WPS District Updates

Greetings Wilmington Community,

Happy Holidays!

As we begin the month of December, I know that, for many, it represents the start of the season in which numerous holidays will be celebrated and cherished by many in the weeks ahead. This time of the year often brings much joy and happiness to family and friends. However, for others, this time of the year can also be difficult for many who might be struggling with various personal circumstances.

As an educational community, WPS continues to do what we can to support students, staff, and families and I want to take this opportunity to bring focus to some helpful resources available to all. Information on the items mentioned below can be found within the pages of this newsletter.

• Care Solace – WPS partnered with this organization to assist families and staff in connecting with services in the community.
• Parent Guardian University (PGU) Offerings – there are two upcoming offerings centered around anxiety including assistance in navigating social media & anxiety as well as in ways to help understand student anxiety & attendance.
• Massachusetts Partnerships for Youth (MPY) – Wilmington Public Schools is a member of MPY. They are an incredible agency that works tirelessly to bring helpful information to both educators and families. They have an extensive ‘Parenting Solutions Library’ which offers a wide range of informational videos for no cost.

Although the immense challenges of the pandemic are well behind us, I am proud of our ongoing commitment to try and best support all of our community.

Wishing you peace, joy, good health and prosperity during the holiday season.

Warmest Wishes,

Glenn Brand, EdD, Superintendent of Schools

Date/Time: Tuesday's at 6:30pm

• 12/3/2024
• 12/17/2024

Location: Most meetings are hybrid (via Zoom webinar and in-person at WHS LGIR), check the website meeting page for up-to-date information.

More information about the school building project is available on the project website. Check out the updated FAQ page. For questions or comments about the project, send an email to wildwoodprojectquestions@wpsk12.com

December 2, 2024

Join us in celebrating National Special Education Day. The day commemorates the anniversary of our nation's first federal special education law, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), signed by President Ford on December 2, 1975.

In appreciation of our special education educators, who can be the difference between a student’s feeling included and successful. Thank you for the work you do and the positive impact you make on the lives of our students every single day.

WSS had local veterans visit their monthly All School Community Meeting. They were able to have two veterans, a grandparent, George Rollins, and school custodian, Rob C., as honored guests (image attached).

The students also completed their community challenge and collected items to support the Wilmington Veterans Association with their operation shoebox donations.

The school also has their Service Squad up and running. A huge shout out to Kylie McGilvray for coordinating the program and getting schedules together. A big thank you to the specialists who support this initiative every day.

Shawsheen Elementary School students wrote hundreds of letters and messages for Wilmington Veterans. All of the messages and decorations were used to honor our Veterans at the Methodist Church for the Sons of Italy Veterans Day breakfast. In addition, eleven 3rd grade Shawsheen Student Leaders went to the breakfast on their day off of school to read letters, welcome Veterans, sing-a-song, and thank them for their service. Check out the sing-a-long video here.

The WHS FTC Robotics Team, Wilmington Wired Wildcats, recently accepted an anonymous and extremely generous donation of $5,000 to support the Robotics program.

Since September, the students have been hard at work designing, 3D printing, building and coding their robot for this season's game, "Into the Deep." They are preparing for regional Qualifier games in January and February 2025. Check out the pictures below of the students at work.

For more information about opportunities to support the Robotics teams is available in the Robotics Sponsorship Packet.

On November 12th, students in Mr. Riley’s Criminal Justice classes visited a Massachusetts Correctional Institution in Shirley and participated in their Project Youth Program. WHS students toured the facility and heard personal stories from four inmates serving life sentences. This valuable experience provided students with concrete examples of the consequences of poor decisions, a better understanding of the criminal justice system, and an experience that they will never forget.

The Local Heroes Club recently completed its annual “Dear Soldier Letter” Project. The project allows students to send thank you letters to local veterans and honor them for their service to our nation. It is a wonderful tradition that Mr. Carr and the Local Heroes Club continue. On Tuesday, November 12, the Local Heroes Club hosted local Veterans to speak to students as part of Wilmington High School's recognition of Veterans Day. Wilmington Veterans Affairs Director Lou Cimaglia addressed students on the importance of honoring and supporting those who serve as well as their families.

On November 15th, members of the Wildcat Service Club and the 9/11 Memorial Committee students visited the Senior Center to interview senior citizens about their memories of the events of 9/11.

French Exchange: Travel to France!

Depart: Saturday, 4/19/2025

Return: Tuesday, 4/29/2025

Students will explore Paris, Normandy, Giverny, and Rouen on an adventure filled with rich history and breathtaking sights! Students will stay with host families in the Normandy area and spend a few days shadowing their host students in school.

