Whisconier Runner-Up For Middle School Of The Year

Whisconier Middle School (WMS) was selected as one of two finalists for the Connecticut Association of Schools (CAS) middle level school of the year.

The screening committee was impressed with the commitment to middle level education and to the youth of the Brookfield community. The focus and commitment to students was evident in both the formal, extensive application as well as a visit by the screening committee.

A team of educators from WMS collaborated in putting together an application outlining the major areas of excellence: instructional methods for high standards, safe and healthy school environment, appropriate relationships for learning, personalization and school environment, collaborative leadership and professional learning communities, parent/community involvement, student services, and educational programs review and improvement.

Highlighted under the community service projects category was the coordination with Connecticut Quest for Peace of the "Children of Nicaragua Project." This service project is in its 17th year at WMS. Students collect and purchase health and education kits, clothes and shoes to distribute to hundreds of Nicaragua's homeless and poor families.  

Several other projects serving the local community were also mentioned, such as the Danbury Women's Shelter, Brookfield Senior Center, Dorothy Day Food Pantry, Danbury Animal Welfare Society, and Sandy Hook Elementary School Support Program. It was evident that all students have an opportunity to participate and make a difference in the lives of many under-privileged families both near and far.

The screening committee was impressed with the curriculum writing and evaluation process used at Whisconier.

Extremely pleased with their choices for the two finalists, the CAS committee commended WMS's focus on students. Every staff member interviewed brought up the desire to provide the best academic, behavioral, social and emotional environment to the diverse adolescent population.

Although Whisconier did not receive this prestigious award, the screening committee decided to recognize two areas that stood out among all the competitors: Exemplary Teaming Practices and Exemplary School Climate Practices Recognition.

Whisconier staff and students are proud of what they have accomplished and will strive to maintain the level of excellence that was responsible for being recognized by The Connecticut Association of Schools.

The preceding is based off of an article in the school district’s newsletter, Brookfield Conversations.