Vermont Making the Grade 2024

Making the Grade

The state of education in Southern Vermont and beyond

A special publication of the Bennington Banner, Brattleboro Reformer and Manchester Journal Thursday, February 22, 2024

Thursday, February 22, 2024 | Making the Grade Brattleboro Reformer | Bennington Banner | Manchester Journal 2

‘Small by design’: CCV offers flexible pathways to learning

BY BOB AUDETTE Vermont News & Media BRATTLEBORO — Joyce Judy has been the president of the Community College of Vermont since 2009 and a special focus of her work has been expanding access to higher education for all Vermonters, from high school students taking college courses to adult students seeking new career opportunities.

“I’ve been with CCV since 1983,” said Judy, during an interview with the Reformer in Brattleboro on June 9. “I started as an academic coordinator in Springfield in 1983.”

Judy who grew up on the family farm, McNamara Dairy Farm, in Plainfield, N.H., now lives in Waterbury.

Before assuming the role as CCV president in 2009, she served as its dean of students and became CCV’s first provost in 2001.

“Being a coordinator for from 1983 to 1994 in Springfield was such an important foundation for me to do with the work that I do today,” said Judy. “You get to see all the good things that happen in our classes,

the relationships that are developed between students and faculty, and the relationships between students and advisors that support their academic work.”

Even though CCV serves thousands of Vermonters each year, she said, what’s unique is CCV treats each student as an individual, tailoring their education for their specific needs “Our classes are small by design,” she said. “We try to have no more than 20 students in a class so they can be active and participate.”

One of the things that is universal to many of CCV’s students is their ability to pay for classes may be limited by their own financial situations.

And like many educational institutions, CCV had to adjust its operations over the years, both to serve its changing demographic and to account for the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We’re a college designed to serve the adult student,” she said. “And in the 70s, 80s, and early 90s, we served almost primarily women. But over time, our students started being very successful as they transferred and had aspirations far beyond us

and it forced us to up our game.”

Over the years, CCV began to educate more men and more younger students, many of whom had their credits applied to undergraduate degrees.

“We have 12 locations throughout the state of Vermont that are within 25 miles of 95 percent of the state’s population,” she said.

But CCV got its online game started in 1998, long before COVID. “When we started offering our online courses, it was really, by today’s standards, so crude,” she said.

But CCV, which was offering 40 percent of its courses online before the start of the pandemic, was well-positioned to transition to all online.

“We were able to do it in a week,” said Judy. “But it was still a challenge.”

Since then, CCV has developed a number of different remote learning modes, including its synchronous online offerings, which combine online lessons with group Zoom classes.

“People like that because it removes geography,” she said. “Transportation is not an issue. Childcare

isn’t an issue, but you get a chance to be interact with other students and professors.”

CCV also offers accelerated courses geared towards adults with five different start dates. Because participants must complete by the end of the semester, the coursework gets heavier the later someone joins a class.

“We have really tried to be very responsive to how students are learning,” she said.

But coming out of COVID, CCV is still offering in-person classes around the state, including in Brattleboro, medical assisting, digital photography, early childhood education, English composition and applied math concepts.

CCV also offers hybrid courses, combining online instruction with limited in-person meetings, and FLEX, which are online courses with flexible assignment submission.

One of the most exciting things CCV has recently introduced, said Judy, is the McClure Early Promise Program, for Vermont’s high school classes of 2023-2026.

KRISTOPHER RADDER — VERMONT NEWS & MEDIA

Community College of Vermont and Brattleboro Memorial Hospital celebrate four students that participated in the College to Career Pathway in 2023.

802 Opportunity Program, in partnership with the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation, fully pays for classes at CCV, said Judy.

Through the 802 Opportunity Program, adults as well as tradition-

al-aged college students can earn the equivalent of their first two years of college and if they want they can transfer and use these credits to complete their undergraduate degree, said Judy.

Students in their first two years can receive credit for courses that are required for undergraduate and post-graduate degrees, said Judy.

“We believe that people, no matter what they’re going into, need strong writing and math skills,” she said.

“They need strong critical reading skills. It’s the fundamental belief that we want you to have a strong foundation in being able to communicate and think ... and that’s half of your degree.”

CCV also has strong relationships with the business community in Vermont and with its sister educational institutions such in the Vermont State Colleges System, such as Vermont Technical College, which offers hands-on training at local businesses such as G.S. Precision.

