Westbrook Public Schools

WHS Mock Car Crash

Thanks to the generosity of our Fire, Ambulance, Police and other emergency services personnel our students viewed a mock car crash Thursday morning, May 17th.  Students who are also junior members of the departments served as vehicle occupants.  Personnel and equipment responded to the scene and conducted an extrication drill.  A highlight of the event was the arrival and landing of LifeStar.  Thanks to everyone involved for helping our students understand the importance of safe behavior and sound decision-making, especially at this time of year! (for more pictures visit the WHS Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/WestbrookHS)

Students recognized with CABE Student Leader Awards

WHS Seniors Matt Tweedie and Olivia Tempesta were honored as Connecticut Association of  Boards of Education (CABE) Student Leaders at the Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, May 8th.  Congratulations!

Scholar Athletes Feted

Seniors Scott Nicholl and Erica Martel were honored as Westbrook High School's selections for the CAS-CIAC Scholar Athlete Award.  They were honored at a banquet at the AquaTurf on Sunday, May 6th.

Superintendent Honored

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Patricia Charles was honored with one of the 2012 Women in Leadership Awards from the Women and Families Center during a luncheon ceremony held at St. Clements Castle in Portland.  Dr. Charles received the Leadership in Education honor for her professional leadership and community service.

Youth Art Month

Sixteen Westbrook Middle School and High School participated in the statewide Youth Art Month exhibit during March.  WMS students pictured are: (back left) Keysi Jara, Emily Boardman, Elijah Panzera, Chris Brainard, Dante Guziczek;( front from left) Sabrina Martins, Sarah Ruppenicker, Gretchen Pierpont, Ruby Asby, and Olivia Kjos.  These students’ work will also be on display during the month of May at Westbrook Public Library. Photo – Liz Egan

 All State Musicians

WHS Students participating in the Connecticut Music Educators Association annual All State Music Festival are Megan Doran - flute (orchestra), Ed Wigglesworth - tenor (chorus), and Olivia Tempesta - clarinet (band).  The students will rehearse and perform with other student musicians from across the state under the direction of nationally known conductors.  The festival is April 12-14 in Hartford.  Congratulations!

WHS Honors
Fallen Veterans

During the WHS Music Department trip to Washington D.C. students visited Arlington National Cemetery.  While there they participated in the changing of the guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  Our school was represented by Gold Award Scout Olivia Tempesta and Eagle Scouts Jake Collins, Greg Rominski, and Alex Tragakes who placed a wreath in honor of all fallen veterans.

Students Visit Plum Island

Students in Mrs. Pierce's Advanced Biology class were excited to vist the Plum Island Animal Disease Center to learn about the work they do there.  The students were able to tour the facility and work alongside some of the scientists there in some lab activities designed to aquaint them with the kind of research and investigation skills used in that kind of facility.  Special thanks to Mrs. Elizabeth Reider for helping to arrange the visit!

Girl Scouts Celebrate 100!

Westbrook Girl Scouts gathered after school on March 12th to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Girl Scouting.  1st Selectman Noel Bishop was on hand to present proclamations to each of the local troops.  The girls learned about girl scout history, watched a video about national and local girl scouting and closed with a promise circle.  Afterward they enjoyed cake and, of course, Girl Scout Cookies!

Congratulations Sweeney Todd Company!

Congratulations to the entire company of Westbrook High School Theatre's production of Sweeney Todd this past weekend.  You did a fabulous job on a very challenging show.  Great job everyone!

Sarah Luft Wins
State Oratorical Contest

WHS Senior Sarah Luft was the state winner for the American Legion Oratorical Contest.  The finals were held Saturday, March 3rd at Goodwin College.  Sarah had previously won the local and district contests which put her into the state finals, competing against students from the seven other Connecticut districts.  This is her fourth year of participation in this competition.  Her coach is WHS English and Theatre teacher Nancy Malafronte.  Sarah will now represent the state at the national competition to be held in Indianapolis in April.  Congratulations Sarah!

 SMALL TEAM, BUT      SUPER SWIMMERS

Congratulations to the McNary girls for their swimming accomplishments this year.  As a team of 1 at WHS and a team of 2 at WMS, these girls are making a huge splash! Caitlin (7th grade) and Marissa (5th grade) competed in the Middle School State Open Championship. Caitlin won both the 100 IM and the 50 freestyle, breaking a 10-year state record in the 100 IM!  Marissa placed 6th in the 50 backstroke and 5th in the 50 butterfly.  Coral (10th grade) competed in the class S trials and finals and placed 7th in the 200 Individual Medley and 7th in the 100 backstroke.

KEYSI JARA WMS SPELLING CHAMPION!

Congratulations to Keysi Jara, the 2012 Westbrook Middle School Spelling Bee Champion.  Keysi beat out 20 finalists for the title.  She will represent Westbrook in the State competition next.  Good luck, Keysi!

