EWSD News
News for EWSD Families and Community Members
Dear EWSD Families,
After more than 33 incredible years in education, I will be retiring at the end of this school year. It has been an honor to spend this final chapter of my career in the Essex Westford School District.
I am deeply grateful for the strong partnership we've shared. Your support, trust, and commitment to our students have made a lasting impact on our schools and community. Working alongside such dedicated families and staff has been one of the greatest privileges of my career.
Thank you for welcoming me into the EWSD and for all you do to support your children and our schools.
With gratitude,
Beth Cobb
EWSD Superintendent
Our team is working hard to ensure kids across our community have access to healthy, delicious meals while school is out. This year, we are proud to sponsor two summer meal sites locally, where children 18 and under can enjoy free meals in a welcoming environment. These meals must be consumed on-site (no grab-and-go). No registration is required - just show up.
Maple Street Park Pool Concessions (Essex Jct.)
Breakfast from 9-11 a.m. (Monday-Friday)
Lunch from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. (Monday-Friday)
Lunch only from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. (Weekends)
Fort Ethan Allen - near the gazebo (Colchester)
Lunch from 11:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. (Monday-Friday)
As we near the last student day of school and begin summer planning, the EWSD Transportation Department will be communicating with families about changes in your child’s bus route or bus stop in late July to early August.
Bus sign-ups will begin on July 7: In the Annual Student Update, available now, families should verify their interest in transportation for their child for the 2025-26 school year. You will then receive a follow-up email with the sign-up form for you to complete the pick-up and drop-off details. If you need a paper sign-up form, please contact us at (802) 857-7077.
Please sign up by August 1: Student rides and routes will be developed in the order in which they are submitted so it’s important to sign up. Our goal is to have routes established and students assigned a bus in mid-August to allow families as much time as possible to prepare for the first day of school. Bus routes and bus schedules will be published on the EWSD Website Transportation page in mid-August as well.
Be sure to complete the sign-up form if you would like your child to take the bus, and watch for the email back with your student’s bus assignment and schedule. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact District Transportation at transportation@ewsd.org or call (802) 857-7077.
June 12 is Loving Day, which marks the date in 1967 that the United States Supreme Court struck down laws that banned interracial marriage in several states.
A celebration of hope and justice, Juneteenth (June 19) commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States at the end of the Civil War. Observed for more than 150 years by African-American communities around the country, Juneteenth officially became a federal holiday on June 17, 2021. This resource from the History Channel provides more information about the day and how it is recognized.
Launched in 2000 by the United Nations General Assembly, World Refugee Day (June 20) focuses on ways to improve the lives of refugees. On this day, the UN plans to host live digital events, discussing the world refugee crisis, future goals surrounding the topic, and how to make a difference.
Former Hornet Christopher Davis helped lead Cornell to a 13-10 victory over the University of Maryland in the NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Division I Championship Game on May 26 in Foxborough, Mass. The senior captain played a big role in leading the top-seeded Big Red to their first NCAA title in 48 years.
Cornell, the 2025 Ivy League regular season and tournament champion, tied the Division I mark for wins in a season after going 18-1 on the year. An All-Ivy Second Team selection this season, Davis was a two-time first team all-state selection and a 2021 US Lacrosse High School All-American while playing at EHS.
Photo Credit: NCAA Photos
Proficiency & Leadership Achievements
This year, 44 EHS students, received the Seal of Biliteracy for Spanish. The Seal represents the ability to interpret, communicate and express themselves in Spanish at an intermediate proficiency level or higher.
Award in Writing
EHS Juniors Pankti Desai, Zahrah Muhammad, Holden Friesel, Lucy Noyes, and sophomore Ronin Ferree have been selected for the 2025 Achievement Award in Writing, given by the National Council of Teachers of English. Desai, Muhammad, and Noyes were all awarded the top distinction of First Class.
Farewells
Hiawatha students and staff came together to celebrate Principal Grykien as she wrapped up her final year as principal. In a heartfelt tribute, each student presented her with a flower—a tradition she began at Hiawatha called the Flower Ceremony—making it a meaningful way to say goodbye.
Giving Back
Sixth graders on the Enterprise Team at EMS spent a day giving back through community service with various organizations across Chittenden County. The students were divided into five groups: Winooski Valley Park District; Ethan Allen Homestead Museum, Maple Ridge Assisted Living, Aunt Dot’s Place, and Therapy Dogs of Vermont.
Mark your calendar for September 9 at 5 p.m. and join the Town of Essex for a free dinner and community forum focused on preventing opioid misuse. This event will be held at the Essex High School, and everyone is welcome to attend! Come learn about the impact of opioid misuse in your area and discover ways you can make a difference. Check out the Town of Essex's website for more information.
About Us
Email: communications@ewsd.org
Website: www.ewsd.org
Location: 76 Pearl Street, Suite 201, Essex Junction, VT 05452
Phone: 802-878-8168