School Newsletter
Quarter II - 2020
Serving Our Community: Barre Partnership
Volunteer Buddies: VT Foodbank
Agents of Change: OVX Leaders
MESSAGE from ADMINISTRATION
Academic Planning
Our mission at Spaulding High School is to prepare students for success in an ever-changing world.
In the following weeks, students will have the opportunity to plan out their coursework for the 2020-2021 school year with their school counselors.
In response to this, we encourage students to maximize their learning experiences and spend time with their parents/guardians by examining the Program of Studies to determine which courses and/or programs best support their college/career pathway.
The schedule for each class is listed below:
Class of 2021 - Starting the week February 18th & March 4th
Class of 2022 - Starting the week of March 9th
Class of 2023 - Starting the week of March 16th
Class of 2024 - Barre City - March 23rd & 24th / Barre Town - March 25th & 26th
Parents are welcome to join in that discussion and schedule a meeting with their student's school counselor by calling the School Counseling Office at 476-6411.
SAVE the DATE: Town Meeting
To watch the latest video that highlights our community, please click on the link below:
Tuesday, Mar 3, 2020, 07:00 AM
Barre, VT, USA
STUDENT and PARENT RESOURCES
SPOTLIGHT on STUDENTS
Renaissance Teenager
But unlike the pioneering da Vinci, Isaac has the advantage of nifty acronyms to frame his field of study, such as STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math)and he has access to a network of maker-educators (mostly centered in Burlington at Generator) to provide hands-on STEAM workshops to students.
Isaac, for example, is presently working with another Spaulding student, Eleanor Steinman, and a mentor to create a model of the constellation Orion as a way to learn circuit theory and how to use laser and vinyl cutters, soldering tools, and other computer gizmos.
And he's just beginning this exploration.
Back on Planet Earth, i.e. Spaulding High School, Isaac, who's second in his class academically, focuses, of course, on math and science, but also deep dives into the music offerings. He's a member of the Jazz Band and school band, playing both tenor sax and clarinet.
He's also a fixture in the tech booth working on last year's Drama Club productions and this year's “Complete Works of William Shakespeare,” and the upcoming “Mamma Mia.”
Isaac's athletic interests lean towards indoor and outdoor track, (hurdles and dashes), although the martial arts have pulled him at various times, aikido in middle school for two years, and presently jujitsu with his father.
Like most high achieving students, Isaac is an avid reader, including books delving into sketchier end of the human experience. For example, this summer he devoted himself to reading the complete three volume series of The Arc of the Scythe by Neal Schusterman. The book is described as “a roller coaster ride through the underground world of human trafficking.”
Hey, who's to say, da Vinci himself wouldn't have been curious about the dark side?
Isaac's sister, Isabelle, is a seventh grader who is certainly at the age to listen dutifully to what big brother has to say. So here's what Isaac would say to Isabelle about entering Spaulding in two years. Listening optional.
“I would advise Isabelle to find an extracurricular activity that she likes, drama, open studio, sports, band, chorus, etc. Spaulding is really good at offering so many choices. There's going to be one or more that fit. That's a great way to make new friends and be part of a community right off the bat.” -Jim Higgins
Right Skill Set
But the Spaulding senior's shift ended with bang. Soon after Taylor got home that night she discovered she was a Facebook mini-sensation with 600 likes and 300 shares.
The manner in which Taylor went from Subway shift worker to Vermont rock star is hardly heady stuff, such as, “Arctic Teen Saves Puppy from Burning Igloo.” Rather, it was a quiet, poetic act of human connection.
It started when a deaf man walked into the shop and began the cumbersome process of ordering food: pointing at pictures on his phone and on the menu board. That's when Taylor stopped him and began signing the message: “I know how to sign.”
“His mouth dropped in surprise,” she said, “and then he became very excited and happily ordered in sign language.” It was that moment of delight and the follow-up that was recorded on another customer's phone. The woman who took the video asked permission to post it, and the rest is local history.
Taylor is quick to say she only knows “some sign language,” but has been studying it since 7th grade ever since she watched a 2015 TV series called “Switched at Birth.”
“It's very difficult to learn signing on my own,” she said, “but after that man came in I got back into it, especially after he taught me to sign, 'Happy Holidays.'”
At Spaulding her favorite field of study was the Human Services Program working with Laurie Abare. “We'd get out into the community, like at Barre Gardens, and job shadow and learn in the workplace. I just like to work with people, anyone, no specific age range.” Taylor also loved her English classes with Pat Leene and Alicia Tosi. “I love reading and writing” she says, “but noooo public speaking!”
While at Spaulding she also earned three Robert Burdett Awards, presented to students who contribute to the positive atmosphere of the school and who are recognized as good citizens of the student body.
After graduation, Taylor's plans to take a gap year to save money for college, then move to Florida “maybe majoring in translation or marine biology.” -JH
Live it up!
