Friday Parent Updates

Hello WHS Families,

It has been a very busy two weeks with Awareness Day, Underclassmen Awards, Senior Awards, and Athletic Shoreline and State Finals. We are also celebrating the WHS Theatre Department's 11 Halo nominations and the Broadcast Communications Class Fox 61 News Award nomination. The WHS  Band and Choir will also be participating in the town's Memorial Day Celebration on Monday. Come out to the Westbrook Town Green and join the festivities!

Student Activities:

Awareness Day sponsored by Teen Leadership

WHS Girls Tennis Senior Day

WHS Boys Tennis Senior Day

WHS Softball Senior Day

WHS Softball Awards

All Shoreline Conference Softball Honorable Mention

Underclassmen Awards and Senior Awards and Scholarships

Shoreline Conference Outstanding Junior in Social Studies

Shoreline Conference Outstanding Junior in Math

Rotary Day of Service at Westbrook Town Beach

Junior Achievement Field Trip to the South Central CT Regional Water Authority

WHS Unified Field Trip to the New Britain Bees Baseball Game

CT Department of Education Get Out and Play Day for Mental Health

Upcoming Activities:

• Monday, May 29th-Memorial Day-No School
• Tuesday, May 30th-WHS Baseball Award on the Baseball Field @5 p.m.
• Tuesday, May 30th-The Halo Awards at the Palace Theater in Waterbury @ 7 p.m.
• Wednesday, May 31st-NGSS Testing for Juniors in the WHS Library @ 7:50 a.m.
• Friday, June 2nd- Senior Class Trip to Holiday Hill (7:50 a.m.-4:00 p.m.) 
• Friday, June 9th- Junior/Senior Prom at St. Clements Castle (6:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.) 
• Friday, June 16th- Graduation @ 5:00 p.m. 

Athletic Schedule for Spring Sports:

http://ciacsports.com/site/?page_id=105

Wishing everyone a wonderful fun-filled Memorial Day Weekend.

My best,

Tara Winch

Dear WHS Families,

I hope everyone is enjoying this beautiful spring weather. WHS completed two weeks of AP testing and will now move on to AP make-ups and the NGSS for Juniors which will be administered in science classes. All students are presenting their Digital Portfolios in Advisory over the next two weeks using the Portrait of a Graduate rubric.  

Classroom Observation Snapshots:

Forensics Science Class got a visit from the FBI Evidence Response Team. Students learned about how evidence is collected from crime scenes.

Junior Achievement presents a Resume Building Workshop

Student Activities:

Unified Field Trip to Old Saybrook Park and Rec to make flower pots for Mother's Day.

Senior Day for Boys Baseball    

Boys Baseball Officials Appreciation Day

Girls Softball Officials Appreciation Day

Band and Chorus Concerts

The Music Department celebrates its Seniors

Interact Day of Service: Beach Clean-Up Saturday, May 20th

Coach's Acknowledgement:

Girls Tennis Coach Paula Fitzgerald celebrates her 500th win!

Upcoming Activities:

• Sunday, May14th-Happy Mother's Day! Wishing all the mothers a beautiful day.
• Thursday, May 18th- Underclassmen Awards (WHS Auditorium @ 7:00 p.m.) Invitations will be sent to award recipients.
• Monday, May 22nd- Senior Awards (WHS Auditorium @ 7:00 p.m.) Invitations will be sent to award recipients.
• Friday, June 2nd- Senior Class Trip to Holiday Hill (7:50 a.m.-4:00 p.m.) 
• Friday, June 9th- Junior/Senior Prom at St. Clements Castle (6:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.) 
• Friday, June 16th- Graduation @ 5:00 p.m. 

Athletic Schedule for Spring Sports:

http://ciacsports.com/site/?page_id=105

Keep your eye on the end of the year! It's approaching quickly.

Have a wonderful weekend and Happy Mother's Day to all the wonderful mothers who share their children with us every day. Thank you!

My best,

Tara

Dear WHS Families,

I hope everyone had an enjoyable weekend soaking up some well deserved sunshine. WHS students are busy completing and presenting their Digital Portfolios in Advisory, presenting Senior Projects in Senior Project Seminar, and completing AP exams. Spring athletics are in full swing and the Music Department is hosting two concerts this week. (See dates below)

Student Activities:

Senior Project: New Bridge at the Town Forest

Cupcake Wars at Morgan High School

CIAC Unified Sports Banquet and the Teammate Awards

Acoustic Cafe

  CAS-CIAC Scholar- Athlete Banquet

Interact Beach Cleanup for the May 20th Day of Service

Bottle It Up! Fundraiser

Seniors share their plans for after high school

Teacher Appreciation Week-Thank you to all our teachers!

Upcoming Activities:

• Monday, May 8th-Friday, May 12th-Teacher Appreciation Week
• Tuesday, May 9th-Board of Education Meeting @7 P.M. in the WHS Library
• Wednesday, May 10th- Small Ensembles and Select Singers Concert @ 7:30 p.m. 
• Thursday, May 11th- Concert Band/Concert Choir Concert and Senior Night @ 7:30 p.m. 

Athletic Schedule for Spring Sports:

http://ciacsports.com/site/?page_id=105

Happy Spring! May we find joy in the rebirth of nature.

I hope everyone had a beautiful weekend.

My best,

Tara

Dear WHS Families,

April showers bring May flowers. Hopefully, you are staying safe, warm, and dry. The next two weeks are very busy with AP testing, College Decision Day, musical concerts, and athletic events. 

Student Activities:

The Unified Prom held at Valley Regional High School

Wesleyan Career Fair for Sophomores

The Superintendent's Leadership Award Luncheon

The Boys Basketball All State Awards Banquet

The Annual Acoustic Cafe is looking for participation!

Upcoming Events and Activities:

Athletic Schedule for Spring Sports:

http://ciacsports.com/site/?page_id=105

Fundraiser:

Wishing you a warm and dry weekend.

My best,

Tara 

Hello WHS Families,

I hope everyone had an enjoyable April Break spending time with family and friends. We are fast approaching the end of the year with many exciting activities ahead. A special thank you to Leslie Carson for representing Westbrook High School at the Education Innovation Showcase Summit in San Diego this week. Although we did not reach the Top Three, we are proud to have been recognized in the Top Ten for our Career Connected Learning and Career Pathways Program.

Classroom Observation Snapshot:

Mr. Savage’s Cockatoo visits Westbrook High School

 On Wednesday, April 19th, Marshmallow,  Mr. Savage's cockatoo visited WHS and was the focus of a power point presentation for Mr. Savage’s science classes. The topics covered in the power point are related to parts of the curriculum in Biology, Integrated Science, and Anatomy & Physiology. It also touched on the chemistry of bird eggshells. The presentation included biological taxonomy (classification) specific to cockatoos: the biomes that cockatoos inhabit in Australia, their ecological niche in them, a comparative anatomy comparison of cockatoo’s and human’s major body systems, and caring for a cockatoo as a pet. Many students were able to hold and pet Marshmallow, who is calm, friendly, and well socialized for interaction with adults and children. Ms. Hoppes’ Biology classes,  Mr. Dailey’s Integrated Science classes, and a student from Ms. Lesandrine’s classroom all got to visit with Marshmallow. The Senior Citizens visiting with the Community and Global Action class also got to visit.  A special thanks to senior Carley Thompson who has assisted as the “bird handler” for the three years Marshmallow has visited WHS. In these three years, Carley and Marshmallow have developed a strong bond!

