SUPERINTENDENT'S MESSAGE
Greetings WPS Community,
The end of another school year will soon be upon us and I am certain that everyone is looking forward to the arrival of bright summer days, warm nights and a slightly longer summer vacation as a result of the lack of ‘snow days’ this past year.
Although this year is wrapping up, families will find in this newsletter helpful information to assist in preparing for the upcoming 2024-25 school year.
While the upcoming few months will be quieter for many, much more important work will continue with our Wildwood School Building Project. If you have yet to see the brief informational video that tells the ‘story’ of the project to date, I welcome you to take a few minutes to view it on the project website at Wildwood Building Project.
We plan to hold a virtual public forum on August 6 about the project as we prepare to make a final decision on the building design before we return to school in the fall. Watch for further information on the forum coming soon.
On behalf of our Wilmington School Committee and our entire WPS staff, I want to thank you for your partnership and support throughout this past school year. We are so fortunate to have such a caring, supportive and helpful community in Wilmington that always comes together for the benefit of the young people we serve.
I want to take this opportunity and wish you and your family a wonderful, safe, and enjoyable summer break.
Kind Regards,
Glenn Brand, Ed.D, Superintendent of Schools
Summer Reading Program
For Students in Grades 6-12
Summer reading encourages independent learning, active reading, and critical thinking. Summer reading also helps students maintain the progress they have made as readers and writers during the academic year. We hope that students will enjoy the books from our summer reading lists.
Wilmington Public Schools is recommending summer reading assignments for all students entering grades 6-8. Students entering grades 9-12 will have a required assignment.
For more information, please visit Summer Reading 2024 information.
For Students in Grades K-5
As the school year comes to a close and summer approaches, we wanted to take a moment to discuss the importance of maintaining and even enhancing your child's reading skills during the summer break. Research consistently shows that students who continue to read during the summer months maintain their academic skills and often make significant gains. With this in mind, we have compiled some strategies and resources to help support your child's summer reading experience.
- Visit the Wilmington Memorial Library: Take regular trips to our fabulous town library and allow your child to choose books that interest them. The Public Library visited each school this spring to explain the summer reading program and get them excited about reading.
- Sign up for their engaging summer reading program! Link to summer reading information at https://wilmlibrary.org/community/summer-reading-2024/.
- Check out the full calendar of summer events at the Wilmington Public Library https://wilmlibrary.libnet.info/events?r=days&n=60.
- Read Out Loud Together: When your child listens to you reading aloud, they are learning how to pronounce words. They are developing listening skills and language skills. They are creating positive emotional connections with literature.
- Lead by Example: Let your child see you reading for pleasure. Modeling a love of reading can profoundly impact your child's attitude toward books.
- Set Reading Goals: Help your child set achievable reading goals for the summer. Whether it's a certain number of books or a specific genre they want to explore, having goals can provide motivation.
- Discuss Books Together: Engage your child in conversations about the books they are reading. Ask open-ended questions about the characters, plot, and themes to deepen their understanding and critical thinking skills.
- Utilize Technology: Explore digital resources such as Hoopla and Libby from the Wilmington Memorial Library. These apps have thousands of e-books and audiobooks suitable for all ages, especially reluctant readers.
- Encourage Variety: Encourage your child to explore different genres and formats beyond traditional novels, such as graphic novels, magazines, and non-fiction books. Variety can keep reading fresh and exciting.
- Create a Reading Environment: Designate a cozy and quiet reading space at home where your child can escape into their books without distractions.
- Incorporate Reading into Summer Activities: Whether it's reading a map on a road trip, following a recipe while baking, or reading aloud during family picnics, find opportunities to integrate reading into your summer adventures.
- Celebrate Achievements: Acknowledge and celebrate your child's reading accomplishments throughout the summer. This can boost their confidence and reinforce the importance of reading.
By implementing these strategies and fostering a supportive reading environment at home, you can help ensure your child continues to thrive academically over the summer break.
Sharing on behalf of WML…
Help WML plan their next chapter by taking their Community Survey! At Wilmington Memorial Library, they're committed to providing you with the best possible library experience. By participating in this survey, you can help the library figure out how they can better serve you and the community of Wilmington.
This survey will only take a few minutes of your time, but the impact of your response will be long-lasting. Whether you visit the library regularly or occasionally, your input matters greatly to everyone at WML!
Survey Link: https://wilmlibrary.libwizard.com/f/survey
Special Recognition: World Languages Awards
During WHS’ second annual World Languages Awards Celebration this school year, members of the senior class were presented with 32 total Biliteracy Awards, including 17 Seal of Biliteracy Awards. The Seal of Biliteracy recognizes the exceptional ability of students to be a part of a language and culture beyond English.
In addition to the Seal of Biliteracy, two seniors earned a Silver Award in the National Spanish Exam, and one senior earned a Silver Award in the National French Exam; two of these awardees were also presented with the MAFLA Excellence in World Language.
4th Annual Social Studies Travel Fair
On Monday May 13th, Mrs. Ghizzoni hosted her 4th Annual Social Studies Travel Fair As a culminating project, students created an all-inclusive time travel trip to Ancient Greece that tested their ability to incorporate specific and relevant information about Greek daily life, food, religion, and geography into a cohesive vacation itinerary. During the fair, students marketed their trips with an engaging visual and convincing sales pitch. Staff and students attended throughout the day to act as potential customers by ‘purchasing’ the trips they would like to go on.
