Westbrook Middle School

District News

• Remote Instruction Continued

  Dear Parents, Guardians, Students, and Staff,
  I trust this email finds you comfortably full and relaxed after yesterday’s Thanksgiving feast. I hope you continue with a safe and enjoyable weekend.
  
  When we return on Monday, Westbrook Public Schools will remain in remote instruction. The conditions for opening the schools will continue to be evaluated by Health Director Zack Faiella and Superintendent Kristina Martineau based on our health data and appropriate staffing.
  
  It has been an honor to serve the Westbrook school community for the past five months. As Dr. Martineau starts her tenure on Tuesday,  December 1st, I wish you all the very best as you move forward in this most unusual year. 
  
  This is a great school district.
  
  Sincerely,
  Patricia Charles
  Interim Superintendent

  Covid Info

• Confirmed COVID-19 case of an individual associated with Westbrook High School

  Dear Parents, Guardians, Staff, and Community Members,

   

  This message is to inform you that we have identified a confirmed COVID-19 case of an individual associated with Westbrook High School.  The school is working closely with our Westbrook Health Director, Zach Faiella. It has been determined that there is no additional exposure to students or staff attending our schools.

   

  Due to legal considerations, we cannot provide any additional information to you about the identity of the individual who tested positive. We ask that you continue to encourage your children to practice good hand-washing hygiene, wear face masks in the proper manner, and practice social distancing.

   

  In regard to COVID-19 testing, the Town is actively working to bring a testing site to Westbrook.  For the latest testing information, please visit the United Way of CT 211 website. 

  https://uwc.211ct.org/coronavirus-covid-19-information/

   

  On this website, you can choose different testing options, such as Rapid Testing, Pediatric Testing, Asymptomatic Testing, and Walk-Up Sites. Specific businesses/organizations who are holding testing sites, include:

  ·         CVS in Clinton, Old Saybrook, Guilford, East Lyme, Niantic, Waterford, Middletown, and Cromwell.

  The CVS website for Testing registration is: https://www.cvs.com/minuteclinic/covid-19-testing

  ·         Community Health Center, Inc is offering testing on a number of days in different Towns such as Old Saybrook, Portland, and Middletown. 

  Community Health Center’s COVID Testing Hotline can be reached at 475-241-0740

  Community Health Center’s Testing website is: https://www.chc1.com/covid-19-testing/

   

  We would also like to emphasize the 3 key steps to take regarding testing and what you and your family should do when waiting for your results.

   

  1.    Stay home and monitor your health.

  A.    If you’ve been in contact with someone with COVID-19, you must stay home and away from others for 14 days after your last close contact with that person. Refrain from attending school, work, sport activities, or gatherings.

  B.    If you have a fever, cough, or other symptoms of COVID-19, you must stay home and away from others (except to get medical care).

  C.   If you are not sick with symptoms of COVID-19 and you cannot stay home while you wait for your test results, you should wear a mask when out in public and avoid gatherings with people who are not in your immediate household, are over 65 years old, or have medical conditions that place them at increased risk for COVID-19.

   

  2.    Think about the people you have recently been around. See attached CDC document, where you can create a list of people and activities you’ve participated in recently. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/3key-steps-when-waiting-for-COVID-19-results_508.pdf

   

  3.    Answer the phone call from the Health Department. Discussions with Health Department staff are confidential and are critical in controlling COVID-19 in our community.

  
  If you or a family member start to exhibit symptoms of the COVID-19 (fever, shortness of breath, coughing, new loss of taste or smell, headache, chills, muscle aches, vomiting, diarrhea, for example), please reach out to your physician and inform your child’s school nurse. If you would like further information on COVID-19, please go to the Westbrook Public Schools website at www.westbrookctschools.org or to the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.
   
  Our students’ safety is our highest priority. We appreciate your support as we work through this challenging time together.

   

  Sincerely,

   

  Patricia Charles                                             

  Interim Superintendent

   

  Zachary Faiella

  Westbrook Director of Health

  Covid Info

• Westbrook Public Schools - Remote Learning Extended

  November 19, 2020

  Dear Parents, Guardians, Staff and Students,

  I hope that this communication finds you and your family healthy.  Unfortunately, our COVID metrics for this week are not.  We continue to have an increasing number of COVID-19 cases in Westbrook. Today’s update by the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) indicates that Westbrook’s 14-day average of new cases per 100,000 population per day is 34.1 per 100,000.  In alignment with the guidelines in the DPH and Connecticut State Department of Education’s (CSDE) Addendum 4, we will continue to remain in distance learning for another week, and until Westbrook’s COVID-19 public health indicators trend in a more positive direction.

