WESTBROOK MIDDLE SCHOOL
154 MCVEAGH ROAD • WESTBROOK, CT 06498 • 860-399-6214
Taylor P. Wrye, Principal
September 17, 2019
Dear Westbrook Middle School,
One of the goals of the 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 school years is to define the WMS core values. Our staff brainstormed on what makes WMS unique and what defines us as a middle school. We began this journey by asking our students to design “the most exceptional middle school in the whole world.” What would this school look like to them? As a staff, we identified the purpose of public middle schools and the values of the Westbrook community.
Below are words that we have identified throughout this process that best represent Westbrook Middle School. Please take a moment and click on each word to view a document created collaboratively by WMS staff members. Each document is broken down into WHY, HOW, and WHAT. The WHY is our core value, the HOW identifies how we achieve the WHY, and the WHAT outlines what students can expect and experience in our school relating to that core value.
We want all stakeholders to have a voice during this process, and are asking for your contributions as WMS parents. Use the following link to submit your vote on which values best represent WMS, or on which values you would like the middle school to focus. We will continue to focus on more than just the listed values but will start with your four top choices. These core values are meant to be fluid and that we will revisit them when we feel the need.
SURVEY LINK; https://forms.gle/9XPu1FsKtDwcVbXv9
Thank you for the time you have taken to complete this survey.
Sincerely,
Taylor P. Wrye, Principal
September Events:
9/23 Open House
| Presenter(s) | Time | Group Leader | Individuals Involved | Google Meet Link |
| Administration/Activities/Athletics/Student Support | 6:00-6:15 | Talmadge | Talmadge Gallagher Spagone Archambault Ehrlich |
meet.google.com/ngt-znvf-btm |
| Core Subjects | 6:15-6:45 | Team Leaders | All Core Subject Area Teachers | |
| 5th Grade | meet.google.com/ucj-pbnh-ctz | |||
| 6th Grade | meet.google.com/duu-cqar-eiq | |||
| 7th Grade | meet.google.com/ycw-bnxg-pkg | |||
| 8th Grade | meet.google.com/vnc-uumk-mmm | |||
| P.E/Health/World Language | 6:45-7:00 | Ferro | Gombos Marshall Beauchamp Ferro Cassidy |
meet.google.com/bnh-apqe-bbq |
| Music/Art/Tech/C.S./Library | 7:00-7:15 | Runkle | Floyd Pardue Colagiovanni Goad Abbott Runkle |
meet.google.com/nvr-cesc-ges |
| Special Education/SRBI/ESL | 7:15-7:35 | Fitzgerald | Fitzgerald Cost Jennings Cartier Selmont Taylor Brother |
meet.google.com/gmg-gjgm-vmj |
|
* If you wish to dial by phone: Please click on the google meet link and select "Join and use a phone for audio" then click the "dial up" tab for information to connect.
|
An exciting Wednesday as our fifth graders met with Ms. Hovey from our IT department and received new Chromebooks!
The first PTO meeting of the 21/22 school year is re-scheduled till Wednesday September 29th at 6:30 pm and will be virtual. A link for the meeting will be listed here that morning.
Co-Presidents: Barb Leandri & Laura Furcolo
Treasurer: Brenda Zambrello
Secretary: Alesia Bauer
Agenda for September 29th Mtg.: Call to Order, Principal Update, Treasury Report, Discussion of Fundraising ideas, Book Fair, Need for Leadership Roles, Committee Chairs and PTO Class Rep's for each grade.
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” used to diagnose individuals with symptoms of COVID-19. It has been reported that these tests often produce false negative results for patients who actually have the illness. Therefore, we can only accept test results from the PCR viral test going forward. While the result takes longer to receive, it is an accurate and reliable test.
This letter is to address and clarify what to do when your child is ill. If your child is ill, please call and/or email the office or the nurse’s office 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 and/or guardian with any other questions she may have.
For any student who is kept home due to experiencing ONE or more of the following symptoms…
…there are four options that allow the child to return to school.
