District Updates

• ❗ Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)
  
• 📌 COVID-19 Resources
  
• ⛳ Essex Rotary Youth Mini Golf Madness!
  
• 🎒 CTE Preschool Openings
• 📰 EWSD Multilingual Learner Newsletter
• 📎 Social and Emotional Learning Essential Standards
  
• ✏️ Equity & Inclusion Resources
  
• 🔔 No School Reminder
• 🤝 We Are Hiring
• 🗓️ EWSD Calendar of Inclusive Holidays/Recognition Days
  

Happenings

Upcoming Events

EWSD Social Media

Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), a virus spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito, has been in the news recently. Although EEE has been reported in the state of Vermont, Essex has not been identified as an at-risk area. The vast majority of people bitten by a mosquito will have little or no symptoms, serious disease is extremely rare. The Vermont Department of Health has said the best way to reduce the risk of infection is to prevent mosquito bites by using insect repellent, limiting time outdoors at dawn and dusk, and wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants.

Families can use the EPA’s resources to find a bug spray that meets their needs. If concerned about EEE exposure, we would recommend applying bug spray at home prior to school. We will update families as needed if any new guidance is shared by the health department.

The EWSD follows guidance from the Vermont Department of Health on returning to normal activities following COVID-19. Although EWSD is not providing COVID-19 testing kits, there are resources available:

• Free tests can be ordered from the federal government at the end of September 2024 at COVIDtests.org

• The CDC No-Cost Testing Locator can find locations offering no-cost COVID-19 testing

• Pharmacies and retail stores have COVID-19 tests available for purchase. Contact your health insurance company to learn if they will cover the cost of tests

• Contact your healthcare provider for other COVID-19 testing options

Calling all middle school students at ADL, EMS, and Westford ... you are invited to take part in the Mini Golf Madness event hosted by the Essex Rotary on Sunday, Sept. 29 from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.!

This annual event kicked off for the first time just last year and in addition to the mini golf, there will also be a super slugger competition and chippingest chipper challenge!

Register online today!

The CTE Preschool still has openings for the 2024-25 school year for children ages 3-5. Your child must be three years old by September 15 to enroll. We welcome families from all neighboring communities, not just Essex! Our program runs from October 1 to May 29, featuring a Reggio Emilia-inspired curriculum, small class sizes, and daily outdoor exploration. Tuition is $100 per month. For more information, email Melissa Brott.

Schedule:

• Tuesdays & Thursdays: 10:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
• Wednesdays: 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Curious about the essential standards for children in grades K-12 that pertain to social and emotional learning? Visit our website to learn more about the standards that act as guideposts and provide common language for educators as they determine grade-level appropriate learning and goals to be incorporated into the SEL curriculum.

The EWSD Equity & Inclusion website hosts a number of resources relevant to families. By visiting the website, you can find links to resources on topics such as “promoting disability awareness” and “talking with children about race.”

Reminder that there will be no school on Thursday, October 10 and Friday, October 11. Please plan accordingly.

School will resume on Monday, October 14. For a full list of planned school closures, visit our school calendars online.

The Essex Westford School District is currently hiring for available positions. Go to ewsd.org/jobs to read more and apply today!

• Cafeteria Worker: Monday-Friday, 7:30-1:15 p.m., starting at $17.77
• Cafeteria Substitute: Flexible schedule, starting at $17.77
• Mainstream Instructional Assistant: Monday-Friday, 7.5 hour days, starting at $19.75+
• Behavior Interventionist: Monday-Friday, 7.5 hour days, starting at $22.29+

Reach out to Andrew Peet to learn more about positions within the Child Nutrition Department.

The International Day of Peace (September 21) was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1981 in order to designate a period of non-violence and cease-fire. Many practice a "moment of silence" at noon on this day, creating a Peace Wave across the various time zones in the United States. ColoursofUs.com has gathered this resource which includes multicultural children's books about peace.

Hispanic Heritage Month begins on September 15 and runs through October 15. The month is designed to recognize the contributions of Hispanic-Americans — specifically, those whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. The awareness month begins on September 15 which is the independence anniversary for Latin American countries El Salvador, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Honduras.

You can view the EWSD Events Calendar, which includes many inclusive holidays and days of recognition for the year.

• Essex football looks to contend again (WCAX)
  
• Vermont high schools embrace Guardian Caps in race towards football safety (My NBC5)
• PHOTOS: EWSD students return to school for the 2024-25 year (Essex Reporter)
• 33 PHOTOS: Essex High School cross country kicks-off season by hosting Essex Invitational (Essex Reporter)
• Q&A: EHS volleyball coaches say teams look to continue years of success (Essex Reporter)
  
• New head coach leads Essex High School field hockey (Essex Reporter)
  

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