OCTOBER NOVEMBER 1 November | DELAYED OPENING - Parents Teachers Conferences | 2 November | Election Day - NO SCHOOL | 3 November | DELAYED OPENING - Parents Teachers Conferences | 4 November | EARLY DISMISSAL - Parents Teachers Conferences | 24-26 November | Thanksgiving Recess - NO SCHOOL |
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- PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
- WHS HOMECOMING FOOTBALL GAME
- BOOK FAIR
- SQUARE1ART
- CLASS LIST INFO
- PTO MEMBERSHIP DRIVE
- BOE MEETING REPORT
- NEXT BOE MEETING
- WESTON SWAG
- AROUND TOWN
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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE The WIS PTO is so happy that we are able to bring programs back to WIS. Square 1 Art project is back! Teachers are working with the students in their classes to create wonderful works of art. Once the artwork is submitted to Square 1, you will have the opportunity to purchase a variety of items with your child’s artwork on them to have for your self or give as gifts. Perfect for the holidays!! October 22nd is WHS Homecoming!! Wear your blue and gold to show your school spirit and cheer no the Trojans to victory. Have your kids wear their WIS Tshirts, WIS Hats, WESTON Hats, bring your plush blanket or picnic/sports blanket (all available in our online spirit store!!!) There will even be a half time float parade!!! October 28th and 29th is the book fair. See below for information on how to add funds to your child’s scholastic account so they can go shopping and family night to shop together outside of the cafeteria. Coming up soon, we will have Family Fun Nights and Community Service projects. If you have not already joined the PTO, please join today! This will be the last WhIStle newsletter that will go out to all WIS Families. Moving forward only PTO members will receive the WhIStle newsletter. We invite all families, caretakers, parents, anyone who has a loved one attending WIS to join the PTO. We need and appreciate your support for our students and teachers. Without volunteers and financial support, we would not be able to provide the amazing projects and programs to the students and teachers at WIS.
Best Regards,
Debbie Carrothers WIS PTO President 2021-2022 |
WHS HOMECOMING FOOTBALL GAME Come Join Us at the Weston High School Homecoming Football Game!
The game kicks off at 7 pm sharp (Friday, October 22) but get there early to get a good seat and see your Trojans run through the "tunnel". The half-time show will include floats made by the student government classes as well as a show of our Weston Cheerleaders! And of course pick up some hot or cold snacks and drinks at the Booster Barn! Tickets can be purchased ahead of time or at the gate. Please click HERE for ticket information.
Go Weston!!!!!
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It’s Back!!! The WIS Book Fair - Students only during school hours on Thursday and Friday, October 28 and 29th. We have options this year. Your students can shop with their own Scholastic E-Wallet during the school day with their class. . . Or families will also be able to shop together, after school, in our first Outdoor Book Fair! A great opportunity for parents to shop with your kids after missing out last year! Class Parents will be sending home links to pre-pay for your child’s shopping with Scholastic Dollars, learn about the fair and to contribute to your teacher’s E-Wallet to buy books for the class. We will have school supplies, Holiday Gifts, book sets and Diary of a Wimpy Kid on presale! So much fun for everyone, we are so excited to be having this great event again! Happy Halloween! CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE BOOK FAIR |
Is there any better gift than your kid's art on a keepsake?
Your WIS student is creating art in school so that you can participate in this great WIS PTO fundraiser! In the coming weeks, you’ll receive a catalogue with their masterpiece and a link to order anything and everything with their art on it! Items will be shipped to your home IN TIME for the holidays! Want to preview what’s available? Check out all the great options! If you’re interested in having your student create additional art, or want a sibling (or anyone!) to participate, you can do so in 3 easy steps (1/Make/Use Art, 2/Upload Photo, 3/Order immediately!). Email me for info and art paper! Questions? Email stephanie.feingold@gmail.com |
NEEDED: YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION FOR WIS ROOM PARENTS If you haven’t already, please CLICK HERE to provide your contact information to your Room Parents. This online form is the sole vehicle by which Room Parents gather parent/caregiver contact information. Without this information your Room Parents will have no way of keeping you informed of important information. In addition to filling out the form, we ask that you do so in a timely manner so Room Parents can start their outreach to you. Thank you in advance. |
Join the PTO!!
Membership for the PTO is NOW OPEN! You can sign up for membership, purchase extra directories, and make a tax deductible donation to the PTO. |
Why join the PTO? An important component of the PTO is our communication program, which includes our website, email communication, weekly newsletters and social media. Not only do we keep our PTO website up-to-date but we also utilize email to send urgent news and timely reminders to our parents. - Be connected!
- Receive a copy of our school directory (only PTO members will be included in the directory)
- Be informed!
- Receive weekly emailed newsletters outlining all recent and upcoming school events, as well as pertinent events happening around town
- Receive emails notifying you of other important and timely school and PTO information.
