WBMSHS Principal Update to Families

Greetings WB Families and Community,

It has been a great start to a new school year and the first two weeks have been both busy and productive. Students have enjoyed reconnecting with friends after the summer break and welcoming new classmates into our school community. They have met their teachers, learned the locations of their classrooms, and reviewed expectations in each course. In addition, the administration held meetings with every grade level to greet students, review school rules and answer questions to help ensure a smooth transition.

The beginning of a new school year brings energy and excitement, though it can also feel a little overwhelming at times. If your student is experiencing any challenges adjusting, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us, we are here to support them.

Thank you to everyone who attended Curriculum Night last evening. It was a pleasure meeting many new parents and guardians, and I look forward to working together throughout the year. The first Principal's Coffee Hour will be on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at 8:00am at the MSHS. For those who prefer to join virtually, a Google Meet link will be shared as the date approaches. Everyone is welcome!

To keep families updated, monthly newsletters will be emailed. I encourage you to read them each month, and as always, please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns.

I look forward to a wonderful year ahead. I often say this because I truly believe it, WB is a special place and I am grateful that you are part of our school community.

Thank you,

Mrs. Page

• 09/08/25 - School Committee Meeting - 6:00pm
• 09/13/25 - Cancer Walk - 3:00pm-6:00pm

Construction of new sidewalks on River St (from Howard to So. Elm) is scheduled to begin the week of 9-2-25 and should last approx 6 weeks. 2 Message Boards have been placed on the job to encourage those usually travelling that route to "Seek Alternate routes".

It is anticipated that at least one lane will be open for traffic as the work proceeds. I'm not sure if buses usually use River St (coming from Bridgewater / Scotland St direction) but if they can use West Center St instead it would relieve some traffic pressure from the job.

• Seniors should mark their calendars for a field trip on Friday, October 3rd. The destination will be announced next week, with more details to follow.

• The firm and final due date for your Senior Bios/Pictures is Wednesday November 5th! The form to submit the bios and instructions for submitting photos is below is below. Just click the red box.

• If you have any questions about the yearbook please contact Mrs. DeLorenzo, sdelorenzo@wbridgewater.com or Mrs. DeSimone, edesimone@wbridgewater.com.

What Does Good Sportsmanship Look Like From The Stands?

CONTEST THEME:

Spectators play a powerful role in shaping the atmosphere of any athletic event. Their energy, words and actions can inspire athletes, set a positive tone, and demonstrate the true spirit of the game. Whether cheering in the stands or watching from the sidelines, spectators have the opportunity to model good sportsmanship and support all participants with respect and pride.

Let your voice remind us that good sportsmanship is not just for players - it starts in the stands. Help fans understand how their behavior impacts the game and how they can contribute to a positive and respectful environment. In your essay be sure to:

• Define what good sportsmanship means for fans and spectators
• Describe the types of behaviors that reflect positive support (e.g., cheering respectfully, applauding all players, showing appreciation for officials, etc.)
• Explain why these behaviors matter to athletes, coaches and the community
• Offer suggestions or examples of how spectators can lead by example at games
• Utilize feedback shared by attendees of the 30th Annual MIAA Sportsmanship Summit

GUIDELINES:

• PARTICIPANTS

Contest is open to students in grades 9-12 at MIAA Member Schools

• ESSAY ENTRIES

Must be typed, double spaced, and contain no more than 500 words

• CONTEST JUDGING

The contest will be judged by members of the MIAA Sportsmanship Committee using the rubric at this link

PRIZES:

• First Place ($400) and Runner-Up ($200) prizes will be presented.
• Contest winners will present their entries as honored guests during the 31st Annual MIAA Sportsmanship Summit on November 6, 2025.

CONTEST DEADLINE AND SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS:

• All entries must be received by 12:00 pm on Tuesday, October 7, 2025.
• All entries must be emailed to dharrington@miaa.net.

As the fall sports season is upon us, here's a very fun (and free) opportunity for any student in any Massachusetts high school .

The Boston Globe's high school sports photography program is beginning its second full year -- and we want more of YOUR students to get involved!

SIGN UP: Interested students can fill out THIS FORM HERE

SEE: Check out the students' Best of 2024-25 HERE (and dozens of other photo galleries are down below).

John Vitti here from the Boston Globe sports department and the Headliners in Education journalism nonprofit with another realllllllllly cool opportunity for student photographers. (And it's free to join, too.)

The Boston Globe high schools sports department produces dozens of online stories each week during the school year. But there is no way to capture every game in the state and every deserving athlete (or coach or fan or cheerleader or band member ...)

This is where the student photographers come in!

As they are all shooting high school events for their newspapers, websites, yearbooks, and social media accounts anyway, the Boston Globe high schools sports department is once again inviting them to submit their BEST pics for inclusion in its sports coverage. If accepted, their pictures might be used in game stories, feature articles, weekly notebooks, and/or photo galleries. (Links to many many examples from 2023-24 and 2024-25 are down below)

NOTE 1: To be clear, pics are only shared with the Globe; the photographer/schools retain all copyrights/ownerships of the images.
NOTE 2: This is a free program to join, and photo submissions are purely voluntary.

