Check out all these opportunities for our families to be engaged with the Westbrook Schools!
Westbrook High School is hosting a family night for current 8th grade, future 9th grade, families on Thursday, March 6th, from 6:00-7:00pm at the high school auditorium.
Read this month's Teaching and Learning Newsletter at the following link:
https://westbrooksdme.edurooms.com/engage/westbrook-school-department/newsletters/february-2025-teaching-and-learning-newsletter
Due to weather conditions, all schools in Westbrook will be closed today, Thursday, February 13. It is an old fashioned snow day with no remote learning. There will be no before or after school activities and athletics, no meetings, and no pre-K classes. Be safe in the storm!
Today we want to take a moment to honor and recognize the incredible work our school counselors and social workers do each day. Their dedication to listening, understanding, and helping students navigate the challenges they face doesn't go unnoticed. They are truly the heart and backbone of our school community.
Our counselors and social workers provide unwavering support, guidance, and care to our students during one of the most formative times in their lives, helping them to not only become stronger students but also stronger and more confident people in the process. They create safe spaces where our students can be heard, supported, and empowered to overcome obstacles, both academic and personal. Through their compassion and expertise, they make a lasting impact on the lives of students, ensuring they feel valued and understood.
And, not only do these extraordinary people support our students but they also go over and above to support staff. Sometimes we all need a listening ear or a shoulder to cry on, and, in those moments, they don't hesitate to offer their friendship.
Thank you for your tireless commitment to fostering an environment where every student feels seen, respected, and equipped to thrive. Your work is vital, and we are deeply grateful for all the positive ways you inspire the lives of so many.
If you see these people today, please be sure to thank them:
Betsy Shibles
Katie Corbett
Kayla Gagner
Megan Grimshaw
Kristin MacLeod
Shiloh Bower
Austin Mehlhorn
The timing of today’s storm is now predicted to be heavier a bit earlier so it would be safer to close school for the day. So, all Westbrook Schools will be closed today Thursday, February 6. It is an old fashioned snow day with no remote learning. All PreK classes and before and after school activities are cancelled, including athletic events and practices. Be safe in the storm!
Westbrook Schools will have an EARLY DISMISSAL tomorrow, February 6. WMS will dismiss at 10:15am, WHS at 10:25am, and Elementary Schools at 11:20am. Lunch will be available before dismissal. PreK classes and after school activities will be cancelled, including all athletic events and the after school LEARNS program. We want to get everyone home before the snow piles up and the roads are challenging. If the timing of the storm changes significantly and it would be safer to cancel for the day, I will send an update in the morning. Otherwise, we will plan on an Early Dismissal on Thursday. Be safe in the storm!
Check out what the WMS French and Spanish classes have been up to!
Students in grades 6, 7, and 8 started Quarter 2 learning about the beneficial reasons to learn another language. We read an article that highlighted the top 10 reasons why you should learn another language. Students focused on at least one of the reasons to create a poster to be shared in class. Some of the highlights are: make lifelong friends, make travel more accessible, and improve entry into college. We took this opportunity to talk about other languages that students already speak in our classes and discuss the amount of students in our school alone who speak several languages.
As an 8th-grade science teacher she has made an extraordinary impact on students, inspiring a love for science and learning through innovative teaching methods, unwavering dedication, and a genuine passion for education.
Emily Blazek is a tireless worker who provides her students with great structure and creative exploration in the science classroom. She brings enthusiasm and joy to the curriculum, as well as extensive experience and skill in her instructional practices. Emily has worked with a diverse population of learners for several years now; as part of that, she works closely with her ML teaching partner to make her lessons accessible to all students and attends professional development opportunities to increase her learning to implement differentiated lesson plans. Whether through hands-on experiments, creative projects, or real-world applications of scientific concepts, she consistently fosters curiosity and critical thinking in her classroom.
Over the past few years she has worked tirelessly for both of the 8th grade science teams due to Team Katahdin's science teacher position opening up. Subsequently, three new teachers have been in that job. She has been a wonderful mentor to all of those teachers, including being primarily responsible for creating and sharing the curriculum for both teams. Emily finds time to create and implement new and engaging lessons, ensuring she represents diversity in her curriculum. She adapts and creates materials to provide hands-on learning opportunities for complex science topics. She has also been an early adopter and leader with regards to the school’s effort in outdoor education.
Emily Blazek’s skill and professionalism is exemplary. The staff and students of Westbrook Middle School are very fortunate to have her as part of our community.
Due to weather, road, and sidewalk conditions, we will have a 2 hour delayed start of school today, Monday February 3. That means that schools will open two hours after the regular start time and buses will pick up kids 2 hours after their usual time. There are no before school activities and PK classes are cancelled. So get a little extra sleep and be careful coming to school today!
Our Community Conversation on Budget Development will be held virtually on Zoom instead of in person tomorrow, February 1. Snow is forecast for overnight and early tomorrow morning. Road conditions may be challenging and our school lots and walkways may not yet be cleared since it is a Saturday. To join, please click on the link below at 8:30am and we will explain how participants can enter sessions. Hope to see you there!
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82668939028
Reminder: The Community Conversation about how the annual school budget is developed is TONIGHT at Saccarappa School. Spaghetti supper begins at 5 and presentations begin at 5:30.
Due to the snowy weather, there will be a two hour delayed start of school today. That means that schools will open two hours after their usual time and buses will pick up students two hours after their regular times. There are no before school programs and PreK classes are cancelled. We will still have our regular Wednesday early release at the usual times. Again, we will have a two hour delayed start of school in Westbrook today. Take your time and be safe coming to school today!
Please join us for a community conversation about the district's budget process. Come share a meal and conversation.
The Explore the Stars event scheduled for this evening at WMS has been postponed due to predicted cloud cover and low temperatures. A new date will be announced soon.
We’re excited to invite you to a special evening with the Northern Stars Planetarium!
When: Tuesday, January 28th
Time: 5:30 PM
Where: Westbrook Middle School Field
Please plan to attend one of the upcoming Community Conversations on how the school budget is developed. Thursday, January 30 at 5:30pm (with a spaghetti supper at 5pm) at Saccarappa School or Saturday, February 1 at 9:00am (with a pancake breakfast at 8:30am) at Westbrook High School. See you there!
"Coach Dave" Higgins has been coming in several days a week during recess to work with 5th and 6th students on soccer skills. These students love soccer, and it's great to have a knowledgeable person to help them learn new skills and abilities!
Wintery weather is in the forecast and weather conditions may cause us to delay the start of school or cancel school. I will send an automated phone call, text message, and email announcing our plans, typically between 5-5:30am. We will also post information on channel 6, 8, and 13, the school department website, and the school department social media. Please see the attached letter from September explaining the full plan for winter weather.
https://5il.co/327iy
The PTO Craft Fair is almost here. Stop by to check it out this Saturday, from 9-3pm.
Are you interested in helping with the PTO Craft Fair? Sign up to help with set-up or clean up before and after the fair, or hang out with us during the fair. Even if you can only stay for an hour or so we would appreciate any time you can give.
Bonus - If you sign up to help, your name will be entered into a raffle for an item donated by one of our talented vendors.
Sign up here: WMS Craft Fair Volunteer Sign-up
If you can't volunteer, please come say hi and do a little shopping to support our vendors.
