overview
our mission
Professional school counselors are leaders who advocate, collaborate, and facilitate individual and system change to ensure every student has the knowledge and skills necessary for academic success and personal growth.

our vision
The U-32 school counselors support and respect students and families. The Guidance Office is a place where students feel safe and welcome. Through a comprehensive guidance and counseling program students and their families continually learn about who they are, how to make wise decisions, take healthy risks, and make constructive plans for a meaningful future.

our guiding principles
The Comprehensive School Counseling Program:
Reaches every student.
Is comprehensive in scope.
Is developmental in nature.
Is preventive in design.
Is based on the National Standards for School Counseling.
Is aligned with the mission of the school.
Champions equity, access, and justice.
Believes humor is healthy.
Is provided by trained, licensed, professional school counselors.
Guides students toward becoming effective learners, achieving success in school, and living rewarding lives.

parents (this page is under construction and will be updated periodically)
senior | junior | sophomore | freshman |middle school

U-32 is pleased to be using a new online tool Family Connection that will allow you and your child to:

• Get involved in the planning and advising process – Build a resume, complete online surveys, and manage timelines and deadlines for making decisions about colleges and careers
• Research colleges – Compare GPA, standardized test scores, and other statistics to actual historical data from our school for students who have applied and been admitted in the past
• Sign up for college visits – Find out which colleges are visiting our school and sign up to attend those sessions

Family Connection also lets us share information with you and your child about up-coming meetings and events, local scholarship opportunities, and other Web resources for college and career information. In addition, the site includes a link that your child can use to send us an e-mail message. To visit our school’s Family Connection site, use your Web browser to connect to: http://connection.naviance.com/u32

These articles are here for you. Photocopy them! Copy/paste! You don't even have to ask, simply cite the source: http://www.fastweb.com or http://www.makingitcount.com

Working with Your Students’ Counselor

My College Picks

Scholarship Scam - Alert

Free resource provides a comprehensive, interactive overview of the entire college financing process. By visiting elearning.makingitcount.com, students and parents have access to:

• The electronic College FundPathTM Worksheet, which allows you to create a customized college funding strategy for your family
• Valuable tips and deadlines for the FAFSA
• The most up-to-date information about the types of financial aid that are available, including scholarships and grants
  

Middle school parents
Click here for the VSAC "start where you are" site for parents with information on matching the skills and interests of teens, especially geared towards grade 7 and 8.

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September

• Register for the SAT and/or ACT. www.collegeboard.com and www.actstudent.org
• Make sure your schedule meets your needs. Be sure all graduation requirements are met.
• Maintain a rigorous program through your senior year.
• Make an appointment with your counselor to discuss your postsecondary plans. Become familiar with the application procedure.
• Compile / fine tune your college lists to include reach, middles & safety schools.
• Meet with college representatives visiting U-32.
• Students applying for Early Decision should approach teachers for recommendations as soon as possible. Remember UVM waives their fee if you apply early.
• Student athletes should check with their counselor or coach about recruiting procedures.
  Seek out scholarship information and apply as appropriate.
• Use Family Connection as a resource for college searches

October

• Register for the SAT and/or ACT. www.collegeboard.com and www.actstudent.org
• Watch for the VSAC Paying for College Night hosted at U-32
• Watch for the College Night for Seniors presentation hosted at U-32
• Check out www.commonapp.org to see which colleges accept the common application.
• Meet with college representatives visiting U-32.
• Many colleges use data from CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE to provide nonfederal financial aid. Begin applying online at profileonline.collegeboard.com.
• Finish a draft of your essay.
• Ask teachers for recommendations. Have a resume to give teachers to help them out.
• Heads up for Early Decision and Early Action deadlines – they usually fall on November 1 or 15. Early Action deadline at UVM is November 1.
• Arrange campus visits – there is no school on VEA Days…a great time to go.

November

• Register for the SAT and/or ACT. www.collegeboard.com and www.actstudent.org
• Keep your grades up. Study hard for exams.
• Meet with college representatives visiting U-32.
• Check with your teachers, coaches, and/or TA to ensure that letters of recommendation are sent on time.
• Mail applications for colleges with “rolling” deadlines as soon as possible.
• Keep polishing your essay.
• Continue to attend meetings with college representations.
• Check in with your counselor.
• Remember; Colleges take senior grades seriously.