Some businesses are looking for employees with certification in careers such as bookkeeping, which don’t necessarily require a college degree, and CCV offers those programs, too, said Judy.

CCV is also working with the Scott Administration and the Legislature to cut tuition for “high demand” jobs such as in health care and in manufacturing.

Making the Grade | Thursday, February 22, 2024

The program is part of the state’s Early College Program, which allows Vermont high school seniors the option of completing their last year of high school and their first year of college at the same time.

Upon graduation and on the way to earning an Associate’s Degree, the McClure Foundation program covers tuition and fees for the second year, after any federal and state financial aid, and provides enhanced career and education advising as well as stipends to help with books, transportation, and other costs associated with going to college.

Judy said there are no financial qualifications for the McClure Early Promise Program and there are no limits on the number of students who can access the funding.

“The McClure Foundation believes that every Vermonter who wants to go to college should have access,” she said. “They also believe that there should be no good job going unfilled in Vermont. So the program is very much about helping Vermonters get the skills they need for the jobs that are here in Vermont.”

For those individuals or families earning less than $75,000 a year, the

Brattleboro Reformer | Bennington Banner | Manchester Journal 3

Thursday, February 22, 2024 | Making the Grade

Leland & Gray showcases growth in project-based learning

BY CHRIS MAYS Vermont News & Media

KRISTOPHER RADDER — VERMONT NEWS & MEDIA

Brattleboro Reformer | Bennington Banner | Manchester Journal

Delano Schmidt, then a senior at Leland & Gray Union Middle High School, talks about a vehicle he restored as part of a passion project for the school’s Project Based Learning Showcase.

4

TOWNSHEND — Students presented the fruits of their project-based learning labor, exploring everything from sewing to women’s rights to fantasy football drafting to aerial rocket launching.

Jessa Harger, Journey Away director at Leland & Gray Union Middle and High School, noted the growth that occurred over the semester.

“The kids have sensibilities,” she said at Wednesday’s showcase. “The teachers know what they’re doing.”

All students in grades 6 to 12 presented their projects in groups.

They were stationed at tables, answering questions and sharing their experience Half the student body would be explaining their projects while the other half visited tables, then vice versa. The showcase began with an assembly including a rock band and puppet show.

Principal Bob Thibault called project-based learning or PBL “incredible,” as it engages students in ways classroom instruction cannot and produces “transferrable skills.”

Those skills include collaboration and creativity.

Thibault said a similar program launched around the time he started as principal, with the recognition that students needed to be more active, then it morphed over time. He was hired as principal for the 2016/2017 school year and will become superintendent for the Windham Central Supervisory Union in July.

After the COVID-19 pandemic, school staff sought ways to re-engage students. This marks the second year Leland & Gray put a large focus on PBL. “Every year, it gets bigger and better,” Thibault said.

Each week, students spend 100 minutes on their projects. Feedback from the previous semesters informs the development of the next units.

Students pick the top three projects they’d like to be involved with, then they are assigned to work in groups or individually. Alexander Sicko, a seventh grader, said it’s fun to meet students he doesn’t normally interact with in other classes.

Theo Kelloway, a junior, described Journey Away as “really fun.” Students recorded interviews and put together oral histories soon to be displayed at Brattleboro Museum & Art Center.

A bus went from Vermont to New Haven, Conn., where the group took a train to New York City. In Brooklyn’s Red Hook and Hoboken, N.J., they learned about the impacts of Hurricane Sandy in 2012. Then a 36-hour train ride brought them to New Orleans, La., where they learned about the effects of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and stayed in a cabin on the water where they encountered alligators.

“It was a great project,” Kelloway said. “I loved it.”

Soob Soobitsky, a junior planning to go to a school for photography after high school, recounted writing films for a project then planning them out shot by shot. Students filmed trailers then showed them to other students.

Kyla Thomas, a freshman, said different foods were made every week for a cooking project. Students then rated their creations.

“It’s kind of like a cooking show,” Thomas said, as students stopped by and tried the group’s treats.

Conner Zargo, a seventh grader, participated in a nature immersion project in which guests with knowledge of Abenaki and Boy Scout practices discussed the outdoors.

Danielle Witham, a paraeducator, said students went from spending three minutes of “quiet time” outdoors to 15 minutes, learning to look at nature and “able to be in their own bodies.”

