Student Programs
Student Programs
The OSSU is engaged in an ambitious process of growth and improvement. We have set out to coordinate curriculum from grades K to 12, clearly define standards and expectations for student achievement, and develop a tough but fair system to assess our results in a clear and understandable manner. In addition, we have implemented a comprehensive professional development system for all staff to ensure they maintain current knowledge and practice.
Our primary goal is to provide an educational program which will enable all students to realize their individual potential and to become contributing members of a constantly changing global society. To enhance our educational services, we have developed strong working relationships with many community-based organizations and are particularly proud of our articles of agreement with the Vermont Technical College, Community College of Vermont, and Dartmouth College. Through our community partnerships, we provide students with a rigorous and comprehensive program of study.
International Focus...
Foreign Languages, Shizukuishi, Rotary/AFS/YFU Student exchange programs
The Orange Southwest Supervisory Union is proud of its international relationships. For example, in 1992, Carolyn Covalt, a graduate of Randolph Union High School (RUHS), launched the Randolph-Shizukuishi Exchange Project. In the last sixteen years, Shizukuishi, Japan, has sent students to Randolph, Brookfield and Braintree fourteen times. In 2000, RUHS made our relationship with Shizukuishi a true exchange by sending students to Japan. 2007 will mark the fourth visit to Japan for our students.
In any typical year, our schools host upwards of four international students through organizations such as Rotary International, Youth For Understanding and the American Field Service. In the past few years, we have had the pleasure of welcoming students from Thailand, Turkey, Argentina, Chile, Finland, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, France, Brazil, Sweden, Switzerland, and Italy.
Our schools also have a history of welcoming visiting teachers and students from countries all over the world. RUHS hosted Falaza Baloyi, a teacher from South Africa, and Julia Choffat from Germany. Randolph Elementary School hosted Prim Dejdemrong from Thailand. By working with the UVM's Asian Studies Outreach Program and the Fulbright Teacher Exchange Program, we have been able to increase our students' exposure to international cultures.
Diversity: Recognized, Sought, Celebrated!
Senior Projects
OSSU provides a diverse and challenging curriculum of studies for students. For example, beginning in 1994, all students were required to complete a Senior Project in order to graduate. Each year, senior students identify a new area of learning, find a community member with related expertise to mentor them throughout the process, and spend a minimum of thirty hours on their project. In addition, seniors are required to complete a 7 page paper on a topic related to their project, and present their final products to a panel comprised of teachers and community members.
RTCC provides 13 technical programs for 11th and 12th grade students from 7 ”sending” high schools in the Randolph region. Additionally, RTCC hosts two regional pre-tech programs. Programs include: Business Management and Administration, Automotive, Diesel, and Power Technologies, Environmental Science, Building Trades, Graphic Arts, Videography, Culinary Arts, Computer Technology, Allied Health Services, and Human Services. As part of the technical program, students receive English and academic services, career guidance, and job placement. RTCC also provides a vibrant Adult Education program.
The mission of Randolph Technical Career Center is to provide technical career preparation, with opportunities for academic and social growth for area youth and adults.
Community
An old African proverb says, "It Takes a Whole Village to Raise a Child." Within that spirit, the Orange Southwest Supervisory Union (OSSU) encourages the involvement of parents, volunteers, businesses and members of the broader community to become involved in its schools. The OSSU is one of the largest employers in central Vermont and is proud of the role it plays, not only in providing educational services to our children, but in contributing to the overall well-being of Brookfield, Braintree and Randolph.