District Updates

• Emergency Notification Test Tomorrow (Oct. 18)!

• National School Psychologist Week (November 6-10)
  
• Bus Safety Reminder
  
• Safety Tips for Walking & Riding to School and Waiting at the Bus Stop
  
• Belonging and Engagement (YouthTruth Survey) - Board Presentation
  
• EWSD Calendar of Inclusive Holidays/Recognition Days
  

EWSD in the News

Happenings

Upcoming Events/Resources

• Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC)

• Youth Day - UVM Men’s Soccer

EWSD Social Media

The annual EWSD emergency system test will take place on Wednesday, October 18 at 6 p.m. At that time, families and staff will receive a brief message from the system based on contact information provided to the schools. The system will contact families/staff via email and phone.

If you do not receive a message and you feel you should have, please contact the school that your child attends to confirm that your contact information is correct. If you are an employee, please make sure that your contact information is up to date in the employee access center.

We want to thank all of the EWSD school psychologists for their critical work within our schools! Fittingly, the theme for this year’s recognition week is “Together We Shine,” which is meant to highlight the importance of strengths in our growth as individuals and school communities at all times of the year.

The National Association of School Psychologists presents this website which includes links to resources and podcasts that can help students thrive in school and at home.

The Essex Westford School District takes safety very seriously - especially when it comes to riding the bus, walking, biking, or driving to school. Please remember the safe areas for entering and exiting the bus, and always look before you cross the road. Please review the graphic below for the safe walking areas.

With the cooler weather and low-light conditions upon us, here are some important reminders:

• Wait off the traveled portion of the road, in a spot where the bus can see you. The bus will not stop or wait unless they see you.

• Wear reflective clothing and/or blinkers or carry a flashlight to stay visible to drivers.

• Don’t shine lights directly at buses or passing drivers.

Erin Maguire, Director of Equity and Inclusion, and Suzanne Gruendling, Director of Student Engagement and District System Services, presented data from the YouthTruth survey on belonging and engagement at the School Board meeting on October 3. The presentation highlighted how the District will make meaning from the data set as well as two new engagement programs that are being rolled out to the community this year. You can view their full presentation here.

During the later part of October, we recognize Dussehra, also known as Dashain and Dasara. Dussehra is a festival that is celebrated in all regions of India (but different communities may observe it in different ways). The festival denotes the beginning of the harvest season. The 10-day celebration frequently includes prayer services, traditional dances, and a re-enactment of Ramayana, or the battle of good versus evil.

Utilize this great resource to learn more about Dussehra and to create some activities and crafts related to the holiday at home.

Additional October/Early November Dates of Note:

• Birth of Baha'u'llah - October 16-17

• Day of the Dead/Dia de los Muertos - November 1-2

• Veterans Day/Armistice Day - November 11

• Diwali/Dipawali - November 12-15

View all of the inclusive holidays and recognition days and access links to relevant resources on the EWSD Calendar!

• Essex sophomore scores goal from distance in 4-0 win against Rutland (My NBC5)
• Essex Middle School using new phone lock box policy (WCAX)
• Essex's Zachary Jackman takes freshman win at Manchester Invitational, other runners deliver strong performances (Essex Reporter)
• Blue and Gold photos (Essex Reporter)
• A list of EWSD’s expansive safety measures, and places where the district feels it can improve (Essex Reporter)
• Too Many Vermont Kids Struggle to Read. What Went Wrong — and Can Educators Reverse a Yearslong Slide in Literacy? (Seven Days)
• PHOTOS: Where does money for the school budget come from, and where does it go? (Essex Reporter)
• PHOTOS: Essex Hornets turn out for Homecoming football game (Essex Reporter)
• EWSD prepares for PCB testing in October, results will take up to six months (Essex Reporter)

The Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) resumed meeting for the 2023-24 school year on Monday, October 2. Full SEPAC Meetings will continue to be held on the second Monday of each month from 6-7:30 p.m., with the next meeting falling on November 13. All are welcome to attend. Please email Sarah Warrington to receive the Google Meet details for each meeting.

Essex Westford students (and families) are invited to watch the nationally-ranked UVM Men’s Soccer team take on UMBC on Saturday, October 21 starting at 1 p.m. (Virtue Field). If you mention that you are from the EWSD (one of our schools or towns) tickets are only $4 (usually $8 for adults and $6 for students)! Students who are 12 or younger and wear their favorite jersey, will get in for free.

Email: aboutwell@ewsd.org
Website: www.ewsd.org
Location: 76 Pearl Street, Suite 201, Essex Junction, VT 05452
Phone: 802-878-8168