February 15, 2022

Dear WPS Families:

We are very excited to have the opportunity to expand our METCO (Metropolitan Council for Educational Opportunity) Program to the elementary level in the fall. Westwood’s longstanding membership as a METCO district, dating back to the 1960s, reflects the community’s belief that the way that students think about race and each other is positively changed when we learn with each other and that education is improved when we don’t learn in isolation. Our participation as a METCO district benefits both Westwood-resident students and Boston-resident students.

METCO is funded entirely by a grant from the Massachusetts state legislature earmarked for METCO, as set forth in the state budget. Currently, approximately 33 school communities in Massachusetts participate in the METCO Program. Although Westwood has been a participant in METCO since 1968, Westwood is presently a grade 6-12 program, and only one of three METCO communities that does not enroll students starting in elementary school. We are very pleased to have received an increase of approximately $250K annually starting in the  FY ‘22 grant to cover the costs of a larger K-12 program. Our ability to support an elementary METCO program now will allow for an earlier and fuller integration of our Boston-resident students into our school community.

As the community embarks on this process, we invite you to join us this Thursday, February 17th from 6:00-7:30 pm for a virtual program entitled Celebrating the Legacy of METCO, sponsored by the Westwood METCO Program. Being a METCO district means that Westwood is part of a historic legacy unique in the United States. During this week’s program, participants will learn the inspiring story of METCO’s founding by Boston and suburban parents out of the civil rights movement. Presenters will share with participants the connection between Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and METCO founder Ruth Batson, and high school students will share with us what they have learned about Boston as a hub for Civil Rights and the impact that this new learning had on them.

This event is open to the entire Westwood Community. We hope you are able to join us. To do so, please register in advance for this meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUsd-GqrTwsHtO2l3gM1runeWgbSwlY2-3S 

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

For more information about Westwood’s METCO program, please see the presentation by Allison Borchers and Lateefah Franck at the December School Committee meeting (presentation starts at 48 minute mark).

Sincerely,

Emily J. Parks

Superintendent