1.) The student may receive a note from his or her Pediatrician that states an “Alternate Diagnosis” and that the Pediatrician is not concerned that the symptoms the student may be having are related to COVID.
2.) If you choose NOT to take your child to his or her Pediatrician, providing a negative PCR COVID test will allow their return to school. Please note that even with a negative COVID test all students must be symptomatic free for at least 72 hours.
3.) If a child tests positive for COVID-19, he or she must quarantine for the FULL 10 days and may return to school after the 10 days have been completed AND the child is symptom free.
4.) If you choose NOT to take a child to their Pediatrician AND choose NOT to have a COVID test done the child must quarantine for 14 days.
If your child is symptom free, but must remain quarantined, you may choose for your child to attend class remotely, rather than have those days marked as absent. To do this, please notify the office and the homeroom teacher by email.
***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!***
If you have any other questions or concerns, please directly contact the school nurse.
Thank you,
Kayla Johnson, RN and Tina Bennett, RN
Nursing Staff, Westbrook Public Schools
August 16, 2021
Dear Westbrook Families,
The start of the new school year is just a few weeks away. Our staff eagerly await the first day of school on Monday, August 30th when we will welcome back our students in grades PK-12. We have an exciting year ahead. We will continue to focus on high quality, student-centered learning experiences and embedded social and emotional learning practices in all three schools. At the secondary level, we also have new courses in grades 7-12 that were created in response to student and family interest in developing programming in animation, robotics, and computer science. This new school year, we will also offer additional Advanced Placement courses and we will formally launch college and career pathways.
In the coming months, we will engage in community conversations about what we value and should prioritize as essential 21st-century skills and attributes for all Westbrook students PK-12. There are many skills to choose from as we determine together what is most important for our students, including but not limited to: critical and creative problem solving; collaboration; global mindset; empathy; financial literacy; communication; innovation; creativity; critical thinking; adaptability; flexible thinking; perseverance; growth mindset; citizenship; technology; self-direction; leadership; and resilience. Your experiences, perspectives, and voices are an essential part of this process to truly create the Westbrook Portrait of a Graduate that will reflect our community values and beliefs about education for the children of Westbrook now and in the future. The Portrait of a Graduate is often referred to as the north star for a school community. The Westbrook Portrait of a Graduate will guide our way beyond a focus on standardized test scores and Common Core Standards by prioritizing our focus areas and leveraging the highest quality instructional practices in all classrooms for all students. The Westbrook Portrait of a Graduate will guide our work for years to come PK-12 as it relates to teaching and learning; social and emotional learning and wellness; equity and access; blended learning and technology innovation; and college and career readiness. We look forward to partnering with our families to make this a meaningful and genuine reflection of our community’s commitment to all students.
As the start of the 2021-2022 school year nears, my family is also preparing for the transition from summer days to action-packed school days, after school activities, and sports. My oldest begins 11th grade and my youngest is a rising 6th grader. As a family, we enjoyed the beautiful New England summer days outdoors reconnecting with cousins and close friends. As we prepare to return to full, in-person learning for the new school year, my own children have many questions about what it will look like and what to expect. They are excited about meeting their new teachers, taking new courses, and seeing their friends again on a more regular basis. They also wonder how school will operate this year and if it will feel more normal than it has over the last two school years. I know that you have many of those same questions in your own homes. While I cannot predict with certainty what the coming months will look like, we are working closely with the Westbrook Health Director, Zachary Faiella, and the Connecticut River Area Health District to plan and will continue to do so to ensure the health and safety of our school community. We will be flexible and responsive to any changes in health metrics. We have a full schedule of classes and courses planned for our students, including after school activities and a full sports season at both the middle and high schools. In addition, we have a comprehensive support plan and resources for any student who needs additional academic, social and emotional support during the school day or after school. We are ready and excited to welcome back our students for the new school year!
