School Events

  • WMS P&R After School Program

    Use of cafeteria, gym and bathrooms near cafe

    Westbrook Middle School

  • WMS P&R After School Program

    Use of cafeteria, gym and bathrooms near cafe

    Westbrook Middle School

  • WMS P&R After School Program

    Use of cafeteria, gym and bathrooms near cafe

    Westbrook Middle School

  • WMS Marking Period 2 Closes

    Westbrook Middle School

  • WMS P&R After School Program

    Use of cafeteria, gym and bathrooms near cafe

    Westbrook Middle School
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WMS Daily Information

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WMS - Helping our Community

There are 2 great ways for the members of WMS to positively impact our community this holiday season: our own Food Drive and the townwide Holiday for Giving.
At school, we are collecting non-perishable food items as well as personal care/household items to donate to the St. Mark's/Shoreline Soup Kitchen. Please feel free to drop off items in the box located outside our front entrance now through the morning of Friday, December 18th at which time Dr. Miller will bring our donations to the church. This year, more than ever, the need is great.
 
We are also encouraging you to make a contribution if you can to the Westbrook Youth and Family Holiday Giving Program. This year, contributions can be made by simply purchasing a gift card from either grocery or retail stores. 
                       All contributions can be sent directly to Westbrook Youth & Family Services, PO Box 918, Westbrook, CT 06498. Contributions need to be received by December 18th as well.
                      

 

December 2020 Happenings!

December 1 - December 18  WMS Food Drive/Westbrook Y&F Giving Tree Campaign

December 23 - Early Dismissal (12:15)

December 24 - January 1, 2021 Holiday Break 

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call the office (860)399-2010; Ms. Banach,  Ms. Bauer and Dr. Miller are happy to help you!     

 

     

UPDATED SAFETY/HEALTH PROTOCOLS

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…

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

…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

 

 

Remote Schedule

  

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.

District News

  • High School Transitions to Full Remote

    January 18, 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 Westbrook High School on Friday, January 15th.  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 at the high school, Westbrook High School will transition to full remote learning mode for this week (1/19-1/22) and next week (1/25-1/29).  

    Tomorrow, January 19th, the high school will follow a normal B-day schedule (not the remote schedule used in November). See full schedule below for reference.  Period 5 will begin remotely at 7:50 a.m. tomorrow morning.

    Based on current information, we anticipate that the high school will return to full in-person mode on Monday, February 1st.  

    Westbrook Middle School and Daisy Ingraham Elementary School are not impacted by this case. Westbrook Middle School will return to in-person operations tomorrow as planned.

    We will continue to monitor this case and provide updates as needed. Principal Winch and high school office staff will be 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

    Covid Info

  • Covid 19 Case- Daisy Ingraham Elementary School

    January 15, 2021

    Dear Parents, Guardians, Staff, and Community Members,

    We were notified of an individual at Daisy Ingraham Elementary School who has tested positive for Covid-19.  This individual last attended school in-person on January 12th.  After conferring with our local health department, we have determined that a small number of students and staff will quarantine in line with CT Department of Public Health and CDC guidelines.  All families and staff members impacted by this case have already been contacted.

    As a reminder, if you or a family member start to exhibit symptoms of COVID-19, are exposed to a positive case, or are awaiting test results, please inform the school nurse as soon as possible.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us for guidance and clarification. Most importantly, please self-quarantine and choose remote learning until these concerns and questions are resolved. 

    As always, student and staff health, safety and wellness are our highest priorities. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

    Sincerely, 

    Kristina J. Martineau, Ed.D.

    Superintendent of Schools

    Superintendent of Schools

    Covid Info

  • Positive Covid 19 case at Westbrook Middle School

    January 12, 2021

    Dear Parents, Guardians, Staff, and Community Members,

    Early this morning, we received notification that an individual at Westbrook Middle School tested positive for Covid-19. This individual was last present in person at Westbrook Middle School on Friday, January 8th. After a comprehensive review of close contacts in collaboration with our local health department, we have determined that this case requires 11 staff members and 13 students to quarantine. 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 middle school, Westbrook Middle School will continue to operate in full remote learning mode for the remainder of this week and return to in-person operations on Tuesday, January 19th.

    Westbrook High School and Daisy Ingraham Elementary School are not impacted by this case and will remain in full in-person learning mode.