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December

• Register for the SAT and/or ACT. www.collegeboard.com and www.actstudent.org
• Put the finishing touches on your essay. Be sure to proofread!
• Try to wrap up applications before winter break. Photocopy all application materials before sending them in.
• FAFSA and VSAC Applications should be filed in January.
• Send standardized test scores to your colleges. It can be done electronically at collegeboard.com or by phone at 800-SAT-SCORE.
• Early Decision and Early Action letters start arriving this month. Check with individual schools to confirm dates. Good luck!
• Regular applicants: call admissions offices to set up interviews if needed.
• Complete CSS Profile if you haven’t already done so.
• Seek out scholarship information and apply as appropriate.
• Check in with your Counselor.

January

• Students admitted by Early Decision must withdraw applications to other schools. Deferred students should consider sending in additional letters of recommendation and other supplementary materials.
• Start filing out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). File VSAC application. For more information, visit fafsa.ed.gov.
• Attend the VSAC presentation on filling out the FAFSA.
• Talk to friends home from college on break.
• Seek out scholarship information and apply as appropriate.
• Where possible, set up interviews with admissions officers or alumni interviewers.
• Check in with your Counselor.

February

• Contact colleges to confirm they’ve received all your application materials.
• Keep your grades up.
• Continue the scholarship search. Check out fastweb.com and finaid.org for ideas.
• Use February/March break to visit colleges.
• Check in with your Counselor.

March

• Use February/March break to visit colleges.
• Some states have FAFSA deadlines as early as March 1.
• Keep your grades up. Study hard for exams. Colleges take senior grades seriously. Colleges will want a final transcript and expect to see a strong senior year. Any serious drop in grades or level of difficulty could result in your acceptance being rescinded.
• Seek out scholarship information and apply as appropriate.

April

• Regular Decision admissions letters begin to arrive.
• Discuss the financial aid package provided by each school with your family. If you haven’t received financial aid packages by early April call to make sure all necessary materials arrived.
• Attend admitted students’ weekends at college campuses.
• Use April break for any additional campus visits.
• If you are on a wait list set up a meeting with your counselor to discuss options.
• Celebrate with family and friends!
• Send in the acceptance notice to your chosen school. Make sure to send in your deposit.
• Decline offers of admission from remaining colleges.

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.

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June

• Complete Graduation Survey on Family Connection.
• 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 13: Graduation Congratulations!
• June 30: Final deadline to submit FAFSA.

July

• Contact future roommates.
• Start browsing through the course catalog and student handbook. See if students at your school are on thefacebook.com.
• Go online and gather more information on your school. Get a jump on tickets for concerts, games and other events that are coming to campus.

August

• Go back-to-school shopping, and don’t forget dorm essentials.
• Open a new bank account.
• Sign up for a cell-phone plan with free long-distance minutes.
• Investigate health-insurance options.
• Begin choosing classes.
• Start packing!

junior
click here for our school’s Family Connection site.
career and occupational help
occupational outlook handbook

Calendar for post high school planning junior year

November

• November 20 – Trimester 1 ends. Get the best possible grades and study hard for exams.

December

• PSAT scores are returned. Students will receive their test books so that they may review questions which they answered incorrectly. Use this test to help study for the SAT.
• Meet with your counselor to begin searches for colleges, and trade/technical schools.

January

• The Program of Studies for senior year courses is distributed. Work with your TA and counselor to make the best selection. Consider your career goals.
• VSAC workshops on Preparing for the SAT and ACT.
• See your counselor to search for colleges and trade/technical schools.

February

• Course selection for your senior year. Challenge yourself.
• January 29 – Registration deadline for March SAT.
• February 26-February 30 – Use February break to visit colleges/technical schools.
• See your counselor with any questions about your post-high school plans.

March

• March 7 – Registration deadline for April ACT
• March 1 – SAT
• March 13 - Second trimester ends. Work hard to get the best grades you can. Study hard for exams.
• March 15 – VSAC College Pathways (St. Michael’s College)
• Watch for – VSAC Workshop – Finding a Career That’s Right for You.
• Watch for – VSAC Workshop – Preparing for the ACT.
• April 1 – Registration deadline for May SAT.
• Meet with college/military representatives in the Counseling Office.
• See your Counselor with any questions about your post-high school plans.

