Welcome, Jesse Rufenacht
He/Him | Spanish Teacher
Jesse will be teaching various levels of Spanish this year. He comes to SBHS after two years at Camels Hump Middle School and ten years at Mount Mansfield Union High School. Excited to be back at the high school level, Jesse is especially looking forward to being part of the International Experience Program and the immersive opportunities it provides students.
Core Value - Community. Jesse believes teachers play a vital role in making students feel like school is a place where they belong, can thrive, and want to spend time. He prioritizes building connections so every student knows he’s invested in them as individuals.
Fun Fact - A native Vermonter with some classic Green Mountain State hobbies, Jesse enjoys skiing, biking, swimming, basketball, and traveling. Despite being a Spanish teacher, he took French for four years in high school...and admits he wasn’t very good at it!
Looking Forward To - Working with high school students again and getting to know his new advisory group.
He/Him | Spanish Teacher
Jesse will be teaching various levels of Spanish this year. He comes to SBHS after two years at Camels Hump Middle School and ten years at Mount Mansfield Union High School. Excited to be back at the high school level, Jesse is especially looking forward to being part of the International Experience Program and the immersive opportunities it provides students.
Core Value - Community. Jesse believes teachers play a vital role in making students feel like school is a place where they belong, can thrive, and want to spend time. He prioritizes building connections so every student knows he’s invested in them as individuals.
Fun Fact - A native Vermonter with some classic Green Mountain State hobbies, Jesse enjoys skiing, biking, swimming, basketball, and traveling. Despite being a Spanish teacher, he took French for four years in high school...and admits he wasn’t very good at it!
Looking Forward To - Working with high school students again and getting to know his new advisory group.
Welcome, Liz Siddle
She/Her | English Teacher
Liz will be teaching English 9 and AP Literature this year. She has spent the past 11 years teaching 7th and 8th grade ELA at Tuttle Middle School and previously taught at Milton Middle School and Hinesburg Middle School. Liz is excited to “switch gears” and join the SBHS community, where she looks forward to exploring engaging topics, literature, and writing with older students, and to welcoming the incoming 9th grade class to high school. She’s also happy to continue teaching in the South Burlington community, where she lives and where her kids have gone to school.
Core Value - Community. Liz values what every student brings to the classroom and works to create a space filled with camaraderie, encouragement, challenge, and joy. She loves hearing students’ perspectives and supporting them as they grow into critical readers and strong, unique writers.
Fun Fact - Liz is an avid water enthusiast! She loves slalom waterskiing, Vermont swimming holes, paddle boarding, and getting out on the water any way she can. She’s also working on completing the second half of the Long Trail with her college best friend.
Looking Forward To - Reconnecting with past students and cheering on the SBHS Wolves teams.
She/Her | English Teacher
Liz will be teaching English 9 and AP Literature this year. She has spent the past 11 years teaching 7th and 8th grade ELA at Tuttle Middle School and previously taught at Milton Middle School and Hinesburg Middle School. Liz is excited to “switch gears” and join the SBHS community, where she looks forward to exploring engaging topics, literature, and writing with older students, and to welcoming the incoming 9th grade class to high school. She’s also happy to continue teaching in the South Burlington community, where she lives and where her kids have gone to school.
Core Value - Community. Liz values what every student brings to the classroom and works to create a space filled with camaraderie, encouragement, challenge, and joy. She loves hearing students’ perspectives and supporting them as they grow into critical readers and strong, unique writers.
Fun Fact - Liz is an avid water enthusiast! She loves slalom waterskiing, Vermont swimming holes, paddle boarding, and getting out on the water any way she can. She’s also working on completing the second half of the Long Trail with her college best friend.
Looking Forward To - Reconnecting with past students and cheering on the SBHS Wolves teams.
Welcome, Ryan McCormick
He/Him | Special Educator
Ryan joins SBHS after working at Montpelier High School and Harwood Union High School. He was drawn to SBHS for its strong commitment to educating all students in creative and innovative ways.
