Westwood High Newsletter

As Thanksgiving approaches, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for the warm welcome I've received from the Westwood community. I've enjoyed getting to know our students, families, and staff, and I'm continually impressed by the many ways our community comes together to support one another.

Quarter 1 report cards will be available in Aspen this afternoon. As you review your child's grades, I encourage you to remember that a report card is a snapshot in time. It provides valuable information about a student's progress, but it doesn't tell the whole story of their learning, growth, or potential. For some students, this is an opportunity to celebrate a strong start to the year. For others, it's an opportunity to reflect, reset, and identify goals for the second quarter. We encourage all students to connect with their teachers, take advantage of available supports, and continue to take greater ownership of their learning.

Thanksgiving also provides an opportunity to reflect on what we're grateful for and how we can give back. I hope you'll take a moment to explore the opportunities highlighted in this newsletter to support our school and the greater Westwood community.

While the holidays are a time of celebration for many, they can also bring a range of emotions for students and families navigating loss or other challenges. In recognition of Children's & Teens' Grief Awareness Month, Ms. Bengel, our school social worker, has shared some helpful resources below. Please know that our student support team is here for you and your children.

There's also plenty of fun on the horizon at WHS! We're looking forward to Spirit Week, Homecoming, trivia, and our Thanksgiving Pep Rally. These are wonderful opportunities for our students to connect, get involved, and enjoy being part of our school community.

Thank you for your continued partnership and all you do to support our students. I wish you and your family a happy, healthy, and restful Thanksgiving.

Go Wolverines!

Best,

John J. Murray, Ed.D.
Principal, Westwood High School

We are happy to announce that Westwood High School’s annual Homecoming dance will take place on Friday, November 20th from 7:00pm - 9:00pm in the High School gymnasium.

The theme for this year’s dance is HOLLYWOOD! Come dance the night away under the bright lights and experience a night of pure star power. Don't miss your red carpet moment!

We will be selling tickets from Monday November 9th until Wednesday, November 18th at 3pm. Tickets will not be available at the door. Additionally, Homecoming is an event for Westwood High School students only. Outside guests are not permitted. Be on the lookout for an email with the link to purchase!!!!

If you have any questions or concerns, please email Student Council advisors Ms. Griffin (kgriffin@westwood.k12.ma.us) or Ms. Kinugawa (mkinugawa@westwood.k12.ma.us).

Medical Forms and Medication

Please keep the Health Office informed of any changes to your child's health, medications, allergies, or medical needs. Updated medical forms, Emergency Action Plans, and physical examinations should be submitted following healthcare appointments. Physical examinations are valid for one year from the appointment date.

Students who require medication during the school day must have the appropriate medication orders and consent forms on file. Standard healthcare provider documents are accepted.

Helpful Links and Forms:

• Health Services and Medication Delivery Information

• Allergy/Anaphylaxis Parent Consent Form

• Asthma Parent Consent Form

• Daily or As Needed Medication Parent Consent Form

• Over-the-Counter Medication Consent Form – Required annually for students to receive Tylenol, Motrin, Tums, or cough drops.
  
  

Illness and Allergy Season

Students with a fever or acute illness should remain home from school. Please contact the Health Office with questions about your child's symptoms or review our Common Illness Guidance.

Concussions, Injuries, and PE Accommodations

Please submit all concussion-related documentation, including accommodations, activity restrictions, and final medical clearance, to the Health Office. Students must be medically cleared before returning to sports or other school activities following a concussion.

A healthcare provider's note outlining restrictions or accommodations is also required for PE or Wellness excusals following an injury, concussion, or surgery.

Contact the Health Office

Medical paperwork may be submitted by email, mail, fax, or in person.

Tiffany Cucinotta, MSN, RN
781-326-7500 ext. 3350 | tcucinotta@westwood.k12.ma.us

Laura Petrous, BSN, RN
781-326-7500 ext. 3361 | lpetrous@westwood.k12.ma.us

Fax: 781-326-2695

School Counseling Resources

Visit our School Counseling Website and 2026–2027 School Counseling Calendar for information on college planning, financial aid, scholarships, internships, and important dates.

Information for Seniors

• Updated transcripts and GPAs for Early Action and Early Decision applicants will automatically be sent to colleges beginning November 18.

• Students with Regular Decision deadlines of January 1 or later should submit transcript release forms by December 11.

• Financial aid resources: Virtual Financial Aid Night Recording | FAFSA | CSS Profile | Participating CSS Profile Colleges.

• Free FAFSA assistance is available throughout November and December. Visit FAFSA Events for details.
  
  

Information for Juniors

• Conversations with Counselors: Friday, November 20 at 8:30 AM via Zoom. Junior caregivers are invited to attend this session, which will be recorded for those unable to join. Register here.

• Counselors will review PSAT results with students and explore the college search process during third-quarter Junior Seminars.

• Review the College Planning Timeline and consider planning college visits during February and April vacations. Caregivers will receive Naviance login information shortly.
  
  

Information for Sophomores

Second-quarter Sophomore Seminars will focus on career exploration, standardized testing, college majors, and career pathways. Students will complete a career interest inventory in Naviance.

Information for Freshmen

Ninth Grade Seminars resume in December. Students will learn to calculate their GPA using first-quarter grades and participate in a lesson on goal-setting.

Attention Class of 2028 Families:

The Massachusetts State Seal of Biliteracy recognizes students who demonstrate proficiency in English and another language, whether learned at home, at school, or in the community. Students can earn the Seal or the Seal with Distinction by meeting state proficiency standards and graduation requirements.

