WPS District Updates

Dear Members of the WPS Community,

As I prepare to transition out of my role as Superintendent of WPS at the end of June, I write to share my deepest gratitude with you—our students, families, staff, and community members—who have made my time in Wilmington so deeply meaningful. This will be my final newsletter to you, and it comes with both pride and heartfelt appreciation.

It has truly been my privilege and honor to serve as your Superintendent of Schools. Over the past seven years, I have witnessed firsthand the incredible sense of community, unwavering collaboration, and deep commitment that define Wilmington Public Schools. These qualities are what make this District—and this town—so special.

Over the years, Wilmington has become a ‘home away from home’ for me. I’ve come to know and appreciate the remarkable depth of care, support, and spirit that surrounds our schools. As I’ve shared with many of you recently, I often find myself thinking how wonderful it would have been for my wife and me to have discovered this community sooner—it would have been a truly exceptional place to raise our family.

Together, we have faced challenges, celebrated achievements, and stayed firmly rooted in our shared mission of providing a high-quality education for every child in Wilmington. Whether it was expanding academic programs, strengthening student supports, striving to improve school facilities, or building strong community partnerships, I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished. These milestones are a testament to our collective efforts, and I am sincerely grateful for the trust, collaboration, and support you have extended to me throughout this journey.

Thank you for allowing me to be part of this vibrant community and for welcoming me as a Wildcat. While I am excited for the next chapter in my professional journey, I will always carry this community with me. The lessons I’ve learned and the relationships I’ve built here will remain a lasting part of my life and career.

Thank you once again for the opportunity to serve. I leave with deep appreciation and warmest wishes for the continued success of WPS.

With Gratitude, Glenn Brand, EdD, Superintendent of Schools

Date/Time: Typically held at 6:30pm (unless otherwise noted)

• 6/3/2025- Community Forum #7 @6pm @ WHS LGIR, followed by a committee meeting @7pm
• 6/10/2025
• 7/22/2025
• 8/19/2025

Location: Typically a hybrid format. 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

Last month, the Social Studies Department hosted its 21st annual Global History Fair. All 9th graders completed a 3-part internet research project:

1. students learned about the reliability of using internet sources for historical research.
2. students reflected and narrowed down a list of reliable sources to create an annotated bibliography.
3. students demonstrated their newfound knowledge in a final product that contained a thesis.

All sophomores wrote a thesis-based research paper. Students chose a topic of interest, generated a thesis statement to defend, and did extensive research emphasizing primary sources. Students then went through a rigorous process of writing and editing, culminating in a final paper based on their thesis and research. Through working on these projects, students simulated the important work historians do by researching primary sources and synthesizing evidence into fresh and unique interpretations of our past.

Thank you to all the students, teachers and advisors from the MPY member districts for showcasing their talents and helping to deliver positive messages about this year's theme, COMMUNITY...Together We Can Achieve Greatness! Each entry demonstrated exceptional talent and conveyed meaningful messages.

Congratulations to our very own 2025 MPY Public Service Announcement Project Co-Winners Harper Hill, Ella Hill and Mia Vargas (Wilmington Middle School, Grade 7)!

Their Project Title: WHAT IS COMMUNITY

Check out their winning entry video here: https://vimeo.com/1083648171?share=copy

The 30TH issue of the Paw Print Literary Magazine, WELCOME TO WONDERLAND, is officially published!

12 WMS students submitted 25 original pieces for this issue. They really stretched their creative muscles this time: along with poetry, an epistolary piece (aka a letter), and traditional and digital art, there are two full novels, a final chapter of a novel-in-progress, and several short stories published in this issue.

This club was born in SY 2015-16. Looking back, it's incredible to see the amazing work so many wonderful students created in the past decade.

Check out the issue here.

The WPS English Department is happy to announce the summer reading program for 2025. You can see the details in the document here: Wilmington Public Schools Summer Reading 2025

1. Students entering grades 6-7 at Wilmington Middle School have a recommended summer reading assignment.
2. Students entering grade 8 at Wilmington Middle School have a required summer reading assignment.
3. Students entering grades 9-12 at Wilmington High School will have a required summer reading assignment.

Discover mathematics all around you this summer!!! Just as with reading, regular practice over the summer with problem solving, computation, and math facts will maintain and strengthen the mathematical gains you made over the school year.