    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

    Covid Info

  • Westbrook Middle School Moves to Remote Learning - 1/12/2021

    January 12, 2021

    Due to a positive Covid-19 case at the middle school that was reported early this morning, the time needed to conduct contact tracing, and potential impact to staffing capacity due to quarantine, we have determined that all Westbrook Middle School students and staff will participate in remote learning today, Tuesday, January 12th.  I will follow-up with a communication later this morning with more details as we evaluate this case and its impact.  

    Kristina J. Martineau

    Superintendent of School

    Covid Info

  • Covid-19 Case Update 1/6/2021

    January 6, 2021

    Dear Parents, Guardians, Staff, and Community Members,

    We were informed that two individuals at Westbrook High Schools have tested positive for Covid-19.  These individuals have not attended in-person learning since early November.  There are no known exposures or contacts associated with Westbrook Public Schools associated with these cases.  

    We were also notified of an individual at Daisy Ingraham Elementary School who has tested positive for Covid-19.  This individual attended school in-person on January 4th.  After conferring with our local health department, we have determined that a small number of students and staff will quarantine out of an abundance of caution and in line with CT Department of Public Health and CDC guidelines.  All families and staff members impacted by this case have already been contacted.

    As a reminder, if you or a family member start to exhibit symptoms of COVID-19, are exposed to a positive case, or are awaiting test results, please inform the school nurse as soon as possible.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us for guidance and clarification. Most importantly, please self-quarantine and choose remote learning until these concerns and questions are resolved. 

    As always, student and staff health, safety and wellness are our highest priorities. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

    Sincerely, 

    Kristina J. Martineau, Ed.D.

    Superintendent of Schools

    Covid Info

  • Covid-19 Case Update 12/29/2020

    December 29, 2020

    Dear Parents, Guardians, Staff, and Community Members,

    We were informed that an individual at Westbrook Middle School has tested positive for Covid-19.  This individual was last in the school on December 23rd. After consulting with our local health director, we have determined, out of an abundance of caution, that two other individuals should quarantine per CDC and CT DPH guidelines. These individuals have already been contacted and no other action is needed at this time.

    We will continue to monitor cases of Covid-19 and update you as we receive new information. 

    We ask that you continue to encourage your children to practice good hand-washing hygiene, wear face masks, and to practice social distancing per CDC guidelines. As a reminder, if you or a family member start to exhibit symptoms of 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.

    Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

    Kristina J. Martineau, Ed.D.

    Superintendent of Schools

    Covid Info

  • Covid-19 Update 12/28/2020

    December 28, 2020

    Dear Parents, Guardians, Staff, and Community Members,

    This afternoon, we were informed that an individual at Daisy Ingraham Elementary School has tested positive for Covid-19.  This individual last attended Daisy in person on December 23rd.  This case is the result of a household exposure event. We have conferred with our local health director and determined that this new case does not require any student or staff at Daisy Ingraham Elementary School to quarantine.

    Additionally, we received a report of another individual associated with Daisy who also tested positive for Covid-19.  This case is also the result of an unrelated household exposure event. This individual was last in person at Daisy Ingraham Elementary School on Friday, December 18th. No students or staff members need to quarantine as a result of this case.

    We ask that you continue to encourage your children to practice good hand-washing hygiene, wear face masks, and to practice social distancing per CDC guidelines. As a reminder, 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.

    Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

    Kristina J. Martineau, Ed.D.

    Superintendent of Schools

    Covid Info

  • Covid-19 Case Update

    Sunday, December 20, 2020

    Dear Parents, Guardians, Staff, and Community Members,

    We were informed that an individual at Westbrook High School has tested positive for Covid-19.  This individual was last present at Westbrook High School on Tuesday, December 15th.  As always, we work closely with the Westbrook Health Department to identify close contacts and quarantine requirements.  We have determined that a quarantine period is required for high school students who may been in close contact with this individual.  All students and their families impacted by this particular case have already been contacted and instructed to quarantine.

    As always, we appreciate your efforts and support during this challenging time.  

    Sincerely, 

    Kristina J. Martineau, Ed.D.

    Superintendent of Schools

    Covid Info

  • Remote Learning Survey

    Monday, December 14, 2020

     

    Dear Westbrook Students, Parents, and Guardians,

     

    After an extended period of time in remote learning mode this fall, I am writing to you now to ask for your feedback to help us to plan in the event we return to remote, e-learning this school year.  Please consider taking a few minutes to share with us your thoughts, experiences, and suggestions to help us to provide the best experience possible in remote learning.

