Champlain Valley Union High School
  • CVU

February 2014

2/15/2014

 

CVU Annual Meeting and Budget Vote

The CVU Annual Meeting will be held in Room 142 on Monday, March 3, at 5:00 p.m. All voters in the district are encouraged to attend the meeting to find out more about the 2014-2015 school budget. The vote on the CVU budget will be held on Town Meeting Day, March 4, at local polling places in each of the four member towns. 

Copies of the 2013-2014 Chittenden South Supervisory Union School Report and Champlain Valley Union High School Annual Report are available for the public. The books can be picked up at the schools and town offices of Charlotte, Hinesburg, Shelburne, St. George, and Williston. Additionally, the book can currently be viewed by selecting this link:  http://www.cssu.org/site/Default.aspx?PageID=264

CVU Theatre Presents Student Directed One-Acts

Picture
The CVU Theatre Program presents an evening of Student Directed One-Acts
“Porch” by Jack Heifner - directed by junior Maggie Haesler
“Lettice & Lovage” - directed by senior Shannon Fahy
“This Is A Test” - directed by junior Katie Garra
“The Actor’s Nightmare” - directed by senior Zoey Maleekah LaChance

PERFORMANCE DATES ARE
Friday & Saturday March 14 & 15 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday March 16 at 2:00 p.m.

TICKETS
$5 for Students, Children, Faculty & Staff
$7 for General Admission
Tickets will be on sale at CVU one week prior to the show during lunch periods and at the door.


Public School Choice

In 2012, the Vermont State Legislature (http://education.vermont.gov/laws/2012/act-129)
made school choice statewide by allowing students to apply to attend any other high school in the state. 

If you are interested in applying for school choice, please complete the application (link below) by March 1.  Applications are due to the home school. 

Application and Procedures for the 2014-2015 school year.

CVU Forensics Team Finishes Well

The CVU Forensics Team recently came in second place in an exceptionally competitive and high quality tournament.  Four students were finalists in their events, and every member of the team qualified to continue in post-season regional competition: Alex Von Stange - 2nd Place Extemporaneous Speech;  Owen Hudson/Kyle Gale took 2nd in a stunning dramatic interpretation inspired by The King's Speech; and Maeghan McAuliffe took 1st place in our largest and strongest category, besting 30 others, to take 1st Place in Poetry. You cannot have any weak links to take 2nd place, so a shout out to Brooke Aicher, Rachel Smith, and Simone Edgar Holmes for their very strong performances. Five of these kids are seniors. CVU is regarded as a very dominant team. They leave us with tough shoes to fill.

CVU's Brain Bee Team

Six members of CVU's Neurology Club's Brain Bee Team Club competed this month at the Fifth Annual Vermont State Brain Bee held at UVM.  Nikolas Baya, Thomas Clayton, and Evan Trus were among the eight finalists and Evan took 2nd place!  Everyone who attended was impressed by the breadth and depth of the competitor's knowledge of the brain.  Our students made us proud!  For more information about this group, check out the Vermont Brain Bee website:  http://vermontbrainbee.com/

CVU Penguin Plunge Team Raises Over $45,000

On Saturday, February 8th, 118 faculty, staff, and students threw themselves into Lake Champlain as the culmination of an historic fundraising effort. The 118 Plungers and the $45,000 were both records for the 19 year-old Penguin Plunge.  This effort was in support of Vermont Special Olympics and CVU's own Unified Sports team.  The fundraising event kicked off back in mid-November with an all-school assembly talking about the importance of making our school open and welcoming to students of all abilities and interests.  Math teacher Peter Booth and student leaders rallied the school over the next three months culminating in Saturday's event.  As a part of the fundraising, four teachers -- Mark Pogact, Mike Burris, Rahn Fleming, and Peter Booth -- will be receiving mohawks as the incentive for the amazing fundraising effort of the CVU's team.   At Winter Carnival, Special Olympics Vermont CEO Lisa DeNatale will be presenting SOVT's "Cool School Award" -- the award for Vermont's top fundraising school -- to Principal Jeff Evans.

Summer Art Programs Available

The Visual Arts Department is thrilled to announce a new summer art offering for the summer of 2014!  Pending school board approval, the arts department will be offering an Art Academy course this summer with a focus on Printmaking. The format will be perfect for both the new art student and the seasoned art student looking to diversify their portfolio. In this two week class, students will be learning various printmaking and compositional techniques.

