The Hornet Buzz
September, 2025
Dear Hornet Students, Families, and Caregivers,
Thank you for helping us start the school year on such a positive note. Our students have shown up ready to learn, and it has been wonderful to see their energy and commitment in classrooms, on the fields and courts, preparing for the musical, and participating in so many other activities. Your support makes EHS a vibrant community, and I am grateful to everyone for contributing to this strong beginning.
It was great to see so many of you at our Open House this past Tuesday. This “Back to School Night” gave families a chance to connect with teachers and school counselors and to experience different aspects of the high school journey. For those who attended, we would appreciate your feedback! Please fill out this feedback form. I look forward to continuing our partnership throughout your student’s time as a Hornet.
At EHS, we are committed to being ENGAGED, HONEST, and SAFE. These values guide us not only in classrooms but also on the fields, in our clubs and activities, and in shared spaces such as hallways and cafeterias. One ongoing focus is limiting cell phone use during academic times. Please remind your student to place their phone in the classroom caddy during each class, study hall, advisory, and while in the Library.
We are also dedicated to ensuring that all students and staff learn and work in a safe environment, free from harassment, bullying, and hazing. Please refer to EWSD school board policies for more information. If you ever believe your child may be experiencing harassment, bullying, or hazing, I encourage you to reach out to an administrator right away.
Our newsletters will be shared monthly, typically during the third week of the month. Please watch for them as we continue to highlight important updates and celebrations. Wishing you a wonderful fall season; I look forward to working together throughout the year!
Best,
Donald S. Van Nostrand
Principal
Parking permits are required for students to park during regular school hours. Students in Grades 11 and 12 can apply for a permit here.
11th and 12th grade students who have filled out the form, your permit is in the Main Office. Please pick up your permit ASAP and put in your car.
Electronic devices are prevalent in today’s society. However, it is important that these devices be used for educational purposes and not take away from learning taking place in the classroom. As such, the following guidelines apply to Chromebooks, cell phones, smart watches, tablets, AirPods/headphones, etc.:
Cell phones and other personal electronic devices (including watches) are not to be used in academic classrooms including Advisory (Monday/Wednesday) and Flex (Tuesday/Thursday/Friday).
Cell phones need to be placed in the cell phone caddy on silent mode when entering a classroom. They are to remain in the caddy until the end of class.
If a student leaves the room for any reason, their phone needs to remain in the classroom in the caddy. Cell phone use in the bathroom may result in confiscation of the device for the remainder of the day.
The use of camera functions is strictly prohibited, including in classrooms (exception: teacher permission for an academic activity), restrooms and/or locker rooms, hallways, and the cafeteria.
Any electronic device brought to school is the responsibility of the student. EHS is not responsible for lost or stolen electronic devices. Students are expected to use electronic devices appropriately and respectfully.
Study Halls and Library: Students are assigned school-issued Chromebook for academic work which may be used during Study Hall and in the Library. During these study halls, the cell phone is kept in the caddy. When students visit the library with passes, their phone will be stored in a caddy at the desk and returned to them upon their leaving. When students visit the library with early release or late start, students are expected to keep cell phones out of sight. If they are seen, they will be stored in the caddy until the student leaves and a community call back will be issued.
If caregivers need to communicate with their student during the school day, please call the EHS main office at 802-879-7121.
Airpods/Headphones
Airpods/Headphones are not permitted in academic classrooms unless the teacher has given permission.
Students may use AirPods/headphones in the library and study halls if they are connected to a Chromebook. Cell phones need to remain away.
Mrs. V's Recent Reads
Darkly by Marisha Pessl is a mysterious, twisty tale about 17 year old Dia. Dia, who love all things old and works in an antiques store, also loves Darkly games. Darkly is like Jumanji, but more deadly. Dia's life changes when she lands an internship with Darkly. Remember, "You don't own a Darkly game. It owns you."
We held our first run-hide-fight drill on September 4th, which went smoothly!
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 2025-2026 school year there will be campus fire drills held in September, October, December, February, and April. Run-hide-fight drills will be held in September and January. Families will receive additional information prior to each drill.
Student Job Opportunities
Please check this section for student job opportunities.
Students can stop in the Career Center in the Library to see Ms. Hemingway to learn more!
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
E-mail ehs_attendance@ewsd.org.
Extended Absence Form
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.
Erin Cavoneil
9th Grade
Jim Kelley
10th Grade
Ben Skoglund
Director of School Counseling
Gayle Botelho
11th Grade
Don Van Nostrand
12th Grade
Tom Carlson
Director of Student Support Services
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Essex High School
Email: hornets@ewsd.org
Website: ewsd.org/ehs
Location: 2 Educational Drive, Essex Junction, VT, USA
Phone: (802)879-7121