2019-2020: Episode 6
Hello, readers, and welcome back to the blog. This week at WHS we are all NEASC all the time. As many of you know, NEASC is our decennial accreditation process and a significant part of our continuous self-reflection as an educational institution. While we are always reflecting on and reviewing our practices, NEASC offers an unbiased outside evaluation that also helps our school to shape and focus on specific goals.
On Monday, we welcomed seven administrators from around New England to explore just about all aspects of WHS. Our visiting team looks at WHS’ culture, curriculum, teaching and learning, opportunities for growth, wellness supports, budget, facilities and much much more. This week is phase two of the two-part process, and the visit has been quite successful. Our visiting team has met with faculty, students, parents (thank you PFA for the support!) administrators, and support staff. They have been in classrooms asking students about their thoughts and experiences at WHS, examining student work, asking important questions, spending time observing our culture and so much more. On Wednesday, the visiting team will spend time with our staff and give us a general review of their visit and share some initial feedback. Following the presentation, the visiting team will then go back to their own schools and spend some time working on crafting a full report for feedback and suggested next steps. We will be sure to share the final report out when we receive it.
We want to thank everyone involved for all of their support. This week is the embodiment of the phrase “it takes a village,” and we are indebted to our community for the continued focus on our students and our schools. Thank you!
The ’49’ers: Members of the WHS Class of ’49 met last week at the Cafe Escadrille and reminisced about all their wonderful memories of WHS and the great education they received. At 88 years young, their strongest bond is still back to WHS.
End of Q1: Just a reminder that the end of Q1 is this Friday, 11/1.
Halloween Reminder: We know that students like to dress up for the day, and we do not want to stifle their creativity, but we also need to make sure they do so in a safe manner and respectful way. As always, no masks or full face paint is allowed. Students shouldn’t be wearing hoods (same as on any school day) or any headgear that obscures their face. Thank you for following these safety expectations. Please contact any administrators with questions.
Autumn Winds and Stings: October 30th!
WFEE! WFEE’s online auction this week is fast, fun and for your children. There are teacher led experiences for students plus a variety of items for adults, take a look at https://charityauction.bid/wfee. Bidding closes Friday, Nov. 1st at 7 pm.
New WHS Staff: Say hello to Gordon Casey! (who has another very interesting fact to share!)
And say salut to French teacher Josh Hogan
We saw so many good things happening this week!
Students used candy to model brain neurons in Ms. Paduto’s (previously Gifford) Psychology classes.
George Gilmer, grade 11, played bass while Mrs. Hillstrom’s English classes were reading A Streetcar Named Desire. George played and also read as Stanley!
Our Early Childhood education students are brought their “real babies” home this weekend and all came back safe and happy!
Students in Ms. D’Alimonte Chiodini’s Italian III class stretching their muscles, with directions in Italian, before putting their brains to work!
Our cross country teams had their final home meet of the year. Congratulations to Lizzie Reynolds with a school record of 17:55! It was great to see members of the WHS football and volleyball teams who came out to cheer on their friends. As we have noted in this space before, cross country is the best spectator sport we have!
WHS Goal Setters: Our great kids are thinking about success inside and outside of school. Niha Ghosh and Boyang Wang, both grade 11, have some healthy social/emotional centered goals they want to focus on this week! Omar Shakeel, gr. 11, is focused on the upcoming basketball season and putting in the work. Get it done Omar! We love to see it girls!
Learning Beacons: Please be sure to give yourself a reminder every now and then of our WPS Learning Beacons
Vision of a WHS Graduate: Official Vision of A WHS Graduate
WINspiration: “Kindness is the language Which the deaf can hear And the blind can see.” – Mark Twain
WINspiration 2: “I only compete against three people. Who I was yesterday. Who I am today and who I want to be tomorrow.” — Jessi Kuhlman
The links:
Athletics: winchestersachems.org
Thank you again for stopping by the blog! Have a great Halloween!
Dennis Mahoney
teamwhs 