WPS District Updates

Dear Wilmington Families, Staff, and Community,

As the crisp air and shorter days usher in the month of November, I want to take a moment to reflect on all we have to be grateful for as a school community. This time of year reminds us of the importance of gratitude, connection, and continued growth — all of which are central to the work we do every day in Wilmington Public Schools.

We are now well into the school year, and I continue to be impressed by the dedication of our educators, the curiosity of our students, and the support of our families. Whether it’s the thoughtful lessons taking place in classrooms, the energy on our athletic fields, or the creativity showcased in our arts programs, there is so much to celebrate across the district.

As we move into November, I want to highlight a few important themes and reminders:

• Gratitude and Community

• Social-Emotional Learning & Wellness

• Upcoming Events and Calendar Reminders

Wishing you and your family a joyful and restful Thanksgiving season.

Warm regards,

David Thomson, EdD, Interim Superintendent

2nd Episode: In this episode, we explore school finance, budgeting, and the budget process with our Assistant Superintendent of Administration & Finance, Paul Ruggiero. We also introduce our new Director of Finance, Keree Simmons, who will be assuming the role in December.

3rd Episode: In this episode, we interview Principal Caira on the initiatives and improvements made at Wilmington Middle School over the last 3 years. These changes have improved the experiences for our middle school students, staff, and families. This is an in-depth follow-up to the AMLE survey data presented at the October 10th School Committee meeting.

Link: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ejeQNoYq98pM6haiGU1Vj?si=X28Q7QeGQ_KO3UjtMBLfBQ

Podcast can be found on Spotify and Apple Podcasts

It has come to our attention that vehicle pick-up lines at our schools are not fully in compliance with Massachusetts law (MGL Part I, Title XIV, Chapter 90, Section 16B), which prohibits unnecessary motor vehicle idling in the vicinity of a school or on school grounds.

This law is designed to protect the air quality around our schools and safeguard our students from prolonged exposure to vehicle emissions. Reducing idling not only helps our children breathe cleaner air but also saves fuel and reduces operating costs for drivers.

The Wilmington Public School district is in the process of posting reminder signs at each school to raise awareness of this regulation, which has been in effect for several years. We ask for your cooperation in following this important law and helping us maintain a healthy environment for our students and staff.

Please note that violations of this law are subject to fines of up to $100 for the first offense and up to $500 for subsequent offenses.

Thank you for your continued support in keeping our schools safe and environmentally friendly.

Sharing from the Town… the Town Manager’s Office and the Select Board will be having a Food Drive for the Wilmington Food Pantry over the next week (ending Nov 7). There are many members of our community who are facing severe food insecurity this season. We will be collecting non-perishable food items and other necessities to do what we can to help.

Drop off locations at:

• Town Manager’s Office at Town Hall (121 Glen Rd.)
• Lobby of the Public Safety Building (1 Adelaide St.)
• Main Lobby of Senior Center (130 Main St.), and
• Food Pantry has existing drop off boxes at both Market Basket and McKinnon’s.

Please do whatever you feel you can to help the most vulnerable members of our community. If you need ideas of what to bring, please see the list from the Food Pantry below.

Items Most in Need at the Food Pantry:

• Paper products: toilet paper, paper towels, napkins
• Canned Tuna or Chicken
• Rice
• Instant Potatoes
• Canned meals (Beef Stew, Chili, Corned Beef Hash, Sloppy Joes)
• Canned meat (Ham/Spam)
• Canned Fruit / Applesauce
• Jams/Jellies
• Mayonnaise
• Ketchup
• Relish
• Cereal
• Oatmeal
• Juice Boxes
• Tea
• Coffee
• Flour
• Sugar
• Brownie Mix
• Cake Mix
• Muffin Mix
• Children's Snacks
• Canned pasta meals (Spaghettios, Chef Boyardee, etc.)
• Canned Vegetables (corn, peas, green beans, mixed vegetables, etc.)
• Canned Soup / Chunky Soups
• Ramen Noodles
• Pasta
• Spaghetti Sauce
• Mac and Cheese
• Peanut Butter
• Meal mixes (tuna or hamburger helper, sloppy joe mix)
• Disinfectant wipes, cleaning products
• Hand soap, hand sanitizer

Date/Time:

• Tuesday, 11/18/2025, at 6:30pm
• Tuesday, 12/16/2025, at 6:30pm

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

Recordings of past meetings are available on www.wctv.org

Project details as well as past and current meeting documents are available on the project website.

Click the image below for a flyover of what the proposed Wilmington Elementary School Building project would look like upon completion of construction (7:30).

