08/11/2019
The new school year is upon us, just a couple weeks to go.
Essex Westford School District
There will be a lot of opportunities to participate in clubs, activities, volunteer, community events, and all the amazing sports teams.
Participation in positive, fun, and educational activities, as well as trying out new extracurricular activities, support the development of a youth's assets (https://www.search-institute.org) and both strengthen resilience and opportunity to suceed.
There are several clubs, programs, and activities provided to EWSD youth and the Essex/Westford community through Essex Chips.
CHIPS HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAMS & CLUBS
Above the Influence Club
(High School)
Tuesday nights 7-8:30pm
(Pizza provided)
A student group dedicated to discussing youth health issues in the community and developing presentations and fun activities for youth while having pizza & fun.
Essex Speech & Debate Club
(High School)
Practice 1-2 times per week after school or as scheduled
EHS Speech and Debate offers the opportunity to develop public speaking, writing, conversation, and performance skills in many categories including: Poetry, Duo Dramatic, Impromptu, Prose Reading, Radio Announcing, Performance Poetry, Original Oratory, and Public Forum Debate.
There are 8 - 10 tournaments each season, and both State & District Finals. Tournaments are occasionally on Friday evenings, but generally Saturday mornings. Students do not have to participate in every practice or tournament, however there is a minimum number needed to qualify for finals.
-Vermont Debate & Forensics League
Adventure Outdoor Program
(High School)
Summer 2020, individual short distance hikes during the school year
* Program fee
Through a unique adventure-based program, students are empowered to build friendships, develop leadership skills, gain confidence, and play an active role in their personal high school success!
The program is an amazing 4-day, 3-night, outdoor backpacking trip in the Green Mountains of Vermont. Students graduating from 8th grade and transitioning to high school are strongly encouraged to participate.
Outlet
(High School)
Thursday nights 6-8pm
(Pizza provided)
A teen group /safe space for the LGBTQ + community developing connections, and exploring risks and supports. Discussing difficult topics, sharing stories, and above all, honoring and celebrating youth of all sexual orientations and gender identities! There will be opportunities to participate in regional LGBTQ+ events in partnership with Outright Vermont, and Essex Above the Influence.
CHIPS Yes! Community Youth Job Bank
(Ages 13-17)
After school, weekends, vacations)
The purpose of the YES! Program is to connect local youth to employment opportunities with adults in the community who need jobs done. Through CHIPS YES!, youth can find opportunities to get paid for yard work, babysitting, pet care, house cleaning, and other age-appropriate jobs.
If you are a youth looking for a job or an adult looking for a youth employee, please call TeenLine at 855-273-8336, or email: [email protected]
https://www.essexchips.org/teenline
TeenLine
Monday - Friday 1pm-5pm
(High School)
* High School Volunteer opportunity
Connecting area youth with a broad range of services that enable them to live healthier lives and better fulfill their potential. TeenLine is not simply a phone line for youth, but a life-line to essential services which can be accessed by email, phone, social media, and in-person.
Youth 17 and older may inquire about volunteering with TeenLine.
TeenLine
Toll Free: (855) 273-8336 (TEEN)
Teen & Tween Center
Monday-Thursday
2:30pm-5:30pm
(All EWSD students 4th-8th grades)
* High School Volunteer opportunity
The Essex Teen Center provides a safe space for middle school students to engage with peers and positive adult role models. Trained CHIPS staff and volunteers are on-site to supervise and organize events, field trips, activities, and prepare healthy snacks.
We have air hockey, a pool table, arts & crafts, board games, computers, and age-appropriate video games and movies.
Vermont Birdie Bash
Sunday January 26th, 2020
Event: 9am-3pm
One tournament: 1 hour and fifteen minutes.
*High School / Organization Community Service Opportunity
The Birdie-Bash is a family friendly fundraising event to benefit the youth served by Essex CHIPS. It will consist of 3-4 separate mini-tournaments, which will award trophies to tournament winners, but also "Wild Card" trophies for a variety of outstanding achievements by players and teams: Team Spirit, Costuming, Team Dance, Enthusiasm, and more).
https://www.essexchips.org/birdie-bash
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Other events during the school year are also open to volunteers of all ages. Volunteering with CHIPS is a great way to build community service credits and strengthen the community.
Essex Westford Bike Fix & Swap
Essex Winter Carnival
Essex Memorial Day Parade
MLK Day of Service
And more TBA.
Www.essexchips.org
Essex Junction Recreation and Parks
Essex Parks and Recreation
Essex Junction Village, Essex Junction, Vermont
The Essex Reporter
