Winter Hill Wildcat Weekly
September 12, 2025
Hello Winter Hill families,
We have had another great week! Our students and staff are very excited to welcome families into our school on Thursday, September 25th for our back-to-school event. See below for more information.
I want to take this opportunity to echo the message that Superintendent Carmona sent out yesterday and is posted below - at Winter Hill, we are unwavering in our commitment to provide every child with a safe, welcoming, and inclusive learning environment. Please reach out to any of our staff if you or child need anything.
Warmly,
Principal Gosselin
Dear SPS Students, Families, and Staff,
As a community, we are deeply saddened by the disturbing events in recent weeks. These include tragic shootings at a Catholic School Mass in Minneapolis, a high school in Colorado, and a university in Utah – all community spaces where peace and learning should be sacred.
We also recognize that increased immigration enforcement activity across the region and here in Somerville has directly affected some of our students and families. These events are unfolding against a backdrop of wars abroad, civil and political unrest, and images of violence and destruction circulating constantly on social media.
It is not lost on us that some members of our community are more directly impacted than others, whether by violence — including antisemitism, Islamophobia, xenophobia, and other forms of bias targeting religious, ethnic, LGBTQ+, or political affiliations — or by the fear that comes with reports of immigration enforcement activity. And today, on the anniversary of September 11th, we are reminded again of the toll that violence, extremism, and division have taken on families, communities, and our country.
I recognize that words cannot begin to address the depths of loss and the emotional toll that many are navigating. Still, I want to be clear about our values and our commitment to supporting every member of our community. At Somerville Public Schools, we are unwavering in fostering a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all. Every child has the right to high-quality education in a safe environment, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or immigration status.
We know how unsettling these incidents are, and we remain mindful of their emotional impact. School-based counselors and family liaisons are available to provide support to students and families experiencing fear, anxiety, or distress.
Regarding immigration status, please know that SPS does not ask about families’ status, does not share student records with ICE without parent/guardian consent or a court order signed by a judge, and does not allow ICE agents access to our facilities without a criminal judicial warrant.
Our collaboration with the Somerville Police Department remains strong, and SPD continues to serve and protect our schools through both prevention and active response. As always, we prohibit discrimination and harassment based on protected classes, and we urge students and families to report any concerns directly to your school principal.
Our commitment to an inclusive and welcoming learning environment remains steadfast. Please do not hesitate to reach out to your principal for support.
Sincerely,
Rubén D. Carmona
Superintendent
Somerville Public Schools
We are excited to announce that our OST clubs for the fall session will run from September 22 through December 19. Click here for information: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Lv8tll4UnlGQ4WN9bsmIecC5QPJfEzOK-B6mO4fnDJg/edit?usp=sharing
Please note:
These clubs are only available to students who are not currently enrolled in an after-school program.
Students will transition directly from their classrooms to meet with their designated instructor.
At the end of each club, dismissal will take place at the main office entrance.
Thank you for helping us share this opportunity with families, please let us know if you have any questions.
Best,
Diana Posada
Out of School Time Site Director
Winter Hill Community Innovation School
Come join us for back-to-school night!
September 25th from 5 - 6:30 @ the Winter Hill @ Edgerly
This is a family event. - ALL students, siblings, parents, guardians, and caregivers are invited to attend.
- Meet all of your child's teachers and see their learning spaces;
- Learn about what your chld will learn this year;
- Visit the clothing closet for free clothes;
- Connect with our community partners - Somerville Office of Immigrant Affairs (Somerviva) and Community Action Agency of Somerville (CAAS);
- Chat with our PTA members, enjoy snacks, and join the PTA (parent-teacher association);
- Be a part of our Winter Hill community!
Students and siblings must stay with parents/guardians for the entire evening.
- Thursday, September 25th - Back-to-School Night 5:00 - 6:30 PM
- Monday, September 29th - Picture Day!
A NEW School Year is on the WAY! Get involved and Join the Winterhill PTA!!
Call for Members
Please make sure to complete the 2025-2026 School year membership form: https://forms.gle/d9LjmUS4cUujxVJb6
We have changed the format, no dues required, but we are very open to donations!
WHCIS PTA’s greatest priority this year is COMMUNITY! That is why the PTA needs parents and families to become members and volunteer on a committee. Please reach out to a PTA officer with any questions winterhillpta@gmail.com
GILMAN SQUARE ARTS AND MUSIC FESTIVAL! September 13th (Rain Date September 14th) 12:00-5:00pm 227-249 Pearl Street, Somerville
PTA Bake Sale!
The Winter Hill Community Innovation School PTA is excited to take part in this year’s Festival! Last year’s bake sale was a huge fundraising success, and we can’t do it again without the support of our amazing Wildcat community.
Here’s how you can help:
Donate baked goods, snacks, or drinks to sell.
Please bring your items directly to the bake sale table anytime from 11 AM on, the day of the event. Our table will be set up at Triangle Park, across from Sarma restaurant.
Individually wrapped or portioned treats sell best.
If possible, include a note with the name of your item.
Festival Highlights:
Nearly 30 artists & makers showcasing their work, including tie-dye with WHCIS mom Eran Phinney (founder of Swirl My World)
Info, resources, and programs from local nonprofits & community partners
Food vendors featuring American, Indian, Bangladeshi, Peruvian, Jamaican, Colombian & Mediterranean cuisines
FREE live music, including performances by The Goonie Birds (featuring Ms. Stier and WHCIS mom/SPS music teacher Cathy Ward) AND Weird Frendz (featuring WHCIS mom Julia Dickinson)!
FREE kids activities: Spanish is Fun storytelling, face painting, pumpkin painting, and more!
Let’s come together to support our school and community. 💙🐾
DADDY JONES RESTAURANT FUNDRAISER! September 24th 5:00-10:00pm 525 Medford Street, Somerville
Daddy Jones restaurant will donate a portion of sales—whether you dine in or order take-out—to the Winter Hill Community Innovation School PTA, helping to fund programs and initiatives for our students.
Join us for a delicious night out or take your meal to go, and support a great cause!
Sent on behalf of the PTA for Winter Hill Community Innovation School
We are off to a strong start with attendance! Thank you to all parents and caregivers for prioritizing attendance and sending students to school based on the guidelines that we shared.
Check out our school and district!
There is lots of information including staff bios, departments and programs, social-emotional learning, PTA information, and our blog.
- Special Education Parent Advisory Committee (SEPAC) September / October Newsletter:
Winter Hill @ Edgerly Breakfast & Lunch Menu
Somerville Public Schools Handbooks