Thank You for Supporting Minds and Hearts

This week, we proudly recognize the vital role our school psychologists play in supporting the mental health, well-being, and academic success of every student.

Your compassion, expertise, and dedication help students navigate challenges, build resilience, and grow into confident learners. Whether you're providing one-on-one support, collaborating with teachers, or guiding families, your work makes a lasting difference.

Thank you for being a trusted advocate, a caring listener, and an essential part of our school community. We appreciate everything you do—this week and always!

Honoring the Backbone of Our Schools

Today, we celebrate and thank our incredible Education Support Professionals—the dedicated individuals who keep our schools running smoothly and our students supported in every way.

From office staff to bus drivers, paraprofessionals to cafeteria teams, custodians to tech support—you are the behind-the-scenes heroes who ensure that each school day is safe, welcoming, and successful.

Your work matters. Your impact is real. And your dedication does not go unnoticed.
Thank you for being essential to our students’ success and to the heart of our school community.

Thank You for Stepping Up and Making a Difference

Today, we celebrate the incredible substitute educators who step in with short notice, big hearts, and a deep commitment to keeping learning on track.

Your flexibility, resilience, and professionalism ensure that students continue to thrive—no matter the circumstance. Whether you're guiding a classroom for a day or several weeks, you bring stability, care, and quality education when it’s needed most.

Thank you for being reliable, adaptable, and essential members of our school family. Your contributions are deeply valued and truly appreciated.

Greetings Wilmington families and stakeholders,
Please take a few moments to complete our engagement survey. Your feedback will guide the school districts efforts to build stronger, more effective partnerships between our schools and the broader community. Thank you for your time and participation.

The survey will close on 11/13/2025 at 3 pm.

We value your input! Click here to take the survey.

DON'T MISS IT...

What: WHS Lamplighter Drama Club Performance "Frankenstein"

When:

• Today, 10/31/2025 @ 3:30PM
• Tomorrow, 11/1/2025 @ 2PM

Where: WHS, 159 Church Street, Wilmington

Tickets available at www.wpsk12.ludus.com

Wilmington Public Schools Ski and Snowboard Club 2026

Ski club has been up and running for approximately 40 years and is a fun-filled tradition for students in grades 4-8! Come enjoy the slopes after school with your friends! Refine your skills or learn to ski with Nashoba Valley Ski Area’s five-week group lesson program! Snowboard lessons are no longer offered unfortunately, but students who already know how to snowboard are welcome to attend. Equipment rentals are available as well. Motor coaches pick students up at their school at dismissal time and return to the schools by 7pm for Middle School, 7:30pm for North and West Schools. Please note, this year's programs are 5-week programs.

Rates and details are available on the registration page linked below. Email Megan Collins at megan.collins@wpsk12.com or Jodi Campbell at Jcampbell@shawtech.org for more information.

Registration deadline is November 28, 2025.

Register for Ski Club Here

Ski Club trip dates:

Intermediate School (Gr. 4 and 5)

Tuesdays:

January 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th,

February 3rd

Departure time: Immediately after school. Pick up time: 7:30 at the North.

Middle School (Gr.6-8)

Wednesdays:

January 7th, 14th, 21st

February 4th, 11th

*MS skips January 28th due to WPS 1/2 day*

Departure time: Immediately after school. Pick up time: 7:00 at the middle school.

Last month, our 7th-graders from the Middle School visited the Boutwell and the Wildwood to share their Children's Book Projects with the kindergarten students. These were original children’s books the middle schoolers wrote and illustrated themselves.

The kindergarteners were captivated by the creative stories, colorful pictures, and imaginative characters brought to life by their older peers. It was a wonderful experience filled with smiles, laughter, and a shared love of reading. The younger students were inspired by the big kids’ storytelling, and the 7th graders were so proud to share their work with such an enthusiastic audience. It was a joyful celebration of creativity, connection, and the magic of books. We look forward to making this an annual tradition.

When: Tuesday, 11/11/2025, 9 to 10:30AM

Where: United Methodist Church, 87 Church Street

Description:

Please join us! The Shawsheen Elementary School students will provide a performance for our town veteran's. All local veteran's and a guest are welcome to attend. Please RSVP by 11/6/2025.

The Veteran's Day Ceremony on the Town Common will occur directly after the breakfast.

• During the district Fire Safety events in October, some of the grade 3 Shawsheen Elementary students wrote a script about Fire Safety Week and made a YouTube Video.
• Check it out at https://youtu.be/oTKSS167k1k
• The school also practiced bus evacuations and learned how to stay safe while riding the school buses.

