Westford School -

The February Edition of the EWSD Family Newsletter is out now: https://app.smore.com/n/8bn5z

Reminder: There will be no school for winter break beginning on Monday, February 23, through Tuesday, March 3. School will resume on Wednesday, March 4.

During National School Board Recognition Month, we want to extend a sincere thank you to the EWSD School Board for your time, leadership, and dedication to our schools. Your commitment to students, staff, and the greater EWSD community helps shape strong schools and a bright future for all. We are grateful for the countless hours, thoughtful decisions, and steady guidance you provide. Thank you for serving our community and supporting public education.

Families can now complete the form to request a spot in an EWSD prekindergarten classroom for the 2026–27 school year. Eligible children must live in Essex Junction, Essex Town, or Westford and be at least 3 years old by 09.01.26; programs are half-day, four days per week, with transportation provided by families. Requests received in February will be entered into a random lottery in March, with a waitlist created for additional requests. Visit - www.ewsd.org/prek for more information.

The EWSD Board members expressed their sincere appreciation to the EWSD Operations Teams, with special gratitude to our crossing guards for their dedication to keeping students safe during the cold and snowy weather.

Are you interested in playing a role in supporting the work and aspirations of your local schools? Do you care deeply about the success of our public schools - for the children, the taxpayers, and the future of Vermont? Please consider running for an open seat on the EWSD School Board! Petitions are now available: https://www.ewsd.org/article/2653891

This week, sponsored by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), brings attention to the unique role of school counselors in our school systems. Counselors play a vital role in ensuring students' success in school and beyond. Thank you to all the EWSD school counselors!

The EWSD Board and administrators held a budget engagement for the community on January 22, 2026. This was the second session of the series. Learn more about the EWSD budget process: www.ewsd.org/budget

There is no school on Wednesday, December 24, through Friday, January 2. Please plan accordingly. School will resume on Monday, January 5.

Westford pre-K students recently took part in a Four Winds presentation on rocks, minerals, and fossils. The students enjoyed learning about the different characteristics of rocks and minerals and making their own fossils!

🌿 Superintendent Mark Holodick shares a message to the EWSD community 😊https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZDO58Uygng

🔔 Reminder: There is no school on Monday, November 24, through Friday, November 28, for Fall Break. Please plan accordingly. School will resume on Monday, December 1.

🍂 The November edition of the EWSD Family Newsletter is out now! 👉 https://secure.smore.com/n/gtp5db

❄️ As winter weather approaches, we want to remind families that student safety is always our top priority when deciding whether to delay or close school. These decisions involve careful review of road conditions, weather forecasts, building readiness, and transportation safety in collaboration with local partners. Learn more about how these decisions are made here: https://www.ewsd.org/article/1870274

The EWSD Child Nutrition Program held its fourth annual District-wide Vermont Harvest Menu on Thursday, November 6!

To celebrate our collaboration with local producers, all EWSD schools served homemade chocolate chip pumpkin bread made with VT pumpkins, accompanied by a Cabot cheddar cheese stick and fresh fruit, for breakfast. For lunch, they served spaghetti and meat sauce from VT-grown beef, roasted garlic and parmesan carrots, garlic bread on local whole grain rolls, and apple cider!

Members of the EWSD Board and administration spoke at the Vermont School District Redistricting Task Force meeting on October 28. To view each individual video, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkrb-d3iMBwZoLbA_U0b4IKxdNQ8v_npw.

The current draft redistricting plans for Act 73 could have significant impacts on our District and others across Vermont. We encourage community members to stay informed and share their perspectives with their elected representatives as this process moves forward. Ensuring that local voices are part of this conversation is essential.

Join the EWSD Special Education Parent Advisory Council for an opportunity to learn about special education basics and connect with other families! Register here: https://forms.gle/mMmWK6GFZffa6VB3A

Please take this 10-question anonymous survey, as it provides an opportunity for the EWSD community to give feedback as we craft our next school budget!

Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc66F9GYNUcjpUOpa1LSDDqCI6EyKXP8JzgAi2qW2HIz0duvQ/viewform

🌿 The Essex Westford School District is seeking substitute teachers and paraeducators for all locations to work on an as-needed basis. There are full-day and partial-day opportunities available. Apply today: 👉 https://ewsd.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5331827

The Essex Westford School District, along with 11 other districts/supervisory unions in the state, have been recognized for achieving the highest rates of local purchasing through the 2025 round of the Local Foods Incentive Grant program. 👉 https://www.ewsd.org/article/2487129 🍎🥪🍗🥕