We are happy to offer a course that can go deeply into one area of focus and allow students an opportunity to practice their craft in a meaningful way. We are hopeful that these Art Academy courses will become an annual offering where we will be able to rotate areas of focus such as: Photography, Plein Air Painting, Jewelry Making, and Book Arts. These intensives will allow us to delve deeply into media and techniques that we are unable to consistently offer during our regular semester curriculum.

Art Academy: Printmaking;  June 17-20 & 23-26; 8:30-12:30; No prerequisite is required. Class is for .5 elective credit and is open to all students, including incoming 9th graders.  This course is not a replacement for any visual arts course and is not for fine arts credit. For registration contact the Direction Center--the deadline is March 7.

Senior Graduation Information

Last week, a representative from Balfour was at CVU to meet with seniors.  The purpose of this meeting was to hand out information and order packets for graduation announcements and cap and gown.  Your son/daughter can order his/her graduation announcements on Thursday, February 19, between 11:30-1:30 p.m. 

All late orders for graduation announcements must be mailed and received by Balfour at its office in Burlington by February 28.  If you have any questions, you can contact them at the following address:

Balfour Company
Chace Mill 1 Mill Street,
Burlington VT   05401
Email: balfourvt@gmail.com
802-658-6126

New England Common Assessment Program (NECAP) Results

Individual student reports have been mailed home to all eleventh grade students who participated in NECAP in October 2013.  The Guide to Using the 2013 NECAP Science Reports is available for parents as a resource.  It describes all the NECAP reports in detail and is available for download on the Vermont Department of Education website and also at http://iservices.measuredprogress.org

Spring Sports Begin in March
    Spring sports tryouts begin in March. Athletes need to have had a physical within the last two years in order to participate. Sport schedules and participation forms can be accessed at www.cvuhs.org.  Please turn in completed sport forms to the Main Office.

Half-Day In-services for 2013-2014

There are half-day in-services throughout the school year with students dismissed at 12:30 p.m.  Below are the remaining dates for in-services for the 2013-2014 school year: 

Wed March 12, 2014 – Curriculum work
Tue Mar 25, 2014 – MAPS 10 Advisor/Advisee/Parent meeting
Tue Apr 8, 2014 -Grad Challenge Reading Days
Wed Apr 9, 2014 -Grad Challenge Reading Days
Wed May 21, 2014 – Curriculum work
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

Julie Bevins, Snelling House
482-7150

Host An Exchange Student Next School Year

Is 2014 the year that will change the life of your family and a teenager from a world away?

PAX and EF Foundation for Foreign Study work with students from all over the world ranging in age from 15 to 18 who would love to come and be a part of your family for the academic year.  Students arrive with their own health insurance and spending money. We're looking for families who are open-minded, interested in the world beyond Vermont, and excited about sharing their life and family with an exchange student.  The main requirement for host families is to be warm, welcoming, and willing to share their daily routine.  Our students come from all backgrounds and interests much like our host families.  Let us help you find the right student to help expand your horizons and your family.

For more information please contact:
Kelley Cartularo, PAX community coordinator, at 802-373-0011,  kelleyc@pax.org, or visit www.pax.org.
Or
Jan Bedard, International Exchange Coordinator for EF Foundation for Foreign Study at 802-482-3494, GBedard920@gmail.com or visit www.effoundation.org

Last Chance to Purchase Your 2014 Yearbook

As you may already know, CVU is celebrating its 50th graduation (birthday)?, and this year's Janus yearbook will be an important milestone and keepsake for all CVU families.  

Past history indicates that most of our families wait to purchase their yearbooks between February and May. We are no longer able to continue this practice. When the yearbook staff finalizes book sales in February, it needs an accurate count of the number of books to order.  If you wish to purchase a 2014 Janus yearbook, you must do so by Friday, February 21, 2014.  NO EXTRA YEARBOOKS ARE BEING ORDERED, and there will be no extra books available for purchase in June. IT IS IMPORTANT TO ORDER YOUR YEARBOOK NOW.

The cost of a yearbook is $60, and a deposit of $30 will reserve a book for your student. Here's how to order: 1.  online at www.jostens.com (will accept credit cards) 2.  Bring in or mail your check for $60 (or $30 to reserve) to Colleen Wedge, Yearbook Adviser, c/o CVU. Checks should be payable to CVU Yearbook.