She does note that it was only during the last two years she came to this realization. “My first two years it was all work, work, work. When I became a junior I realized it would be my last two years with most of these people and I wanted to have as much time with them as possible.”
To the extent that Aliza “lives it up,” that has mostly involved an intense love of basketball, win or lose.
(While still “excelling in all her classes,” she adds.)
Now a captain since her junior year for the Tide, the power forward helped her team attain its most wins in years at 9-11 this year. “I just couldn't give it up despite all the losses in previous years. It's who I am.” she said.
Aliza's rejuvenating fallback, however, is that she plays hoops all year round, which includes every spring joining forces with U-32 girls to play in the AAU leagues. “Last year we were 21-1. That reminded me of why I love the game,” she said.
In the interstices Aliza goes back to her roots and volunteers with her Tide teammates to run the clock for the Mini Metro games.
Also in the spring, Aliza has been playing Tide tennis since her sophomore year. Now a captain, she and Grace Paterson have worked themselves up to No.1 doubles.
Aliza has not dropped to the ball, so to speak, on her community service activities. A member of the Key Club and Student Council since 10th grade, she's participated in myriad fundraisers for good causes.
“Our work at the Good Samaritan home was quite the experience,” she recalls. “I'd never been there before and it made me realize all that I take for granted. I have a home to go to, and no worries about lunch or dinner. I don't take that for granted anymore.”
Next year Aliza thinks she'll probably go to Florida Gulf Coast University where she'll pursue her lifelong interest in marine biology. (“Ever since 4th grade when I swam with the dolphins in the Bahamas I knew I wanted to be around oceans and ocean creatures.”)
But that's a D-1 school, so Aliza knows she'll likely play club or intramural basketball, and she's OK with that.
Her second choice is also in Florida and near the Gulf, Eckerd College. Since that's a D-II basketball school she's more hopeful to play varsity hoops there.
Wherever Aliza goes to school, and whatever she subsequently chooses to do, it's clear by the footprint she's left at Spaulding, she will be ALL IN. -JH
SAVE the DATE: Girls Ice Hockey - Quarterfinals
Tuesday, Mar 3, 2020, 05:30 PM
Barre Auditorium, Auditorium Hill, Barre, VT, USA
SPREADING TIDE PRIDE
Interact Club: Teaching Service Above Self — One Breakfast at a Time
For the past semester English teacher, Ms. Sam Loesch has been helping students develop leadership skills through community service projects. One of those projects is pictured above as students prepare community breakfasts at local churches.
As advisor to the Interact Club, the Rotary International Service Club for teens, Ms. Loesch sees her students at their best.
“I'm so proud of my students,” she said, “because even though they're occasionally 'bleary eyed' in the morning, they are experiencing something that is transformative. And usually they report feeling invigorated by starting their morning off by doing something good."
Ms. Loesch cites freshman newcomer, Jacob Huckins as being a beacon of light this semester,” she says. “He is kind, loyal, and above all, leads by example. He truly understands the benefits of helping his community.”
She also praises junior, Camden Kelley. “Camden is an incredible leader who embodies the core values of Interact,” says Ms. Loesch. “She's incredibly organized and has a caring heart. She wants to collaborate with others, she wants to seek out creative ways to help, and she wants to be inclusive.”
Ms. Loesch added, “Like many Rotarians, our Interact students possess the willingness to serve and help others in order to make our community a better place.”
Save the Date: Post Secondary Night
We believe having a plan for life after high school helps you achieve your dreams and life
goals. This includes not only college options, but trainings, apprenticeships, employment, and/or military.
Join us in the School Gymnasium and learn about what options you have in high school and post-secondary, so you are prepared for making your plan (and living the life you want)!
At this event, you can explore
Flexible Pathways in High School
2- and 4- year College Options
Training and Apprenticeships
Military and Service Opportunities post High School
Conversations with your family about future planning!
For more information contact Ry Hoffman at rhoffshs@buusd.org or Margo Austin at maustshs@buusd.org.
Tuesday, Mar 10, 2020, 06:30 PM
Spaulding High School, Ayers Street, Barre, VT, USA
ACADEMIC HIGHLIGHTS
Tide Pool: Helping Students Learn to Swim — Academically
Upon hearing the words, Tide Pool, some people may reminisce about summer days in the pool or learning how to tread water lightly.
However, for our students, Tide Pool has become the true aquatic center much needed for our community, so students can grow academically and personally.
Why you ask? because Tide Pool houses a number of academic and personal supports.
Staffed by teachers, it is open from 7:35am to 3:05pm each school day. Students can self-refer as they need assistance, or can be sent by teachers, school counselors or other staff. Services provided include academic assistance in subject areas like Math, Science, English, & Social Studies and proficiency support.
According to Kendra Tabor, Class of 2023, Mrs. Benoit & Mr. Willis are her "lifeguards" because they have been extremely helpful in terms of academic support. They are able to sit down with students one on one by explaining concepts in a way that students can understand better.