Check out this flyer for links (by grade) for fun summer math ideas and activities.

Last month marked our third annual World Language Awards Celebration. It honored remarkable achievements in linguistic proficiency. 82 WHS students were recognized for earning Biliteracy Awards, including 12 prestigious State Seal of Biliteracy Awards, and for their outstanding performance on the National French, Italian, and Spanish Exams. We are so proud of all their world language accomplishments! Their hard work and dedication are truly inspiring, and we cannot wait to see the incredible paths they will forge as global citizens.

For a full write-up of the awards event, visit the department blog at: https://wilmingtonwl.blogspot.com/2025/05/world-language-awards-celebration-may.html

Wilmington Public Schools is proud to announce its recognition as the 2025 Terrific Tray of the Year award recipient.

The award was presented May 20th, 2025, at the Healthy Kids, Healthy Programs Summit, hosted by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and The John C. Stalker Institute of Food and Nutrition. This recognition celebrates innovative meal presentation and excellence in school nutrition, demonstrating the positive impact of Universal Free School Meals on meal quality and local sourcing.

The tray (pictured) includes a variety of fresh, locally sourced ingredients, including:

• Roasted Chicken from Nallie Pastures in Dracut, MA
• Corn on the Cob from Northern Valley Farms in Granby, CT, hand-shucked by Wilmington High School students
• Romaine lettuce from CT Food 4 Thought in Torrington, CT
• Apples from Blue Hills Orchard in Wallingford, CT

For more information about Wilmington Public Schools' Food Service Program, please visit wpsk12.com, or follow them on social media:

· Facebook: Wilmington School Nutrition

· Instagram: @cafewildcat_

· X (formerly Twitter): @cafewildcat

The Wilmington Public Schools is committed to partnering with families and our community to support the overall success of our students. As part of this commitment, the district provides workshops for parents/guardians throughout the school year.

We are trying to identify the format that best suits the needs of our families going forward. To assist with our future planning, please take a few moments to complete this brief survey. We appreciate your support and feedback.

Survey Link: https://forms.gle/U2jtN1q1QvHfDWY88

The 2025/2026 academic calendar can be found on the district website calendar page or downloaded here.

The 2025/2026 school open house schedule can be found on the district website calendar or downloaded here.

Fall Enrollment 2025-2026 - Registration will open on or about Wednesday May 28, 2025, through June 25, 2025, for grades entering K-5. All registration after June 25, 2025, will go onto the waitlist.

The CARES Program uses Community Pass to serve as its registration platform. This platform allows the program to offer a more convenient process for on-line registrations for programs offered by the District. Online registration is simple, secure, and convenient and accepts e-checks and all major credit cards. Details can be found at https://cares.wpsk12.com/registration_and_tuition/communitypass

School bus registration for the 2025-2026 school year will open Tuesday, 6/3/2025 and an email with a link to register will go out to parents/guardians. Students who intend to utilize the bus must register by Wednesday, 7/9/2025.

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: Frontlines & Front Yards

When: 6/14/2025, 12-4pm

Where: Town Museum, 430 Salem St, Wilmington

Description:

The Town Museum will be hosting an event called “Frontlines & Front Yards” where they’ll be honoring those who served in the military and on the homefront during WWII and Korea. There will be a classic car show, a special exhibit, hands-on family-friendly activities, period music, WWII reenactors, a WWII plane fly-over, and many other activities.

The event will also include an Officer Installation ceremony and guest speakers, followed by a reception. The event is free and open to the public.

When: Saturday, 6/14/2025, 8am to 2pm

Where:

Find out what places to stop at by grabbing a map of the yard sale locations. Maps will be available at the library, on the library’s website, at the Book Store Next Door and at the Market Basket Courtesy Counter starting June 6, 2025.

Description:

Don’t be left out! In the past, over 50 Wilmington households have participated each year and hundreds of shoppers found bargains at the annual Town Wide Yard Sale. This year’s sale is sponsored by the Friends of the Wilmington Memorial Library, and all proceeds from seller fees benefit the library.

For more details, check out the library website.