The following prizes were awarded:
Top Travel Agents:
● Lorelai Brancato “Timeless Tours”
● Jackson Parker “Hermes’ Holy Holidays”
● Avery Jenson “Pomegranate Pass”
● Eliana Goldstein “Aphrodite’s Romantic Escapes”
Other top sellers:
Gabriella LaRosee, Shreya Vasanth, Siobhan DiCarlo, Katherine Kelley, Theodore Adamek, Marley White, Michael Belanger, Petros Douzepis, Callie Lamarche, Emma Mahnken, and Lauren Smith.
NEED Project Enrichment
On May 15, the middle school had a guest speaker workshop event for all grade 7 science students. The program was a fun, interactive learning opportunity put on by the NEED Project (National Energy Education Development) and sponsored by Mass Save. The NEED Project promotes an energy conscious and educated society. They work with energy companies, agencies and organizations to bring balanced energy programs to the nation’s schools. Mass Save is sponsored by Berkshire Gas, Cape Light Compact, Eversource, Liberty Utilities, National Grid and Unitil.
The workshop was called Get Energized about Careers in Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. The kids who participated in the festivities had a blast! Kudos to all the participants for their excellent behavior, knowledge they displayed and overall engagement in the day.
Unified Game Day
In a heartwarming display of solidarity and encouragement, WMS students lined the hallways and sidewalks to cheer on our Best Buddies students as they embarked on a remarkable journey to the Unified Games.
Amidst the spirited cheers and uplifting banners, a profound sense of camaraderie filled the air, uniting the entire school community in celebration of inclusivity and determination.
Orchestra
Wilmington Middle School students put on a great orchestra performance recently.
It's amazing to witness the dedication and growth of our young musicians as they develop their skills. These performances not only showcased the students' musical talents but also highlighted their hard work, discipline, and teamwork.
Band
Congratulations to the WMS band on their performance! It's no small feat to come together as a group and deliver a memorable musical experience. Their passion for music could be heard throughout the entire building.
WMS Representatives to the School Committee
The District extends a special thank you to the following middle school Student Council members for being exceptional Representatives to the Wilmington School Committee and Community At-Large throughout the entire 23/24 school year.
STUCO Reps. to School Committee:
- Georgia Hanson
- Victoria Ings
- Jill Weinstein
- Elizabeth Gray
- Abby Joyce
- Genevieve Loughran
- Spencer Walker
- Sanjeev Puvanendrakumar
- Ciara O'Shea
- Summer Aliperta
- Erin Botte
- Chloe Stryhalaleck
- Sarah Najarian
- Jen Corby
Thank you to Mr. John & Mr. Brett
The staff at the Wildwood@MS campus would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to John Carroll and Brett McCoy for their exceptional dedication and support throughout this year. Despite the additional challenges our presence at the middle school may have brought, they have consistently demonstrated warmth and inclusivity, making us feel we are valued members of the community. John and Brett go above and beyond, taking the time to forge personal connections with each student, recognizing them by name and nurturing these relationships at every opportunity, whether at district events or in the wider community. Their remarkable rapport with our Strides students has been especially touching, literally bringing our staff to tears. John and Brett have swiftly become cherished members of the Wildwood community, and we are profoundly grateful for their unwavering efforts. Thank you for exemplifying the essence of kindness and compassion. You both truly embody what it means to be exceptional human beings.
Entering Kindergarten
Entering First Grade
Entering Second Grade
Entering Third Grade
Entering Fourth Grade
Entering Fifth Grade
Wilmington Public Schools and the School Wellness Advisory Committee was recognized on May 21st as a Massachusetts School Wellness Champion by The John C. Stalker Institute of Food and Nutrition at Framingham State University.
Course options include:
- Experienced FTC Robotics
- Robotics Programming
- Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
- Elementary STEM Exploration
- Python Programming
- High School Drama Workshop
- Middle School Drama Workshop
- Elementary School Drama Workshop
- Introduction to BBQ & Grilling (BBQ Ribs)
- Introduction to BBQ & Grilling (BBQ Chicken)
- Music & Movement
- Music & Drumming
Check out the flyer here for details on each course.
To Register: Click Here or Scan the QR Code
All Courses will be held at Wilmington High School
For Questions, Contact: Mike Jones (michael.jones@wpsk12.com) or Matt Hackett (matthew.hackett@wpsk12.com)
NEW IEP Parent Workshop
Please join us for an overview of DESE's NEW IEP that WPS will be utilizing for all students with an IEP effective the first day of the 2024-25 school year.
Topic: NEW IEP Overview
When: June 11, 2024, 6:30 PM
Where: Zoom
Zoom Link: https://wpsk12.zoom.us/j/85622953085?pwd=V9TMGg7wCkkwl15rVbsjriyE4eTXVk.1
Meeting ID: 856 2295 3085
Passcode: 910677
Office of the Superintendent
Email: glenn.brand@wpsk12.com
Website: www.wpsk12.com
Location: 161 Church Street, Wilmington, MA 01887, USA
Phone: 978-694-6000