August 2021
Principal's Post
Jean Berthiaume (jberthiaume@wsdvt.org) and Kate Grodin (kgrodin@wsdvt.org), WMHS Co-Principals
August 26
We know the delay to the start of school probably came as a mix of disappointment...and relief (yay...three more days of summer break!). We apologize for any inconvenience and hope the extra time will help you feel extra prepared for the start of school on Monday, August 30.
Remember, students in grades 6, 9, and 10 have a mandatory (you may not skip this) orientation on Monday from 8am to 12:15pm. Lunch will be provided.
Students in grades 11 and 12 have an optional (but highly recommended) visit so that they can tour their new spaces, review their schedules, and check in with their teachers. There are more details below about both orientations.
We have been working hard to get our building ready for our students. Tuesday, our first full day for all students, will be the first day we will all be together on campus in over 520 days. We are looking forward to taking the time to get to know all of our students again, and building a strong partnership with all of the wonderful families that make our district so special.
Please watch this video below to learn about some of our back-to-school procedures including what door to enter and where your new classrooms can be located.
With heart,
Principals Grodin and Berthiaume
All WHS 11th & 12th Grade Students:
On Monday, August 30 drop by anytime between 1-2:45pm to explore your new space. You will be greeted at the Rear JFK Entrance with your schedule and a map. We welcome you to walk through your schedule, say hello to your teachers, and get any questions answered.
Even though you are all experienced Winooski students, all high school classes are happening in new spaces this year. Please come and get to know your school before we officially start classes on Tuesday morning at 8:00am.
Winooski Middle High School - Mandatory Orientation
Winooski Middle School 6th Graders
Winooski High School First Years (9th graders) and Second Years (10th graders) - Classes of 2028, 2025 & 2024
Date: Monday, August 30
Time: 8:00am-12:15pm
Place: Winooski Middle/High
We are excited to have you join us for orientation! Students are expected to attend this orientation!
Orientation allows you to:
Meet your Advisors, Teachers, staff, and classmates!
Run through your daily schedule and tour the building!
Have breakfast & lunch with your friends
Ask questions!
If you have any questions you can contact Co-Principal, Kate Grodin at kgrodin@wsdvt.org or the Winooski Middle School Counselor, Amanda Spencer at aspencer@wsdvt.org or Winooski High School Counselor, Amy Loomis, at aloomis@wsdvt.org, call the Main Office at (802) 655-3530.
August 30 - mandatory orientation for grades 6, 9 & 10 from 8am to 12:15pm
August 30 - optional drop in for grades 11 and 12
August 31 - first full day from ALL students in grades 6-12 from 8am to 3pm
After school opportunities coming soon!
Welcome Coach Jackson - WSD's New Athletic Director!
I have been a coach, mentor, advocate and a leader in Chittenden County for over 25 years. I take pride in creating family like systems. I am a student centered leader that will work tirelessly to better the experience of all our student athletes.
I am excited to serve as your next Athletic Director. I have a vision and a plan on advancing athletics in Winooski. I am passionate about connecting with student-athletes and rising the bar of achievement. We got work to do. I will be an active member in our community to build deeper relationships and partnerships that goes beyond our school community.
Place-Based Learning, Inquiry and Mentorship at Shelburne Farms - Communication Capstone
This summer high school students spent 3 weeks (3 days each week) at Shelburne Farms. At the farm our students worked with educators at Shelburne Farms and teachers from our school to explore and develop a working understanding of sustainability. They learned about the diverse work happening at the farm and how to support a more sustainable future. Our students learned how people communicate to different audiences about topics such as climate change, food systems, and education. This experience reflected their curiosity, passion and development of their perspective on sustainability issues both at the farm and throughout the state. Students then honed in on an area of interest and worked closely with a variety of mentors who work at Shelburne Farms.
A special thank you to our Community Based-Learning Coordinator Stephanie Hackett for all of her hard work in working closely with us and with Shelburne Farms staff in coordinating this learning experience on behalf of our students. Thank you also to Caitlin MacLeod-Bluver, Lindsey Cox, and student Kaira Mack for supporting the overall design and their work with our students at the Farm so students can bring back their learning to Winooski. Student reflected unanimously what a truly memorable learning experience they had at Shelburne Farms this summer! Taking in students' prepared reflections, learning, and self-discovering last Wednesday was what we had hoped for for our high school students after this last school year.
We walked away blown away by each student's exhibition of learning and how they surprised themselves in their own self discoveries as learners.
Check out some photos from the exhibition of learning below:
Listen Up Performance Stars Moseka "Don" Kiputa!
Last week, Principals Kate and Jean and Superintendent Sean McMannon enjoyed the incredible performance of Vermont teens sharing their stories and the stories of hundreds of teens across Vermont. We were so pleased to see our own student Don Kiputa as one of the brightest stars at this fantastic and powerful performance.
The Listen Up Project is about teen voice. It is about the challenges and joys and resilency that teens encompass every day of their lives. It is about adults listening and learning from their stories. A number of Winooski High School students contributed their stories to this project: Rowyn Abbott-Smith, Rahmah Alchaderchi, Austin Benoit, Kai David, Abigail Hayford, Dylan Hutchinson, Eh KaLuu, Ashbin Mangar, Stephie Siki, and Azee Tam.
Principal Kate, Don, Principal Jean