When:

• 6/25/2025, 5-8pm: Wilmington Night
• 6/26/2025,5-9pm: Fun on the Fourth & Carnival
• 6/27/2025, 5-10:30pm: Fun on the Fourth w/Laser Show (@9:15pm) & Carnival
• 6/28/2025, 8am-10:30pm: 😀Family Day w/Fireworks (@9pm)

• 6/29/2025, 8am-10:30pm: ✨Fun on the Fourth w/Spectacular Fireworks (@9:30pm) & Carnival

Where: On the Town Common.

Plus free satellite parking lot with transportation available at the MBTA Main Street Parking Lot (Thursday-Sunday, 5-10:30pm)

Description:

Celebrate with us and get ready for days filled with fun, food, and entertainment! Includes carnival, live music, community booths, free parking, sports tournaments, and community dinners.

For more details including a schedule of events, visit the celebration page.

When: held every Sunday from 10 AM to 1 PM

Where: On the 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!

For more information, visit the market website.

Offers free and low cost classes and activities for all ages (PreK through adulthood), including academic, sport, and other programs to promote health and wellbeing, life-long education, and entertainment.

Check out their Summer Recreation Matters Newsletter here.

For more information and/or to register for a class, see the Community Pass/Register Online link on the Town website at https://www.wilmingtonma.gov/recreation

When: Evenings of June 2, 4, 9, 11

Registrants must be able to attend all four classes.

Description:

The Rape Aggression Defense System is a program of realistic, self-defense tactics and techniques. The R.A.D. system is a comprehensive course for women that begins with awareness, prevention, risk reduction, and avoidance, while progressing on to the basics of hands-on defense training. This program provides effective options by teaching women to take an active role in their own self-defense and psychological well-being.

For more information or to register, visit the WPD website.

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.

Please note: Courses range in age and grade eligibility for students entering grades 4th through 12th. Please see Course Offerings & Descriptions (link below) for details.

Registration Deadline: Open Until Full

All Classes will be held at Wilmington High School, 159 Church Street.

Course Offerings & Descriptions:

https://sites.google.com/wpsk12.com/whssummer2017/enrichment

Registration Link:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdc10oXJpgKslNvLowtcXFr0E3t60RSoH4Qnmpgn8fNPYMEsw/viewform

Please direct all questions for the WHS Summer Enrichment Program to:

Matt Hackett matthew.hackett@wpsk12.com

Michael Jones michael.jones@wpsk12.com

Or call WHS Main Office - 978-694-6060

During the summer, the Wilmington High School Athletic Department sponsors a series of sports clinics for children entering Grades 1-8. All clinics will be held at the Wilmington MIDDLE School unless otherwise specified below. All clinics will be run by WHS Coaches, Alumni, and Student-Athletes. The focus of each clinic is the development of skills through activity-based drills and scrimmages. The ultimate goal of the clinics is to develop children who enjoy participating in athletics.

For more information and to register, please visit:

https://students.arbitersports.com/programs/2025-wildcat-summer-sports-clinics

Clinic/Weeks:

• Week 1: Baseball and Softball (@ High School), 6/16-6/20, 9am-2pm, (no clinics on 6/19). $200
• Week 2: Boys + Girls Tennis (@ Boutwell Tennis Courts), 6/23-6/27. 9a-12p. $150
• Week 2: All Sports, 6/23-6/27. 9am-2pm MON-THUR & 9am-12pm FRI. $225
• Week 3: Boys Hoop and Field Hockey, 6/30-7/3, 9am-2pm, (No clinics on 7/4). $200
• Week 3: Cross Country, 6/30-7/3, 9am-12pm, (No clinics on 7/4). $150
• Week 4: Volleyball and Flag Football, 7/7-7/11, 9am-2pm MON-THUR & 9am-12pm FRI. $225
• Week 5: Boys Soccer and Girls Soccer, 7/14-7/18, 9am-2pm MON-THUR & 9am-12pm FRI. $225
• Week 6: Girls Hoop, Boys Lacrosse, Girls Lacrosse, 7/21-7/25, 9am-2pm MON-THUR. 9am-12pm FRI. $225

• Sunday, 6/1/2025- Class of 2025 Graduation
• Monday, 6/16/2025- Last day of school, Early Release District-Wide
• Thursday, 6/19/2025- Juneteenth holiday, schools and offices closed

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