The Hiawatha Buzz!

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Dear Hiawatha Families,

It’s hard to believe we have already finished our second week of school! Our students are settling into routines, building up their stamina for learning, and showing so much joy as they adjust to a new school year. I’ve had the privilege of visiting many classrooms this week to read with students, which has quickly become one of my favorite highlights of the day.

Our morning drop-off routine is slowly improving, and I appreciate everyone’s patience as we continue to fine-tune the process. Thank you for your feedback regarding morning drop off. I appreciate your input and want you to know that I am listening. We are working on improving the process to enhance safety, convenience, and efficiency for everyone.

I’m also thrilled to share how quickly students are earning bee clips by following our three school agreements: be kind, be safe, and be responsible. Many classrooms have already reached their first 100 clips and enjoyed a celebration together. At this pace, we will be celebrating as a whole school very soon!

• Flynn: Playing Fields at the Essex High School tomorrow night Sep. 6th from 6:00-7:30 pm
• Open House Sept. 18th from 6:00-7:00 pm
• Title 1 meeting on Oct. 7th at 6:00 pm

*** IMPORTANT ***

Please make sure to include Ms. Michelle, our Office Manager, in all communications regarding attendance or change in after school plan for the day, she is who does attendance for the school, not the teachers. Teachers may be absent, or may not get to email to pass your message on to her. Please remember to include the reason why your student is going to be absent.

Please be sure to let Michelle know before 7:30 AM if your child is going to miss school.

There are many ways to contact her regarding your student's attendance or change in after-school plan.

1. Call the Attendance line at 802-857-7007 (for Attendance only)

2. Call Michelle at 802-878-1384

3. Email Michelle at: hiawathaoffice@ewsd.org

4. Go to our website and click on the Report an Absence button.

*** If you need to make a change to your student's after-school plan, please contact Michelle directly before 2:00 PM (1PM on Wednesdays) on any given day. ***

Dear families,

As a friendly reminder if you need to park your car when dropping off or picking up your student. Please do not park your cars on the lawns of the homes on Hiawatha Avenue. We want to make sure we are courteous to our neighbors.

Also, for your student's safety, please do not let them out of your car on the left side of your cars.

Parent Volunteers Needed To Improve Morning Drop-Off Process

To help ease morning traffic at drop off in front of Hiawatha, we need parent volunteers to open car doors from 7:15–7:30 a.m., Monday–Friday. Students will head straight to the playground, where teachers are on duty, so help at the curb will keep drop-off moving smoothly. We’re looking for 10 volunteers who can commit weekly or monthly. This quick 15-minute shift will make a big difference. If you can help—or spread the word—please contact Kolby at ksnellenberger@ewsd.org. Thank you for supporting our students, families, and staff!

Taryn Hennebicque

Hiawatha PTO co-President

Community Dinner and Forum on Opioid Misuse Prevention

September 9

5-8:30 PM

Essex High School Auditorium

BBQ Dinner

Resource Booths

Discussion Panels

Demonstrations

Questions & Answers

Enjoy a community dinner followed by informative panel discussions featuring professionals, experts, and individuals sharing personal stories. You will also have the opportunity to learn how to use Naloxone, ask questions, and connect with valuable resources. Families with middle or high school students are especially encouraged to attend.

Mark your calendar, spread the word, and bring your family and friends. Follow the event on Facebook and subscribe for updates as panel speakers and vendors are scheduled. We hope to see you there as we work together to create a healthier, safer community.

Sign up to attend here.

Thank you!

Kindly,

Sarah

Taking Care of Our Books

Hiawatha students have been learning how to care for library books and how to find the perfect one to bring home. We’ve also been talking about what it means to be a responsible library patron.

👉 Please help your child remember to return books on time, or let me know if they’d like to keep a book longer.
👉 Students may keep books as long as they need, as long as the title isn’t on hold for another student.

📖 Family Library Cards

Hiawatha families are encouraged to get a family library card and enjoy our collection together!

• Families may borrow up to 10 books per visit.

• To request a card, email me your full name and your child’s name.

• Families are welcome to borrow and return books during drop-off and pick-up times.

• Need another time? Let me know—I may have some flexibility!

📬 Questions or Suggestions?

I’d love to hear from you!

Susie Snow
📧 ssnow@ewsd.org
📞 802-878-7734

Monthly PTO Meetings

Save the date! PTO meetings are held the first Tuesday of each month at 6:00 PM in the Hiawatha gym. All are welcome—come share your ideas, meet other parents/caregivers, and stay involved! Email hiawathaPTO@ewsd.org for more info.

Week of September 1 & 8:

PTO Speaker Series: Student Safety

Join us Thursday, 9/11 at 6pm for a special event with Garry Scott, Director of Facilities & District Safety for the Essex Westford School District. 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, how Hiawatha prioritizes student safety, drill information, and answer questions. This is a great opportunity to learn about what students experience during safety drills.

Parent Volunteers Needed To Improve Morning Drop-Off Process

To help ease morning traffic at drop off in front of Hiawatha, we need parent volunteers to open car doors from 7:15–7:30 a.m., Monday–Friday. Students will head straight to the playground, where teachers are on duty, so help at the curb will keep drop-off moving smoothly. We’re looking for 10 volunteers who can commit weekly or monthly. This quick 15-minute shift will make a big difference. If you can help—or spread the word—please contact Kolby at ksnellenberger@ewsd.org. Thank you for supporting our students, families, and staff!

Taryn Hennebicque

Hiawatha PTO co-President

Please click the link below 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. If needed, there is a print option. The menu can also be found on our website :-)

Menu

Email: hiawathaoffice@ewsd.org