“I love nature,” said Witham, who also is a Boy Scout leader.

The group also cleaned trash out of a river.

Making the Grade | Thursday, February 22, 2024

Brattleboro Reformer | Bennington Banner | Manchester Journal

5

Thursday, February 22, 2024 | Making the Grade Brattleboro Reformer | Bennington Banner | Manchester Journal 6

Windham Regional Career Center offers pathways to medical careers

BY BOB AUDETTE Vermont News & Media BRATTLEBORO — For one local high

school senior, graduating from college debt-free is one of her life goals.

Another of Sophia Mikijanies’ goals is to go to work for Doctors Without Borders. “I would love to minor in French,” she said, but right now she is taking health care courses at the Windham Regional Career Center that are focused on the next four years, getting her through college.

“I plan on working as an EMT, hopefully in a city where I can work in a larger hospital,” said Mikijanies, of Brattleboro.

In fact, she said, she recently certified as an EMT and plans to work locally until she graduates. When she moves on to college in that bigger city, Mikijanies plans to study biology and continue working as an EMT. “It will be great to be getting expe-

rience in the field I am already interested in,” she said.

Nicole Potter, also of Brattleboro, plans on going to college for a nursing degree after she graduates this year.

“I don’t know where nursing will lead me,” she said. “I’d like to deliver babies. That’s joyous.”

Potter hopes to get a scholarship for college but also plans to work while earning her degree. To do that, she is taking courses at the career center that will result in certification as a licensed nursing assistant.

“Then I can work part time and on holidays at nursing homes or anywhere I can help,” she said.

The courses she is taking are very hands-on and time consuming, said Potter, but “it’s very rewarding at the end of the day. This is the one class I look forward to every day.”

The career center gives her the opportunity to not only get a start

on a career, but to get her the knowledge she needs to determine how to direct that career.

“I was planning on becoming a physician, but I realized we need help now,” said Potter. “So I’m planning on trying to become a nurse practitioner.”

The Health Careers program at the center introduces students to a variety of medical, biomedical and health care occupations. Topics include human biology, medical terminology and anatomy and physiology.

“We’re working on getting them as many prereqs and experience in health careers, so they can narrow down their focus to what they want to be when they grow up,” said Becky Steele, one of two instructors, with Jean Hodsden, in health careers.

They recently added anatomy and physiology, are continuing CPR, OSHA, blood-borne pathogens and first aid, and hope to add nutrition next year.

In the program, she said, the students start out with two hours every day, and, as they progress in the coursework, spend four hours of each week in a clinical setting.

“It’s a yearlong course, and a lot of information you are being introduced to,” said Mikijanies. In previous classes at the high school, she’s learned about aspects of the human body, such as the nervous and endocrine systems, and the roles they play in human functioning.

“The great thing about these classes is Ms. Steele explains why things happen,” she said. “Your body is just incredible and insane, and a great thing to think about.”

To qualify for the courses at the career center, students have to be juniors or seniors, and must have completed at least one core general education high school science course related to their chosen pathway. “[Brattleboro Union High School] is a very good school that does very

well with core classes, as well as arts, music and athletics,” said Potter, whose mother is a nurse.

“If you are even slightly interested in medicine, you should take one of these classes,” recommended Potter. “Take anatomy and physiology.

You will not regret it.”

The courses at the career center are free to students, and open to adults if space is available. Adults must undergo a background check and can contact Maribeth Cornell at 802-451-3965 or mcornell@wsesdvt.

org for more information.

Per state regulations, the class size is limited to nine students per instructor.

Nearby entry-level jobs start at about $20 an hour, and most facilities are offering sign-on bonuses.

“We have pathways to local jobs. In fact, local health care facilities want to talk to our students,” said Steele.

To learn more about the different programs at the Windham Regional Career Center, visit wrccvt.com.

Making the Grade | Thursday, February 22, 2024

KRISTOPHER RADDER — VERMONT NEWS & MEDIA

Students in the Nursing Program at the Windham Regional Career Center, in Brattleboro, Vt., place clay in the shape of muscles onto a skeleton.

Brattleboro Reformer | Bennington Banner | Manchester Journal 7

8

Brattleboro Reformer | Bennington Banner | Manchester Journal

Thursday, February 22, 2024 | Making the Grade

A Promise of a Free Degree Now in its second year, the McClure Foundation’s promise to all Vermont high school students in the classes of 2024-2026 of a free degree through the state’s Early College program is reinforcing that when college is affordable, young people enroll.

