Reflecting on the Year That Was in Wilmington Schools

The highlight of the year for Wilmington Public Schools isn’t hard to decipher. But 2011 was much for than just the approval of a new high school.

“The Wilmington Public School system has much to be proud of as we look back on 2011,” said Superintendent of Schools Joanne Benton.

Benton said among this year's highlights was the concentration on saving energy and resources. This was highlighted as Shawsheen Elementary installed new energy efficient windows.

The superintendent also said the development of a K-12 curriculum that offers students a coherent but also flexible education that changes based on students’ needs.

But Benton said the biggest achievement of the last 12 months was the overwhelming support gained for the new high school, which was passed at and .

According to the superintendent, many of the accomplishments in 2011 are due to the hard work of educators throughout Wilmington.

“Teaching at its best is a nurturing and exhilarating experience that stays with the people involved long after the excitement of specific activities has subsided,” said Benton. “We are fortunate in Wilmington to have dedicated staff who work every day to bring out the potential of each and every student in the district. I am truly grateful to be a part of this wonderful staff.”

With the year wrapping up, Benton already knows the New Year’s resolution for 2012 in the district.

“Every single one of out students is special,” said Benton. “Every one of them has something to give and each student has a responsibility to discover what it is. Hopefully with the help of Wilmington Public Schools, they will discover what that is.”