Student Activities:

WHS Students help out with Stuff a Plush at Daisy.

The Community and Global Action Class meets with our our Senior Citizens to plan upcoming social activities.

The WHS Literary Magazine is looking for submissions.

Ms. G is running a Spring Poetry Contest in the library.

Unified Sports is sponsoring a Sneaker Drive.

The WHS Annual Acoustic Cafe is looking for participation.

Get your submissions in for the Annual Earth Day Contest.

CAS Art Award Recipients

WHS Athletic Department Updates:

• Tuesday, April 2nd-WHS Athletic Department Spring Sports Photos Beginning at 2:30 p.m. We are excited to announce that we will be transitioning over to PC Sports for our athletic department pictures. Please take a peek at Patrick's photo gallery at www.pc-sports.com to view his amazing pictures!! Please know that all pictures can be purchased online. Each athlete will be given a personal QR code on the day of the photoshoot. Pictures can then be purchased after they are taken. 
• Wednesday, April 26 Home Outdoor Track and Field Meet at 3:45 p.m. This is the WHS Outdoor Track and Field Senior Day!!  Senior day celebrations will begin at 3:30 p.m.

Please note a change in the Jazz Band Schedule:

•  Tuesday,4/25; Wednesday, 4/26; Thursday, 4/27 Jazz Band will meet at 7AM. The following weeks, we will do every morning until the concert on May 10th.

Upcoming Events and Activities:

Athletic Schedule for Spring Sports:

http://ciacsports.com/site/?page_id=105

Fundraiser:

Wishing you a relaxing weekend.

My best,

Tara

Dear WHS Families,

It was a busy week with Seniors finalizing their Westbrook Foundation Scholarships applications and Quarter three coming to a close. Last week we celebrated being named a Top 10 Finalist in the Education Innovation Showcase Summit. Leslie Carson has provided some background information to give some perspective on our journey.

Student Activities:

Poetry March Madness

  

 

Lotus flower making with the public library in our library!

 

    

Students from Video Production and Broadcast Communication visit Fox 61 News.

Juniors visit the Hartford College Fair.

Upcoming Activities:

• Monday, April 3rd-The beginning of Quarter 4.
• Monday, April 3rd- The U.S. Coast Guard will be visiting during lunch waves.
• Tuesday, April 4th- CAS Arts Banquet at the Aqua Turf.
• Wednesday, April 5th-Faculty Meeting
• Wednesday, April 5th-Music Boosters Meeting @ 6:30 P.M. in the WHS Culinary Room.
• Friday, April 7th-Good Friday-No school
• Monday, April 10th-Friday, April 14th-Spring Break-No School

Athletic Schedule for Spring Sports:

http://ciacsports.com/site/?page_id=105

Wishing everyone a Happy Spring!

My best,

Tara

Dear WHS Families,

It is an exciting time at WHS as we celebrate the news of being selected as a Top 10 Education Innovation Showcase Finalist for our Career Pathways and Career Connected Learning. A special thank you to Leslie Carson who continues to work with staff and students  enhancing educational opportunities through the Pathways Program. We look forward to the Showcase Summit on Tuesday, April 18th where they will announce the top three and hear the final pitches live.

WHS Classroom Snapshot Observations:

School Counselor, Jill Britton, visited Junior classes to educate student on the Naviance College Match, Resume Builder, and Career Interest Inventory.

AP Psychology students learn about preparing for the AP exam and the benefits of taking AP courses from a college perspective.

Biology and Chemistry classes learned about the different Materials Sciences/Engineering programs from UCONN students.

Students then engage in an experiment to make plastic. 

Student Activities:

WHS Girls Basketball Awards

SCW CooP Ice Hockey Banquet and Awards 

WHS/8th Grade Combined Band and Choir Concert

 Band and Choir students visit Washington, D.C. Trip highlights included hearing Jazz musician Kenny Garrett play at Blues Alley, visiting the Smithsonian Museums and the monuments, as well as participating in the Wreath Laying Ceremony at Arlington Cemetery. 

Congratulations to former Westbrook Athletic Director Paula Fitzgerald 2023 Hall of Fame Inductee

Upcoming Activities:

Spring sports have begun!

• Thursday, March 30th-Hartford College Fair for Juniors. 
• Friday, March 31st-Westbrook Foundation Scholarship Applications are due.
• Friday, March 31st- The end of Quarter 3.
• Monday, April 3rd- The beginning of Quarter 4.
• Wednesday, April 5th-Music Boosters Meeting @ 6:30 P.M. in the WHS Culinary Room.
• Friday, April 7th-Good Friday-No school

Hope everyone is enjoying a relaxing weekend.

My best,

Tara

Dear WHS Families,

It has been a fun-filled busy Spirit Week at WHS. Students and staff participated in theme dress days, NHS sponsored Grade level Penny Wars to raise money for Disability Awareness, and a non perishable food drive for the Shoreline Soup Kitchen.

Classroom Snapshot Observation:

AP US History studies the positive and negative economic impacts of  Roosevelt's  New Deal through a Station Activity.

Student Activities:

WHS Spirit Week 

Group Activities

Pep Rally Activities

Grade Level Showcases

How to Survive Being in a Shakespeare Play hits the WHS stage. 

Professional Development for Teachers: Using EduProtocols to enhance teaching and learning while  maximizing student engagement.

Upcoming Activities:

• Monday, March 13th -Boys Basketball Awards @ 6 P.M. in the WHS Gymnasium
• Tuesday, March 14th-Board of Education Meeting @ 7P.M. in the WHS library
• Wednesday, March 15th @ 7 P.M.-WHS/8th Grade Combined Band/Choir Concert in the WHS Auditorium
• Thursday, March 16th-Early Dismissal-Parent Conferences 1P.M.-6 P.M. The schoolappointments portal is open. Notification and instructions were sent out via schoolmessenger.
• Thursday, March 16th-Sunday, March 19th-WHS Music Department Trip to Washington, DC Trip
• Wednesday, March 22nd-In school SAT Testing for Juniors
• Saturday, March 25th- Light On Westbrook @ 6:30 P.M. at Oxford Academy. Visit our website for more details.

WHS  Spring Sports Registration:

https://www.familyid.com/westbrook-athletics/whs-westbrook-spring-athletics-2022-2023

Community Fundraiser:

Join us on March 25th for Light On Westbrook, a photography exhibition and photo drawing.  The proceeds from this event will benefit The Meal Project for Westbrook Youth, a Westbrook Public Schools initiative.  Visit https://www.westbrookctschools.org/light_on_westbrook_1226994 

Wishing you a relaxing weekend.

My best,

Tara

Hello WHS Families,

I hope everyone enjoyed our first snow day of the season. As you know, that puts the last day of school on Wednesday, June 14th. We have a set Graduation date of Friday, June 16th. The scheduling process is underway and students have completed the course selection process. Please know you can always contact your child's School Counselor at any point with questions regarding your child's selected courses, course plans, and college planning.

Student Activities:

The WHS Girls Basketball Team defeats St. Bernard's in Round One of the State Tournament

The WHS Girls Basketball Team puts forth a valiant effort against the second seed Thomaston, but are defeated in Round Two of the State Tournament.

