The Hiawatha Buzz!

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Dear families,

March Conferences are on March 4th. All classroom teachers will provide other times in March for additional conference slots. If none of these times work for you, please contact the classroom teacher directly to find a time that works. Our goal is always 100%! A reminder that all teachers will send out conference sign ups on Tuesday, February 18th.

I also wanted folks to know that I will be out on February 20th and 21st. Amy Mellancamp will be my substitute. I will not be accessing email during these two days. Please direct any needs to our office manager Michelle Murphy-Ertle and she will direct you to the right person.

Happy Valentine's Day to all who celebrate,

Katherine

February 18th - HIA 2nd Skating field trip to rink

February 24th - March 4th - Winter Break - NO SCHOOL - Please plan accordingly

We would like to inform you that our winter screening window has now concluded. As part of our commitment to supporting student growth, we conduct screenings three times each year—in the fall, winter, and spring—in the areas of math, literacy, and social-emotional learning.

For students who demonstrate Tier 3 (intensive) support or are performing below grade level, we administer a second screener to further assess their needs. If this continued need is identified, the student will be placed on an Educational Support Team (EST) plan.

We have now identified the students who will require this additional level of support. Letters will be mailed to parents today. If your child receives this letter, you will be invited to attend an optional EST meeting on either March 5th or March 7th. During this meeting, we will share the support plan that has been developed for your child.

Please know that attendance at the meeting is optional. A copy of the plan will be shared with all families after the meeting.

Thank you for your ongoing partnership in supporting your child’s education.

Hello Hiawatha Families!

In Wellness and Health this week, we emphasized the importance of eating healthful food every day. We shared that we do our best to make healthful choices when these options are available.

Using MyPlate, we discussed that about half of our diet should come from fruits and vegetables with the other half coming from protein and grains. Students did a great job sharing that sometimes allergies impact what we can eat, and we may need to get our nutrients from other sources. Students were engaged and enthusiastic during these discussions, showing their interest in food and being healthy!

For more information, please visit: https://www.myplate.gov/

Have a great weekend!

Mr. B and Mr. Lester

Two weeks ago, our students wrapped up an exciting unit on robotics! Kindergarten and first-grade students had a blast programming BeeBots move on a track, while second and third-graders explored color coding with Ozobots. This hands-on learning experience is always a highlight for Hiawatha’s students.

Last week, we kicked off our journey through the Red Clover books! Throughout the next few months, we’ll read all 10 nominees, and at the end of April, students will cast their votes for their favorite. We can't wait to see which book wins!

If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please feel free to contact me.

Ms. Snow

ssnow@ewsd.org

802.878.7734

Did you graduate from a school in the Essex Westford School District? We’d love to hear from you! EWSD is reconnecting with alumni to spotlight the incredible journeys and successes of our graduates. Whether you're forging a career, following your interests, or finding your own path, your story is a valuable part of our legacy. By sharing, you’ll inspire current students and help celebrate the impact of an EWSD education.

Ready to share? Complete this brief Google Form and follow us on social media, or visit www.ewsd.org/alumni, to see featured alumni spotlights. Your journey continues to shape EWSD—submit your story today!

Arielle Boutwell
Communications Assistant
Essex Westford School District

Office: (802) 857-7061
Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn

SPRING DANCE

Don’t let two weeks of snow days fool you, spring is right around the corner. Please join us for our Spring Dance, Enchanted Forest, on Friday, March 21st, 2025 from 5:30-7:00 PM. We need 2-3 additional volunteers to help set-up tables and decor between 4-5:30pm and 2-3 volunteers to help clean-up between 7-7:30pm. Please reach out directly to Taryn.Hennebicque@gmail.com if you have time to volunteer.

NEW EVENT ALERT!

After a years long hiatus, PTO is bringing back the Hiawatha Speaker Series! On March 25th, at 6PM, Director of Facilities and District Safety, Garry Scott. Garry is responsible for the culture of safety and emergency preparedness for students, teachers and staff. He will share expert training and safety protocol insights from his decades of experience, talk to how Hiawatha prioritizes student safety, discuss drills students are practicing, language to use to prepare students and talk to them about what they experience during safety drills, and answer parent/caregiver questions.

PTO MEETING

Want to know what’s going on in PTO? Check out our February Meeting Minutes right here!

Ashley Arcovitch

Hiawatha PTO President

Please click this link to see the hot lunch menu, be sure to select the correct month you need and select lunch in the drop down in the top of the page. The menu can also be found on our website :-)

PLAY BALL! Come out and enjoy the fun and friendship of Essex Softball. Open to children ages 7-12! Please visit essextownlittleleague.org and click “Register” to sign up.

Registration is OPEN 2/1/2025 - 3/16/2025

Essex Softball

Available for girls from the City of Essex Junction

Divisions: Farm (Ages 7-8), Minors (Ages 8-10), Majors (Ages 11-12)

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Email: hiawathaoffice@ewsd.org