Dear Hiawatha Families and Caregivers,

It was a lovely week at Hiawatha that culminated with an assembly where we learned more about Diwali by engaging in song and dance. A huge thank you to Ms. Megumi and Ms. Feller, our art and music teachers, for creating this opportunity for our students. 

PTO Cardboard Challenge on Saturday, November 14th 

We are thrilled to bring back our PTO Cardboard Challenge! Join us at Hiawatha this Saturday, November 14th from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm for an afternoon of pure creativity. It is such a fun event where families can gather, collaborate, and build whatever amazing creations your imagination can dream up using cardboard.

Caffeinated Drinks at School

Hiawatha does not allow the consumption of caffeinated beverages by students during the school day. This includes soda, black and green tea and energy drinks. 

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends against the consumption of caffeine in children under the age of 12. Caffeine is shown to have negative health effects on development, learning, and sleep, along with short term side effects like heart palpitations, anxiety, nausea, dehydration, diarrhea and restlessness. 

Please do not send caffeinated beverages to school with your student. In addition, please leave any canned beverages at home. They cannot be closed and are susceptible to spills. Thank you. 

No School the week of Monday, November 23rd 

Please remember that there is no school the week beginning on Monday, November 23rd. This is a fall & Thanksgiving break. 

Save the Date: Hand-to-Hand Sale on December, 16th  

On December 16th, we will be having our annual Hiawatha Hand-to-Hand Sale. This event has been occurring for 35 years and we are incredibly proud of it. This special tradition brings our community together to support our local food shelf, The Heavenly Pantry, in numerous ways. Please click the link to read more about the Hand-to-Hand Sale. 

Volunteer Opportunity: Four Winds Nature Institute

Are you interested in supporting K-2 science education at Hiawatha? Four Winds’s Nature Program supports formal education by reinforcing science learning standards, and by involving parent volunteers directly in the learning community.  The Program encourages curious kids to explore nearby nature and ask questions, and then gives them the opportunity, knowledge and skills to discover the answers. You don’t need a science degree to be an effective Four Winds volunteer, just an enthusiastic interest in learning and sharing.

For more information and to get involved, please reach out to the Hiawatha Four Winds Coordinator, Ernest Heimsath (eheimsathjr@gmail.com) or visit the website at www.fourwindsinstitute.org

Cold Weather - Dress Appropriately

With the weather turning cooler and rainier, please help us keep your little ones cozy by sending them in warm, outdoors-ready clothing. If you ever need help getting appropriate winter or rain gear, please reach out. Our school counselors are always here and happy to help!

With warm regards and gratitude,

Harrison Shulman

Principal

Hiawatha Elementary School

All students at Hiawatha have been learning about Diwali, the Festival of Lights! In art class, students created their own clay diyas, inspired by the small lamps traditionally lit during Diwali. Students carefully shaped, decorated, and painted their creations, which became a beautiful part of our whole-school learning experience!

Students were so excited to light up their diyas at our school assembly! Together, we sang a Diwali song they had learned with Ms. Megumi in music class as their little lights glowed. It was a special moment of creativity, connection, and community.

This experience was part of our Unified Arts team's ongoing work to create inclusive learning opportunities that introduce students to the many cultures and traditions around the world. This year, our team is focusing on incorporating Universal Design for Learning (UDL) practices as we explore cultural holidays and traditions included in EWSD's Equity Curriculum Calendar. This work directly supports our district's commitment to recognizing cultural celebrations beyond those centered in the dominant culture.

Through art, music, and shared experiences, students had the opportunity to learn about Diwali, express their creativity, and develop a deeper appreciation for the diverse cultures and traditions in our world!

Amanda Feller 

Art Educator 

Hiawatha Elementary School 

Westford Elementary School 

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Email: hiawathaoffice@ewsd.org
Website: www.EWSD.org/HIA
Location: 30 Hiawatha Avenue, Essex Junction, VT, USA
Phone: 802-878-1384