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Champlain Valley Union  High School 

Parent Newsletter www.cvuhs.org  October 2008 

C V U PARENT NEWSLETTER

Attendance Reminder Please remember that when your student is out due to illness, appointments, or any reason, a call to his/her house office is required on the day of the absence. Please call if your student will be arriving late, leaving early, or even if s/he is leaving and then returning. (If your student is leaving during a free block, a call is still needed). Calls should be received in the house office by 9:30 a.m. whenever possible. If your student will be missing school due to extended family vacations, etc., please notify the house office in advance so the proper paperwork may be filled out and early notification given to the teachers.

Cyndi Labelle, Chittenden House 482-7130

Deb Seaton, Fairbanks House 482-7140

Vicki Roberts, Nichols House 482-7160

TBD, Snelling House 482-7150

Dance Marathon Planning has begun for this student-run fundraiser for the auditorium renovation! Parents are needed to help support and assist in the creative and fun committees organizing this project. Interested? This will be quite an adventure! There will be an informational kick-off meeting at 3 p.m. on Thursday, October 16, at CVU and a follow up evening organizational meeting (to be scheduled). Don't miss this opportunity to limbo for the lights, tango for the tech, salso for the stage, and join in the jam!! To sign up, please email Sasha Gunther at sashagunther@cvuhs.org (or sashagunther@yahoo.com) or Sarah Tischler at uppermeadow@yahoo.com.

Attendance Reminder      1 Dance Marathon       1 Rent          1 Attendance Reminder      1 Lewis Creek Field Study      2 Fall After School Activities    2 Direction Center News      3 National Merit Notes      4 Teacher/Parent/Student Conferences  4 Advisory/PLP Update      5 Art Work on Display      5 Eighth Grade Parents      5 Dogs on School Grounds      5 Redhawk Café        5 School Calendar        5 Connecting Youth      6 Entertainment Books      7 CVU Participates in Food Drive    7 Yearbook News        7 The Pasture – School Store    8 Band Program        8 Sugarbush Student Achievement Program  9 Friends of CVU                       10 Access Classes                    11 

Rent! Rent! Rent! Rent! Rent! Rent!

Tickets are going fast for CVU Drama’s production of Rent (School Edition) performing Wednesday, November 5 through Saturday, November 8. All shows at 7:30 pm in the CVU auditorium. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and seniors and are on sale every Thursday in the Four Corners lobby from 12:30–3 p.m. Tickets can also be purchased by coming to the auditorium Monday thru Friday 3:30– 6:30 p.m. or by calling CVU Drama at 482-6955.

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FALL 2008 - After School Activities Tuesdays-Wednesdays-Thursdays

Activities: Depending on Interest - Just Show Up when it fits your schedule…bring some friends to participate in any of the following: Basketball, Floor Hockey, Volleyball, Indoor Soccer, Badminton When: Every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday 3:15 pm - 5:00 pm throughout the Fall season! Where: Big gym, Mini gym and the Fitness Center Why: Exercise, fun, meet new people, something to do! Questions: Contact: Deb Higgins - Gymnasium Office Ext. 7172 or DebH@cvuhs.org

Lewis Creek Field Study Nichols Core classes travelled to the Common Ground Family Center in Starksboro on September 23, which was a beautiful day for examining the quality of the Lewis Creek ecosystem. Although the purpose of the trip was primarily to evaluate the water quality of the creek in science and math classes, other Core classes were also taught on-site. Social studies classes focused on a discussion of land use over time and the five themes of geography as applied to Lewis Creek; English classes practiced observation and depiction of the current surroundings; health classes hiked about the area and recorded sensory images for reflective commentary about human impact on the environment. Bethany Hanna from the UVM Watershed Alliance taught students how to collect and identify the macro invertebrates in the creek. The health of Lewis Creek will be analyzed through data collected, and students will prepare lab reports and essays that highlight their findings.