- Be involved!
- Throughout the year the PTO members and parents volunteer for classroom activities, school fundraisers and events. The WIS PTO makes an essential connection between our families and our school. We encourage you to join today. Both our school and your children will benefit from your involvement!
CLICK HERE--PTO Membership to sign up. The payment link will be visible once your information is entered. If you have any issues with registering, please contact membership@westonpspto.org. Please NOTE: You can purchase Family Sponsorships in the directory by clicking this separate link: CLICK HERE--Family Directory Sponsorship. Thank you! HES, WIS, WMS & WHS PTO |
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BOE MEETING REPORT
1. Superintendent's Report - Enrollment – State reporting our district total is 2242. Discussions surrounding reasons for the slight down-tick in numbers.
- COVID 19 UPDATE (To listen to the entire update, go to 3:34:00 in Live Stream of meeting)
- WPS will continue to adhere to Gov. Lamont’s mandate as of September 28, 2021, stating that masks are required in public schools and will continue until February 2, 2022. THIS IS NOT A DISTRICT POLICY. THIS IS A LAW SET FORTH BY THE GOVERNMENT.
- Mask exemptions are dealt with on a case-by-case basis with the school nurse, health district, the family and the child’s physicians.
- Covid-19 dashboard is school-by-school and will be updated daily.
- In November, there will be a Pre-k to 5th grade voluntary weekly Covid-19 testing opportunity. Consent forms will be done through Power School. Completely optional. More to come.
- District Calendar – two options are being vetted for the 2022-23 school year: one including a full February break and one with a long weekend. Calendar committee still working out logistics and will present final option in special meeting in advance of next month’s meeting.
2. Summative Assessment Report for WPS – Dr. Kenneth Craw, Assistant Superintendent, presented. Focus of report was on annual testing – SBA, NGSS, SAT, ACT, Writing Portfolio (specific to WPS). These tools are the various ways by which we measure student progress. Purpose is to identify strengths and weaknesses, to inform both educators and the budget planning process, curriculum development, and to share with community. In each summation, there is a time stamp that denotes where in the live stream you can find these specific charts, should you want further information. As it applies to Hurlbutt and WIS: SBA – ELA and Math - Go to 1:30:44* of Live Stream for detailed chart of results.
- Administered to all students in Grades 3-8.
- Scale: Level 1 – does not meet standard; Level 2 – Approaching Level; Level 3 – Meets Level, Level 4 – Exceeds Level
- In 2021, % of Students with Level 3 or above per grade: Grade 8 – 74%, Grade 7 – 74%, Grade 6 – 70%, Grade 5 – 76%, Grade 4- 79%.
- Much discussion around the poor numbers of WPS lower schools. WPS is below DRG (neighboring districts) averages. Lisa Wolak spoke to the task force that has been put in place with curriculum leaders to address this issue. ”There is an action plan in place, with benchmarks, dates, goals…and federal funding due to Covid is supporting these efforts.”
Next Gen Science - Go to 1:54:00* of Live Stream for detailed charts.
- Administered to all students in Grades 5, 8 and 11
- In 2021, % of Students with Level 3 or above per grade: Grade 5 – 74.9%, Grade 8– 66.3%, Grade 11 – 81.4%
- Below DRG averages. Impact on Covid 19 on Science Learning a large part of the problem. Hopeful with a return to in-person science labs, etc., that the numbers will go up next year.
For those interested, a brief summation of WHS: SAT – Evidence based math, reading and writing - 1:15:55-1:19:00 Detailed charts in Live Stream
- State Benchmark is 530 (math) and 480 (EBRW). Weston’s Average: 612, with 88.4% of students scoring Level 3 or better. Weston usually ranks top 3-5 annually. This year, our average was highest in the state.
ACT – 4 components (English, Math, Reading and Science) - 1:19:54 Detailed charts in Live Stream.
- Each test is scored 1 – 36. In 2021, Weston’s composite score was 29.1.
AP - End of Course exams for College Level Classes - 1:20:31* Detailed charts of results in Live Stream.
- Exams scored on a 5-point scale. In 2021, % of exams with 3+ - 89%
- No National AP Scholars this year, but an International Diploma Award (globally recognized certificate to a student who displays exceptional achievement across a variety of disciplines)
Writing - 1:59:30* Detailed chart of results.
- Internal writing assessment of Grades 8 and 10
- Students submit 4 pieces – reflective letter, analytical, creative personal narrative, student choice.
- % of students scoring standard or above: Grade 8 – 76%, Grade 10 - 92%.
3. Sustainability - Board approved WPS Sustainability Policy and as a district ”is committed to environmental mindfulness and stewardship with respect to buildings, facilities, and WPS.”
- Goals are to: reduce energy and electricity usage, reduce food and yard waste, recycle, promote green cleaning, water conservation, and educate on environmental issues.
