The Hornet Buzz

December 24 - January 2: No School - Early Winter Break
January 12: Quarter 2 Ends
January 13 - 16: Midterm Assessments
January 19: No School - Martin Luther King Day
January 20: Midterm Assessment Make-Up Day
January 21: Quarter 3 & Semester 2 Begins

Dear Hornet Students, Families, and Caregivers,

As we approach the end of the first semester, we want to take a moment to share a few important updates. When students return from Early Winter Break on January 5, there will be six instructional days remaining in the semester. End-of-semester assessments will begin on January 13, and the third quarter starts on January 21. We wish all students the very best as they work to finish the semester strong.

At Essex High School, we are committed to maintaining a school community that is free from hazing, harassment, and bullying. During the second quarter, we have seen an increase in reported incidents. We encourage families to take some time to talk with their students about the importance of kindness, respect, and maintaining a positive learning environment for all. Additional information can be found in the student handbooks and School Board policies. Thank you for continuing to support your students in being EHS Ready - Engaged, Honest, and Safe - in everything they do.

While students were on break during Thanksgiving week, EHS faculty participated in two full days of professional development focused on tools and strategies to support all learners. On November 24, faculty worked with Mike Woodlock from Novak Education, an organization nationally recognized for its work in Universal Design for Learning (UDL), Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), evidence-based interventions, and inclusive practices. On Tuesday, Dr. Tabitha Moore led faculty in exploring the connections between equitable practices and UDL. Faculty then spent time within their departments reviewing curriculum units using the District’s Equity Audit Tool.

We would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to the incredible teams who work behind the scenes every day to keep our school safe, welcoming, and running smoothly. This includes our safety team, custodial and facilities staff, child nutrition teams, and office staff. Many of these individuals are here even when school is “closed,” ensuring that teaching and learning remain our central focus. We are deeply grateful for their dedication and hope you will join us in thanking them whenever you have the chance.

I wish you and your family an enjoyable Early Winter Break and a happy, healthy, and wonderful 2026.

Best,
Donald S. Van Nostrand

No School: 12/24 - 1/2
Midterm Assessment Week: 1/13 - 1/16
Portrait of a Graduate and the PLP Connection
Senior Cap & Gowns: LAST CALL
UVM Pre-College Courses
Theater Auditions
Winter Ball - 1/18
Green Mountain Boys' State Applications
Updates From The Career Center
CTE School Visit
The Hive
Important Links
Administrator Assignments

Please see the schedule here: Midterm Assessment Week Schedule.

Midterm Assessment Week is from January 13th - January 16th, with the make-up day on Tuesday, January 20th, 8:45 a.m. - 2:45 p.m. If a student misses an assessment due to an absence, it is the student’s responsibility to reach out to their teacher(s) and schedule a time to make up the assessment on Tuesday, January 20th.

Midterm Assessments are 2-hour blocks of time. Midterm Assessment formats vary. Students may be required to take an exam, complete a project, give a presentation, or participate in portfolio discussions. Students are required to remain in their classroom for the full duration of the exam. It’s important that students arrive at their assessment on time. Students who arrive after 15 minutes of the start of the assessment will take the assessment during make-up day on Tuesday, January 20th.

EHS is an open campus during midterm week. Students are on campus for scheduled assessments and may leave when not scheduled. Students with a study hall on their schedule can go to the cafeteria or library, which will be a supervised space for students who are on campus.

Attendance and punctuality for assessments are essential to ensuring that students can fully demonstrate their abilities and meet academic expectations. Students with verified early dismissals during Midterm Assessment Week, please contact the Main Office before the start of the exam. This will allow the student and teacher to be notified before the testing block and will limit interruptions during the assessment.

EHS students who are also CTE students are reminded that they are to attend CTE when not taking a Midterm Assessment.

Extended Flex Block:

An Extended Flex Block will occur 2:00 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday of Midterm Assessment Week. These sessions are intended to provide students with the opportunity to complete missing assignments, demonstrate proficiency in an essential standard, an opportunity to engage in re-teaching or prepare for an upcoming assessment. Teachers will send emails to students and caregivers eligible for the extended flex block with more information January 7th - 12th, 2026.

All students will be scheduled via Adaptive Scheduler.

Students should check Adaptive Scheduler prior to the start of assessments for assignment, day, time, and location.

Extended Flex Block Schedule:

Tuesday 1/13: SS, Practical Arts, Business, Math
Thursday 1/15: English, PE/Health, Fine Arts
Friday 1/16: World Language, Drivers Ed, Science

Transportation Information:

Tuesday (1/13), Thursday (1/15), Friday (1/16): Buses will run as scheduled for an 8:40 a.m. arrival and a 3:15 p.m. departure.
Wednesday (1/14): Buses will run as scheduled for an 8:40 a.m. arrival and a 2:15 p.m. departure.
Tuesday (1/20) Make-Up Exam Day: Buses will run as scheduled for an 8:40 a.m. arrival and a 3:15 p.m. departure.