  Please know how impressed I am with our district’s ability to smoothly switch to distance learning.  Teachers felt far more prepared to make this change this year when considering last year’s move to remote learning.  We have learned a lot over the past few months and continue to improve how to offer engaging programs to our students in a virtual environment.

  As we move into Thanksgiving week, please remain safe and continue with the safety precautions identified to minimize the spread of this virus:

  • Wash your hands often.
  • Avoid close contact.
  • Remember to cover your mouth and nose with a mask.
  • Cover coughs and sneezes
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces
  • Monitor your health daily and be alert for symptoms of COVID such as fever, cough, shortness of breath
  • Consider celebrating at home with only the people you live with
  • Consider celebrating virtually (online) with people you do not live with, as gathering with family and friends who do not live with you can increase the chances of getting or spreading COVIDF-19 or the flu

  We look forward to being safely back together in school as soon as possible.  In the meanwhile, I will keep in touch with any updates.

  Although our gatherings may be smaller this year, we are thankful that with mitigation strategies we can protect ourselves and our loved ones and look forward to a vaccine in the near future!

  Sincerely,

  Patricia Charles                                                         

  Interim Superintendent

  Westbrook Public Schools

  Covid Info

• Westbrook Public Schools Move to Remote Learning

  Dear Westbrook Public Schools Families and Staff,

  This afternoon the Department of Public Health released the data for COVID-19 cases in towns across the state.  Health Director Zach Faiella reported that Westbrook's cases per 100,000 have jumped dramatically to 25.8 placing us immediately in the remote learning category.  

   

  Effective tomorrow all students will move to distance learning.  New metrics from DPH come out every Thursday and we will re-evaluate our learning mode based on those metrics and our ability to fully staff our buildings.  The increase in positive cases has had an impact on the district's human resources.

   

  I know these are trying times and I recognize this short notice creates a scramble for our families.  However, by responding quickly we hope to stem the spread of this infection before the upcoming holidays.

   

  I will continue to keep you updated for our return to school.  I thank you for your understanding and flexibility as we work together for the benefit of our school community and town.

   

  Sincerely,

  Patricia Charles, Ed.D

  Interim Superintendent

  Westbrook Public Schools

  860-399-6432

  Covid Info

• Westbrook's increase in Covid-19 Cases

  Dear Parents, Guardians, Students, and Staff,

  This year has certainly thrown us our share of curve balls as families and staff are juggling a myriad of decisions regarding work and school amid these very uncertain coronavirus conditions.  Over this past week we have seen a marked increase in the number of positive COVID-19 cases in Westbrook.  The data indicate that Westbrook increased from 10.3 to 18 per 100,000 population in the last week.  We are watching these cases very carefully and expect that, if this trend continues, we may have to switch to distance learning. Additionally, staff quarantining and illness also impacts our ability to remain open for in-person learning. I am telling you this today to give you as much time as possible to make contingency plans should we get the word from the Westbrook Health Department that we must make this change.

  Please reinforce with your middle school and high school students who are already in the distance learning mode to refrain from gathering socially with friends and to take this period of quarantine seriously.  Similarly, we will have to be extremely vigilant over the upcoming holidays with extended family and friends.

  I regret the difficulties that switching learning modes causes families and staff and appreciate your flexibility and resilience in these uncertain times. 

  I will update you by the end of the week as I get more information from Zach Faiella, our Westbrook Health Director. 

   

  Sincerely,

  Patricia Charles

  Interim Superintendent

  Covid Info

• Confirmed COVID-19 case of an individual associated with Westbrook Middle School

  Dear Parents, Guardians, Staff, and Community Members,

   

  This message is to inform you that we have identified a confirmed COVID-19 case of an individual associated with Westbrook Middle School. The school is working closely with our Westbrook Health Director, Zach Faiella. It has been determined that there is no additional exposure to students or staff attending our schools.

   

  Due to legal considerations, we cannot provide any additional information to you about the identity of the individual who tested positive. We ask that you continue to encourage your children to practice good hand-washing hygiene, wear face masks in the proper manner, and practice social distancing.

   

  In regard to COVID-19 testing, the Town is actively working to bring a testing site to Westbrook.  For the latest testing information, please visit the United Way of CT 211 website. 

  https://uwc.211ct.org/coronavirus-covid-19-information/

   

  On this website, you can choose different testing options, such as Rapid Testing, Pediatric Testing, Asymptomatic Testing, and Walk-Up Sites. Specific businesses/organizations who are holding testing sites, include:

  • CVS in Clinton, Old Saybrook, Guilford, East Lyme, Niantic, Waterford, Middletown, and Cromwell.

