EWSD News
News for EWSD Families and Community Members
November 17, 2020
In This Issue ...
District Updates
New COVID-19 Mitigation Measures from Governor Scott
EWSD Offers Free Weekend Meals for All Children 18 and Under!
Heavenly Food Pantry Open This Thursday!
Essential Worker Superstars
Cloth Face Coverings to be Distributed to All Students and Staff
SEL Strength Based Assessment
Locating, Identifying, and Evaluation of Students: CHILD FIND
Safety, Policing, and Racial Justice in Essex - Survey
Happenings
Upcoming Events
EWSD Board Meeting
Important Links
EWSD Social Media
New COVID-19 Mitigation Measures from Governor Scott
As we approach the holiday season and have many families wanting to travel or host guests in their homes, we think it is important that we share information with you in regards to student learning, quarantining, and traveling.
To slow the spread of COVID-19 as cases and hospitalizations rise in Vermont and throughout the nation, Governor Scott has implemented several temporary limitations on social gatherings and business operations. This includes suspending the travel map and requiring quarantine for any non-essential interstate travel. These measures became effective Saturday, November 14 at 10 p.m., unless otherwise noted.
To slow the spread, ensure hospitals are not overwhelmed, help schools continue to offer in-person instruction, and keep as many Vermonters working as possible, the State has targeted new mitigation strategies to address the areas that appear to be driving the spread. Since October 1, 71% of the cases associated with an outbreak are associated with an outbreak from a private party or social gathering.
We are hearing of students, all ages, traveling to other areas that are in red or yellow counties to play sports and for leisure activities. This requires the student to quarantine, as we do not want to put our communities and schools at risk.
You can also visit the EWSD’s 2020-2021 webpage for all information, frequently asked questions, and more related to COVID-19.
EWSD Offers Free Weekend Meals for All Children 18 and Under!
The EWSD is offering free meals for all children 18 and under over the weekend. This service will be available from 4-6 p.m. at the Essex High School guidance lobby (to the right of the main entrance).
This will take place each Friday, through December 18, except for Friday, November 27. Over the next few weeks, the District will look at the number of meals served to determine if there is a need for the program and if it will continue.
Heavenly Food Pantry Open This Thursday!
The Heavenly Food Pantry, located at the First Congregational Church on Main Street in Essex Junction, will be open for drive-through delivery of food to families living in Essex, Essex Junction, and Westford this Thursday, November 19, from 2-6 p.m.
Participants may enter the distribution area through the Church St. entrance, where they will be given a number and ushered to a parking spot. A volunteer will then approach the vehicle where families will be asked to show proof of residence and identification for each family member. After the family’s food has been assembled inside the building, the family will be instructed to drive to the entrance door in the parking lot, where the food will be deposited into vehicle trunks by volunteers who will maintain social distance from persons in the car. They do ask that those visiting the pantry wear face coverings to ensure health and safety to all involved.
Those needing assistance but without transportation may borrow a shopping cart if within walking distance of the pantry, or call the church office at 878-5745, asking for Pastor Josh to make arrangements for delivery.
Families will be provided an assortment of nutritious food including meats, pasta, and sauces, soups, fresh and canned fruits and vegetables, as well as hygiene items such as toilet tissue, shampoo, and toothpaste.
Are you looking to get involved in this great endeavor to feed the community? Follow this link to sign up to help.
The next food pantry distribution will be held on Monday, December 14, from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Essential Worker Superstars
EWSD Child Nutrition Manager Scott Fay and EHS/CTE Nurse Diane Kirson-Glitman have both been recently named as Essential Worker Superstars by the Essex Rotary!
Under Fay's leadership, the EWSD - in partnership with the Town & Village rec departments and dozens of volunteers - made sure that families in our community had enough to eat. With only two days to pivot, Fay and his team were able to provide free breakfast and lunch to all children under 18 in our community by establishing safe distribution methods via a drive-through system. The distribution started on March 19, continuing through the summer and into the school year this fall. The EWSD has been able to serve a staggering 206,000 free meals since March!
