Essex Westford School District

Author David Covell visited Hiawatha School to talk to students about writing, reading, and storytelling! Covell is the author and illustrator of the New York Times Best Illustrated Book Award winner, Run Wild.

Please be advised that there may be increased traffic near Essex High School on May 8, 9, and 10, as EHS will be hosting the Vermont All-State Music Festival.

The Westford Science Fair was held in the school gymnasium. The theme this year was A Sky Full of Stars!

Hiawatha students had some special visitors as part of a whole school celebration! 🎉😁 https://youtu.be/SAT90tEsEZs

Essex Middle School celebrated Literacy Day by focusing on expanding their definition of "literacy" because it's more than just reading or writing in classes. Literacy is the ability to communicate ideas, understandings, or perspectives in a way that’s engaging for others. For some, that might mean composing music to process tragedy. For others, it could mean using natural materials in a piece of art to advocate for climate change. Students celebrated this diverse concept through word games, nature, writing, art, music, and more. EMS was also beyond thrilled to host Vermont author Kekla Magoon! Ms. Magoon kicked off Literacy Day with a keynote address about the power and love of reading and writing and then led two writing workshops with some students. 📚👏

Recently, the EHS Social Justice Union had a retreat at Saint Michael's College for club members to engage in discussions around social justice, build community, and plan new initiatives at EHS. Students also had the opportunity to be in community with Saint Michael's College students who are involved in advocacy work, equity, and community organizing. SJU is a student-led club dedicated to creating a more welcoming school community, engaging in various social justice issues, and uplifting those in our school community who live furthest from justice.

EES students had the opportunity to vote on a new addition to their playground—and they chose a tire swing! The New York Life Insurance Company held a walk-a-thon fundraiser with the goal of raising funds for new playground equipment for EES. Upon completion of the fundraiser, the formal grant request was submitted and accepted in the amount of $10,000!

Thomas Fleming School, which will be serving grades 3-5 next school year, held an open house for current 2nd and 3rd grade families. Families and students were able to tour the school, talk with teachers, and have a sneak peek of what their next school year will look like!

EHS Athletic Leadership Council students visited Summit Street School, Hiawatha School, and Essex Elementary School to share their love of reading! The high school students read their favorite books. It was exciting and nostalgic for some high school students to return to their first classrooms in the EWSD. EHS ALC students and advisors would like to thank the elementary schools for welcoming them. A special thanks to Casey Lee (Summit), Karen Harvey (HIA), and Brooke Robbins (EES) for coordinating this event!

The Heavenly Food Pantry, located at the First Congregational Church on Main Street in Essex Junction, will be open to families residing in Essex, Essex Junction, and Westford on Thursday, April 24, from 3-6 p.m. Families arriving will be given a number, asked to wait in the sanctuary for their number to be called, and registered before being directed to the pantry for food. A volunteer will greet and escort them around the pantry, allowing them to make selections of their choosing. After food is gathered, it will be weighed (information for pantry use only) and another volunteer will bring the food to the family’s vehicle. As usual, there are no income requirements to visit the food pantry and a variety of food is available to everyone; however, additional food is provided by the USDA to eligible families who fall below federally mandated guidelines. Families not able to attend the pantry may call the Church office at 878-5745 ext. 4 between 9 a.m. and noon today through Thursday to leave contact information (name, address, number of household members, phone number) so arrangements for delivery can be made. A follow up call to complete registration will take place on Thursday morning. Families are currently able to visit the pantry once each month- either the 2nd Monday of the month from 5:30-7:30 p.m. or the 4th Thursday of the month from 3-6 p.m. The next food pantry distribution will be on Monday, May 12, from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

The Hiawatha Parent Teacher Organization sponsored its annual spring dance. This time, students were able to vote on the theme. They chose 'Enchanted Forest'. The parents and volunteers magically turned the gymnasium into a mystical forest with unicorns, fairies, mushrooms, and more! 🧚🦄✨🎉🍄

🌿 The EWSD April Family Newsletter is out now 👉 https://secure.smore.com/n/2g4kz

Several students at Hiawatha participated in the Youth Art Month Show: Brushstrokes for Wellness at the Vermont Statehouse. Their artwork was on display for all to see! This art show is an excellent opportunity to celebrate creativity alongside young artists across Vermont.

ADL students showcased their science projects during their science fair in the gym. Each student had the chance to present their project and explain their findings. Teachers and classmates got to explore, ask questions, and celebrate all the hard work that went into these amazing projects! 🔎💡🐾

All Hiawatha students went outside to cheer on the third graders who are taking the Vermont State Assessment for the first time. Students cheered with positive affirmations and signs! 🎉🎉

🔔 Reminder there is no school on Monday, April 21 to Friday, April 25 for Spring Break. School will resume on Monday, April 28.

🎥 The #EWSD Board Meeting on April 15 is now available to watch thanks to the Media Factory 👉 https://www.mediafactory.org/?modal=77,episode,235648

The EWSD is pleased to report that the Commission on Public Schools of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges has granted Essex High School continued accreditation. 🐝👍 Learn more: https://www.ewsd.org/o/ehs/article/2130147

A group of EHS students, known as the Hornet Hibachi Team, entered the Jr. Iron Chef Vermont Competition. 🍽️👏🐝 Their dish, Gochujang Mushroom Tacos with VT Rainbow slaw, pickled onions, and mango salsa, earned them a top contender badge. The team executed the recipe perfectly, adapted as needed, and had a lot of fun working together. As an entirely 9th-grade team, they have a lot of motivation for next year! Congratulations to team members Avery, Claire, Emma, Nina, and Will.