If you have any questions, please contact the yearbook adviser, Colleen Wedge, at 482-8926.

Direction Center News

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We’re excited to offer a *New* CVU Practical Art Course!

1509 - Pathfinder Term – Sem Grades - 9, 10, 11, 12
Students will dedicate time and thought to set goals in planning for the future.  By exploring personal interests, abilities, and values, students will be better able to develop the self-awareness, goal setting, and decision making skills needed for career planning. Students will explore current and projected career options utilizing web and community-based resources.  Each student will develop a portfolio that will include education and training plans, information for conducting a job search, and the documentation necessary for applying for a job.



CVU’s Annual College Fair

Monday, April 7, 2014 from 11:30 A.M. – 1:30 P.M.

Everyone is welcome to attend this college fair – the only spring fair in the Chittenden County area.  Meet admissions representatives from over 125 colleges.



AP Registration and Exam Information

All students enrolled in Advanced Placement courses at CVU have the option to take an AP exam. Registration is from March 3 – March 10, 2014. Registrations received after March 10th will be charged a $40 late fee.

Students register for the AP exams in the Direction Center with Cyndi Knaepen, CVU Registrar. At the time of registration, students must know which exams they plan to take and submit a non-refundable payment of $100.00 for each exam. If there are students who have been approved for testing accommodations (through the College Board), they must notify the Direction Center at the time of registration. Please make checks payable to CVU and note on the check which exams you plan to take. Attach the check to the CVU AP Registration Form.

Pre-Administration (Monday, April 7, 2014)

AP students are required to attend a pre-administration session to register for AP exams.  Students with last names beginning with A-L will meet from 9:15 - 10:15 AM, and students with last names beginning with M-Z will meet from 10:30 - 11:30 AM in the CVU Auditorium.

SAT and ACT

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. Students register for the test directly with the testing companies through their websites (collegeboard.com for SAT and act.org for ACT). Register early to ensure a spot in the testing location you prefer. CVU’s CEEB (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.

Grad Challenge is in full swing.  The drafts of your papers are due to your Advisor on March 7th, right after February break!   

Photos

Reminder to submit photos of your Grad Challenge project.  Take great photos. Besides sending 1-5 to MaryAnne, you will have good material for your presentation. Plan ahead.


Grad Challenge Presentation Day Sign Up


Sign-up schedule for Grad Challenge presentation times will be posted during February in the Direction Center.  Seniors keep an eye out for an email, announcement, and reminder.  Your Advisors will also be notified when the schedule is open.


Time Management

Talk to your Advisor if you need any help with time management, resources, or communication.

Naviance Instructional Tutorials

For those juniors and/or parents who are interested in learning about Naviance, we have created a series of tutorial videos that will introduce you to many aspects of this program.  To see them, visit the CVU homepage, then click on Instructional Support and then Direction Center.  On the left under Quick Links is Naviance.  Once you choose that option, you will see information about and links to these Tutorials. Take a look! (https://sites.google.com/a/cvuhs.org/cvunaviance/home/cvu-students)

Juniors

March 15, 2014 – VSAC’s Pathways to College

This annual daylong program offers a series of workshops that teaches you everything you need to know about finding a great college. It’s held on Saturday at St. Michael’s College. For more information and registration, go to vsac.org. Other dates/locations include March 29 at Castleton College and April 7 at Lyndon State College.

Sophomores

Students are encouraged to utilize resources to learn more about potential careers.   The following are great places to start:

1. The PLAN website.  Use the information from your PLAN interest inventory to learn more about careers that you might enjoy.  Go to www.planstudent.org

2. CVU’s Naviance Program. Use this site to explore career clusters (groups of careers with common features and skills), college majors associated with these careers, colleges that offer these majors, and much more.  Access through the Direction Center link on www.cvuhs.org

3. Vermont Guidance Central at www.vsac.org. This is a very comprehensive career exploration site that provides in-depth career descriptions, interest inventories, information about college majors, and more.

4.CVU’s Job Shadowing Opportunities.  Contact the Direction Center for more information.

Course Registration for 2014-2015

The scheduling process for 2014-2015 has started. We are excited to offer some new courses in addition to almost all of last year’s offerings. Students will be meeting with their house counselors for assistance in course selection. Check out the online course catalog!

CVU Summer Academy

Interested in enrolling in a CVU course this summer? The CVU Summer Academy enrollment form is available on the CVU website and hard copies in the Direction Center.

