Essex Westford School District

Mar

10

All Day

Apr

9

All Day

Ramadan

Ramadan represents the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. The dates for Ramadan vary around the world because they are based on moon cycles. Ramadan begins when the new crescent moon appears, and it lasts for 29 or 30 days. In order to put more focus in to Allah, many Muslims fast during all daylight hours during Ramadan. The fast is broken with the Iftar meal, which takes place after sunset. Regular Muslim practices of daily prayer and refraining from greed, envy, etc. take on added significance during Ramadan.

Pre-K to Grade 3: Celebrating Diversity with Ramadan (Scholastic)

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Apr

1

All Day

Arab-American Heritage Month

The first immigrants from Arab countries arrived in the United States in the 19th century. Today, most Arab Americans have roots in Lebanon, Syria, and Palestine. In 2019, a congressional resolution was passed to recognize April as Arab-American Heritage Month and a time to celebrate the history, contributions, and culture of the diverse population of Arab Americans.

Information about Arab Americans

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Apr

1

All Day

Autism Awareness Month

Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that 1 in 44 children in the United States are affected by autism. This awareness month focuses the commitment to the development of a world where all people with autism can reach their full potential

Autism Speaks School Community Tool Kit

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Apr

1

All Day

Community Service Month/National Volunteer Month

First celebrated in the 1940s in Canada, National Volunteer Week began as a way to celebrate the contribution made by women on the home front to the war effort. After World War II ended, National Volunteer Week declined in popularity, and it was eventually revived in the 1960s, taking hold in additional countries, including the United States. It is now annual, month-long celebration observed to promote and show appreciation for volunteerism and volunteering. Throughout the month, many organizations host special events to help engage their local communities in volunteering and make them aware of opportunities that are available year round.

10 Fun Community Giving Ideas

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Apr

1

All Day

Earth Month

The first Earth Day took place on April 22, 1970. The Sierra Club offers these 10 ways to celebrate Earth Month.

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Apr

1

All Day

School Library Month

April is School Library Month, an annual celebration of school libraries and their programs held in conjunction with National Library Week (April 4-10). The theme of the first national observance of School Library Month in 1985 was "Where Learning Never Ends: The School Library Media Center."

Collaborating with Your School Librarian

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Apr

1

All Day

Tartan (Scottish-American) Heritage Month

As some of the earliest immigrants to the American colonies, Scottish-Americans have had a major impact throughout history in the United States. The first known Scottish immigrant, Robert Sproat, sailed to America on the Mayflower in 1620. Later, many Scots joined the American revolutionary army to fight against the British. Today, about 8% of Americans claim Scottish heritage, including some well-known people like Barack Obama and Hilary Clinton.

Unique Scottish Customs

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Apr

2

All Day

World Autism Awareness Day

World Autism Awareness Day recognizes and spreads awareness for the rights of people with autism. We know that autism typically starts during childhood and continues into adulthood. In 2018, approximately 1 in 59 children were diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum. We can all become more aware of the characteristics of people with autism, increase our own understanding, and promote kindness.

Autism Awareness: 10 Activities for You and Your Family

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Apr

2

6:30 PM

9:00 PM

EWSD School Board Budget Informational Hearing

The Board meeting will begin at 6:30 PM. The Information Hearing will begin at 7 PM.

Agenda

Essex High School, 2 Educational Dr, Essex Junction, VT 05452, USA

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Apr

4

All Day

National School Librarian Day

This internationally-celebrated day of appreciation for school librarians recognizes the important role that librarians play in motivating students to learn. Librarians assist students in accessing critical resources and point them to transformative texts and stories. School librarians are also to be thanked for introducing and encouraging the habit of reading to students! Did you know that the first school libraries were introduced in the early 1800s?

Each of the EWSD school websites has a link to that school's library! Check it out.

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Apr

7

All Day

International Day of Reflection on the Genocide in Rwanda

First recognized as an international observance by the United Nations on April 7, 2004, this date marks the beginning of the genocide perpetrated against members of the Tutsi minority by the Hutu extremist-led government. More than 1 million Tutsi were systematically murdered in under 100 days. In a statement made in 2021, United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, said, "On this day, we honour those who were murdered, we reflect on the suffering and we recognize the resilience of those who have survived. As we join in solidarity with people of Rwanda, we must take a hard look at today's world and ensure that we heed the lessons of 27 years ago."

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Apr

7

All Day

Apr

13

All Day

National Library Week

National Library Week is a time to celebrate our nation's libraries, library workers' contributions and promote library use and support. First sponsored in 1958, the week is sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and observed in libraries across the country each April. The 2023 theme for National Library week is "Ready, Set, Read!)

14 Things to Do in the Library (Besides Borrow Books!)

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Apr

8

All Day

No School - Solar Eclipse

This is a change, effective 03.14.24.

Previously this was going to be an early release, but is now a full day off for students.

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Apr

8

7:00 PM

8:00 PM

2024 Annual Meeting

Essex High School Auditorium, Educational Drive, Essex Junction, VT 05452

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Apr

9

All Day

Eid Al'Fitr

Eid Al'Fitr is celebrated by Muslims worldwide as it marks the end of the month-long dawn-to-sunset fasting of Ramadan. Eid Al'Fitr begins on the first day in the 10th month of the Islamic calendar, and it typically involves family visits, gift giving, and special prayers over one to three days.