Testing for Languages Not Offered at WHS

Juniors who are proficient in a language they do not study at WHS and would like to test should complete the Interest Form using their Westwood email address.

• Interest Form Deadline: November 25, 2026, at 11:30 AM

• Testing Date: December 16, 2026
  
  

Additional instructions will be provided to students who complete the form. Westwood Public Schools awards the Seal only for assessments administered by the district.

Please refer to the email sent last month for additional information about eligibility and proficiency requirements.

WestwoodStage will present Frozen in March.

From Ms. Bengel, School Social Worker

November is Children’s & Teens’ Grief Awareness Month, an opportunity to recognize the impact of grief on young people and share resources to support our students and families.

Grief & Loss Support Group for Teens

Westwood Youth & Family Services (WYFS) is exploring a peer support group for high school students who have experienced a loss. The group would provide a safe, supportive space for students to connect with peers, share experiences, and explore ways to cope with grief. Participation and sharing would be guided by each student's comfort level. Interested families are encouraged to complete the Grief and Loss Support Group Interest Form by November 26, 2026.

Parent & Caregiver Webinar: Facing 1 in 13 Together

The Children's Room is offering a free virtual webinar, Supporting Children Who Are Grieving, to help families understand grief, explore practical ways to support children and teens, and learn about available resources.

• Thursday, November 19 at 11:00 AM

• Register for the free webinar
  
  

Additional Support: Please contact our School Counseling Department or Ms. Bengel with any questions or concerns about your student.

At the end of October, Westwood’s Anatomy and Physiology students took the train from Islington to spend a day at Northeastern University’s Bouvé College of Health Sciences.

The morning began in the human anatomy lab, where students worked up close with human donors. They saw the structures in real life they’ve studied and will study all year. The Northeastern graduate students guiding them answered question after question. Next came the Anatomage table, a life-size virtual dissection table. With the swipe of a finger, students could digitally peel back the layers of the body.

In the afternoon, our students became the practitioners. Physical therapy graduate students taught them the same tests they use on real patients. Our students then tried the tests on one another. Along the way, they learned how joints, muscles, and bones work together to create movement.

Along with lunch on a bustling fall campus, the whole experience gave them a taste of college life our students won’t soon forget.

Students in Latin II recently explored the relationship between sports and politics in the ancient and modern world. The culmination of the unit centered on Roman chariot racing, how it worked, what evidence we have for the rules, where the races appear in ancient art, and what were authentic Roman perspectives of the practice.

To make the unit come alive, students were invited to participate in a series of “Chariot Race / Ludi Circenses” team building physical challenges.

Students in Latin III, while wrapping up a unit on ancient biology, medicine, and healing, were invited to re-enact the practices from the sanctuary at Epidaurus. After creating body parts from modelling clay, students built shrines and dedicated their creations to Aesculapius, Salus, and Panacaea, the gods of healing – and they “excavated” the parts buried by previous classes. Eugepae!

• March Restaurant Fundraiser: Bamboo Wednesday, March 24

  Bamboo Restaurant at 55 Ariadne Road in Dedham will donate 20% of proceeds for dine-in and take-out orders all day. Be sure to mention “WHS Fundraiser” on all food and bar orders and check your receipt to confirm.

  
  

  • Senior Class Caregiver Social: WEDNESDAY, March 24 7 p.m. at Bamboo

  Senior caregivers are invited to kick off graduation season! Grab a friend and meet up with other Class of ‘27 families. Let’s have some fun while supporting a great cause!

  
  

  Senior Grad Walk/Photos for Yard Signs:

  By now you have seen messages from Legacy Studios regarding senior portrait sittings. While these sittings are not required, we did want to remind parents that Legacy Studio portraits are used for the Yearbook and provided to ANGP for the “Grad Walk” Banners that line the track and fences before Promenade. Make sure your student logs into Legacy following their sitting to make sure their desired photo has been selected. Please note: senior portraits taken privately are not used for either the Yearbook or the Grad Walk Banners.

  
  

  All Night Grad Party/Promenade Planning Underway: VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

  Help us celebrate WHS Class of 2027. This is a great way for parents of middle and high school students to see this 30+ year WHS event while paying it forward for all future graduates. It is a lot of fun!

  
  

  ANGP not only runs the amazing All Night Graduation Party, but also puts up Lawn Signs for all the graduates, hangs the gorgeous Grad Wall Banner around the track, and coordinates the Promenade for the junior/senior prom! Email westwoodangp@gmail.com if you are interested.

  
  

  Parents/Guardians of 2027 Graduates:

  Make sure your senior is aware of upcoming events for the 2027 Graduating Class!

  • Log onto Aspen through a desktop computer. On the Right, you will see “ANNUAL VERIFICATION FORM." Click “HERE” to access the Verification Page.

  • On the window that opens, select the blue “Verify & Update” button next to your senior’s name.

  • In the numbered menu on the left, choose “4. Technology and Media Permissions” and make sure “YES” is selected under the “Release of Information to Affiliated School Groups.”

  
  

Contact Us:

email westwoodangp@gmail.com

Follow Us: For updates, pictures, more details and some fun teasers about the event!

Instagram: westwoodangp

Facebook: Westwood ANGP

Happy Thanksgiving!

The WHS PTO is a volunteer-run nonprofit dedicated to supporting our students and teachers. Through events, grants, and fundraising, we reinvest every dollar raised back into the WHS community.