For the start of the new school year, the following mitigation strategies will be in place:
COVID-19 Mitigation Measures
The following COVID-19 mitigation protocols are in place for the start of the new school year:
In-Person Instruction and Remote Learning
All students are expected to return to In-Person Instruction for the new school year. Although remote learning is not an option for the new school year, we will continue to support our students who may need to temporarily quarantine due to COVID-19. This support plan will be developed and individualized to best support the academic, social, and emotional needs of each student. This plan will be developed in collaboration with the school principal, parents and/or guardians, classroom teachers, and other support staff, as needed.
The health and safety of our students, families, and staff will always be the highest priority. If conditions change, as it relates to COVID-19, we will continue to work closely with the Westbrook Health Director, Zachary Faiella, and the Connecticut River Area Health District, to guide any changes in protocols or school operations to keep our school community safe.
We are excited and eager to welcome back our students PK-12 to the new school year. We look forward to sharing their school experiences with you throughout the year and working with you to create the highest quality educational experiences and opportunities for all of our students.
Enjoy the gorgeous New England summer days ahead. We look forward to seeing all of our students in two weeks!
Your partner in education in service to the students and families of Westbrook,
Kristina J. Martineau, Ed.D.
Westbrook Superintendent of Schools
Dear Westbrook School Community,
We have drafted a document for the 2021-2022 School Year entitled "Safe Return to In-Person Instruction and Continuity of Services Plan" to begin planning for the new school year and as a requirement for the American Rescue Plan ESSER Grant funding. We invite and encourage you to offer feedback and suggestions as we revise this document in the weeks ahead and as new information becomes available from the Center of Disease Prevention and Connecticut Department of Public Health. To provide feedback, please follow this link to a brief survey.
On Tuesday, June 8, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. at the Westbrook Board of Education meeting there will be an opportunity for public comment to provide feedback at that time as well.
The draft plan is attached to this email and pasted below.
As always, thank you for your time, insights, and partnership.
Kristina J. Martineau, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Westbrook Public Schools
Westbrook Public Schools
Safe Return to In-Person Instruction and Continuity of Services Plan
2021-2022 School Year
DRAFT June 4, 2021
Feedback and Input via School Community Survey on 6/4/2021
And Public Comment Opportunity on 6/8/2021 during BOE Regular Meeting
Section I. Health and Safety Strategies
Universal and Correct Wearing of Masks
As of May 15, 2021, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to recommend preventive, mitigation strategies to support safe in-person teaching and learning in schools. The universal and correct wearing of masks is a critical component of a layered, mitigation strategy to keep schools open and in-person as safely as possible. The schools will continue to enforce indoor mask requirements and provide disposable masks when needed for students, staff, and visitors.
Indoors: All students, staff, and visitors will be required to wear face coverings inside all school buildings and on school buses per CDC guidelines and BOE policy for the 2021-2022 school year.
Outdoors: At this time, all students and staff will be required to wear face coverings outdoors during large events if social distancing is not possible or if the event requires participants to be stationary for extended periods of time. Under certain circumstances per CT Department of Health, students and staff may remove masks during recess, gym, and outdoor activities that include movement and when other mitigation strategies are in place.
Westbrook Public Schools will continue to follow the latest CDC guidelines and CT Department of Health as it relates to universal and correct wearing of masks and periodically update this plan to reflect most recent guidance.
Westbrook Public Schools has adopted a policy requiring the use of face coverings for all students and staff when they are inside the school building, with certain exceptions listed below.
For anyone who has trouble breathing, or anyone who is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance, face coverings and masks should not be required, per CDC guidance.
For anyone who has a medical reason making it unsafe to wear a face covering, masks should not be required. These instances are highly unusual. A doctor’s note and review by the school medical advisor will be required.
Westbrook Public Schools will:
Request a medical note from a provider for students and staff who have a medical reason making it unsafe to wear a face covering. Review with the school medical advisor.
Provide a mask for any student or staff member who does not have one on any given day.
Teach and reinforce the use of face coverings, avoid touching the face, and washing of hands for students and staff.
Set clear guidelines regarding limited exceptions to the use of face coverings when other mitigating practices are in place and mask breaks throughout the day by taking students outside, at lunch, or at recess.