  The CVS website for Testing registration is: https://www.cvs.com/minuteclinic/covid-19-testing

  • Community Health Center, Incis offering testing on a number of days in different Towns such as Old Saybrook, New London, and Middletown. 

  Community Health Center’s COVID Testing Hotline can be reached at 475-241-0740

  Community Health Center’s Testing website is: https://www.chc1.com/covid-19-testing/

   

  We would also like to emphasize the 3 key steps to take regarding testing and what you and your family should do when waiting for your results.

   

  1. Stay home and monitor your health.
     1. If you’ve been in contact with someone with COVID-19, you must stay home and away from others for 14 days after your last close contact with that person. Refrain from attending school, work, sport activities, or gatherings.
     2. If you have a fever, cough, or other symptoms of COVID-19, you must stay home and away from others (except to get medical care).
     3. If you are not sick with symptoms of COVID-19 and you cannot stay home while you wait for your test results, you should wear a mask when out in public and avoid gatherings with people who are not in your immediate household, are over 65 years old, or have medical conditions that place them at increased risk for COVID-19.

   

  2. Think about the people you have recently been around. See attached CDC document, where you can create a list of people and activities you’ve participated in recently. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/3key-steps-when-waiting-for-COVID-19-results_pdf

   

  3. Answer the phone call from the Health Department. Discussions with Health Department staff are confidential and are critical in controlling COVID-19 in our community.

  
  If you or a family member start to exhibit symptoms of the COVID-19 (fever, shortness of breath, coughing, new loss of taste or smell, headache, chills, muscle aches, vomiting, diarrhea, for example), please reach out to your physician and inform your child’s school nurse. If you would like further information on COVID-19, please go to the Westbrook Public Schools website at www.westbrookctschools.org or to the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.
   
  Our students’ safety is our highest priority. We appreciate your support as we work through this challenging time together.

   

  Sincerely,

   

  Patricia Charles                                             

  Interim Superintendent

   

  Zachary Faiella

  Westbrook Director of Health

  Covid Info

• Confirmed Covid-19 Case at Westbrook High School

  Dear Parents, Guardians, Staff, and Community Members,

   

  This message is to inform you that we have identified a confirmed COVID-19 case of an individual associated with Westbrook High School. The school is working closely with our Westbrook Health Director, Zach Faiella. It has been determined that there is no additional exposure to students or staff attending our schools.

  Due to legal considerations, we cannot provide any additional information to you about the identity of the individual who tested positive. We ask that you continue to encourage your children to practice good hand-washing hygiene, wear face masks in the proper manner, and practice social distancing.

  In regard to COVID-19 testing, the Town is actively working to bring a testing site to Westbrook.  For the latest testing information, please visit the United Way of CT 211 website. 

  https://uwc.211ct.org/coronavirus-covid-19-information/

   

  On this website, you can choose different testing options, such as Rapid Testing, Pediatric Testing, Asymptomatic Testing, and Walk-Up Sites. Specific businesses/organizations who are holding testing sites, include:

  • CVS in Clinton, Old Saybrook, Guilford, East Lyme, Niantic, Waterford, Middletown, and Cromwell.

  The CVS website for Testing registration is: https://www.cvs.com/minuteclinic/covid-19-testing

  • Community Health Center, Incis offering testing on a number of days in different Towns such as Old Saybrook, Clinton, and Middletown. 

  Community Health Center’s COVID Testing Hotline can be reached at 475-241-0740

  Community Health Center’s Testing website is: https://www.chc1.com/covid-19-testing/

   

  We would also like to emphasize the 3 key steps to take regarding testing and what you and your family should do when waiting for your results.

   

  1. Stay home and monitor your health.
  2. If you’ve been in contact with someone with COVID-19, you must stay home and away from others for 14 days after your last close contact with that person. Refrain from attending school, work, sports activities, or gatherings.
  3. If you have a fever, cough, or other symptoms of COVID-19, you must stay home and away from others (except to get medical care).
  4. If you are not sick with symptoms of COVID-19 and you cannot stay home while you wait for your test results, you should wear a mask when out in public and avoid gatherings with people who are not in your immediate household, are over 65 years old, or have medical conditions that place them at increased risk for COVID-19.

   

  2. Think about the people you have recently been around. See attached CDC document, where you can create a list of people and activities you’ve participated in recently. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/3key-steps-when-waiting-for-COVID-19-results_pdf

   

  3. Answer the phone call from the Health Department. Discussions with Health Department staff are confidential and are critical in controlling COVID-19 in our community.