Wilmington High School is excited to be offering History of Wilmington, a new semester-long course that allows students to explore the rich historical roots of their own community. Throughout the first quarter, students have researched notable Wilmington residents, examined the history of their neighborhoods, and attended guest lectures from Town Museum Curator, Matt Beres, about Wilmington’s connections to the American Revolution.

Students also explored the Wilmington Memorial Library’s historical artifacts and visited the town’s colonial-era cemetery to analyze gravestone designs and inscriptions. Most recently, Historical Commission member Joe Jackson led students on a full-day bus tour of Wilmington, featuring stops at Harnden Tavern, the Middlesex Canal, Clapp’s Grist Mill, an early hops kiln, and Silver Lake. This engaging new course continues to foster a deeper appreciation for the town’s history and the people who helped shape it.

Model UN/Debate Club

The WHS Model UN/Debate Club traveled to St. John's High School in Shrewsbury in October for a MUN conference. The students debated:

• Peacekeeping In The Modern Space Age,
• The Second Amendment Dilemma,
• Infectious Disease,
• Clone Wars,
• Piracy and Maritime Law, and
• The Threat of Criminal-Political Networks to Regional Security.

Great job Ari Donn, Grace Prendergast, Jackson Kiley, Jackson Griffith, George Papageorgiou, Jason Michaud, Purnima Thapa, & Miranda Manfredi. And a special congratulations to Miranda for earning a "shout out" as an outstanding delegate in her first ever Model UN Conference!

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

When: Tuesday, 11/11/2025, 11AM

Where: Wilmington Town Common

Description:

The Wilmington Department of Veterans Services is holding its annual Veterans Day Ceremony on the Town Common on November 11th. The event is expected to take place around 11:00 AM, following a traditional schedule for the town. Residents are invited to join the ceremony to honor all past and present veterans

Special Note: The Wilmington United Methodist Church and the Wilmington Sons & Daughters of Italy would like to invite Wilmington Veterans and a guest to enjoy breakfast at the Methodist Church in the Fellowship Hall on Veterans Day, November 11, 2025, 9AM to 10:30AM.

When:

• 11/14/2025, 3 to 8PM
• 11/15/2025, 10AM to 8PM
• 11/16/2025, 10AM to 4PM

Where: Shriners Auditorium, 99 Fordham Road

Description:

• Themed Christmas Trees
• Artisan Vendor Booths
• Photos with Santa
• Children’s Activities
• DIY Craft Demonstrations
• Refreshments/Snacks will be available.

All proceeds benefit the Aleppo Shriners’ Children’s Transportation Fund.

When: Saturday, 11/15/2025, 11AM to 3PM

Where: Wilmington Knights of Columbus Hall, 112 Middlesex Ave.

Description:

North Shore Vendor Events is holding its 7th Annual “Fall into the Holidays” Fair. Enjoy an afternoon of fun and holiday shopping from 30+ vendors and unique crafters! Free admission.

When: Saturday, 11/15/2025, 9AM to 4PM

Where: St Thomas-Villanova Church, 126 Middlesex Ave.

(Novemberfest) Villanova Hall
(Family Fest) Lower Level of St. Thomas

Description:

• Crafters & Vendors
• Raffles (50/50, baskets, etc.)
• Silent Auction
• Kids Games & Prizes
• Reindeer Races & Crafts

The Parish of Transfiguration's Novemberfest is a day filled with community, fun, and tradition! Each year they bring together a wide variety of vendors, exciting raffles, and activities for all ages.

New this year is an expansion of the Family Fest area in the lower level of St. Thomas Church, where children can enjoy games, activities, and special surprises. Every part of Novemberfest helps support the Parish, making it a joyful day that brings our community together - all are welcome!

For a Pdf flyer of the event, click here.

When: Saturday, 11/22/2025, 9AM to 2PM

Where: Congregational Church, 220 Middlesex Ave.

Description:

The annual Fall Fair will include the Cookie Walk and Fudge Walk as well as the Luncheon, Meals To Go and Bake Table! Of course, what fair is complete without Crafts! Don't forget to search for those family treasures in the White Elephant and check out the amazing Silent Auction, a great source for some Christmas gift shopping!

When:

• 11/23/2025, 10AM to PM
• 12/21/2025, 10AM to 1PM

Where: Wilmington Senior Center, 130 Main Street

Description: The Wilmington Farmers Market is partnering with the Wilmington Senior Center to host a monthly indoor winter market through the end of 2025.

The Boston Children’s Museum offers a program called Morningstar Access, where we open the Museum outside of business hours for families with children with disabilities or other special/medical needs. We typically offer this program on the first Saturdays of each month, and some selected Friday evenings (Eveningstar). To accommodate different types of needs, a few of the Morningstar sessions require mask wearing (though most do not).

