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Wilmington students report new study supports, record-setting shows and music trips at school committee meeting
Summary
Student representative and performing arts leaders updated the School Committee on midterm study supports, expanded fitness hours, record-setting relay teams, shoe-recycling drive and multiple upcoming concerts and competitions, including an international a cappella quarterfinal on Feb. 1.
Shivangi, the Wilmington High School student representative, told the School Committee on Jan. 15 that recent student-led activities have included an alumni panel for the class of 2021, peer-mentor midterm exam support sessions, and library-run study sessions that provided snacks and supplies to ease test-season stress.
The student also reported that the high school fitness room is open Tuesdays through Thursdays from 2:35 to 3:35 p.m. and that the National Honor Society continues weekly tutoring for elementary through high school students. Shivangi added that major exams are scheduled Jan. 16–22 and that there is no school Jan. 20 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Mike Ferrara, the district arts department liaison, and student representatives then gave a consolidated update on performing-arts programs across the district. Ferrara read brief reports about early-elementary music programming (Shawsheen and Rubin Street), a new before-school music club at Shawsheen, and several upcoming family “informances” and showcases running through May.
Olivia Saragosa, a junior, described recent and upcoming choir and theater work: Wilmington High School’s a cappella group Soundscape sang at senior centers, will compete in an international a cappella quarterfinal on Feb. 1, and the Lamplighters Drama Guild sold nearly 1,200 tickets for its November production and will stage Hadestown: Teen Edition rehearsals beginning in February. She also reported that the middle-school theater club’s production of Disney’s Descendants opens Jan. 30–Feb. 1 at the high school auditorium.
Julia Moriarty and Ben O'Brien summarized orchestra and band activity: chamber music nights, attendance at an open rehearsal by the Boston Symphony Orchestra, holiday performances at the senior center, and an expanded Wildcat marching-band presence (including the Merrimack Santa Parade). Ben said bands are preparing for a combined spring concert May 8 and other events including an indoor jazz jubilee on April 10 and a spring pops concert May 22. He also noted a student trip to London planned for spring 2026 (31 students signed up) and a high-school ski trip Feb. 7.
Student leaders and committee members highlighted record-setting athletic achievements tied to performing-arts students (for example, a girls 4x200 relay school record) and an environmental club sneaker-recycling fundraiser running through Jan. 30. Committee members praised the breadth of offerings and asked questions about the a cappella competition repertoire, staffing and Virtual High School alternatives for classes the district cannot run in‑person.
The presentation closed with committee thanks to the student performers and arts staff and reminders about upcoming events across schools.