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Direction Center News

College Planning Eleventh graders in US History classes have learned about the upcoming PSAT test. This test provides practice for the SATs and is the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship. The test will be administered here at CVU in the morning on Wednesday, October 15 - a half day of school for students. CVU administers the test on a school day because the PSAT is a valuable learning tool for students. The results will come back to CVU in December, and counselors will review them individually with students in addition to sending them home. Students can look at their original test booklets and compare their answers with each test answer. Using the PSATs in this way will enable students to prepare more thoroughly for SATs in the spring. Students should come to school on Oct 15 with a calculator and two #2 pencils. There is no charge for the test. We will also be administering the PLAN test for all 10th graders. Counselors have provided information to sophomores about this practice ACT test in their English 10/Making of the Modern World classes. In addition to an excellent career and interest inventory, the test offers students a chance to practice the academic component of the ACT College Test, which includes sections of Reading, Math, English, and Science Reasoning. Even if your student is undecided about post high school educational plans, the PLAN test will give him/her more information about strengths and challenges, interests, and career ideas. We will administer the exam here at CVU on October 15. There is no charge for the test. For seniors and their parents, Jane Krasnow and Julie Dimmock (future planning counselors) are available for some evening appointments for those who cannot meet during school hours. Contact Helen Shepard to reserve an appointment. SAT and ACT deadlines approach quickly. College testing requirements vary widely, so students should double check which tests are required by each college to which they will apply. Please make note of the dates below. Students register for the test directly with the testing companies through their websites (collegeboard.com for SAT and act.org for ACT) or by completing the registration packets which may be found in the Direction Center. Register early to ensure a spot in the testing location you prefer. CVU’s testing code is 460-175. Please remember that colleges require official test scores. Be sure to request that your scores be sent directly to the college by the testing company.

SAT I & II Test Date Registration Deadline Late Deadline (extra fee required) Nov. 3 Sept. 26 Oct. 10 Dec. 6 Nov. 5 Nov. 18 Jan. 24, 2009 Dec. 26 Jan. 6 March 14 Feb. 10 Feb. 24 May 2 March 31 April 9 June 6 May 5 May 15

ACT Test Date Registration Deadline Late Deadline (extra fee required) Dec. 13 Nov. 7 Nov. 20 Feb. 7, 2009 Jan. 6 Jan. 16 April 4 Feb. 27 March 13 June 13 May 8 May 22

Freshmen Counselors are beginning their visits to the 9th grade health classes. Students will learn about the personal/social and academic resources available to them within the CVU community. In addition, counselors will facilitate a discussion about harassment and bullying, provide activities to clarify student understanding, and review CVU harassment reporting protocol

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VSAC Offers Programs at CVU The Vermont Student Assistance Corporation was created by the Vermont Legislature to help students and parents obtain information about colleges, financial aid, as well as to help with the distribution of grants and loans. On Tuesday night, October 7, representatives from the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation will be presenting information about College Financial Aid. Counselors at this annual meeting provide an overview of the financial aid process. While everyone is welcome, the program is especially helpful to parents of current seniors. Please join us at 6:30 p.m. in the Auditorium.

National Merit Notes Congratulations to our students who earned academic recognition through the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. In October 2007, over one million students took the PSAT exam and students were recognized in the following categories:

• 50,000 students were commended as High Scorers. These students placed in the top 5% of the students who took the test nationally. CVU is proud to have had 14 students earn this distinction. Congratulations to: Samantha Angstman, Benjamin Bond, April Burbank, Mairead Delaney, Henry Haller, David Hildebrand, Jonathan Hoadley, Dylan Hudson, Ethan Linck, Eva Petrow, Matthew Phelps, Amanda Russell, Owen Smith, and Remy Vogler.