Celebrating Eid at Home Through Children's Literature

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Apr

9

7:00 AM

7:00 PM

** VOTE **

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Apr

11

5:30 PM

8:30 PM

EWSD Fine Arts Night

Essex High School

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Apr

11

6:30 PM

8:30 PM

EWSD School Board Emergency Meeting

Essex Police Department, 145 Maple St, Essex Junction, VT 05452, USA

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Apr

12

All Day

National Day of Silence

The National Day of Silence is a student-led demonstration where LGBTQ students and allies take a vow of silence to protest the harmful effects of harassment and discrimination of LGBTQ people in schools. Started in the mid 90’s by two college students, after spending the day in silence, Breaking the Silence rallies and events are held, allowing students to share their experiences during the protest and bring attention to ways their schools and communities can become more inclusive.

How Using Gender-Neutral Language Can Break the Silence of LGBTQA Students

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Apr

16

6:30 PM

9:30 PM

EWSD School Board Meeting

Essex High School, 2 Educational Dr, Essex Junction, VT 05452, USA

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Apr

17

6:30 PM

8:00 PM

EWSD School Board Community Engagement (Virtual)

Virtual Community Engagement Meeting

Wednesday, April 17, 2024 6:30-8:00 PM (Google Meet Link)

This virtual meeting will be a conversation for community feedback and is the designated time for the community to bring forth questions, feedback, and ideas related to the priorities of the revised budget. This is a time where there is an opportunity for a back and forth conversation with the board and community members

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Apr

18

6:00 PM

7:00 PM

EWSD School Board Community Engagement (In-Person)

Thursday, April 18, 2024 6:00-7:00 PM, EHS Cafeteria

This in-person community engagement meeting will be the other designated opportunity for the community to ask questions or give input prior to the board making recommendations for the revised budget. This is a time where there is an opportunity for a back and forth conversation with the board and community members

Essex High School, 2 Educational Dr, Essex Junction, VT 05452, USA

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Apr

18

7:00 PM

9:30 PM

EWSD School Board Special Meeting

Thursday, April 18, 2024 7-10 PM EHS Library Board Meeting

During this meeting, the board will have discussion to review themes of community input, dig into any additional questions about reduction areas, and give final budget guidance to the administration. The administration will then incorporate that guidance and bring back the draft budget for review and vote at the next meeting. This meeting will be live-streamed as well for those who are unable to attend via Media Factory.

Essex High School, 2 Educational Dr, Essex Junction, VT 05452, USA

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Apr

21

All Day

Apr

27

All Day

National Student Leadership Week

Student leaders make significant contributions to the climate and culture of their schools and communities. Student Leadership Week is an annual theme-based week dedicated to recognizing and supporting the vital role of student leaders. Sponsored by National Honor Society, National Junior Honor Society, and National Student Council, this week's origin stems from a U.S. Presidential proclamation in 1972. As part of the week, chapters and councils are encouraged to plan a special project to show how their work and ingenuity positively impacts the school and community.

Suggested Activities to Recognize Student Leaders

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Apr

22

All Day

Earth Day

Earth Day marks the anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement in 1970. Senator Gaylord Nelson, the junior senator from Wisconsin, wanted to infuse the energy of student anti-war protests of 1969 with an emerging public consciousness about air and water pollution. He announced the idea for a teach-in on college campuses to the national media, and persuaded Pete McCloskey, a conservation-minded Republican Congressman, to serve as his co-chair. Senator Nelson and Mr. McCloskey recruited Denis Hayes, a young activist, to organize the campus teach-ins and they choose April 22, a weekday falling between Spring Break and Final Exams, to maximize the greatest student participation. Earth Day was formed! The Earth Day 2022 Theme is Invest In Our Planet.

52 Ways to Invest in Our Planet

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Apr

22

All Day

Apr

30

All Day

Passover

Passover is recognized based on the Biblical story of Exodus, in which God freed the Israelites from slavery. The holiday has its name because, it was believed that the first born child of the fleeing Israelites was "passed over" and spared from death. The main event of the holiday is the seder (meaning "order"), a meal in which the book of exodus and related writings is recited.

Games for the Passover Seder with Kids

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Apr

22

All Day

Apr

26

All Day

Spring Break (No School)

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Apr

23

6:30 PM

9:00 PM

EWSD School Board Meeting (Virtual)

Tuesday, April 23, 2024 6:30-9 PM Fully Virtual School Board Meeting (Google Meet Link)

At this time, the board will review the final budget and vote to approve it. This will then allow the board to put forth the May 7th election for the community to vote upon the budget.

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Apr

24

All Day

Administrative Professionals Day

This annual day of recognition provides an opportunity to celebrate the work of all administrative support professionals. The job title ‘administrative professional’ is an umbrella term for close to a hundred job that fall under the category. Administration includes a wide variety of duties including office management, answering the phone, clerical work, speaking with clients, data entry, and record maintenance.

Administrative Professionals Day: What To Do, What To Say, and Why It Matters

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Apr

30

6:30 PM

9:00 PM

EWSD School Board Meeting (Possible Information Hearing)

Essex High School, 2 Educational Dr, Essex Junction, VT 05452, USA

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