Educate staff when face shields may be appropriate and should be worn for additional protection.
Educate staff regarding the appropriate use of clear masks.
Physical Distancing
Current CDC and CT DPH guidance on social distancing remains the same for schools and unvaccinated individuals. Many of our students are not currently eligible for vaccination. At this time, we plan to continue to implement recommended social distancing practices inside all school buildings and on school transportation.
Westbrook Public Schools will:
Assist staff and students to maintain maximum social distancing between individuals to reduce the transmission of the virus per the public health guidelines at that time.
Provide face shields for staff who work with students who may require closer proximity or direct contact.
Communicate and educate students, staff, and families regarding social distancing requirements and best practices.
Handwashing and Respiratory Etiquette
Handwashing and respiratory etiquette is another element of a layered mitigation strategy for schools to remain safe, healthy, open, and in-person for the 2021-2022 school year. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends handwashing techniques that include 20 seconds of washing with soap and water. If water and soap is unavailable, 60% alcohol-based hand sanitizer is recommended.
CDC’s Recommended 6-Step Process for Handwashing and Respiratory Etiquette:
Westbrook Public Schools will:
Expect students and staff to wash or sanitize their hands upon entry of the building or classroom and throughout the day.
Teach and reinforce hand-washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
Put systems in place to communicate the most up-to-date policies and protocols related to the considerations herein, for staff, students, and families. This information will be shared by principals in messages to families and on the district website.
Make plans available in relevant languages of families in the community, as well as accessible to those with visual and /or hearing impairments.
Cleaning and Maintaining Healthy Facilities
Westbrook Public Schools will continue to follow the most updated cleaning protocols recommended by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the Connecticut Department of Health.
Current guidelines and recommended practices for Westbrook Public Schools:
Clean high touch surfaces and objects
Regularly clean surfaces (at least once per day)
Westbrook Public Schools will continue to train all custodial staff and employees on the latest cleaning protocols as a critical component of a layered mitigation strategy plan to keep students and staff safe and healthy during this pandemic.
Ventilation systems- requirements and protocols- will remain in effect and in compliance with the most current CDC and CT DPH guidance.
Contact Tracing, Isolation, and Quarantine Procedures
Westbrook Public Schools will continue to follow the guidelines outlined in Addendum 9 to Adapt, Advance, and Achieve document for the 2021-2022 school year. As additional guidance becomes available, Westbrook Public Schools will update our district plan.
Under current state guidelines for schools, Westbrook Public Schools will follow recommended contact tracing, isolation, and quarantine procedures as described below:
Diagnostic Screening and Testing
Westbrook Public Schools will continue to follow CDC and CT DPH guidance regarding diagnostic screening and testing recommendations, including partnering with local health departments to increase access to the most updated information regarding screening and testing locations.
At this time, Westbrook Public Schools does not plan to test students and staff onsite.
Covid-19 Vaccinations- Eligibility and Access
Westbrook Public Schools will continue to partner with the Westbrook Health Department and CT River Area Health District to communicate the most updated information regarding vaccination sites, student eligibility, and access as it becomes available.
Accommodations for Children with Disabilities (Health and Safety)
Children with disabilities, whether on an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or a Section 504 plan, are expected to comply with all district health and safety protocols. Individualized accommodations can be provided through a PPT or 504 meeting based on individual student medical and/or social/emotional/behavioral needs by team recommendation. A plan will be developed and communicated to appropriate staff members implementing services for that student. Teams will reconvene as needed to review progress and revise plans if necessary.
Section II. Continuity of Services
For the summer and next school year 2021-2022, Westbrook Public Schools must ensure that students with specialized needs, i.e., IEP, 504 or English Learner (EL) plans, have access to the general education activities available to all students. Additionally, some students with specialized needs may require recovery services. We are cognizant of the potential disproportionate effect the Covid-19 pandemic may have had on certain student subgroups, in particular, the groups mentioned above. The primary focus of Westbrook Public Schools will be seeking authentic engagement of families and students to address students’ current needs by reviewing data, updating present levels of performance, examining student progress toward annual goals and short-term objectives, and reviewing, revising, and/or temporarily increasing the intensity of specialized services, including related services, as needed.