What We’ve Done Recently

● Dumplings for Dough Fundraiser! Back by popular demand! And as part of the fundraiser, we set some aside for Teachers & Staff to order at a special discounted price to show our appreciation for what they do for Westwood High School!

○ Missed the chance to order, or not a dumpling fan? See below for MORE ways to support the PTO!

● Gave out candy for “Happy Students Day” – to help students celebrate the end of the term!

● Decked out our community with exclusive sweatshirts from The Den Pop Up Sale to help support all the great things the PTO has going on this year!

○ If you ordered a sweatshirt, they will be ready for pickup soon!

● Awarded Fall Grants: The PTO is pleased to support our school community through its fall grants, awarding $1550 to support hands-on learning, creativity, and future planning. This fall’s grants include:

○ $500 for the Guidance Department to arrange buses for students to visit UMass Amherst

○ $200 for ‘Student Study Nights’ at the Westwood Public Library

○ $400 for the Science Department to purchase controllers that will support AI-assisted ‘vibe coding’

○ $300 for supplies for the Crafting Club

○ $150 for knives for the WHS Transition Program’s working kitchen

We’re proud to support these programs and the meaningful opportunities they provide for our students!

What’s Coming Up: More ways to give back this season!

Charleston Wrap

Shop holiday wrap and gifts, with every purchase supporting WHS. Great for checking off wrapping and gift needs all in one place!

★ How to order: Registercw.com

★ Code: 31950

Most items delivered within 10 business days!

Deadline for ordering? November 23, 2026

Gift Card Fundraiser

Order gift cards from the retailers and restaurants you already shop at. Great for teachers, coaches, neighbors, family and stocking stuffers! It costs nothing extra and takes just a few minutes!

How to order:

★ Go to raiseright.com/enroll/RR-F6DHCRR2G2

★ Some are eGift or Ship to Home

★ Deadline: All year long!

A portion of every purchase goes back to the WHS PTO. Your support funds all the things we love to say “just magically happen”; field trips, assemblies, student events, and that extra sparkle that keeps our community awesome. Go Westwood Wolverines!

How You Can Help Support

The PTO exists to support the resources and experiences that enrich the WHS community, and We Need Your Support. While every family is automatically a member of the PTO, we rely on your generosity to fund important programs.

● Fundraising: You can support PTO efforts by participating in current fundraisers like purchasing gift cards through RaiseRight or holiday items from our Charleston Wrap shopping, our shop our upcoming Spring Apparel Sale (stay tuned for details!).

● Direct Donation: We recommend a contribution of $50 per family. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, all donations are tax-deductible. You can use this QR code to contribute your family’s annual donation!

What We Fund with your donations:

● Senior Scholarships (Class of 2026 Award - $1000 to JJ McNally)

● Student-led clubs

● Happy Students Day - at the end of each term, we give the kids candy to help them celebrate

● Contributions towards All Night Grad Party

● Teacher grants (Buses for college tours, Tools for J-Term, sound tech for Passing Notes, EPIC student conference, cultural programs, lab supplies, electives equipment, student events, etc.)

● Wolverine Teacher of the Year Award

● Welcome Back Teachers Luncheon and Senior Breakfast

● Teacher Appreciation Week refreshments

How You Can Connect:

● Not a member of the Membership Toolkit yet?!!? Here’s the link to sign-up! (https://westwoodhspto.membershiptoolkit.com)

○ Benefits include:

■ Access to the Families Directory

■ Contribute annual donations

■ Order items for sales like the recent The Den ‘Pop Up’ Sweatshirt Sale and upcoming Dumplings sale!

● Volunteer: We are always recruiting for the PTO board and would love your help! Reach out to westwoodhspto@gmail.com if interested in hearing more!

Join our Socials: Follow us on Facebook @westwoodhspto and Instagram @westwoodhs.pto

Why Participate?

PTO meetings (2–3 per year) are a chance to hear directly from Principal John Murray and connect with other parents. Whether you attend a meeting, volunteer for an event, or simply stay connected online—your involvement makes a difference. Thank you for helping us create an outstanding WHS experience for all students and staff.

Your WHS PTO Board:

Brooke Brown, Sandra Castaldini, Amanda Drainville, Stephanie Finegold, Tracy Green, April Heppelmann, Tammy McGowan, Darcy Petres, Pam Schnatterly (westwoodhspto@gmail.com)

• November 25: Half Day (11:35 AM Dismissal)
• November 26 & 27: No School (Holiday)
• November 30: No School (Professional Day for Staff)
• December 9: Early Release
• December 23: Early Release
• December 24 - 31: Vacation
• January 1: No School (Holiday)
• January 13: Early Release
• January 18: No School (Holiday)
• January 27: Early Release
• February 10: Early Release
• February 15 - 19: Vacation

• District calendar for the 2026-2027 school year

• High school 7-Day Rotating Schedule

• High school Bell Schedule

• Term and semester timelines for Reports to Families

• Memorandum regarding religious holiday observances

We are in the busiest stretch of the fall, and in many ways the best one. Students and teachers are deep in the work of the term, and alongside all of that, our student athletes have made me proud this season — not only in how they have competed, but in how they have represented Westwood. So have the students who show up for them. The Den has been loud, consistent, and genuinely welcoming.

Nowhere was that clearer than at our first-ever Unified Basketball game against the Westwood Police Department earlier this month. Our Unified athletes and their student partners played to a packed gym, and the joy in that room is something I will not forget. Thank you to the staff and families who made it happen.

