WPS District Updates

Greetings Wilmington Community,

Nearly five years ago, the District and the Town took a significant step forward by applying to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA), signaling our interest in partnering with them to help shape the future of our elementary school facilities. It was 2020, during the heart of the pandemic, when we formally submitted our application.

Since then, after more than 63 School Building Committee meetings, six community forums, and thousands of hours of collective effort, this important project reached a major milestone late last month.

The School Building Committee — made up of more than 20 dedicated individuals, including community members and representatives from the School Committee, Select Board, Finance Committee, and both the Town and School Departments — unanimously approved the Preferred Schematic Design from among many considered when the project began. Their choice: a new PreK–Grade 5 elementary school to be built on the North Intermediate School site, which will consolidate the current Wildwood, Woburn Street, and North Intermediate Schools into one new, modern facility.

While this is an exciting and important step, it is by no means a final decision. The ultimate approval rests with the voters, who will have the opportunity to weigh in on the project in September 2025. Please stay tuned for much more information in the weeks and months ahead.

In the meantime, my sincere thanks go to all members of the School Building Committee for their commitment and hard work, and to everyone in our community who has stayed engaged throughout this process.

Kind Regards,

Glenn Brand, EdD, Superintendent of Schools

We are pleased to share with you that Wilmington will be holding the 7th Annual Wilmington Unified Game Day hosted by The Special Olympics. This year, the event will be held on Friday, May 2nd from 10:00am to 2:00pm on the WHS Alumni Field, with a rain date of Monday, May 5th. The WPS Special Olympics Committee has been working hard to plan for this incredible annual event. Check out their Facebook page for updates.

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

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

Location: Typically a hybrid format. Check the website meeting page for up-to-date information.

More information about the school building project is available on the project website. Check out the updated FAQ page. For questions or comments about the project, send an email to wildwoodprojectquestions@wpsk12.com

The Town of Wilmington, in partnership with the MSBA, is currently pursuing a newly proposed K-5 elementary school that will replace the Wildwood, Woburn Street and North Intermediate Schools and bring under one roof a modernized school facility.

While the Wildwood Early Childhood Center is now closed and not in use, the school department would like to invite residents and community members to visit the Woburn Street School and the North Intermediate School and see first-hand the current school facilities.

DATES:

• Tuesday, 5/27/2025
• Monday, 6/2/2025

See flyer for details/times.

RSVP link:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E44A5AB2FA4FCC52-56476477-school

In the most recent edition of Wildcat Corner Dr. Brand sat down with Mr. Eric Slagle, Town Manager, to discuss the future of the Town as it relates to capital projects. Specifically, the conversation explored the future of school projects and his long-term vision for our school facilities.

Episode #4, April 2025: The Town & WPS - A Partnership For Our Educational Future

Today, on School Principals' Day, we pause to express our sincere appreciation for the invaluable contributions of our school principals. Your leadership, dedication, and tireless efforts in shaping our students' futures are truly remarkable. Thank you for creating a positive and supportive learning environment for our children, and for all that you do to make our schools thrive.

Today, we celebrate the unsung heroes of our school cafeterias – the dedicated school nutrition professionals who go above and beyond to ensure our students are well-fed and ready to learn. From preparing healthy and delicious meals to navigating food allergies and strict nutrition standards, these individuals are true heroes. Thank you for all you do!

This week we show how we are beyond grateful for the guidance and support from our educators. For all our teachers, your hard work and dedication have not gone unnoticed. Words cannot capture our appreciation! Your passion for teaching and nurturing young minds is truly inspiring, and we are grateful for all that you do for the students, families, district, and each other.

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

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

Survey Link: https://forms.gle/1Ckbuu4aBt2omxyY8

The Welcoming Committee recently shared a survey with the Wilmington Public Schools stakeholders. Unfortunately, the Committee did not receive as many responses as we had hoped.

The Committee has decided to extend the end date to 5/11/2025, at 11am. The survey can now be completed anonymously. If you can please complete the survey, we would really appreciate it.

Use the survey link (below) or scan the QR code.

Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfK3Td1AIHNdnfk1c8opiSQYW2VDx6d0Kk-N2r2HMDBV-wBNg/viewform

The 2025 Student Art Show will be held at Wilmington Middle School on Friday May 9th from 6-8 pm and Saturday May 10th from 10 am-1 pm.

The WHS Robotics team did a fantastic job presenting at Analog Devices Global Technical Conference in April at the Omni Seaport Hotel in Boston. The students met and talked with engineers from all over the globe and showcased the high schools winning robot. The team even connected with another student from a FTC team from North Carolina. The district is very proud of how well the students represented WHS.

Last month the WHS Model UN/Debate Club traveled to Concord Academy for their annual Model UN Conference. Jackson Kiley (General Assembly; UK), Grace Prendergast (Human Rights Council; Cote D'Ivoire), Purnima Thapa (Human Rights Council; Netherlands), Ashvin Baker (Convention for a Democratic South Africa; Desmond Tutu) Ari Donn (Convention for a Democratic South Africa; Eugene Terre'Blanche), Jackson Griffith (Radium Girls; Dr. Sabin Arnold Von Sochocky), & Jason Michaud (Poison & Power; Gabinus Frugi) represented WHS with class and performed great. Jason was recognized with an honorable mention award as well!

Last week the members of the Wilmington High School Local Heroes Club assisted Wilmington Veteran Services by helping to distribute American flags to those who turned out to line the procession route from Nichols Funeral Home to Wildwood Cemetery as Wilmington honored its hometown hero, Cpl. John E. Edwinson, Jr. Cpl. Edwinson died in combat during World War II on September 24, 1942, when his unit was ambushed at Guadalcanal. Cpl. Edwinson's remains were positively identified on September 11, 2024, and were returned to Wilmington, where he was interred with Military Honors in the family lot at Wildwood Cemetery.

Wilmington High School students traveled to the South American country of Ecuador over April vacation (4/17 to 4/25), touring the capital city of Quito as well several islands in the Galápagos, a Pacific archipelago 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador. These islands are home to a complex ecosystem filled with diverse and endemic plants and animals. Naturalist Charles Darwin was inspired by his observations of nature in these isolated islands, and this is where he coined his Theory of Evolution by natural selection.

Spanish teacher Meghan Burns and Science teachers Julie Kim, Michelle Hooper and Jessica Daly along with 26 of their students spent nine days experiencing the vibrant culture of Ecuador. In Quito, located in the Andes Mountains at 9,350 feet above sea level, the students toured the city and observed religious processions on Easter Sunday. They visited the Intiñan Equator Museum at Latitude Zero, where they learned about the Coriolis effect and participated in hands-on physics demonstrations to test the effects of being at the Equator, such as balancing an egg on the head of a nail and seeing in which direction water drains in the northern versus southern hemisphere and on the Equator line.

Ecuador is home to 34 active volcanoes, and in the Galápagos Islands, the group hiked to the top of the Sierra Negra volcano overlooking its crater below. They visited the Charles Darwin Research Station and a tortoise breeding center, snorkeled with sea lions and sea turtles and observed wildlife up close–penguins, blue-footed boobies, iguanas, pelicans and flamingos. Students also had an opportunity to try local specialties such as empanadas, ceviche and cuy (guinea pig), and they visited the handicrafts market of Otavalo in the Andes region north of Quito where they were able to put their Spanish to the test.

One of the high school students, sophomore Cooper O’Shea said: “This trip honestly changed my perspective on the world. Getting to explore this beautiful country with my best friends is an experience that I will never forget. I have learned so much more than any class could’ve ever taught me, and that is such an amazing privilege.”

Said Senior Domenic Guisti: “As soon as I saw this trip get announced, I instantly knew that this was the trip for me, a person who is intrigued by the natural world. There were a lot of firsts for me; first time on a plane, first time in a different country, first time away from my family. This trip was a once in a lifetime experience, and I’m so glad that I was able to immerse myself in a completely different, yet extraordinary place.”

Thank you to everyone who donated to this year's Project 351 clothing drive.

