Essex High School

March 3, 2025 Subject: Principal Retirement and Interim Leadership at Essex High School. Dear Essex High School Families, I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to share important news regarding a leadership transition at Essex High School. Mr. Gross, EHS Principal, has announced his retirement effective immediately. As we navigate this transition, I am pleased to announce that Mr. Scott, the current Assistant Principal, will serve as the Interim Principal of Essex High School. Mr. Scott has been an integral part of our school community, demonstrating a deep understanding of our students’ needs, our school’s values, and the strong partnerships that make Essex High School such a special place. His leadership and familiarity with our school’s mission will ensure a seamless transition and continued support for our students and staff. Additionally, our central office team will be providing daily support to Mr. Scott and the Essex High School community throughout this transition period. We remain committed to ensuring stability and continuity in leadership while we begin the process of selecting a permanent principal. Thank you for your continued support and engagement. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out. Sincerely, Dr. Harry Thomas, III Superintendent of Schools

Happy National School Social Work Week! This week, we celebrate and recognize the incredible work of our school social worker, Ms. Rachel Austria! Ms. Austria plays a vital role in supporting the well-being of our students and families, across all of our schools. Whether she’s providing resources, offering guidance, or advocating for students' needs, her dedication makes a lasting impact every single day. Thank you, Ms. Austria, for your compassion, commitment, and the countless ways you uplift and empower our school community. Your work does not go unnoticed, and we are beyond grateful for all that you do! Again, Thank you.

Congratulations, Essex High School Wrestling Team! We are so proud of our EHS Wrestling Team as they travel to Virginia High School in Bristol, VA to compete in the State Championship! Your hard work, dedication, and determination have brought you this far, and we know you'll give it your all on the mat. Best of luck—your Essex family is cheering you on every step of the way!

📢 Happy School Board Clerk Appreciation Week! 🎉 This week, we take a moment to recognize and celebrate the incredible work of our School Board Clerk Ms. Sharon Saunders. She goes above and beyond expectations every day, ensuring our school board, superintendent, and schools stay organized and supported. Her years of service, dedication, and countless acts of kindness do not go unnoticed. Thank you, Ms. Sharon Saunders, for your commitment, patience, and hard work! We truly appreciate everything you do to keep things running smoothly.

Good Evening, ECPS Families, We hope this message finds everyone well. Essex County Public Schools will be closed on Friday, February 21, 2025, and will operate with a Virtual Asynchronous Learning Day. Thorough assessments of the roads have been conducted throughout the day. Cheaney's Bridge Road, Bestland Road, Dunnsville & Johnsville Road and Southside Lane are still unsafe for traveling. Administrators and essential personnel are asked to report at 10:00 a.m., if possible. Thanks for your attention and please be safe.

Good evening, ECPS Families: We hope this message finds everyone well. Due to inclement weather and unsafe traveling conditions, Essex County Public Schools will be closed for in- person instruction on Thursday, February 20, 2025, and will operate with a Virtual Asynchronous Learning Day. Thanks for your attention and please remain safe.

Good Evening, ECPS Families: Please be advised that the following announcement is a change from the message that was sent earlier this evening: Essex County Public Schools will now be closed for in-person instruction and will operate with a Virtual Asynchronous Learning Day on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, due to updated inclement weather information that will make it unsafe for travel. Thanks for your attention and please be safe.

EHS has rescheduled its annual FAFSA night for seniors to Wednesday, February 26th, from 5:30pm-7:30pm in the EHS Library. Come in and get assistance with completing the 2025-2026 FAFSA form. The FAFSA is super important for earning money to pay for higher education.

📢 Attention Students & Families! 🎓💰 Have you submitted your FAFSA and wondering what happens next? 🤔 Join the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) for a FREE webinar to learn about the next steps in the financial aid process. Experts will guide you through: ✅ How to review your FAFSA Submission Summary ✅ What to expect from colleges & the verification process ✅ How financial aid packages are determined ✅ Understanding your award offer & exploring funding options 📅 Choose a session: 📌 February 20 or February 27 ⏰ 6:00 – 7:15 PM Both sessions are free and will cover the same information. Don't miss this chance to get your questions answered! 🔗 Register here: https://doe-virginia-gov.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_EKU4iKvhRCiawky-Jl0T_Q#/registration

Good evening, ECPS Families: We hope this message finds everyone well and safe. Please be advised that Essex County Public Schools will operate on a 2-hour delay on Friday, February 14, 2025. Thanks for your attention and enjoy the rest of your evening.

Wednesday February 26th there is an open house for students interested in attending NNTC next year.

Good Evening, ECPS Families: We hope this message finds everyone well. Thursday, February 13, 2025, will be a Virtual Asynchronous Learning Day for students of Essex County Public Schools. Administrators should report by 10:00 a.m. and essential personnel should be on site as soon as possible. Thanks for you attention and please stay safe.

The School Board Meeting will be held on February 24, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. A Work Session will take place at 5:00 p.m., followed by a Closed Session at 6:00 p.m. At 6:45 p.m., there will be a Public Hearing on the Proposed FY 2025-2026 Budget Calendar. All are welcome to attend.

Good Evening, ECPS Families: We hope this message finds everyone well. Due to inclement weather and dangerous road conditions, Wednesday, February 12, 2025, will be an asynchronous virtual learning day for all students and staff.of Essex County Public Schools. Thanks for your attention and please be safe!

Good evening, ECPS Families, We hope this message finds everyone well. Due to the inclement weather forecast, Tuesday, February 11, 2025, will be an asynchronous virtual learning day for all students and staff.of Essex County Public Schools. Thanks for your attention and please be safe.

Empowering Our Paraeducators! Today, Essex County Public Schools had the privilege of welcoming guest speakers from The College of William and Mary TTAC for an engaging and impactful professional development session tailored for our dedicated paraeducators. Through interactive breakout sessions, our paras explored High Leverage Practice : Providing Positive and Constructive Feedback and High Leverage Practice : Teaching Cognitive and Metacognitive Strategies. These essential skills equip our team with strategies to foster student success, reinforce learning, and create a more supportive classroom environment. We are grateful for the knowledge shared and the commitment of our paraeducators to continuous growth and excellence. Thank you, William and Mary TTAC, for an enriching learning experience!

Order your student's yearbook today! All yearbooks must be preordered by March 1st. Yearbooks are not guaranteed if you do not preorder. https://strawbridge.fotomerchanthv.com/clients/essex-high-school/2024-2025-yearbooks-19/access?clearSessionAuthentication=1

🎉🏆 Congratulations to our Division Teacher of the Year! 🏆🎉 Essex County Public Schools proudly recognizes Ms. Michelle Dungee as our 2024 - 2025 Teacher of the Year! Ms. Dungee’s dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to student success make a lasting impact every day. Her extraordinary empathy and passion for education truly inspire both her students and colleagues. We are grateful for her dedication and the positive impact she makes in the lives of our students—thank you, Ms. Dungee!

EHS will host its annual FAFSA night for seniors on Wednesday, February 12th, from 5:30pm-7:30pm in the EHS Library. Come in and get assistance with completing the 2025-2026 FAFSA form. The FAFSA is super important for earning money to pay for higher education.

EHS would like to wish Kristin Aitken a happy school counselor's week. Thanks for all you do!