International Human Rights Day

'Human rights' are basic rights or freedoms, including the right to live, health, education, freedom of speech and thoughts, and equal rights. The day was dedicated in 1948 following the Second World War when the United Nations General Assembly declared that human right......More

'Human rights' are basic rights or freedoms, including the right to live, health, education, freedom of speech and thoughts, and equal rights. The day was dedicated in 1948 following the Second World War when the United Nations General Assembly declared that human rights should be an "international priority." Today, the day is about equity, peace, freedom, dignity and justice. Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity Resources for Classrooms (Common Sense Education)

Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe

People in Mexico and in the United States celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe on December 12. Mary is the Patron Saint of Mexico and Patroness of the Americas. Every year, thousands of people from all over the country make a pilgrimage to the Basilica in Mexico......More

People in Mexico and in the United States celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe on December 12. Mary is the Patron Saint of Mexico and Patroness of the Americas. Every year, thousands of people from all over the country make a pilgrimage to the Basilica in Mexico City. The day commemorates her apparition to Saint Juan Diego in the hills of Tepeyac in 1531. She asked him to go to the bishop and tell him that the Ever Virgin Mary, Mother of God, sent him to ask for a church to be built atop Tepeyac hill.  http://www.saintsresource.com/our-lady-of-guadalupe

EWSD School Board Facilities Committee Meeting (Google Meet)

EWSD School Board Facilities Committee Meeting Bi-Weekly Meetings through December 2025 Google Meet joining info Video call link: https://meet.google.com/wvf-qzte-osq Or dial: ‪(US) +1 716-795-0263‬ PIN: ‪934 741 082‬#

EWSD School Board Meeting (Essex High School Library)

Essex High School, 2 Educational Drive, Essex Junction, VT 05452

EWSD School Board Finance Committee Meeting (Google Meet)

EWSD School Board Finance Committee Meeting Bi-Weekly Meetings through February 2026 Google Meet joining info Video call link: https://meet.google.com/gar-bved-ftr Or dial: ‪(US) +1 413-551-2068‬ PIN: ‪734 994 887‬#

Winter Solstice

Marking the beginning of winter in the Northern Hemisphere, Winter Solstice is the day of the year when the sun seems to have the least amount of rise in the sky, following its shortest and lowest arc. Solstice is also the shortest day and longest night of the year. In ......More

Marking the beginning of winter in the Northern Hemisphere, Winter Solstice is the day of the year when the sun seems to have the least amount of rise in the sky, following its shortest and lowest arc. Solstice is also the shortest day and longest night of the year. In pagan traditions, this solstice marks the rebirth of the Sun King or Sun God after a journey through the underworld. Festivals of light often mark the day, with themes of reflection, rebirth, light and warmth. Setting Solstice Traditions (Green Child Magazine)

Yule

Yule is the traditional Pagan celebration of the Winter Solstice, that runs throughout the holiday season (December 21-January 1). Yule is honored as the rebirth and return of the sun due to the longer days, and Pagans regard Yule as a time to welcome the season of ligh......More

Yule is the traditional Pagan celebration of the Winter Solstice, that runs throughout the holiday season (December 21-January 1). Yule is honored as the rebirth and return of the sun due to the longer days, and Pagans regard Yule as a time to welcome the season of light. Rituals for Yule include the burning of logs during the 12 days of Christmas, hanging wreaths and lighting candles, as well as the drinking of Wassail, a spiced alcoholic beverage similar to mulled cider. Children's Books for Yule

Sheb al-Yalda/Yalda Night

A winter solstice celebration recognized in parts of Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Turkey, and, the diaspora in the United States Sheb al-Yalda marks the beginning of the gradual lengthening of the day. It is a celebration of the birth of the sun as a sign of light triumphin......More

A winter solstice celebration recognized in parts of Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Turkey, and, the diaspora in the United States Sheb al-Yalda marks the beginning of the gradual lengthening of the day. It is a celebration of the birth of the sun as a sign of light triumphing over evil and good over both. Food is a key element of a Yalda celebration with many Iranians believing that starting the winter off with summer fruits will prevent one from becoming sick during the chilly season. Pomegranates and watermelon frequently grace the Yalda table with their vibrant red colors. An Introduction to Yalda Night (YouTube)

No School (Early Winter Break)

Christmas

Celebrated on this day by the Western Church, the annual Christian festival celebrates Christ's birth. The word "Christmas" is a shortened form of "Christ's Mass" or "Cristes Maesse" as it was first recorded in 1038. A Mass service (also called Communion or Eucharist) t......More

Celebrated on this day by the Western Church, the annual Christian festival celebrates Christ's birth. The word "Christmas" is a shortened form of "Christ's Mass" or "Cristes Maesse" as it was first recorded in 1038. A Mass service (also called Communion or Eucharist) takes place when Christians recognize that Jesus died and then came back to life. Now celebrated around the world, Christmas provides a time for family and friends to come together and be grateful. Surprising Origins of Modern-Day Christmas Traditions (Lesson for grades 9-12) (Education World)