Educational recovery is academic and related services provided to a student to remediate lack of expected progress and/or regression of skills as a result of delayed, interrupted, suspended, or inaccessible services caused by the pandemic. Educational recovery is not intended as a minute for minute replacement for disrupted educational time, but rather aims to make time-limited adjustments to the student’s learning plan to address lack of expected progress, mastery of essential skills, and prevention of further regression. Education recovery is distinct and separate from compensatory education, which is an equitable remedy to address situations where a school district has failed to provide a free and appropriate public education (FAPE).
Not all students with specialized needs will need educational recovery. In fact, many students have made meaningful progress and growth during this time period while being educated through in-person or remote learning modes of instruction. The district has committed to engage in a data-driven, individualized, and collaborative process when determining if a student needs education recovery in addition to general education programming.
Educational recovery can be provided at any time (e.g., during the school day, before/after school, during breaks, etc.). District staff and parents/guardians will work together to maintain a balance of a student’s placement in general education environments and opportunities to participate in extracurricular/nonacademic activities with the need for educational recovery. Despite the benefit of educational recovery, it should not be rushed or delivered at the expense of a student’s social/emotional well-being.
Extended School Year (ESY) means special education and related services that are provided to a student with a disability beyond the school district’s normal school year in accordance with the student’s IEP and at no cost to the parent. An individualized determination regarding a student's eligibility for ESY services must be made annually. The Connecticut standard for determining if a student qualifies to receive ESY services includes both regression/recoupment criteria and non-regression criteria. The need for ESY and the need for educational recovery are separate determinations.
Opportunities for Public Comment, Feedback and Suggestions
This plan will be updated every six months (and earlier, if needed) based on the most updated data and guidance available to Westbrook Public Schools from Center for Disease Control and Prevention and Connecticut State Department of Public Health as it relates to Covid-19. This plan will be posted on the district website and emailed to the school community via SchoolMessenger. This plan will also be available in English, Spanish and Portuguese.
Anticipated Future Public Input Opportunities:
School Year 2021-2022
December 2021 BOE Regular Meeting
Revised Plan posted by January 2022
June 2022 BOE Regular Meeting
Revised Plan posted by July 2022
School Year 2022-2023
December 2022 BOE Regular Meeting
Revised Plan posted by January 2023
June 2023 BOE Regular Meeting
Revised Plan posted by July 2023
DRAFT Westbrook 2021-2022 Safe Return to In Person Instruction and Continuity of Services Plan.pdf
April 1, 2021
Dear Parents, Guardians, Staff, and Community Members,
We received notification that one individual at Westbrook High School has tested positive for Covid-19. This individual was last present in-person on Wednesday, March 31st.
A small number of students at the high school will need to quarantine as a result of this case.
All close contacts have been identified and contacted with instructions to quarantine per CDC and CT DPH guidelines.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Sincerely,
Kristina J. Martineau, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Dear Parents, Guardians, Staff, and Community Members,
More than 65 staff members, including our bus drivers and substitute teachers are scheduled to receive their 2nd dose of the Moderna vaccine this Saturday. After discussions with our local health director and the well publicized experiences of many school districts in the state, we are concerned about staffing capacity on Monday, April 5th.
A last minute call on Monday would be a significant disruption and hardship for many of our families.
While we hope that our staff do not feel unwell after the 2nd dose, the reality is that many of them will not feel well this weekend and on Monday.
In anticipation of staffing capacity issues for our schools and buses, all schools will operate in Remote Learning mode on Monday, April 5th. Teachers have been asked to prepare asynchronous lessons (a combination of direct instruction and independent work) and lesson plans for Monday in the event they are unable to teach remotely.
As always, thank you for your flexibility, understanding, and continued support.
We all look forward to the time when we no longer need to message out anything related to Covid-19.
