Westbrook Superintendent's Letter to Parents

There's something different about the air in the beginning of September. That slight change in temperature and humidity on my morning walk puts a snap in my stride and a sense of exhilaration starts to build. It signals the start of school and all the promise of another exciting year ahead.

The teachers and I are eager to welcome you and your children back from your vacations, trips, and other summer experiences which we all enjoy and need to recharge our brains and spirits. We are ready to start again with renewed vigor to provide your child with the best possible education we can.

Although you may not have a teaching degree, you are equally important to your child's success in school. Your child receives the best education when you and our dedicated teachers work as a team. It's the combination of a parent's enthusiasm, support, and involvement and a teacher's special ability to ignite curiosity and teach them what they need to learn that inspires children to do their best. Together it is a perfect blend!

There's a lot of excitement ahead: new teachers and friends to meet, new books to read, and new skills to master...and I look forward to you sharing in those exciting times. As a parent myself, I know how swiftly time goes by. With one son getting married this summer and my youngest son entering his senior year at Westbrook High School, I was struck by how quickly these years passed. It seems like all the time in the world as your child enters 1st grade and seemingly in the blink of an eye they're in middle school or graduating from high school.

I encourage you to fully embrace these moments and urge you to take the time from your busy schedule to become familiar with our schools. Create a home environment that will foster learning and allow your child to excel. Ask about your child's classes, talk or email your child's teacher, call me and let me know of any concerns.

Thank you for your commitment to your child's education and I look forward to seeing you at school this year.

Sincerely,

Patricia Charles, Ed.D.

Superintendent