Interested in the program, fill out this brief application:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdGuCMcOEjxuBYjrCAiOQ7J2cPFrLwbL9jFoKkOJ0SjshVWOg/viewform

Learn more about the program, including itinerary highlights, what’s included, pricing, etc. at: https://hbsignup.com/whs-to-france

If you have any questions or additional comments, please contact Terresa Pietro, WHS World Languages Department at terresa.pietro@wpsk12.com

Click the links below for more information about:

• WHS World Language Exchange Program (including current & future exchange opportunities, 24/25 to 27/28)
• National Language Exam opportunities

Last month, the 2024/2025 Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents (M.A.S.S.) Certificate of Academic Excellence Award was presented to WHS senior, Katherine Wang, during a School Committee meeting. This award is given to a high school student who has distinguished themselves in the pursuit of excellence during their high school career.

Katherine excels academically and in a leadership capacity, illustrates her Wildcat pride in band and drama, and volunteers her time and talent in the community. Congratulations Katherine on all your achievements!

Pictured below L to R: WPS Superintendent Brand, Student Katherine Wang, School Committee Chair Jesse Fennelly

Please join us for an upcoming performance by our students.

For local events, activities, and clubs, feel free to check out our district Friday Flyers page throughout the school year at https://www.wpsk12.com/cms/one.aspx?pageId=26924989

Episode 8, Part 1, Community Engagement

We’re One Wilmington is a 501c3 organization founded by a small group of friends with the simple yet powerful mission of strengthening our community one good deed at a time.

Listen to this 26-minute Podcast with guests from We’re One Wilmington (WOW)! Learn all about how they can help and how you can support them. An amazing foundation that does incredible work for our community through kindness.

Raising Wildcats Audio/Podcast

And to learn more about WOW, visit their website at https://onewilmington.org/

What: 14th Annual Festival of Trees by We’re One Wilmington

When:

• 12/6/2024, 9am to 9pm
• 12/7/2024, 9am to 9pm
• 12/8/2024, 9am to 12pm

Where: Villanova Hall, 126 Middlesex Ave., Wilmington

WOW's Festival of Trees is back for its 14th year!

Admission is free. The event includes a raffle of holiday trees, wreaths and baskets. Plus enjoy a bake sale, favorite tree contest/ribbon awards, 2024 Wilmington Ornament, annual scavenger hunt with prizes, and photos with Santa. Santa will visit the Festival of Trees on Friday evening between 5 – 9 pm. There will also be entertainment all weekend.

For more information, visit https://onewilmington.org/festival-of-trees/

What: Wilmington Town Museum Open House

When: Sunday, 12/8/2024, 1 to 4pm

Where: Joshua Harnden Tavern, 430 Salem Street

The Museum's Open House in December will be part of the Holiday Social celebration. Come join the Historical Commission celebrating the coming of winter and the beginning of many festivities. Wreaths and holiday decor will be for sale and colonial and native foods will be available. Come enjoy the time with friends, locals, and feel free to dress in period clothes.

Celebrate with music, refreshments, and holiday cheer!

What: Tewksbury/Wilmington Elks Hoop Shoot

When: Thursday, 12/26/2024, Registration @ 6pm, Shooting Starts @ 6:30pm

Where: Wynn Middle School, 1 Griffin Way, Tewksbury

Free community event for youth age 8 to 13.

See the flyer for details.

The 2024 Special Town Meeting will be held on December 7, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. Check in will begin at 8:30 a.m. It will be located at the Wilmington High School Auditorium, 159 Church Street. The Special Town Meeting Warrant for December 7, 2024 is available by clicking here.

What: Junior Parent College Info Night

When: Wednesday, 12/11/2024 at 6:00 PM

Where: WHS Auditorium

No Advance Registration Necessary

What: Social Media & Anxiety

When: 1/27/2025 at 6:00 PM

Where: WHS Large Group Instruction Room

No Advance Registration Required

What: Anxiety & Attendance

When: 2/24/2025 at 6:00 PM

Where: WHS Large Group Instruction Room

No Advance Registration Required

More details available at

https://sites.google.com/wpsk12.com/parentguardianuniversityevents/home

Click here to access the MPY informational library of videos and handouts.

The Food Services Department is seeking substitute staff to fill part-time hours at the high school, middle school, Woburn Street School, and West Intermediate School.

For questions or to apply, email: Mary Palen, Food Services Director, mary.palen@wpsk12.com

To apply, email: lisa.faretra@wpsk12.com

To apply: https://www.schoolspring.com/jobdetail?jobId=4787445

For questions, email: andrea.armstrong@wpsk12.com

Email: glenn.brand@wpsk12.com
Website: www.wpsk12.com
Location: 161 Church Street, Wilmington, MA 01887, USA
Phone: 978-694-6000