WPS District Updates

Greetings WPS Community,

The topic of student cell phone use in schools is the focus of considerable discussion and debate by many as of late. As someone who receives daily briefings of educational trends and topics across the Commonwealth and country there are few days that pass in which I don’t see this topic being mentioned.

This truly is not surprising. The research is constantly expanding on the negative impacts that excessive cell phone use has on student’s mental health and well-being including its interference with learning. At the same time, the prevalence of these devices is increasing with more and more kids and at even younger ages in possession of a cell phone (as well as Smartwatches which are often just as problematic in school).

Our educators and school leaders work diligently to ensure that such devices do not interrupt the teaching and learning environment. However, our approaches are different from school to school and classroom to classroom across the District which is not best for consistency in how we approach these situations nor fair to students, staff or families.

As a school community it is the case that we have not yet had formal discussions about what our expectation is regarding these devices. While I know that there are many districts who are in the exact same place as us currently, I also know that others have implemented a variety of different approaches that include:

• Prohibiting cell phone use completely in schools including prohibiting them from being brought into school.
• Banning electronic watches.
• Allowing cell phone use at only certain times of the day (i.e. lunch).

It is my belief that the time is now for WPS to bring together our stakeholders - our educators, students, parents/guardians, School Committee members and our school leaders - to establish our policies as an education community on where we want to be on this important issue.

At our October 23 School Committee meeting I will be recommending the formation of a working group to assist in developing recommendations that will serve to guide our decision-making around this topic in the future and I welcome you to stay tuned for further information on how you might be able to contribute to the conversation.

Ultimately, this is an important topic and one that impacts our classrooms, our schools and what happens each and every day with our students. I believe we owe it to them and our educators to have these conversations and determine what path we think is the best way forward in Wilmington.

Regards,

Glenn Brand, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools

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

• 10/8/2024 (Project Review & Preferred Option Vote)
• 11/12/2024
• 12/10/2024

Location: Typically in-person at WHS LGIR, check website meeting page for details.

More information about the school building project is available on the project website.

Topic: Anxiety & Depression

When: Monday, 10/28/2024 beginning at 6pm

Where: WHS, Large Group Instruction Room, 159 Church Street

Brief description:

Come learn more about anxiety & depression in children with the WPS Social Emotional Learning team. We aim to provide a basic understanding of anxiety & depression throughout development, signs & symptoms, treatment options, and how to support your student in their journey with their own mental health. We look forward to spotlighting a common concern amongst parents & guardians and providing support for your family!

Topic: A Deeper Dive Into Anxiety & Depression

When: Wednesday, 11/6/2024 beginning at 12pm

Where: Zoom

https://wpsk12.zoom.us/j/86864868175?pwd=atekgfaaz0CuCUU4BdU3BbqilzsO6n.1

Brief description:

The WPS Social Emotional Learning team invites you to a virtual lunch and learn where we will take a deeper dive into anxiety & depression in children. Our goal is to provide a broader understanding of the concerns, signs & symptoms, coping skills, and options for families facing anxiety & depression.

We continue to partner with The McLean School Consultation Program. We are thrilled to announce that their annual School Consultation Service “Leaders in Youth Mental Health Series” has launched. As part of our partnership, they are offering four free caregiver webinars for the parents and caregivers in our school district.

10/17/2024, 9am, How to Talk to Your Kids About Suicide and Myths That Get in the Way

Learning objectives:

1. Caregivers will understand the facts about teens and suicide
2. Caregivers will learn ways to talk to their kids about suicide and mental health
3. Caregivers will understand the myths that get in the way of open communication about suicide

11/13/2024, 12pm, Validation

Learning objectives:

1. Caregivers will understand how invalidation can impact their children's emotional well-being and behaviors.
2. Caregivers will learn how validation can foster emotional well-being, improved communication, and behavior change.
3. Caregivers will observe a validation role play.

3/6/2025, 12pm, Empowering Students for the College Transition

Learning objectives:

1. Caregivers will better understand common stressors and challenges in the college transition
2. Caregivers will learn how to assess individual student strengths and areas of growth
3. Caregivers will learn about the Emotional Preparedness model for college readiness

4/8/2025, 12pm, Managing Screen Time and Social Media Use

Learning objectives:

1. Caregivers will learn how to develop a screen time plan for their kids
2. Caregivers will know the specific types of social media use and their associated impacts on mental health
3. Caregivers will learn tools for assessment of and changes to social media use

Important information:

All information for the caregiver webinars, including dates/times, Zoom links, presenter information and learning objectives can be found here on this website: https://healthcare.mgb.org/streaming/Live/McLean/McLean_SCS.html

All caregivers of school aged children K-12 and school staff in the Wilmington school/district are invited to attend. Webinars will be hosted live on their scheduled date and time with closed captioning. If you are unable to watch it live, they will be recorded and available “On Demand” shortly afterwards. The On Demand videos will be found on the same website link above. No pre-registration is required for the webinars.

What: Basic Rights: Understanding the IEPA

When: 10/3/2024, 6:30 to 8:30pm

Where: virtual registration at https://fcsn.org/event/wilmington-understanding-the-iep/

Brief description: This presentation will delve into the Individual Education Program (IEP) document, its development, the breakdown of each section and understanding how the document will support a student.

What: Babysitting Course

When: Saturday, 10/19/2024, 9am to 4pm

Where: Wilmington Memorial Library, 175 Middlesex Avenue

The library will be hosting a free all-day course, in collaboration with 4-H and the UMass Extension Program. It is for participants ages 11-18 years old who will learn the skills needed to become responsible babysitters. The course will teach babysitting safety, how to handle different situations while taking care of children and provide a 4-H babysitting guide.