Students enjoy Cookie Design and Decorating in Bakeshop

 Indoor Track Awards Night

WHS Theatre Department presents How to Survive Being in a Shakespeare Play

Upcoming Activities:

• Thursday, March 9th-Early Dismissal Day. All school performance of How to Survive Being in a Shakespeare Play followed by a Student Council sponsored Pep Rally!
• Thursday, March 9th and Friday, March 10th- How to Survive Being in a Shakespeare Play @ 7 PM in the WHS Auditorium
• Friday, March 10th-No School-Professional Development
• Thursday, March 16th-Early Dismissal-Parent Conferences 1PM-6PM. The schoolappointments portal will open the week of March 6th. Notification and instructions will be sent via schoolmessenger.
• Thursday, March 16th-Sunday, March 19th-WHS Music Department Trip to Washington, DC Trip
• Wednesday, March 22nd-In school SAT Testing for Juniors
• Saturday, March 25th- Light On Westbrook @ 6:30 P.M. at Oxford Academy. Visit our website for more details.

WHS  Spring Sports Registration:

https://www.familyid.com/westbrook-athletics/whs-westbrook-spring-athletics-2022-2023

Community Fundraiser:

Join us on March 25th for Light On Westbrook, a photography exhibition and photo drawing.  The proceeds from this event will benefit The Meal Project for Westbrook Youth, a Westbrook Public Schools initiative.  Visit https://www.westbrookctschools.org/light_on_westbrook_1226994 

Wishing you a relaxing weekend.

My best,

Tara 

Dear WHS Families, 

I hope you enjoyed your extended weekend. Students were back in action on Wednesday engaged in their classwork, preparing for dress rehearsals, and practicing for the State Tournament. If you are looking for something fun to do this weekend, come join us at the Westbrook Town Beach for the 2023 Polar Plunge: Freezin' for the Season sponsored by the WHS Athletic Boosters.

WHS Athletic Boosters Fundraiser:

Student Activities:

8th Grade Students visited WHS for a Career Pathways and Course Selection Presentation.

WHS visits Westerly Education Center as they continue their partnership with Electric Boat.

Preparing for the CT State Science Fair.

WHS Spirit Day!

Interact kicks off their next community project.

WHS Theatre Department has chosen a spoof on Shakespeare for this year's drama production.

Don't forget to order your WHS Yearbook.

Calling all art students!

Upcoming Activities:

• Sunday, February 26th-the WHS Athletic Boosters Polar Plunge at Westbrook Town Beach @ noon
• Wednesday, March 1st-SAT Prep for Juniors in the WHS Library @ 1 PM
• Thursday, March 2nd-SAT Prep for Juniors in the WHS Library @ 1 PM
• Thursday, March 9th-Early Dismissal Day. All school performance of How to Survive Being in a Shakespeare Play followed by a Student Council sponsored Pep Rally!
• Thursday, March 9th and Friday, March 10th- How to Survive Being in a Shakespeare Play @ 7 PM in the WHS Auditorium
• Friday, March 10th-No School-Professional Development
• Thursday, March 16th-Early Dismissal-Parent Conferences 1PM-6PM. The schoolappointments portal will open the week of March 6th. Notification and instructions will be sent via schoolmessenger.
• Thursday, March 16th-Sunday, March 19th-WHS Music Department Trip to Washington, DC Trip
• Wednesday, March 22nd-In school SAT Testing for Juniors

WHS  Spring Sports Registration:

https://www.familyid.com/westbrook-athletics/whs-westbrook-spring-athletics-2022-2023

Have a lovely weekend.

My best,

Tara

Dear WHS Families,

I hope everyone is looking forward to the long weekend ahead. Don't forget there is no school on Monday, February 20th and Tuesday, February 21st. We return to school on Wednesday, February 22nd and it is an A Day. 

WHS Classroom Observation Snapshots:

Students are working on the Electric Car and a State Science Fair project in Technology Education.

Senior Project Mural

Algebra II students work on arithmetic and general sequences focusing on explicit and recursive formulas.

Senior English students create artistic representations for the dagger symbol  in Shakespeare's plays.

Advisory:

Students grades 9-11 began selecting their classes for next year. School Counselors and teachers will be checking in with students to assist with any questions they might have.

Seniors met with Joan Angelini from the Westbrook Foundation to learn about scholarships offerings, the application process, and important deadlines for applying.

Student Activities:

WHS Boys Basketball Senior Night

The Knights in action as they come from behind to beat Hale Ray!

...and the fans went  wild in white!

Interact kicks off their next community project.

WHS Theatre Department has chosen a spoof on Shakespeare for this year's drama production.

Don't forget to order your WHS Yearbook.

There is always time to join a WHS extra curricular activity or club!

Upcoming Activities:

• Monday, February 20th-Presidents' Day-No school
• Tuesday, February 21st-Presidents' Day extended-No school
• Wednesday, February 22nd-We are back in school. It is an A Day.
• Friday, February, 24th- Virtual Career Industry Panel with experts in the field of Behavioral Health and Social Services careers. Please see Ms. Carson for details.
• Sunday, February 26th-Freezin' for the Season Fundraiser. See flyer below.

WHS Athletic Boosters Fundraiser:

WHS  Spring Sports Registration:

https://www.familyid.com/westbrook-athletics/whs-westbrook-spring-athletics-2022-2023

Stay warm and enjoy the sunshine!

My best,

Tara

Hello WHS Families,

I hope everyone is enjoying this unexpected beautiful February weather. The students were able to eat lunch outside and enjoy sunshine and warm temperatures. Perhaps you are looking forward to Super Bowl Sunday and may the best team win!  Hopefully, parents have had a chance to peruse the WHS Program of Study and Career Pathways Guide as students will be selecting  courses next Thursday during Advisory. Again, if you have any questions about course selection, please do not hesitate to contact your child's School Counselor, Jill Britton or Rachel Kurek.

WHS Classroom Snapshot Observations:

Senior English classes concluded Shakespeare's Hamlet Unit by creating epitaphs for the main characters using color, symbols, and  quotations that embodied the essence of the character. Students enjoyed working collaboratively with artistic and creative expression tied to literary analysis.

Student Activities:

WHS Girls Senior Basketball Game

  The WHS Knight holds Court!

WHS Unified Bowling

Upcoming Activities:

• Sunday, February 12th-Super Bowl Sunday!
• Tuesday, February 14th-Happy Valentine's Day!
• Tuesday, February 14th-Board of Education Meeting @ 7 PM in the WHS Library
• Thursday, February 16th-Advisory: Grades 9-11 Course Selection/ Grade 12 Seniors will write letters to the Freshmen

WHS Project Graduation Fundraiser:

 ProjectGradOnlineRaffle flyer 121622.pdf 

WHS Athletic Boosters Fundraiser:

Athletic Schedule for Winter Sports:

http://ciacsports.com/site/?page_id=105

Enjoy the beautiful weekend.

My best,

Tara Winch

Dear WHS Families,

Second semester has begun and it is a very busy time here at WHS. Students are settling in to their  second semester classes and continue academic growth in their full year courses. The School Counseling Office has completed its Scholarship Wall where all Westbrook Foundation and local scholarships are posted and available. Come in and take a look!

