Today Mr. Burke, Ms. Hughart, and Mr. Craig met with the 9th grade class to review key parts of our SBHS Student Handbook. Topics included our cell phone expectations, vaping and substance policies, and reminders about how to use Office Hours.
Mr. Burke also highlighted the importance of finding a “third space” - a place outside of home (first space) and school (second space) where students can connect, build community, and engage in activities. Later this month, we’ll be hosting our Activities Fair where students can explore clubs, sports, and opportunities to discover that “third space.”
We’ll be meeting with all classes throughout this week to share these important reminders.
#sbproud
Mr. Burke also highlighted the importance of finding a “third space” - a place outside of home (first space) and school (second space) where students can connect, build community, and engage in activities. Later this month, we’ll be hosting our Activities Fair where students can explore clubs, sports, and opportunities to discover that “third space.”
We’ll be meeting with all classes throughout this week to share these important reminders.
#sbproud
More moments from our first day back! It was great to see students reconnecting with friends, meeting new teachers, and settling into their classes. The Wolf Pack is back and ready for an amazing year ahead.
#SBProud
#SBProud
First day of school! What an amazing day welcoming grades 9–12 back to SBHS! The energy was high, the smiles were everywhere, and students did an awesome job keeping phones away (or leaving them at home) as we build new habits together.
Reminder: Picture Days are tomorrow (Thursday) and Friday! Students will have their photos taken during their English classes.
Here’s to a great year ahead! #SBProud
Reminder: Picture Days are tomorrow (Thursday) and Friday! Students will have their photos taken during their English classes.
Here’s to a great year ahead! #SBProud
Our Peer Leaders were ready this morning to welcome our 9th grade and transfer students to SBHS! Students met their Advisors, toured the school with their SLAM Leaders, ran through both their Blue and Gray Day schedules, and shared lunch together...complete with pizza and salad from our newly renovated kitchen.
Here’s to a great start and an amazing year ahead! #SBProud #Day0 #LetsGo!
Here’s to a great start and an amazing year ahead! #SBProud #Day0 #LetsGo!
Heading to the Champlain Valley Fair this week? Make sure to stop by Expo North and check out the SBHS Wolf GrrDen’s first place hard neck garlic! 🧄🐺🥇
Meet the 2025–26 Peer Leaders! Over the past two days, this group has come together as a team and started planning for the year ahead. Yesterday they were at the Hulbert Outdoor Center, and today they wrapped up their retreat at Sand Bar State Park.
This crew will be working closely with our 9th graders in SLAM to help build connections and community. We can’t wait to kick things off with New Student Day on Tuesday!
Today our entire district came together for Convocation and the first day of in-service. We celebrated Ms. Deirdre Donovan, recognized as SBHS’s UVM Teacher of the Year, and were inspired by a powerful message delivered by 11th grader Momin Waqar (co-written with 12th grader Ally LeDuc). The morning also featured an incredible performance by Gretchen Wertleib, who shared her own poetry with the district. Afterward, teachers met in departments to collaborate and prepare for the year ahead before SBHS staff gathered for our first high school meeting of the year. Together, we reflected on our core values and began shaping our “to-be” lists...intentions for how we want to show up this year. We look forward to more time connecting and planning before we welcome our ninth graders and transfer students on Tuesday, and then our entire student body on Wednesday.
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