Kirson-Glitman and the Essex High School nurse team (Karen Harlow, Alyssa Jacobs, and Kathleen Ready) were and continue to be instrumental in making sure students and staff are as safe and healthy as possible. Kirson-Glitman and the team do extensive research and communication with the Vermont Department of Health, help create effective and efficient procedures (i.e. admitting 500 students every day following state guidelines), and devoting extensive time talking with staff and families to help everyone navigate the complexities of COVID-19. EHS could not have had such a successful opening without Kirson-Glitman's leadership!
Cloth Face Coverings to be Distributed to All Students and Staff
SEL Strength Based Assessment
In the EWSD we recognize that supporting students in developing skills related to social and emotional learning (SEL) also requires an assessment of where students are with these skills. To that end, we have decided to pilot a strength based assessment in EWSD. The name of this assessment is called the "Devereux Student Strength Assessment".
This assessment is designed to be completed by teachers and helps identify the positive SEL skills and potential areas of needed growth for our students. During the current school year, only some schools/teachers will participate in this assessment. We will reflect on this experience to identify how we may integrate into our district-wide assessment plan for the 2021-2022 school year.
If you have any questions or are looking for more information, please contact EWSD Director of Social and Emotional Learning and Wellness Dylan McNamara (dmcnamara@ewsd.org).
Locating, Identifying and Evaluation of Students: CHILD FIND
The Essex Westford School District follows the expectations of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act to locate, identify, and evaluate children and students who have disabilities.
EWSD does this in a number of ways including making referrals for evaluation through completing screenings, completing data analysis activities, and considering student performance across all schools.
We also accept referrals from a number of different community health partners, preschools, pediatricians, mental health providers, family members, and other individuals who may believe they are aware of a child with a disability who has yet to be identified.
Safety, Policing, and Racial Justice in Essex - Survey
Shortly after the killing of George Floyd and other police-involved deaths of Black people, the Essex Selectboard and Essex Junction Trustees heard renewed calls for racial justice, similar to those happening elsewhere in Vermont and around the country.
Essex leaders wanted to respond in a meaningful way. Essex is committing to examining the policies and practices of not only the Police Department but our entire municipality, through the lens of racial and social justice. Essex is committed to working with its community partners, including our communities of color, to make police-community relations in Essex as strong as possible.
Working together they hope to build a stronger and more just community. To that end, they are engaging the community of Essex in authentic conversations about safety, racism, and social justice, and are laying the foundation for changes in attitudes, practices, and policies so Essex can become a more welcoming, inclusive, anti-racist community where all residents can thrive.
They are asking that you please take part in this anonymous survey. Your input will help them plan for change.
EWSD in the News
- Essex High sophomore Maddie Ahmadi looks to fight gun violence on Students Demand Action national board (Essex Reporter)
Essex Junction college student completes summer internship with New England Patriots (Essex Reporter)
- Essex finds their way back on top of Vermont High School Volleyball (MyNBC5)
- Essex Westford schools providing free weekend meals, gauge need for continued program (Burlington Free Press)
- 7 cool things EWSD schools have been doing in the past couple weeks (Essex Reporter)
- Hornets’ Martisus takes first at top championship meets, plus complete Essex High boys’ and girls’ results from both races (Essex Reporter)
- Three positive Covid cases linked to members of Essex Westford School District (WCAX)
- EWSD extends free kids’ meals through June, temporarily adds weekends: “You won’t be taking away a meal from someone in need.” (Essex Reporter)
- COVID-19 testing for school staff starts this week (MyNBC5)
Happenings
COVID-19 testing was available for all EWSD employees on Monday as part of Governor Scott’s testing initiative. As part of this plan, the EWSD will also be selected for another round of testing for those who are interested in December. Superintendent Beth Cobb, COO Brian Donahue, and EWSD Covid Coordinator Diana Smith are seen in one of the photos welcoming the 367 employees who took part, as the testing was held in the ice rink.
Golden Wrench Award
Middle School XC Championships
Geography Meets Technology
Irish Ambassador
Mystery Number
Volunteering Effort
Upcoming Events
EWSD Board Meeting
Accessing the Zoom Meeting
Register in advance for this meeting here.
More information on the work of the EWSD Board, which includes, agendas, minutes, and meeting takeaways, can be found online.
Tuesday, Nov 17, 2020, 06:30 PM
Zoom/Facebook Live
Important Links
EWSD Social Media
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