The Hiawatha Buzz!
September 27th, 2024

May 1st, 2026
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Principal's Message
Next week is Staff Appreciation Week, and it’s a wonderful opportunity to recognize the incredible people who make our school such a special place. Our staff shows up each day with dedication, passion, and genuine care for our students. If you have a moment, a quick note or message of appreciation can go a long way in brightening someone’s day.
Thank you, as always, for being such an important part of our Hiawatha community.
Warmly,
Kolby Snellenberger
Principal
Important Dates
Monday, May 25, 2026 (Memorial Day) - NO SCHOOL
Monday, June 15, 2026 - Dismissal at 11:30 AM - (Last Student Day)
Here is the 25-26 School Calendar
Friends enjoying some Georgina time!
Summer Read & Win Program
What: An incentive program for students in grades K-8 to read at least three books during summer vacation, earn a ribbon and FREE one-time admission to the Champlain Valley Fair.
Where: Municipal libraries across Vermont will administer the program.
When: Program runs June 20 through August 15, 2026 (8 weeks).
How: Students register at the participating municipal library.
School Librarians: What to do –
- Tell your students that the Read & Win program exists!
- Give students a copy of the “Flyer for Students and Parents”
- Direct your students to their local library.
- We have reached out to many municipal libraries in Vermont. If you aren’t sure if your local library is participating – make sure they contact us at the number and email below.
If you have any questions, please call Jackie Buttolph at (802) 878-5545
or email at jbuttolph@cvexpo.org
Help Our Kids Grow Strong Through Positive Language
Is your language helping grow confident kids? The words kids hear every day—from parents,
caregivers, teachers, coaches, and other adults—help shape the ideas they develop about
food, their bodies, and themselves. Research shows these ideas begin as early as
preschool, and exposure to messages that suggest certain bodies are “better” or more
acceptable than others can lead to body dissatisfaction and self-criticism.
The good news: you can make a difference. The Vermont Department of Health and other
partners developed a campaign with tips and resources to help adults use positive language
about food and bodies. Check it out and learn more at HealthVermont.gov/ConfidentKids
May Music Class Update
We had our first mini concert of the series yesterday with our first grade students. Thank you to everyone who came to support and enjoy the performance. We truly loved sharing this special moment with you!!
We are currently working on the recorded video and will share it as soon as it’s available.
Our Kindergarten concert is coming up on Tuesday, May 12, and our second grade concert will be on Thursday, May 28. Classroom teachers will be sending reminders, and I’ve attached the poster here as well.
Before the break, all students had a chance to try new instruments—Boomwhackers—during our Spring Holiday lesson (Spring Passport). In music class, we focused on the Easter holiday and learned how to play “Hot Cross Buns” using the Boomwhackers. The students absolutely loved this activity!
In music class, we have also been playing a “Follow the Leader” game. Each student becomes the leader for 8 beats, creating their own movement, while the rest of the class copies those movements (follow the leader!). Then, the role passes to the next person in line. We’ve been exploring this with a variety of music styles, and it’s a fun activity you can try at home too! Let your child lead first, and enjoy moving together as a family.
Some sample tunes we’ve used recently include: Volare, Super Mario Bro.Theme Song, Straight Outta Recess
Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
Megumi Esselstrom (messelstrom@ewsd.org), Matt Torrez (mtorrez@ewsd.org)
Multicultural Community Festival
Fundraiser Alert!
The Hiawatha and Thomas Fleming PTOs are teaming up for a fun night out at the ballpark! Join us for two special Vermont Lake Monsters games this June, where every ticket purchased helps support our schools. Bring your family, invite your friends, and cheer on the Lake Monsters while giving back to our school community!
Purchase tickets here:
We hope to see you at the ballpark!
The Hiawatha PTO
Hiawatha Spring Dance- Save the date!
Annual Community Event
Hot Lunch Menu
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 :-)
HIAWATHA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Email: hiawathaoffice@ewsd.org
Website: www.EWSD.org/HIALocation: 30 Hiawatha Avenue, Essex Junction, VT, USA
Phone: 802-878-1384