The Howler: October 24, 2026
Ottauquechee School News
How will OQS fare on the State's Report Card?
State testing results are expected at the end of October, but we know our work to improve student outcomes is ongoing. Our teachers and staff are working hard to build on what’s going well, review beginning-of-year assessment data and student needs, and strengthen the systems that support every learner’s growth. We know there is more work ahead, and we remain committed to continuous improvement and meaningful outcomes for all students.
Stay tuned for details about a community forum in mid-to-late November, where we’ll share how we’re focusing our approach to teaching and learning and keeping student growth at the center of our work. There's a role for you all in this work and we're excited to partner with you!
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Our latest Wolfie Winners...
Thank you Mrs. Rhoades for being such a positive light! You get to know all your students and understand their needs. You create an environment where everyone engages! Thanks for inviting all to the big fun that happens in your space!
Thank you Mr. Scott for working hard to keep a high bar as you care for our school and spaces! Your attention to detail, your warmth, care and kindness are deeply noticed and appreciated!
Diwali (duh-vaa-lee) is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in the world, observed by millions of Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists. This year, Diwali falls on Sunday, November 8. Often called the "Festival of Lights," it symbolizes the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. During this time, homes are illuminated with small clay lamps (diyas), vibrant floor patterns (rangoli) are created, and families gather to share sweets, gifts, and prayers.
For many practitioners, Diwali marks the beginning of a new year and is a time to invite prosperity, peace, and auspicious beginnings into the home. Because of its bright visuals, public festivals, and joyful atmosphere, it has become a highly visible anchor for South Asian and Hindu culture globally.
Although Diwali is a major Hindu celebration, it is vital to recognize that Hinduism cannot be simplified into a single representative holiday. Hinduism is a decentralized, pluralistic faith with thousands of years of history. It encompasses a vast spectrum of philosophies, regional cultures, and distinct lineages. A holiday that is central to one community may look entirely different—or hold less weight—in another.
While Diwali is a massive celebration in North and West India, other regions center their calendars around different festivals. In Kerala (South India), the harvest festival of Onam takes center stage. In West Bengal (East India), Durga Puja is the defining cultural and religious event of the year.
Hinduism includes many different traditions. While Diwali often centers on Lakshmi (the Goddess of Wealth) and Lord Rama, millions of Hindus primarily worship Lord Shiva and hold Maha Shivaratri as their holiest night, or devote themselves to the Divine Feminine during Navaratri.
Acknowledging Diwali is a wonderful step toward cultural appreciation, but it is only an introduction. By celebrating the light of Diwali while remaining curious about the countless other traditions that define the faith, we move away from oversimplification and toward true, meaningful inclusion.
https://www.hinduamerican.org/diwali
https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/pages/article/diwali