  
  If you or a family member start to exhibit symptoms of the COVID-19 (fever, shortness of breath, coughing, new loss of taste or smell, headache, chills, muscle aches, vomiting, diarrhea, for example), please reach out to your physician and inform your child’s school nurse. If you would like further information on COVID-19, please go to the Westbrook Public Schools website at www.westbrookctschools.org or to the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.
   
  Our students’ safety is our highest priority. We appreciate your support as we work through this challenging time together.

   

  Sincerely,

  Patricia Charles                                             

  Interim Superintendent

   

  Zachary Faiella

  Westbrook Director of Health

  Covid Info

• School Lunch Access

  Dear Parents,

  Your children still have access to our meal program, even if learning is conducted remotely from home.  If you would like your child to have a lunch made for him/her, please respond to MConway@westbrookctschools.org before 10:00 each morning during the distance learning period.  Lunches may be picked up between 11:30 - 12:30 at the front of the high school.

   

  Students may choose from the following:

  Turkey and cheese wrap

  Ham and cheese wrap

  Bagel, yogurt and string cheese plate

   

  All meals will include vegetables, fruit and milk.

  The cost of the meal at the high school  is  $3.25, 40 cents for reduced price meals, or free for those who qualify.  At the middle school the meal costs $3.00, 40 cents for reduced price meals, or free for those who qualify.

   

  Please respond by 10:00 AM if you intend to pick up a lunch for your child.

   

  Stay healthy,

   

  Patricia Charles, Ed.D

  Interim Superintendent

  Westbrook Public Schools

  860-399-6432

  Covid Info

• Middle School/High School Move to Remote Learning

  November 1, 2020

  Dear Staff, Parents, and Guardians,

  This afternoon I became aware of a positive case for COVID-19 at Westbrook High School and one at Westbrook Middle School.  While we are unable to identify the individuals due to the confidential nature of the medical information, we can share the steps we will be taking to respond to this information.

  What This Means for You and Your Child

  If your child was in the same class cohort, or in close contact with the confirmed positive individual, you will be contacted by the school and/or Westbrook Health Department and your child will be advised to self-quarantine for 14 days since last class cohort or close contact with the confirmed positive individual, per Addendum 9 of the Connecticut State Department of Education School Reopening Plan. Close contact is defined by the CDC as someone who was within 6 feet of an infected person for at least 15 minutes starting from 2 days before illness onset (or, for asymptomatic patients, 2 days prior to specimen collection) until the time the patient is isolated. The school and/or local health department will notify you if this action is necessary.

  If your child is sick, stay home and contact your healthcare provider. We encourage you to continue social distancing, washing your hands, avoiding gatherings, and monitoring symptoms. If at any time, you or your child begin to develop symptoms of COVID-19 (such as cough, shortness of breath, fever, chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, or new loss of taste or smell), please keep your child home from school and call your healthcare provider for next steps. It is recommended that you call ahead to your healthcare provider before going to the physician’s office, clinic, urgent care or emergency room so they can be prepared for your arrival. They may also refer you to a testing clinic. For the most up to date testing information, call 2-1-1 or visit the United Way of Connecticut website: https://uwc.211ct.org/coronavirus-covid-19-information/

  What This Means for Our Schools

  The Westbrook Health Director, Zachary Faiella, and I determined that Westbrook Middle/High School will move to distance learning for fourteen days, November 1 – November 14.  These fourteen days will enable the school to be cleaned and to conduct the necessary contact tracing. All students will participate in distance learning during this period. Please note reopening may be subject to change if additional positive cases are identified.

  Children may worry about how COVID-19 may impact them, their family, and friends. Parents and guardians can help children navigate this experience in an honest and accurate way to help minimize anxiety or fear. The CDC created recommendations to assist with these conversations: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/talking-with-children.html.

  Thank you for your support in these efforts and your patience, flexibility, and understanding as we work together to promote the health and well-being of our community.

  Sincerely,

  Patricia Charles

  Interim Superintendent

  Covid Info

• Dr. Kristina J. Martineau Letter of Introduction

  Dear Westbrook Public Schools Community,

  It is an honor to serve as your next Superintendent of Schools and it is with great excitement that I begin our journey together to support a school system of educational excellence for all students and families in Westbrook. I will begin my new role in Westbrook on December 1st and look forward to meeting each and every one of you, spending time in our schools and our community to learn as much as possible about Westbrook.  

  Westbrook Public Schools has a longstanding reputation in the state of Connecticut as a  high performing,  innovative school system that supports the success of all students. I am eager to learn from all of you in the coming months to best support all aspects of this exceptional school community and the students in our care, learning from your experiences, insights and recommendations to continue this tradition of excellence and student centered success in the Westbrook Public Schools.