The current available dates are:

Mask Optional Masks are recommended but not required for visitors. The Museum staff will wear masks when interacting with visitors.

• Saturday, 11/1/ 2025, 8:00-10:00am
• Friday, 11/21/2025, 5:00-7:00pm – Eveningstar!

All Masks On! All staff and visitors ages 2 and older are required to wear masks with no exceptions. Families with any types of needs must be able to follow this strict mask rule in order to maximize health safety for children with medical needs.

• Saturday, 12/6/2025, 8:00-10:00am

Registration is required: https://bostonchildrensmuseum.org/morningstar/

Flyers are available in English, Spanish, and Simplified Chinese.

2025 Wilmington Tree Lighting

When: Saturday, 12/6/2025, 4 to 7PM

Where: Wilmington Town Common

Description:

The Wilmington Celebration Committee will host the annual holiday tree lighting.

The event will include:

• Horse-drawn hayrides
• Complimentary Cookies (baked by Shawsheen Tech Culinary Arts students) and hot chocolate served by WHS Cheerleaders
• Glow sticks for children
• Ice sculpture sponsored by the Wilmington Tewksbury Chamber of Commerce and some of its member companies
• Wilmington Minutemen with lanterns
• Wilmington High School a cappella group, “Soundscape” leading Christmas Carols
• Wilmington Community Fund annual Wilmington-themed ornament sales inside the Fourth of July Building
• Members of the Wilmington Firefighters collecting unwrapped toys and donations for Wilmington children
• Clergy from parishes throughout the town presenting the story of Christmas
• Santa will also arrive promptly at 5:45PM to lead the countdown.

Event will be rain or shine. Photos with Santa will be available post-event.

When: Sunday, 12/7/2025, from 2pm to 4pm.

Where: Wilmington’s Town Museum, 430 Salem Street

Description:

Come celebrate the season with us!

Join us for an afternoon of festive fun, including:

• Music
• Refreshments
• Holiday decorations & activities
• Free admission

Come join the Historical Commission celebrating the coming of winter and the beginning of many festivities. Enjoy the time with friends, locals, and feel free to dress in period clothes. Celebrate with music, refreshments, and holiday cheer!

When:

· Friday, 12/5/2025, 12 to 9PM

· Saturday, 12/6/2025, 10AM to 9PM

· Sunday, 12/7/2025, 9AM to 12PM

Where: Villanova Hall, 126 Middlesex Ave

Description:

We're One Wilmington will host a free, family-friendly event featuring a raffle of stunning holiday trees, wreaths, and baskets—a perfect way to kick off the holiday season and reconnect with friends and neighbors. Enjoy live holiday music, activities, and a bake sale with delicious treats. Plus, Santa Claus will be visiting on Friday evening from 5 to 8 PM, so bring your camera!

Admission is free. Raffle tickets will be available for sale. More information available at https://onewilmington.org/festival-of-trees/

8th Annual Winter SOLEstice 5k Run/Walk

When: Saturday, 12/13/2025, 10AM to 12PM

Where: Begins at Wilmington Town Common

Description:

Sole Sisters Running Club invites you to run or walk their USATF certified 5K course! Walkers and strollers are welcome. Those walking with little ones start behind the runners and walkers. Race swag is guaranteed for the first 200 registrants.
The event supports college scholarships for local high school graduates as well as local running programs. Check out their website for more details at https://www.solesisters01887.com/

MPY is pleased to offer proven resources to help students' families thrive. Explore this curated collection of quick videos and informative handouts thoughtfully grouped by relevant topics. Each segment below is filled with proven, practical, and easy-to-implement video solutions on a wide range of parenting challenges.

Click on the image below to access the videos and handouts in the library.

• Resources for Newcomers (English)
• Resources for Newcomers (Portuguese)
• Resources for Newcomers (Spanish)

To Apply: https://www.schoolspring.com/jobdetail?jobId=5259732

For Questions, Email: andrea.armstrong@wpsk12.com

• Sunday, 11/2/2025, Daylight Saving Time Ends (Fall Back)
• Tuesday, 11/11/2025, Schools & Offices Closed
• Wednesday, 11/19/2025, WHS Parent/Teacher Conferences
• Thursday, 11/20/2025, WMS Parent/Teacher Conferences (Early Release for WMS ONLY)
• Wednesday, 11/26/2025, Early Release District-Wide
• Thursday, 11/27, and Friday, 11/28, Schools & Offices Closed

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

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