Back to School Updates
2025/2026
SUPERINTENDENT'S MESSAGE
Dear WPS Community,
I hope you and your family are enjoying a safe and restful summer. As we near the midpoint of our summer break, many of you may already be looking ahead and beginning to prepare for the 2025–2026 school year.
With that in mind, we’ve included some helpful information below to support your planning.
Our focus remains on ensuring a smooth and successful start to the school year, and we are excited to welcome back all of our students and staff in the coming weeks.
Warm regards,
David Thomson, EdD, Interim Superintendent of Schools
Recommended Back to School Supply Lists
School supply lists (by grade) are available on the District Website under the News and Announcements section or at this link https://www.wpsk12.com/news/what_s_new/2025-2026_school_supplies
Class Assignments & Student Schedules
Our student information system will be formally opened for the 2025-2026 school year with fall placement and schedule information on Tuesday, August 12th.
Please Note: Emergency information must be submitted before families will be able to see the schedule and placement information.
Aspen Emergency Contact Information
Please visit Aspen and verify and/or update the emergency information for your child(ren) between August 1 and August 26. Families will be unable to see any information in Aspen until the emergency information has been submitted.
Transportation/Bus Route Information
All school bus routes will be posted in mid-August.
- All students who wish to utilize the bus should have already registered for transportation. There will be no changes to the routes for the first few weeks of school until bus registration reopens on Monday, September 22.
- Bus passes will be mailed out in mid-August and route information provided via email and the district website. Bus passes will reflect a student's afternoon bus only and AM only riders will not receive a pass however will be permitted to board in the morning.
- Once published, we ask that you please review the routes with your children to ensure they know their bus number and stop.
Health Services Update
Starting at the beginning of the school year 2025-26, cough drops will no longer be allowed in Wilmington Public Schools. Due to concerns about choking, students coming to the health office numerous times requesting them like candy, and the overall lack of effect in most cases, cough drops will no longer be permitted.
The school nurses strongly suggest that each student have a water bottle with them to soothe irritated throats. If your child's cough is persistent, contact your pediatrician for an appropriate over-the-counter medication that can be given at home prior to school.
District Communication
Our school district utilizes the SchoolMessenger system to deliver text messages straight to your mobile phone with important information about events, school closings, safety alerts, and more. In order to receive texts, you must indicate your willingness to participate by sending a one-time text message of “Y” or “Yes” to our districts short code number, 67587.
REMINDER: WMS & WHS Summer Reading 2025
Wilmington Public Schools is recommending summer reading assignments for all students entering grades 6 and 7.
Students entering grades 8-12 will have a required assignment.
Form more information abut the summer reading assignment, please click the link below.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Pu3Df8zY6QCAt0VTIuSPSzmzVthB3ql9uzDX8MghqhE/edit?usp=sharing
Restricted Public Access to School Grounds During School Hours
Wilmington Public Schools is implementing a new safety protocol that will restrict public access to school grounds during school hours, effective at the start of the 2025–2026 academic year. This measure, supported by the Wilmington School Committee, Town Manager, and Chief of Police, is part of a district-wide effort to strengthen student safety and enhance the learning environment.
To support the transition, clear signage will be posted at all school locations outlining the restricted access times. The district is also coordinating with town leadership to ensure that the broader community is fully informed of the new protocol and its importance.
For more details, please click her for the full announcement.
Python Programming
The students have entered the exciting world of text-based programming through fun and interactive lessons.
But the fun didn’t stop there—some students channeled their creativity into game programming.
Summer Theater Camp
For this pilot three-week summer theater camp, students combined every aspect of a musical theater performance—including acting, singing, dancing, set design, and stage management. Under the guidance of dedicated instructors, campers gained hands-on experience while building confidence, teamwork, and performance skills.
The WPS Summer Theater Program proudly presented Seussical JR. on Friday, July 11, 2025, and Saturday, July 12, 2025. The production showcased the students’ creativity and hard work, bringing beloved Dr. Seuss characters to life in a colorful, high-energy performance that delighted audiences of all ages.