Kristina J. Martineau, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Westbrook Public Schools
March 28, 2021
Dear Parents, Guardians, Staff, and Community Members,
We received notification that two individuals have tested positive for Covid-19. One individual was last present in person at Daisy Ingraham Elementary School on Friday, March 26th. The second case is associated with Westbrook High School and that individual was also last in person on Friday, March 26th.
Daisy Ingraham Elementary School
All close contacts have been identified and contacted with instructions to quarantine per CDC and CT DPH guidelines.
Mrs. Tomek’s preschool class will transition to Remote Learning effective Monday, March 29th until Monday, April 5th. The class will return to In Person Learning on Tuesday, April 6th.
Westbrook High School
A small number of close contacts have been identified. These individuals have already been contacted with instructions to quarantine and monitor symptoms.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Sincerely,
Kristina J. Martineau, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Westbrook High School Theatre's production of A Chorus Line will be available virtually from Friday, March 26 at 7:00 p.m. through Sunday, March 28 at 9:00 p.m. Gain access by buying a ticket HERE:
https://www.showtix4u.com/
Tickets are $10 each. Thank you for your patronage and enjoy the show!
March 15, 2021
Dear Parents, Guardians, Staff, and Community Members,
We received notification that an individual at Westbrook High School tested positive for Covid-19.
This individual last attended in-person on March 10th.
There are no close contacts or quarantine requirements associated with students or staff.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Sincerely,
Kristina J. Martineau, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
March 13, 2021
Dear Parents, Guardians, Staff, and Community Members,
We received notification that an individual at Daisy Ingraham Elementary School tested positive for Covid-19.
This individual last attended in-person on March 3rd.
There are no close contacts or quarantine requirements associated with students or staff.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Sincerely,
Kristina J. Martineau, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
March 7, 2021
Dear Parents, Guardians, Staff, and Community Members,
We received notification that an individual at Daisy Ingraham Elementary School tested positive for Covid-19.
This individual last attended in-person on Friday, March 5th.
We are in the process of identifying close contacts and will reach out to families and staff this morning.
Mrs. Fischer’s 3rd grade class will transition to Remote Learning effective Monday, March 8th until Monday. March 15th. The class will return to In Person Learning on Tuesday, March 16th.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Sincerely,
Kristina J. Martineau, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Dear Westbrook Schools Community,
We received notification this morning of two positive Covid-19 cases at Westbrook Middle School. One individual was present in-person on Tuesday, March 1st. The other individual was present in-person on Friday, February 26th.
The families of all students who have been identified as close contacts have been notified with instructions to quarantine and monitor symptoms.
These cases also impact staffing capacity due to the number of staff members required to quarantine.
Grade 6 will continue to operate in Remote Learning mode until Thursday, March 11th.
Grade 5 will transition to Remote Learning starting tomorrow until Thursday, March 11th.
There is no school on Friday, March 12th. It is a professional development day for staff.
Grades 5 and 6 will return to In-Person mode on Monday, March 15th.
Grades 7 and 8 will continue to operate In-Person.
Over the last few weeks, we have had to make difficult decisions about transitioning classes and entire grades to remote learning due to required quarantines that impact students, staff, and staffing capacity. In school, we continue to follow CT DPH and CDC guidelines regarding frequent hand washing, masks, and social distancing. These mitigation strategies have been highly effective in preventing in-school transmission of Covid-19.
We need community support and assistance to reduce community cases and household exposures. We have seen an increase in community cases over the last few weeks, including cases associated with students in our three schools.
Please see the community message below from First Selectman Noel Bishop and Westbrook Health Director Zachary Faiella.
Thank you for your continued partnership during this challenging time,
Kristina J. Martineau, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Westbrook Public Schools
To All Westbrook Residents:
We are all aware that the State has begun vaccinating for Covid-19 based upon age categories. With the exceptional support of our Regional Health District, Zachary Faiella our Director of Health, Courtney Burks, Senior Center Director and staff, we have collectively reached out to all of our residents 65 and older (over 2,000 telephone calls) to assist them on the process of registering and receiving the vaccine. As vaccine demand has outweighed supply, residents are encouraged to have patience in scheduling their vaccine.
