Winter Hill Community Innovation School
Welcome to Winter Hill
The Winter Hill Community Innovation School is the Somerville Public School district's only Innovation School, which includes limited self-governance and a deliberate and innovative approach to addressing student needs. Our school community is a warm, welcoming and nurturing environment where all students, of any race, country of origin, first language, socio-economic status or neurodiverse learning style, develop into thoughtful, caring and engaged young adults. We recognize the unique identity, personality and talent of each individual student and are committed to educating the whole child. We strive to ensure that all students make continuous academic gains, develop socially and emotionally, take ownership of and responsibility for their learning, and thrive in a community that actively promotes inclusion, diversity, human rights, global responsibility and local action.
Our school includes PreK-8 mainstream classes, the Newcomer Academy Program for grades 5 - 8, the AIM (Adapt, Include, Motivate) sub separate program for grade 1 - 8 students with autism, and supports throughout mainstream classes for English language learners and students with disabilities.
In 2017, WHCIS received the The Pozen Prize for Innovative Schools at The Boston Foundation. Read how we support our students in the case study about our innovative practices. Learn More about the WHCIS. In 2023, a student lead research team in collaboration with Harvard conducted a survey about our dress code. Winter Hill students may now follow the district-wide dress code (described on page 65 of the SPS Parent/Guardian Guide) and are no longer required to wear a uniform.
For the 2o23-2024 school year, the Winter Hill Community Innovation School will be reloacted to the Edgerly Building on 8 Bonair Street. More information can be found here.
Meet the Administration
Principal
Courtney Gosselin
I have been the principal of Winter Hill since the fall of 2019. Prior to that, I was an Assistant Principal for 4.5 years at Winter Hill and the Nathaniel Bowditch K-8 School in Salem. I spent my first 14 years in education teaching Spanish. I learned Spanish in school and by studying abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina. I earned a B.A. in Latin American Studies and Political Science, a M.A. in Education and a C.A.G.S. in Educational Leadership. I was also a Lynch Leadership Academy Fellow at Boston College. In my spare time, I love to spend time with my husband, three children and our dog, go to the beach, travel and read.
cgosselin@k12.somerville.ma.us
call/text 781-221-7861
Assistant Principal
Isabel Barros
I am so excited to join the Winter Hill Wildcat family. I transitioned from the West Somerville Neighborhood School where I spent 7 years in various roles (school adjustment counselor, dean of students, and interim assistant principal). Prior to working in Somerville I interned at various Boston Public Schools as part of my masters program at Harvard Graduate School of Education. I also taught young adults at Year Up Boston and I am a proud City Year Greater Boston alumni. In my free time I like to read a good book on the beach and spend time with my family. I am looking forward to a joyous year with all of you.
Front Office Staff
School Secretary
Nancy McWeeny
She/her This is my 12th year at the Winter Hill School and I think I have the very best job in the world!!
Family Liaison
MaryLou Carey-Sturniolo
This is my 14th year at WH. I love my role as it provides me endless opportunities to meet new families, create relationships with students and families, foster deeper relationships with all families, while sharing information, and hopefully providing strength, empowerment and a sense of belonging to all. I speak Portuguese and a bit of Spanish.
Eu falo português. Yo hablo español.
Family Liaison
Karla Cabera
I am from Guatemala and my home language is Spanish. I have worked for the Somerville Public Schools since 1988. As a Liaison, I am here to provide families with information about all the resources available for them.
I am very happy to be part of the Wild Cat Family!
Yo hablo español.
617-286-2430
UPCOMING EVENTS
Wildcat Kickoff - Back to School Night
When?
Thursday, Sep 26, 2024, 05:00 PM
Where?
WH@Edgerly Education Center
*Enter through the Otis Street Courtyard Cafe Door*
5:00 - 7:00 - Otis Street Courtyard
PTA-sponsored Potluck - bring a meal to share if you are able to
Community Partners - SomerViva, Padres Latinos, Somerville Recreation, Somerville Family Learning Collaborative
Free Clothing for Adults
Free Books
Food Market Passes - Liaisons will pass them out to families
5:00 - 5:30
Classroom session - Go to your child’s class and learn about their homeroom and academic classes. For grades 4 - 8, all academic teachers will be in one room.
5:30 - 6:00
Open House - Go visit your child’s other teachers including music, art, theater, physical education, library, reading specialist, ESL specialist, resource room teacher, BAM, counselors, and math interventionist.
6:00 - 6:30
Classroom session - Go to your child’s class and learn about their homeroom and academic classes. For grades 4 - 8, all academic teachers will be in one room.
6:30 - 7:00
Open House - Go visit your child’s other teachers including music, art, theater, physical education, library, reading specialist, ESL specialist, resource room teacher, BAM, counselors, and math interventionist.
Report an Absence: 617-629-5685
Call or message on WhatsApp --->
School Day Hours
Edgerly Gr. 1-8
8:10am - 2:35pm
Kindergarten at Capuano
8:25am - 2:50pm
SMILE Pre-School at Capuano
8:45am - 1:45pm