As she noted with a warm smile on her face, "I just love those guys! They have provided a peaceful space where I can learn and feel supported."
Like lifeguards who take their roles seriously, Mrs. Benoit & Mr. Willis respond quickly and intelligently to a problem. They are able to communicate with other teachers and students within the building effectively and they take their roles seriously because they care about students.
Clearly students are not treading water lightly, but instead diving head first into safe waters.
SPOTLIGHT on ATHLETICS
Hockey Frosh Highlights
Both the boys and girls hockey teams had gratifying regular seasons as the play-offs loom. The boys jumped out to a 7-1-1 start and settled for a 10-win season. With a final record of 10-8-1, the Tide boys are ranked fifth in Division I.
The girls, 19-0, became the first girls hockey team in Vermont history to go undefeated through the regular season. The Tide girls are the No. 1 seed in the D-II play-offs.
We asked some of the Fab Frosh players on the teams to recall their top three personal highlights of their first season.
Rebecca McKelvey: 1. Scoring two goals to tie our game in the third period against Harwood to lead to OT. 2. When Elise Atwood scored her first high school hockey goal against Hartford. 3. Winning the Middlebury tournament against the home team, Middlebury, in OT.
Cami Bell: 1. Winning our first game this year against Harwood. I knew at that moment that this year's team would be something special. That has proved itself this season. 2. Winning against Middlebury and winning the tournament. They're a big D-I team, just having the feeling that we accomplished something huge. For ourselves and our hometown. 3. The OT win against Harwood. There was a lot of tension between our teams. The crowd was huge. To think about the Barre community coming to support us was just awesome. I think that win made us stronger as a team.
Kieran McNamara: Looking back at the season I would say some things that stand out were games when our team really came together to pull something off. I look at our third game of the season against BFA and how we scored a big power play goal early in the game and had to defend that lead for the rest of the game. In the locker room between periods we were all fired up and it was fun to watch the team come together and win a crucial early season game.
Tyler Boutin: 1. Dressing for my first game. 2. Getting my first shift. 3. Going out for my second shift right after. -Jim Higgins
SAVE the DATE: Parent Conferences
If you would like to schedule a conference with a teacher or with a counselor before then, please contact them directly to schedule a time.
Thursday, Mar 19, 2020, 12:30 PM
Spaulding High School, Ayers Street, Barre, VT, USA
CONGRATULATIONS
Good Luck, Tide Ladies!
Go FORTH and ROCK the PLAYOFFS!
Robert Burdett Award - Quarter II
The Robert M. Burdett Memorial Award was named after Robert M. Burdett, a former assistant principal and principal at Spaulding High School (1971-1979).
It is presented to students who contribute to the positive atmosphere of the school based on their regular attendance, friendly demeanor, cooperative behavior and earnest desire to do their best.
Mr. Burdett was known to be a champion of the “unsung hero,” and this recognition continues to honor the good citizens of the student body. Mr. Burdett believed, as we do, that this core of earnest, hardworking students form the backbone of Spaulding High School and that they will become, in time, the nucleus of their communities and of our country.
The award is based on nominations from teachers and staff at Spaulding High School based upon several categories: Unsung Hero, Good Citizen, Exceptional Perseverance/Resilience and Exceptional Growth/Improvement.
The following are recipients for Quarter II:
Zane Arthur, Teagan Atkins-Leslie, Tasia Avery, Anna Bailey, Nicholas Barcomb, Francesca Barney, Chesnee Barney, Lillian Beun, Katherine Blakely, Emma Boulanger, Alan Burnor ,Dante Carrasco, Kayla Clouse, Ethan Codling ,Kailey Craig, Steven Derouchie, Jaidyn Deyo, Emily Dion, Annie Duprey, Maggie Duprey, Matthew Durgin, Dylan Dusablon, Destini Feccia, Allyson Felch, Camryn Fewer, Sage Frost, Abigail Geno, Lyndsey Giroux,, Myria-Ann Guyette, Madison Henderson, Zoey Henry, Alexis Huckins, Claire Isabelle, Aliyah Jewett, Sage Johnson, Hailey LaFaille, Jacob Lamphere, Alyssa Larivee, Autumn Lewis, Briona Litchfield, Kaden Luster, Riley Madison, Taite Magoon, Anna Mayo, Raymond McCuen, Emily Morris, Kaiden Morse, Conner Neddo, Mason Otis, Lillian Parker, Madison Pembroke, Nicholas Pierce, Ezme Quittner, Samantha Reed, Mykala Rieder, Nathan Romeo, Devon Surprenant, Brian Sweeney, Matthew Tacey, Natalie Taylor, Jennah Thompson, Ariana Thurber, Richard Torre, Seaaira Turner, Abigail Violette, Taylor Wheatley, Carson White, & Justice Womers