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Originally delivered on 4/25/2022 1:02 pm

SUBJECT: The Word newsletter - April 25th, 2022

WHS THE WORD

April 25 2022

Edition # 53

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UPCOMING DATES


APR 26SAT Make-up Day for Juniors
APR 27Screenagers: The Next Chapter (Documentary and Discussion) 7 pm (Weston High School Auditorium)
APR 28ATBM ( Annual Town Budget Meeting) - 7 pm Check in for an 8 pm Start (Weston High School Auditorium)
MAY 2-13AP Exams
MAY 4Rising Freshman Forum
MAY 7Town Referendum (Vote) for the Town and BOE Budgets - 12-8 pm (Weston Town Hall Meeting Room)
MAY 10WHS Choir Concert 
MAY 11WHS Band Concert 
MAY 12WHS Orchestra Concert 
MAY 13WHS Senior Junior Prom
MAY 16BOE Regular Meeting - 6 pm (Weston Middle School Library/Zoom)
MAY 27-30Memorial Day Fair
MAY 28Weston Memorial Day Road Race
MAY 30Weston Memorial Day Parade
JUN 4EVERGREEN Dance
JUN 14-20Final Exams (preliminary)
JUN 21Last Day of School/Graduation


IN THIS ISSUE

  • PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
  • 2022/2023 PTO BOARD SLATE
  • SCREENAGERS
  • WESTON 5K ROAD RACE: IT'S BACK!
  • ACT PREP BOOT CAMP
  • EVERGREEN DANCE
  • BOE REPORT
  • PTO VIDEOS & MINUTES 
  • FWC SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION
  • DISTRICT PODCAST AND NEWSLETTER
  • WEF SEEKS NOMINATIONS
  • BRICK BY BRICK
  • CLASS NOTES
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Dear Weston High School Parents,

It finally felt like spring this weekend. I hope everyone was able to get outside for a bit.

Believe it or not, there are only 8 weeks left in this school year. It will be jam packed with activities for our seniors and WHS spring sports is now in full force. I even see concerts in the HS calendar! Hang in there everyone!

Remember, we have the viewing of Screenagers Wednesday night.  I think it will be very insightful so I hope you will join us.  Link to register is below.  It is a free event.

During our last PTO General Board meeting, Juli shared an important topic that was covered with our freshman and sophomores during Junior SAT Day.  The topic was academic integrity. During Covid, students got used to assessments at home.  Now that we are back in school, the waters are a bit muddied as to when collaboration is appropriate or not. The discussion they had was held like an Advisory lesson of "integrity vs. achievement". Some students had the sentiment that it was better to cheat and get good grades vs. trying their hardest and getting lower grades.  Learning the balance of this topic will be especially important to our students when they head off to college and/or work in the real world.  

See the full discussion live in our meeting recording.  http://www.westonpspto.org/Page.asp?n=162063&org=WestonCT-PTO

I for one am looking forward to Memorial Day Weekend.  Remember, our biggest fundraiser, the Weston 5k, is Saturday May 28th.  Details are below to run, walk, sponsor or volunteer.  It is a great community event - so come out regardless.

As always, if you have any ideas, comments or questions, please reach out to me at kristana.esslinger@gmail.com or (203) 981- 0582.


Best,

Kristana


PROPOSED 2022/2023 PTO BOARD SLATE

Please find the proposed 2022/2023 WHS PTO Board.  I would like to sincerely thank my nominating committee Alison Lisbon, Lauren Carter, Hillary Mandell, and Nancy Kirwan Hayden.  It takes months of hard work to put together a board of 20+ people and we couldn’t be more thrilled about the wonderful volunteers who have stepped up to serve on the board.  At the May general PTO meeting, all PTO members will be asked vote to approve this slate of officers.


