The Hornet Buzz
March, 2026
We Are Essex High School!
Important Dates
- March 26: EWSD Fine Arts Night at 5:30PM
- March 31: Military Information Meeting at 1:15PM
- March 31: Quarter 3 Ends
- April 1: Quarter 4 Begins
- April 7: Spring Hiring Fair at 11:30AM
- April 8: AVPA Showcase at 6PM
- April 10: Districts Jazz Festival at 6PM
- April 20 - 24: No School - Spring Break
Principal's Message
Dear Hornet Students, Families, and Caregivers,
Thank you to all of our families who attended Wednesday evening’s conferences or took the time to schedule a meeting with your student’s teacher. These conversations are an essential part of the partnership between home and school, and they play a meaningful role in supporting each student’s growth and success.
As we move into the spring months, we encourage you to continue reinforcing the importance of staying ENGAGED in learning, being HONEST in all work, and making SAFE, responsible choices. This time of year can be busy, but maintaining focus and strong habits remains key.
I would also like to invite any interested parents and caregivers to join our next Parent Advisory Group meeting on April 15 at 6:30 p.m. This meeting will be open to all who would like to participate. If you are interested, please RSVP by April 1 using the provided form. Additional details will be shared via email with those who sign up. We hope you’ll consider joining us.
Best,
Donald S. Van Nostrand
Principal
In This Issue
- Parking Lot Safety
- EWSD Fine Arts Night - 3/26
- Military Information - 3/31
- Celebrating The Class Of 2026
- CCV Early College & Free Degree Promise Open Houses
- 2026 Brad Nadeau Scholarship
The American Legion Department of Vermont Law Cadet Program
Updates From The Career Center
Spring Hiring Fair - 4/7
The Green Mountain Work and Learn Program
Global Foundries Apprenticeship Program
No School: 4/20 - 4/24
The Hive
Dream Big 5K: Run, Walk, Roll at EMS on 5/3
- Important Links
- Administrator Assignments
Parking Lot Safety
This is a reminder that with the warmer weather approaching, students may start to ride bikes to school. Please be cautious of students in parking lots and surrounding areas.
EWSD Fine Arts Night - 3/26
On Thursday, March 26, the Essex Westford School District will host its annual Fine Arts Night: Celebrating Creative Minds. This district-wide showcase at Essex High School brings together nine schools to celebrate students' artistic achievements in grades K-12.
The event transforms the campus into a multi-disciplinary arts hub. Visitors can explore 2-D and 3-D visual art galleries, student-film presentations, and live performances.
Event Details:
Date: Thursday, March 26, 2026 (Snow Date: March 27)
Time: 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM | Location: Essex High School, Essex Junction, VT
Live Performance & Exhibition Schedule:
5:30–8:00 PM: K-12 Art Exhibition & Film Presentations (Library/AV Space)
5:30 PM: Opening Remarks
5:35 PM: Orchestra Performance (Gym)
6:15 PM: Band Performance (Gym)
7:00 PM: Chorus Performance (Gym)
7:30 PM: Theater Showcase (Auditorium)
This showcase represents the collective work of students from Summit Street, Essex Elementary, Hiawatha, Founders Memorial, Thomas Fleming, Westford, Albert D. Lawton, Essex Middle School, and Essex High School. Members of the community are encouraged to attend and experience these young artists' dedication and talent firsthand.
Military Information - 3/31
Celebrating the Class of 2026
Do you have a senior graduating this year? We want to celebrate them!
Share a photo of your senior with communications@ewsd.org.
What does their next chapter look like? What are they looking forward to? What accomplishments are they most proud of? Submissions will be featured on EWSD's social media pages!
CCV Early College & Free Degree Promise Open Houses
CCV’s Early College (EC) program allows rising Vermont high school seniors to spend their entire senior year at CCV earning college credits, finishing their high school diploma, and getting a jump on a college degree, tuition free!
After EC, the Free Degree Promise covers a second year at CCV, allowing students to earn an associate degree at no cost.
