Dear BHS Students and Caregivers, 

Please join us for one or both of the upcoming community dialogues on supporting healthy, thriving youth and preventing substance misuse in Burlington. This is an opportunity for Burlington students, caregivers, and community members to come together, learn and share about the challenges we face and discuss ways to support a healthier future for the next generation. Collectively we will focus on understanding how substance misuse and related health issues are affecting our youth and our community and discuss next steps for improvement through connection and dialogue with our neighbors.

Let’s Talk About: Supporting Youth to Thrive & Preventing Substance Misuse

two chances to participate!

Wednesday, March 19th
5:30 – 7:30 pm
Edmunds Middle School Cafeteria
275 Main St, Burlington, VT

OR

Thursday, March 20th
5:30 – 7:30 pm
Hunt Middle School Library
1364 North Ave, Burlington, VT

Schedule:

5:30 – 6:00 pm: Doors open & opportunity to connect with neighbors over a light dinner
6:00 – 6:60 pm: Quick overview of new youth data, strategies to reduce substance misuse, and local panel
6:30 – 7:30 pm: Small group discussions on key topics and opportunity to share experiences and feedback

For more information, contact Bianka at bianka@burlingtonpartnership.org or Heather Washburn (BHS SAP Counselor) at hwashbur@bsdvt.org * This event is hosted collaboratively by HealthyBTV and the Burlington School District middle school youth prevention group BE Above. HealthyBTV is a project of Burlington’s substance misuse prevention coalition, the Burlington Partnership for a Healthy Community, to help reduce substance misuse in Burlington through science-informed prevention strategies.

Thank you!

We warmly invite the parents of currently enrolled 8th grade students to the Class of 2029 Parent Information Night on Wednesday, January 29, 20205 from 6:30 – 7:30 pm at the downtown BHS campus, located at 67 Cherry Street.

This presentation serves as a friendly introduction to life at BHS and is intended to help parents and caregivers prepare for their students’ transition to high school- including the class selection process. Our refreshed 2025-2026 Program of Studies will go live on our website soon, but you may refer to the 2024-2025 Program of Studies as you begin to consider your future enrollment plans. For additional support and information, please reach out to the BHS School Counseling Department

Please be sure to start a parking session if you park in the garage next to the school.  The first two hours are free, but you must start a ParkMobile session  (Zone # 5826) to avoid a ticket.

Please email BHSCounseling@bsdvt.org with any questions.

Next Wednesday, October 16th is an early release day for all BHS students. Our 9th and 10th graders will complete progress monitoring assessments through IXL, while the 11th graders take the PSAT. 12th graders are encouraged to drop into the cafeteria to work on important tasks such as their PLP or college applications.

On Wednesday, May 8th BHS welcomed the Class of 2028 and their caregivers for an evening where they connected freely with BHS faculty and staff while exploring and learning about all of BHS’ incredible student offerings. Please find the slide deck presented by Principal Westdijk below.

On Wednesday, May 8th, from 6pm-8pm, BHS will welcome the Class of 2028 and their caregivers for an Open House night. We hope to offer a warm welcome to our rising 9th graders from Hunt and Edmunds Middle Schools as we celebrate their big transition. Students will have the chance to explore the campus, preview student life, meet with academic departments, and feel more informed about their freshman year to come.

Salutations, seniors and families!

On Wednesday, April 17th from 6 PM – 8 PM, you are warmly invited to join us for FAFSA Night in the BHS cafeteria!

Led by Mr. Soren Dews from VSAC and co-facilitated by BHS School Counselors, families will receive on-site help to complete the Federal Application For Student Aid (FAFSA). If you find yourself asking such questions as, “What is the FAFSA?” and “Why should I do it?”, then this is the event for you! 

Any student considering attending a 2- or 4-year post secondary institution after graduation must complete this federal form in order to be billed for tuition or qualify for any type of financial aid. Please note: completing the FAFSA will require use of a chromebook/laptop and the social security numbers for both the student applicant and their parent(s/guardian(s).

Students are also invited to independently visit with Mr. Dews during the school day on Friday, April 5th at the drop-in FAFSA help center in room 113 from 11:40 am -12:40 pm (Lunch/Advisory block) for additional support filling out FAFSA forms. Ahead of these events, we encourage your review of this advice from VSAC on budgeting for college and financial planning.

We’re here to support you each step of the way! Please let us know if you have any additional questions regarding these events or need additional support with your FAFSA.

Beginning with the graduating class of 2025, BHS will proudly offer students the opportunity to enhance their diploma with a STEM endorsement!

Students must declare their interest to pursue the STEM endorsement by completing the STEM Endorsement Interest Form.

• For the class of 2025: Students must declare their interest to pursue the STEM endorsement by the end of their 11th grade year; June 1, 2024.
• For the class of 2026 and beyond: Students must declare their interest to pursue the STEM endorsement by the end of their 10th grade year.

For more information about endorsement requirements, please review the STEM Endorsement Guidelines, reach out to the STEM Endorsement Coordinator, Lisa Sitek at lsitek@bsdvt.org, or your assigned School Counselor.