Core Value - Community. Ryan believes in the power of building strong relationships and fostering a sense of belonging for all students.
Fun Fact - Ryan is always on the lookout for a new movie to watch and enjoys exploring different stories on screen.
Looking Forward To - This year, Ryan is excited to help students grow and discover their passion for learning.
He/Him | Special Educator
Ryan joins SBHS after working at Montpelier High School and Harwood Union High School. He was drawn to SBHS for its strong commitment to educating all students in creative and innovative ways.
Core Value - Community. Ryan believes in the power of building strong relationships and fostering a sense of belonging for all students.
Fun Fact - Ryan is always on the lookout for a new movie to watch and enjoys exploring different stories on screen.
Looking Forward To - This year, Ryan is excited to help students grow and discover their passion for learning.
Welcome (back), Karine Poulin
She/Her | French & Spanish Teacher
Karine is returning to SBHS to teach French 3, French 4, and a Spanish class this year. She previously taught French at SBHS for four years before spending three years at Tuttle. This year, she’s especially excited to “graduate” alongside the 8th graders she taught at Tuttle and continue their journey together at the high school.
Core Value - Community. For Karine, it’s all about staying connected—to each other, to nature, and to something bigger.
Fun Fact - Karine grew up in Montreal, speaks six languages, and is also a yoga instructor.
Looking Forward To - Karine is eager to reconnect with former students, build new relationships, and bring her passion for language learning back to the SBHS community.
She/Her | French & Spanish Teacher
Karine is returning to SBHS to teach French 3, French 4, and a Spanish class this year. She previously taught French at SBHS for four years before spending three years at Tuttle. This year, she’s especially excited to “graduate” alongside the 8th graders she taught at Tuttle and continue their journey together at the high school.
Core Value - Community. For Karine, it’s all about staying connected—to each other, to nature, and to something bigger.
Fun Fact - Karine grew up in Montreal, speaks six languages, and is also a yoga instructor.
Looking Forward To - Karine is eager to reconnect with former students, build new relationships, and bring her passion for language learning back to the SBHS community.
Welcome, Matt Yu
He/Him | English Teacher
Matt will be teaching 11th and 12th grade English this year, including Creative Writing, Literature & Composition, and Engaging with Literature. He most recently worked as a long-term English substitute at Essex High School, and before that taught at Burlington High School and worked at the University of Vermont supporting first-generation college-bound students through the TRIO Upward Bound program. Drawn to SBHS for its strong values, supportive culture, and reputation for equity and excellence, Matt is eager to join and contribute to our vibrant, student-centered community.
Core Value - Opportunity. Matt believes education lays the foundation for students to reach their full potential. He is committed to creating access to meaningful learning experiences and helping students envision what’s possible.
Fun Fact - Matt is a drummer and music producer who has been playing since 4th grade. While drums are his main instrument, he also plays guitar, bass, and piano, and loves making music as a creative outlet.
Looking Forward To - Matt is excited to get to know his students and build a classroom community that values voice, curiosity, and creativity.
He/Him | English Teacher
Matt will be teaching 11th and 12th grade English this year, including Creative Writing, Literature & Composition, and Engaging with Literature. He most recently worked as a long-term English substitute at Essex High School, and before that taught at Burlington High School and worked at the University of Vermont supporting first-generation college-bound students through the TRIO Upward Bound program. Drawn to SBHS for its strong values, supportive culture, and reputation for equity and excellence, Matt is eager to join and contribute to our vibrant, student-centered community.
Core Value - Opportunity. Matt believes education lays the foundation for students to reach their full potential. He is committed to creating access to meaningful learning experiences and helping students envision what’s possible.
Fun Fact - Matt is a drummer and music producer who has been playing since 4th grade. While drums are his main instrument, he also plays guitar, bass, and piano, and loves making music as a creative outlet.
Looking Forward To - Matt is excited to get to know his students and build a classroom community that values voice, curiosity, and creativity.