• Of the high scorers, 16,000 students were selected nationwide to apply to become semifinalists in the

National Merit Scholarship competition. These students represent less than 1% of the seniors in the country. They now have the opportunity to apply for 8,000 Merit Scholarship awards. CVU is happy to announce that 6 students have earned this distinction. Congratulations to: Tad Cooke, Maya Jarrad, Amanda Kaminsky, Christine Piper, Jackson Waller, and Shirlee Wohl.

Teacher/Parent/Student Conferences

Parent Conferences will be held Monday and Tuesday, November 24 and 25, from 1-7 p.m. You will be able to schedule your conferences online. This will be available by November 1. In order to schedule a conference, you will need to have your child(s) student id number and date of birth. The address to schedule this is: www.cvuhs.org/conferences/ or go to the CVU website www.cvuhs.org and click on parent-teacher conferences. If you have any trouble scheduling online, please call your house office and the Administrative Assistant will help you.

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Art Work on Display CVU art students will have artwork on display at The Floral Gallery, Maple Tree Place, 215 Boxwood Walkway, Williston, from October 4 - October 22 with a closing reception on Wednesday, October 22, from 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. All are welcome to enjoy the exhibit and attend the closing reception.

Advisory/PLP Up-date The school year has started, and we have had several opportunities for Advisors and Advisees to meet and begin or renew the relationships that help make the CVU climate special. The first opportunity was on Wednesday, August 27 when Advisors met their new 9th graders on the half-day dedicated for just freshmen. The day began with a short Advisory in the morning and then finished with an hour-long “lunch with your Advisor.” That was a great opportunity for the Advisors to begin the “get to know you” process and for the 9th graders to have some questions answered as they got ready to begin their first year at CVU. On September 10, we had an “extended Advisory” in the afternoon for the express purpose of allowing Advisors time to meet with just their 9th graders to complete part one of the MAPS 9 (Making Action Plans). It is a process that allows all freshmen to share things that they enjoy doing as well as some of their plans for the upcoming year. September 16, CVU-at-a-Glance took place. This welcome back open-house began with Advisory so that all parents that attended could meet or renew their relationship with your child’s Advisor. That Advisory was followed by parents following their child’s schedule in order to meet each of the teachers. Attendance was not as high as we had hoped, but those that attended responded positively to the evening. We’d love to see all parents at this annual event! In October, there will be two extended Advisories so that Advisors can begin the MAPS 10 with their sophomores. MAPS 10 differs from MAPS 9 in that the meetings are designed for one-on-one communication. Parents of 10th graders will also be receiving a questionnaire similar in nature to the questions that are discussed in the student MAPS 10 meeting. On March 18, 2009 there will be a ½ day in-service dedicated to allowing the Advisor to meet with each 10th grader and his/her parents. More information on this meeting will be forthcoming in the next few months. If you have any questions about the Advisory program, please contact Dan Shepardson at 482-7141.

Dogs on CVU School Grounds In April 2005, the CVU school board enacted a policy prohibiting pets on school grounds. Increasingly, it has become a problem with unleashed pets and pet owners not cleaning up after their dog(s). The amount of waste and unleashed dogs has become a health and safety issue for students, staff, and the public.

From now on, we are asking the community to please leave their dogs at home when attending a school athletic event and to find a new place to walk their dog(s) after hours. Seeing eye dogs and K-9 police dogs (with officer/owner) are allowed.

CVU Redhawk Cafe Please check out the most recent issue of the CVU Redhawk Café newsletter. To view, please click on the link provided. http://www.cvuhs.org/Cafeteria/newsletter.pdf uhs org/Cafeteria/newsletter pdf

CVU School Calendar for 2008-2009 Please check out the CVU School Year Calendar on our homepage. This calendar has the red and white day schedule, early dismissals, vacation days, sporting events, etc. Please check it on a regular basis. We will update it as needed. You can also access it by clicking the following link http://www.cvuhs.org/Calendar/CVUSCHOOLCALENDAR.html

Eighth Grade Parents CVU will have the first of several eighth grade orientations on Thursday December 4, at 6:30 p.m. We will gather in the CVU gym to begin the evening. Please mark your calendars.