“I’ll have my associate degree this spring. And it’s crazy to think about it. I’m almost there,” says Savannah LaFountain, Free Degree Promise student. “Without that added stress of having to pay for my college I can move on with other things in my life.”

The Free Degree Promise is an accelerated pathway to a free CCV degree.

The Promise builds on the state’s Early College program, which allows Vermont high school seniors to complete their

last year of high school and their first year of college at the same time, earning free college credits that also count toward graduation from high school.

Students who complete the Early College program are eligible to receive a second year of free college at CCV, giving them the chance to earn an associate degree of their choosing the year after high school graduation. The Promise covers tuition and fees after federal and state financial aid and offers a living stipend and enhanced advising. Students can choose from CCV’s 11 associate degree programs, earning credits that transfer easily to four-year programs.

More than 235 high school seniors from 90% of Vermont’s high schools and

tech centers enrolled in Early College at the Community College of Vermont (CCV) last fall knowing they are eligible for a free degree. That number marks a 70% increase in CCV’s Early College enrollment since the Free Degree Promise was announced in April 2022.

“The promise of a free, fast-tracked associate degree is a game changer for Vermont youth,” says CCV President Joyce Judy. “It’s making college the easy choice for students, especially those who didn’t see themselves going to college before now.”

To learn more about CCV’s full continuum of free opportunities for middle and high school students, visit gotocollegevt.org.

Making the Grade | Thursday, February 22, 2024

SPONSORED CONTENT

Brattleboro Reformer | Bennington Banner | Manchester Journal 9

Thursday, February 22, 2024 | Making the Grade

‘Really beautiful and really nice’: Hinsdale grad designs sensory hallway

BY BOB AUDETTE Vermont News & Media

KRISTOPHER RADDER — VERMONT NEWS & MEDIA

Brattleboro Reformer | Bennington Banner | Manchester Journal

Students at Hinsdale Elementary School try out a new sensory floor design that was created by Trinity Stroud, a senior at Hinsdale Middle High School, as part of her Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO).

10

Students can learn to weld or how to be an administrator in a town office, they can rebuild a baseball dugout, work with a veterinarian or start a career in health care.

Trinity Stroud, Class of 2023, who is pursuing a degree in graphic design at UMass-Dartmouth, has spent the last year working at Elite Vinyl in Hinsdale, exploring her passion while getting school credits and a paycheck.

“I did my ELO because I didn’t know if I wanted to do graphic design or not,” said Stroud. “I realized I really liked it and as [Elite Vinyl owner] Jason [Ashcroft] said, ‘That’s where the money is.’”

“She worked on quite a lot of projects,” said Ashcroft, during a visit to Hinsdale Elementary School to show off their work on a sensory hallway. “It gets her a little expe-

rience under her belt so when she gets out there in the real world, she knows what’s really going on.”

The skills Stroud learned on the job included computer design, tinting windows, applying vinyl and vehicle wraps, and using an industrial cutter.

All of those skills came in handy when Stroud decided she wanted to give back to her school by designing and applying vinyl designs in a long hallway in the elementary school.

“For kids that are very dysregulated and have trouble calming and getting ready to learn, a sensory hallway is a way for them to move their bodies and get the wiggle out and become more regulated so that they’re able to come back into the classroom where they’re ready to learn,” said Deb Carrier, who has spent 34 years teaching in Hinsdale, the last two as a kindergarten teacher.

Carrier received a $1,500 grant from the Hinsdale Educational

Making the Grade | Thursday, February 22, 2024

Foundation to develop a sensory hallway and had been conducting mostly unsatisfactory research online when someone directed her to Ashcroft and Elite Vinyl.

According to Edutopia, in a sensory hallway students hop, skip, and jump following directions applied to the floor to help them develop proprioception, or an awareness of where their bodies are in space.

“One reason I wanted to do this was when I was a kid in elementary school I was kind of rambunctious,” said Stroud. “I had a lot of stuff going on at home and some mental health problems. I wasn’t ‘all there’ and had trouble learning in a classroom. I felt like if I had had one of these [sensory hallways] I would have had a grand time.”