It is important that we continue to be ever vigilant regarding this Pandemic. This is not the time to be complacent and we urge your review and cooperation on the following procedures. We are all eager, with the coming of Spring, to socialize and engage in other activities with the assumption that because we have been vaccinated, we can be more relaxed about our personal responsibilities to each other. Our Health Director and I however, must continue to remind everyone that these basic, simple procedures should be adhered to even though you have been vaccinated:
* Wear a mask to protect yourself and others (completely over the nose and mouth).
* Social distance from others who don’t live in the same household.
* Do not gather in large groups. Avoid crowds. The more people someone is in close contact with, the more likely they are exposed to COVID-19.
* Wash hands often with soap and water.
* Get vaccinated when you are eligible (Eligibility determined by the State of CT https://portal.ct.gov/
* If you have been tested for COVID-19, stay home and away from others while awaiting results of your test. In the case of a potential positive result, staying home and away from others while waiting for your test results will reduce the chance of spreading COVID-19, if positive.
* If someone in your household is positive or contagious with COVID-19 and you have been exposed to that person, please stay home for a proper amount of quarantine. Residents are encouraged to visit the CDC website relative to quarantine guidelines https://www.cdc.gov/
* Remember, those with COVID-19 can be contagious 2 days prior to symptom onset/positive test date, and until 10 days or more have passed since symptom onset/positive test date. It’s critical to stay away from COVID-19 positive individuals during this time frame.
Thank you.
Noel Bishop, First Selectman
Zachary Faiella, Director of Health
March 2, 2021
Dear Parents, Guardians, Staff, and Community Members,
This afternoon, we received notification that an individual at Westbrook Middle School tested positive for Covid-19. This individual was last present in-person at school on Thursday, February 25th.
We are in the process of determining close contacts and anticipate an impact on staffing capacity as a result of quarantine requirements. As always, we are working closely with our local department of health. All students and staff required to quarantine will be contacted this afternoon and provided with instructions per CDC and Connecticut guidelines for schools.
Due to the impact on staffing capacity at Westbrook Middle School, all 6th grade students will transition to remote learning. Grade 6 will return to in-person learning on Monday, March 8th.
We will continue to monitor this case and provide updates as needed. As always, thank you for your continued support and understanding. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Sincerely,
Kristina J. Martineau, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
February 27, 2021
Dear Parents, Guardians, Staff, and Community Members,
Earlier today, we received notification that two additional individuals at Daisy Ingraham Elementary School and an individual at Westbrook Middle School tested positive for Covid-19.
Case #1 at Daisy: This individual was last present in-person on February 24th. As a result of this case, Ms. Cote’s preschool class will transition to remote learning effective March 1st-March 5th. The class will return to in-person mode on Monday, March 8th.
Case #2 at Daisy: This individual was last present on February 25th. As a result of this case, Ms. Fair’s 4th grade class will transition to remote learning effective March 1st-March 5th. The class will return to in-person mode on Monday, March 8th.
Case #1 at WMS: This individual has not been in-person in our district for an extended period of time. There are no close contacts or quarantine requirements associated with students or staff.
We are in the process of determining close contacts. As always, we are working closely with our local department of health. All students and staff required to quarantine will be contacted this afternoon and provided with instructions per CDC and Connecticut guidelines for schools.
An update in other recent cases: The quarantine period ends this weekend for students and staff associated with the 7th grade case and the 3rd grade case. The 7th grade will return to in-person learning on Monday, March 1st. Ms. Fischer’s 3rd grade class will transition back to in-person learning on Monday, March 1st.