Virtual Event:
Tuesday, May 12 at 6:00 PM
In Person Events:
Thursday, April 2 at 4:00 PM at CCV Montpelier
Thursday, April 16 at 4:00 PM at CCV Winooski
2026 Brad Nadeau Scholarship
Scholarship Opportunity:
The 2026 Brad Nadeau Scholarship is a $1,000.00 award given to a graduating senior planning to attend college, technical school, or training program after graduation.
Scholarship Description:
Brad Nadeau was a strong, kind-hearted and non-judgmental young man. He was a proud member of the soccer and track teams here at Essex High School. He loved being surrounded by all of his friends and teammates. He worked extremely hard and powered through many obstacles to achieve his successes. But as focused as he was on his own goals, he did not hesitate to assist a friend in need. Brad lived his life with a charitable spirit and strong passion to help others. Brad died in April 2012 at the age of 17 from an undetected heart condition. Brad’s goal was to work in the human services field as he wanted to give of himself to others. This scholarship was established by his family and friends to embody Brad’s values and his compassion for friends and community.
Eligibility:
* A 12th grade student at Essex High School attending a college or training program in the fall.
* Demonstrate academic achievement (minimum of a C or 2.0)
* Completion of the required essay.
Deadline: April 16th, 3pm
Questions? Contact Siobhan Barber in the school counseling office.
The American Legion Department of Vermont Law Cadet Program
The American Legion Department of Vermont Law Cadet/LE Cadet Program applications for 2026 are out. The application is posted at https://vtlegion.org/cadet.cfm with an application deadline of April 15th. The program can accommodate approximately 26 students, the one-week program is hosted at the Vermont Police Academy in Pittsford, Vermont. The dates are Sunday, June 21, 2026 through Friday, June 26, 2026.
Here is the National Program video - https://youtu.be/D-VFmA8FYWU
The American Legion Law & Order Cadet Training Program 2026 Application and Guidelines
Contact Information
American Legion Dept of VT Law Cadet Program
Ms. June Kelly, M.Ed., Director
Law & Order Committee Chair
HQ's: Department of Vermont
Po Box 396
Montpelier VT 05602-0396
Contact Number: 802-223-7131
Contact Email: alvthq@talofvt.com
Documents / Forms
Please send your application to:
Department of Vermont HQ’s, PO Box 396, Montpelier, VT 05601-0396
For questions, please call 802-223-7131
Updates From The Career Center
Student Job Opportunities
Please check this section for student job opportunities.
Students can stop in the Career Center in the Library to see Ms. Hemingway to learn more!
Spring Hiring Fair - 4/7
The Green Mountain Work and Learn Program
All young adult participants will attend a residency program at UVM the week of July 6th. The goal of this week is to set expectations for the internship, practice professional and technical skills, and to develop a community among these young adults.
The deadline for young adults to apply is April 3, but we will be reviewing applications as they come in.
Global Foundries Apprenticeship Program
No School: 4/20 - 4/24
The Hive
Dream Big 5K: Run, Walk, Roll at EMS on 5/3
Join us for the 10th annual Dream Big 5K! Whether you're 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.
Link: https://runsignup.com/dreambig5krunwalkroll
Run. Walk. Roll.
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!
Your Race, Your Way!
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 $13,000 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.
#DreamBigVT
Important Links
The EHS Events Calendar is a good place to find many of the events at EHS. This is also where students can remember whether it's an A or B day.
The Essex High School website is a good place to find information about our school. Including handbooks, daily schedules and our staff directory.
Administrator Assignments
Erin Cavoneil
9th Grade
Jim Kelley
10th Grade
Ben Skoglund
Director of School Counseling
Gayle Botelho
11th Grade
Don Van Nostrand
12th Grade
Tom Carlson
Director of Student Support Services
Let's get social!
Click the icons below to find our social pages!
Essex High School
Email: hornets@ewsd.org
Website: ewsd.org/ehs
Location: 2 Educational Drive, Essex Junction, VT, USA
Phone: (802)879-7121