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CY - Connecting Youth in Chittenden South Staying Connecting With Your Teen--Parenting Course

Want some practical tips to improve your parenting skills? CY is pleased to offer another session of our popular five-week program for parents of 12-17 year-olds. Staying Connected helps parents develop positive family management skills and discipline practices and encourages families to work together to make healthy choices. If you have concerns about some of the issues your teen may be facing, then this is the perfect course for you! The best part of this course is the opportunity to learn and share from others who are going through or have been through similar issues. This five-week program will be offered on Tuesdays at CVU High School, from 6:00-8:00 p.m., beginning on October 21. The cost is $30/per person which includes dinner each session and a family workbook. Note: scholarships are available and child-care may be offered upon request. Registration is required and space is limited. For more details or to register, please contact Jen Bickel-Hayes at 482-6951 or email jbickel-hayes@cvuhs.org .

Parenting Tips for Success--One Day Seminar

Don't have time to take a five-week course? CY will offer a one day seminar to help parents polish their skills and provide tips on how to face some of the more challenging issues associated with raising kids. This seminar will be held on Saturday, October 11, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at CVU High School. Throughout the day, parents will learn how to: strengthen family bonds; improve communication amongst all members of the family; set clear expectations and guidelines; express and control anger in healthy ways; increase children's participation in the family; and help young people make healthy choices. The day is open to parents and guardians of children in grades 5-10 and includes lunch and snacks. The cost is $30 per parent, and some scholarships are available. For more information or to register, please call Jen Bickel-Hayes at 482-6951 or e-mail jbickel-hayes@cvuhs.org .

Help Us Honor Community Volunteers for their Hard Work!

Every year CY recognizes volunteers from the community who have dedicated their time and talents to supporting youth and families. The annual event is called "Aw Shucks Night" because often this is what volunteers say in response to being honored--"aw shucks, it was nothing!" We are currently seeking nominations for this event and would love YOUR help. Do you know someone who coaches a parks and recreation sport? A 4-H leader who organizes activities for youth? Someone who has gone above and beyond in any project involving students or parents? If so, please let us know! You can call Jan Bedard at 383-1219 or e-mail jbedard@cssu.org with a nomination. Then join us for a delicious dessert celebration on Tuesday, November 18 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at CVU.

National Red Ribbon/Substance Abuse Awareness Week - October 23 to 31

Each October, schools and communities across the country unite with the common goal of raising awareness about substance abuse and promoting healthy choices. Red Ribbon Week is the oldest and largest drug prevention campaign in the United States . The event serves as a vehicle for communities and individuals to take a stand for our children and make a public commitment to promoting safe, healthy communities. CY will be sponsoring a variety of activities in all CSSU schools and will be giving away red ribbons to pin on clothing or tie on car antennae. Look for more details in late October! If you are interested in becoming involved in CY or working on a specific project such as parent education, student leadership retreats, or Coffeehouses, please contact CY Coordinator, Dayna Scott at 383-1211 or dscott@cssu.org. You can also learn more at www.seewhy.info.

Overnight Retreat for CVU Students

CY will host an overnight retreat Friday, November 14th and November 15th. Great workshops, games, and great food. Come join other students from CVU and have a great time. Applications area available in the Direction Center. Please call Margo Austin, CY Peer prevention Educator with any questions at 482-7156 or maustin@cvuhs.org

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Gay/Straight Alliance is Awarded Grant

CVU's Gay/Straight Alliance is the lucky recipient in the 2008-09 school year of $500 in matching funds, granted by the Samara Foundation (The remaining funds were then matched by CVU). Founded in 1992, the Samara Foundation's mission is to improve the quality of life for Vermont's LBGTQ citizens. The Foundation does this by providing funds for projects and establishing an endowment that ensures future support as well. CVU's Alliance will use this money to fund social activities and build confidence in its members; the funding will remove any financial barriers to participation that may exist. Plans this year include bowling, tango lessons, trips to local tea houses, and more! We are very appreciative of Samara's generosity and would like to also note that over the years a number of GSTA members have received $1,000 college scholarships from Samara as well.