In addition to applying the skills she learned at Elite Vinyl, Stroud applied her creative imagination to the designs. She also organized a fundraiser, sold some of her artwork and started a raffle to help pay for the materials. The project also received $250 from Ryker Bauer’s Pawsome Adventure Box .

After meeting with Ashcroft and Stroud, Carrier met with the school’s occupational therapy staff to come up with a list of ideas for the hallway.

“When you come down it you kind

KRISTOPHER RADDER — VERMONT NEWS & MEDIA

of work your body up and then you come down to tiptoeing and calming yourself with a tree pose and deep breaths,” said Carrier, whose father, Lewis Major, taught mathematics in Hinsdale for 36 years. “You work your energy level up and then you calm yourself down so when you come back to the classroom, you’re more settled.”

Stroud, Ashcroft and Carrier all thanked the community for its support, both for the sensory hallway and the ongoing support the schools get throughout the year.

“I’m really socially anxious,” said Stroud. “I have a hard time. But so many people were supportive and wanted to contribute to the elemen-

tary school. So I find that really beautiful and really nice.”

And Ashcroft couldn’t speak highly enough about Hinsdale’s Extended Learning Opportunities program.

“I think it’s important to teach our kids a skill set,” said Ashcroft.

“And the ELO program is a fantastic way to do it.”

Brattleboro Reformer | Bennington Banner | Manchester Journal 11

Thursday, February 22, 2024 | Making the Grade

Southwest Tech: Fast, affordable, and flexible career training in Southern Vermont

BY ROB BAHNY Special Contributor

MARK RONDEAU — VERMONT NEWS & MEDIA

Brattleboro Reformer | Bennington Banner | Manchester Journal

Lisa Harrington, SW Tech staff member and owner of The Miller’s Toll Dinner Club and Lounge in Bennington, instructs students in mixology, specifically mixing flavored sodas.

12

Southwest Tech in Bennington and the Windham Regional Career Center in Brattleboro are both well known for offering top notch career and technical education for high school students. What many don’t know is they also offer in-demand career and workforce training to adult students. There are many readily available jobs in Southern Vermont and beyond that don’t require a college degree, though they do require short-term training and/or an industry recognized credential. That’s where adult technical education steps in to help people get trained to fill these jobs.

Across Vermont, thousands of adult students take advantage of these training programs at the 17 technical centers. Southwest Tech

and WRCC are no exception. Collectively enrolling over 200 adult students per year, they help contribute to expanding the trained and credentialed workforce in our region. Programs range from Licensed Nurse Assistant, Commercial Driver’s License, Welding, Dental Assisting, CNC Machining, Massage Therapy and computer skills. Classes are offered in-person, online, or hybrid format to suit the needs of all types of learners. All of these programs give people skills for entry-level work in high demand positions.

Employers in these fields often have difficulty finding trained employees so for people who complete these programs employment prospects are very strong.

Adult workforce and technical education training classes are a great investment in your future

seats. Southwest Tech and WRCC both have a core group of dedicated instructors who enjoy working with adult learners and all the wonderful experiences they bring to the table. Adults learn differently from children, and our instructors are well versed in the learning needs of this population so as to create interesting and engaging classes.

A list of all Vermont’s adult technical education programs can be found at www.vtadultcte. org which is the homepage for the Vermont Adult Career and Technical Education Association. VACTEA supports the technical centers and encourages and supports its members in offering high quality workforce and career training.

Our members look to partner with industry and their communities to help recruit and train for in-demand jobs and careers. Southwest Tech and WRCC are both integral members of this association.

Making the Grade | Thursday, February 22, 2024

and won’t take years to complete like college because they are short-term by design. Many programs last only approximately 4-12 weeks and usually meet 2-3 nights per week. One of the best aspects of these programs is they are very hands-on. They all require some degree of classroom instruction, but the instructors work very hard to make sure plenty of time is spent outside of the classroom getting hands dirty learning the important skills these jobs require.

Tuition is affordable as well.

The Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC) has many grants, scholarships, and loans available to help cover the tuition costs. Many low to moderate income earners qualify for VSAC’s financial assistance providing them access to these critical training programs.

One of the biggest hurdles to getting folks enrolled in these programs simply is awareness.

That is starting to change however as word gets out. Enrollments at SWT and WRCC continue to grow and some popular programs even have waiting lists for

Rob Bahny is the Workforce and Adult Technical Education Coordinator at Southwest Tech.