Over the next week, we’ll be introducing our new staff members here on social media and on our website. We’re excited for you to get to know the newest members of the SBHS community and the passions, talents, and experiences they bring to our school.
Welcome, Allie Vega
She/Her | Librarian
Allie joined SBHS last winter and is back for her first full year with us! Before coming to SBHS, she worked at CVU and Milton High School.
Core Value - Community is at the heart of Allie’s work. She is dedicated to making the library a place where all students feel welcome, supported, and connected.
Fun Fact - Allie is a speed reader with a soft spot for magical love stories and nonfiction that turns her into a walking fun-fact machine.
Looking Forward To - Allie is excited to reconnect with the students she met last year, build new relationships with students and teachers, and continue finding new ways to make our awesome library an inviting and engaging space for everyone.
Our August newsletter is here...and it’s packed with updates to kick off the 2025–26 school year.
Here’s a peek at what’s inside:
- Principal Burke is back! Read his welcome message to the SBHS community.
- AC in classrooms, kitchen renovations, and a newly paved parking lot.
- Cell phone policy updates to help students stay present and engaged.
- Key dates:
• Aug 26 – First Day for 9th graders & new students
• Aug 27 – First Day for all students
• Sept 24 – Open House @ 6 PM
Read the full issue at the link in our bio to catch all the details, important dates, and ways to get involved.
Here’s a peek at what’s inside:
- Principal Burke is back! Read his welcome message to the SBHS community.
- AC in classrooms, kitchen renovations, and a newly paved parking lot.
- Cell phone policy updates to help students stay present and engaged.
- Key dates:
• Aug 26 – First Day for 9th graders & new students
• Aug 27 – First Day for all students
• Sept 24 – Open House @ 6 PM
Read the full issue at the link in our bio to catch all the details, important dates, and ways to get involved.
Still glowing from yesterday’s unforgettable celebration of the SBHS Class of 2025!
Here are a few moments captured by the Burlington Free Press that show just how special the day truly was.
Proud of you, Wolves. 🐺💙 #SBProud
Congratulations to the Class of 2025!
Today, we celebrate your hard work, resilience, and everything you’ve achieved along the way. Your future is wide open—and we can’t wait to see how you lead, create, and inspire in the years ahead.
Once a Wolf, always a Wolf.
16 incredible SBHS freshmen spent this week in Washington, D.C. representing Vermont at the 51st annual National History Day! They showcased exhibits, websites, films, and dramatic performances on the theme “Rights & Responsibilities in History.”
Big congrats to Ace McCarthy-Beam & Jumana Nsour for earning NHD’s Outstanding Achievement from Vermont for their group documentary “Equal Rights Amendment: Where Are We Now?”
Wednesday's highlight: a Q&A with Rep. Becca Balint followed by a tour of the U.S. Capitol.
This marks our 3rd year at NHD...and we’re just getting started. #SBProud #NationalHistoryDay
🎓✅ Graduation rehearsal = done!
Now we’re soaking up the sun and BBQing at Dorset Park ☀️🍔🌭
Huge thanks to our amazing senior class parents and advisors for making it happen. Let’s go, Class of 2025! 🐺🔥 #SBProud
🎓 Class of 2025 — It’s Time! 🎓
Here’s what you need to know:
📍 Rehearsal: Today @ 11AM (Patrick Gym)
💻 Return laptops/materials at rehearsal
🔥 Senior BBQ follows @ Dorset Park
🎉 Graduation: Friday @ 10AM (Arrive by 9AM, Field House)
📺 Watch live: mediafactory.org/sbhs
📸 Free grad photos:
bsnap.hhimagehost.com
🔐 Password: SBHS2025
#sbproud #classof2025
Now Live: Academic & Athletic Awards Night Photos!
Congratulations to all of our award winners!
Huge thanks to @beltrami_co_photography for capturing these moments.