Student Activities:

World Read Aloud Day at Daisy

WHS Unified Basketball Tournament at Coginchaug High School

WHS Robotics Team/ Their first competition at Middletown High School

OSW Combined Choral Festival 

Thank you to our teachers who played in the orchestra and conducted the choirs.

Congratulations Brandon on 1,000 Points

Girls Basketball Officials Appreciation Game

Boys Basketball Officials Appreciation Game

WHS Indoor Track Senior Day

Freezin' for the Season Poster Contest

Upcoming Activities:

• Monday, February 6th-US Navy Recruiters visit WHS during the lunch waves.
• Thursday, February 9th-ASVAB @ 9 AM. Any student Grades 10-12 interested in Career Exploration, please see Ms. Carson (Please check your schoolmessenger sent at 3:14).
• Tuesday, February 14th- Happy Valentine's Day!
• Tuesday, February 14th- Board of Education Meeting @ 7 PM in the WHS Library.
• Monday, February 20th-Presidents' Day-No School
• Tuesday, February 21st-Extended Presidents' Day Break- No School

WHS Project Graduation Fundraiser:

 ProjectGradOnlineRaffle flyer 121622.pdf 

WHS Athletic Boosters Fundraiser:

Athletic Schedule for Winter Sports:

http://ciacsports.com/site/?page_id=105

Please stay safe and warm this weekend.

My best,

Tara A. Winch

Dear WHS Families,

So we have hit the midyear mark! Today is the last day of Quarter 2/Semester 1. Teachers and students have been working diligently this week and School Counselors Jill Britton and Rachel Kurek have been meeting with students to tweak Semester 2 schedules. Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors received their WHS Program of Study and Career Pathways Guide during Advisory this past Tuesday. Please take a peek.

Classroom Observation Snapshot:

The Video Production Class project "Coffee Wednesdays" makes the Fox 61 Student News.

Coffee Wednesdays

Student Activities:

WHS hosted the Unified Basketball Tournament

The WHS SADD Chapter visited Daisy Elementary to promote kindness.

The WHS Robotics Team practices for its first Robotics Competition in Middletown on Saturday, January 28th at Middletown High School.

Upcoming Activities:

• Monday, January 30th-The beginning of Quarter 3/Semester 2. Monday is a B Day.
• Monday, January 30th-Junior Planning Night @ 6 PM in the WHS Library (Look for the email on Thursday, January 5th @ 1:53 P.M.)
• Thursday, February 2nd-*Scholarship Opportunity for Senior Athletes- Due February 2, 2023  2023 National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association Scholar/Essay Application https://caadinc.org/scholarship-application-2023_xfillable.pdf
• Thursday, February 2nd-OSW Combined Choral Concert at Old Saybrook High School @ 7PM

WHS Project Graduation Fundraiser:

 ProjectGradOnlineRaffle flyer 121622.pdf 

WHS Athletic Boosters Fundraiser:

Athletic Schedule for Winter Sports:

http://ciacsports.com/site/?page_id=105

Have a wonderful weekend.

My best,

Tara

Hello WHS Families,

It was a short but busy week. I hope everyone had an enjoyable extended weekend. Please know that due to a printing delay, the WHS Program of Study and Career Pathways Guide will be distributed this Tuesday, January 24th during Advisory in preparation for Course Selection in mid-March.

Student Activities:

Highlights from the foul line!

Meet the WHS Purple Knight who will be cheering on the Boys and Girls Basketball Teams at home games.

WHS SADD Chapter hosted and organized the Fifth and Sixth Grade Fun Night which included pizza, dodgeball, board games, and a presentation on the dangers of e-cigarettes and vaping.

WHS Interact keeps busy with its monthly community-based service projects. On Wednesday, January 18th, Interact students hosted the OS Rotary Club to share all their projects.

WHS sang in the CMEA Southern Regional Mixed Choir.

Student- made Lattes for the staff!

The US Marines visit WHS. Sgt. Major Gavilanes has served in the U. S. Marine Corps Special Forces all over the world and is currently assigned to the Springfield district Marine Corps recruiting command.  He is Sgt. Gingras' boss.  Sergeant Brian Gingras (our assigned recruiter).  When not recruiting, Sgt. Gingras serves in the US Marine Corps Infantry.  Private Logan Lespier (recent graduate of US Marine Corps Parris Island boot camp). Private Lespier graduated from Meriden HS last year and will be serving in the US Marine Corps Reconnaissance Unit.   

Students participated in a Boot Camp Push-Up Competition.

WHS Unified Sports visited Lyme/Old Lyme for a Cornhole Tournament.

Upcoming Activities:

• Tuesday, January 24-Advisory: Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors will receive their 2023-2024 Program of Study and Career Pathways Guide in preparation for Course Selection in mid-March.
• Tuesday, January 24th-Thursday, January 26th-School Counselors will be visiting Junior classes to discuss Junior Planning.
• Thursday, January 26th-WHS Unified Sports Basketball Tournament@3:20 P.M. in the WHS and WMS gyms.
• Friday, January 27th- The end of  Quarter 2/Semester 1.
• Monday, January 30th-The beginning of Quarter 3/Semester 2.
• Monday, January 30th-Junior Planning Night @ 6 PM in the WHS Library (Look for the email on Thursday, January 5th @ 1:53 P.M.
• Thursday, February 2nd-*Scholarship Opportunity for Senior Athletes- Due February 2, 2023  2023 National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association Scholar/Essay Application https://caadinc.org/scholarship-application-2023_xfillable.pdf

WHS Project Graduation Fundraisers:

 ProjectGradOnlineRaffle flyer 121622.pdf 

WHS Athletic Boosters Fundraiser:

Athletic Schedule for Winter Sports:

http://ciacsports.com/site/?page_id=105

Wishing everyone a relaxing  weekend. Hopefully, we will see some sunshine.

My best,

Tara

Dear WHS Families,

Happy Friday! WHS has been busy with their classes as the end of Quarter 2/Semester 1 is right around the corner (Friday, January 27th). The Program of Study and Career Pathways Guide  will be ready for distribution next Thursday, January 19th in preparation for Course Selection in mid March.

WHS Classroom Observation Snapshots:

• The Law Class participated in three rehearsals to prepare for their culminating activity: a Mock Trial.

•  Here is a clip of the final verdict, delivered by the foreperson.

• The Algebra 1 classes completed a Slope and Linear Equations Project. Students had to draw a picture on coordinate graph paper using a minimum of five lines then had to label the slope of each line on the picture: positive, negative, zero, or undefined. After calculating the slope and y-intercept, students wrote an equation in slope-intercept and standard form.