Upcoming School Building Committee Meeting
Date/Time: Tuesday, 9/23/2025, at 6:30pm
Location: Hybrid (see below)
- In-person: WHS, Large Group Instruction Room, 159 Church Street
- Zoom webinar: https://wpsk12.zoom.us/j/83577025187?pwd=cAMl4Rs4iYaPdh4DoHQTNSnWq5XMom.1
Recordings of the meetings are available on www.wctv.org
Past and current meeting documents are available on the project website.
Special Town Meeting Childcare Options
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
WML Events
The Wilmington Memorial Library has a bunch of fun and exciting kid/family activities coming up. Check out these:
- Science Heroes on July 26 at 11am
- Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament on July 30 at 6pm
- After Hours: 18-Hole LED Mini Golf with One Up Games on August 1 from 6-9pm
- Animal Adventures Live Animal Show on August 6 at 6pm
- Level Up Your Online Safety on August 11 at 6pm
- End of Summer Bash feat. Johnny the K on August 14 from 5:30-7pm
- Tiny Art Show Submissions Begin on September 2, deadline September 30
- Costume Craze Collection goes from September 2-September 30, Costume Craze is on October 4 from 10am-4pm
For more information about these and other library events, and to register to attend, click here.
Wilmington Police Department's Annual National Night Out event
Date/Time: Tuesday, 8/5/2025, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Location: Rotary Park, Adelaide St, Wilmington
This free, family-friendly event is one of our community's most popular gatherings.
Bring your family and friends to enjoy:
- Public safety vehicle displays and demonstrations
- Opportunities to meet representatives from local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies
- Delicious food (for purchase)
- Fun games and activities for all ages
National Night Out is a fantastic opportunity to strengthen community bonds, learn about public safety, and have a great time with your neighbors. Don't miss out on this exciting evening of fun and community spirit.
Wilmington Farmers Market
When: held every Sunday from 10 AM to 1 PM
Where: On the Wilmington 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!
Concerts on the Common
The 47th Annual Wilmington Recreation Concerts on the Common series runs weekly on Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8PM until the end of July. Enjoy live performances from local artists every week on the common.
Upcoming events:
- 7/23/2025, "Southern Rail" (rain date 7/24)
- 7/30/2025, "Ball in the House" (rain date 8/6)
For event details/updates, check out the rec. department website or their Facebook page.
Billerica Hot Air Balloon Festival
When: 7/25/2025 & 7/26/2025, 5-11PM
Where: Vietnam Veterans Park, Treble Cove Rd, Billerica, MA
Get the whole family out for a great family fun time! See incredible Hot Air Balloons, check that bucket list and get a ride on an actual Hot Air Balloon!
- Live Music for your entertainment from a fantastic DJ!
- Craft & Retail Vendor Booths with tons of cool and interesting stuff for sale!
- Food Vendors with bunches of fantastic festival-style food to choose from!
- Monster Show Kites performing in advance of the Hot Air Balloons!
Bring your blankets and chairs and set up your own "perfect" viewing spot! There will be a Kids Zone, with games, rides and much more!
More information available at https://balloonshows.com/
Summer Music Nights @ Woburn Village
This series runs weekly on Fridays from 6-8PM until September 26, 2025.
Woburn Village’s third annual summer music series. Enjoy performances from local artists every week in their green space. Sing and dance your way to the weekend. Woburn Village is located at 300 Mishawum Rd, Woburn MA
More information available at https://woburnvillage.com/events/event/summer-music-nights/
SAVE THE DATE: Wilmington's Fall Fest 9/27/2025
Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Wilmington Town Common and surrounding areas
The Wilmington Fourth of July Committee is excited to announce the 3rd Annual Fall Fest, a Celebration culminating the spirit of the community and the season.
Stay tuned for more details!
District Calendar
Town of Wilmington
School Committee
Office of the Superintendent
Website: www.wpsk12.com
Location: 161 Church Street, Wilmington, MA 01887, USA
Phone: 978-694-6000