  Communication, engagement, and collaboration are key pillars of a highly effective school community. It is in this spirit that I invite you to meet with me to share your thoughts, perspectives, and experiences to formally begin our partnership to support the children of our community. Your insights and experiences are highly valued and critical to our continued effectiveness as a school system of excellence. In the coming weeks, I will communicate dates, times, and locations that will provide opportunities for you to meet with me and to begin our partnership in service to the students of Westbrook. Additionally, I will send out survey links to provide multiple opportunities for feedback and participation during this transition.

  I look forward to meeting you and to building long lasting relationships in our community.

  Your partner in education,

  Kristina J. Martineau, Ed.D.

  Westbrook Public Schools

• Westbrook Board of Education Appoints New Superintendent of Schools

  At a special meeting on October 28, 2020, the Westbrook Board of Education appointed Dr. Kristina J. Martineau its new Superintendent of Schools, effective December 1, 2020. Dr. Martineau has worked in Region 4, Chester, Deep River, and Essex Public Schools since 2008, most recently as Assistant Superintendent. Kristina began her career as a History and World Religions teacher in Romsey England. She then took on an adjunct instructor of English role at Sacred Heart University and simultaneously started teaching English at Fairfield Warde High School. After six years, Dr. Martineau assumed the role of Dean at Warde. In 2008, she moved to Valley Regional High School in Region 4, where she served as Associate Principal (2008-2010) Interim Principal (2010-2011), and then Principal (2011-2015) before assuming the responsibilities of Assistant Superintendent.

  Westbrook Board of Education Chair Zachary Hayden said, “The Westbrook Board of Education took very seriously its responsibility to find the best candidate to lead our schools. We conducted an extensive search and were very pleased to have attracted a superb pool of candidates with strong experience and credentials. Dr. Martineau rose to the top of the group, demonstrating a thorough understanding of educational excellence, communicating a collaborative, open, and relational leadership style, and relaying an impressive understanding of our town and schools. She consistently expressed her willingness to engage with and learn from our school and community stakeholders in order to advance our school district.” 

  Dr. Martineau received her Bachelor’s degree from Loyola University Maryland.  She earned her first Master of Arts in English from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne in England, and then a Master of Arts in Teaching and Sixth Year in Educational Leadership from Sacred Heart University. Kristina received her Superintendent Certificate from Central Connecticut State University and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Hartford.

  Dr. Martineau told the Board, “It is an honor and privilege to serve as your next Superintendent of Schools. It is with great excitement that I begin our work together to support the needs of all children in every step of their journey through Westbrook Public Schools. I care deeply about the students, families, staff, and the community I serve and will demonstrate this commitment and active engagement for many, many years to come to the Westbrook Public Schools community and to the town of Westbrook.”

  The Westbrook Board was guided in its search by Mary Broderick and Paul Gagliarducci, consultants with CABE Search Services. They gathered perspectives from many stakeholders before writing the Leadership Profile which guided the Board in its search for a new leader.

  Westbrook Public Schools

• Information for Parents and Guardians of English Learners

  As the parent/guardian of an English learner (EL), you are able to ask for information to be communicated to you about the language instruction program that you choose for your children.  See the attached document for more information.

  • EL_InfoForParents pdf101520.pdf

  Westbrook Public Schools

• Covid-19 Testing Update

  Dear Parents/Guardians, Students, and Staff,                                                            

   

  As we look forward to our third month of school, we are very proud of our students and staff and their ability to adapt to our new-normal with the guidelines and restrictions regarding the pandemic.

   

  We continue to work closely with our medical advisor Dr. Adam Perrin, Westbrook Health Dept, CT State Board of Education, and CT Department of Public Health in putting practices in place to keep our students and staff safe.

   

  Our latest guidance is regarding the acceptance of the “rapid antigen test”, including the new BinaxNOW test, used to diagnose individuals with symptoms of COVID-19. It has been reported that often these tests which can provide point-of-care diagnosis are often less sensitive than the nucleic acid detection with the RT-PRC test and produce false negative results for patients who actually have the illness. Therefore, we can only accept test results from the standard RT-PCR viral test going forward.  While the result takes longer to receive (usually 2-3 days), it is an accurate and reliable test.

