Superintendent's Corner: August 14th, 2026 · Windsor Southeast Supervisory Union

Our Vision:

Engaging hearts and minds for a limitless future

WSESU - where students want to learn, staff want to work, and families want to live

Our Mission:

WSESU is a diverse community of learners where:

Every learner has the potential to be a leader

Students have a strong voice in shaping their school experiences

Learning is personal, connected, and relevant

High expectations exist in caring, nurturing environments

Individuals grow into larger communities, while also broadening a sense of self

Positive relationships define the interactions between school and the community

Students get better at making decisions by making decisions

Everyone is able to bring their full selves to the learning experience

Welcome Back!

Dear WSESU Parents, Guardians, Caregivers, Community Members, and Students,

Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year! I hope your summer was filled with plenty of sunshine, sweet moments of rest, and time to reconnect with the people and activities that bring you the most joy.

Like many of you, I spent these past few months trying to slow down and savor summer moments. Some of the most meaningful days of my summer were those rare, beautiful times spent simply being together with my husband and our three adult children. Gathering those we love around us has a wonderful way of grounding us and reminding us of what truly matters in this life. I hope you and your family had the chance to experience a similar sense of connection.

As we turn the page to this brand-new school year, I want to extend the warmest and most enthusiastic welcome back to each and every one of you. There is a unique kind of magic in the air at the start of a school year. It is a time of fresh beginnings and new experiences, and we are all excited to see our students and hear about their summer adventures.

Behind the scenes, our entire WSESU team has been working tirelessly to get ready for our students' return. From our dedicated teachers and school leaders to our support staff, administrative assistants, facilities crews, and nutrition teams, everyone has poured their heart into preparing our buildings. Their care is woven into every freshly polished hallway, cozy classroom, and welcoming lunchroom, ensuring we start the year in a space that feels safe, joyful, and supportive.

While the broader landscape of public education continues to shift and evolve at both the state and federal levels, our focus here at home remains absolute and unwavering. Our dedicated staff is doing what they do best: shutting out the noise and pouring their energy into what truly matters, ensuring our students feel deeply connected, completely safe, and academically inspired every single day.

Our theme this year is 'Growing Together.' We know that when a community unites with a shared heart, extraordinary things happen. This year is about active partnership: lifting one another up, engaging in honest conversations about what is working, and courageously embracing new ideas that help our students thrive. By cultivating this 'grow together' spirit, we aren't just navigating the future; we are actively shaping a bright and limitless one for our children.

This year, we are stepping forward with clear, purposeful goals tied to our strategic plan goals of student success and engagement, culture and wellness, and clear, open communication. We aren't just aiming for targets on a page; we are aiming for a community where everyone has the room and the support to grow, as we work together to reach our goals.

Of course, we cannot do this work in isolation. True growth happens in partnership, and our connection with you, our families and community members, is the very heart of this journey. Your insights, your support, and your presence are invaluable to us. We warmly invite you to stay close, ask questions, and actively participate in your child's educational adventure this year. By nurturing this bridge between home and school, we will continue to cultivate an environment where every single student feels safe, deeply supported, and fully empowered to thrive. Let's grow together!

Thank you for your partnership and for the trust you place in our WSESU team and in me as your superintendent. Serving this community is an honor I cherish every day. Together, we are going to make this school year a beautiful chapter of growth, connection, and success for our children. I wish you and your family a year filled with learning, laughter, and community. I am deeply grateful that we are in this together.

Warmly,

Christine

Please Welcome Our New Staff!

We are thrilled to welcome the following staff to our WSESU team!

Parent/Guardian/Caregiver and Student Handbook

Please take a few minutes to read through our Parent/Guardian/Caregiver and Student Handbook and sign off that you have gone through it with your child(ren). The handbook is filled with important information. If you have any questions about the handbook, please reach out to your school administrator.

2026-2027 Parent/Guardian/Caregiver and Student SU HANDBOOK

Parent/Guardian/Caregiver and Student Handbook 2026 - 2027 School Year School Handbook for Students and Families Handbook Signature Page The Parent/Guardian/Caregiver and Student Handbook is designed to establish understanding among students, parents/guardians/caregivers and school p...

Policy and Procedure Information

Procedures for when a threat is made against a student, staff member, or the school:

As you are aware, threats against students, staff, and our schools can and do happen. When a treat is made at WSESU, we follow procedures for how to respond.

The procedures include:

Ensuring the safety of all students and staff

Determining the level of the threat by administering a Threat Assessment

Informing the superintendent and Director of Student Support Services (if the student has an IEP or 504 plan)

Reporting to the police and the Department of Child and Family Services

Reporting to the parent(s)

Reporting to the bus company (if the incident happens on the bus)

Time away from classes to develop a plan

Safety Plan for re-entry

Plans for education, collaboration and repair as necessary

Behavior Threat Assessment results determine if the threat rises to the level of the need for communication to the class or the community

If our Behavior Threat Assessment Team determines that a threat is medium to high risk, a letter will be sent to the entire WSESU community.

WSESU Safety Protocols in an Emergency Situation

2026-2027 New Cell Phone Policy and Procedures

Dear WSESU Families, Staff, and Community,

With a shared commitment to fostering focused, engaged, and supportive learning environments, the WSESU School Board adopted an updated cell phone policy that will take effect this year.

This policy aligns with recent statewide legislation requiring all Vermont school boards to adopt protocols that meet or exceed the state model policy, which establishes a comprehensive "bell-to-bell" restriction on student cell phone use.

By eliminating digital distractions during the school day, our goal is to protect instructional time, encourage meaningful face-to-face social connections, and support the overall mental health and well-being of our students.

We deeply appreciate your partnership and support in making our schools cell phone-free environments. By working together, we can ensure our classrooms remain vibrant spaces dedicated entirely to learning and personal growth.

C16 StudentUseofCellPhonesPolicyandProcedures.pdf

Fostering Safe and Welcoming Schools: Our Commitment to the Hazing, Harassment, and Bullying Policy and Procedures

At WSESU, nothing is more important to us than ensuring every student feels safe, valued, and included in our schools. Creating a culture where learning can thrive requires a physical and emotional environment free from hazing, harassment, and bullying.

In alignment with Vermont state law and our district policies, we have comprehensive Hazing, Harassment, and Bullying (HHB) policy and procedures in place to promptly investigate, address, and support any concerns that arise. Our ultimate goal in every situation is to ensure safety, foster accountability and education, and provide the necessary supports for our students to feel secure and cared for.

We encourage families to partner with us in this work. If you or your student ever experience or witness behavior that feels unsafe or hurtful, please reach out to your building administrator. You can also review our full HHB policy, reporting forms, and designated building contacts anytime on our website

Thank you for your continued partnership in keeping our school community a warm, safe sanctuary for every child!

Important Dates and Information!

Windsor Southeast Supervisory Union

Email: christine.bourne@wsesu.net

Website: https://www.wsesu.net/

Location: 54 Main Street, Windsor, VT 05089
Phone: 802-674-2144
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WindsorSoutheastSupervisoryUnion
X(formerly Twitter): @WSESU

Instagram:@wsesuvt