Brattleboro Reformer | Bennington Banner | Manchester Journal 13

Thursday, February 22, 2024 | Making the Grade Brattleboro Reformer | Bennington Banner | Manchester Journal 14

COMMENTARY

State Representatives: Setting the record straight on independent schools

BY SETH BONGARTZ, SCOTT BECK, MICHELLE BOS-LUN, BOBBY FARLICE-RUBIO, ROBIN CHESTNUT-TANGERMAN, MIKE R ICE A recent commentary by Reps. Rebecca Holcombe of Norwich, Erin Brady of Williston and Monique Priestley of Bradford, while making a few fair points about the rising cost of education, unfortunately ended with inflammatory rhetoric about independent schools and the Vermont style of school choice that has provided amazing opportunities for generations of students in rural Vermont (“Rising education spending driven by state-level problems,” Dec. 16). The thrust of this argument is that students from rural parts of Vermont are driving up taxes because they attend independent schools. These three representatives then assert that our students are served by an “uncontrolled, poorly regulated” voucher system. We are compelled to set the record straight.

First, Vermont does not have an education voucher system. A voucher system, like we see in some other states, is one where a school district operates a public school, while also providing an

option for families to withdraw their children and take a “voucher” to another school. This voucher has the effect of draining resources from the local public school. But, under Vermont law, families have no entitlement to tuition payments from their school district if the district operates a public school. In rural parts of Vermont, a number of school districts do not operate public schools for some or all grades. In these rural areas without public schools, school districts can pay tuition for students to attend independent schools, such as Burr & Burton Academy, St. Johnsbury Academy and others. Often, public schools located in operating towns are only peripherally available – if at all – to these rural areas. They are not a viable alternative. Independent schools fill the gaps.

Second, this is not an “uncontrolled, poorly regulated” system that is driving up taxes for the rest of Vermont. As a benchmark, Hanover High School, the out-of-state public school serving students from Norwich, has the highest tuition rate of any high school paid by Vermont taxpayers – $23,598. By comparison, the Taconic & Green School District, which serves parts of Bennington, Windham and Windsor counties and is served by

independent high schools, pays a tuition rate of $19,987 to Vermont independent schools – a savings of $3,600 per student that benefits all Vermont taxpayers.

Unlike public schools, Vermont’s independent schools require approval and re-approval by the State Board of Education at least once every five years, and they must demonstrate compliance with strict regulations laid out in statute and in rules promulgated by the State Board of Education. This includes compliance with anti-discrimination rules that protect vulnerable students and staff, including our LGBTQ+ community.

In addition to complying with stringent regulations, Vermont’s independent schools are held accountable to the highest standards of all – the need for the support of families and local school districts. Independent schools survive only when they deliver high quality education, for the simple fact that families can exercise a choice of where to send their children. And if the availability and quality of independent school options is not meeting the needs of the community, the local voters always have the power to end tuition payments by building and maintaining their own public schools.

Making the Grade | Thursday, February 22, 2024

Of course, the construction of several new public schools across rural parts of Vermont, for which the authors appear to advocate, would not be without considerable expense to Vermont taxpayers. Where would that money come from?

This takes us to a powerful truth often ignored by those attacking the extraordinary opportunities independent schools provide for rural students.

Independent schools are not eligible for state construction aid and, therefore, fund their capital construction and improvement programs on their own, resulting in huge savings to Vermont taxpayers. These avoided costs result in increased state bonding capacity available to meet the overwhelming capital improvement needs currently faced by so many of our public schools. It cannot possibly make sense to require the construction of new schools in areas that are already so well served by the current system.

Finally, contrary to erroneous claims made by our colleagues, Vermont’s four historic academies were never public schools. These academies were incorporated as non-public, non-profit entities and have operated as such since their founding in the 19th century. In fact, some of them pre-date the arrival of public education. While a number of other historic academies voluntarily converted from non-public non-profit entities to public schools (Leland & Gray Seminary for example), the remaining four historic academies made the decision to forego this transition and have remained independent throughout their history.

While the authors advocate for a ubiquitous, one size fits all system, we suspect most people recognize that just because something is different

The Vermont State House, pictured Feb. 14, 2023. doesn’t make it something we need to kill. Over the course of the last 200 years, rural parts of Vermont have developed a rich mosaic of options for their children, often public in some grades and independent in others. That mosaic provides extraordinary opportunities for our children at the same time we have saved taxpayers hundreds of millions of construction dollars. The system deserves to be celebrated, not demonized.

