Dear VUHS Families,
One of the basic principles of proficiency based learning is that “All students must be challenged, believed in, and supported to reach common, high expectations. Interventions, extensions of learning, and opportunities to revise and relearn are systemic and provided regularly so that all students achieve common outcomes” (GSP, 2020). As mentioned in the message that accompanied the interim progress reports sent out right before the holiday vacation, our first formal intervention period is scheduled for January 14 - 17, the last week of semester 1. Since most classes are now year-long, instead of an exam schedule, we have built re-teaching, re-learning and reassessment blocks into the regular daily class schedule to give students time to demonstrate proficiency. Students who are not meeting proficiency baselines for year-long classes or who may have incomplete work will be called back by their teachers during these blocks. Students in semester-long classes who are at risk of not meeting course completion minimum scores will have an opportunity to relearn and reassess during this time. See the course completion description here. In some content areas, primarily math, this extended time may also still be used for exams. Students who don’t need extended proficiency recovery time will have the opportunity to sign up for a selection of alternate activities or use the time for quiet study in the library or cafeteria.
The first semester ends on Friday, January 17. Final scores for semester courses or mid-year scores for year-long courses will be posted to PowerSchool by the end of the following week. Please refer to the progress report sent out in December or check your (or your student’s) JumpRope portal to determine current standing in all classes.
Contact teachers directly with any questions related to classes and/or proficiency scores. If you need help accessing JumpRope, please contact Jay ([email protected]). If you need help navigating JumpRope, we have scheduled the first of several JumpRope drop-in sessions on Thursday, January 23, 4-6 pm in the VUHS library.
Thanks for supporting continued student growth and learning.
Happy New Year to everyone!
Stephanie, Ed, and Jay
SUMMER PROGRAMS 2020
It’s not too early to be making plans for summer. The school counseling office will receive a variety of summer opportunities over the next several months. Click here to access a list of these opportunities for students currently in grades 7-12. We are not specifically endorsing any of these programs (because we are not familiar with all of them) and encourage you to further research any in which your student might be interested. As we receive additional program information, we’ll add it to this document, so check back weekly.
Ten topics to choose from - One epic adventure in learning!
Weekend of Feb. 7-9: Neuroscience, Writing & Film, Microcontrollers, Dancemaking, Entrepreneurial Leadership
Weekend of Feb. 21-23: Astrophotography, Social Psychology, Solo Singers’ Masterclass, Space Mission Design, The Art of Cartooning
For more information and to apply visit http://www.giv.org/winterweekend/ Application deadline is January 10, 2020. Apply early - spots fill up fast. Winter Weekends are held at Goddard College in Plainfield, VT.
Are you interested in learning about the variety of pathways for high school students to earn credits, gain valuable college experience, showcase their potential to recruiters, and/or gain admission to UVM? Join us for a free, informational webinar on Wednesday, January 8th at 7 pm (EST), as we explore UVM’s pre-college course opportunities and Summer Academy. Find more information and register here. If you have any questions, please call 802-656-2085.
An exciting opportunity will take place on January 15th, 2020 at 6:00pm in the VUHS Library. Please click here for more information. We hope to see you there!
If you are considering a dual enrollment college course for second semester, please connect with your school counselor now. There is a process that takes some time.
If you’re thinking about taking a year off before heading to college (gap year), check out this website for possible programs you could pursue. There is a gap year fair at Burlington High School on January 16, 6:00-8:30 pm.
From VSAC - File your FAFSA and be entered for a chance to win $1,000 scholarships & prizes
Prizes & scholarships from select VT colleges (when you enroll), College Board (200 per month), VSAC (for a senior class activity). Find out how you can do this at vsac.org/fafsafirst
Do you need support completing the FAFSA? Go to the VSAC office in Winooski any Friday in January. VSAC will provide walk-in assistance with FAFSA completion between 8:00 am and 3:00 pm. Parents and students need to bring all necessary documents; you’ll find a list here. Click here for more information. You are also welcome to call VSAC’s FAFSA helpline at 1-833-802-8722, Monday-Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm.
There are scholarships available for application at this time. Scholarships are posted on the School Counseling web page and updated on a regular basis. Click here to access the scholarship page.
VSAC Scholarship booklets have been distributed. More information about VSAC scholarships can be found on the School Counseling Scholarship webpage and/or Click here for VSAC Scholarship Instructions.
The Red Sox Foundation Scholarship is now available. As long as three VUHS students submit applications for this scholarship, one VUHS applicant will receive a $1,000 scholarship. Information is on the scholarship page and/or Important instructions and guidelines are here.
Upcoming scholarship deadlines:
VT JCI Senate Scholarship 1/17/2020
Roger Sheridan Memorial Scholarship 1/27/2020
Elks Legacy Scholarship 1/31/2020
Vermont-NEA Maida Townsend Scholarship 2/1/2020
New England Red Sox VT Scholarship 2/7/2020
VSAC Scholarships 2/12/2020
January ANWSD Board/Committee Meeting Schedule
January 9 - ProCity AAU Basketball Info/Sign-ups - VUHS Library - 6:30 PM
January 15 - Plan Your Future Night (for Juniors & their parents) - VUHS Library
January 17 - End of Semester 1
January 20 - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - No School
January 21 - No School for Students - Faculty/Staff Inservice
January 23 - JumpRope Drop-In Help Session - VUHS Library - 4:00-6:00 PM
February 1 - High School Mid-Winter Ball - Vergennes Opera House - 8-11 PM - Theme: Glow
Please consider participating (or encouraging your student to participate) in our wonderful after school program. There are activities available for all students in grades 7-12. See the activities here. Sign-up online here. Questions can be directed to Fusion Coordinator, Asia Kruse ([email protected]).
JANUARY 9, 6:30pm in the VUHS Library
Interested in playing AAU basketball? Join a ProCity team, open to boys and girls in grades 5-11. If you are interested in playing basketball after the regular season, join us on the 9th to get more information and/or to fill out and submit the registration form and waiver. Information about the program is attached. Questions? Contact information here. Our registration deadline is January 24th.
Our meetings are on the 4th Monday of the month from 6:30-8:00 PM in the VUHS library. The next one is Monday, January 27th.
Our new email address is [email protected] and you can find us on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/commodoreparentteachergroup
VUHS is the first high school in the state to offer an automated live video stream of it's athletic events! Thank you to the Vergennes Boosters Club for the purchase and installation of this camera system. Vergennes Athletics continues it's advancement forward and our Boosters Club is a major reason why. Please consider offering your support by joining the Boosters Club. They meet the 2nd Tuesday of each month from 7-8 p.m. If you are interested, please contact Kirsten De La Cruz, Booster Club President ([email protected]).
To view upcoming events live, please click here. The link is also on the VUHS website on the Athletics page. Thank you and enjoy the games!
See other opportunities that have been in previous editions of the e-News here.
Order through the following links.
Don’t forget that you can also check out the new school website! There are lots of great resources and contact information for families and students. www.vuhs.org