Position 2022-2023

Name

PRESIDENT

Christine Harris

VICE PRESIDENT

Juad Masters

SECRETARY

Khyati Patel 

TREASURER

Mona Sharma

BOARD OF ED REP

Andrew Chi

COMMUNICATIONS/WEBSITE

Livia Ruggerio

PHILANTHROPY

Casey Saussy

PAST PRESIDENT

Kristana Esslinger

12TH GRADE CLASS REP 

Janet Hoffman

12TH GRADE CLASS REP 

Maggie Kins

12TH GRADE CLASS REP 

Jen Socha

12TH GRADE CLASS REP 

Maureen Weinbrum

11TH GRADE CLASS REP  Four year

Christine Harris

11TH GRADE CLASS REP Four Year

Carlye Adler

11TH GRADE CLASS REP One year

Casey Saussy

11TH GRADE CLASS REP One year

Lauren Carter

10 GRADE CLASS REP - Four Year

Juad Masters

10 GRADE CLASS REP - Four Year

Megan Burns Min

10 GRADE CLASS REP - One Year

Carrie Shaffer

10 GRADE CLASS REP - One Year

Gayle Costello

9TH GRADE CLASS REP - Four Year

Nancy Kirwan Hayden

9TH GRADE CLASS REP - Four Year

Joselyn Crowe

9TH GRADE CLASS REP - One Year

Anne Kyle

9TH GRADE CLASS REP - One Year

Lori Umhoffer

BRICKS FUNDRAISER

Sandy Hart

BYLAWS

Amy Lin Meyerson

COLLEGE TEST PREP COURSE

Stephanie Morris

ELECTION DAY BAKE SALE

Carrie Shaffer

MEMBERSHIP

Julie Solomon

MEMORIAL DAY ROAD RACE CO-CHAIR

Jana Gu

MEMORIAL DAY ROAD RACE CO-CHAIR

Nancy Kirwan Hayden

NEW FAMILY LIAISON - CO-CHAIR

Debbie Sollinger

ONLINE BAKE SALE

Julia Brennan

SPED LIAISON

Jean-Claude Oligario

STAFF APPRECIATION - CO-CHAIR

Michelle Sperry


SCREENAGERS NEXT CHAPTER

WHS PTO presents Screenagers NEXT CHAPTER on Wednesday, April 27th at 7 PM in the WHS Auditorium, followed by a discussion/Q&A led by members of WPS counseling staff.

Please register here:

https://www.leagueathletics.com/UserForm.asp?RegID=229399&org=westonpspto.org

WESTON 5K ROAD RACE: IT'S BACK! SATURDAY MAY 28th

Get your Race On!

The Weston Memorial Day 5k is back!! Join us as Weston comes together for this annual community celebration! The 28th Annual Weston 5k is set to run Saturday, May 28th after a 2 year hiatus.  We are all so excited to be back at this fabulous event - in person! Memorial Day Weekend is the highlight of the year in Weston - our fair, a parade and of course the road race - that brings our community together.

The WHS PTO allocates proceeds from the Road Race to fund a variety of enhancements to the Weston High School Curriculum. Your participation will allow the continuation of the WHS PTO’s mission to support quality education and programs for our award winning schools. A short video can highlight some of the many things the WHS PTO has been able to fund over the years. Register here: https://www.weston5k.com

LOCAL BUSINESSES: We typically have more than 1,000 runners, spectators and volunteers on race day. It’s a great way to gain exposure as you give back and support WHS and the community. Sponsorship Opportunities can be found on our Sponsor page using this link.  https://www.weston5k.com/Race/WestonCTMemorialDay5KRoadRace/Page-2

LAST CHANCE!!!! ACT PREP BOOT CAMP OPPORTUNITY

Many students have more success raising their scores on the ACT. This is because:

  • the content tends to be closer to a high school's curriculum
  • the science section, doesn't actually cover science -- it focuses on reading and analytical skills
  • the ACT tends to be more teachable and predictable, allowing students to learn its ins and outs 

Don't miss this chance to meet your test prep goals and increase your chances of standing out in the college process! 

EVERGREEN DANCE (9TH AND 10TH GRADERS)
BOE REPORT

The regular BOE meeting was held Thursday, April 21st.  Highlights include:

1) Ken Craw, with Matt Philip and Dan Doak, presented the Developmental Relationships and Drug/Alcohol Survey Results from Nov. '21 for 7-12 grades.

4 Modules in the Development Relationships Section

     - Development Relationships with teachers

     - Social Emotional Competencies

     - Experiences of school as a Safe and Just Place (Emotional Safety)

     - Academic motivations, goals, and mindsets

Conclusions for Developmental Relationships

     - Most students experience good relationships with their teachers with 21% "strong".
- Students’ social and emotional competence is generally strong.
- Students reported moderate experiences of “School as a Safe and Just
Place” with 27% "strong" and 27% weak.
- Most students reported moderate to strong levels of academic motivation
skills, and outcomes.
- LGBTQ and Non-binary students reported lower scores in some areas.