Dual Enrollment Opportunities for Rising Juniors and Seniors

Don’t miss the opportunity to earn college credits while still in high school! The State of Vermont has set aside funds for every VT high school student to take two tuition-free college courses before they graduate. Juniors and seniors can enroll for either an online or on-campus college course during the academic year or during the summer. Study in core areas such as math, science, English, Languages, and the arts. Check UVM, CCV, and VTC websites for more information.

The Vermont Legislature is also expanding the early college options for seniors. VAST

(The Vermont Academy of Science and Technology program) is part of Vermont Technical College. VAST is an accelerated program that allows high school seniors to take a full year of college-level classes while completing their high school degree. The classes taken at Vermont Tech (either in Williston or Randolph) simultaneously serve as a student’s senior year of high school and a full year of college credit. Application and more information can be found at: http://www.vtc.edu/vast.

College Awards for Juniors

Several colleges have a program which recognizes high school juniors who demonstrate exceptional promise. The criteria vary from school to school. Some awards recognize community service, some recognize leadership, and others recognize outstanding achievement in a specific content area. While awards will continue to trickle in, we wanted to give readers a sneak preview of the awards we have received so far. Applications will be available in the Direction Center. Have your son/daughter come in to the Direction Center to get more information from Jane Krasnow.

Clarkson Achievement and Leadership Awards- These awards offer a substantial merit scholarship if the student attends Clarkson. Students must have demonstrated an interest in engineering, business, science, or liberal arts.

RPI Medal -for a student who has excelled in advanced math and science courses and has exhibited significant involvement in extracurricular activities.

Rochester Institute of Technology- two awards each given to one male and one female student- worth $24,000 if student attends RIT.
Computing Medal Award
Creativity and Innovation

St. Lawrence - community service & academic

University of Chicago - The University of Chicago Book Award is presented to one outstanding high school junior from select schools in the United States and the world. Candidates should be students in their junior year who are among the strongest in their class. They should demonstrate intellectual engagement in and out of the classroom and be known for asking challenging questions and drawing connections across academic disciplines.  Finally, candidates should be visible members of the student body as a result of their contributions and commitment to their high school community or their greater community.

University of Rochester - four awards- all of them worth at least $30,000 if the student chooses to attend Rochester-
Bausch & Lomb Science Award
Eastman Young Leaders Award
Frederick Douglas & Susan B Anthony Award
Xerox Award for Innovation and Information Technology.

Wellesley Book Award- deserving female student who has made significant personal contributions to school and/or community.

Williams- students who have demonstrated intellectual leadership and have made a positive contribution to the extracurricular life of the school

 
Have a 9th Grader who is interested in Pre-Tech?  Pre-Tech at Center for Technology in Essex is now accepting applications.

Pre-Technical Education is a one-year, six-period program for sophomores who thrive in project-oriented experiences that emphasize applied academics. Students are involved in a wide variety of cutting-edge technical activities where they learn science, mathematics, social studies, and communication skills while building personal development assets. Much of the learning takes place outside a traditional classroom and instead uses authentic locations to engage reluctant students and to provide experiences for deeper and more relevant learning. The teaching strategy employed by the program's instructors is to create "teachable moments" frequently by giving students new and challenging experiences by exploring curriculum content from the many various programs offered at the center. Any student would find this program a refreshing alternative to conventional classroom instruction, and it is particularly valuable to students who may be frustrated academically.

Entrance Prerequisites
Applicants must have a ninth grade transcript that shows an award of five full credits including:
• 1 math                      • 1 English                   • 1 social studies
• 1 science                  • 1 elective

Good attendance and behavior is also important in the application process.

Curriculum Components
Students select one of two of four curricular areas to focus on throughout the year. All four curriculum tracks are representative of the programs the center offers. The four areas include:
• Information Technology & Digital Media              

• Natural Resources and Engineering
• Health and Human Services (includes: Medical Related Fields, Professional Foods, Child Education and Cosmetology)                                     

• Building Technology and Automotive

High School Credits Awarded
:
One integrated credit each in:
• English                      • math             • science                     • fine arts
• physical education               • elective

What's Next?

Students succeeding in this program are invited to apply for another career and technical education program in their junior year.


Grading note from our Registrar

As we gather names for the Honor Roll, it’s important to remember that a grade of Incomplete can keep a student’s name from being submitted. Please take a moment to check with your student if s/he earned an incomplete in any class.



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