Our arts season is next. Our actors are rehearsing daily for the fall play, The Birds, which runs November 5–7 in the auditorium, alongside a dedicated crew working behind the scenes. I hope you will come out to support them. It is well worth seeing.

Thank you, as well, to everyone who joined us for Curriculum Night. The feedback from families was generous, and a good reminder of how fortunate we are in this community.

A word about our seniors. This is a demanding stretch for them. Many are managing college applications on top of a heavy academic load, practices, rehearsals, and jobs. If your senior seems stretched thin, they probably are, and it is not a sign that something has gone wrong. What helps most is steady encouragement, a hand keeping deadlines visible, and a nudge to ask for support earlier than feels necessary. Their school counselor is a good first call, and we will be watching for students who need an extra check-in.

A practical heads-up for all families: Quarter 1 closes on Friday, November 6. The next few weeks bring a heavier stretch of assessments and final assignments. This is a good moment for a conversation at home about what is still outstanding. Encourage your student to use every resource available, including S block, and to stay in direct communication with their teachers about what they need to finish the quarter strong. A conversation with a teacher in late October is worth far more than a surprise in November.

Faced with a world they no longer want to be a part of, two people set off to live a utopian life with birds. In this Greek comedy (not the Hitchcock Horror), they fight off the outside

elements they fear will corrupt their world of peace, strike a bargain with the gods and

secure their future through a marriage and the promise of building a family all while

asking the question, ‘what kind of world do we want to live in?

WestwoodStage presents Aristophanes’ The Birds on November 5 & 7.

Tickets at WestwoodStage.com

Parent Talks
Hosted by the School Counseling office, Parent Talks offer an opportunity to connect with counselors on key topics like course selection, standardized testing, and the college application process.

Meeting Details & Schedule

• Time: 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM

• Format: Most sessions are virtual via Zoom, recorded, and published to the website afterward for those who cannot attend live.

• Registration: Grade-specific emails with registration forms and Zoom links will be sent prior to each session.
  
  

Upcoming Dates

• Oct 16: 10th Grade Parents (Virtual)

• Nov 20: 11th Grade Parents (Virtual)

Information for Seniors:

School counselors are meeting with Seniors to go over the college application process in detail through Senior seminars on September 11th. Information about how students send their applications and how Westwood sends supporting materials will be shared at this time.

Students applying to colleges with November 1st deadlines should submit transcript release forms to the School Counseling Office by October 16th. More information can be found on the Senior section of the School Counseling section of the Westwood High School website.

Financial Aid Night

Please join us for our virtual Financial Aid Night: Demystifying the Process, an informative Zoom session hosted by higher education leaders to learn the ins and outs of the college financial aid process on October 20th from 7:00-8:00 PM. This presentation will cover essential high-level concepts, timeliness, and general application steps to help your family prepare. Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86760823878?pwd=9hoB5njhU3FkbTTasKAXNZrcTZ6Jgm.1

Financial Aid Forms

-FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, at fafsa.gov

-CSS Profile, at cssprofile.collegeboard.org is required by some colleges in addition to the FAFSA (colleges that require Profile)

Information for Juniors:

PSAT

Juniors may take the Digital PSAT on Saturday, October 17th at 7:30 a.m. We use an online registration system for the PSAT called TotalRegistration. Please sign up online using this link. We are excited to offer families the ability to pay their exam fees online at the time of registration. Additional information was sent out in a separate email. Please feel free to reach out to Ms. Tryder at mtryder@westwood.k12.ma.us with any questions.

The Junior Year College Planning Timeline forecasts college related events for the school year.

Sophomore Seminars

School counselors will lead Sophomore Seminars during term 2, topics include standardized testing, stress management and career exploration. Students will be given an overview of options for college majors and careers, and complete a career interest inventory on Naviance.

Freshman Seminars

This month counselors are presenting the first of three Ninth Grade School Counseling seminars. Topics include accessing resources at the high school, graduation requirements, and the importance of extracurricular activities. The second round of seminars will take place in December.

Information For All Students:

Learner’s Permit Information

In order to fulfill the residency/proof of enrollment requirements for a learner's permit, students can print out both documents directly from their Aspen account.

1. Proof of Enrollment Letter - under the “My Info” tab, go to Reports, scroll down to Proof of Enrollment

2. Report Card - on the Aspen homepage, left side in PDF form.

Congratulations to Arnav Varma for being selected as a New England Donor Services (NEDS) Donate Life Scholar for the 2026-2027 year. Scholars will learn about organ and tissue donation and transplantation while developing advocacy skills and increasing donation awareness in their school. More information about the program can be found here: https://neds.org/high-school-scholar-program/.

Dear Westwood Community Members,

We would like to share an update on the ongoing work of the Westwood Community Coalition to Combat Hate Speech following our dedicated summer work sessions and recent community efforts.

Our coalition subcommittees have been actively working to foster an inclusive, safe, and supportive environment across our town and schools. Here is a summary of our recent progress and active initiatives:

• Transparency & Incident Response: We are working toward establishing a semi-annual Incident Dashboard to log data and archive official communications. Clear, step-by-step district response protocols are also being finalized to ensure full transparency with the community.

• School & Curriculum Integration: Subcommittee members are collaborating with school department heads to conduct a Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum audit. The team is also evaluating framework options such as M.A.S.S. IDEAS, No Place for Hate, Learning for Justice, and Investigating History.

