EWSD News
News for EWSD Families and Community Members
After a nationwide search, the EWSD Board has named Dr. Mark Holodick as the next superintendent of the District. Holodick will officially begin on July 1, 2025.
Holodick comes to the EWSD after serving as Delaware’s Secretary of Education since January 2022. Before joining the Delaware Department of Education, he served for two years as a senior leadership specialist for the University of Delaware’s Delaware Academy for School Leadership (DASL). In this role, he coordinated the Governor’s Institute for School Leadership and served as lead faculty for DASL’s Principal Preparation Program. He also conducted research in collaboration with school districts and charter schools, and designed and facilitated research-informed professional development for school leaders.
From 2009-2020, Holodick served as superintendent of the Brandywine School District in Delaware, following a long history with the District as a student, teacher, assistant principal, and principal. Read the full press release here.
The EWSD Board and administration invite you to join them for a virtual conversation as part of the District’s BudgetTalk series on March 20 and 27 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Attend these sessions to ask questions and learn more about the proposed budget.
You can also learn more about the proposed budget in the EWSD annual report or by visiting the EWSD budget website, which includes answers to frequently asked questions, budget updates, and both presentations and videos from recent Board meetings.
At the EWSD Board meeting on March 11, the Board approved the 2025-26 school calendar. Please also note that after three school cancellations so far this year, the final day for students will now be Friday, June 13, 2025. The last day of school will be a half day.
On March 11, a case of measles was reported in Vermont. Measles is a very contagious respiratory virus that can be dangerous, especially for babies, young children, and unvaccinated individuals.
To learn more about measles and how to keep you and your family healthy, contact your doctor or visit the Vermont Department of Health Measles website.
We will administer the Vermont Agency of Education State Assessments again this spring. This will be our third year administering the Vermont Comprehensive Assessment Program (VTCAP).
All students in grades 3-9 will participate in this annual academic assessment in mathematics and English language arts, and all students in grades 5, 8, and 11 will participate in this annual academic assessment in science. Students with the most significant disabilities may fulfill this requirement by participating in the Multi-State Alternate Assessment (MSAA). In that case, you will be notified separately by your child’s special education case manager, and this will be indicated on your child’s individualized education plan.
The VTCAP and MSAA collectively fulfill Vermont’s federal accountability requirements under the Every Student Succeeds Act regarding assessing academic proficiency in mathematics, English language arts, and science. To read the full letter, view this document.
Did you know that you can find a helpful list of Parent and Family Support Resources in the local area on the School Counseling website?
The site includes a consolidated list of phone numbers for key resources, such as DCF, SafeSpace, Spectrum Youth, and Family Services as well as our school-based EWSD counselors.
A free mental health clinic affiliated with Spectrum Youth and Family and the University of Vermont Counseling Program, they offer in-person counseling services for teenagers, adults, and families. Services are provided by counselors-in-training from the University of Vermont and under the supervision of a licensed clinical supervisor.
If you are interested in seeking services, email aelliott@spectrumvt.org or call 802-864-7423 ext. 331. You can also fill out this online form as well. The clinic is located at 31 Elmwood Ave. in Burlington.
The EWSD Transportation Department will be donating unclaimed lost and found items from the buses to Goodwill at the end of March.
If your student has lost an item on the bus, please email transportation@ewsd.org with a description of the item, and they will check to see if they have it.
Ramadan began on February 28 and will continue through March 29. The dates for Ramadan vary around the world because they are based on moon cycles. In order to put more focus into Allah, many Muslims fast during all daylight hours during Ramadan. The fast is broken with the Iftar meal, which takes place after sunset. Regular Muslim practices of daily prayer and refraining from greed, envy, etc. take on added significance during Ramadan. Access information and activities to talk with kids about Ramadan on this Globe Trottin’ Kids site.
Holi, also known as the festival of colors, took place on March 14. The day involves the throwing of ‘gulal,' a colored powder that is considered to be a symbol of joy and love. Holi provides an opportunity to welcome spring, and it represents the triumph of good over evil. Access resources about Holi at this PBS Learning Media site.
Learning the Ukulele
In music, Fleming students have been developing their focus, discipline, and perseverance in a fun way by learning to play the ukulele. They end this six-week unit by choosing a preferred song to perform either solo or with friends.
State Champions
EHS Junior to Perform Original Music at Concert
School will resume on Tuesday, April 1. For a full list of planned school closures, visit our school calendars online.
