Saccarappa School

Quick update: We continue to monitor the search that is underway for the suspect in the Lewiston tragedy. I have been in contact with WPD and other area schools throughout the day. It is too early to say if we will be in school on Friday. I hope to make that decision this evening and will send another message later.

Dear friends, My heart is breaking over the tragic events in Lewiston last evening. I’m sure we are all struggling to make sense of such a horrible tragedy so close to home. Please join me in keeping the people of Lewiston in your thoughts and prayers. Our hearts go out to the victims and those who were injured, their families and friends, and others impacted by this traumatic event, including members of our own community. Because the person of interest has not been apprehended as of this morning and out of an abundance of caution, all schools in Westbrook will be CLOSED on Thursday, October 26. There will be no before or after school activities at this time and Central Office will be closed. Violence of this nature is difficult for anyone to understand. Children may be especially shaken by this event and may have questions and concerns. I encourage you to talk with your children about their thoughts and feelings and about school safety. Please reassure them that their schools are secure places where they are cared for every day. The Maine Department of Education has provided some suggestions for supporting children: Preschool and early elementary school children need brief, simple information that should be balanced with reassurances that their schools and homes are safe and that adults are there to protect them. Concrete examples of safety, like having locked doors and adult supervision, can provide comfort. Upper elementary and early middle school children will be more vocal in asking questions about whether they truly are safe and what is being done at their schools and communities. They may need assistance processing the incident. Discuss efforts of their schools, police, and community to ensure their safety. Upper middle school and high school students will have strong and varying opinions about the causes of violence in society. They will share concrete suggestions about how to prevent tragedies in society. Emphasize the role that students have in maintaining safe communities and schools, communicating any personal safety concerns to parents/guardians/trusted adults, school administrators, and police officers, and accessing support for emotional needs. Additionally, online resources from The National Child Traumatic Stress Network and the National Association of School Psychologists may be helpful. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call 988. Please reach out to me, your school principals, and student service providers if we can help in supporting your children and your families. Additional police officers will be present at our schools on Thursday as well. We are fortunate to be part of the Westbrook community where we pull together and take care of each other, especially in times of crisis and tragedy. Take care, and stay strong. Peter Lancia Superintendent of Schools

While we would like to quickly return to normalcy, it is still too early to definitively say whether or not we will be able to be at school tomorrow. The search for the suspect in the Lewiston tragedy continues but there have been promising developments this evening. If the suspect is not apprehended by morning, schools will be closed again on Friday. If the suspect has been found or is in custody by morning, schools will be open on Friday. I will send a communication early tomorrow morning to let you know if school will be closed or open. Either way, please know that we are here to support our students, families, and staff as we all heal from this horrific event. Please see your email, our website, and our Facebook page for more information. Take care and be strong.

Dear friends, Please know that the Westbrook Schools are aware of the horrific events in Lewiston this evening. I have been in communication with the Westbrook Police all evening and will continue to monitor the situation. The suspect is still at large, armed, and dangerous. I will provide more information in the morning if this tragedy will impact school and how we will be ready to support students and staff in the coming days Take care, and please join me in keeping the people of Lewiston in your thoughts and prayers. Peter Lancia, Superintendent of Schools

Join the Saccarappa School Team! There are a variety of opportunities available. Attend a job fair or email jonesa@westbrookschools.org for more information.

Saccarappa School is hosting a Scholastic Book Fair from November 2nd through 9th. The book fair will be open to students throughout the school day and to families from 12:00-7:00 p.m. on November 9th. For more information or to set up an eWallet, visit the online link below. https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/sacc2020

We're hiring! Saccarappa School is hiring for various positions, including bench subs and Ed Tech Is. See the link below or email Alexis Jones at jonesa@westbrookschools.org for more information. https://www.applitrack.com/westbrookschools/onlineapp/default.aspx?all=1

The Saccarappa Shining Stars are enjoying their 15 minutes of fame on Weather At Your School! Watch them now on WMTW.

Tomorrow is the last day to bring in money for the Saccarappa PTO Pie Fundraiser. Pies are made in Oxford, Maine, and delivered frozen. Pick-up will be on November 7th at Saccarappa. Order yours today!

WMTW Weather At Your School will broadcast live from Saccarappa on Tuesday, October 10th. Students are invited to join from 5:50-6:50 a.m. for their 15 minutes of fame. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Did you know that there are multiple food pantries throughout the city ready to support families in our community? See the attached flyers for details.

Saccarappa's Pie Sale is underway. Don't delay! Pie orders are due October 10th.

Join our team! Ed Tech III positions are still available. Click on the link below for more information. https://www.westbrookschools.org/o/wsd/page/join-our-team

Last week, we welcomed back the staff, Grades 1-4, and had our Kindergarten orientation. We look forward to having all our Shining Stars back in the building tomorrow, September 5th. Thank you to Party Cute for donating the beautiful Back to School balloon display for our families and staff to enjoy.

Saccarappa School Spirit Wear is available! The online store closes on September 22nd. Click the following link for more information. https://drive.google.com/file/d/117N_jeFPIBg-w7aPVBZig8L-WIN4mcxX/view?usp=drive_link

We need you! Join the next PTO meeting on September 18th at 5:30 p.m.

Transportation schedules are posted! Visit the link below for more information. Plan to be at the bus stop 10 minutes early and know that pick-up and drop-off times may fluctuate, especially in the first few weeks, as routes are solidified. Please contact the Transportation Department with questions. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1qlXrP7rt-0iF9WtSnMzQfA2Zft-sBBf7lNj6wiRa9rU/edit?usp=sharing

Please check your child's bus route! Information about our runs can be found at this link: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1qlXrP7rt-0iF9WtSnMzQfA2Zft-sBBf7lNj6wiRa9rU/edit?usp=sharing

Calling all incoming Kindergarteners!

The Westbrook School Department is hiring! Join our team.