FILE PHOTO This column, submitted by six members of the Vermont House, is in response to one submitted by Reps. Holcombe, Brady and Priestly. Signers include Representatives: Seth Bongartz (D - Manchester); Scott Beck (R – St. Johnsbury); Michelle Bos-Lun (D – Westminster); Bobby Farlice-Rubio (D – Barnet); Robin Chestnut-Tangerman (D – Middletown Springs) and Mike Rice (D – Dorset). The opinions expressed by columnists do not necessarily reflect the views of Vermont News & Media.

Brattleboro Reformer | Bennington Banner | Manchester Journal 15

Thursday, February 22, 2024 | Making the Grade Brattleboro Reformer | Bennington Banner | Manchester Journal 16

Student athletes get Olympics-ready at Stratton Mountain School

BY STRATTON MOUNTAIN SCHOOL Special Contributor

Reaching the pinnacle of your sport comes with unique challenges.

For school-aged athletes at the most elite levels of competition, finding a muscular support system can often feel impossible.

Stratton Mountain School serves students at this intersection of academics, athletics and community.

The winter sports academy offers five disciplines – Alpine, Nordic and Freestyle Skiing, Freeskiing, and Snowboarding – alongside a rigorous academic program tailored to the unique experience of a young athlete traveling the globe for training and competition.

Additionally, the school’s array of boarding and residential students from across the globe lends itself to a vibrant community. SMS is ardent

about instilling strong values both on and off the mountain. According to Headmaster Carson Thurber, the lessons learned through competition can apply anywhere.

“Our athletic philosophy emphasizes things like preparation, goal setting, teamwork, and a zealous approach to competition,” Thurber explained. “During their time at SMS, our student- athletes learn that the realization of their goals comes from a combination of rigorous training, a focus on mental performance, and commitment to always putting forth your best effort.”

While some alumni like current SMS coach Ross Powers – a bronze and two-time gold Olympic medalist – have gone on to athletic excellence, the school boasts an equally strong track record of professional and academic achievements among its former students.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY GEORGE FORBES

2022 Winter Olympian and SMS alum Ben Ogden practices with members of the West River Sports Club at Stratton Mountain School.

The SMS campus, nestled near the Stratton Mountain ski area, boasts facilities suitable for an Olympic athlete. Alongside a sprawling strength and conditioning facility – facing a full-size soccer and lacrosse field – the facility features at 10,000-square-foot training facility tailored to action sports (think trampolines, foam pits, and indoor skateboarding space, and a massive indoor training ramp.)

There is also a place for rest and rehabilitation on campus with ded-

icated athletic trainers on staff and a yoga studio. Campus life comes alive in spaces like the auditorium, student lounges, and of course the dining hall.

All five athletic disciplines at SMS have earned Gold level certification from US Ski & Snowboard, and the campus has been certified as a US Ski & Snowboard High Performance Center. In 2020, SMS was honored for the second time as U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s Overall Club of the Year.

St. Michael’s School offers educational alternatives Despite efforts in the current legislature to again limit school choice for families living and paying taxes in school choice towns, there are families and taxpayers who see the benefit of true choice! Following two recent Supreme Court rulings in Montana and Maine, the state of Vermont has moved away from excluding religious schools from public funding simply because of their religious affiliation. This is big news for families in school choice towns. Now they may enroll their child in a private religious school, such as Saint Michael Catholic School, and receive tuition assistance from their town as they would if enrolling at the nearest public or private high school.

And the icing on the cake is the benefit to the taxpayers. One school choice

parent shares, “I feel good about sending our children to St. Michael’s Catholic School because it actually saves the state and our town money. The average cost for a high school student to attend a public school is between $16,000 up to $18,000 a year. By sending our two children to SMS we are saving them almost $20,000 a year.”

“There is no school quite like SMS in the area. They offer a strong faithful community, small class size and have a classical liberal arts curriculum.

The sports program is excellent, and the students are well-behaved! The school’s community service reaches both the local and global community. No matter how far the drive ...

We highly recommend Saint Michael School.” Aside from faith, there are

many reasons a family might determine Saint Michael School as the ideal learning environment for their child.