Child Nutrition Services:

Breakfast:

Cafeteria- 7:45 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.

Buzz's Bagels: Closed During Assessment Week

Lunch:

Cafeteria- 10:45 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

End of Semester Dates:

1/12: End of Quarter 2

1/13 - 1/16: Midterm Assessment Week

1/20: Midterm Assessment Make-Up Day

1/21: First Day of Quarter 3 (A-Day)

At Essex High School, we are committed to ensuring the highest quality and well-rounded education for all of our students. Students need academic knowledge and global competencies to succeed in their future endeavors as global citizens. After a series of community engagement sessions, the following competencies and skills were determined to be essential for success in an ever evolving world: adaptability, communication, critical thinking, empathy, financial literacy, and personal wellness. These skills are embedded in learning across content areas and are transferable to life after high school. To learn more about how students are applying these competencies in the development of their personalized learning plans (PLPs), please visit this website.

Attention Seniors!

This is a LAST CALL for Cap and Gown ordering!

No payment is due at this time. Payment will be collected when you pick up your cap and gown in May.

Orders need to be placed by the student using your EWSD student email.

Please use this Order Form to place your order.

UVM Pre-College Courses - apply here!

High school students explored subjects they’ve never tried before at UVM, earned transferable college credits, and built the confidence that comes from stepping into something new.

Plus at UVM, high school students - in-state and out-of-state - get 50% off academic-year tuition for select courses. Vermonters can use Dual Enrollment vouchers to take up to two courses free (fees apply).

Spring registration is open now
Application deadline: January 5, 2026
Courses begin: January 12, 2026

YOUR NEXT STEPS:
1) Explore course options below and start your application
2) Get guidance counselor sign-off (they can help with student schedules)
3) Get parent approval and enroll!

Trending courses filling up fast:

Intro courses to kick off your degree

Pre-reqs to fast-track your future

Have questions? Meet Aimee.

Every high school student has support from Aimee Adrian, our dedicated Pre-College Advisor. She can help students and families:

Pick the right course
Understand approvals needed from parents + guidance counselors
Navigate the application
Prepare for their first college class

You can meet Aimee at our Virtual Info Session on January 21 or book a one-on-one conversation.

Reserve your spot with Aimee
Join the Jan. 21 info session (we'll send you the recording if you can't make it)

Get ready for a night of music, dancing, and winter magic at this year's Winter Ball, themed Winter in Paris. Dress up, bring your friends, and enjoy a fun, unforgettable evening together.

Date: January 18th, 2026

Time: 8:30 pm to 11:30 pm

Location: Inn at Essex, 70 Essex Way

Tickets: On sale from January 6th to 8th during ALL LUNCHES and 14th to 16th between Exams.

Ticket cost: $30

Green Mountain Boys' State (GMBS) is a leadership program sponsored by the American Legion of Vermont. The Vermont American Legion and local Legion Posts have provided financial and logistical support to this program since 1938, providing exceptional opportunities to thousands of Vermont youth.

Eligible attendees are current 11th graders who may be interested in such areas as leadership, government, public service, and the military.

Attached you will find a description of the program and a copy of the paper application. Paper applications should be returned to the address located on the application. Alternatively, applicants, Legion Posts, and schools are also encouraged to use the online application linked HERE.

After students apply, follow-up conversations will be held among GMBS, school staff, and representatives from local Legion Posts before making selections regarding acceptance. GMBS will follow up with applicants to notify them of their acceptance and provide additional information about the program.

This year, the program will be held from Sunday, June 21st, to Friday, June 26th, at Saint Michael's College in Colchester, VT.

DEADLINE: Applications must be received by May 1st.

To learn more about Green Mountain Boys' State, you can visit our website HERE

If you have any questions, you may reach out to:

Dylan McNamara, Director of Green Mountain Boys' State: gmbsvtdirector@gmail.com

Christian Terry, Assistant Director of Green Mountain Boys’ State: gmbsvtdirector@gmail.com

Student Job Opportunities

Please check this section for student job opportunities.

Student Job Opportunities

Students can stop in the Career Center in the Library to see Ms. Hemingway to learn more!

1st Year College Student Panel

On Wednesday, December 17th, twenty EHS Class of 2025 graduates returned to Essex High School to share their first-semester college experiences with juniors and seniors. It was wonderful to hear their stories and catch up on all they have been doing since graduating.