FHUHS Administration

Congratulations to the Class of 2009 for successfully completing a tremendous amount of work while trying to balance everything else that came your way. The graduation ceremony held under the spacious (but packed) tent was a pleasure to participate in as it remained completely student centered. The speeches from Reggie Schulman (Class of 2008 Valedictorian), 2009 Salutatorian Christina Papandrea, Valedictorian Daniel Ellis and Class President Nolan Link were exceptional. As mentioned in my brief opening, I hope members of the Class of 2009 will keep us updated on their life experiences.

Mr. Allen, FHUHS Scholars Bowl Coach, has announced that the Scholars Bowl team will be meeting every Thursday after the 4th of July (July 9th thru August 20th) to practice for the upcoming season.

Medical News from Nurse Hanson:

1. There are new forms posted on the web site for SPORTS PHYSICALS. These are in accordance with the new Vermont Department of Health Guidelines supporting the Medical Community’s “Best Practice” recommendations. This requires all students participating in sports to have a full well child exam, NOT a mini “sports” physical. The history form (fill this out prior to the doctor’s visit and bring it with you) and medical form the doctor needs to sign are posted on the school’s web site for your convenience.
2. A Summer safety tip sheet is also posted on the web site for your use and can be downloaded.
3. Immunization law was changed August of last year. Please be aware that students entering the 9th grade will need a current Tdap (new tetanus vaccine) and 2 chickenpox vaccines OR documentation of the date of the disease. Please be sure your doctor sends us the documentation before school starts to avoid annoying, but necessary letters.

Mrs. Cindy Seamans will be using a state-of-the-art point of sale terminal for all future lunch transactions. The information from this terminal will be connected to all our other Rediker information systems to allow parents and students a more complete picture of all that is happening here. More information, such as student identification numbers, prepayment, etc., will be mailed home later this summer. The system has been purchased and will be ready for use starting this August thanks in large part to a $3500 grant Jess DeCarolis and Mandy Mason were able to acquire. The lengthy written essay, specific school data and connection to student use were all professionally completed to such a high level that the maximum grant amount was awarded.

FHUHS will be running its ESY program July 7 to August 7. Additionally, Chris Morgan and Chuck Connolly have contacted VABIR and the Department of Labor (DOL). They will be connecting students with Summer Youth Employment opportunities funded by a grant the DOL received earlier this spring.

Jess DeCarolis and Sarah Kiefer are continuing to work on their Rowland Fellowship educational opportunities well before the start of the next school year. They are attending the TASS (Teaching All Secondary Students) conference Perspectives on Learning, Teaching, and the Brain. This will be followed by a Career Seminar course at CSC. We are thrilled to have two immensely well-qualified and experienced substitutes for Ms. DeCarolis and Mrs. Kiefer. Kim Rider will be taking her nine years of public school clinician work, along with her independent practice experience, to FHUHS to work with our students. Matthew Olewnik will be heading up our Academic Support Center. Mr. Olewnik is a certified and experienced Social Studies teacher from western New York who is excited to start the school year at FHUHS.

Peter Roach and Fran LaPlaca from the Music Department will be taking a one-week Graduate Technology Course at Castleton State College on the National Music Standards # 4: Composing and Arranging. Both educators plan to incorporate their summer work in their music classes.

Lauren Graziano and Emily Turgeon, both sophomores, will be attending the Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) conference July 12- 15th in Washington DC. These two students were selected from the VTLSP/SADD group based on their participation and willingness to stand up for what they believe in. Lauren and Emily will be participating in innovative and interactive workshops at the conference and will have the opportunity to network and collaborate with other students from across the country. We can’t wait to meet with them when school starts up again to see what new ideas they have brought back to our school.

Phyllis Burlette’s Homework Success Program was of great benefit to a huge number of our students. More than half of our entire student body participated with 2475 total student participation times, supporting the value this after-school program had for 2008-09.

Have a positive and wonderful summer,

Brett C. Blanchard, Fair Haven Union High Principal