The Hiawatha Buzz!

*Click on the Hiawatha Buzz image above for a mobile-friendly view or table of contents on a computer

Dear Hiawatha Community,

Thank you to everyone who attended our Community Dinner! Please enjoy some pictures below.

For anyone who would like information around the proposed budget and opportunities to share your voice, please see the details below.

Have a great weekend,

Katherine

Your voice matters! Learn about the EWSD budgeting process by viewing the EWSD budget web page for the latest news, frequently asked questions, blog posts, Board meeting materials, and more.

You can also become more involved by ...

• Using this form to share your questions and feedback about the FY26 budget

• Joining the virtual conversation as part of our EWSD BudgetTalk series (Jan. 30, Feb. 6, 13, and 20) from 6:30-7:30 p.m. to dialogue with the board about the budget.

• Attending an upcoming budget-focused School Board meeting, as the next will take place on Tuesday, February 4, starting at 6:30 p.m. in the EHS library. The meeting can also be viewed online thanks to the Media Factory.

If you know of a community member who currently does not receive these emails and would like to, they can sign up to be included in any budget messaging that the EWSD sends out.

February 24th - March 4th - Winter Break - NO SCHOOL - Please plan accordingly

We invite the EWSD community to nominate an outstanding employee for our EWSD Employee Spotlight! Whether it’s someone who consistently goes above and beyond, makes a positive impact, or has achieved something extraordinary, we want to hear about it.

This is your chance to recognize the dedication, hard work, and contributions that make a difference in our community. Use this form to nominate an EWSD employee and look for them to be featured on our EWSD social media accounts.

Arielle Boutwell
Communications Assistant
Essex Westford School District

Office: (802) 857-7061
Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn

When batteries are not recycled properly, they often end up in landfills, where they can release harmful chemicals into the soil and even pose a fire hazard. Did you know throwing batteries in the trash is illegal in Vermont and several other states? Batteries must be handled responsibly to protect our environment.

To raise awareness about proper battery recycling, the fifth graders in Ms. Guntulis's class at Thomas Fleming School are participating in the 'Battery Blitz' Challenge, sponsored by CWSD, Earth Rangers out of Canada, and Call2Recycle.

Collection boxes have been placed at these locations - all in Essex Junction:

• BoxCar Bakery: 11 Park Street
• The Nest Cafe: 17 Main Street
• Firebird Cafe - at Five Corners
• Brownell Library, Lincoln Street
• 5 Corners Variety, 39 Park Street
• Fairground Beverage - 103 Pearl Street
• Thomas Fleming School - Prospect Street

Please drop off your used batteries at any of these locations by February 15th and help us spread the word about responsible recycling!

A special thanks goes out to Jake Tran (Firebird and The Nest Cafe); Duncan Harvey (Fairgrounds Bev & 5 Corners Variety) and MK and Stacey (BoxCar Bakery) and the staff at Brownell Library. The Environment Committee of Essex Rotary is honored to support these students as they learn about environmental impacts and attempt to solve part of this issue.

Please, please take your batteries - both "normal" and rechargeable - to support our enterprising students.

During the winter months, please send your student to school with a hat, a pair of gloves or mittens, a coat, snow pants, and boots. Students go outside for recess unless the ‘feels like’ temperature is below zero degrees.

Also, please pack extra shoes for your student to wear inside the school building. Wearing wet snow boots is not only uncomfortable but makes for wet floors, which can lead to injury.

If you need assistance with obtaining winter gear, please contact me or Mrs. Grykien (kgrykien@ewsd.org).

Thank you,

Reyna Maher, RN

rmaher@ewsd.org

857-7740

Mid-Year Classroom WIsh lists

It's that time of year when school supplies start to break or get lost and classrooms could use a little boost. Though teachers are given a healthy budget at the beginning of the school year, by mid-year they are often trying to stretch that budget to buy the items that make the classroom experience better for their students and themselves. Oftentimes, those extra purchases like a classroom fan or a high quality visual timer have to be put off until the next school year.

Typically, the Hiawatha PTO celebrates our teachers with desserts at the Dessert Swap mid-year. This year, we choose to show them some love by providing them with the classroom items that they'd like the most.

Please check out the Amazon Wishlist below to see the most requested items from our teachers and staff. If you are feeling generous, consider purchasing something. All items will be shipped to PTO President, Ashley Arcovitch, and distributed to the appropriate recipients.

WISH LIST HERE! https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/TRS7IPAW66VR?ref_=wl_share

Spring Dance

Mark your calendars! Friday, March 21st 5:30-7 PM is our annual Spring Dance. This is a free event and will include music, a photo booth and fun activities. Snacks will be donated and available with suggested donation to support events like this.

SIgn-up to help or donate here:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0A48ADAF2AA0F58-54166729-hiawatha

Please click this link 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. The menu can also be found on our website :-)

Email: hiawathaoffice@ewsd.org