Westbrook Public Schools

News and Announcements

• New Software Approval

  Microbit has been approved for use in the classroom.  For the most up to date list of available software, visit https://www.westbrookctschools.org/groups/5665/technology/privacy_information.

  Technology

• Covid-19 Case- Westbrook High School

  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

  Covid Info

• Remote Learning Day on Monday, April 5th

  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

  Westbrook Public Schools

• Two Covid Cases- Daisy Ingraham Elementary and WHS

  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

  Covid Info

• Westbrook High School Theatre Production

  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/event-details/48074 
  

  Tickets are $10 each. Thank you for your patronage and enjoy the show!

  Westbrook Public Schools

• Covid Case - Westbrook High School

  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

  Covid Info

• Covid Case- Daisy Ingraham Elementary School

  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

  Covid Info

• Covid-19 Case at Daisy Ingraham

  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

  Covid Info

• Community Message from First Selectman Noel Bishop

  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/Coronavirus/COVID-19-Vaccination---Phases).

  *    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/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/quarantine.html.

  *    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

  Covid Info

• Covid-19 Case- Grade 6 Moves to Remote Learning

  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

  Covid Info

• Covid Cases- Daisy and WMS

  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

  Covid Info

• Resolved - PowerSchool intermittently unavailable

  Update: 6:57pm 2/26/2021 - PowerSchool is now fully functional.

  We are aware of an issue with PowerSchool that is affecting all staff, students, and parents/guardians.  We will provide updates as they become available.

  Technology

• Covid Update- Daisy Ingraham Elementary School

  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

  Covid Info

• Covid-19 Case- Daisy Ingraham Elementary School

  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

  Covid Info

• Covid-19 Case- Daisy Ingraham Elementary School

  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

  Covid Info

• Covid-19 Cases: WHS and District

  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

  Covid Info

• Covid-19 Case: Westbrook High School

  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

  Covid Info

• Covid-19: Two Cases

  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

  Covid Info

• Westbrook Board of Education Goals for 2021-2022

  The 2021-2022 Board of Education goals are now available.  Please visit https://www.westbrookctschools.org/groups/5650/westbrook_board_of_education/20212022_board_of_education_goals to review.

  Westbrook Board of Education

• Case Update- Daisy Transitions to Remote 2/1-2/5

  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

  Covid Info