Graduation requirements graphic with graduation cap

Our current minimum graduation ‘credit’ requirement for all high school students is 22 credits. This should be considered the academic foundation by students, parents, and guardians. All students in grades 9 and 10 are expected to carry 7.0 credits per year. Students in grades 11 and 12 are expected to carry a minimum of 6.5 credits per year, which exceeds 22 credits over four years. Exceptions to this requirement must be submitted in writing to the Principal. This enrollment requirement options includes physical education, driver education, science labs, classroom aides, online classes, dual enrollment, early college, pathways and independent studies. Students are also required to complete 30 hours of community service prior to graduation.

Learn more here.

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30 Hours Serving Your Community

Service to your community is an expectation for all Hazen graduates. Seniors must turn community service hours into Guidance before the end of May to ensure proper documentation. Students without their 30 hours of community service will not be allowed to walk in Hazen's graduation ceremony.

There are several opportunities to earn community service hours throughout your time at Hazen (Do Days, Community Lunches via Recipe for Human Connection, Student Council/NHS), however, you may need to seek out external opportunities to finish up your final hours. Here are a few ideas of where to start if you are in need of more hours:

  • Front Porch Forum
    • check for people needing help (stacking wood, moving, shoveling etc)
    • try posting: "Hello! I am a senior at Hazen Union School looking for community service hours for graduation. Please let me know if you need help around your house (insert any specific skills here). I have reliable transportation and references if needed. Please contact ________________ at ________________"

  • OTHER IDEAS
    • Blood Drives
    • The Civic Standard
    • Gym aiding (see Mr. A)
    • Local nursing homes
    • Any of your teachers need help in their classrooms or in general?
    • Sports programming at elementary schools
    • Your town's Town Meeting Day
    • Help setting up the gym or other parts of the school for events (see Tod)

While Guidance and your teachers or advisors are here to help you brainstorm ideas, it is your responsibility to set these opportunities up and track your hours.

PLP graphic with image of thumbprint

Over the years, learning has become more personalized to each students' goals, needs, and abilities. To document the various forms and experiences of learning, the Vermont Agency of Education is requiring all high school students document their learning and growth over the years, beginning in 7th grade.

Students all begin their Personalized Learning Plans (PLPs) in 7th grade English and update it with new information throughout the years.

Need help with your PLP? Schedule time with Dani here.