Dear Westminster Public Schools Community,

As we come to the close of another meaningful year in Westminster Public Schools, my first full year as superintendent, I want to reflect on the powerful moments that define what WPS is all about. 

One of the most inspiring examples took place just days ago at Westminster High School’s annual Turkey Bowl, an event that once again showcased the heart, inclusivity, and unity of our WPS community. We have a wonderful video in this week’s What’s Up WPS.

The Turkey Bowl is much more than a game. It is a celebration of students with special needs, who take center stage in friendly, athletic competition alongside our WHS student-athletes. Other students step in as cheerleaders, creating an atmosphere filled with excitement, pride, and joy. 

It is events like this, emotional, heartfelt, and deeply human, that remind us what WPS stands for.  We are a district where every student matters, every student belongs, and every student is celebrated. In short, a district Where Education is Personal. 

This year also brought transformational news for the future of WPS with the announcement that we are creating a new PK-8 campus in the Shaw Heights neighborhood. We are combining the students, staff, and talent of John E. Flynn A Marzano Academy and Shaw Heights Middle School into one modern campus that will elevate student learning. The $40 million project is only possible because of the generous support of our voters who passed a bond in November of last year. 

We are also making important investments in our early literacy efforts by providing reading support in every one of our kindergarten classrooms. The evidence is clear that early literacy support for students pays off in the long run with better academic outcomes and improved graduation rates. 

Early next year, our Board of Education will receive an important report from our FTFI (Future Together Facilities Initiative) which has been examining the long term needs and priorities for our district in an era of declining student enrollment across the state. The committee’s findings will help us make smart decisions as we move into 2026 and beyond. 

As the winter break approaches, I encourage you to help us make our annual Holiday Video extra special by sending us your pictures of holiday events and family gatherings, past and present, that we combine with our student musical performances. We also want to see your holiday cards. 

Send them to communications@wps.org by December 12th to be included.   

I can’t wait to see the video.  

Warm regards,
Dr. Jeni Gotto
Superintendent of Schools
Westminster Public Schools