April

• Watch for – VSAC Workshop – Finding a College That’s Right for You.
• Watch for – VSAC Workshop – Preparing for the SAT.
• April 12 – ACT
• April 21-25 – Use spring break to visit colleges/technical schools.
• May 9 – Registration deadline for June SAT.
• Meet with college/military representatives in the Counseling Office.
• See your counselor with any questions about your post-high school plans.

May

• May 6 – Registration closes for June ACT.
• May 3 – SAT.
• AP American History Exam.
• Meet with college/military representatives in the Counseling Office.
• Develop a resume. Visit the Career Center for help.
• See your counselor with any questions about your post high-school plans.

June

• June 7 – SAT
• June 14 – ACT
• Make plans to use the summer for college/technical school visits.
• See your counselor with any questions about your post-high school plans.

new student information
Registrations are by appointment only. Vermont State law requires that students under the age of 18 attend school in the district in which their parent/s reside i.e. your PRIMARY residence. Therefore, if you are under 18 and have at least one parent who resides in and pays taxes to any of the five towns that make up the U-32 school district ( Berlin, Calais, E. Montpelier, Middlesex and Worcester) you are eligible to attend U-32.

If you are over 18, residency is in the district in which you reside.
Proof of residency is required. The following documents may be requested at the time of registration. Please plan to bring the information with you when you come to register.

Home Owners:
Property Tax Statement
Driver's License
Voter Registration Form
Telephone/Utility Bills

Renters:
Lease/Rental agreement (on standard form)
Driver's License
Voter Registration Form
Telephone/Utility Bills

Other documents may be requested.

To arrange for an appointment to register, please contact the Guidance and Counseling Office at 229-0322. In addition to the residency documentation listed above, please plan to bring with you copies of the following:

• Unofficial copy of your transcript if you are entering grades 10, 11, 12
• Most recent report card if you are entering grades 7, 8 or 9
• Health/Immunization record (see below)
• Identification for the student; i.e. passport, birth certificate, certificate of baptism
• Most recent IEP and psych evaluation if your child is receiving special education services
• 504 plan if your child has one

Plan for an hour for your interview.

School Choice, Exchange, and Tuition
U-32 participates in a School Choice agreement with 17 other schools (listed below) in the Winooski Valley Region Public School Choice Program. In this program students may apply to go, at no cost, to a high school other than the one in their own school district. Students are chosen by lottery from all the applicants for each school district based on the number of open slots. Parents/guardians are responsible for providing their student’s transportation if they are chosen. Students must apply through the Guidance & Counseling Office by February 16, 2007.

Students not selected for the Choice Program will be considered for the Exchange Program. The Exchange Program offers a student an opportunity to attend another school if there is a student from that school interested in attending U-32. Exchange spaces are for one year only. Student’s applications will be considered in the order in which they are received in the Guidance & Counseling Office as indicated by postmark.

If not qualifying for any of the above programs students may inquire about attending U-32 on a tuition basis. The current tuition, per year, is $9833.

Students living in towns without a high school may be tuitioned by their town. Please send a letter expressing interest and requesting an interview to Lisa Laplante, Director of Guidance & Counseling.

Winooski Valley Region Public School Choice Participating Schools
Cabot School
Chelsea High School
Craftsbury Academy
Harwood Union HS
Hazen Union HS
Lamoille Union HS
Montpelier HS
Northfield HS
Peoples Academy
Randolph Union HS
Rochester School
South Royalton School
Spaulding HS
Stowe HS
Twinfield Union HS
U-32
Whitcomb HS
Williamstown HS

health services
Reminder to parents: Students must be up-to-date with all their immunizations in order to attend school.  Students who are out of compliance will not be able to come to school.  If you have immunizations or physicals over the summer, please send a note so that it can be recorded on your student’s records.

To new students: We must have a copy of your health records before you are allowed to enter school.  Please bring one with you when you come to register (see below).  Thank you.

Immunizations

No principal, headmaster or other person in charge of a school shall knowingly admit or retain any pupil who has not submitted acceptable evidence of immunization as specified below, except when there are exemptions as noted.

The following documents will be accepted as evidence of a pupil's immunization history provided that the individual immunizations and the administration date are listed:

1.  An official school record from any school indicating compliance with the immunization requirements. 2.  A record from any public health dept indicating compliance or 3.  A certificate signed by a physician or osteopath licensed in the US indicating compliance.