Check out several EWSD students competing in the FIRST Robotics Competition District Event on March 29 (9 a.m. - 7 p.m.) and 30 (9 a.m. - 4 p.m.) at UVM! This is the culminating level of the FIRST program and the work represents an astonishing 300-400 hours of STEM engagement per student, interfacing with mentors from local tech companies and precision manufacturers, and managing their team as a startup enterprise.
UVM's Patrick Gym hosts 32 of New England's best high school robotics teams as they compete in fast-paced three-versus-three match play. It's a super-engaging blend of STEM and sport, with a ton of infectious team spirit--fun for all ages! Enjoy viewing matches from the stands, or visit team pits for a closer look at these amazingly complex 150-pound machines and the students who designed and built them! All nine Vermont FRC teams will be competing! The event is free and open to the public.
The 38th Annual Vermont State Scholastic Chess Championships will be held on Saturday, March 29 at Lamoille Union High School. This is the selection tournament for Vermont’s nominees to the national Denker, Haring, Barber and Rockefeller Invitationals. This tournament is open to Vermont students in grades K-12. Participants must be VT residents or be enrolled in a VT public or private school. VT resident home school students are eligible.
Chess Boards, pieces, and clocks will be provided. No prior tournament experience necessary. High School and eighth grade sections will be USCF rated. K-seventh grade sections will be unrated. Individual and team prizes will be awarded. All players must pre-register for the event. No walk-ins allowed. Registration closes on March 23. Registration may close prior to March 23rd due to space limitations. Online registration only, no entries will be accepted via mail or email. Complete rules and registration information can be found at https://vermontchess.org/.
EHS theater is thrilled to invite you to their upcoming comedic play - Clue: On Stage (High School Edition)! 🎭
Performances are Thursday, March 27 through Saturday, March 29 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, March 30 at 2 p.m. in the EHS Auditorium. Tickets are $5 children/students and $8 general admission: https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/ehs-theater/EHSClue
Come learn about the special education evaluation process & how to access funds for services in private and independent settings. This session will support homeschool families & independent schools in understanding special education: an opportunity to engage with the Essex Westford School District.
This event will be held on Thursday, April 3 from 5-6 p.m. on Google Meet. Families can register at https://tinyurl.com/ewsdsession. This session will be led by Erin Maguire and Dylan McNamara, Co-Directors for Student Support Services. If you have any questions, call EWSD Student Support Services at (802) 857-2007.
National Library Week is April 6-12! To help celebrate our wonderful EWSD libraries and library workers, consider adding a memory, shoutout, or another blurb to this Padlet. To add to this website, you can double click anywhere or click the "plus" in the lower-right corner.
The Arts Faculties of EWSD will host the Annual Fine Arts Night “Celebrating Creative Minds” at Essex High School on Thursday, April 10 from 5:30-8 p.m.
This exceptional production will feature the outstanding artistic work of our talented youth from EWSD schools in various disciplines, including visual arts, music, and film.
Join the Vermont School Counselor Association for their first ever Pickleball Fundraiser on April 12! Enjoy casual or competitive pickleball games for players of all ages, abilities, and skill levels while benefiting the Vermont School Counselor Association.
Having fun and staying active are critical pieces of taking care of our mental health, and this fundraiser is no exception. Join us for a few hours or a full day of fun, community, food, raffles, and the joy of play! No paddles? No worries! The POP will provide equipment as needed.
Everyone is invited to register! If you are not able to attend, but would like to support, there is a donation link on the registration page.
Whether you are a seasoned athlete or just getting started, the Dream Big 5K: Run, Walk, Roll is a race for everyone—of all ages and abilities! This exciting charity event benefits EDD Adaptive Sports programs for individuals with disabilities in our community.
The USATF-certified 5K kicks off at Essex Middle School and winds through local neighborhoods. The course is designed to be wheelchair and stroller-friendly, offering a fast, out-and-back route that’s perfect for participants of all speeds!
This is a hybrid event with both in-person and virtual race options. Choose your distance and division—whether you’re participating in the general, adaptive standing or adaptive sitting category, there's a place for you! The Dream Big 5K is more than just a race—it's a celebration of community, inclusion, and impact! Together, we’re aiming to raise $14,000 to fund life-changing adaptive sports programs. So grab your family, friends, or co-workers, create a team, and get ready for some friendly competition and amazing prizes. Let's Dream Big together.
About Us
Email: communications@ewsd.org
Website: www.ewsd.org
Location: 76 Pearl Street, Suite 201, Essex Junction, VT 05452
Phone: 802-878-8168