Family Newsletter
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
Vermont leaders are working on ways to strengthen our public education system, manage costs, and improve opportunities for all students. To do this well, they want to hear directly from you.
We invite you to take 8–10 minutes to complete this survey and share your perspective. Your input will provide critical guidance as the Legislature, the Commission on the Future of Public Education, and the School District Redistricting Task Force consider the best path forward.
Continuing in our effort to engage families in supporting kind and supportive behaviors between students, we have a link to support you as a family. Project Cal-Well, led by the California Department of Education, created this simple guide to help parents and caregivers support the mental health and well-being of school-aged children. It explains how kids grow socially and emotionally, highlights warning signs of struggles, and offers practical tips, tools, and resources for getting help when needed.
The Essex Westford School District has exciting opportunities for parents, family, and community members - apply today! Take a look at the following positions, and visit www.ewsd.org/jobs to learn more.
Currently Hiring:
Paraeducator - Mainstream Instructional Assistant
Computer Technician/User Support Specialist
Student-led Food Pantry
Students at ADL have launched a new student-led food pantry, located on the ADL campus. Built with the help of seventh-graders and their advisor, the pantry is stocked with non-perishable food and available for anyone to donate to or take from.
Fun Runs
The annual Fun Run at EES and FMS was a success! 😁👟💨 Thank you to the PTO and all the volunteers who helped make this event a great time for students! 🎉
UVM Outstanding Educator Awards
Congratulations to Stacey Mead (EES), Kate Balsamo (EHS), and Marina Brzostoski (CTE) for being recognized as this year's UVM Outstanding Educators! Our EWSD teachers will be celebrated during the 44th annual UVM Outstanding Educator Awards in November.
Special Olympics Unified Champion School
ADL recently received national recognition as a Special Olympics Unified Champion School. ADL is the first Vermont middle school to receive this status.
Community Service Project
As part of their community service project this year, kindergarten students at Hiawatha are watering trees that have been planted at the school over the last few years by the track out front.
U.S. Presidential Scholar
Congratulations to Nora Austin, EHS Class of 2025, for being named a U.S. Presidential Scholar. Nora is one of two Vermont students who have earned this distinction.
🔔 Reminder there is no school on Thursday, October 23 (Diwali) and Friday, October 24 (Family Conferences). Please plan accordingly.
School will resume on Monday, October 27. For a full list of planned school closures, visit our school calendars online.
On October 27, from 7:30-8:30 p.m., there will be a free webinar hosted virtually on Zoom by Dr. Mallory Kane MD — founder of the Medical Literacy Initiative and director of the Medical Scholars Program.
In this webinar, the following will be discussed:
- What high school courses and activities help set the foundation for a career in medicine
- How to choose the right college major (and why you don’t need to major in biology to become a doctor)
- The types of extracurriculars and volunteer experiences medical schools value most
- Common myths about getting into medical school (and what actually matters
- Insider tips from a Harvard-affiliated resident physician on how to stand out as an applicant
- Live Q&A with Dr. Kane
Admission to the webinar is free. High school students, parents, or school administrators are welcome. Register to receive a zoom link.
Join us for Babysitting Night on Friday, November 7, from 5:30–8 p.m. in the Essex High School Gym! Kids can enjoy an evening of arts and crafts, games, and a movie while parents take some time for themselves.
This event supports the EHS Global Citizenship Travel Club, with all donations benefiting the EHS Service Learning Trip. For more information, please contact Tracy Muzerall.
The EHS Global Citizenship Travel Club is hosting a Bottle Drive in partnership with Central Beverage and Essex Discount Beverage. Bring your cans to either of those two locations and let them know you'd like to donate to the club.
All donations help students attend this year's service learning trip to the Dominican Republic. For more information, please contact Tracy Muzerall.
- Oct. 18-22 – Diwali: Renowned Festival of Lights celebrated across Hindu, Jain, and Sikh traditions.
- Oct. 22 – Birth of the Báb: A sacred day in the Baháʼí Faith.
- Oct. 31 -- Halloween: Some legends note that Halloween began as a Celtic tradition more than 2,000 years ago.
- Nov. 1–2 – Día de los Muertos / All Saints’ Day / All Souls’ Day / Samhain: A fusion of traditions celebrating ancestors and remembering those passed.
- Nov. 11 – Veterans Day: A U.S. federal holiday honoring military veterans.
Additionally, during the month of November, we recognize National Homeless Youth Awareness, and National Native American Heritage Month.
For more information on each of these dates, visit the EWSD Calendar. If you’re aware of additional inclusive holidays or recognition days that are not already included on the EWSD calendar, please contact Sarah Warrington.