The Principal's Newsletter

Dear Westhill High School Families,

The 2026–2027 school year is quickly approaching! I hope your family enjoyed a relaxing, fun-filled summer. Please know our admin team has also had an enjoyable and productive summer as we look forward to welcoming back our new and returning Vikings.

Important Dates & Schedules

Ninth-Grade Orientation: Monday, August 24 (Early Release Schedule: 7:25 AM – 11:45 AM).

First Day for All Students: Tuesday, August 25 (Full Day: 7:25 AM – 2:05 PM).

Student Schedules: Schedules will be accessible on the PowerSchool Parent Portal on Thursday, August 20, by 6:00 PM.

New School Construction & Logistics: Construction on the new Westhill High School has been in full swing all summer! Due to this ongoing work, it will be vital for parents and students to stay informed and carefully follow new campus procedures throughout the year. For now, please pay particular attention to communications specifically related to student bus arrival and dismissal. In the coming days, please also look for additional construction-related updates regarding senior student parking and athletics.

School Operations & Reminders

Bus Policy: Bus stops and district transportation are direct extensions of our school; all Westhill conduct policies apply. Morning and afternoon bus routes are available on the district website.

Bus Arrival and Dismissal: Morning bus arrival and drop-off will remain in front of the main building. However, afternoon bus dismissal will now take place from the new bus parking lot behind the freshman building. Incoming freshmen will tour this new setup and procedure during their orientation on Monday, August 24th. Returning students will watch an instructional video on the first day of school Tuesday, August 25^th which we will also email to parents and post on our website.

Parent Drop-Off/Pick-Up: Morning parent drop-off will take place in the new bus parking lot behind the freshman building. Afternoon parent pick-up will take place in front of the building.

Contact Updates: Please notify the Main Office immediately at (203) 977-5531 of any phone number or address updates so we can reach you routinely and in an emergency. If your child will not be attending Westhill this year, please call the office right away.

School Communications: Nightly automated calls notify families of student absences, and key updates are shared via ParentSquare. Please monitor these messages regularly.

Forms & Health Records: The Acceptable Use Agreement Form is available on the PowerSchool Parent Portal (instructions are posted on our website). Additionally, all incoming 9th graders must have a current health physical on file with the school nurse.

As I begin my 10th year as Principal of Westhill, I feel immense gratitude for our incredible school community. I am also filled with excitement as we look ahead to moving into our state-of-the-art building in the fall of 2029. And in particular I’m excited for our incoming freshmen—the Class of 2030—who will have the unique honor of being the very first class to graduate from the NEW Westhill High School!

Let’s do this!!

Celebrate Viking Country EVERY DAY! Follow our journey on Instagram @westhill_principal. We look forward to seeing everyone soon!

 

Warm regards,

Mike Rinaldi

Principal, Westhill High School