June 2024 volume 10 number 10
Westbrook School Department
CONGRATULATIONS
Westbrook
High
School
Class of
2024!
Dear Friends,
The school year ends on Friday, June 14 and our summer adventures will begin. What a wonderful year we have had! Thank you to everyone - students, staff, and family members - who has worked to build strong relationships centered around the success of all students all year long. To our graduating Seniors and their families, congratulations and always know that Westbrook is your home! To students and families who are leaving our community at the end of the school year, I wish you the very best in your next home.
I hope that everyone takes time this summer to read some good books, play games, enjoy long walks on trails or afternoons in the park, and spend time on or near the lakes and along Maine's amazing coastline. I appreciate our connections and look forward to seeing you at the end of the summer.
Take care,
Dr. Peter Lancia, Superintendent of Schools
Summer Schedules
School Offices will be closed beginning July 1 and will reopen on Monday, August 12.
The District Administrative Offices will be open throughout the summer, Monday-Friday, 9am-3pm. The Registrar's Office will be open through the summer as well. Please call at anytime to inquire about or register a student. The McKinney-Vinto Office will be open one day per week throughout the summer. Please contact the Administrative Offices for exact schedules.
Summer Meals
Our School Nutrition program is pleased to offer FREE MEALS this summer at several locations around the city. The Locker Project will also have free fresh food available. The program runs weekdays, June 24 - August 9. Locations are:
Walker Field, 11:15-11:35am
Westbrook Pointe, 12-12:30pm
Westbrook Commons, 12-1pm
Westbrook Learns at WCC, 11:45am-12:05pm
Walker Memorial Library, 11:30am-12pm
AND, June 24 - July 25 at
WMS, breakfast 8:30-9 & lunch 12-12:30
Saccarappa, breakfast 8:30-9 & lunch 11:45-12:05
Dallas Cowboys Support Saccarappa Cheer Club
Multilingual teacher Alyssa Cammack leads the third and fourth-grade cheer teams at Saccarappa during recess. This year, members of the community made donations so that each of the students could get a "uniform" (t-shirt), and now they have pom-poms as well! Alyssa reached out to the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders and a huge box of silver pom-poms arrived recently for our students to use. The kids put them right to use and were so excited, cheering like the pros do!
Weather at Your School at Congin School
Our Congin Cougars were at school early recently to take part in the WMTW Weather at your School. Meteorologist Ted McInerney featured students on several weather segments on the morning news and then met with students to learn about weather.
Westbrook Adult Education Featured on Newscenter Maine
Recently, our Adult Ed program was featured in a story on Newscenter Maine. Click to watch the story! Our Adult Ed Graduation was held on June 11 and honored the stories, the commitment, and the dedication of our adult learners.
Honors for our Seniors at WHS and WRVC
Over $450,000 in scholarships was awarded to WHS seniors at Class Night. Local, state, and national organizations and foundations, as well as many local memorial scholarships were presented to a very thankful class as they pursue higher education. Similarly, scholarships and "toolships" were presented at WRVC Awards night in support of higher education and work in the trades in the amount of $74,550. We are so fortunate to have the support of so many generous benefactors!
Senior Walk Through
As part of our Graduation festivities, the senior class takes a tour of all of our schools. They are greeted by our younger students who cheer them on as heroes! Special moments included hugs from former teachers, shout outs to siblings, signs and cards of congratulations, and lots of smiles!
GRADUATION
Graduation Exercises were held on June 8 for the WHS Class of 2024. 144 students received diplomas. Class President Fatimah A.-S. served as a wonderful emcee and class marshals Leona O. and Gavid T. led their classmates in procession. All speakers delivered messages about hard work, friendship, and relationships, all of which give them the strength to move forward. Honor Essayist Ellyana Y. and Top WRVC Student Sharpman M. presented powerful messages and were followed by Valedictorian Claire F. and Salutatorian Hailey R. delivered a moving joint speech. School Committee Chair Suzanne Salisbury, Superintendent Dr. Peter Lancia, and Co-Principal Jeff Guerette also addressed the class, praising their hard work and ways that they exemplified the schools’ Vision of the Graduate. The Graduation Ensemble, directed by Director of Music Suzanne Proulx, led the class in the National Anthem as well. What a remarkable evening! Thank you to all the “behind the scenes” staff and volunteers led by the amazing Sue Bailey for making the evening so special and to the many WHS and school department teachers and staff who attended to honor their students. We are all so proud of the Class of 2024
CONGRATULATIONS 8th GRADERS!
We are all very proud of our 8th graders at WMS whose Promotion Celebration was held on Thursday, June 13. Students were honored with awards for their academic achievement, Habits of Work and Learning, and many examples of citizenship along with their Certificates of Promotion. After the celebration, their 8th Grade Semi-Formal was held in the gym and cafeteria. They also had Step Up Day today, visiting WHS and meeting the 9th grade teams of teachers. Thank you to the amazing staff at WMS for supporting the class throughout their years in middle school. Congratulations, and we look forward to seeing the Class of 2028 at WHS!
Adopt a School
For several years, Canal School has been "adopted" by company Baker, Newman, and Noyes in a special school-business partnership. Launched by the United Way and the Westbrook Children's Project, the Adopt a School Program provides materials and supplies as well as volunteers. To close the year, BNN has prepared and will distribute Summer Bags with lots of learning material to promote reading, writing, and math. Thank you to our friends at Baker, Newman, and Noyes!