Student Activities:

Upcoming Activities:

• Monday, January 16th-Martin Luther King, Jr. Day-No school
• Wednesday, January 18th-WHS Interact Club hosts the Old Saybrook Rotary Club to present their civic and community projects.
• Wednesday, January 18th-WHS Athletic Boosters Meeting @ 6 PM in the WHS Library
• Thursday, January 19th-Advisory: Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors will receive their 2023-2024 Program of Study and Career Pathways Guide in preparation for Course Selection in mid-March.
• Tuesday, January 24th-Thursday, January 26th-School Counselors will be visiting Junior classes to discuss Junior Planning.
• Friday, January 27th- The end of  Quarter 2/Semester 1.
• Monday, January 30th-The beginning of Quarter 3/Semester 2.
• Monday, January 30th-Junior Planning Night @ 6 PM in the WHS Library (Look for the email on Thursday, January 5th @ 1:53 P.M.
• Thursday, February 2nd-*Scholarship Opportunity for Senior Athletes- Due February 2, 2023  2023 National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association Scholar/Essay Application https://caadinc.org/scholarship-application-2023_xfillable.pdf

WHS Project Graduation Fundraisers:

 ProjectGradOnlineRaffle flyer 121622.pdf 

WHS Athletic Boosters Fundraiser:

Athletic Schedule for Winter Sports:

http://ciacsports.com/site/?page_id=105

Wishing everyone a relaxing extended weekend.

My best,

Tara

Hello WHS Families,

I hope everyone had an enjoyable holiday break spent with family and friends. I wish you much health and happiness in the New Year! WHS enjoyed a holiday themed Spirit Week culminating in a fun-filled holiday activity day starting with a breakfast, followed by Advisory, Kahoot, Gingerbread creations, a competitive volleyball round robin, and our Holiday Assembly including musical selections from the WHS Band and Chorus, A Charlie Brown Christmas, Mr. Hale's Magic Show, and Holiday Hangman.

Holiday Highlights

Gingerbread Houses

Lip Sync Activity

The WHS  Band and Chorus            

A Charlie Brown Christmas

Volleyball Round Robin

WHS Classroom Observation Snapshots:

• Spanish 2 Students focus on grammar and learn about changing Adverbs to Adjectives.

• Law Class students begin rehearsals for their Mock Trial. 

• Piano Class students put final touches on their performance pieces.

• AP World students delve into the Industrial Revolution and begin to prepare for SAQs (Short answer questions), LAQs (Long answer questions), and DBQs (Document based questions).

Student Activities:

WHS Project Graduation Fundraisers:

 ProjectGradOnlineRaffle flyer 121622.pdf 

Upcoming Activities:

• Tuesday, January 10th-Board of Education Meeting @ 7 PM
• Tuesday, January 24th-Thursday, January 26th-School Counselors will be visiting Junior classes to discuss Junior Planning.
• Friday, January 27th- The end of  Quarter 2/Semester 1.
• Monday, January 30th-The beginning of Quarter 3/Semester 2.
• Monday, January 30th-Junior Planning Night @ 6 PM in the WHS Library (Look for the email on Thursday, January 5th @ 1:53 P.M.
• Thursday, February 2nd-*Scholarship Opportunity for Senior Athletes- Due February 2, 2023  2023 National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association Scholar/Essay Application https://caadinc.org/scholarship-application-2023_xfillable.pdf

Athletic Schedule for Winter Sports:

http://ciacsports.com/site/?page_id=105

Have an enjoyable weekend.

My best,

Tara Winch

Dear WHS Families,

I hope you are staying warm and dry in this cold, damp winter weather.  

The WHS School Counseling Department sent out their newsletter on Friday, December 9th with lots of important and helpful information. Please check your email for a schoolmessenger. It has been an exciting time in the School Counseling Office as Seniors continue to receive and share college acceptances. 

Student Activities:

Students visited the State Capitol and the Supreme Court

Small Ensembles Concert

Reading holiday themed books to Mrs. Kukta's 2nd Grade Class

Shoreline Unified Basketball Tournament at Valley Regional High School

Community Toy Sharing

  Interact PJ Day for Children with Cancer

SARAH Holiday Party

Upcoming Activities:

• Next week is Student Council Spirit Week! Monday, December 19th-Holiday Headwear/ Tuesday, December 20th-Seasonal Scarves and Socks/ Wednesday, December 21st-Happy Hawaiian/ Thursday, December 22nd-Jolly Jersey/ Friday, December 23rd-Festive Friday.
• Monday, December 19th and Tuesday, December 20th-Guest speakers will be sharing experiences about drug and alcohol addiction in our Health classes.
• Wednesday, December 21st-WHS Athletic Boosters Meeting @ 6 PM in the library
• Friday, December 23rd-Early Dismissal- Holiday Activity Day and Assembly

Athletic Schedule for Winter Sports:

http://ciacsports.com/site/?page_id=105

Wishing everyone a healthy and happy weekend. 

My best,

Tara A. Winch

Dear WHS Families,

PSATs for ninth, tenth, and eleventh graders have arrived and School Counselors Jill Britton and Rachel Kurek have visited English and Social Studies classes to pass out hard copies of the PSAT Score Reports and explain what the scores mean.  Please know that the PSAT Score Reports are also available online. Please contact your child's School Counselor if you would like more information or have any questions. Jill and Rachel also presented a Developmental Guidance Lesson to Freshmen focused on identifying student strengths and skills in the areas of  creativity, critical thinking, leadership, and social emotional self management.

WHS Classroom Observation Snapshots:

• This week the Law Class hosted State Representative Devin Carney and Attorney Colin Heffernan. Discussions focused on getting involved in local government, attending law school, and other important skill sets necessary for success in the legal arena.

AP Psychology students created Touch Boxes for the Sensation and Perception Unit.

Students in Individual Fitness are focused on strength training and recorded and assessing weekly progress.

Student Activities:

    

 Interact members delivered the toys for the Toys for Tots Fundraiser to local children's charities in New Haven.

Unified Sports Youth Leadership Summit

Upcoming Activities:

• Keep an eye out for the December School Counseling Newsletter which contains helpful and important information.
• Tuesday, December 13th-the Law Class and AP US Government Class are visiting the State Capitol and the Supreme Court.
• Tuesday, December 13th-Board of Education Meeting @7:00 P.M. in the WHS Library.
• Wednesday, December 14th-Small Ensembles Concert @ 7:30 P.M. in the WHS Auditorium
• Monday, December 19th-Friday 23rd-Holiday Spirit Week
• Friday, December 23rd-Early Dismissal

Athletic Schedule for Winter Sports:

http://ciacsports.com/site/?page_id=105

Wishing everyone a healthy and happy weekend. 

My best,

Tara A. Winch

Dear WHS Families,

Happy December! I hope everyone had an enjoyable Thanksgiving Break. Students are busy with their 2nd Quarter coursework, college applications, sports awards ceremonies, NHS Inductions, and preparing for this Sunday's Tree Lighting Ceremony on the Westbrook Town Green!

WHS Classroom Observation Snapshots:

• Grade Level Advisories met on Thursday, December 1st: Freshmen focused on Study Skills/ Sophomores focused on What's My Impact/ Juniors focused on Mind, Body, and Spirit/ Seniors focused on Financial Aid.
• The Law Class/In conjunction with the Criminal Law Unit, students presented their Crime Reduction Projects to local Law Enforcement agents. Students discussed ranks of Law Enforcement, crime statistics in the state, and different units within Law Enforcement.