Drug-Free Communities Survey

- Four core measures:
- Students’ alcohol and drug use in the past 30 days.
- Students’ perception of parents’ feelings about substance abuse.
- Students’ perception of friends’ feelings about substance abuse.
- Students’ perceptions of risk in the use of these substances.
- Comparison data provided where possible from 2017 survey.

Drug-Free Communities Conclusions

- Alcohol is the most commonly used substance among Weston Students.
- Greater levels of use (overall) of all substances at WMS as compared to
2017.
- Lower levels of alcohol and drugs at WHS as compared to 2017.

Drug-Free Communities - Longitudinal Analysis Conclusions

- Longitudinal data indicates that substance use rates are decreasing with the
exception of an uptick in tobacco, alcohol and marijuana among 7th and
8th grade students.
- Weston youth report lowest perception of harm around marijuana use.
- Perception of parent disapproval continues to be high; perception of parent
disapproval is lower for marijuana in comparison to other substances.
- Students who perceive their parents believe it is wrong for them to drink
alcohol or use substances are less likely to use.
- Poly drug use - teens who reported using alcohol are more likely to report
use of other substances as compared to peers who reported not drinking.
- LGBTQ students reported substance use at a higher rate than their peers.


2) Lisa Wolak presented on Social Emotional Learning Next Steps

Next Steps 2022-2023

- Curriculum Renewal Cycle Health Year 5 Evaluation Cycle /
Developmental Guidance Year 1
- Student Forums/Programs - WMS & WHS
- Social Emotional Learning Component of SRBI (Scientific Research
Based Intervention)Handbook
- Community Partnerships - ADAP / Weston Youth Services /Town
Programs
Enhanced Co-Curricular Connections between SEL & Inclusive
Learning Environment


2022-2023 WPS Budget 

SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING
- District School Psychologist
- HES Psychologist & Social Worker
- Increased Staffing for WHS Alternative Pathways
- PBIS Coordinators
- Director of School Counseling grades 6-12
- SEL Professional Development
- Curriculum Renewal Cycle Health/Developmental Guidance


INCLUSIVE SCHOOL CLIMATE
- WMS Pure Teaming Model
- Grade Level Team Leader Stipends
- Co-Curricular/Athletic Stipends
- New Fiction & Nonfiction texts K-12


All presentations and survey questions/explanations are in the first link below. Time well spent to take a look at them.


Agenda and Materials: https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Agenda/2468?meeting=526839

Video of 4/12 Meeting: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfiS5TdWMVozkWFY1FS3knw

PTO VIDEOS & MINUTES

Miss a PTO meeting? We post a recording of the meeting (for one month) so you can catch up on your own time! http://www.westonpspto.org/Page.asp?n=162063&org=WestonCT-PTO

See all previous approved meeting minutes here!  http://www.westonpspto.org/Page.asp?n=161768&org=westonpspto.org

FCWTL Scholarship Application

Since 1968, Fairfield County Women’s Tennis League (FWTL) has organized competitive summer tennis for its members, promoting good sportsmanship and fair play.  This Spring, FCWLT is offering TWO (2) $1,500.00 scholarships to graduating high school girls.  With this scholarship FCWTL seeks to reward young women who have demonstrated leadership skills on and off the tennis court.

 

To apply, you must be a resident of one of the following communities in Fairfield County:  Darien, Easton, Fairfield, Greenwich, New Canaan, Norwalk, Stamford, Weston, Wilton.

 

Please send the following information to Linda Cremin (lindaccremin@gmail.com) by Friday, May 1st, 2022.

 

Tennis Player’s/Applicant’s Information

Name

 

Email Address

 

Home

Address 

 

 

Cell Phone Number

 

Name of High School

 

College Applied/Accepted______________________________________________

 

Please attach a 250 Word Essay entitled, “How Tennis has Enriched My Life”.

