The Hornet Buzz

• August 24: Open House & New Student Evening
• August 25: 9th Grade Orientation
• August 26: First Day Of School For All Students
• September 4: No School
• September 7: No School
• September 10: School Picture Day
• September 11: No After School Events
• September 21: No School
• September 26: Homecoming Dance

• New Student Cell Phone Policies
• Student Drop Off & Pick Up Locations
• Student Parking Permits
• Bell Schedule
• From The Attendance Office
• Senior Privileges
• From School Counseling
• Emergency Response Information
• Open House & New Student Evening - 8/24
• 9th Grade Orientation - 8/25
• School Picture Day - 9/10
• Updates From The Career Center

• The Hive

• Important Links
• 2026 - 2027 School Year Calendar
• Merrymac Farm Sanctuary High School Animal Welfare Program
• Administrator Assignments

All students are required to keep cell phones and other prohibited devices completely powered off, out of sight, and stored away in a backpack or locker. Students may not access or use their cell phones or other prohibited devices at any time during the academic day.

Failure to adhere to the school cell phone policy will result in the student placing their device in secure storage for the academic school day. Continued violations will require a parent or caregiver to retrieve the phone directly from Essex High School.

As we prepare for another great school year, we would like to remind families about our student drop-off and pick-up locations. Following the map above helps ensure a safe and smooth flow of traffic for everyone. For any questions, please contact the main office at 802-879-7121 or hornets@ewsd.org.

Parking permits are required for students to park during regular school hours. Students in Grades 11 and 12 can apply for a permit here.

Once you have completed the form, your parking permit will be available for pickup in the Main Office. An email will be sent out to students when permits are available to pick up. Please ensure that it is properly displayed in your vehicle.

The EHS building opens at 8:00 AM. Students arriving between 8:00 AM and 8:30 AM should wait in the cafeteria or the library. The first bell rings at 8:30 AM, at which time students may head to their Block 1/2 class.

Block 1/2 classes begin promptly at 8:40 AM. Thank you for making it to class on time!

The final classes of the day (Block 7/8) end at 3:15 PM on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, and at 2:15 PM on Wednesdays (Early Release Days).

Attendance is an important component of student learning and experience at Essex High School.

Please let us know when students will be arriving late, being dismissed early, or will be absent from school.

Reporting absences can be done in the following ways:

• Call our attendance line at (802) 879-5507
• Fill out the attendance form on our website
• Email us at ehs_attendance@ewsd.org.

Attention Students: If you have a planned absence of 3 or more days, please fill out the Extended Absence Form.

To complete this form, students will need to obtain teacher signatures for their blocks. Then return this form to the Attendance Specialist in the Main Office at least 2 days prior to your first absence.

If your child will have, or currently has, a weekly recurring appointment please reach out to the Attendance Specialist so all appointments can be entered into PowerSchool for Semester 1.

Contact Info: ehs_attendance@ewsd.org or 802-879-5507

Eligible seniors will automatically be assigned Senior Privileges. This allows students to leave campus during their unscheduled blocks. Students or parents who prefer a class or study hall can opt out of Senior Privileges at any time.

To opt out for the start of the school year, please notify the main office through email (hornets@ewsd.org) or phone (802-879-7121) by August 21.

Essex High School has shifted away from Naviance and will be moving to a new platform: Scoir

Scoir is a Network connecting students, supporters, high schools, and colleges to expand college and career access and improve student outcomes.

Be on the lookout for more information coming out for our 12th grade students and families on Thursday August 27th.

We follow Vermont state guidelines when preparing to respond to emergencies. Information can be found at the EWSD District Safety website, Vermont School Safety Website, or by contacting Garry Scott, Director of Facilities & District Safety, at (802) 857-7043.

Schools are required to hold emergency drills throughout the school year. For the 2026-2027 school year there will be campus fire drills held in September, October, December, February, April, and May. Run-hide-fight drills will be held in September and January. Families will receive additional information prior to each drill.

• Open House/Back to School Night - August 24: Open House this year has been shifted to the Monday before school starts. It is scheduled for 6:00pm to 8:00pm, and is open to all EHS caregivers and students. There will be informational tables, tours, games, and ice cream.

• Meet the Coaches Night - Monday, August 24: Scheduled for 7:30pm, fall athletes and caregivers will hear from various members of the EHS Athletic Program as well as your student-athlete’s Head Coach of their Fall Sports Program. Attendance is required for Fall Student Athletes and caregivers.

Here is the map of where to meet your student's teachers:

We will be hosting an orientation for all incoming 9th graders, on Tuesday, August 25th from 8:40 am to 1:45 pm. This will be an excellent opportunity for students to meet their teachers, learn their schedules, tour the campus, and learn about the various resources available to them. Lunch will be provided.

Transportation is available for those who have registered for transportation. If your student is not registered for transportation, please contact transportation@ewsd.org.

School Picture Day – Thursday, September 10

Picture Retake Day - Wednesday, October 21

Mark your calendars! Beltrami Photography will be at EHS on Thursday, September 10, for school pictures. Photos will be taken in the EHS gymnasium during the school day.

All students are required to have their picture taken for their school ID, even if their family does not plan to purchase a photo package.

Order forms for families who wish to purchase school pictures will be distributed during the first week of school or online at:

https://bsnap.hhimagehost.com/V2/Home/LoginConsumer?EK=332362

Access code: EHS326

Attention Families who have students enrolled in an EHS Internship course this semester

Mark your calendars:

Mandatory Virtual Family Informational Meeting on Thursday, September 18th, from 6:30 pm-7:00 pm.

The link to the meeting will be sent to you by your student's internship teacher.

This event is open to any 11th or 12th graders interested in connecting with Vermont employers, training providers, and career pathways. EHS will be providing transportation. Your student will receive more information and a Google form to sign up during their class meetings. The deadline to reserve their spot is Friday, September 11.

Please check this section for student job opportunities.

Student Job Opportunities

Students can stop in the Career Center in the Library to see Ms. Hemingway to learn more!

The EHS Events Calendar is a good place to find many of the events at EHS. This is also where students can remember whether it's an A or B day.

The Essex High School website is a good place to find information about our school. Including handbooks, daily schedules and our staff directory.

Click the link below for the 2026 - 2027 School Year Calendar.

Click the icons below to find our social pages!

Email: hornets@ewsd.org
Website: ewsd.org/ehs
Location: 2 Educational Drive, Essex Junction, VT, USA
Phone: (802)879-7121