EWSD News
News for EWSD Families and Community Members

April 17, 2025
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In This Issue ...
District Updates
- 💲EWSD Budget Votes Pass!
- ⏰ Last Day of School Dismissal Times
- 🗞️ EWSD Multilingual Learner Program Newsletter
- 🗓️ Inclusive Celebrations & Recognition Days
Happenings
Upcoming Events
- 🔔 No School Reminder
- 🎉 Multicultural Festival
- 💻 Understanding AI & Preparing Kids for a Rapidly Changing Economy
- 📌 Save the Date: SEPAC Event
- ⚾ Lake Monsters Ticket Fundraiser
EWSD Social Media
EWSD Budget Votes Pass!
Thank you to all the EWSD community members who came out to vote!
Voting results:
Authorization to Borrow (Article 1) Passed: 3,051-1,073
The EWSD FY26 Budget (Article 2) Passed: 2,646-1,501
The CTE FY26 Budget (Article 3) Passed: 3,155-985
Allocate CTE FY24 Audited Fund Balance (Article 4) Passed: 3,335-806
Also, Robert Carpenter (Town of Essex), Laura Taylor (Town of Essex), and Marlon Verasamy (City of Essex Junction) were elected to the EWSD Board.
Last Day of School Dismissal Times
The last day of school for students will be Friday, June 13, 2025. It is a half-day.
*** EHS will have their Final Assessment Make Up day on June 13 from 8:45-12 p.m. There is also a mandatory Graduation Rehearsal from 1-3 p.m. for those participating in the graduation ceremony.
*** CTE's last day will be Wednesday, June 12, dismissal at 2:45 p.m.
Inclusive Celebrations & Recognition Days
Good Friday (April 18) and Easter (April 20) take place later this week and Holocaust Remembrance Day or Yom HaShoah is on April 23.
In May, we recognize Asian-Pacific Islander American Heritage Month, which is celebrated to commemorate the arrival in May 1843 of the first Japanese immigrants to the United States. Learn more about the important roles and persistent discrimination faced by Asian-Pacific Islander Americans on this site that includes stories and videos from 1942 to present time.
- Young chefs prepare for weekend competition (WCAX)
- Essex Westford School District middle school merger, sparks community pushback (My Champlain Valley)
- Essex Westford School District community members discuss consolidation concerns (WCAX)
- Essex-Westford School District votes to merge middle schools (WCAX)
- Voters weigh Essex Westford school budget as district proposes student realignment (My NBC5)
- Results are in: All measures pass on Essex-Westford School District ballot (Essex Reporter)
- PHOTOS: Hundreds gather for Essex Westford School District’s fine arts night (Essex Reporter)
Fine Arts Night
Rising Star Award
Essex High School Counselor Aaron Mason was honored with the Vermont School Counselor Association Rising Star Award. The award winner is a model for new counselors, demonstrating the highest standards of professional competence, outstanding contributions to the school community and/or profession, and has demonstrated strong rapport with students, parents/guardians, and school personnel.
Hornet Hibachi
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. 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.
Brushstrokes for Wellness
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.
No School Reminder
School will resume on Monday, April 28. For a full list of planned school closures, visit our school calendars online.
Multicultural Festival
The second-annual Potluck & Multicultural Festival will take place on Friday, May 2, 2025 from 5-8 p.m. All are welcome to bring a dish inspired by your culture. We will also be accepting donations of nonperishable items for the food shelf.
This event will take place in the EHS gymnasium. If you have any questions, email Tracy at tmuzerall@ewsd.org.
Understanding AI & Preparing Kids for a Rapidly Changing Economy
Today's kids will have multiple careers in their lifetimes and may wind up in jobs that haven't yet been invented. Adding to the unknown is artificial intelligence (AI), which is accelerating change at dizzying speed.
Preparing kids to thrive in an unknown future also involves fostering an adaptable mindset. Problem-solving and strong communication skills will help workers collaborate, and creativity and a strong sense of empathy will serve them well in a changing landscape. Being comfortable with technology will continue to be foundational as well.
Join us for a timely look at the skills kids need to develop to thrive in the future, as well as guidance for parents working to adjust to this new normal. This free webinar takes place on Wednesday, May 7 at 8 p.m. Please register in advance.
Save the Date: SEPAC Event
The EWSD Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) is inviting families for a free night out to meet other families, learn about available resources, and establish connections in a safe and inclusive environment.
Save the date for this fun event that will take place on Monday, May 19 from 6-7:30 p.m. at Founders Memorial School. All those planning to attend, please let us know using this survey.
Lake Monsters Ticket Fundraiser
20 EHS students will be heading to the Dominican Republic during the April 2026 spring break for an incredible opportunity to immerse themselves in the local culture and take part in several meaningful service learning projects. Want to have fun and help fund their journey?
Purchase a ticket to the Lake Monsters game on June 12. A portion of each ticket sold will go directly toward supporting the students and their travel costs. Thank you for being part of this exciting and impactful adventure!
EWSD Board Meeting
The full meeting will be available to watch live on the Media Factory's page (https://www.mediafactory.org/ewsd). Language interpretation is always available upon request for EWSD families. Contact your interpreter or the EL teacher at your child's school for more information.
Tuesday, May 6, 2025, 06:30 PM
Essex High School, Educational Drive, Essex Junction, VT, USA
About Us
Email: communications@ewsd.org
Website: www.ewsd.org
Location: 76 Pearl Street, Suite 201, Essex Junction, VT 05452
Phone: 802-878-8168