   

  To recap guidance on staying home due to possible COVID-19 related illness:

   

  Please keep your child home and follow the illness guidelines if s/he has one or more of the following symptoms consistent with COVID-19:

   

  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath and/or difficulty breathing
  • Fever and chills
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Fatigue
  • New loss of taste and smell
  • Headache
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion and/or Runny Nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea and/or GI issues

   

   

  There are 4 ways your child may return to school:

  • The health care provider provides a note specifically stating they are not concerned that the symptoms are related to COVID-19 and provides an alternative diagnosis for the symptoms.
  • The student provides a negative RT-PCR test result for COVID-19 and must be symptom free for at least 72 hours.
  • If the student tests positive for COVID-19, they must isolate for a full 10 days after the test and be symptom free for at least 24 hours before returning to school.
  • If you choose not to take the student to the physician AND refuse to have a COVID test, the student must quarantine for a full 14 days and be symptom free for at least 24 hours.

   

  • If your child is ill, please call and/or email the office or the nurse and leave a detailed message regarding the reason your child is out and any symptoms he or she may be having. This will allow the nurse to follow up with the parent/ guardian with any other questions she may have.

   

  • All test results or doctor notes must be reviewed and verified by the school nurse prior to your child’s return. Medical documents may be sent to the nurse via email or fax for increased convenience.

   

  • If your child is symptom free and under quarantine guidelines or waiting on test results, you may choose for your child to attend class remotely, rather than have those days marked as absent. To do this, you must contact the office and let them know of your intention and they will let you know when your child is ready to access remote learning. ***Please note that if your child is sick, s/he should not access the remote learning, as we want your child to rest and recover! ***

   

  Where can you go for reliable testing? Check out these sites:

  • 211 Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information - https://uwc.211ct.org/coronavirus-covid-19-information/
  • Yale New Haven Health COVID-19 Testing - https://www.ynhhs.org/patient-care/covid-19/testing/testing-locations.aspx
  • Community Health Care (CHC) COVD-19 Testing - https://www.chc1.com/covid-19-testing/
  • Hartford Health Care COVID-19 Testing - https://hartfordhealthcare.org/health-wellness/coronavirus/testing
  • Hartford Health Care Hotline - (833)-621-0600 (Follow the prompt to sign up for a covid test, the person will ask for name, address, and DOB. They will set you up with the closest location to where you live with a time frame, usually 8-4 PM.
  • DOCS Medical Coronavirus (COVID-19) FAQ - https://docsmedicalgroup.com/docsurgentcare/coronavirus-covid-19/

   

  If you have any other questions or concerns, please contact the school nurse.

   

  Thank you,

   

  Kayla Johnson, RN (Daisy Ingraham Elementary School)

  Tina Bennett, RN (Westbrook Middle/High School)

  • COVID Testing Update 10-20.pdf

  Covid Info

• Covid Free Holidays

  Dear Parents and Staff,

   

  As the holidays get closer and families are making plans, it is important to remember the care with which we have approached this school year to keep our students and staff safe. Please keep in mind during the upcoming holiday season the importance of wearing face masks, social distancing, washing hands, and quarantining when you do not feel well.  It is so easy to forget when you haven't seen Grandma or Uncle Jim in months and are eager for a hug from our loved ones.

   

  Additionally, Governor Lamont is recommending limiting non-essential travel outside the state.  However, if you must travel outside Connecticut, be certain to check if your destination is on the CT Travel Advisory list at https://portal.ct.gov/Coronavirus/travel.  If you are entering Connecticut from one of these states you must fill out a travel health form online at CT.gov/travelform.  Upon returning from an affected state or country where you visited for 24 hours or longer, you must self-quarantine for 14 days from when you were in the affected location.  Travelers can also choose to be tested for COVID-19 instead of self-quarantine if the following criteria is met: 

  • The test must be the RT-PCR test, not a rapid antigen or antibody test,
  • The test must be completed 72 hours prior to arrival in Connecticut or at any time following arrival in Connecticut, 
  • The result of the test is negative, and
  • The individual has provided written proof of the negative test result to the Commissioner via email to COVID-Travel@ct.govor via fax to: 860-326-0529.

  If the test results have not been received the traveler must remain in self quarantine in Connecticut until the negative results are submitted to the Commissioner.  See the CT Travel Advisory website for more information.  Keep in mind that our ability to keep our schools open is dependent on keeping teachers and students healthy and out of quarantine.

   

  We want everyone to stay healthy and safe as we make our way through to the new year.  We hope for an effective vaccine and a return to a more normal existence in the near future.  But in the meanwhile...stay vigilant!

   

  Sincerely,

   

  Patricia Charles, Ed.D

  Interim Superintendent

  Westbrook Public Schools

  860-399-6432

   

  • Covid-Free Holidays.pdf

  Covid Info

• Confirmed Covid-19 Case At Daisy

  October 10, 2020

  Dear Parents, Staff, and Community Members:

  On October 10th, Westbrook Public Schools was notified that a member of our Daisy Ingraham School community has tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19). The affected person has been instructed to remain home and quarantine for 14 days.

