Dear Students, Staff and Parents,

Welcome to the 2020-2021 school year! Our commitment at Weston High School is to provide a safe and intellectually challenging environment that will empower students to become innovative thinkers, creative problem solvers and inspired learners prepared to thrive in the twenty-first century.

High standards and expectations for each student in regard to academic performance, co-curricular participation, and responsible citizenship are the foundation of our school. It is with pride that we hold these high standards and ask each of our students to commit to maintaining the extraordinary record of achievement and contribution that has been the legacy of Weston High School students. It is the contribution of our students to our school community that makes Weston High School an exceptional learning community. Full participation in academic and co-curricular programs and a willingness to act responsibly as an individual within our educational environment are the factors that enable all to have a successful and enjoyable year.

Below are our beliefs regarding teaching and learning that we developed as part of this process.

We believe that effective teachers:

• Create opportunities for intellectual risk-taking, collaboration, problem-solving, and application of classroom learning to real life situations;
• Implement strategies that promote ownership of learning to students;
• Design instruction to integrate a variety of innovative technological tools and resources to enhance learning;
• Demonstrate ongoing professional growth in order to increase the quality of instruction;
• Collaborate with colleagues to share and discuss exemplary practices, interpret student performance data, and design assessments that promote twenty-first century skills.

We believe that successful students:

• Communicate in a meaningful way for a variety of purposes and audiences;
• Demonstrate a sensitivity to the precision and nuances of written, visual, and aural medium through comprehension, interpretation, and evaluation;
• Employ critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems; and
• Pose questions, examine possibilities, and apply skills to find solutions to authentic issues.
• Make positive choices related to physical and mental wellness; and
• Contribute to the local and global community in a collaborative and respectful manner

In conclusion, I wish you all a wonderful school year. If I can be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me and know that my door is always open. I can be reached at [email protected].  I am honored to serve as your principal.

Sincerely,

Lisa Wolak
Weston High Principal

Mr. Matthew Filip

Matt Filip joined Weston High School in the summer of 2015.  He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Science and Business from the University of Notre Dame, and a Master of Education Degree in Teaching and Learning from DePaul University.  He completed his preparation for administrative certification at Sacred Heart University.

Before coming to Weston, Mr. Filip served as the Science Department Chair at Amity High School in Woodbridge.  Previous to that , he taught at Staples High School in Westport, Middlebrook School in Wilton, and Harris City Academy Crystal Palace in London, England.

Mr. Filip can be reached via email at [email protected]

Ms. Juliane Givoni

Juliane Givoni assumed her post as Assistant Principal at Weston High School in the summer of 2015.  Ms. Givoni holds a Bachelor of Science in Music Education and a Master of Arts in Nonprofit Arts Administration from New York University.  She also earned a Sixth Year Certificate in Educational Leadership from UCONN”s Neag School of Education.

Ms. Givoni began her career as a vocal music teacher in the New York City Public Schools.  Since returning to Connecticut, where she grew up, Ms. Givoni has served as Choral Director and Instructional Leader in Region 9.  She was Teacher of the Year in Region 9 and a finalist for CT State Teacher of the Year in 2015.

Ms. Givoni can be reached via email at [email protected].