EWSD News
News for EWSD Families and Community Members
June 16, 2019
*This is the final version of the EWSD News for the 2018-2019 school year ... have a fun and relaxing summer!
In This Issue ...
District Updates
Superintendent Perspective
EWSD Transportation Update - 06.04.19
EWSD News - Year End Survey
Supporting and Developing Social and Emotional Learning Skills
FREE Summer Food Program - Spread the Word!
EWSD Job Fair
EWSD In The News
Keep Up With the EWSD BoardHappenings
Upcoming Events
EWSD Job Opportunities
Important Links
District Updates
Superintendent Perspective
Dear Families,
Thank you for supporting your child(ren) throughout the school year. We all play an important role in making sure the year is a successful one and our partnership with our families is imperative to the work we do.
As we continue on our journey towards making our EWSD Vision a reality, our commitment to academic achievement and social and emotional learning holds true. You will read more about our work in the area of social and emotional learning further down in the newsletter.
In striving to improve in the area of academics, we will be continuing with an early release on Tuesdays next school year in order to give time for professionals to collaborate and learn from each other.
The demands of a licensed professional in education have changed over the last 5-10 years. Our jobs cannot be performed well in isolation. By implementing Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), we are building a cohesive, stronger system. It’s all about the kids. I often hear that we are taking time away from their learning by releasing them an hour early on Tuesdays, while that may be true, what we gain from the collaboration of teachers and staff will build equity throughout our District and ultimately it is our students who will benefit.
There is an abundance of research that has proven that well functioning PLCs impact student success every day by giving teachers time to collaborate and engage in best practices that ensure high levels of learning for every student. Districts that fully engage in PLCs have proven to close the learning gap between under-performing and high-performing students.
Next year we will continue to focus on safety and security, which will include implementing Run, Hide, Fight across the District. Run, Hide, Fight is a protocol that many universities, hospitals, and community facilities are implementing. The skills that it promotes are life skills that we should all be trained in. In the fall we will invite the community to learn more about Run, Hide, Fight and how this initiative is in partnership with our local police.
What about busing you ask? If we begin the school year with the number of bus drivers we currently have, we will be extending our services to the Village schools. If we start the year with fewer bus drivers, it is our commitment to bus our youngest and most vulnerable students, this includes the Village. If we find ourselves with more drivers through our hiring efforts, we will look to create routes that are more efficient for everyone.
I know that Friday was the last day of school, but I can honestly say, I cannot wait for the 2019-2020 school year to begin! The EWSD vision is clear and we continue to align our work to it. I am very proud to serve as the superintendent of the EWSD.
Have a happy, healthy summer!
Warmest regards,
Beth Cobb
EWSD Superintendent
EWSD Transportation Update - 06.04.19
At the EWSD Board meeting on Tuesday, June 4, the Board received the following status update regarding contractor routes, recruiting, and continued implementation of the student transportation plan.
- Village K-8 bus transportation is planned to start with the 2019-2020 school year.
- EWSD anticipates busing Town High School students with a combination of yellow school buses and free access to public transportation if we start 2019-2020 with the same number of drivers as 2018-2019.
Read the full update on EWSD.org.
EWSD News - Year End Survey
Supporting and Developing Social and Emotional Learning Skills
Growing hearts and minds, for a better today and tomorrow: every day, every way, every one.
As we strive to meet our EWSD vision, we understand and value the importance of supporting and developing the social and emotional learning (SEL) skills of all students. SEL refers to the skills necessary and related to managing emotions, positive goal setting/attainment, empathy for others, positive relationships, and responsible decision making.
As a merged district, we have the opportunity to develop a comprehensive and aligned approach. To that end, a group of stakeholders across the District has developed a strategic action plan to help organize and guide the work ahead.
The group also has recommended a set of “Core Competencies” that will help focus our work. These competencies outline the broad SEL skills that we will strive to develop and support our students in the District. They are: Self Awareness, Self Management, Responsible Decision Making, Social Awareness, and Relationship Skills.
These competencies are compatible with much of the work to date, consistent with elements of the Vermont Transferable Skills, and align with the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) model, which has significant research and resources to support the work ahead. A visual representing the CASEL competencies, which we have adopted, can be seen below. In addition to reflecting the SEL competencies, it illustrates the importance of school, home, and community engagement with this work.
While there is a lot of work ahead, we are excited to continue our journey in supporting all students with the skills that will enable them to be successful in school and life.
For more information regarding SEL, we encourage you to check out the following resources:
FREE Summer Food Program - Spread the Word!
EWSD Job Fair
The EWSD is now hiring support staff in the following positions:
- Bus Drivers and Aides
- Child Nutrition Staff
- Property Services
- Crossing Guards
- IT Helpdesk Staff
- Security Guards
- Skating Rink Staff
- Substitutes
Apply in person for multiple positions, meet managers, and take part in on-site interviews! Free pizza and refreshments will be provided.
For more information, please call 802-878-8168.
EWSD In the News
Essex first responders stage crash, highlight dangers of drunk driving (MyChamplainValley)
Westford students raise pride flag (Essex Reporter)
Mock DUI sends serious message (Essex Reporter)
Army officer surprises brother in his last lacrosse game (WCAX)
EHS leadership program hosts former ambassador to Syria (Essex Reporter)
Meme drawing sparks concern at EHS (Essex Reporter)
Happenings
Pizza and Math
Visiting Montreal
Math Through Art
Senior Day Surprise
EHS senior Christopher LaBonte received a nice surprise during Senior Night for the Hornets when his older brother Cav. Scout Nicholas LaBonte appeared at his final regular season lacrosse game. The older LaBonte is stationed at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas and worked with his mother to keep it secret.
Track Champs
Congrats to the EMS Girls and the ADL Boys track and field teams, who each came in first place overall at the Chittenden County Regional Track and Field meet. Nearly 20 different teams from around the state competed in the event.
Big-Little Celebration
The Big-Little program celebrated the end of the school year with an ice cream party! The goal is to pair an EHS 'big friend' with 'little friends' at our elementary schools. This provides both EHS and elementary students with opportunities to engage in a mentor-like relationship. The following schools in the EWSD participated this year: EHS, Summit, Fleming, EES, and Hiawatha.
Environmental Science Fair
ADL hosted a science fair focused on environmental issues!
Year End Musical
Summit Street School held its end of the year musical show at Fleming on June 6!
Marching in the Parade
EWSD Social Media
Upcoming Events
EWSD Board Meeting
Tuesday, Jun 25, 2019, 06:30 PM
Essex High School, Educational Drive, Essex Junction, VT, USA
EWSD Job Opportunities
Important Links
About Us
Email: bdickie@ewsd.org
Website: www.ewsd.org
Location: 58 Founders Road, Essex Junction, VT, USA
Phone: 802-878-8168
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/essexwestford/
Twitter: @EssexWestford