  The last day this person was at Daisy Ingraham School was October 7^th. We have not received any reports of other students or staff members experiencing illnesses with symptoms resembling those of COVID-19. Anyone who is considered a “close contact” with this person has been contacted or will be contacted by school or local health officials and provided with instructions on the appropriate steps to take.

  COVID-19 is spread mainly via person-to-person contact through contaminated air droplets from coughing and sneezing by an infected person. As with controlling the spread of other viruses, we urge everyone to discuss the following preventive measures with your children and family members:

  • Wash your hands frequently, but especially after using the restroom and before preparing or consuming food. Using soap and hot water, wash for about 20 seconds. Be sure to also wash your fingertips. When soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer.
  • Avoid coughing or sneezing into your hands or in the air. Always try to cough or sneeze into a tissue, then throw the tissue away. If you don’t have a tissue, cough/sneeze inside the elbow of your arm.
  • As much as you can, avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose.
  • Wear a face covering (mask) whenever there is a likelihood that you or your family members will be in the presence of others.
  • Maintain social distancing (at least 6 feet) between yourself and others when outside of your home.

  Below is the list of COVID-19 symptoms for which everyone should monitor in their family members:

  • Fever (100.4° Fahrenheit or higher)
  • Chills or shaking chills
  • Uncontrolled new cough (not due to other known cause, such as chronic cough)
  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • New loss of taste or smell

  For additional information on COVID-19 symptoms, please see:

  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html

  Staff and students exhibiting any of the above symptoms, or feeling ill, should call their medical provider to report their symptoms and ask about testing prior to seeking in-person care at a clinic, physician’s office, or hospital.

  For more information on what to do if you or a family member has possible symptoms, a diagnosis, or exposure to COVID-19, please see:

  https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/SDE/COVID-19/Addendum-5-Interim-Guidance-for-Responding-to-COVID-19-Scenarios-in-CT-School-Districts.pdf

  Per privacy guidelines, no additional information can be shared regarding the COVID-19-positive individual.

  Mrs. Rose, Principal at Daisy Ingraham School, Zachary Faiella, Westbrook Health Director, and I will continue to work together to monitor the situation. If you have any questions, please call Zachary Faiella at 860-510-8894, Mrs. Rose at 860-399-7925 or me at 860-399-6432.

   

  Sincerely,

   

  Patricia Charles

  Interim Superintendent

  Westbrook Public Schools

   

  Confirmed Covid-19 Case At Daisy

  • Confirmed COVID-19 Case at Daisy.pdf

  Covid Info

• Internet Safety by Scott Driscoll

  Dear Parents, Guardians and Students,

  Attached is a flyer regarding two workshops, one for parents and one for students, about Internet Safety for your child.  With so many students doing distance learning, this is a timely and important topic.  Please attend for this informative presentation.

   

  Patricia Charles, Ed.D

  Interim Superintendent

  Westbrook Public Schools

  860-399-6432

  • Internet Safety Flyer 2020.pdf

  Westbrook Public Schools

• Students Switching Learning Modes

  Dear Parents,

  The teachers, administrators, and I are working hard to keep your children safe while continuing to maintain a strong educational program.  An increasing number of students are switching from remote instruction to in-person instruction, or the reverse, without providing the teachers time to prepare for this change.  This is making a challenging teaching environment even more difficult when trying to deliver planned activities.

  To make it easier on families who need to make this change and in the interest of getting the students back in school, the district is reducing the time to make a change in learning modes.  Please allow up to one week’s notice for students to make this change.  A letter from the parent or guardian to the principal is also required for these modifications to the learning plan.  Please do not put your child on the bus or drop them off at school if you have selected the voluntary remote learning option.  Similarly, do not keep your child home from school without a week’s notice and expect that the teacher will be able to immediately accommodate your child in lessons that were prepared for a different configuration of students. 

  We understand that there are students who the school and/or the Department of Health have mandated that they quarantine due to possible exposure to COVID.  The school will notify teachers of these students and will be able to immediately access lessons for those two weeks.  Parents who keep their child home for normal short-term illnesses or due to other family matters will be marked absent as they have in the past.

  Students moving in and out of school also jeopardize the cohorts that are being maintained to minimize exposure to other students.  We ask for your support in keeping all students and staff healthy and respect the desire for our staff to plan appropriately for the students in their classes.

  I hope you and your family remain healthy and safe during these uncertain times.