Early Childhood Education Class at WRVC
The Early Childhood Education program at WRVC wrapped up their school year with the Nursery School Children. It was a great year, one filled with many fun memories! To finish up our year with the "littles," there was graduation ceremony at Smiling Hill Farm. The Tech I students completed their two college courses, and the Tech II Students gave their final presentations and finished their CECA Portfolios. It has been an awesome year, and they are ready to ring in the summer! Thank you to our teacher Darlene Bruns and Ed Tech Robin Linscott for supporting our learners and future teachers!
Meridian Stories at WMS
Congratulations to our students in the GT English Language Arts program at WMS. Grades 5-8 classes won many awards in this year’s Meridian Stories competition. They competed against students from around the country by creating movies on a variety of topics including teens and social media, the American Revolution, retellings of classic myths, and more. Check out their videos on the Meridian Stories website https://meridianstories.org
Adult Education Graduation
We are so proud of our adult learners in our Adult Education program! Graduation was held on June 11 where students were recognized for English language proficiency, completing requirements for the HiSET Diploma, Maine State Diploma, and Westbrook Adult Education Diploma, and a CNA pinning. In total, 39 students were honored. Student speakers were Voldie M., Gladis F., and Nora R. Remarks were also given by superintendent Dr. Peter Lancia, School Committee chair Suzanne Salisbury, ABE/ELL Coordinator Shila Cook, and Director Jen Mull-Brooks. CONGRATULATIONS to our adult students on their accomplishments!
Summer School Programs
Our Summer School programs begin at the end of June and run through the month of July. Programs for young learners, Middle School students through the 21st Century Learning Centers partnership with the Intercultural Community Center, High School credit recovery, and special education tutoring and extended school year programs are being offered. Most are targeted needs programs, specifically designed to help students close significant learning gaps and maintain learning. Families have already been contacted about their child's participation. For more information, please contact your schools.
Congratulations
Westbrook's Director of Music Suzanne Proulx was recently honored as Maine Music Administrator of the Year at the recent Maine Music Educator's Association All State Festival banquet. In addition to teaching choral programs at WHS, Sue has led the Westbrook music department since 2016 and has supported staff and students in continuing to engage and expand music education in Westbrook that now includes a Visual and Performing Arts endorsed diploma. Brava Ms. Proulx!
CONGRATULATIONS RETIREES!
Thank you to the following staff who have given countless years of dedicated service to the students of Westbrook!
Pierina Appleton, Van Driver, Transportation
Cheryl Juniewicz, Art Teacher, Saccarappa
Kenneth Bean, Bus Driver, Transportation
Philip Morse, Maintenance
Peggy Day, Accounts Payable Specialist, Central Office
Anita Petitt, Data Specialist, Central Office
Brenda Dolloff, Business Education Teacher, WRVC
Sidney Shane, Mechanic, Transportation
Gary Giffard, MLTI Tech Support, WMS
C. Lynn Vajda, Speech and Language Therapist, WHS
Sage Glover, Title I Teacher, Canal
Ronald Welton, CDL Driver Teacher, WRVC
Nancy Goan, Art Teacher, WMS
Pamela Wescott, Administrative Assistant, WHS
Teaching and Learning in Westbrook
What is the Summer Slide (and how to avoid it)?
Summer Slide refers to a loss of learning during the summer months. Many students who have made great progress during the school year lose some ground over the summer. How can we avoid Summer Slide? Here are a few suggestions for maintaining learning all summer long:
Visit the library every week and check out several books for children to read independently and for adults to read aloud. They more that we read, the stronger our reading becomes!
Have conversations and use rich vocabulary when taking a walk or a car trip. Ask questions and have discussions about many interesting things.
Take pictures and tell stories about them.
Practice writing skills by writing to family and friends on postcards, emails, and texts.
Practice math skills when shopping for special events this summer.
Read maps and practice geography skills when on a road trip.
There are countless ways to maintain learning over the summer that are fun and make a difference!
Equity and Opportunity in our Schools
The Westbrook School Department provides interpreter services. If you would like to request an interpreter for a meeting or require translation of a school form or document, call the administrative Offices at 207-854-0800. After you are connected, please say the requested language and provide your name and telephone number. A staff person will return your call with an interpreter.
Be sure to take part in the third annual Juneteenth Celebration in Riverbank Park on Sunday, June 23, 1-3pm. There will be music, free food, guest speakers, weaving, hair braiding, and a fashion show. Many of our Middle School and High School students will be leading events during the celebration.
BACK TO SCHOOL 2024-25
The new school year begins the last week of August. We will again open the year with "Transition Days" where smaller groups of students come on each of the first two days for orientation, setting routines, and learning about the new school year. The following are the Transition Days:
Wednesday, August 28 - Transition Days for Grades 1 & 2, 5 & 6, and 9 & 10 only, full day of school
Thursday, August 29 - Transition Days for Grades 3 & 4, 7 & 8, 11 & 12 only, full day of school
Kindergarten at all three schools begins on Tuesday, September 3.
WE'RE HIRING
There are several open positions for the 2024-25 school year! Please visit our school website for more information and a link to the application process. Spread the word - be part of the Westbrook School Department!