Student Activities:

OSW Football put up a good fight at the Thanksgiving Day Game against Morgan

WHS students marched in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

W/LOL Girls Field Hockey Awards Ceremony

WHS Boys Soccer Awards Ceremony

WHS Girls Soccer Ceremony

2022 National Honor Society Inductions

CAS/CIAC High School Leadership Conference

WHS Interact Club Toys for Tots Fundraiser

Upcoming Activities:

• Friday, December 2nd-Middletown Symphonic Band @ 7 P.M. in the WHS Auditorium
• Saturday, December 3rd- WHS and Alumni Marching Band Rehearsal for the Tree Lighting Parade 10:00-10:30 A.M. at WHS
• Sunday, December 4th-Westbrook Tree Lighting Ceremony on the Westbrook Town Green (Look for the Candy Catapult Robot in the parade)

• Friday, December 9th- Interact members will deliver the toys from the Toys for Tots Fundraiser to local children's charities in New Haven. 
• Wednesday, December 14th-Small Ensembles Concert @ 7:30 P.M. in the WHS Auditorium
• The December Music Boosters Meeting has been canceled. See you the first Wednesday in January.
•  We are awaiting the PSAT Score Reports. As soon as we receive them, we will notify parents. Jill Britton and Rachel Kurek will be meeting with students to explain and interpret the score reports for students.

Wishing everyone an enjoyable weekend.

My best,

Tara A. Winch

Dear WHS Families,

Another busy week goes by as the Thanksgiving Break approaches and December is around the corner.

Student Activities:

Chef Jay Taylor teaches students how to make fried rice in Culinary class. Mr. Taylor also talked to students about the required education for the Culinary Pathway.

Students connected their 3D Brain Project with resources in the Robotics lab. This brain was created on the 3D printer.

 MADD and SADD team up to collect pajamas.

November is Alzheimer's Awareness Month. WHS wore purple and sold purple ribbons for a $1.

Art and Culinary students build a life size gingerbread house at the Water's Edge.

WHS Student Athletes attended a CIAC Sportsmanship Conference at the Aqua Turf Club to receive the Fred Balsamo Sportsmanship Award and the  Michael's Achievement Cup as a "Class Act" School.

WHS hosted the Martha Redbone Roots Project in celebration of Native American Heritage Month (sponsored by the Katherine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center).

There are still tickets left!

      

Fundraiser:  

Upcoming Activities:

• Monday, November 21st- B Day
• Tuesday, November 22nd-A Day- WHS hosts the 8th Graders for an afternoon visit to Westbrook High School to shadow, learn about courses and programs, and ask questions of an Upperclassmen Student Panel.
• Wednesday, November 23rd-No School-Pre Thanksgiving Day OSW Football Game. OSW vs. Morgan @ Old Saybrook
• Thursday, November 24th-Happy Thanksgiving!
• Friday, November 25th-No School
• Thursday, December 1st-Advisory Day-Each grade is engaging in a different topic. Freshman:  Study Skills, Sophomores:  My Success Habits, Juniors:  Body, Mind, Spirit, Seniors:  Financial Aid to College

Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend.

My best,

Tara Winch

Dear WHS Families,

Happy Veterans Day!  WHS Student Council hosted a school-wide Veterans Day Assembly filled with history, personal perspectives, vocal and instrumental music, and a video montage to honor and celebrate our Veterans. 

Visit to view the Veterans Tribute Video and additional photos.

https://whs.westbrookctschools.org/2022_veterans_day

Artistic Interpretation of the American Flag by WHS Art students.

Student Activities:

CIAC State Field Hockey Game Westbrook defeats HK in overtime 1-0.

CIAC State Boys Soccer Game Old Saybrook defeats Westbrook 3-0.

AP Psychology Class -The Homemade Brain Project

Bakeshop students whipped up some delightful treats for the Veterans Day Reception.

   The Veterans Day Town-wide Ceremony

Pathway Exploration at Coventry High School in RI. Staff from WHS, CHS, and Electric Boat discuss possible school/business partnerships to expand our Pathways.

WHS presents High School Musical On Stage!

 

 

Tickets go on sale to the public on Saturday, November 12th, at 12:00 P.M.

Adult ticket: $15.00 / each

Student ticket: $10.00 / each

https://www.showtix4u.com/event-details/69198

Upcoming Activities:

• Tuesday, November 15th-Winter Sports Registration-Please register by this date so you have all cleared paperwork approved to begin Winter Sports.
• Tuesday, November 15th-Board of Education Meeting @ 6:30 P.M. Daisy Ingraham Cafeteria
• Wednesday, November 16th-WHS Athletic Boosters Meeting @ 6:00 P.M. in the WHS Library
• Wednesday, November 16th- Student Council Meeting @ 7:30 A.M. in Room 223
• Thursday, November 17th- CIAC 2022 Sportmanship Conference @ The Aqua Turf-The bus leaves at 7:15 A.M.
• Friday, November 18th-Martha Redbone: Native American/African American  Interactive Musical Folklore Presentation for Grades 8-12 @ 1:00 P.M. in the WHS Gymnasium
• Friday, November 18th-Class of 2023 Pie and Cookie Dough Delivery and Pick Up at the outside Library doors (past the WHS main doors)

Wishing everyone an enjoyable weekend.

My best,

Tara Winch

Dear WHS Families,

It's hard to believe that Quarter 1 has come to a close. Students have been working diligently in their academic courses while also engaging in various extra curricular activities. Varsity/JV Math Teams continue to practice and compete, Girls Field Hockey and Boys Soccer teams are entering tournament play, and the musical is in dress rehearsal. As of November 1st, forty-seven percent of our Seniors have applied to college and many others will be applying by the December 1st date. It is a busy time of year!

The Weekly Update:

• Monday, October 31st-Halloween-Staff and students enjoyed dressing up for the day!

• Tuesday, November 1st @ 6:30 P.M.- The WHS School Counseling Department hosted a Virtual Financial Aid Night. If you were unable to attend, please contact Lisa Anderson for information.  
• Wednesday, November 2nd -Juniors went on an informative and enjoyable Pathways field trip to Aerospace Alley and TheaterWorks.
• Friday, November 4th- Quarter 1 Ended.

Student Activities:

WHS Interact Club

WHS SADD Chapter @ the Park and Rec Halloween Party

Unified Fall Festival @ Daisy

FBLA begins construction on the WHS Mobile School Store

Upcoming Activities:

• Sunday, November 6th-Daylight Saving Time Ends.
• Monday, November 7th-Quarter 2 Begins.
• Tuesday, November 8th-Election Day
• Tuesday, November 8th-No school for students. Professional Development for teachers.
• Thursday, November 10th-Advisory Day
• Friday, November 11th-Veterans Day - WHS Veterans Day Assembly @ 9 AM in the WHS Gymnasium/Town-wide Ceremony at 11 AM on the Westbrook Town Green. WHS Band/Chorus will perform.
•  Friday, November 11th-High School Musical -Tickets will be available for purchase on line only.
  Look for the link on our website then! 

• Tuesday, November 15th-Board of Education Meeting @ 6:30 P.M. Daisy Ingraham Cafeteria
• Thursday, November 17th-CIAC Sportsmanship Summit @ the Aqua Turf
• Thursday, November 17th; Friday, November 18th; and Saturday, November 19th-WHS Theatre Department presents High School Musical  @ 7 PM in the WHS Auditorium.

Athletic Schedule: 

http://ciacsports.com/site/?page_id=105 

• Monday, November 7th @2:00 P.M.-WHS Girls Field Hockey vs HK /First Round CIAC State Tournament Game @ Home
• Monday, November 7th @ 5:00 P.M.-WHS Boys Soccer vs Old Saybrook /First Round CIAC State Tournament Game @ Old Saybrook

Enjoy the fall foliage and warm weather.

