Dear WPS School Community,

As hard as it is to believe, today marked the 10th day of school for the 2025-2026 school year! Students in all seven of our schools are settling back into the rhythm of a new year, reconnecting with old friends, meeting new ones, and getting to know their teachers who have worked hard to create engaging and supportive classrooms. 

It is no small feat to get our schools up and running for the return of students every fall, and our thanks go to many for their hard work and dedication to ensuring we are ready. I want to express my appreciation to all of the educators who worked with our students in summer programs, to our custodians who, seemingly against all odds, clean every inch of each building in less than 10 weeks. Our thanks also to our many administrators and educators who worked to improve our curriculum, fill open positions with new staff, and complete the reams of state and federal reports to end the old year and start the new. And, of course, to all of you, our parents, caregivers, and staff, for adjusting your family's schedules to accommodate the new school year. 

This superintendent’s memo serves as both a celebration of the incredible work happening throughout the Winchester Public Schools and as a source for important updates. Our goal is to provide you with helpful news and information from all of our schools and the district, connecting you with the good work and important updates district-wide. Given the remarkable breadth of activities, achievements, and initiatives taking place across our five elementary schools, McCall Middle, and Winchester High School, this brief newsletter will try to provide a glimpse into the incredible accomplishments we are sure to witness from our students and staff over the year. From innovative classroom projects to student performances and accomplishments, to our deep connection to our community, there's always something inspiring happening in our schools.

Thank you for your continued commitment to and engagement with our schools. Your involvement strengthens our entire school community and underscores the vital partnership we share in the growth and development of our students.

Sincerely, 

Frank Hackett, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools

A showcase of work by Winchester middle and high school students is currently on display at the Cabot House Collective. Student work was selected and curated by Toni Snyder, Cabot House Manager and Head of Interior Design. We are grateful to her for celebrating WPS students in this way! The exhibition runs through September. Learn more here.

Update from Jenn Levatino, Visual Art Director, K-12

At our first all-staff professional learning day of the 2025-26 school year on Wednesday, September 3, general educators and special educators came together to think critically and reflectively with each other and renowned university professor of special education and inclusion expert, Dr. Lisa Dieker. Numerous student engagement support tools were shared. Readiness to learn will continue to be an area of professional development focus this school year.

We encourage you to explore the Winchester Special Education Parent Advisory Council (WinPAC). Learn more here.

Updates from Marlena Ysalguez, Director of Special Education

Athletics play an integral part in the school program at Winchester Public Schools. Cheer on Winchester! Follow schedules here.

Youth Soccer Clinic, Grades 1-8 with the WHS Boys Varsity Soccer Team, September 19.

WHS Girls Tennis Fundraiser, Krispy Kreme Donuts; order by Friday, October 17.

Elementary Instrumental Music Lessons begin the week of September 22. Learn more here.

The WHS Marching Band is beginning its performance season with WHS Football. Follow the schedule here.

Our second annual Under the Stars, featuring a variety of WPS ensembles will be on Friday, October 3 at 6:00 p.m. Hope to see you there!

Updates from Mary Costello, Director of Music