Interested? Student photographers first need to fill out this simple sign-up form HERE. They will then receive a permission slip to be signed by a parent/guardian, then given to a high school employee (like a teacher, adviser, or coach) for them to send in to the Globe so the student can begin.

Some 250 students from 140 schools signed up in 2024-25, providing nearly 2,000 photos of an incredibly wide variety of sporting events. We can't wait to see who will join us this year!

If you have any questions in the meantime, please message John Vitti at john.vitti@globe.com or john.vitti@headlinersineducation.org.

P.S.

To get started, student photographers first need to fill out this simple sign-up form HERE.

Thank you
John Vitti
Boston Globe sports department
Headliners in Education nonprofit

In June, students traveled to Costa Rica with Ms. Kotsovolos and Ms. Romano and had the BEST time! Highlights included ziplining, a wildlife cruise and night walk, exploring Manuel Antonio National Park, visiting a local school to practice Spanish, and even playing soccer with the students.

• Mr. Goulet will be meeting with sophomores and juniors on September 9th to discuss the PSAT exam being offered here at the middle/high school on Saturday, October 18th at 7:30 a.m. The cost for this exam is $30 and can be paid by cash or check payable to WBHS.

• Guidance is hosting a college/career fair event on Friday, September 26, 2025 for sophomores, juniors and seniors. Colleges. universities & local bsinesses will be present to speak with students about their carreer and higher education opportunities.

• High school guidance counselors have started to meet with the senior class regarding post-secondary planning.

• Miss Rudy, our new middle school guidance counselor has been calling students down to introduce herself and learn a little bit about each of them.

Students in Mrs. Aiello-Jones' class collaborated on a warm up activity in their English 7 class to learn how to work together in the best interest of the group.

Students in Mrs. Warnock's biology class practiced using a microscope to observe different cells.

Best Buddies is an organization that seeks to form friendships and positive relationships for students with and without disabilities. Our club meets weekly for activities, games, exercise, and team building. Students in grades 7-12 can learn more about Best Buddies at an interest meeting on Tuesday, September 9th, in room 222. All are welcome to join! Any questions, please contact Mrs. Brogna at ebrogna@wbridgewater.com.

WB’s Diversity Club celebrates and promotes respect, inclusion, and understanding of all cultures, identities, and backgrounds. The club creates a welcoming space for open conversations, activities, and events that highlight the value of diversity in our school and community. If your student would like to be involved in the Diversity Club, there will be an interest meeting on Tuesday, September 9, 2025 after school in the blue commons outside the art classrooms. This meeting will run from 2:10pm-3:00pm. Please reach out to Mrs. Brogna at ebrogna@wbridgewater.com with any questions

We’re excited to kick off a new school year and another season of WB Athletics! Our student-athletes and coaches are ready to put their hard work into action and represent WB with pride.

As the seasons begins, we wish all of our athletes the best of luck! Check out highlights on Facebook at West Bridgewater MSHS Athletics.

Important Athletics Information

Please review the Athletic Night Presentation for some MIAA Rule and Regulations

WB Athletics Information Night

*Bona Fide Team Member Rule

*Chemical Health Rule

*Captains Practices

Please Review the Athletic Code Handbook:

25-26 West Bridgewater Athletic Code

Athletic Fee for fall sports is due by Friday, September 9/12.

• Questions? Email Ms. Hammel at jhammel@wbridgewater.com
  
  

Physical on File

• A current pre-participation physical exam must be on file with the school nurse.
  

• Physicals are valid for 13 months from the date of the physical.
  

• All athletes must have a current physical on file before they can participate in tryouts or sports at WBMSHS.
  
  

Sports Registration

https://students.arbitersports.com/programs/west-bridgewater-2025-2026-west-bridgewater-athletics-registration

• Sign up for Winter or Spring Sports now through Arbiter Sports (link available on the Athletic Page of the school website).
  
  

Registration Deadlines

• Winter Sports: Wednesday, 11/26/25 at 8AM
  

• Spring Sports: Wednesday, 3/16/26 at 8AM

Check out the WB BSN Sideline store and customize your WB Apparel!

https://sideline.bsnsports.com/schools/massachusetts/westbridgewater/west-bridgewater-high-school

Sports Schedules:

Arbiter Live Link - https://arbiterlive.com/Teams?entityId=25160

Our district nursing staff is extremely committed to assisting students and families in achieving optimal health in both the school and home setting. We work closely with teachers and other staff members to ensure a healthy and safe educational environment for the students. Our nurses are very approachable and are great resources for both information and health related needs. We invite parents to call with any questions or concerns they may have.

All the best,

Julie Diedrichsen

If you want to report any issues to the building administration, please click on the button below. Our number one goal is for all students to feel safe and accepted at school.