
Westford teacher Sarah Lothrop was recognized for her exceptional impact as a FIRST LEGO League mentor at the FIRST LEGO League Northern Qualifier held in Shelburne on December 14, 2024. Lothrop is a first-year FLL mentor, leading a beginner team of 4th-grade students. Her enthusiasm and commitment to student learning were on full display as her team, the PanDucks, practiced poise, kindness, and confidence throughout all components of the competition. The award was presented during the event's closing ceremonies. This recognition goes to the mentor who inspires their team to do their best, both as individuals and together. Her leadership and guidance are evident and exemplify the FIRST Core Values.


🔔 Reminder that there will be no school on Monday, January 20. School will resume on Tuesday, January 21.


Westford Elementary School's four FIRST LEGO League teams (serving grades 4-6) have all advanced through regional qualifiers. They will participate in the Vermont State Championships hosted at GlobalFoundries on January 18. Westford teams (Atlantic Pandas, Pacific Pandas, PanDucks, and Prodigy Pandas) have each put in almost 80 hours of work to reach this milestone, developing teamwork, leadership, resilience, and perseverance along the way. For more information on upcoming events, visit firstinvermont.org.


Your voice matters! Learn more about the EWSD budgeting process by viewing the EWSD budget website (www.ewsd.org/budget) for the latest news, frequently asked questions, blog posts, articles, and more!
There are links near the top of the page that allow you to share any budget questions that you may have and also sign up to receive budget communication emails directly from the District.


In 2024, our Facebook stories and celebrations reached over 160,000 people! A huge thank you to all our #EWSD followers for your likes, comments, and shares—and for joining us in celebrating our amazing students and staff throughout the year. Stay tuned for even more updates as we continue showcasing the incredible things happening at EWSD in 2025!


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 Monday, January 13, from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
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 households who fall below federally mandated guidelines. Visits to the pantry are now limited to one per household per calendar month.
The next food pantry distribution will be Thursday, January 23.


🎥 The #EWSD Board Meeting on January 7 is now available to watch thanks to the Media Factory 👉 https://www.mediafactory.org/?modal=77,episode,234301


The #EWSD Board will next meet on Tues., Jan. 7 starting at 6:30 p.m. The full meeting will be available to watch on Facebook Live thanks to the Media Factory (https://www.facebook.com/BTVMediaFactory).
Agenda items for the meeting include:
- FY26 Budget Landscape
- FY26 Announced Tuition
- Set High School Choice Capacity
To learn more about the EWSD Board, please visit: http://www.ewsd.org/schoolboard


Happy New Year, EWSD! 🥳🎆🎉


All students in the EWSD have access to a delicious and nutritious breakfast every day when they are at school - for FREE!🍊🥯🥞


Stay connected! 📢 Follow the EWSD on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn for all the latest news and highlights! 👍✨


Today is the Winter Solstice - the official start of the winter season! ❄️🥶🌨️🧣🛷

🎥 The #EWSD Board Meeting on December 17 is now available to watch thanks to the Media Factory 👉https://www.mediafactory.org/?modal=77,episode,233975


🌿 The December EWSD family newsletter is out now 👉 https://bit.ly/3OynWcD

Are you interested in a career with the EWSD? Take a look at all the current job opportunities: www.ewsd.org/jobs 🌿😊

🔔 Reminder that there will be no school on Monday, December 23 through Wednesday, January 1 for Early Winter Break. School will resume on Thursday, January 2.


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, December 19, from 3 to 6 p.m.
The pantry asks for proof of residence for each household in the form of a current utility bill with a physical address listed. In place of this, families may provide current correspondence from a government agency or other official mail. Identification for each household member may consist of a driver’s license, hospital card, insurance card, school-issued ID, social security ID, or birth certificate. As usual, there are no income requirements to visit the food pantry and a variety of food is available to everyone; however, additional food from the USDA is provided once a month to eligible families who fall below federally mandated guidelines.
The next food pantry distribution will occur on Monday, January 13, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Beginning in January 2025, those coming to the pantry will be asked to limit their visits to once a month.


Westford second graders packed their suitcases, grabbed their passports, and boarded their imaginary flights for an exciting journey around the world. Through this creative adventure, they'll explore diverse holidays and traditions!


The #EWSD Board will next meet on Thurs., December 12 starting at 6:30 p.m. The full meeting will be available to watch on Facebook Live thanks to the Media Factory (https://www.facebook.com/BTVMediaFactory).
Agenda items for the meeting include:
- FY26 Budget Development Update
- Superintendent Search Update
- 2.7 Compensation and Benefits
To learn more about the EWSD Board, please visit: http://www.ewsd.org/schoolboard


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 Monday, December 9, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Families will be given a number when they arrive and asked to wait in the sanctuary. When their number is called, they will be registered beginning at 5:30 p.m. 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 person’s vehicle. Shopping carts will be made available for those within walking distance of the pantry. The pantry asks for proof of residence for each household in the form of a current utility bill with a physical address listed. Instead, families may provide current correspondence from a government agency or other official mail. Identification of each household member may consist of a driver’s license, hospital card, insurance card, school-issued ID, social security ID, or birth certificate.
As usual, there are no income requirements to visit the food pantry and a variety of food is
available to everyone; however, eligible families who fall below federally mandated guidelines may access additional food provided by the USDA once each month. Those not able to attend the pantry may call the Church office at 878-5745 Ext. 4 between 9 a.m. and noon today and Monday to leave contact information (name, address, phone number, no. of people in household) so delivery arrangements can be made. A follow-up call to complete registration will take place on Monday morning. People are currently able to visit the pantry each time it is open: the 2nd Monday of the month from 5:30-7:30 p.m. and the 4th Thursday of the month from 3-6 p.m. (except for November and December when it is the 3rd Thursday). Beginning in January 2025, households will be asked to limit their visits to once a month.
The next food pantry distribution will occur on Thursday, December 19, from 3-6 p.m.
