The Hiawatha Buzz!

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Greetings Hiawatha Families,

I hope everyone has a wonderful conference with their child’s teacher this week. Our teachers are truly looking forward to connecting with families. Few things have a greater impact on student success than when schools and families work together as partners. Family conferences are an important opportunity for us to share insights, celebrate progress, and strengthen our partnership.

At Hiawatha, we strive to make sure our school community is welcoming and inclusive for every student. As part of this commitment, we are thoughtful about how we approach holidays and celebrations during the school day. We learn about and acknowledge many cultural and historical events—most recently Yom Kippur, Indigenous Peoples Day, and Diwali—as opportunities to build understanding and connection. We do not, however, celebrate holidays through activities such as dressing up, themed parties, or decorations. This helps ensure that our school day remains inclusive and focused on learning for all students.

Instead, we come together around shared experiences that unite our community. For example, our Harvest Celebration and Apple Festival have been joyful, school-wide PBIS events that celebrate our hard work and positive choices. As Halloween approaches, please remember that students should not wear costumes to school and that candy should stay at home. We know many families enjoy celebrating Halloween outside of school, and we appreciate your support in keeping our school environment welcoming and focused on learning.

Thank you for your continued partnership, and I look forward to seeing all of our students back on Monday!

Warmly,
Kolby Snellenberger
Principal

• • November 24th - 28th, 2025 (Fall Break) - No School - Please plan accordingly

The EWSD utilizes an automated emergency calling system that is currently intended only for emergencies, such as an unscheduled early release or a school closing. An annual test of this system is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, October 29, at 6 p.m.

At that time, families, staff, and high school students will receive a brief message from the system based on contact information provided to the schools. The system will contact users through email and a phone call.

If you do not receive a message and you feel you should have:

• Please contact the school that your child attends to confirm that your contact information is correct

• If you are an employee, please make sure that your contact information is up to date in the employee access center

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD)

We are seeing some cases of HFMD in our Hiawatha Community. Here are some things to know about this virus and when your student may return to school if they are diagnosed with HFMD.

What it is

HFMD is a common illness that usually causes fever, mouth sores, and skin rash. It can spread quickly at schools and day care centers. Most people get better on their own in 7 to 10 days.

Signs and symptoms

Most children have mild symptoms for 7 to 10 days. Symptoms may include:

• Fever

• Sore throat

• Painful mouth sores that blister

• Rash commonly found on the hands and feet

Prevention

HFMD is very contagious. To help prevent catching or spreading HFMD:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after changing diapers, using the toilet, and coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.

• Help children wash their hands and keep blisters clean.

• Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and shared items, including toys and doorknobs.

• Avoid close contact with an infected person, such as hugging or kissing them.

There is no vaccine in the United States to protect against the viruses that cause HFMD.

When to return to school

Because HFMD is normally mild, children can continue to go to child care and schools as long as they:

• Have no fever.

• Feel well enough to participate in class.

• Have no uncontrolled drooling with mouth sores.

As always, please contact me with any questions or concerns,

Nurse Reyna

802-857-7740

rmaher@ewsd.org

We have over the counter cough drops available in the health office. All cough drops sent in from home, even non-medicated ones, should be stored in and distributed from the health office to ensure safety. Please notify the nurse if you plan to send in cough drops for your student.

Thank you,

Nurse Reyna

802-857-7740

rmaher@ewsd.org

We're kicking off a new Box Tops for Education PTO fundraiser! Just scan the QR code to download the free app, select Hiawatha, and scan your receipt with participating products you already shop for to start earning. The funds go directly to Hiawatha and are used for community events throughout the school year!

Taryn Hennebicque

Hiawatha PTO Co-President

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 :-)

Menu

Back for a fifth year, this festive event will have a massive trick-or-treat trail throughout Maple Street Park, featuring decorated tents for families to enjoy! The amazing 750+ pumpkin pyramid will be on display for all to see at the front of the park. A ticket is not needed to see the pumpkin display. The pumpkin display will be up nightly through Halloween!

ALL AGES / MAPLE STREET PARK
SAT, OCTOBER 25 4–8PM

Ticket Details:
- City of Essex Junction residents may purchase presale online tickets starting October 1st. Please make sure you are logged into your Kaizen account that shows residency or create an account.
- Presale online tickets open up to purchase for all on October 15th
- Presale tickets are $5/group, up to 5 people and are available for online purchase until Friday, October 24 at 11:59pm.
- Tickets are sold for hour long time slots. Please arrive anytime during the hour time slot purchased.
- Day of ticket purchases will be $10/group, up to 5 people, subject to availability, plus processing fees on CC purchases. Can be purchased in person beginning at 4:00PM

Please bring a trick-or-treat bag, if you forget we will have some available! Walking to the event is encouraged as parking is limited. Scholarships available, please call our office at 878-1375.

If you are a business or community group that would like to participate in the event or pumpkin carving, please fill out the form below click here.

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Email: hiawathaoffice@ewsd.org