Weekly Field Memo: Recent News and Items of Interest From the Agency

Content:

Audience: All Administrators, Educators and communities

Act 177 of 2026 required the Agency of Education, in collaboration with the Vermont Association of Career and Technical Directors (VACTED) and the Vermont Superintendents Association (VSA), to issue guidance that reflects the Career and Technical Education system as it currently exists in an effort to provide clarity to the field prior to any updates or changes. The final report was submitted to the legislature on October 30. Thank you to all who provided input and expertise. Your contributions are greatly appreciated!

Questions: Tamara Eklof at [email protected]

Audience: Superintendent, Principals, School Counselors, Educators, High School Seniors

The Vermont Presidential Scholars Program recognizes student excellence in academics, community service, the arts, technical skills, and leadership across three categories: General, Career Technical Education, and the Arts. The deadline for nominations is November 6, 2026. For detailed information about each category, including requirements, deadlines, and nomination forms, please refer to the Awards and Recognition web page. Please note that in the General and CTE categories students may self-nominate; feel free to distribute this information to high school seniors when appropriate. Students who are residents of Vermont and are currently attending school out-of-state may apply through the self-nomination process.

Contacts: General Category: Ryan Parkman at [email protected] CTE Category: Julia Schuster at [email protected]Arts Category: Eric Howard at [email protected]

Audience: Educators, School Librarians

United Through Reading invites teachers, librarians, homeschoolers, daycare providers, museums, and other educators to participate in the 2026 Storytime with a Service Member program. When an educator signs up, the program provides access to a YouTube playlist featuring stories read by Service Members, National Guardsmen, and Veterans; free Veterans Day classroom materials, including discussion questions, writing prompts, and fun activities; and a chance to win a classroom book bundle by completing a short post-event survey! Complete the sign-up form for Storytime with a Service Member. Bring military stories into your classroom and help students connect with those who serve!

Contact: Lisa Larson, Lead Child & Youth Program Coordinator, Vermont National Guard, (802)338-3369