WMHS Newsletter

August 2024 - First Edition

Hello and Welcome Back (Almost) from Principal Charette!

Dear Westport Middle High School Families and Students:

Welcome to the start of a remarkable school year! As the principal of WMHS, I am thrilled to extend my warmest greetings to each and every one of you. I hope this letter finds you rejuvenated and eager to embark on a journey of growth, discovery, and endless possibilities.

At WMHS, we believe in fostering a vibrant and nurturing environment where students can flourish academically, socially, and emotionally. Our dedicated team of educators is committed to providing a quality education that inspires curiosity, ignites passion, and cultivates the skills necessary for success in the ever-changing world.

This year, we are determined to make learning an exciting adventure for our students. We have planned a rich and diverse curriculum that encourages exploration and critical thinking. Our teachers have been tirelessly preparing engaging lessons that will spark your child's imagination, empowering them to reach their full potential. From interactive projects to hands-on experiments, we are committed to making every day a captivating experience.

We firmly believe that education is a collaborative effort between the school, parents, and the community. We invite you to be active partners in your child's educational journey. We will keep you well-informed about your child's progress and provide opportunities for you to participate in various school activities and events throughout the year. Together, we can create a supportive network that nurtures our students' growth and celebrates their accomplishments.

In addition to our academic focus, we are proud to offer a range of extracurricular activities that cater to diverse interests and talents. Whether it is sports, arts, music, or clubs, there is something for everyone at Westport Middle High School. We encourage our students to explore their passions outside the classroom and develop well-rounded skills that will serve them well in life.

As we embark on this exciting journey together, I encourage you to embrace every opportunity that comes your way. Embody a positive mindset, embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, and support one another on this incredible educational voyage. Remember, each day is a new chance to shine brightly and make a difference in the world.

I am thrilled to welcome our returning students back and extend a warm greeting to our new students and families joining our community. Together, let us make this school year an extraordinary one filled with joy, success, and memorable experiences.

Thank you for entrusting us with the education and well-being of your children. I am confident that, together, we will make this year an exceptional one.

Here's to an enthusiastic, upbeat, and positive school year ahead!

Warm regards,

Laura Charette

Westport Middle High School Principal

Westport Middle High School Building Administration

Important Information for WMHS

Important Upcoming Dates

August 27, 2024 at 4 PM - Grade 5 Welcome Back Social

August 29, 2024 - First Day of School

September 2, 2024 - September 3, 2024 - NO SCHOOL

September 4, 2024 at 6 PM - Westport Middle School Open House

September 5, 2024 at 6 PM - Westport High School Open House

September 10, 2024 - Westport Middle High School Picture Day

School Supplies

WMS

WHS

Students will receive a list of necessary supplies during the first week of school as needs vary class to class.

District-Issued Chromebooks

All students who turned in a Chromebook at the end of the year will receive a Chromebook back during the first week of school. The following are the expectations for Chromebook usage at Westport Middle High School:

1.) Students are to bring their Chromebook and charger to school each day. Devices should come to school each morning with a fully charged device.

2.) Devices are NOT personal property. They are not to be decorated with stickers, markers, etc.

3.) Students and families are responsible for any and all damage done to Chromebooks including missing keys, cracked screens, and broken devices. Prices are listed in the Student Handbooks which can be found online at www.westportschools.org.

4.) Students are responsible for following the district's Acceptable Use Policy at all times.

Any questions or concerns should be emailed to building administration.

Bus Registration Information

Is there a FEE to ride the bus?

Students in grades 7-12 are required to pay a $200.00 yearly fee by August 2, 2024. Registrations received after August 2 will incur a $25.00 late registration fee.
Students who are entering Kindergarten through grade 6 ride the bus for free.

THE FORM AT THIS LINK must be completed for ALL students who will be riding a bus to and from school. If you need a FEE WAIVER, you can complete the Waiver Form (the Free & Reduced Lunch Application). The online application can be found using the above link.

MySchoolBucks Information

You can now pay for items such as transportation fees, athletic fees, student activity fees, pre-school tuition, Out of School Time tuition, and more through MySchoolBucks!

To set up an account, go to www.myschoolbucks.com.

To sign in and access registration forms, go to www.myschoolbucks.com and click on "School Forms."

Guidance Staff

Marie Fallows - Grade 5, 6, and 7 Guidance Counselor (mfallows@westportschools.org)

Christina Borges - Grade 8, 9, and 10 Guidance Counselor (cborges@westportschools.org)

Leslie Ruel - Grade 11 and 12 Guidance Counselor (lruel@westportschools.org)

Jennifer Borelli - Grade 5, 6, 7, and 8 School Adjustment Counselor (jborelli@westportschools.org)

Shawn Thomas - Grade 5, 6, 7, and 8 School Adjustment Counselor (sthomas@westportschools.org)

Mary-Jo Medeiros - Grade 9, 10, 11, and 12 School Adjustment Counselor (mmedeiros@westportschools.org)

Jackie Corey - Guidance Clerk (jcorey@westportschools.org)

Community Portal

We utilize the Community Portal for student schedules, progress reports, and report cards. The Community Portal can be accessed through the Parents tab of the district website.

PAPER COPIES OF PROGRESS REPORTS AND REPORT CARDS WILL NOT BE MAILED HOME.

If you need Community Portal access, please email jcorey@westportschools.org.

Student Drop Off and Pick Up

Student drop off begins at 6:45 AM each morning. Student drop-off and pick-up will occur at the east entrance of the school building. Parents should use the west entrance near Westport Elementary School, drive behind the WMHS building to the east side, and exit at the east entrance near the Westport Library. Students will exit their vehicles at the east entrance near the front of the school building. We kindly ask that students are ready to exit their vehicle during morning drop-off as this helps to alleviate backup. At the end of the school day, students who are picked up will meet their respective vehicles at the east side of the building.

Bus riders will be dropped off and picked up at the Main entrance of WMHS. Van riders will be dropped off and picked up at the Auditorium/Gymnasium entrance.

Morning Report Locations

Students in Grades 5-8 will report to the Auditorium prior to the start of the school and will remain there until dismissal to Homeroom at 7:25 AM. Students in Grades 9-12 will report to the Cafeteria and will remain there until dismissal to Homeroom at 7:25.

Free breakfast is available each morning starting at 7 AM. Students in Grades 5-12 who choose to eat breakfast will have a designated space in the Cafeteria to do so.

THE WESTPORT PUBLIC LIBRARY

As a reminder, the Westport Public Library is not a drop off or pick up space for students. Do not drop off your student in that parking lot in the morning or have them meet you there in the afternoon.

Stay Tuned!

An additional newsletter will be sent out prior to the start of the school year! Please do not hesitate to contact lcharette@westportschools.org with any questions!