Westbrook Homecoming 2016! Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s): We are so excited to share our growing plans for Homecoming 2016. As I met with students this summer, I was asked repeatedly, “So, are you cancelling Homecoming?” Truthfully, I was a little confused by the question, so I asked for details. I learned that “Homecoming” is defined by the students in Westbrook mostly as a dance and a pep rally. I also heard that there had been conversation about discontinuing dances, like many schools in the area have done, and that last year the dance was a week after Homecoming. The pep rally of 2015 was reportedly very brief. Once I understood the question, I was able to assure the students that there would be a dance and a pep rally, and since the first day of school we began working with volunteer members of the Senior Class to plan a great week this year. We will kick off Homecoming Week with a dance on Friday, September 23rd from 7:3010:30 in the Westbrook High School gym. The decision to start with a dance was made based on a number of factors, with the goal to include all students. According to the students, in the past the dance has been at the end of the week on Saturday night, when the marching band typically cannot attend because they compete on Saturdays. In addition, this year the XC runners will be at Belfast on Oct. 1, limiting their participation. With a football game on Friday, September 30, it seemed logical to look at the preceding weekend. The varsity football game was already scheduled for Saturday, the 24th. Mr. Connolly was able to move the events slated for September 23rd, so that all students can attend Homecoming without a school scheduled conflict, should they choose to! The expected attire for the dance is school appropriate, semi-formal clothing. Tickets will be sold for $10 during all lunches from September 19-23. We are looking for chaperones and single-serve snacks and beverages for concessions. If you are interested in helping out, please contact Sue Bailey at 854-0810 x2050. Proceeds will go to the Class of 2017. We will have fun dress up days the following week with daily themes chosen by the Yearbook Committee, and ending with a pep rally and football game on Friday! The volunteer group of seniors is working with Mr. Connolly to create great competitions and fun events for the pep rally, and class t-shirts will be available to purchase all week. I am looking forward to seeing the pride and school spirit that the Westbrook High School students bring to Homecoming Week, and to working with the students and community to build this week to something even bigger each year.

Best wishes, Kelli Deveaux