• Community Engagement: Following encouraging participation and interest from high school and 8th-grade students at Westwood Day, outreach is expanding to PTO leaders ("Westwood Speaks Up"). Additionally, a town-wide Community Response Team is forming to strengthen interdepartmental communication across Westwood.
  
  

Save the Date & Next Steps:

• District Webpage & Dashboard: Finalizing dedicated online resources and incident response graphics this Fall.

• PTO Presentations: Engaging PTOs throughout October and January.

• Full Coalition Fall Community Meeting:

• Date & Time: November 17, 2026 | 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

• Location: Pine Hill Cafetorium
  (All community members are invited as we convene to align on key messaging, themes, and upcoming programming.)

Sincerely,

Lateefah Franck
Director of Equity, Integration & Community Partnerships

Key Club is hosting its annual Thanksgiving Drive from Monday, November 2nd to Friday, November 13th! All donations will be given to the Westwood Food Pantry to help local families in need. Donation boxes will be located in the main and guidance lobbies at WHS. Some needed items include cake mix, peanut butter, canned foods, and personal hygiene items. You can find a longer list on the flyer below. Additionally, the grade that collects the most donations will receive a hot cocoa reward!

Thank you for your support!

Our school's photographer, Legacy Studios, will be on site the following dates:

November 2

BOOK YOUR SESSION TODAY!

From October 5 through October 26, the Westwood Department of Public Works will be conducting a town-wide Recycling Audit to measure contamination in our curbside recycling. During this two-week period, samples from our recycling loads will be hand-sorted to see how much non-recyclable material is mixed in.

Why It Matters: Our processing facility requires contamination levels to stay under 10%. As of October 2023, Westwood’s contamination rate was 17.6%. Crossing the 10% limit leads to financial penalties that result in additional costs for our town.

Common Items That Belong in the TRASH (Not Recycling):

• Plastic bags

• Food residue and liquids

• Electronics and small appliances

• Paper towels, tissues, napkins, and paper plates

• Yard waste

• Foam containers, cups, or plastic straws

Please double-check your items before tossing them into your green barrel! To check if a specific item is recyclable, visit the town's Recyclopedia.

Happy Fall!

The WHS PTO is a volunteer-run nonprofit dedicated to supporting our students and teachers. Through events, grants, and fundraising, we reinvest every dollar raised back into the WHS community.

What We’ve Done Recently

● Treated our Teachers & Staff with goodies to get them through Curriculum Night!

● Decked out our community with exclusive sweatshirts from The Den Pop Up Sale to help support all the great things the PTO has going on this year!

○ If you ordered a sweatshirt, they will arrive around November 13th!

● Awarded Fall Grants: The PTO is pleased to support our school community through its fall grants, awarding $850 to support hands-on learning, creativity, and future planning. This fall’s grants include:

○ $150 for knives for the WHS Transition Program’s working kitchen

○ $400 for the Science Department to purchase controllers that will support AI-assisted ‘vibe coding’

○ $300 for supplies for the Crafting Club

We’re proud to support these programs and the meaningful opportunities they provide for our students!

What’s Coming Up: More ways to give back this season!

Keep an eye out for our upcoming fundraisers that include:

● Big Westwood Apparel Sale

● Dumplings for Dough

● Charleston Wrap

● Gift Cards Sale through Raise Right

How You Can Help Support

The PTO exists to support the resources and experiences that enrich the WHS community, and We Need Your Support. While every family is automatically a member of the PTO, we rely on your generosity to fund important programs.

● Fundraising: You can support PTO efforts by participating in upcoming fundraisers like purchasing gift cards through RaiseRight, shopping our upcoming Apparel Sale and purchasing holiday items during our Charleston Wrap fundraiser (details coming soon!)

● Direct Donation: We recommend a contribution of $50 per family. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, all donations are tax-deductible. You can use the QR code below to contribute your family’s annual donation!

What We Fund with your donations:

● Senior Scholarships (Class of 2026 Award - $1000 to JJ McNally)

● Student-led clubs

● Happy Students Day - at the end of each term, we give the kids candy to help them celebrate

● Contributions towards All Night Grad Party

● Teacher grants (Tools for J-Term, sound tech for Passing Notes, EPIC student conference, cultural programs, lab supplies, electives equipment, student events, etc.)

● Wolverine Teacher of the Year Award

● Welcome Back Teachers Luncheon and Senior Breakfast

● Teacher Appreciation Week refreshments

How You Can Connect:

● Not a member of the Membership Toolkit yet?!!? Here’s the link to sign-up! (https://westwoodhspto.membershiptoolkit.com)

○ Benefits include:

■ Access to the Families Directory

■ Contribute annual donations

■ Order items for sales like the recent The Den ‘Pop Up’ Sweatshirt Sale and upcoming Dumplings sale!

● Volunteer: We are always recruiting for the PTO board and would love your help! Reach out to westwoodhspto@gmail.com if interested in hearing more!

● Join our Socials: Follow us on Facebook @westwoodhspto and Instagram @westwoodhs.pto

Why Participate?

PTO meetings (2–3 per year) are a chance to hear directly from Principal John Murray and connect with other parents. Whether you attend a meeting, volunteer for an event, or simply stay connected online—your involvement makes a difference. Thank you for helping us create an outstanding WHS experience for all students.

Your WHS PTO Board:

Brooke Brown, Sandra Castaldini, Amanda Drainville, Stephanie Finegold, Tracy Green, April Heppelmann, Tammy McGowan, Darcy Petres, Pam Schnatterly (westwoodhspto@gmail.com)

All Night Grad Party/Promenade Planning Underway: VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Help us celebrate WHS Class of 2027. This is a great way for parents of middle and high school students to see this 30+ year WHS event while paying it forward for all future graduates. It is a lot of fun!