As always, thank you for your continued support and understanding. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Sincerely,
Kristina J. Martineau, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
February 26, 2021
Dear Parents, Guardians, Staff, and Community Members,
We received notification that three individuals at Daisy Ingraham Elementary School tested positive for Covid-19. All three individuals have not recently attended school in person due family exposures and quarantine requirements. We have carefully reviewed each case. In consultation with our local department of health, we have determined that there are no close contacts associated with students or staff per CDC and Connecticut guidelines for schools.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Sincerely,
Kristina J. Martineau, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
February 25, 2021
Dear Parents, Guardians, Staff, and Community Members,
We received notification that an individual at Daisy Ingraham Elementary School tested positive for Covid-19. This individual was last present in-person at school on Wednesday, February 17th. In consultation with our local department of health, we have determined that there are no close contacts associated with students or staff per CDC and Connecticut guidelines for schools.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Sincerely,
Kristina J. Martineau, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
February 24, 2021
Dear Parents, Guardians, Staff, and Community Members,
This afternoon, we received notification that an individual at Daisy Ingraham Elementary School tested positive for Covid-19. This individual was last present in-person at school on Wednesday, February 17th. In consultation with our local department of health, we have determined that there are no close contacts associated with students or staff. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Sincerely,
Kristina J. Martineau, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
February 23, 2021
Dear Parents, Guardians, Staff, and Community Members,
We received notification that two individuals have tested positive for Covid-19. Both individuals were last present in-person on Thursday, February 18th. One individual is associated with Westbrook High School. The other individual is a district employee.
A small number of students at the high school will need to quarantine as a result of one of the cases. There is no anticipated quarantine impact associated with the other case. All close contacts have been identified and contacted with instructions to quarantine per CDC and CT DPH guidelines.
We will continue to monitor these cases and provide updates as needed. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Sincerely,
Kristina J. Martineau, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
February 21, 2021
Dear Parents, Guardians, Staff, and Community Members,
This afternoon, we received notification that an individual at Westbrook High School tested positive for Covid-19. This individual was last present in-person at school on Thursday, February 18th.
We are in the process of determining close contacts. All students and staff required to quarantine will be contacted this afternoon and evening with instructions per CDC and Connecticut guidelines for schools.
We will continue to monitor this case and provide updates as needed. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Sincerely,
Kristina J. Martineau, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
February 20, 2021
Dear Parents, Guardians, Staff, and Community Members,
This afternoon, we received notification that an individual at Daisy Ingraham Elementary School and an individual at Westbrook Middle School tested positive for Covid-19. These individuals were last present in-person at school on Wednesday, February 17th. We are in the process of determining close contacts and anticipate an impact on staffing capacity as a result of quarantine requirements. As always, we are working closely with our local department of health. All students and staff required to quarantine will be contacted this afternoon and provided with instructions per CDC and Connecticut guidelines for schools.
At Daisy Ingraham Elementary School, Ms. Fisher’s 3rd grade class will transition to remote learning. This class will return to in-person learning on Monday, March 1st.
Due to the impact on staffing capacity at Westbrook Middle School, all 7th grade students will transition to remote learning. Grade 7 will return to in-person learning on Monday, March 1st.
We will continue to monitor these cases and provide updates as needed. We are in the process of reaching out to students and staff this afternoon to provide additional instructions regarding quarantine for individuals who are identified as close contacts.
As always, thank you for your continued support and understanding. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Sincerely,
Kristina J. Martineau, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
January 30, 2021
Dear Parents, Guardians, Staff, and Community Members,
Earlier this morning, we received notification that an individual at Daisy Ingraham Elementary School tested positive for Covid-19. This individual was last present in person at Daisy on Thursday, January 28th. All students and staff required to quarantine have been contacted and provided with instructions per CDC and Connecticut guidelines for schools.
Due to the impact on staffing at the elementary school, Daisy Ingraham Elementary School will operate in full remote learning mode starting on Monday, February 1st through Friday, February 5th.
Potential weather related events aside, Westbrook High School and Westbrook Middle School return to full in-person mode on Monday, February 1st.
In the event of a weather related closure this week, we will use one day as a traditional snow closure day, but transition to remote learning if multiple days are impacted and power outages are not an issue.
As always, thank you for your continued support, understanding, and flexibility. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Sincerely,
Kristina J. Martineau, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