     

    Also, some of our students continue to participate remotely while schools are in-person.  The perspective of our students and families who remain in remote learning mode is also very important to us.

     

    Thank you in advance for your time in completing this survey and your input to help us in future planning.  Please complete one survey per child.  The survey will close on Monday, December 21, 2020.

     

    Daisy Ingraham Elementary School

    Westbrook Middle School

    Westbrook High School

     

    Kristina J. Martineau, Ed.D.

    Superintendent of School

    Westbrook Public Schools

  • Covid-19 Update

    December 9, 2020

    Dear Parents, Guardians, Staff, and Community Members,

    This afternoon, we were informed that a student at Westbrook Middle School has tested positive for Covid-19. This was a household spread event.  Due to the household exposure, this student has been in quarantine per guidance from our local health director and CDC guidelines. This student did not attend in-person learning this week and there are no known exposures or contacts associated with Westbrook Public Schools. No further action is required at this time.

    I will continue to update you if we receive information regarding positive cases of Covid-19 and any potential impact on our day to day operations due to staff shortages and quarantine requirements.

    As always, we appreciate your efforts during this challenging time.

    Sincerely, 

    Kristina J. Martineau, Ed.D.

    Superintendent of Schools

     

    Covid Info

  • Covid-19 Case Update

    December 9, 2020

    Dear Parents, Guardians, Staff, and Community Members,

    We were informed that a student at Westbrook Middle School has tested positive for Covid-19.  This student has not attended in-person learning this week. Per guidance from our local health director and CDC guidelines, this student will quarantine for 14 days.  There are no known exposures or contacts associated with Westbrook Public Schools.  No further action is required at this time.

    I will continue to update you if we receive information regarding positive cases of Covid-19 and any potential impact on our day to day operations due to staff shortages and quarantine requirements.

    We ask that you continue to encourage your children to practice good hand-washing hygiene, wear face masks, and to practice social distancing per CDC guidelines. As a reminder, if you or a family member start to exhibit symptoms of the COVID-19, please reach out to your physician and inform your child’s school nurse as soon as possible. If you would like further information on COVID-19, please go to the Westbrook Public Schools website at www.westbrookctschools.org.

    As always, student and staff health, safety, and wellness are our highest priorities. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

    Sincerely, 

    Kristina J. Martineau, Ed.D.

    Superintendent of Schools

     

    Covid Info

  • Covid-19 Update 12/7/2020

    December 7, 2020

    Dear Parents, Guardians, Staff, and Community Members,

    We were informed that a student at Daisy Ingraham Elementary School has tested positive for Covid-19.  This case is associated with a household exposure and the student has been quarantined while awaiting official test results. Per guidance from our local health director and CDC guidelines, this student will continue to quarantine.  There are no known exposures or contacts associated with Westbrook Public Schools.  No further action is required at this time.

    I will continue to update you if we receive information regarding positive cases of Covid-19 and any potential impact on our day to day operations due to staff shortages and quarantine requirements.

    We ask that you continue to encourage your children to practice good hand-washing hygiene, wear face masks, and to practice social distancing per CDC guidelines. As a reminder, if you or a family member start to exhibit symptoms of the COVID-19, please reach out to your physician and inform your child’s school nurse as soon as possible. If you would like further information on COVID-19, please go to the Westbrook Public Schools website at www.westbrookctschools.org.

    As always, student and staff health, safety and wellness are our highest priorities. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

    Sincerely, 

    Kristina J. Martineau, Ed.D.

    Superintendent of Schools

    Covid Info

  • In-Person Mode and Follow-Up Communication

    Sunday, December 6, 2020

    Dear Parents and Guardians,

    As we transition back to full, in-person instruction on Monday, December 7th in all three schools, please know that we continue to follow the most updated CDC guidelines and Connecticut Department of Public Health recommendations, including cleaning protocols, social distancing, health self screening, and face mask requirements to keep our students and staff safe in our schools. We are ready and eager to welcome our students and staff back to our schools tomorrow and look forward to seeing them in-person.

    We understand that some families may choose to continue remote, e-learning for a variety of reasons, including family decisions associated with self quarantine prior to the winter holidays.  Remote, e-learning remains an option to all families during this time.  If you decide to pursue this option, we ask that you communicate directly to your child’s school principal and encourage you to reach out if you have any additional needs.  In the spirit of continuous improvement and a commitment to supporting all of our students to feel connected and supported during this challenging time, our principals will be sending out a survey this week to hear from you about how remote, e-learning experiences can be improved for our students. 