DISTRICT PODCAST AND NEWSLETTER

Superintendent Wolak has started a Podcast series this year interviewing various members of the WPS staff!  They are good! She also distributes monthly WPS Newsletters which have included an opening from her followed by a summary from each of the school Principals.  You can find both of them here!!!!

https://westonps.org (last 2 buttons)

WESTON EDUCATION FOUNDATION SEEKS NOMINATIONS

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of our founding in 1994, the Weston Education Foundation (WEF) established a new teacher award – the Elizabeth W. Stokes Founder’s Award – in 2020.

The Founder’s Award seeks to recognize and reward a teacher who has provided a unique or unusual experience outside the classroom to Weston students as part of the curricular experience. The Founder’s Award is named for Elizabeth W. Stokes, a long-time Weston resident who founded WEF in 1994.

Any Weston student or parent of a Weston student may nominate a teacher for the Founder’s Award, which is a cash gift of $1,000. The deadline for nominations is May 1 of each year.  The recipient will be announced on the anniversary of WEF’s incorporation – September 1.  

Full information including nomination criteria and the nomination form may be found here: 

https://www.westoneducationfoundation.org/elizabeth-w-stokes-founders-award/

BRICK BY BRICK
CLASS NOTES
SENIOR CLASS

Hello Class of 2022 Parents,

Less than 2 MONTHS  until Graduation.  Lots of happenings coming up: (Blue Highlights=new items)


4/26 Prom Ticket Sales

4/28 Prom Ticket Sales 

5/1 College Decision Day

5/2 – 5/13 AP Exams 

5/13 WHS Senior/Junior Prom

5/16 Internship Starts 

5/16 -5/20 PGE Ticket Sales - Early Bird Pricing

5/21-5/31 PGE Ticket Sales 

5/28 Weston Memorial Day 5K Race (WHs PTO’s largest fundraiser)

5/30 Memorial Day (No School)

5/31 LAST DAY to Purchase PGE Tickets

6/13 WHS Spring Award Ceremony 5:00pm

6/14 Senior Trip to Six Flags, MA 

6/16 Senior Banquet 

6/21 Graduation 6pm WHS Football Field

6/21 POST GRADUATION EVENT -  MYSTERY TRIP (PGE)


Some other info:

-We are busily planning for the PGE and looking to make it a fun night for all the students.  As you can imagine, the costs we are incurring have been climbing and we are trying our best to keep costs under control.  We continue to look to the Weston community for their support.  If you have/know of a local business or individual that would like to become a sponsor for the Class of 2022 here is the link:  Donating is easy. Simply Click here!

-The Senior Class Student Reps are putting together a slide show for the Senior Banquet.  Please send photos of your student from their years in Weston Schools (PreK-12).  Best photos would be groups of students.  Email all photos to:  whsseniorslideshow2022@gmail.com 

- The last 2 days to purchase PROM TICKETS will be Tuesday, April 26 & Thursday, April 28th.  Make sure all forms are filled out and signed and payment is received by April 28th.  (Tickets are $100 per person)

- We will begin selling tickets to the PGE on 5/16.  5/16- 5/20 will be EARLY BIRD pricing (we are still working out the costs).  5/21 - 5/31 will be REGULAR pricing.  NO TICKETS WILL BE SOLD AFTER 5/31.

-We still have some SENIOR signs available if yours got damaged/taken during the winter or if you did not purchase one in the Fall. Contact alimelito818@gmail.com

-We still have a few Stadium Seats available for sale. Contact alimelito818@gmail.com

- Spring Awards Ceremony 6/13 @5:00pm - Invites will be mailed to families of students receiving awards

-The Memorial Day Road Race Info (Sponsorship & Sign Up)

https://www.leagueathletics.com/Store/Default.asp?n=160870&org=westonpspto.org

https://runsignup.com/Race/CT/Weston/WestonCTMemorialDay5KRoadRace

-Brick by Brick Fundraiser Info:

https://www.leagueathletics.com/UserForm.asp?RegID=206989&org=westonps pto.org


JUNIOR CLASS
SOPHOMORE CLASS

Class of 2024 PTO Parent Reps


Christine Harris - crizpto@yahoo.com

Carlye Adler-Nussbaum - carlye@carlyeadler.com

Lyn Milliman - lynmilliman@gmail.com

Debbie Morvillo - debbiemorvillo@gmail.com 


FRESHMEN CLASS

Please join our new WHS Class of 2025 Parent Group, PTO Sponsored Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/151335050501844/


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