4. BOE Meetings Update: Discussed live vs. virtual BOE meetings. For now, meetings will remain virtual. They will continue to post the agenda as well as open the public comment forum 24-hours in advance. Discussing logistics of doing a live zoom call going forward with an opportunity for community interaction. See below for link to LiveStream and Recordings. |
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NEXT BOE MEETING A reminder that the next Board of Education meeting will be Monday, November 15th, at 6 pm via YouTube. It can be viewed via LiveStream or as a recording. You can access the LiveStream and Recording HERE! |
It’s Fall and time to get your cozy spirit swag! Our amazing plush blankets and cozy hats have been sold out, but they’re almost back in stock by popular demand! PRE-ORDER YOURS TODAY TO GUARANTEE YOU GET ONE! SUPPLIES ARE LIMITED! |
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The plush blankets are so soft you have to feel them to believe it! Perfect for football games and sports’ sidelines, chilly nights by the firepit, or your living room couch and kids’ beds. |
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 These SPORTS blankets are double-sided … one keeps you warm, one keeps you dry. Together they show your Weston Pride! They’re in stock (for now!)
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|  Everyone is wearing these hats at the football games! Don’t miss the chance to show your Weston spirit with these super warm hats! They will sell out fast! |
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WESTON CUB SCOUTS
Come and join Weston Cub Scouts! Pack 75 always welcomes new members from kindergarten to grade five. We meet approx twice a month with hikes, bike rides and camp days in-between. Be part of an organization that has been running for more than a century!
We put the 'out' in scouting - so see what we're all about and make some new friends by contacting Cubmaster Monica Goldstein: WestonPack75@gmail.com |
WESTON GIRL SCOUTS
Looking for adventure? Want to turn NEW friends into BEST friends? Join Weston Girl Scouts! Scan the QR code on our flyer to get started. Join a troop or start your own! To check for current troop availability or if you have questions, email: WestonGirlScouts@gmail.com Want to learn more about available Girl Scout programing? Visit: www.GSofCT.org
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PUMPKIN CARVING AND JACK O'LANTERN STROLL |
Halloween jack o’lanterns will light up the Weston Historical Society's historic Coley Homestead, 104 Weston Road, on Sunday, October 24, when the Weston Historical Society presents its second annual “Jack O’Lantern Stroll,” from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Prizes will be awarded to the top three hand-carved pumpkins. Get in on the fun by registering to carve and donate your jack o’lantern to be put on display! To Register & for more info: CLICK HERE Please register by October 20th. As a thank-you, pumpkin carvers/donors will receive a free ticket to the “Jack O’Lantern Stroll.” |
It’s that time of year again when we welcome all the pint-sized ghosts and goblins of Weston to dazzle us with their costumes at the WWL’s annual Halloween Trunk or Treat! That’s right, Trunk or Treat is BACK – with social distancing – and we need your help to make it fun, safe, and memorable for all our community. Here are the details:
WHEN: Sunday, October 24th (Rain date Monday, October 25th) 4:00pm-4:30pm Reserved as sensory friendly 4:30pm-6:00pm Open to all WHERE: Weston Intermediate School teacher parking lot WHAT: Guests will walk through the parking loop, stopping to see 25 decorated vehicle trunks while little ones receive trick or treat candy from trunk hosts. We’ll welcome our volunteer FD and EMS to showcase their emergency equipment for the kids to see. And, Tony Pizza Napolitano will be on the scene selling made-to-order pies to families for take-out dinner after the event. Guests and volunteers are asked to wear masks and maintain 6-feet of social distance at the event.
WE NEED YOUR HELP TO MAKE THIS EVENT A SUCCESS!!! Click here to be a TRUNKER and trick out your vehicle! Or... Click here to be a TREATER and donate to our candy fund!
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WESTON PUBLIC LIBRARY Update from the Weston Public Library! The Children's Library was closed for approximately two weeks for the Children's Room Remodel in September and will need to close for another day in mid to late October to finish the shelving installation and final furniture delivery. We are super excited for everyone to see the Children's Room once it is complete! We also have lots of virtual and indoor events that you can take part in at the library in October. Find out all about these exciting updates and programs in our LATEST NEWSLETTER HERE. You can also check for library updates and program information on our website atwww.westonpubliclibrary.org. |
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YES, WE CAN (AND BOTTLE) Have you heard about Cans & Bottles, Weston’s new 5¢-deposit redemption program? Manned by Weston High School students, it donates 100% of its profits to town initiatives, including the Boosters Club and the Green Team. It benefits the town (by lowering its waste-management fees) and the Earth (by keeping tons of toxins out of landfills). All the program needs now are your 5¢ redeemables. Did you know that the benefits of the program increase proportionately to the number of cans, plastics, and bottles it recycles? So, even if you use a garbage-collection service, please bring your 5¢-redeemables to the Weston Transfer Station (237 Godfrey Rd East) and deposit them in the bright red, green and blue sorting stations (one station for glass, one for aluminum and one for plastics). There is also a separate recycling bin for non-redeemable glass like sauce jars and wine bottles. It’s easy! And you don’t need a sticker. Better yet, the Transfer Station is only a six-minute drive from Weston Center. The operation is run by Weston kids. The sorting stations were custom-built over the summer by the Green Team. Every Saturday morning throughout the year, WHS sports teams and Green Teamers gather in the sorting hut, together bagging the deposits ready for transport to the recycling center. The kids are in charge of the playlist and an adult is always present. The process is safe, clean and efficient. It’s a win-win. The program promotes team-building and spreads the good word on the ease, need, and value of recycling. Last year it also: · donated over $8,000 · kept over 250,000 cans, bottles and plastics out of landfills (where they take up to 1,000 years to biodegrade) · significantly reduced Weston’s waste-removal fees Thank you for your support. Together we can build a better future.
