WPS District Updates
SEPTEMBER 2025
SUPERINTENDENT'S MESSAGE
Dear Wilmington Families, Staff, and Community,
As we step into the 2025–2026 school year, I want to personally welcome each of you back. Whether you are returning or joining us for the first time, this year offers a renewed sense of purpose and possibility.
Education is one of the rare professions that allows for a fresh start each year—a new beginning filled with hope, learning, and growth. Despite the continued challenges in the world of education, I am inspired by your resilience and unwavering commitment to our students.
We have exciting work ahead, including progress on the five-year strategic plan and the work towards a potentially new elementary school building. These efforts are grounded in collaboration, sustainability, and a clear focus on what matters most: our students.
Let’s make this year one of strong connection, clear purpose, and shared success. I am grateful for all you do and proud to lead this incredible community.
Wishing you all a great start to the school year!
Warm regards,
David Thomson, EdD, Interim Superintendent
Special Town Meeting Childcare Options
If childcare is holding you back from attending Town Meeting, there are options to make participation easier!
You must be a registered voter to check in to the Special Town Meeting on September 13, 2025.
To check your voter registration, Click here! The last day to register to vote is September 3, 2025
Check out this flyer for the childcare option details and for a link to RSVP (deadline to sign-up for childcare is 9/5/2025).
Upcoming School Building Committee Meeting
Date/Time: Tuesday, 9/23/2025, at 6:30pm
Location: Hybrid (see below)
- In-person: WHS, Large Group Instruction Room, 159 Church Street
- Zoom webinar: https://wpsk12.zoom.us/j/87625496370?pwd=0mfDwHMLxQDbZqL5WrbruEgookNA2j.1
Recordings of the meetings are available on www.wctv.org
Project details as well as past and current meeting documents are available on the project website.
Health Services Reminder
Starting at the beginning of the school year 2025-26, cough drops will no longer be allowed in Wilmington Public Schools. Due to concerns about choking, students coming to the health office numerous times requesting them like candy, and the overall lack of effect in most cases, cough drops will no longer be permitted.
The school nurses strongly suggest that each student have a water bottle with them to soothe irritated throats. If your child's cough is persistent, contact your pediatrician for an appropriate over-the-counter medication that can be given at home prior to school.
Restricted Public Access to School Grounds During School Hours
Wilmington Public Schools is implementing a new safety protocol that will restrict public access to school grounds during school hours, effective at the start of the 2025–2026 academic year. This measure, supported by the Wilmington School Committee, Town Manager, and Chief of Police, is part of a district-wide effort to strengthen student safety and enhance the learning environment.
To support the transition, clear signage has been posted at all school locations outlining the restricted access times. The district has also coordinated with town leadership to ensure that the broader community is fully informed of the new protocol and its importance.
For more details, please click her for the full announcement.
WPS Wellness Survey 2025/2026
As we enter the 2025-2026 school year, we would like to check in to better understand what our students and families will need to feel safe and supported, socially and emotionally, in the new school year.
We’re asking for your feedback by completing this brief WPS Wellness Survey 2025/2026 by Friday, September 3, 2025, so we can best support our students' and families'.
Volunteers Needed for Permanent Superintendent Search
Invitation to Serve on the Permanent Superintendent Search Screening Committee
The Wilmington School Committee has engaged the Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC) to assist in the search for a new permanent Superintendent of Schools. Over the next few weeks, the School Committee will appoint a Screening Committee to help with this process. While the School Committee has the sole authority to appoint the Superintendent, they value the input of a diverse Screening Committee made up of community members and school staff.
The Screening Committee will review applications, interview candidates, and recommend several finalists to the School Committee for further consideration.
We invite staff members and parents/guardians who are interested in serving on the Screening Committee to apply. Members must be available to attend several evening meetings, including all of the candidate interviews, and must maintain strict confidentiality as candidate names and application materials will be reviewed and discussed. This role requires a significant time commitment during the latter part of October and the first part of November.
If you would like to be considered, please complete the survey below by Friday, September 12, 2025: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VVZ3DSL
If you have any questions, please contact Andrea Stern Armstrong at 978-694-6000, Option #3, or by email at andrea.armstrong@wpsk12.com
National IT Professional Day, 9/16/2025
Today, we celebrate the dedicated IT professionals who keep our schools running smoothly behind the scenes. From maintaining networks and devices to troubleshooting tech emergencies with patience and expertise—you are the backbone of our digital learning environment.
Thank you for your vital role in supporting students, teachers, and staff every single day. We appreciate your hard work, problem-solving skills, and unwavering commitment to keeping us connected and moving forward.