ANGP not only runs the amazing All Night Graduation Party, but also puts up Lawn Signs for all the graduates, hangs the gorgeous Grad Wall Banner around the track, and coordinates the Promenade for the junior/senior prom! Email westwoodangp@gmail.com if you are interested.

Parents/Guardians of 2027 Graduates:

Make sure your senior is aware of upcoming events for the 2026 Graduating Class!

• Log onto Aspen through a desktop computer. On the Right, you will see “ANNUAL VERIFICATION FORM." Click “HERE” to access the Verification Page.

• On the window that opens, select the blue “Verify & Update” button next to your senior’s name.

• In the numbered menu on the left, choose “4. Technology and Media Permissions” and make sure “YES” is selected under the “Release of Information to Affiliated School Groups.”

Contact Us:

email westwoodangp@gmail.com

Follow Us: For updates, pictures, more details and some fun teasers about the event!

Instagram: westwoodangp

Facebook: Westwood ANGP

• October 28: Early Release
• October 28: Picture Re-Takes (Library Classroom)
• November 11: No School (Holiday)
• November 25: Half Day (11:35 AM Dismissal)
• November 26 & 27: No School (Holiday)
• November 30: No School (Professional Day for Staff)
• December 9: Early Release
• December 23: Early Release
• December 24 - 31: Vacation
• January 1: No School (Holiday)

• District calendar for the 2026-2027 school year

• High school 7-Day Rotating Schedule

• High school Bell Schedule

• Term and semester timelines for Reports to Families

• Memorandum regarding religious holiday observances

Dear WHS Families,

We are a few weeks into the school year, and it has been a great start. Students arrived with energy and enthusiasm, they have been engaged in learning since day one, and we are settling into a strong rhythm as a school community.

Over the past few weeks, our administrative team made a point of getting into classrooms and seeing our students and staff in action. What we saw was terrific. Students collaborating to solve real math problems. Students investigating world religions through hands-on stations. Students discussing taste sensations in Food Science, creating original work in Graphic Design, and speaking entirely in the target language in French. Students digging into economics, psychology, chemistry, and physics.

Those visits kept bringing me back to a commitment that guides our work: every student at Westwood High School should be Known, Supported, and Challenged. We saw students known by teachers who built classrooms where it felt safe to participate and take risks, supported through thoughtful structures and clear expectations, and challenged to think, create, discuss, and deepen their understanding. These are the bright spots I hope to share with you all year.

That work depends on a strong partnership with you. We see only a fraction of a student’s strengths, challenges, interests, and relationships, and we rely on you to share what we cannot see. If you have a question or concern, please start with the person closest to it — usually your student’s teacher or school counselor. In return, we will be honest and clear, assume good intentions, and respond to non-emergency outreach within two school days.

If a matter involves the immediate safety or well-being of a child during school hours, please call the school and ask for the nurse, counselor, assistant principal, or principal. If an emergency arises outside of school hours that, in your judgment, requires immediate intervention, please call 911 rather than sending an email or leaving a voicemail.

Finally, please keep telling us how we are doing both when you are concerned and when things go well. Thank you for the trust you place in us and for your partnership in this school community.

Sincerely,

John J. Murray, Ed.D.

Principal, Westwood High School

Enjoy the pictures below.

This week, officials of National Merit Scholarship Corporation announced the names of over 16,000 Semifinalists in the 72nd Annual National Merit Scholarship Program. These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 6,930 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $26 million that will be offered this spring. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the Finalist level of the competition. Congratulations to Benjamin Jiang and Isabel Wu, our National Merit Semifinalists!

This past August, we welcomed 226 new students to Westwood High School as part of our New Student Orientation Program. Designed and led by 12 Student Orientation Leaders, and facilitated via 55+ Student Orientation Mentors, the program was a great success, helping orient all of our new students to our building and our culture. Thank you to all participants who helped this wonderful program come together once again!

Thank you to the families who joined us in the Little Theatre on Tuesday, September 8 for our Grade 9 Parent/Caregiver Orientation. Principal Dr. John Murray, Assistant Principal Aishleen Marcus, and Dean of Students Katherine Clifford walked families through what the high school experience looks like at WHS — daily logistics like school hours, the schedule rotation, S-Block, and attendance and tardy policies, along with graduation requirements, our Portrait of a Graduate, academic integrity and phone expectations, and the student supports available when a student needs help. Representatives from the WHS PTO and Westwood Youth & Family Services also shared ways for families to get involved.

A few takeaways worth repeating: log in to Aspen regularly to monitor attendance and grades, report full-day absences to the attendance line or hsattendance@westwood.k12.ma.us by 9:30 AM, and encourage your student to use S-Block to seek out extra help. And when you're not sure whom to contact, start with your student's school counselor or teacher — or reach out to the Main Office and we'll point you in the right direction.

The slides from the evening are available for anyone who couldn't attend. Our next big moment for 9th Graders is the Clubs & Activities Fair on September 24 & 25 during S-Block — over 75 clubs will be represented, so ask your student what they're thinking of joining.

Welcome back to a new school year! The Health Office is excited to support our students in having a healthy, safe, and successful year.

We are pleased to welcome Tiffany Cucinotta, RN, as our new school nurse in the High School Health Office. Dawnmarie Shu has transitioned to another school within the district, where she will welcome and help mentor a new nurse. We wish Dawnmarie all the best in her new role!