A more traditional curriculum, a family-centered experience where siblings can all be at the same school, and a virtuous or moral-centered culture are common reasons cited by families.

“The school is very inclusive. I can tell my children have already formed lifelong friendships!”

Currently, SMS has 8 students from the tuitioning towns of Wardsboro, Hartland, and Vernon. Those towns pay only half of what they would be paying to a local public school, as the SMS tuition is significantly lower. The school is excited to talk with families eager for alternatives in education for their middle and high school students.

Making the Grade | Thursday, February 22, 2024

SPONSORED CONTENT

Brattleboro Reformer | Bennington Banner | Manchester Journal 17

Thursday, February 22, 2024 | Making the Grade Brattleboro Reformer | Bennington Banner | Manchester Journal 18

The Tutorial Center: Changing the lives of students for more than 50 years

BY THE TUTORIAL CENTER Special Contributor The Tutorial Center (TTC) is an Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) provider, one of four non-profit organizations statewide that provide free Adult Education and Literacy services. The mission of Adult Education and Literacy Network: “students are at the center of our work, and AEL providers offer a broad range of services that are specifically tailored to each student’s needs. Our services change people’s lives and build their asset bank, so that our students can pursue further education or careers that align with their passions and goals”. All Tutorial Center staff embrace this statement.

TTC has been changing the lives of students for more than 50 years!

Services offered at The Tutorial Center include the following: • Free High School Completion Program for Vermont residents 16 year and older • Literacy Education: Reading, Writing, and Math, including computer and financial literacy education • English Language Learning and US Citizenship preparation • Career and College Readiness • GED preparation and test center • Testing for State of VT Electrical and Plumbing licenses As The Tutorial Center (TTC) celebrates its legacy and prepares to move its Bennington site to a new building on Main

Street this spring, we realize that we are an integral part of the community and that our services are more vital than ever. Local schools and employers look to TTC to assist their students and employees with regaining credits, alternative educational approaches, and job readiness and advancement skills. Additionally, TTC has played a vital role in assisting the influx of New Americans in Bennington County.

Vermont Adult Education and Literacy sites are the official, state-designated service providers for the High School Completion Program (HSCP) and the GED for Vermonters. Adult Education and Literacy services are free to any Vermonter 16 and up, and these two pathways

help people of all ages and backgrounds to obtain a high school credential at the pace that is suited for them.

Seeing students thrive because of our services, staff, and caring environment is the ultimate accomplishment for TTC, and the center hopes to continue offering the services that not only help students thrive but allow our community to thrive.

TTC thanks those in the community who have donated to our capital fund to facilitate the move to 451 Main Street, however, we are not there yet, and any donations would be greatly appreciated. You can donate at tutoringvermont.org/donate/ or call 802 447-0111.

“

Dream Big with us

Dream big–then dream bigger after that, because you’ll never know where your dreams will take you.”

That’s sage advice from Simone Biles, the most decorated American gymnast in history.

Dream Big. It’s also an important message that we continually share with the children at Kurn Hattin Homes. We reinforce that positive message because dreaming big creates a mindset that can lead children to unexpected and extraordinary places… just like it led Simone to her

remarkable achievements in gymnastics.

This a wonderful message for children! This is a wonderful message for everyone! The emphasis on dreaming big is a universal message that resonates with people of all ages. The inspiration to dream big is for the children at Kurn Hattin Homes and for our faculty, staff, and supporters.

Encouraging individuals to pursue ambitious goals and reach for the stars can have a profound impact on personal growth, community development, and overall success of our community.

The concept of dreaming big is closely tied to hope, desire, and accomplishment. It’s about instilling

a sense of optimism and belief that one’s aspirations can be realized with dedication and effort. This mindset benefits the children we serve and contributes to the overall success and well-being of the entire community.

We invite supporters and individuals who care deeply about Kurn Hattin Homes to dream big.

This invitation is a call to action that encourages a shift from caution to courage, from limitations to boundlessness. We all have the potential to inspire positive change and create a lasting impact on the lives of children and families served by Kurn Hattin Homes.

Let’s all DREAM BIG and reach for the stars together.

Making the Grade | Thursday, February 22, 2024

SPONSORED CONTENT

Brattleboro Reformer | Bennington Banner | Manchester Journal 19

20

Brattleboro Reformer | Bennington Banner | Manchester Journal

Thursday, February 22, 2024 | Making the Grade