My best,

Tara Winch

Dear WHS Families,

The days are shorter, the nights are longer, and the temperatures are definitely cooler! Happy Fall! This week WHS held its Fall Parent/Teacher Conferences both in person and virtually. If you were unable to schedule conferences, you may always contact your child's teachers by phone or via email to discuss academic progress and any concerns you might have. Also, your child's School Counselor is also a great resource to access in regard to any questions or concerns regarding your child. (Jill Britton services A-K, Rachel Kurek services L-Z )

Here are some snapshot observations from WHS Classrooms:

• Teen Leadership students will starting a Teen Leadership Middle School Club for 7th and 8th graders that will focus on Social Emotional Awareness and Mental Health Awareness activities.
• Freshmen learned about Naviance and completed the Strengths Explorer with Ms. Britton and Ms. Kurek.

• Seniors in Forensics tested for blood types.

The Weekly Recap:

• Tuesday, October 25th- WHS hosted a Middlesex Chamber of Commerce Meeting. Chamber members visited the new Robotics lab and heard from WHS students about their projects.

• Tuesday, October 25th- Advisory Day- All students set up their Digital Portfolios with the new Portrait of a Graduate requirements.
• Wednesday, October 26th- Girls Field Hockey Senior Day Westbrook defeats Waterford 3-0.

• Wednesday, October 26th- The WHS Band and Chorus Concert @ 7:30 P.M. in the WHS Auditorium

• Thursday, October 27th-Members of the WHS Band visited the Coast Guard. Students learned about the composition of a march (John Philip Sousa), listened to the orchestral masterpiece Pictures at an Exhibition, and participated in a Q & A session with the Assistant Director of the Coast Guard Band, Jeff Spenner.

• Thursday, October 27th-  WHS Fall Teacher/Parent Conferences were virtual and in person from 1P.M.-6 P.M. 
• Friday, October 28th- OSW Homecoming Dance: Under the Sea @ Old Saybrook High School from 7:30 P.M.-10 P.M. Wear your parka-it's going to be a chilly one!

Upcoming Activities:

• Monday, October 31st-Halloween-Looking forward to creative costuming. 
• Tuesday, November 1st @ 6:30 P.M.- Virtual Financial Aid Night (Look for the link sent out by the WHS School Counseling Department.
• Wednesday, November 2nd -Juniors have a Pathways field trip to Aerospace Alley and TheaterWorks.
• Friday, November 4th- Quarter 1 Ends.
• Monday, November 7th-Quarter 2 Begins.
• Tuesday, November 8th-Election Day/Board of Education Meeting 7 PM in the WHS Library
• Tuesday, November 8th-No school for students. Professional Development for teachers.
• Friday, November 11th-Veterans Day - WHS Veterans Day Assembly @ 9 AM in the WHS Gymnasium/Town-wide Ceremony at 11 AM on the Westbrook Town Green. WHS Band/Chorus will perform.
• Thursday, November 17th; Friday, November 18th; and Saturday, November 19th-WHS Theatre Department presents High School Musical @ 7 PM in the WHS Auditorium. Ticket information will be coming soon.

Athletic Schedule:

http://ciacsports.com/site/?page_id=105 

Have a safe and restful weekend.

My best,

Tara Winch

Dear WHS Families,

I hope your week has been going well. WHS continues to be a busy place with active classrooms, senior Games, musical rehearsals, and college, career, and military visitations. The end of Quarter 1 is fast approaching (Friday, November 4th). If students are looking for a place to study or some general extra help, please know that Homework Room is available after school Monday-Thursday from 2:20 P.M.-3:35 P.M. with a late bus pick up at WMS at 3:45 P.M.

Here are some snapshot observations from WHS classrooms:

• Seniors in UCONN/AP English are writing reflections on their recent participation in Literature Circles. They were to evaluate their role, rate of participation, and consider the effectiveness of textual evidence presented.

• Seniors in Anatomy and Physiology are studying the human skeletal system. Students are identifying bones with their skeleton friend, Chad.

• Juniors in AP US History are learning about the Articles of the Confederation and the Constitutional Convention. 
• Sophomores in British Literature are studying the poetry of William Wordsworth. They are going on a nature walk next week (weather permitting) to experience the sights, sounds, and smells of nature as expressed in the poem "Tintern Abbey."

The Weekly Recap:

• Friday, October 14th- Girls Soccer Officials Appreciation Game

• Tuesday, October 18th- The National Guard held informational sessions during the lunch waves.
• Thursday, October 20th- Boys Soccer Senior Day

• Thursday, October 20th- WHS JV Math Team had a successful showing at their Math Meet at Guilford at 3:15 P.M.
• Thursday, October 20th-Unified  Field Trip to Coginchaug High School. Students  collaborated with their Campus Unification/Unified Sports teams and tie dyed t-shirts, played a soccer game, and had a dance party. Westbrook students partnered up with Coginchaug students to meet new people and gain new experiences. Since Coginchaug has such a strong Unified program, our students took back some ideas that we want to implement in our own class as well.

• Friday, October 21st- Robotics students visited the IMH Group at The Lee Company for their National Manufacturing Day.

• October is Mental Health Awareness Month.

Upcoming Activities:

• Tuesday, October 25th- Advisory Day- All students will set up their Digital Portfolios with the new Portrait of a Graduate requirements.
• Wednesday, October 26th- Girls Field Hockey Senior Day (rescheduled) 3:00 P.M. Game time 4:00 P.M. vs Waterford
• Wednesday, October 26th- The WHS Band and Chorus Concert @ 7:30 P.M. in the WHS Auditorium
• Thursday, October 27th-  Teacher/Parent Conferences. Virtual and In Person from 1P.M.-6 P.M. More information to follow next week.
• Friday, October 28th- OSW Homecoming Dance: Under the Sea @ Old Saybrook High School from 7:30 P.M.-10 P.M. 
• Tuesday, November 1st @ 6:30 P.M.- Virtual Financial Aid Night
• Friday, November 4th- Quarter 1 Ends

  Athletic Schedule:

  http://ciacsports.com/site/?page_id=105 

Dear WHS Families,

Although a short week, it was a busy week here at Westbrook High School with academics, athletics, a major music event, and extra curricular activities. Ninth, tenth, and eleventh graders took the PSAT on Wednesday. Having all three grades take the PSAT in the fall gives students early exposure to the standardized testing format and an opportunity to challenge themselves in the areas of English and math. Teachers will also have an opportunity to assess strengths, weaknesses, progress, and growth in these areas once scores are released as a means to inform future instruction. Parents will be informed when the scores are available.

Here are some snapshot observations from WHS classrooms:

• Freshman English classes worked on an organizer to prepare for the short story unit summative assessment essay.  The organizer includes students' thematic ideas  supported by textual evidence that will be turned into a rough draft for the formal essay in class next week.
• Sophomore English classes worked on an organizer to prepare for the Anglo-Saxon British epic Beowulf summative assessment essay.  The organizer includes students' ideas supported by textual evidence that will be turned into a rough draft for the formal essay in class next week.
• Seniors received Yearbook information from Mr. Bialicki regarding specific student sections, pages, formal pictures, and important deadlines.
• Students have been engaged in problem solving  and critical thinking while manipulating applications to improve the functioning of their robots in Mr. Dailey's Robotics class.  