Medical Forms and Health Information

Please remember to keep the Health Office informed of any changes to your child’s health, medications, allergies, or medical needs and to submit updated medical forms to the Health Office following your child’s healthcare appointment.

If your child requires medication during the school day, please ensure that all required medication and health forms are completed and submitted to the Health Office.

Information about medication delivery can be found: HERE

Emergency Action Plans and Physical Examinations

Emergency Action Plans (including asthma, allergy/anaphylaxis, diabetes, and seizure plans) and physical examination forms may be submitted to the Health Office in person, by email, mail, or fax at (781) 326-2695.

Please submit physical exam forms to the Health Office following your child’s healthcare appointment. Physical exam forms are valid for one year from the appointment date.

No additional forms or orders are required beyond the appropriate Emergency Action Plan. Most healthcare provider offices generate their own Seizure, Asthma, and Allergy Action/Emergency Plans, as well as medication orders. The Health Office accepts these standard provider documents. Please submit them directly to the Health Office.

Please access all required parental consent forms below using these links:

Allergy/Anaphylaxis Parent Consent Form

Asthma Parent Consent Form

Daily or As Needed Medication Parent Consent Form

Concussion Management

Please submit all concussion-related paperwork to the Health Office, including:

• Medical accommodations

• Activity restrictions

• Final medical clearance

To ensure student safety, all students must be medically cleared by their healthcare provider before returning to sports or other school activities following a concussion.

Illness and Allergy Season

As a reminder, students with a fever or acute illness should remain home from school.If you have questions or concerns about your child’s symptoms, please contact the Health Office by phone or email. You can also review our Common Illness Guidance: HERE

Over the Counter Medication

The Health Office may provide Tylenol, Motrin, Tums, or cough drops to students as needed. Parent/guardian consent is required before any OTC medication can be administered. This form needs to be filled out at the beginning of each academic school year.

Please review and complete the OTC Medication Consent Form HERE .

Injury and Physical Education Excusals

A healthcare provider’s note is required to request Physical Education (PE) or Wellness accommodations or excusals. This includes students recovering from a concussion, injury, or surgery.

Please make sure that any restrictions, accommodations, or activity limitations are clearly outlined in the provider’s documentation and submitted to the Health Office.

Contact the Health Office

Please submit all medical paperwork to the Health Office by email, mail, fax, or in person.

Email: lpetrous@westwood.k12.ma.us or tcucinotta@westwood.k12.ma.us

Fax: (781) 326-2695

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Health Office.

Tiffany Cucinotta, MSN, RN
(781) 326-7500 ext. 3350
tcucinotta@westwood.k12.ma.us

Laura Petrous, BSN, RN
(781) 326-7500 ext. 3361
lpetrous@westwood.k12.ma.us

All complete lunch orders (i.e. that include 3 components: meat/meat alternative, fruit or vegetable, and grain) are free to all students in Massachusetts this school year. However, with consent from a family, the Free and Reduced Price Lunch Application may also facilitate eligibility for fee waivers or fee reductions in other areas, such as Bus Fees, Field Trips, or Athletic Fees. For more information, please view this document: Request to Translate and Frequently Asked Questions.

Free & Reduced Meal Application
Please complete BOTH the Free & Reduced Application AND the "Sharing Information with Other Programs" form to qualify for fee reductions or waivers:

• Sharing Information with Other Programs

• SY26-27 Meal Benefit Application Instructions

• SY26-27 Meal Benefit Application

The Westwood Community Coalition to Combat Hate Speech exists to strengthen a community culture where every person is treated with dignity, respect, and belonging. We bring together students, families, educators, community organizations, town and faith leaders, and residents to address identity-based bias and dehumanizing behavior before it escalates into more serious harm. Through education, partnerships, clear expectations, and practical tools for intervention, we aim to strengthen the social norms that make Westwood a welcoming community for all.

Interested in getting involved? Submit this form.

Download the App today!

Our school's photographer, Legacy Studios, will be on site the following dates:

October 2, 13 - 16

November 2

BOOK YOUR SESSION TODAY!

This September, Cancer Kids First at Westwood High School is excited to support Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, an organization dedicated to raising awareness and funding for childhood cancer research. The foundation was started in 2005 inspired by Alex, a young girl battling neuroblastoma who held lemonade stands to raise money for childhood cancer research. Although Alex passed away at age eight, her family has continued her legacy. The organization has raised more than $300 million to support children and families affected by cancer. Throughout September, Westwood High School students are invited to join our team for the Million Mile fundraiser. Participants will walk and log miles while helping raise funds and awareness. There is no minimum requirement, and everyone is welcome to participate! Students can join our team using the link provided in the student newsletter!

Read below to see how you can get involved at Westwood High School.

2026-27 Welcome Back!

Welcome to a new school year! A special hello to families new to Westwood High—we’re glad you’re here. The WHS PTO is a volunteer-run nonprofit dedicated to supporting our students and teachers. Through events, grants,and fundraising, we reinvest every dollar raised back into the WHS community.

What We’ve Done Recently

• Hosted a back-to-school teacher luncheon with a catered lunch

• Sponsored the Senior Breakfast to celebrate the Class of 2027

What’s Coming Up

• October 5th: First PTO meeting (7PM). Join in person at the High School or via zoom. RSVP: westwoodhspto@gmail.com

• October 1st: Curriculum Night—scan our QR code on site to donate or learn more

How You Can Help Support

The PTO exists to support the resources and experiences that enrich the WHS community, and We Need Your Support. While every family is automatically a member of the PTO, we rely on your generosity to fund important programs.