A pupil may be admitted to school provisionally if a physician or health professional indicates that immunization of the pupil has been initiated and the pupil is in the process of complying with all immunization requirements.

Pupils who are not in compliance with these regulations shall not be allowed to enter school until they are in compliance.

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TA (Teacher Advisor) System
Your child’s TA is your first and most important contact person at U-32. This person will help you to learn about the system and find the answers to questions you may have. He or she also acts as a support person for both of you whenever it may be appropriate. The relationships between TAs and their families are unique and can add a special dimension to the student’s total experience at U-32.

The role of the TA in your child’s educational experience will change as she/he matures. There are some aspects of this relationship which should always be present, however.

The TA should COMMUNICATE with you

The TA should provide you with INFORMATION

The TA should COOPERATE with you to help provide the best education for your child

The TA should provide SUPPORT and INTERVENE on behalf of your child when appropriate

For more information, click here for the U-32 Parent TA Brochure (PDF) or the Student TA Brochure (PDF)

communication
The first communication with your TA will take place just prior to the opening of school when you receive your ‘introduction’ call. You will be able to meet your child’s TA at MEET YOUR TA NIGHT which generally occurs the Tuesday before the opening of school. In September, you will be invited to our fall OPEN HOUSE where you will have an opportunity to talk with your child’s TA and teachers.

Throughout the year, you will receive periodic calls from your TA. You should feel free to contact your TA at any time during the year, whether you have concerns or would just like to talk.

At the mid point of each marking period, Home Reports are mailed home. At this time, you and your TA may need to talk about how things are going. You may feel that your child needs some special help or you may want to have a meeting with some of your child’s teachers. Whatever the situation may be, your initial contact will be made through the TA

Report Cards are distributed by the TA each trimester. A copy is kept in the TA folder. If you have a ‘second parent’ not living in your household that you wish to have copies of documents, make sure your TA is aware so that the appropriate copies may be sent.

cooperation
It is important to remember that the relationship between parent and TA is a two-way street. The needs of each student differ, and each parent may have a different area of concern. Therefore, it is important to let your TA know about your child and about your expectations. This allows you to work cooperatively in the best interest of your child.

support - intervention
One of the most important functions of the TA is to provide support to his or her students. During the six years that a student spends at U-32, there are going to be times when things don’t work out as well as everyone would like them to. It is hoped that the students will see their TA as the person who can help or who can locate a source of help when necessary. The TA system is supported by three counselors and a number of outside agencies, to which referrals may be made.

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Home Report and Report Card Dates for 2007-2008

Report cards: Trimester 1: November 30, Trimester 2: March 21, Trimester 3: end of school

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testing

U-32 CEEB CODE:  460262 

PSAT
The PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) is a program co-sponsored by the College Board and National Merit Scholarship Corporation. For many students, the PSAT/NMSQT is the first official step on the road to college. It assesses skills developed through years of study in a wide range of courses as well as through experiences outside the classroom. The PSAT/NMSQT has three parts: Critical Reading, Math, and Writing Skills.

The PSAT is offered at U-32 annually on the third Saturday of October. Information about the PSAT will be disseminated through the TA and students can sign up for the PSAT in the guidance office.

The PSAT is an inexpensive method of practicing for the SAT and is designed for juniors. It is also the only way to qualify for National Merit Scholarship Programs. (Most scholarships are for those students who score at the highest level.) Juniors should take the test as a practice for the SAT. PSAT scores are not reported to colleges.

ACT
The ACT is America 's most widely accepted college entrance exam. It assesses high school students' general educational development and their ability to complete college-level work. The test is administered 6 times throughout the school year.

• The multiple-choice tests cover four skill areas: English, mathematics, reading, and science.
• The Writing Test, which is optional, measures skill in planning and writing a short essay.

Most students should test in the spring of their junior year or fall of their senior year. It is given 5 times each year. Most colleges accept either the SAT or ACT.

Register at www.act.org, or pick up information in Guidance & Counseling.

SAT Reasoning Test
The SAT Reasoning Test™ is a three-hour-and-45-minute test that measures critical reading, mathematical reasoning, and writing skills that students have developed over time and that they need to be successful in college. It is given 7 times throughout the school year.