   

  Sincerely,

  Patricia Charles

  Superintendent

   

  • Covid Mode Switching 10-1.pdf

  Covid Info

• Message From the Board Of Education Chairman

  The Westbrook Superintendent Search Committee, with support from CABE search consultants, has reviewed applications and selected semi-finalists from a robust pool of applicants. The team has started the interview process and anticipates selecting finalists by mid-October. The Committee is on track to identify finalists for review of the full Board of Education by the end of October.

  Westbrook Public Schools

• Covid-19 Update from Westbrook Health Department

  To Westbrook High School Parents/Guardians:

  
  On Sunday, September 13th, in accordance with the policy of Westbrook Public Schools' Reopening Plan, the Westbrook Public Schools community was notified of a positive COVID-19 case associated with Westbrook High School. The three-day closure of Westbrook High School and the advisement of class cohorts to quarantine for 14 days was conducted out of an abundance of caution in consultation with the Westbrook Health Department and Connecticut Department of Public Health.
  
  

  Proper mask-wearing and social distancing protocols were followed during school, however, students who were in the identified class cohorts on Thursday, September 10th and Friday, September 11th were advised to quarantine for 14 days, again, out of an abundance of caution.

  
  If you or your child were not contacted as being a part of the affected class cohorts, your child may return to school on Thursday, September 17th.
  Due to privacy reasons, personal and identifiable information related to case investigations will not be disclosed by Westbrook Public Schools and Westbrook Health Department.

  
  The health and safety of our community is of utmost importance. The Westbrook Public Schools and Westbrook Health Department will continue to work cooperatively to assess and investigate COVID related events in Westbrook Public Schools.

   

  Sincerely,
  Zachary Faiella, MPH, RS
  Director of Health
  Westbrook Health Department
  866 Boston Post Road
  Westbrook, CT 06498
  Tel: (860) 399-9869
  Fax: (860) 399-5661
  Email: zfaiella@westbrookct.us

   

  Covid-19 Update from Westbrook Health Department

  Covid Info

• Positive Covid 19 Case at Westbrook High School

   

  September 13, 2020

   

  Dear Staff, Parents, and Guardians,

  This afternoon I became aware of a positive case for COVID-19 at Westbrook High School.  While we are unable to identify the individual due to the confidential nature of the medical information, we can share the steps we will be taking to respond to this information.

  What This Means for You and Your Child

  If your child was in the same class cohort, or in close contact with the confirmed positive individual, you will be contacted by the school and/or Westbrook Health Department and your child will be advised to self-quarantine for 14 days since last class cohort or close contact with the confirmed positive individual, per Addendum 9 of the Connecticut State Department of Education School Reopening Plan. Close contact is defined by the CDC as someone who was within 6 feet of an infected person for at least 15 minutes starting from 2 days before illness onset (or, for asymptomatic patients, 2 days prior to specimen collection) until the time the patient is isolated. The school and/or local health department will notify you if this action is necessary.

  If your child is sick, stay home and contact your healthcare provider. We encourage you to continue social distancing, washing your hands, avoiding gatherings, and monitoring symptoms. If at any time, you or your child begin to develop symptoms of COVID-19 (such as cough, shortness of breath, fever, chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, or new loss of taste or smell), please keep your child home from school and call your healthcare provider for next steps. It is recommended that you call ahead to your healthcare provider before going to the physician’s office, clinic, urgent care, or emergency room so they can be prepared for your arrival. They may also refer you to a testing clinic. For the most up to date testing information, call 2-1-1 or visit the United Way of Connecticut website: https://uwc.211ct.org/coronavirus-covid-19-information/

  What This Means for Our School

  The Westbrook Health Director, Zachary Faiella, has determined that the Westbrook High School facility needs to be closed for three days, September 14, 15, and 16.  These three days will enable the school to be thoroughly cleaned and to conduct the necessary contact tracing. The students will participate in distance learning during this period. Pending further information on this investigation, students and staff who have not been identified as either being close contacts or in the same class cohort as the confirmed positive individual will be allowed to return to school this Thursday, September 17. Please note reopening may be subject to change if additional positive cases are identified.

  The Westbrook Middle School will remain open due to the separate nature of that building and student traffic.

  Children may worry about how COVID-19 may impact them, their family, and friends. Parents and guardians can help children navigate this experience in an honest and accurate way to help minimize anxiety or fear. The CDC created recommendations to assist with these conversations: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/talking-with-children.html.

  Thank you for your support in these efforts and your patience, flexibility, and understanding as we work together to promote the health and well-being of our community.

   

  Sincerely,

  Zachary Faiella

  Westbrook Director of Health

   

  Patricia Charles

  Interim Superintendent

  • Covid-19 Case 9-13-20.pdf

  Covid Info