● Fundraising: You can support PTO efforts by participating in upcoming fundraisers like purchasing gift cards through RaiseRight, shopping our upcoming Apparel Sale and purchasing holiday items during our Charleston Wrap fundraiser (details coming soon!)

● Direct Donation: We recommend a contribution of $50 per family. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, all donations are tax-deductible. You can use the QR code below to contribute your family’s annual donation!

What We Fund with your donations:

● Wolverine Teacher of the Year Award

● Welcome Back Teachers Luncheon and Senior Breakfast

● Senior Scholarships (Class of 2026 Award - $1000 to JJ McNally)

● Teacher grants (Tools for J-Term, sound tech for Passing Notes, EPIC student conference, cultural programs, lab supplies, electives equipment, student events, etc.)

● Happy Students Day - at the end of each term, we give the kids candy to help them celebrate

● Teacher Appreciation Week refreshments

● Contributions towards All Night Grad Party

How You Can Connect:

● Volunteer: We are always recruiting for the PTO board and would love your help! Reach out to westwoodhspto@gmail.com if interested in hearing more!

● Join our Socials: Follow us on Facebook @westwoodhspto and Instagram @westwoodhs.pto

Why Participate?

PTO meetings (2–3 per year) are a chance to hear directly from Principal John Murray and connect with other parents. Whether you attend a meeting, volunteer for an event, or simply stay connected online—your involvement makes a difference. Thank you for helping us create an outstanding WHS experience for all students.

Your WHS PTO Board:

Brooke Brown, Sandra Castaldini, Amanda Drainville, Stephanie Finegold, Tracy Green, April Heppelmann, Tammy McGowan, Darcy Petres, Pam Schnatterly (westwoodhspto@gmail.com)

ANGP Meet and Greet: GET INVOLVED! Thursday, Oct. 15 Comella’s in Westwood 7PM to 8PM

Thinking of volunteering? Come meet the crew behind ANGP as we work to celebrate WHS Class of 2027. This is a great way for parents and caregivers to see this 30+ year WHS event while paying it forward for all future graduates.

ANGP not only runs the All Night Graduation Party, but also puts up Lawn Signs for all the graduates, hangs the Grad Wall Banner around the track, and coordinates the Promenade for the junior/senior prom!

Can’t make it on Oct. 15?Email westwoodangp@gmail.com if you are interested in volunteering this year!.

Class of 2027 Fundraiser: Thursday, Oct. 15 Comella’s in Westwood

Comella’s will donate 20 percent of all food and drink sales all dine, dine-in or pick-up to ANGP for Class of ‘27 events and activities. Just mention “WHS Fundraiser” when ordering.

All Night Grad Party/Promenade Planning Underway: VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Help us celebrate WHS Class of 2027. This is a great way for parents of middle and high school students to see this 30+ year WHS event while paying it forward for all future graduates. It is a lot of fun!

ANGP not only runs the amazing All Night Graduation Party, but also puts up Lawn Signs for all the graduates, hangs the gorgeous Grad Wall Banner around the track, and coordinates the Promenade for the junior/senior prom! Email westwoodangp@gmail.com if you are interested.

• September 16: Early Release
• September 21: No School (Holiday)
• September 30: Early Release
• October 1: Curriclum Night, 6 - 8 PM
• October 12: No School (Holiday)
• October 14: Early Release
• October 28: Early Release
• November 11: No School (Holiday)
• November 25: Half Day (11:35 AM Dismissal)
• November 26 & 27: No School (Holiday)
• November 30: No School (Professional Day for Staff)
• December 9: Early Release
• December 23: Early Release
• December 24 - 31: Vacation
• January 1: No School (Holiday)

• District calendar for the 2026-2027 school year

• High school 7-Day Rotating Schedule

• High school Bell Schedule

• Term and semester timelines for Reports to Families

• Memorandum regarding religious holiday observances

Please click the link below to review grade specific information shared with the students.

Please review the Student-Parent Handbook for 2026-2027

Please review your student's selection and complete this permission form to indicate your student's permission to read their chosen text. If you have any questions or concerns, contact Ms. Fisher or Ms. Holmes.

If your student will be taking an AP course this school year, please have them look at this AP Summer Work document for assignments.

Our school's photographer, Legacy Studios, will be on site the following dates:

October 2, 13 - 16

November 2

BOOK YOUR SESSION TODAY!

• August 24: Fall Sports Start Date
• August 25 & 26: New Student Orientation
• September 2: Students' First Day
• September 4 - 7: No School (Labor Day Observance)
• September 8: New Parent/Caregiver Orientation, 6 PM
• September 16: Early Release
• September 21: No School (Holiday)
• September 30: Early Release
• October 1: Curriclum Night, 6 - 8 PM
• October 12: No School (Holiday)
• October 14: Early Release
• October 28: Early Release
• November 11: No School (Holiday)
• November 25: Half Day (11:35 AM Dismissal)
• November 26 & 27: No School (Holiday)
• November 30: No School (Professional Day for Staff)
• December 9: Early Release
• December 23: Early Release
• December 24 - 31: Vacation
• January 1: No School (Holiday)

• District calendar for the 2026-2027 school year

• High school 7-Day Rotating Schedule

• High school Bell Schedule

• Term and semester timelines for Reports to Families

• Memorandum regarding religious holiday observances