The Onion River Schoolhouse


Program Description

The Onion River Schoolhouse offers a small, student-focused learning environment conducive to individual exploration and growth.  As a member of ORS, students become contributing members of our learning community and embrace new academic opportunities, both within and outside the traditional classroom. 


The program will focus on the whole group, Graduate Expectations (GX) all the while leveraging Project Based Learning opportunities. Students will actively engage in real-world projects, partnering with community members and experts, that incorporate several Graduate Proficiencies (GPs) while producing a GX focused project. Each semester will provide multiple learning opportunities for students to demonstrate growth towards graduation requirements.  Simply put, students will need to practice and develop multiple skills to effectively complete their projects.  Upon completion, each student will present their GX projects at Winooski High School’s Expositions of Learning.

 Program Vision & Beliefs

We believe that all students, given the opportunity and structure, can develop strong relationships, find value in themselves and others, become community minded, and lean into meaningful learning opportunities. 

Faculty

Brent Litterer

Brent Litterer is a lover of literature, all things bicycles, and needlessly making things from scratch.  Born and raised in Iowa, Brent moved to Vermont in 2001, when he began working at Winooski High School.  In his 21 years at Winooski High School, he taught English, worked as a guidance counselor, and served on too many committees to name.  In his free time, Brent can be found in his garden, bemoaning the Chicago Cubs, and trying to find the exact formula for sustained happiness. He lives in Chittenden County with his wife, Angie, dog, Uncle Buck, and his cats, Jackie Daytona and Louise. 

Rachel Howes

Rachel has been in the field of education since 2005 and has enjoyed a myriad of adventures working with young people from Vermont to California. Born and raised in Vermont, Rachel seeks outdoor adventures, prowls for new and delicious foods, spends copious amounts of time at her family camp, and thoroughly enjoys a bonfire (obviously with s'mores!).

Rachel has taught at Winooski High School since 2018.  She has split her time between a traditional classroom where students have explored Forensic, Environmental and Earth sciences and the iLab.   

Resources

School forms