Pre-registration is required and can be done at www.wilmlibrary.org/events or by calling WML at 978-658-2967.

Next month/Save-The-Dates: Please join us for an upcoming (November) performance by our students.

Since 2010, the Wilmington High School 9/11 Memorial Committee has commemorated the events of 9/11. The committee began by fundraising and designing a memorial for the town that ultimately was constructed in the courtyard of the new high school. Since it was completed, the high school has used the memorial every year to educate students about the events of September 11, 2001. They have also honored the spirit of 9/11 Day, which is a National Day of Service to honor the victims of that tragedy. This year, the educational theme will center around the “Survivor Tree” that is the 9/11 Memorial site in NYC. Students are also working on a new initiative to collect and record stories from people who have powerful experiences remembering 9/11.

In spirit of 9/11 Day, the nation’s largest annual Day of Service, the committee also worked with students to pledge to do good deeds as part of the #WilmyGIVES movement.

Last month, Mr. Maloney’s AP Government classes visited the Edward Kennedy Institute for the Senate. Students took the role of Senators and participated in a simulated Senate session in which they learned about the legislative process. After students were sworn in as senators, they reviewed their state and party interests, interviewed expert witnesses, discussed and selected provisions and amendments to add to the bill and voted in the Senate chamber. Mr. Maloney’s students debated an election reform bill which proposed several possible federal standards for how and when we register and vote, and how we ensure election integrity. Students considered how each provision of the bill they built might affect voter confidence, racial equity, and states’ discretion to determine election processes.

Each day, Principal Caira selects one student that shows respect, inclusivity and engagement and calls home to let them know what a great job their student is doing.

Highlights from last month pictured below with Principal Caira are Anthony Lanzi (L) and Arianna Andrews (R).

Mrs. Benoit’s 6th grade Ancient Civilizations classes recently participated in a hands-on archaeological dig discovering ancient fossils and pottery.

Help improve the health of our community! Winchester Hospital is conducting a Community Survey to learn about the issues affecting people in the communities they serve, including Wilmington.

This anonymous survey will help Winchester Hospital understand what you think about the quality of life and available resources so they can improve patient care and community services. The survey is available in multiple languages. Complete the survey for a chance at winning a $100 Visa gift card.

Take the Survey by November 1st:

Use your phone to scan the QR code or complete the survey online at https://survey.jsi.com/s3/FY25-BILH

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

What: Open House

When: Sunday, 10/6/2024, 2:00 to 4:00pm

Where: Harnden Tavern, 430 Salem Street

Free community event.

The museum will offer tours and will be serving apple cider and donuts.

What: Shriners Trunk or Treat & Touch a Truck

When: Sunday, 10/20/2024, 1:00 to 4:00pm

Where: Aleppo Shriners 99 Fordham Rd.

Free community event hosted by the Shriners of Wilmington. Bring the whole family! The Trunk or Treat & Touch a Truck Extravaganza is a free, fun and safe way to celebrate Halloween with your friends and family. Kids ages 14 and under will get to Trick or Treat in a safe environment full of decorated vehicles with trunks full of treats. Come dressed in your costume.

What: 15th Castleberry Fall Craft Festival

When: Saturday, 10/26/2024, 10:00am to 5:00pm and Sunday, 10/27/2024, 10:00am to 4:00pm

Where: Aleppo Shriners Auditorium, 99 Fordham Rd.

The crafters are back in a big way for the Castleberry Fall Craft Festival!

Over 150 of the regions finest juried Artisans and Craftsmen will display and sell their American made works. Come and sample a variety of specialty foods.

Coupon for $2.00 off admission available at https://castleberryfairs.com/castleberry-fall-craft-festival/

What: No Stress Trick-or-Treating

When: Sunday, 10/27/2024 1:00 to 3:00pm

Where: 10 Waltham Street

Calling all Wilmington kids and Families! The third annual Step-Up Trunk or Treat event will be held at WCTV! The free event welcomes all, with special care and support given to those with sensory struggles or who have difficulty with Halloween. Costumes are welcomed but not required. Candy and pizza will be available for all who attend! Please join us for a safe, fun and free community event for all ages.

About the Event: Tessa Labreque created The Step-Up Halloween event because she loves helping others in the community and seeing the attendees happy faces. Having struggled with personal challenges herself, she wants to make sure everyone in the community is represented and gets to experience the joy of Halloween, no matter how that may look for them.

What: Horribles Parade

When: Sunday, 10/27/2024, beginning at 4:30pm

Location: Parade leaves from the Public Safety Building (1 Adelaide St.) and heads to the high school cafeteria (159 Church St.) for trick-or-treat goodies galore.

For: ~ Free community event for Wilmington children in costume

The Wilmington Recreation Department offers high quality, relevant and affordable programs and services to the residents of Wilmington. They also offer classes for all ages, sports and other programs to promote physical health, and day and overnight trips to provide life-long education and entertainment.

What: Trunk-or-Treat

When: Sunday, 10/27/2024, 3:00 to 4:15pm

Location: 220 Middlesex Avenue

Free community event in the church parking lot. The Trunk-or-Treat is a FREE, FUN and a SAFE way to celebrate Halloween with your friends and family. Kids will get to trick or treat in a safe parking lot full of decorated vehicles with trunks full of CANDY. Come dressed in your costume.

The Wilmington Horribles Parade steps off at 4:30pm from the Community Safety Building - feel free to stop by and visit us on your way to the parade!

What: Flu Vaccine Clinic (for school age children)

When: Wednesday, 10/23/2024, 3:30 to 6:30pm

Where: WMS Cafeteria, 25 Carter Lane

Register at: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F49A5A82EA7FBC70-51587748-wilmington

Access code is WILMINGTON (all caps). Deadline to sign up is 10/18/2024.

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