Dear WPS Community,

As we begin the 2025-26 school year, I want to take a moment to thank each of you for being such an important part of our WPS family. Every day, I see the dedication of our parents, guardians, and community members working alongside our educators to make sure our students have the best possible opportunities to learn and grow.

A great example of that was our annual Back-to-School Breakfast and Backpack Giveaway which took place on August 9th. This issue of What’s Up WPS has pictures and video of the heart-warming day.  

Throughout the course of this year, we are going to place a special focus on two areas where parents and guardians can really make a difference to help their children succeed in the classroom - attendance and reading. 

Making sure students are in school on time every day sets the tone for a student’s success, not just in academics, but in life. When students arrive on time and ready to learn, they are more engaged, confident, and able to keep up with lessons and class discussions. Even missing one day here and there can create gaps that are hard to fill.

Reading is one of the most powerful ways to boost student achievement. Whether your child is just starting kindergarten and learning their first words, or navigating complex novels in high school, reading strengthens vocabulary, comprehension, empathy and critical thinking skills. Spending just 20 minutes reading together each day at home can create lasting benefits over time.

What’s Up WPS will have regular features about the books WPS teachers and students are reading and ways we can all engage with each other to promote student literacy.  

Thank you for your partnership in making Westminster Public Schools a place where every student can succeed. I look forward to all we will accomplish together this year.

Warm regards,

Dr. Jeni Gotto
Superintendent of Schools
Westminster Public Schools