursework with a final grade of C- or higher will “satisfy course specific Graduation level SLOs through transfer.”

1. Course will be listed on U-32 Transcript under Additional Course section with actual grade awarded

2. Grade / course score is NOT factored into U-32 GPA

3. Students may need to work with content level departments to determine which Performance Indicators (PIs) the course addresses.

4. Student may need to present evidence (portfolio, assessments, essays, labs, etc.) to a small committee to demonstrate proficiency in specific Graduation level SLOs through transfer

Failure to successfully complete a VTVLC course may prohibit a student’s ability to enroll in future courses.

VTVLC also offers On Demand courses that allow students to have flexible start and end dates. These courses offer a personalized pace. Like the other VTVLC courses, these are taught by Vermont licensed educators (HQT where applicable). These courses cost students $275 per semester length course. On Demand courses start on either the 1st or the 15th of each month.

For further questions about VTVLC courses or to sign up, students should see their school counselor.

Course offered to students, no cost again next year: EMC2

As you meet with students and plan their math pathway, I just want to send you this reminder that EMC2 is available for the ’23 – ’24 school year via VTVLC. We are excited to announce that it will be once again available for FREE to any appropriate VT high school student. This offer is only available for one more year before EMC2 will cost the same amount as any other 1-credit math course at VTVLC. Registration for SY 23-24 opens May 1st.

Vermont Works for Women (VWW) is excited to be launching a brand new program designed to provide high school girls* with hands-on exposure to a variety of trades fields in a safe, fun, and empowering environment. LIFT is a free, one-week summer trades program for girls* entering 9th-12th grade in the 2023-2024 school year.

*LIFT welcomes anyone who identifies as a girl regardless of assignment at birth, including non-binary and gender-expansive youth who are comfortable in a girl-centered space.

This summer, we will build skills in carpentry, welding and electrical work, and learn to use different tools, equipment, and materials. Our technical instructors are women who are trained and working in their respective fields. In addition to projects and shop time, we will spend a portion of each day discussing personal and professional development topics to prepare for life after high school.

Participants do not need any prior experience, just an interest in learning more and trying new things. LIFT would be a great fit for former participants of our Rosie's Girls camps, Career Challenge Days, or Women Can Do!

The program is free. By participating in LIFT, all youth will complete the Explorer Fellowship through the Harbor Freight Fellows Initiative and receive a $250 stipend upon completion of the program.

PROGRAM DETAILS

• Dates: June 26 - 30, 2023

• Time: 9:00 AM- 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday

• Location: Center for Technology, Essex: 2 Educational Dr, Essex Junction, VT 05452

(see the 12th Gr PLP Course in Canvas for future months)

(Juniors, please see the Junior planning calendar in the 11th grade PLP Canvas Course)

May

• May 1: Deadline for notifying colleges of your decision.

• AP Exams are administered. Be sure to send the AP Grade Report to your college.

• Send thank-you notes to your teachers, coaches, TA, and anyone else who helped you on the way.

• Fill out housing-preference forms, and check out any special living centers.

• Wait-listed students can expect more information about their status after May 1.

• Complete Graduation Survey on Family Connection

June

• If you plan to compete in Division I or Division II college sports, have your transcript sent to the NCAA Initial Eligibility Clearinghouse. More information is available at ncaaclearinghouse.net.

• June 16: Graduation…. Congratulations!

• June 30: Final deadline to submit FAFSA.

The program allows apprentices to be paid employees with benefits from the first day of training, starting at $16.63/hour. The apprentices spend the first five (5) weeks in an intensive classroom session preparing for the Phlebotomy Certification exam, which is included in our program. After those five weeks, they begin the on-the-job training full-time. Our only requirement for candidates is that they have a high school diploma or equivalent and be over the age of 18.

Apply at https://iaahitec.org/phlebotomy

If you have any questions about our program please feel free to email me at rebecca.spencer@vthitec.org or call 802-488-5818

Registration opens May 1st!!!

Please read the workshop descriptions carefully for grade requirement, location & time and registration deadline.

• Space is limited; first-come, first-served.
• Please do not register until you know 100% that you can attend.
• Do not register for a program unless you meet the grade requirement; your registration will be canceled if you are not the correct grade.
  
• If a program is full, please contact Lauren.Traister@uvm.edu to be placed on a waiting list.

Workshops are FREE but registration is required. (Flyer, PDF)

Most workshops are open to youth entering grades 7-12 in the Fall but there are a few exceptions as noted.

June 23: Learn About Lake Champlain on a Floating Classroom
June 27: Flow Cytometry
June 28: Plant and Fungi Ecology and Evolution
July 6: Build a Rocket (Part 1 of 2) entering grades 9-12
July 10: Biomimicry
July 12: Learn About Forest Ecology
July 14-16: Natural Resources Management Academy entering grades 7-10
July 17: Special Conference/Youth Day: Stem Cells, Cell Therapy and Bioengineering in Lung Biology and Disease entering grades 8-12
July 18: Learn About Brain Connections with Neuronify
July 21: Microbe Detectives
July 24-28: Science Exploration Camp entering grades 6-8
July 27: Build a Rocket (Part 2 of 2) entering grades 9-12
July 31- August 4: Morning Cup of Code entering grades 5-12
August 4: Brain Lab
August 6: Nature Awareness and Ecological Restoration