EWSD News
News for EWSD Families and Community Members
EWSD Child Nutrition Update - Free Breakfast/Lunch!
In June, Vermont’s Universal School Meal Act became law, allowing all Vermont public school students in grades K-12 access to free breakfast and lunch. Increased participation in the school nutrition program brings funding that allows us to offer high-quality foods, fresh produce, and the ability to purchase more locally!
CTE Preschool Openings
The CTE Preschool, located at the Center for Technology, Essex, has openings for the 2023-24 school year for children ages 3-5 years old. Our age cut-off is age 3 (& potty trained) by October 1st. Families do not need to live in Essex to attend, we have families from many neighboring communities. Reggio Emilia-inspired curriculum, small class size, and outdoor explore time daily!
* October 3 - May 30 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 10:15-1:30 p.m.
- $40 a month- 1 day a week
- $80 a month - 2 days a week
- $120 a month - 3 days a week
Full and partial scholarships are available. For more information email Melissa at mbrott@ewsd.org
Transportation Update
The Transportation Department has been working hard to process the 1,636 requests we have received. Those are now complete!
We know the start of the school year brings initial challenges as we settle into new rhythms and routines. We are focused on improving our on-time performance which has been impacted from external and internal factors. Families can expect these delays to resolve over the next few weeks. We are closely evaluating routes and doing everything we can to match bus arrival times with bell schedules. As always, we appreciate everyone’s continued patience and cooperation as we make progress on our goals and work to ensure the safe and timely transport of our students.
Fifth Year for EWSD Social and Emotional Learning Investment
We are entering our fifth year as a District that has invested in Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) in a very intentional and strategic way. Our SEL Coaches across the District continue to support our systemic approach to building SEL skills in our students. Over the summer, several school-based teams worked to review and enhance their structures and supports and work to align them in a way to ensure that students are provided the support they need.
Equity Monitoring Report Presentation
All schools have established their Equity Leadership Teams, have had five days of deep training toward leading equity in schools, and are in the process of planning the 2023-24 implementation. The EWSD Equity Advisory Committee has established 57 change recommendations for schools, those can be found here, nested in the context of each of the equity goals in the EWSD Equity Policy.
Director of Equity and Inclusion, Erin Maguire, shared more about the various efforts underway within the District related to equity at the 8.22.2023 EWSD School Board Meeting where she shared the 2023 Equity Monitoring Report.
EWSD Calendar - Inclusive Holidays & Recognition Days
It’s National Arts in Education Week! Here are ideas for art activities that can be done in various settings.
Hispanic Heritage Month begins on September 15 and runs through October 15. The month is designed to recognize the contributions of Hispanic-Americans — specifically, those whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. The awareness month begins on September 15 which is the independence anniversary for Latin American countries El Salvador, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Honduras.
Rosh Hashanah, one of two High Holy days in the Jewish religions, takes place this year from September 15-17. Rosh Hashanah celebrates the Jewish New Year. The holiday lasts for two days, and it commemorates the creation of the world and the mark of a fresh start.
Flower Ceremony
Hiawatha third graders presented flowers to the kindergarten students at their annual Kindergarten Flower Ceremony!
NBC5 visits Hiawatha
NBC5 Meteorologist, Marissa Vigevani, visited Hiawatha for the Weather at Your School morning segment where some students got to say hello!
EHS Student Wins Science Competition
AP Statistics student, Lily Larsen, placed third in a national data science competition, competing against approximately 2,500 students from around the country!
Multilingual Family Fun Event
You are invited to join us at our next Multilingual Family Fun Event at Maple Street Park on September 23 from 11-4 p.m. There will be Henna, face painting, food, music, soccer, corn hole game, potato sack race, raffle, and more! This event is hosted by the EWSD Multilingual Advisory Council. All families and friends of the multilingual community are welcome to join in the activities. View all Translated Flyers!
Pediatric Cancer Awareness Blood Drive
On Monday, October 9 from 9-2 p.m. at FMS (in the gym) there will be a blood drive in honor of Ruby. Ruby was diagnosed with inoperable Stage III, Group III embryonic rhabdomyosarcoma which is a nasal cavity cancer.
This type of cancer affects about 250 children a year in the US. Donating blood can help patients like Ruby maintain healthier lives and outcomes, because blood donations lengthen and save the lives of those who have cancer. Please consider signing up and donating at the blood drive.
About Us
Email: aboutwell@ewsd.org
Website: www.ewsd.org
Location: 76 Pearl Street, Suite 201, Essex Junction, VT 05452
Phone: 802-878-8168