National School Parent Group Appreciation Day, 9/26/2025
We recognize and celebrate the incredible dedication, support, and hard work of our school parent groups (PAC's) across the district. Whether you're organizing events, volunteering in classrooms, fundraising, or simply offering a helping hand, your impact is felt every single day.
Your commitment strengthens our school district and makes a lasting difference in the lives of students and staff. You are the heart behind the scenes—uplifting our mission, building connections, and ensuring every child has the support they need to thrive.
Thank you for your time, your energy, and your unwavering support. We appreciate you!
Community Yard Sale
When: Saturday, 9/6/2025 from 8am to 2pm
Where: Wilmington Town Common Parking Lot
Description:
The Wilmington Sons & Daughters of Italy and the Wildcat Band Parents will host a community yard sale. There will be everything from old coins to household items, clothes, furniture, collectibles and much more — come and find your treasure!
Both organizations encourage all their friends and neighbors in Wilmington and nearby towns to stop by and bring the family. All the proceeds raised will go to help the two organizations with the many programs that they support throughout the year, including scholarships for Wilmington High School students
Veterans End of Summer Bash
When: Friday, 9/19/2025, starting at 12:00pm
Where: Wilmington Knights of Columbus, 112 Middlesex Ave.
Description:
Free event for Veterans and a guest!
Please join the Veterans Department Annual End of Summer Bash for food, friends, and fun! Space is limited and registration is required.
Please call 978-694-2040 by 9/12/2025 to register.
WML Behind the Books Author Visit
When: 9/25/2025 at 7:30pm
Where: Wilmington Senior Center, 130 Main Street
Description:
Join author Sy Montgomery as she discusses her journey as an author. There will be a cash bar, book sales & autograph signing! Sy Montgomery is known for her books A Good, Good Pig and The Soul of an Octopus. This is a free event, open to ages 9 and up. For more information and to register for the event, scan the QR code below.
Wilmington's Fall Fest
When: Saturday, 9/27/2025, 9AM to 4PM
Where: Wilmington Town Common and surrounding areas
Description:
Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and flavors of fall!
Activities include
- 5K & Family Fun Run: A 5-kilometer race through Wilmington (early registration discounts available).
- Community booths: Featuring local organizations, businesses, and crafters.
- Food trucks: Offering a variety of food and beverages.
- Touch-a-truck: An opportunity for kids to explore and learn about various vehicles.
- Antique car show: Displaying classic and vintage automobiles.
- Inflatable park: Featuring bouncy houses and other inflatable attractions for kids.
- Trackless train rides: A fun way for kids to explore the festival grounds.
- Big kid games: cornhole tournament and horseshoes.
- Live entertainment: Featuring local bands and performers.
- Raffle and prizes: With proceeds benefiting local organizations.
- Vendor Marketplace: Discover a unique shopping experience - Browse through an extensive selection of handcrafted items.
More details are available on the Wilmington Celebrates event page.
Wilmington Farmers Market
When: held every Sunday until 10/5/2025 from 10AM to 1PM
Where: Wilmington Town Common
Description:
Enjoy a lively mix of fresh, locally-grown produce, baked goods, specialty foods, handmade crafts, live music, and fun activities for all ages. It's a great way to support local vendors and connect with the community—don’t miss this cherished summer tradition!
Summer Music Nights @ Woburn Village
When: weekly on Fridays until 9/26/2025 from 6 to 8PM
Where: Woburn Village, 300 Mishawum Rd, Woburn
Description:
Woburn Village’s third annual summer music series. Enjoy performances from local artists every week in their green space. Sing and dance your way to the weekend.
More information available at https://woburnvillage.com/events/event/summer-music-nights/
- Tuesday, 9/2/2025- PreK/Kindergarten First Day
- Saturday, 9/13/2025- Special Town Meeting (begins at 9am).
- Tuesday, 9/16/2025- Town Voting Day/Ballot Vote (8am to 7pm).
- Precincts 1, 2 & 3: Wilmington Senior Center (130 Main Street)
- Precincts 4, 5 & 6: Town Hall (121 Glen Road)
- Wednesday, 9/24/2025- Early Release District-wide (Professional Development Time)
25/26 School Year Calendar
- The calendar is available as a Pdf to download from our district website calendar page at https://www.wpsk12.com/calendar
District Calendar
Town of Wilmington
School Committee
Office of the Superintendent
Website: www.wpsk12.com
Location: 161 Church Street, Wilmington, MA 01887, USA
Phone: 978-694-6000