Students should test in the spring of their junior year. Most colleges accept either the SAT or ACT.

Dates and deadlines: http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/calenfees.html

College Board promotes online registration. To register online go to www.collegeboard.org or pick up a SAT registration bulletin in the Guidance Office.

SAT II
The SAT Subject Tests™ (formerly SAT II: Subject Tests) are a battery of one-hour, mostly multiple-choice tests that measure how much students know about a particular academic subject and how well they can apply that knowledge.

AP
AP Exams contain multiple-choice questions and a free-response section (either essay or problem-solving). U-32 gives AP exams in US History, Calculus, Computer Science and English Literature. Students who have taken 2 of the 3 most advanced English classes have the necessary preparation for the AP English Lit/Comp exam. Students who have taken Calculus have the necessary preparation for the AP Calculus exam. Students who have taken Advanced US History have the necessary preparation for the AP US History Exam. Students who have taken JAVA have the necessary preparation for the Computer Science A Exam. Register in the Guidance & Counseling Office.

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
The TOEFL is designed for students for whom English is not their native language and whose scores on the SAT Reasoning Test would be affected by the language difference.

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college admission requirements

scholarship information

FYI...more than 255 colleges and universities now accept the common application.  For information or to download a copy: www.commonapp.org 

NCAA Clearing House - Athletes who wish to participate in sports should know that the NCAA rules are slightly different for each division.  Check their web page at www.ncaa.org

Find information about more than 4,000 colleges free at:  http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/cool

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staff

Lisa LaPlante, Director of Guidance
Lisa has recently moved to Vermont from Massachusetts. Lisa joins U-32 with 12 years of counseling experience and 4 years of social work experience. She has a M.Ed. in school counseling and was the Director of Guidance for the Haverhill Public School system. Lisa and her husband enjoy the outdoors and spend their weekends hiking, snow shoeing, and canoeing with their chocolate lab “Boats.” Contact her at llaplante@u32.org

Ellen Cooke, School Counselor
Supports freshmen and sophomore Teacher Advisors; coordinates career information programs, transition to grade 9 and Vocational School information, programs and admissions. Also oversees the state/federal/standardized testing programs. Ellen can be found cross country skiing in the winter or running with the track team in the spring. Contact her at ecooke@u32.org

Kathy Pelletier, School Counselor
Kathy has been at U-32 for 18 years and is responsible for junior/senior programs such as college planning and financial aide. She also does personal counseling and is an advisor to Peer Support. Kathy is the Guidance liaison for junior and senior Teacher Advisors, and is head of the Crisis Management Team. She loves walking, reading, quilting, toy-making and teenagers. Contact her at kpelletier@u32.org

Ralph Hunnewell, Middle School Counselor
Ralph is new to U-32 having graduated with a Master’s in school counseling from the University of Vermont this past May. He has years of previous experience working with adolescents in multiple settings and is eager to join the U-32 school community. His interests include his family, sports, and games. Contact him at rhunnewell@u32.org

David Nicholson, School Counselor / SAP (Student Assistance Counselor)
David is available to meet with students to discuss substance use/abuse and other related issues. He has taught PE on the Navajo Indian Reservation in New Mexico. Prior to coming to U-32, he was the Student Assistance Counselor at Mount Mansfield High School. His interests include his family, sports, outdoors and animals. Contact him at dnicholson@u32.org

Paula Crossett, R.N. & Sheryl Ferris, R.N.
School nurses work with counselors to meet students' medical and emotional needs. Contact Paula at pcrossett@u32.org

Sheryl Ferris, R.N.
After many years of full-time school nursing in central Vermont, Sheryl will be working three days a week in the health office. Sheryl grew up in Plainfield, graduated from UVM and has lived in Barre for thirty years. Sheryl and her husband enjoy biking, snowshoeing and recently has taken up kayaking. Contact her at sferris@u32.org

The office is managed by:
Tracy Martin, Office Manager
Tracy is new to the Guidance Department, although not the U-32 community as her daughter graduated from U-32 in 2002. She is very excited to be working with both middle and high school students. Her interests include gardening, walking her two dogs, and reading. She and her husband reside in Worcester.

Lauren VanDeren, Administrative Assistant, lvanderen@u32.org

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