📍Photos are now available
🔗 Link in bio (https://bsnap.hhimagehost.com/V2/Home/LoginConsumer?EK=307550 )
🔐 Password: SBHS2025
#SBProud
Last Blue Day of the Year! 💙
Celebrate with tater tots and caesar wraps at lunch!
Students—check your email for an important message from Mr. Craig with reminders for the final stretch of school. Let’s finish strong! 💪 #SBProud
🎓 Cap & Gown Pickup Starts Today! 🎓
Seniors—grab your cap and gown TODAY (Friday, May 30) from 10:45 AM–12:30 PM or next Tuesday (June 3) from 2:00–3:30 PM in the SBHS Lobby. Cost is $35 (cash or check to “Scholastic Achievements”).
👉 Pro tip: Take your gown out of the bag and hang it up to let the wrinkles fall out!
📝 CAP Week Reminder
Attendance at your scheduled CAPs is required to finish your courses. Don’t skip!
🍳 Senior Breakfast
Tuesday, June 3 | 7:30–8:25 AM
FHTMS Library — hosted by your former 8th-grade teachers! All Seniors are welcome.
🎤 Mandatory Grad Rehearsal
Thursday, June 12 | 11:00 AM
UVM Patrick Gym – required for all seniors
🎉 BBQ at Dorset Park right after!
💻 Return All School Materials
Laptops, books, anything school-issued.
Google & Outlook access ends June 30.
🎓 Graduation Day!
Friday, June 13 | 10:00 AM at UVM Patrick Gym
Open to all — no tickets needed
📸 Free professional photos: bsnap.hhimagehost.com
Password: SBHS2025
Let’s finish strong, Wolves! #SBProud
Today, we brought the energy at our Spring Pep Rally, celebrating an incredible lineup of academic and athletic achievements...from our Regional Spelling Bee Champs to Mr. Hockey Vermont, the Robotics Team, State Champ Dance & Volleyball Teams, the Vermont Poetry Out Loud Runner-Up, and more!
The Student Council also honored their Staff Person of the Year: Ms. Weaver...congrats and thank you for all you do!
We wrapped it all up with the most iconic game of musical chairs ever witnessed in our gymnasium, followed by a wild obstacle race and an epic tug-of-war that shook the walls.
Have a great long weekend! #GoWolves #SBProud
We’re proud to announce that several SBHS students earned top honors in the 68th Annual Vermont High School Prize Examination in Mathematics — one of the longest-running math contests in the country!
🏅 Yuyang Zhang – 1st Prize in Vermont (for the fourth year in a row!)
🥉 Lav Patel – 3rd Prize statewide
🏅 Richard Jiang – 4th Prize statewide
🥇 Joe Hollander – 1st Prize in Region 1 (Chittenden County)
These exceptional mathletes were celebrated at an awards ceremony at the University of Vermont on May 21. The UVM Prize Exam, founded in 1958, challenges students with 41 questions designed to test reasoning and creativity under pressure.
Please join us in congratulating Joe, Richard, Lav, and Yuyang on their incredible achievements! #sbproud
This morning, the SBHS chapter of Future Educators of America (FEA) proudly inducted its newest members!
FEA has been inspiring future teachers at South Burlington High School since 2003. Under the guidance of advisor Karen Bohmann and led by Co-Presidents Audrey Warren and Triya Mukherjee, the club empowers students to explore careers in education, gain real-world experience, and connect with like-minded peers.
Last night, we welcomed the Class of 2029 to 8th Grade Step-Up Night!
Our newest members of the Wolf Pack, and their families, heard from Peer Leaders and school administrators about life and academics at South Burlington High School.
We can’t wait to see everyone in August!
The Class of 2025 kicked off the beginning of the end this morning with the annual Senior Breakfast, hosted by the amazing parents of the senior class. Graduation is now less than a month away! Join us as we celebrate the Class of 2025 on Friday, June 13th at 10:00 AM in Patrick Gymnasium at UVM.
#SBProud