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PARKS & REC PROGRAMS Parks & Recreation Programs can be found here. For Further Information Please Visit Our Website Prior to registration online make sure you have updated your household account for 2021-2022 school year. Review your family’s household account with your child’s current age, grade, address, phone number, etc. You will not be able to complete the online registration for any program if you do not do this. ***WINTER PROGRAMS REGISTRATION*** Registration for the Weston Parks & Recreation programs is available on www.westonct.gov/parksandrec only. We are pleased to offer our programs with various activities. All programs have limited space. See our separate brochure on the Town website. You will also find on our website video tutorials to help with your registration. Program questions should be directed to Program Director, Joe Parciasepe at 203-222-2675. ***AMERICAN RED CROSS SWIM LESSONS*** Fall swim lessons will be offered for children ages 1 and up. Saturday classes will begin on Oct. 23rd – Dec. 11th. Sunday classes will begin on Oct. 24th – Dec. 12th. Various times are offered. See separate flyer for details. There is limited space in each class. ***SPORTS & FITNESS – GRS. 3 – 5 - WINTER *** Join instructors Tom Ehret and Dan Ungar for exciting winter season of outdoor activities. Day/dates: Monday, Nov. 15th – Jan. 10th, Tues., Nov. 23rd – Jan. 18th, Wed., Nov. 17th – Jan. 26th and or Thurs., Dec. 2nd – Feb. 10th. Fee: $160.00 for either day. Limited space! Registration begins Monday, Nov. 1st at 12:01 a.m. ***FIELD HOCKEY – GRS. 3 - 5***-FALL We’re happy to bring field hockey at the youth level back to Weston! Program goal is having fun while learn the fundamentals of the sport! Day/dates: Tuesday, Sept. 14 – Nov. 16. Fee: $160.00. Space is still available. ***TENNIS – GRS. 3 - 5***- FALL Tennis lessons will focus on the secondary skills, using age appropriate racquets, nets and balls. Day/dates: Thursday, Sept. 23 – Nov. 11. Fee: $155.00. All spaces are now full. You may leave your child’s name on a waitlist. ***RUNNING – GRS. 3 – 5***- FALL Participants will enjoy speed, agility and distance training! This is a great way to stay in shape. Day/dates: Wed., Oct. 6 – Nov. 10. Fee: $120.00. Space is still available.
***MAKE YOUR DOG YOUR FRIEND*** Join instructor Sally Bovino for this fall dog training course! You and your dog will love it!! Day/dates: Saturday, Oct. 23rd – Nov. 13th. Rain dates will be made up at the end of the course. Time: 10:00 a.m. for Puppies (up to 5 months old) or Beginners. Fee: $120.00 for a four week session. Contact Sally at 203-451-8713 or email gsdgirl236@yahoo.com to register or questions. |
- The WIS PTO newsletter is distributed on Fridays, please send your submissions by the prior Wednesday, 2 pm.
- It is your responsibility to write and submit your relevant WIS activity each week.
- All submissions should be either included in the text of your email or attached in Word format and the content should be print-ready (please proofread!). Keep it simple and short.
- If you have a flyer, please submit a brief write-up along with it in PDF format and we will link it to the newsletter.
- Please send all necessary links, there will be a click "here" linking to the more detailed information.
- If you want to re-run a write-up from the previous week, check to see if it requires updating, i.e. changing the wording from "next week" to "this week", etc. If so, please make appropriate changes and re-send the revised write-up.
- All submissions should be sent to: wisptocommunications@westonpspto.org. All will be acknowledged.
- Submissions should be relevant to WIS and the town of Weston (i.e., town sports programs, Town of Weston sponsored community events or after-school sports programs for students taking place in the Town of Weston). If there is any question regarding the relevance of submission, final approval will be determined by the HES PTO Communications Chair and/or President.
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