OSW Wrestling Wins
State Championship

The Old Saybrook-Westbrook cooperative wrestling team clinched the Class S state team championship on Saturday, February 18th.  4 individual state championships among members of the team led the way to this fabulous finish.  Congratulations to all!

WMS Student-Faculty Game

The Middle School faculty compteted against students in an exciting game the afternoon prior to February vacation.  It was a close game but the faculty team ended up prevailing.

District Music Faculty Performs

Members of the Westbrook schools' music faculty performed in a recital Friday evening that represented a wide variety of styles.  Members of the art faculty hosted an exhibition of their work in the lobby as well.  The finale of the evening was an "all hands on deck" performance of Mary Don't You Weep inspired by the Bruce Springsteen - Pete Seeger collaboration on the same piece.  Music Faculty members are pictured above (l-r) Michele Hammond, Alissa Wendelschafer, Rachael Allen, Sarah Bouchard, and Eric Gerhardt with Westbrook resident Menno Marringa on bass.  Photo by Mia Malafronte.

Music Boosters Offer Limited Edition Bracelet Bead

The Westbrook Music Boosters are offering a limited edition bracelet bead specially manufactured for all Westbrook Knights and their fans.  The bead will fit Pandora, Chamilla, Biagi, Troll, and most European bracelets.  Use the order form to order yours!

Pucky the Whale encourages students to read in WMS presentation

The Connecticut Whale’s mascot, Pucky the Whale, visited Westbrook Middle School January 4th, encouraging students to read.  All four grades, 5-8, heard a delightful presentation in Westbrook Middle School’s Library Media Center.

Ashley Ford, Account Executive and Frank Berrian, CT Whale’s Announcer and Community Relations Manager accompanied Pucky on the visit to launch the “Hat Trick” Reading Program and to tell students about the CT Whale organization.  WMS was the first school they visited.  The CT Whale’s are trying to involve as many schools across CT as possible in the “Hat Trick” program.. WMS was contacted in December about their participation.

Whale bookmarks to track (3) books read were given to students.  Students who “Hat Trick” – read (3) books by March 2, 2012 and submit their bookmark to their Language Arts teacher will be awarded a free ticket to the March 16, 2012 CT Whale Hockey game at the XL Center in Hartford.  Parents will provide transportation and additional tickets may be purchased at a group rate.  Information on purchasing additional tickets will be distributed to “Hat Trick” students.

Great Day in Westbrook!

After a rainy morning on Thursday, January 12th the sun came out, producing a gorgeous rainbow behind the Middle/High School campus.

Culinary Students Create Gingerbread Houses

WHS students in Mrs. Doherty's Culinary classes have been working together, creating gingerbread houses to celebrate the holidays.  When they are complete members of the school community will be able to indicate which is their favorite.

WHS Student dances in Nutcracker

Westbrook High School Junior Emily Benzi danced as one of the flowers in the Eastern Connecticut Ballet's production of The Nutcracker held the weekend of Dec. 9-11 at New London's Garde Arts Center.  For more pictures visit theday.com.

All State Field Hockey
Players Honored

WHS Sophomores Caroline Labriola and Annie Raunikar celebrated with coaches Janet Dickey and Emily Alger for being selected to Class S "First Team" All State for Field Hockey.  They were honored at a banquet at the AquaTurf on December 6th.

Superintendent Award Winners Named

Megan Lohutko and Sarah Luft are the WHS recipients of the 2011 CAPSS Superintendent awards.  They were selected based on their  leadership, academic prowess, and service to others.  Congratulations to these exceptional students.

WHS Tennis Coach inducted into CHSCA Hall of Fame

A host of supporters celebrated with WHS Tennis Coach, Athletic Director and science teacher Paula Fitzgerald (third from right) at the dinner where she was inducted into the Connecticut High School Coaches Association's Hall of Fame.  She has coached tennis at Westbrook for over twenty years and has coached both the boys' and girls' team.  Her cumulative team record is 304-132 and her girls teams have won six league titles.  She has also coached three singles girls champions and eight doubles team champions.

WHS Students Visit
"Chopper" Shops

Students in Westbrook High School's Tech Ed program visited Orange County Choppers (OCC) and Paul Jr. Designs in Orange County New York.  Both company's are featured in the popular cable show American Chopper.  The studnets were able to tour the showrooms and manufacturing and design facilities, view works in progress, and were excited to meet Paul Jr., Vinnie, Cody, and Mike!  Thanks to Mr. Anderson for organizing this effort.

DAISY HONORS VETERANS

8th Grade Students Honored

Dr. Charles, Mr. Alaimo, and Mrs. DiMaggio joined members of the Board of Education in honoring Chris Brainard and Leah Cherry for receiving the Superintendent's Award.  Sponsored by the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents, the award recognizes students who demonstrate leadership, service, citizenship and academic achievement.