    Also, on Tuesday, December 8th, the Connecticut Department of Education will host a Virtual Town Hall Event for Parents and Families: Supporting Children in Remote Learning during Covid-19  (Spanish language version of the event flyer hyperlinked here).

    We will continually review and evaluate the mode of school (in person vs. remote) to keep our students and staff safe.  We will work closely on a daily basis with our Westbrook Department of Health and communicate any updated information or changes that might impact school operations as soon as possible.

    Thank you again for your understanding and flexibility.  As always, we appreciate your support and feedback.

    Sincerely,

    Kristina J. Martineau, Ed.D.

    Superintendent of Schools

    Covid Info

  • Return to Full In Person Learning Monday 12/7/2020

    Thursday, December 3, 2020

    Dear Parents, Guardians, Students, and Staff,

    Over the last several weeks, all three schools have been operating in remote, e-learning mode as a result of an increase of Covid-19 cases in the Westbrook community identified by the Connecticut Department of Health in the widely publicized Connecticut Covid-19 Data Tracker and in conjunction with published guidance from the Connecticut Department of Public Health in the Town-Level Covid Response Framework.  Most recent guidance from Governor Lamont, the Connecticut Department of Education, and the Connecticut Department of Public Health encourages superintendents and local health department officials to reconsider this framework in conjunction with internal health metrics directly related to student and staff cases of Covid-19 and potential staff shortages as a result of quarantines.  

    After reviewing the latest Covid-19 community case report, internal school data related to active Covid-19 cases, and staffing capacity with Westbrook Health Director Zachary Faiella, we have decided to return to school for full, in person learning at all schools beginning Monday, December 7, 2020.  

    We appreciate your continued patience and support. It is our priority to operate our schools in person as much as possible this year, but we will always carefully consider external and internal health metrics to ensure we do so in the safest way possible for our students and staff. We understand the hardship and inconvenience that the uncertainty and shifts in school modes causes for our families, staff, and community.  We will continue to update you with the latest information and to notify you of changes to school modes as soon as possible.

    Sincerely

    Kristina J. Martineau, Ed.D.

    Superintendent of Schools

    Covid Info

  • Communication from Kristina J. Martineau, Supt.

    Dear Parents, Guardians, Staff, and Community Members,

    We were informed that a staff member at Westbrook Middle School has tested positive for COVID-19. This staff member has been working remotely since our transition to distance learning and there are no known exposures or close contacts associated with Westbrook Public Schools. The individual has been instructed by their local health department to quarantine per CDC guidelines. This information was also shared with our Westbrook Health Director, Zach Faiella. 

    I will continue to update you if we receive information regarding positive cases of Covid-19 and any potential impact on our day to day operations due to staff shortages and quarantine requirements.

    We ask that you continue to encourage your children to practice good hand-washing hygiene, wear face masks, and to practice social distancing per CDC guidelines. As a reminder, if you or a family member start to exhibit symptoms of the COVID-19, please reach out to your physician and inform your child’s school nurse as soon as possible. If you would like further information on COVID-19, please go to the Westbrook Public Schools website at www.westbrookctschools.org.

    As always, student and staff health, safety and wellness are our highest priorities. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

    Sincerely, 

    Kristina J. Martineau, Ed.D.

    Superintendent of Schools

    Covid Info

  • Confirmed Covid-19 Case of Individual Associated with Westbrook Middle School

    Dear Parents, Guardians, Staff, and Community Members,

    This afternoon, we were informed that a student at Westbrook Middle School has tested positive for COVID-19. The student has been instructed by the Westbrook Health Department to quarantine per CDC guidelines.  As always, we continue to work closely with our Westbrook Health Director, Zach Faiella, to conduct tracing of close contacts and to determine next steps. If further information develops that impacts school operations beyond what is communicated here, I will send out a follow-up communication as soon as possible. 

    We ask that you continue to encourage your children to practice good hand-washing hygiene, wear face masks, and to practice social distancing per CDC guidelines. As a reminder, 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.

    As always, student and staff health, safety and wellness are our highest priorities. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

    Sincerely, 

    Kristina J. Martineau, Ed.D.

    Superintendent of Schools

    Covid Info

  • 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
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