Entertainment Books Available The Junior Class once again has a limited supply of 2009 Entertainment Books available. Ask a Junior, email the class advisor, norm@cvuhs.org or call 482-8982 and leave a message. They are going fast.

CVU Recipient of Spirit Award Women Helping Battered Women has selected CVU with its “Community Spirit” Award. This award will be presented on Thursday, October 16, at its Annual Meeting.

CVU Participates in Food Drive CVU recently participated in a county-wide food drive. The “Kids can Help” food drive was held during the week of 9/22-26. Students, faculty and staff brought non-perishable food items that were collected in Advisory. CVU received approximately 800 lbs. of food that was distributed to the district’s food shelves. Thank you to Dan Shepardson for organizing the food drive and to everyone who contributed to this charitable event. Hinesburg, Shelburne and Charlotte each have food shelves and could use everyone’s support throughout the year and especially in the upcoming winter season.

Standing left Justin Provencher and right Stephen Bennett, seated Michael Fuller and David Raymond help Dan Shepardson deliver food to the Hinesburg Food Shelf .

YEARBOOK NEWS! Seniors - Your deadline for submitting your senior picture is fast approaching - October 31, 2008!! Help us meet our deadlines by getting your photo in on time! The Yearbook Staff also welcomes your summer photos, concerts you've attended, sports you participated in, or any senior memory you would like us to consider. Please bring to the Snelling House, Attention Yearbook, advisor, Colleen Wedge, or e-mail: cwedge@cvuhs.org. Yearbooks will go on sale later this fall. Look for information to hit your mailboxes soon.

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The Pasture CVU Bookstore

The Pasture opened in September for the 2008-09 school year. This year’s student volunteers are Natasha Sprano, manager Gretchen Cochrane, buyer, sales associates John Paul Feldman, Eric Chandler, Steven Gaboree, Trevor Mobbs, John Hall, Andrew Baldwin, and Joe Shook. Congratulations to Andrew Baldwin on receiving the Outstanding Associate award for 2007-08. Andrew consistently demonstrated dependability, provided excellent customer service, and was always willing to lend a hand. Congratulations, Andrew! Promote school pride with our spirit items, fan gear and exclusive CVU apparel. We have designs and prices to get excited about. This month’s featured item: CVU hooded sweatshirts for $30. Screen printed or embroidered (Size s,m, l, xl in Gray,ash,black,or red) . The Pasture is located in the lobby across from the main office. Hours are 8:15 to 11:30 a.m. and from 1:30-3:00 p.m.

News From the Band Program

The Band Program is participating in the Shaw's Receipt Rewards Program. If you shop at Shaw's Supermarkets, please bring the receipt in and drop it off in the Band Room. October 21 - Band II and Band III will perform a concert in the Auditorium at 7:30 p.m.. This concert is free and open to the public.

