Dear WMS Families,
The search for the next principal at WMS is underway. There have been first-round interviews with candidates and three have been selected as semi-finalists. These candidates will be coming to WMS to meet with students, staff, and families next week as part of their second interview. I invite you to meet the candidates and offer your feedback. Candidate A: Monday, April 28, 4pm; Candidate B: Tuesday, April 29, 4pm; Candidate C: Wednesday, April 30, 3pm. Please check in at the main office when you arrive.
Take care, and I hope you are enjoying Spring vacation.
Dr. Peter Lancia, Superintendent of Schools
Read the April Teaching and Learning district newsletter! https://westbrooksdme.edurooms.com/engage/westbrook-school-department/newsletters/april-teaching-and-learning-newsletter
Please take a moment to respond to this brief survey to have input into the search process for the next WMS principal. We value your voice! Thank you! https://forms.gle/9LSi16WeoMfkSFbXA
We had a great turnout tonight at our annual Heritage Potluck! Thank you to all families and students who prepared such wonderful dishes to share, and to the WMS Passport Club with advisors Senora Alvarez and Mademoiselle Nash for planning the special event.
Tonight's event at WMS, "Raising Humans in a Digital World", has been postponed. The speaker's flight to Maine was cancelled. We are working to reschedule for September and will share the new date as soon as it's confirmed.
8th grade students Elisa, Clara, Sarikong, Lily, Christa, and Edna presented to our staff today about harmful language. They shared their personal experiences and candid feedback about what they hear students say at school and how to support students in these moments. A big thank you to these students and to Mrs. DeMaria for organizing this event!
6th Grade Team Black Bear students are having a great time at the Ecology School in Saco. They are learning about nature, food systems, and space. They return to school on Friday, and Team Acadia will be traveling on Monday for their 3 day stay.
SOO proud of our amazing garden project! Thank you to the staff and students who made this come true.
https://msgn.org/sgom-westbrook-middle-school-falcon-academy-garden/
5th and 6th Grade Students and Families - Save the date. On April 9th, 6-7:30, the WMS Passport Club is proudly sponsoring the Heritage Potluck. Join us for this wonderful event sharing good food, conversation and community. Additional information attached.
Our PTO fundraising event is underway! Sales are coming in, and we have extended to April 1st. Here is a link to the online catalog: https://meadowfarms.com/register?groupid=1032701
The proceeds from this fundraising event will be given to our PTO, which directly support students, staff and the school. Thank you for your support of Westbrook Middle School's PTO.
As a reminder, there will be a special breakfast part y for the homeroom with the highest rate of participation!
Come learn how to support your child's math learning. April 7th, 5:30 at Congin School
We hope you enjoy reading the March Teaching and Learning Newsletter!
https://westbrooksdme.edurooms.com/engage/westbrook-school-department/newsletters/march-2025-teaching-and-learning-newsletter
What a fun day our 7th graders had yesterday! Thanks to Nell from the Wild Seed Project for teaching our kids how to collect and boil sap to make maple syrup. Our outdoor learning program is engaging kids in new science content and new adventures in the outdoors. What a beautiful spring day and a great day of learning!
On March 18th, our therapy dog, Finn, will be turning 5 years old! Student Council honors his birthday every year by doing a fundraiser in support of the Animal Refuge League, aka "Finn's Friends"!
Please consider donating to our wonderful neighbor and helping the animals that they provide such excellent care for. All donations should be brought to the main office at Westbrook Middle School.
Please see our wish list for suggestions of donations.
Check out all these opportunities for our families to be engaged with the Westbrook Schools!
Westbrook High School is hosting a family night for current 8th grade, future 9th grade, families on Thursday, March 6th, from 6:00-7:00pm at the high school auditorium.
Read this month's Teaching and Learning Newsletter at the following link:
https://westbrooksdme.edurooms.com/engage/westbrook-school-department/newsletters/february-2025-teaching-and-learning-newsletter
Due to weather conditions, all schools in Westbrook will be closed today, Thursday, February 13. It is an old fashioned snow day with no remote learning. There will be no before or after school activities and athletics, no meetings, and no pre-K classes. Be safe in the storm!
Today we want to take a moment to honor and recognize the incredible work our school counselors and social workers do each day. Their dedication to listening, understanding, and helping students navigate the challenges they face doesn't go unnoticed. They are truly the heart and backbone of our school community.
Our counselors and social workers provide unwavering support, guidance, and care to our students during one of the most formative times in their lives, helping them to not only become stronger students but also stronger and more confident people in the process. They create safe spaces where our students can be heard, supported, and empowered to overcome obstacles, both academic and personal. Through their compassion and expertise, they make a lasting impact on the lives of students, ensuring they feel valued and understood.
And, not only do these extraordinary people support our students but they also go over and above to support staff. Sometimes we all need a listening ear or a shoulder to cry on, and, in those moments, they don't hesitate to offer their friendship.
Thank you for your tireless commitment to fostering an environment where every student feels seen, respected, and equipped to thrive. Your work is vital, and we are deeply grateful for all the positive ways you inspire the lives of so many.
If you see these people today, please be sure to thank them:
Betsy Shibles
Katie Corbett
Kayla Gagner
Megan Grimshaw
Kristin MacLeod
Shiloh Bower
Austin Mehlhorn
The timing of today’s storm is now predicted to be heavier a bit earlier so it would be safer to close school for the day. So, all Westbrook Schools will be closed today Thursday, February 6. It is an old fashioned snow day with no remote learning. All PreK classes and before and after school activities are cancelled, including athletic events and practices. Be safe in the storm!