Board Members Honored

Tuesday, November 1st, was the final board meeting for Board of Education members Matthew Alaimo and Joseph Campbell.  Mr. Alaimo has served on the Board since 2003 and has been chairman since 2005.  Mr. Campbell has been on the Board since 2005.  Dr. Charles thanked Mr. Campbell and Mr. Alaimo for their dedication to the education of our youth and for their consistent focus on excellence, communication, and fiscal responsibility.

Music Department Fall Concert

The WHS Choir and Band presented a wonderful fall concert on October 27th.  The Choir performed Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (Bach), Fare Ye Well (arr. Dennard) and Bonse Aba, a traditional Zambian song (arr. Fischer).  The band performed Erickson's Toccata for Band, Symphony #1 - In Memoriam Dresden - 1945 (Bukvich) and Sousa's The Thunderer March.  Over 125 students participated in the program. 

WHS Field Hockey earns state tournament berth

With a win over Killingly on October 22nd the WHS Field Hockey team clinched a spot in the state tournament.  They continued to advance their standing with a tie with conference power house HK.  Congratulations girls!

WHS Musicians Perform with
Army Jazz Ambassadors

Westbrook High School musicians Olivia Tempesta and Sean Gosselin performed with the internationally acclaimed U.S Army Jazz Ambassadors during the group's concert at the school on October 19th.  The group played to a large and enthusiastic audience.

MCSAAC Honors
Megan Lohutko
WHS Senior Megan Lohutko was honored by the Middlesex County Substance Abuse Action Council (MCSAAC) with their Youth Leadership Award.  She was nominated for the award by SADD Chapter and Youth Asset Team advisor Lyn Connery who said, "Megan is not just a young woman with ideas; she is a young woman with ideas and the courage and foresight to bring an idea to fruition."  Megan is active in SADD, the Youth Asset Team, and is president of the WHS Student Council.  The award was presented by MCSAAC President and Cromwell Police Chief Anthony Salvatore at the group's annual meeting.

WHS Field Day wraps up Spirit Week

Members of the sophomore class are pictured here "pulling together" as they competed with the other three classes in a variety of field day events to culminate WHS spirit week.  Seniors were the ultimate victors of the field day competition with Juniors as runners up.  Congratulations to all and special thanks to Mr. Savage as well as the entire faculty for their support and participation.  For more pictures see the WHS Facebook Page.

Basketball Players Hear Coach Calhoun

Members of the WHS Boys Basketball team were guests of the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce for their monthly breakfast meeting on October 3rd.  They were excited to hear and meet UConn Coach Jim Calhoun.

En Garde!
 
Mrs. Charles taught students in Mrs. Parkhurst's 2nd grade about fencing.

5 Inducted into
WHS Hall of Fame

Five new members of the Westbrook High School Hall of Fame were inducted in a ceremony held at the school on Sunday afternoon, September 25th.  New inductees (r to l) are Jim Schreck and Jim Connelly, both from the class of 1986, Sid Holbrook - class of '68, Tony Palermo - class of '70, and Steve Hallahan - class of '78.  For the second year in a row the Hall of Fame committee was chaired by WHS senior Olivia Tempesta.  For more information on the inductees and all of our Hall of Famers click here.

WHS Freshmen Build Skills at Camp Hazen

WHS Freshmen spent time Thursday, September 22nd working together at Camp Hazen under the direction of the camp staff and their chaperones to develop skills in team building, trust, communication, and leadership.  The program was funded through a grant from the Westbrook Youth Assets Committee and the Middlesex United Way.  Students had a great time and made connections with classmates they may not normally have worked with.  Special thanks to Lyn Connery for organizing the day's events.  For more pictures see the WHS Facebook Page.

Daisy Says Thank You to CL&P

Westbrook Schools Opening

This sign created by our Middle School Art students expresses the feeling at all three schools.  We are so glad to be back!  Despite the delay it has been a very smooth opening and it's great to have our hallways and classrooms buzzing again.

We look forward to welcoming parents back as well.  Opportunities for each school include:

  WHS Guidance - Senior Parent Workshops
           Mon.  Sept. 19 - 7:00 PM
           Tues. Sept. 20 - 8:00 AM

  WMS PTSO Meeting-Thurs. Sept. 22 7:00 PM
  WHS PTSO Meeting-Mon. Sept. 26   7:00 PM
  Daisy Parent Conferences - Oct. 4 & 6

New Administrators Join
Westbrook Schools

Jeff Newton and Cori DiMaggio joined the Westbrook Public Schools as Director of Special Services and Middle School Principal respectively.  They began work on July 1st and are excitedly preparing for our new school year.  Jeff was previously principal of Murphy School in Montville and Cori was principal at West Hill Elementary School in Rocky Hill.  We hope you will give them both a warm Westbrook welcome! 

Class of '61 Returns for 50th Reunion

Members of WHS' first graduating class, the class of 1961, returned to celebrate their 50th Anniversary on Saturday, July 16th. The members of the class and their guests toured the school and then adjourned to class member Sue Connelly's home for further celebration!

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