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Sugarbush Student Achievement Program Sugarbush Resort has, once again, generously offered free season ski passes to students who achieved "academic excellence" during the 2007-2008 school year, and are currently in grades 10 through 12 at CVU. Academic Excellence is defined, by Sugarbush, as any current CVU student who was on the High Honor Roll (all A's) three marking periods out of four during this past school year. Please note that this means the four quarters and does not include midterm or final course grades. Congratulations to the students listed below for their accomplishments in the classroom during the 2007-2008 school year. Anyone with questions regarding this program may contact either Russ Aceto or Sandy Twombly in the Direction Center. Questions about the policies of the program should be made directly to Sugarbush. Ski safe. CLASS OF 2009: Catherine Akin, Andrea Blood, Benjamin R. Bond, April C. Burbank, Jennifer A. Clauss, Dylan J. Fath, Danika G. Frisbie, Kristopher R. Hall, Melissa M. Henson, Jonathan A. Hoadley, Madeline E. Howe, Maya Jarrad, Sara S. Kassel, Dianne H. LaBerge, Elizabeth M. McFeeters, Luke E. Reed, Timothy J. Reichert, Amanda Russell, Hilary J. Whitney, and Shirlee Wohl CLASS OF 2010: Sarah G. Bruce, Lorne H. Bushey, Caitlin M. Chirgwin, Isaiah R. Cory, Kylie DeGroot, Johanna D. Fehrs, Taylor J. Giroux, Brice D. Guerriere, Victoria C. Hadley, Rebecca Harcourt, Kendra A. Haven, Sidney J. Hilker, Amanda Holman, Alexander Hopkins, Kelsey H. Jensen, Mireille E. Kelley, Lindsay Kingston, Caleb Ladue, Matthew W. Long, Laura M. Macuga, Jordan A. Marcy, Colleen C. McCarthy, Ellen A. Muehleck, Ryan Nick, Margaret Perry, Aden M. Peterson, Taylor V. Pratt-Houle, Annie Pruitt, Madeline J. Roth, Margaret Ryan, Emily E. Shaw, Callie Stewart, Daniel Thabault, Ethan S. Tischler, Sophia A. Trigg, Joseph Trotter, Anna C. Watts, Amara M. Weiss, Eva M. Williford, Ashley S. White, and Madeline M. Zebertavage CLASS OF 2011: Hallah E. Bates, Kendall L. Berry, Derek S. Blood, Hannah W. Bond, Allison H. Carey, Samuel C. Chevalier, Lillian R. Coletta, Amanda E. Comai, Robert D. Dobrowski, Luke Dorfman, Krysta A. Dummit, Jennifer K. Dunn, Laura J. Dunphy, Emma L. Eddy, Samuel B. Epstein, Carlee S. Evans, Sierra C. Frisbie, Emma L. Gause, Andrew J. Giroux, Lauren H. Goldsborough, Daniel S. Hebert, Mallory B. Hillman, Bronwen E. Hudson, Shae L. Hulbert, Hannah E. Johnson, Samantha A. Kassel, Erick S. Maclean, John K. Marston, Katherine E. Meyer, Luke Metz, Chandler E. Noyes, Kaitlin W. O'Connell, Sara K. Riordan, Danielle M. Rocheleau, Anya F. Rose, Kristen L. Talley, Benjamin A. Teasdale, Tino A. Tomasi, Celia E. Trifilio, Daphnee F. Vandal, Donna S. Waterman, Devan J. Wilkins, and Grace H. Zebertavage

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Friends of CVU The mission of the Friends of CVU is to foster a sense of unity among parents, students, staff, and the community involved with Champlain Valley Union High School. Friends of CVU is a parent run organization that provides grants supported by funds raised through membership, concession stand sales and clothing sales. Last year’s grants awarded totaled $3500.00. Our 2009 goal is to support the renovation of the auditorium.

Upcoming Events

FRESHMEN PARENTS’ NIGHT

Thursday, October 2, 2008 7:00 – 8:30 pm Room 160

An Invitation to Parents of Freshmen students to attend

This very informative event allows parents to ask questions about student life at CVU to a

panel of parents, students, and administrators.

Dessert With Principal November 11th, 6:30pm - 8:00pm

Room TBA Meet with Principal Sean McMannon and ask questions about the current issues and priorities at CVU. This

informal dialogue is one of the best opportunities to discover what really happens at school.

Hopefully, many of you viewed the Friends of CVU form in the CVU mailing packet last month and plan to join Friends with your $20.00 donation. Please return your forms as soon as possible. We need parents like you to support our goals. Thank You!

For more questions, please contact Lori Smith at 985-9415/ friends@cvuhs.org or visit cvuhs.org

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