December 20, 2024
Dear families,
We are writing to let you know that Westbrook Police are investigating a situation in which several WHS students were named in threatening messages written by another student. This was reported by students to school administrators who immediately contacted WPD and began working collaboratively, following our emergency response procedures. The student has been taken into protective custody. As part of WPD procedure, a Weapons Restriction Order was obtained against the student; however no weapons were found with the student. Families of the students named in the message are being contacted. Support is available through our student services team. WPD has informed us that there is no imminent danger to any individuals or to our school community.
We appreciate the quick and responsible action of our students, administrators, and WPD who work together every day to keep our schools and community safe.
Sincerely,
Peter Lancia, Ph. D
Superintendent of Schools
Capt. Steve Goldberg
Westbrook Police Department
Follow this link to read the December issue of the Teaching and Learning newsletter. december-2024-teaching-and-learning-newsletter.
🎨Last week, nearly 200 Westbrook High School students from a variety of academic subjects visited the Bates Mill in Lewiston to experience Robert Shetterly’s Americans Who Tell the Truth exhibit—a once-in-a-lifetime display featuring 270 powerful portraits. This cross-curricular field trip was made possible through a collaborative effort between the WHS Art Department and teachers from various subjects.
On February 26th, Robert Shetterly himself will be visiting WHS. He’ll be bringing up to 20 portraits from his remarkable collection for a special one-day workshop event.
This project could not have happened without the support of the Warren Foundation and UNUM's Social Justice Grant—we are so grateful for their generosity. A very special shout-out to our Art staff member Yagmur Gunel for connecting us with this meaningful project.
Wintery weather is in the forecast and weather conditions may cause us to delay the start of school or cancel school. I will send an automated phone call, text message, and email announcing our plans, typically between 5-5:30am. We will also post information on channel 6, 8, and 13, the school department website, and the school department social media. Please see the attached letter from September explaining the full plan for winter weather.
https://5il.co/327iy
Join the WHS Turkey Trot 5K on November 24!
We want to hear from you! We are beginning to develop the school budget proposal for 2025-26. Please participate in our Community Survey to share your thoughts. Follow the link: https://forms.gle/dACvVibJqAtke4x2A. You may also complete the survey on our website.
Thank you!
Reminder: Children’s author Kelly Starling Lyons will be speaking at the Westbrook Performing Arts Center this evening at 6:00pm. Doors open at 5:45. The first 50 students to arrive will receive a free book signed by the author!
Do you have a few hours every school day to assist students in crossing Cumberland Street on the way to and from Congin School? Please consider working as a SCHOOL TRAFFIC CONTROL OFFICER (a.k.a. CROSSING GUARD.) The Westbrook Police Department hires, trains, and supervises crossing guards. For more information, please visit this link (https://www.westbrookmaine.com/Jobs.aspx?UniqueId=100&From=All&CommunityJobs=False&JobID=School-Traffic-Control-Officer-123) or contact Captain Steve Goldberg at WPD.
As you may be aware, a number of schools in Maine and across the country received threatening phone calls today that were determined to be a hoax. This is known as swatting. This prompted different responses at those schools. Fortunately, no schools in Westbrook received such calls and no response was necessary. We were in communication throughout the day with Westbrook Police and appreciate this partnership in helping to ensure our safety.
Thursday, November 7 is a half day for students due to School/Family Conferences. WMS will be dismissed at 10:15am; WHS and WRVC will be dismissed at 10:25am; Canal, Congin, and Saccarappa will be dismissed at 11:30am. We look forward to meeting you!
🎨✨ Don't miss the chance to visit your student's art classrooms during conferences this month! Come see your young artists' creative work, meet the art staff, and learn more about the WSD art program!
It's mock Election Day! Students are learning about the importance of voting. Congratulations to our students who are already 18 and have registered to vote!
Westbrook Adult Education in the Portland Press Herald!
Common Threads at Westbrook Adult Education was featured in the Portland Press Herald this morning! Click here to read about it: https://www.pressherald.com/2024/10/28/sewing-course-takes-on-new-life-at-westbrook-adult-education/
Congratulations to Dr. Peter Lancia, Superintendent of Westbrook Schools, for winning the Distinguished Service award at the Maine Adult Education Association conference for bringing adult education back to Westbrook in full swing and supporting programming as it grows exponentially in Westbrook. We are so lucky to have his backing, and so is the community!
Reminder: There is NO SCHOOL for students on Friday, October 11 due to a staff workshop day and NO SCHOOL on Monday, October 14 in recognition of Indigenous Peoples' Day
Thank you Prides Corner Church for your generous donation of school supplies, backpacks, classroom supplies, and gift cards. Our students appreciate your generosity!
Today is World Suicide Prevention Day. We remember those who are affected by suicide and promise to support those who are struggling. Suicide prevention is not only about being supportive during a crisis. It is about building and sustaining strong, caring communities where people feel connected and valued. Small acts of kindness, listening to someone without judgement, and engaging in open conversations often make the greatest difference. If you or someone you know needs support, please contact our school Student Service Teams or another health professional. It's OK to ask for help. We will walk together!
This morning, WMS was placed in a brief HOLD which means that the hallways were cleared and students stayed in their classrooms while there was a response to a situation in order to protect the privacy of those involved. It was reported and discovered that a student had brought a small pocket knife to school. There is no evidence to suggest that the student had intentions of using the knife to cause harm. School administration and Westbrook Police intervened immediately and appropriate action was taken. The situation was resolved quickly. All students and staff were safe and no one was harmed.
What a great first day of school with grades 1 & 2, 5 & 6, and 9 & 10. Students settled in quickly with orientation and community building activities, breakfast and lunch, and school work. Grades 3 & 4, 7 & 8, and 11 & 12 begin school tomorrow. Thank you to everyone for a great opening of school!
Welcome Back! Our amazing staff was back at work today with professional development workshops, meetings, time to prepare classrooms, and an open house for 5th graders at WMS. Another staff day tomorrow, a district-wide meeting in the afternoon, and elementary school open houses tomorrow night.