The Weekly Recap:

• Tuesday, October 11th-Boys Soccer Pink Game

• Wednesday, October 12th-Girls Soccer Senior Game

• Thursday, October 13th- Girls Field Hockey Pink Game 

• Thursday, October 13th- Unified Sports Trip to Mystic Aquarium with Lyme-Old Lyme High School 

• The School Counseling Department hosted several college and university visits this week. 

• These students were the WHS representatives at the 2022 Shoreline Music Festival, a two day event made up of students from the 12 Shoreline Conference high schools. The event culminated in a live concert at Coginchaug Regional HS on October 13th. Our students enjoyed the opportunity to collaborate with other schools and appreciated the experience. Bravo!

       

Upcoming Activities:

Dear WHS Families,

It has been an active few weeks at WHS and it's hard to believe it is already October! Students have been busy in their classes and actively engaged in their learning. Here are some snapshot observations from WHS classrooms:

• Freshmen have been working on a US Citizenship Research Project in Social Studies. 
• Sophomores in AP European History have been exploring DBQs and researching how to analyze and synthesize textual information. Sophomores in Modern World History are  learning about the ingredients of a Revolution.  As part of the lesson, students worked in small groups on note taking and summarizing informational texts.  
• Juniors are concluding an opening unit on rhetoric. They are also working on writing their own persuasive speeches using the strategies of ethos, pathos, and logos as well as various rhetorical devices. AP Language and Composition students are working on a rhetorical analysis essay using released items from past AP exams. 
• Seniors have been working on their Senior Projects fulfilling the research component, writing letters of intent, and deciding on Internships. In addition, they have been writing Personal Essays for their college applications.

 Student Activities:

• WHS hosted a JV Math Meet with nine high schools comprised of 20 Freshmen and 21 Sophomores competing in five rounds of questions and then a team round.  Topics included Arithmetic, Evaluations, Linear Equations (non-verbal), Arithmetic Percent, and Areas of Polygons.   

• Rehearsals and set construction are underway for Disney's High School Musical  to be performed at WHS on November 17th, 18th, and 19th, @ 7 P.M. Ticket information will be coming soon.

• The FCCLA Club participated in the Guilford Fair's baking contest for the first time this year. Eleven students participated and each brought home a ribbon for their hard work. In total, the club earned three 1st place ribbons, two 2nd place ribbons, and six 3rd place ribbons. The highlight was a Sophomore's  cheesecake brownies, which won Best in Show for Junior Baking!  
  
   

Weekly Recap:

• Monday, October 3rd- Boys Soccer Officials Appreciation Game

• Thursday, October 6th- Girls Soccer Pink Game

• Thursday, October 6th and Friday, October 7th- Teacher Professional Development: Over the last two days, teachers have been using a tool called the Devereux Student Strengths Assessment (DESSA) to assess how often students demonstrate specific life skills in the past month. The purpose of the DESSA is to identify which life skills students have already learned and which skills they might still need to develop. Once teachers identify the skills students still need to learn, they will teach those skills using lesson plans that accompany the DESSA. Our goal is to ensure that students are continuously developing the skills they need for lifelong success. 

Please know that we have a new friendly face in the Main Office. Ms. Tonya Tollefsen has joined us as WHS's new Attendance/Athletics Secretary. To contact her for attendance, absences, questions, or concerns, please email her at  ttollefsen@westbrookctschools.org.

Upcoming Activities:

• Monday, October 11th- No School- Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples' Day
• Wednesday, October 12th- PSAT Day for 9th, 10th, and 11th Grade
• Wednesday, October 12th- Music Boosters Meeting @ 6:30 P.M. in the Culinary Room
• Wednesday, October 26th- WHS Band/Chorus Concert @ 7:30 P.M.
• Thursday, October 27th- 1 P.M.-6 P.M. Teacher/Parent Conferences 
• Friday, November 4th- Quarter 1 ends

Athletic Schedule:

http://ciacsports.com/site/?page_id=105 

I wish everyone a relaxing and long weekend.

My best,

Tara A. Winch

Dear WHS Families,

Weekly Update:

• WHS geared up to celebrate Spirit Week which culminated in an exciting and fun Field Day! Students participated in a variety of activities including a food drive to assist the Shoreline Food Pantry.
• Our School Counseling Newsletter was sent out this Wednesday. The Newsletter contains pertinent information including testing dates, scholarship information, grade level activities, and support services in the WHS Counseling Department.
• Senior Parents benefited from an informative post secondary planning night that was held this week by School Counselors Jill Britton and Rachel Kurek, and our Career and College Readiness Coordinator, Leslie Carson. If you were unable to attend, please contact the School Counseling Office for the information.

Upcoming Events:

• Wednesday, October 5th-WHS Music Booster Meeting @ 6:30 P.M. in the Culinary Room
• Thursday, October 6th-Teacher PD/Early Dismissal- 12:15P.M.
• Friday, October 7th-Teacher PD/No school

Athletic Schedule:

http://ciacsports.com/site/?page_id=105 

Wishing everyone a safe and relaxing weekend. Happy October!

My best,

Tara Winch, Principal

Dear WHS Families,

So summer is behind us and fall is apon us with cool temperatures and crisp breezes. We have just completed our second full week of school and and the days have been productive and full. I hope everyone has eased into the new school year and that students are enjoying their time at the high school.

The Weekly Recap:

• School Counselors Jill Britton and Rachel Kurek have met with all Seniors to present Post Secondary Planning information. They also worked one on one  to create Common Application accounts and add at least one  college/university to which they plan to apply. Students also updated Naviance, matched their Common Application, and worked on their resumes.
• Every Thursday for the month of September, all grades have met in their individual Advisories to prepare for Spirit Week and Field Day to maximize teambuilding, collaboration, and participation.
• Mr. Savage's biology students have been learning about the 4 stage life cycle of the monarch butterfly through a butterfly hatchery experiment. 
• Mrs. Hourihan's Painting Class has been working on some murals in our library.  This project is student driven with their ideas for their favorite books and people.  Elvis and Princess Diana are just two of the faces that are being sketched in the biography section.  It's a work in progress!
• The Broadcast Communications Class is working on the WHS Veterans Day Video. Please forward your Family Member Veteran photos to nesposito@westbrookctschools.org. 

Upcoming Activities:

• Spirit Week

  • Monday, September 26th: Twin Day
  •  Tuesday, September 27th: Mini Me Day
  • Wednesday, September 28th: Formal Dress Day
  • Thursday, September 29th: Decade Day -Freshmen-60's, Sophomores-70's, Juniors-90's, and Seniors-80's
  • Friday, September 30th: Field Day! Wear your class colors! Freshmen- Purple, Sophomores-Blue, Juniors-Red, Seniors-Black

• Wednesday, September 28th-Senior Parent Information Night for Post Secondary Planning @ 6PM in the WHS Library
• Thursday, September 29th-Math Meet @ 3 PM in the WHS Library
• Friday, September 30th-Senior Picture @ Westbrook Town Beach followed by the Senior Breakfast at the Elks. Bus departure time form WHS: 7:50 A.M.

Athletic Schedule:

http://ciacsports.com/site/?page_id=105 

I hope everyone had an enjoyable and relaxing weekend.

My best,

Tara A. Winch, Principal