The middle school ended up with 14 bags of quality clothing that will now benefit children in need around our state. It was wonderful seeing the students come together to sort through the items and reflect on how fortunate they are.

For more information about Project 351, visit https://project351.org/

Last month the Woburn Street School enjoyed some special visitors with a BFit Hat Trick for Health assembly and donation. Collectively, our community partners from the Boston Bruins Foundation, National Grid, and Blue Cross Blue Shield provided funding to promotes health and wellness educational initiatives at Woburn Street Elementary School.

Summer Program 2025 - Registration opened on April 16, 2025, deadline to register is Friday, May 16, 2025, for children entering Grade 1 through Grade 6 in the fall.

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

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

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

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

Registration Deadline: Open Until Full

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

Course Offerings & Descriptions:

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

Registration Link:

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

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

Matt Hackett matthew.hackett@wpsk12.com

Michael Jones michael.jones@wpsk12.com

Or call WHS Main Office - 978-694-6060

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

For more information and to register, please visit:

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

Clinic/Weeks:

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

When: 5/8/2025, 6:30 to 8:30pm

Where: Shriners, 99 Fordham Road, Fez Room

This is a free event offered by Wilmington Memorial Library. For more information and to register to attend, scan the QR code below or visit https://wilmlibrary.libnet.info/event/13103296

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: 5/11/2025, 9 to 10am

Where: USS Constitution Museum - Boston

Building 22 Charlestown Navy Yard Charlestown, MA 02129

Description: Experience a sensory-friendly morning at the USS Constitution Museum! Learn about the incredible history of America’s Ship of State in a quieter setting, without loud sounds or flashing lights, and before we open to the public at 10 AM. Design a ship, furl a sail, and scrub the decks in our hands-on exhibits that are designed for sailors of all abilities and backgrounds.

This offer is open to visitors of all ages, as well as their friends, families, and caregivers. Registration is required and limited to 35 people. Admission is free but donations are encouraged.

For more information and to register, please visit:

https://ussconstitutionmuseum.org/events/sensoryfriendlysunday/

When: 5/26/2025, begins at 10am (see below)

Where: The Memorial Day Parade begins at 10am from the Market Basket Wilmington Plaza parking lot. It travels south on Main Street to Route 62. The parade will turn east on to Route 62 (Church Street) Youth groups end at the Common, while the rest of the parade continues on to the Veterans' Lot at Wildwood Cemetery for a ceremony.

When: 5/26/2025, from 12 to 5pm

Where: Shriners Auditorium, 99 Fordham Rd, Wilmington, MA

Free family event following Memorial Day parade. Preregistration is required.

See website for more details https://nobles.alepposhriners.com/event/family-fun-day/

Wilmington Public Schools partners with Care Solace to support the well-being of students, staff, and their family members. Care Solace is a complimentary and confidential care coordination service that can help you quickly find mental health, substance use treatment and social services options matched to your needs regardless of circumstance.

If you would like to use Care Solace to help you find a provider:

• Call 888-515-0595 available 24/7/365 in any language.
• Visit www.caresolace.com/wilmington and either search on your own OR click “Book Appointment” for assistance by video chat, email, or phone.

Massachusetts Partnerships for Youth, Inc. (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 in the link below is filled with proven, practical, and easy-to-implement video solutions on a wide range of parenting challenges.

MPY is pleased to partner with Peace At Home Parenting to bring you expert resources to transform your parenting experience. Discover valuable insights and strategies to help you manage every aspect of parenting with clarity and confidence. When families thrive, kids succeed at school and parents can focus at work. Peace At Home works with family friendly companies, schools and organizations who understand that helping parents navigate challenges at home is critical to their success.

Click here to access the MPY informational library of videos and handouts. Resources available in English and Spanish.

• Saturday, 5/3/2025- Wilmington Annual Town Meeting @WHS (more info. here)

• Wednesday, 5/7/2025- Early Release District-wide (Curriculum Improvement Time)

• Friday, 5/16/2025- Preschool Parent Teacher Conferences

• Monday, 5/26/2025- Schools & Offices Closed (Memorial Day)

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

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