Wilmington Schools Lose Six to Retirement

Each employee received a plaque during a School Committee earlier this week.

Wilmington teachers are just weeks away from summer vacation. But for six district employees, their time off will last a bit longer. During a School Committee meeting earlier this week, board members recognized retiring employees who have a combined 135 years of service to Wilmington Public Schools under their belt. “It’s with bittersweet feelings that we say goodbye to you,” said Superintendent of Schools Joanne Benton. “We’re so sorry to see you go, but we’re very happy for you.” Kathy Bendel, Alice Biase, Jane Caira, Joyce Peterson and Cheryl Soderquist were all in attendance at the School Committee meeting and were given plaques recognizing their retirement. Unable to attend the meeting was Woburn Street School Reading Specialist …

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School Decision Likely at Conservation Meeting

Board members likely to rule on Order of Conditions Wednesday night.

The next step in the construction of the new Wilmington High School will likely be known following tonight’s Conservation Commission meeting. After discussion on the environmental impact of the school plans for a second straight meeting, Conservation Commission members are expected to issue the formal Order of Conditions for the project. “We believe that we’ve given them a complete set of documents for the project and I fully expect they will make a decision tonight,” said Town Manager Michael Caira. “This is an important decision. It really speaks to whether or not the town will be able to do this project in a timely manner and cost efficient way.” Caira said if the Conservation Commission approves the plans, the town will begin site work…

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School Committee Offers Strong Reviews for Benton

Members provided annual superintendent's review at Wednesday meeting.

It was Joanne Benton’s turn to receive her grades during Wednesday’s School Committee meeting. According to board members, the Superintendent passed with flying colors. Members read their evaluations for Benton as a part of the annual review process, and the top school official received stellar reviews. “The results achieved far exceed the requirements of the job in all areas,” said School Committee Chairman Margaret Kane during the meeting. Among the successes board members were impressed with were Benton’s improvements in anti-bullying and her efforts to institute an electronic device policy at the high school. There was a small list of suggested areas of improvement for the Superintendent. Leslee Quick and Quincy Vale said that, when …

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Robert Hayes

6:30 pm on Thursday, March 29, 2012

If anyone would like to see my evaluation, feel free to email me at rob.hayes@live.com. The School Committee had to review the Superintendent in nine areas. One of those areas was communication. I did mention that I would like to see a more dynamic, functional and attractive website for the district and each school. On a relate note, I'm looking forward to the roll-out of our Aspen Management …   more ›

You Ask... Patch Answers

You Ask... Patch Answers: Why No Snow Day?

Several readers were curious about the decision making process and why Wilmington had school on Thursday.

Some schools in the area were cancelled on Thursday due to a lengthy snowstorm that made for a messy commute. Wilmington was not one of those schools, and several Patch readers have asked why. So we went right to the source and asked Superintendent of Schools Joanne Benton how she came to the decision. "Snow days are always no win situations," said Benton. "You make some parents, students and teachers happy while you upset others." Benton said she asks the opinion of superintendents in surrounding towns to see how they are leaning when the snow rolls in. In addition, she considers factors like the condition of the roads, how clean the parking lots are, and what the Department of Public Works believes is the safest bet. This storm was …

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Benton Reflects On Success of 'Kindness Week'

Wilmington spread anti-bullying message throughout the week.

Wilmington schools and other communities around the state had a message to send. It was received loud and clear.  Superintendent of Schools Joanne Benton reflected on Wednesday’s No Name Calling Day, which Wilmington school officials included in their weeklong Kindness Week. “Principals coming together to plan this week have made it possible for us to send a united message to our community that we want our schools to be safe,” said Benton. “A sustainable, positive school climate fosters youth development and learning necessary for a productive, contributing and satisfying life.”  Benton said the highlight of the week for her was seeing a student at West Intermediate School receive an American Flag from a Tewksbury soldier as a thank you …

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Letters to the Editor: New High School Vote

Letter to the Editor: Thank You Wilmington Voters

Send your letters to matthew.schooley@patch.com.

Dear Wilmington Community, My sincere thank you to the residents of Wilmington for coming out to vote in the election on December 6th and to Town Meeting on December 12th. Because of your support, the community will have a brand new high school. This new school will serve current students and future students for decades and will allow us the opportunity to provide the learning environment needed in order to teach skills for the 21st Century. The legacy you are helping to establish will benefit today's students and future generations of students. Again, thank you on behalf of the students, future students, and staff. You certainly made my dreams come true! Best, Joanne M. Benton Superintendent

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Archibald

10:24 am on Friday, December 16, 2011

Hey there ah Mr. McGintly maybe you should let fightin' dogs lie huh? Whatta ya say?   more ›

VIDEO: School, Town Officials Discuss School Plans With Residents

Thursday night was the latest public forum.

Residents had another chance for an update on the plans for a potential new high school on Thursday night during the latest public forum held at the current Wilmington High School. The Massachusetts School Building Authority now has the plans for the Wilmington school and will make a decision on whether to fund the project on November 16. Wilmington residents are slated to hold a Special Election on December 6 and a Special Town Meeting on December 10. According to Town Manager Michael Caira, the school will cost about $83.7 million, and if the MSBA approves it, the local share to be paid by taxpayers will be from $41-$46 million. Caira said that equates to an average of anywhere between $133 and $201 per year for the term of the loan, …

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