Phone Free Schools Community Meeting June 11

Please join us for our first in a series of community meetings to learn about the Phone Free Schools Initiative  we are launching at Gibbons and WHS next fall! [Wednesday, Jun 10 at 7:30 AM] Correction:  Join us tomorrow night for this important conversation about Phone Free Schools in Westborough! [Wednesday, Jun 10 at 7:56 AM]

Sunday, May 31 2026

Introducing Our Next Athletic Director: Mark Lebeda

Dear Westborough Students, Families and Colleagues:   We are thrilled to announce that Mark Lebeda has accepted the offer to become Westborough’s next Athletic Director. Following a comprehensive search that yielded an outstanding field of candidates, Mark emerged as the clear choice to lead our athletic department. Mark distinguished himself with a proven track record of building and expanding successful athletic programs. During the finalist round, he met with students, staff, coaches, and administrators, receiving resoundingly positive feedback. Stakeholders specifically highlighted his approachable, student-centered leadership style, his exceptional interpersonal strengths, and his ability to communicate a clear passion for education-based athletics through specific, substantive examples.  References underscored these qualities, detailing Mark’s significant impact on athletic programming and the lives of students    Mark brings over 15 years of diverse experience in athletic administration, sports medicine, and education. Currently serving as the Director of Athletics and Assistant Disciplinarian at Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical School, his background is uniquely comprehensive, including roles as an administrator, coach and certified athletic trainer. He is deeply committed to fostering a culture of accountability and sportsmanship, viewing athletics as a vital extension of the classroom where students develop essential character and leadership skills. Thank you to everyone who participated in the search process and particularly to our search team members, including staff, coaches, student-athletes, and parents.  Your participation and feedback truly helped us to find a wonderful new AD!   Please join us in giving a warm Ranger welcome to Mark Lebeda! Sincerely, Allison Borchers, Superintendent Brian Callaghan, WHS Principal 

Saturday, May 16 2026

Building a More Focused Learning Environment: Planni...

Dear Westborough Families: Building on the momentum of last week's Westborough Unplugs events, I am writing to share an important update regarding the future use of cell phones and other devices in our schools. For the past year, a “Kids and Cell Phones” working group has been studying the impact of personal devices on student learning, social development, and mental health. Our goal has been to find a way to recover focus, promote connection, and cultivate joy in our classrooms and hallways. To that end, the working group is recommending a "bell-to-bell" phone-free environment for the middle and high schools starting next fall. This would mean that students' personal electronic devices, including phones, watches, earbuds, and anything else the industry might throw at us next, are turned off and securely stored away for the entire school day. This recommendation is not made lightly. It is the result of research and community engagement: Stakeholder Surveys:  We reviewed feedback from our students and families. Our parent survey showed significant support for a bell-to-bell ban, with approximately 87% of K-3 parents, 86% of Mill Pond parents, 80% of middle school parents and 66% of high school parents in favor of the change. While students expressed concerns about giving up their phones during the day, many also recognized that consistent enforcement of phone policies improves their capacity to focus on learning.  Learning from Neighbors:  In September, our working group conducted a site visit to Northbridge High School, where a phone-free policy was implemented three years ago. We observed an organized, seamless system where discipline issues related to bullying and cheating have decreased, and academics have improved. State-Level Movement:  We have been closely monitoring the Massachusetts state legislature, where a bill requiring a bell-to-bell cell phone ban at the state level is currently in the reconciliation phase. (The Senate bill focuses primarily on cell phones, while  the House bill  also aims to prevent younger students from accessing social media.) By launching this initiative now, Westborough ensures we are prepared for a state-mandated change. Research provided by the Massachusetts Attorney General and the Phone-Free Schools Movement highlights that even the mere presence of a smartphone reduces a student's cognitive capacity. Schools with all-day phone-free policies report that students interact more, are more engaged, and experience fewer disciplinary issues. Teachers also benefit by regaining instructional time previously lost to "policing" phones. The success of this shift relies on clear expectations and community support. We know that this represents a cultural shift, particularly for our high school students who are accustomed to using devices during passing periods and lunch.  To support this transition, we will be: Hosting Parent Information Nights:  To address concerns regarding safety and parent-student communication. Developing Policy and Clear Procedures:  Establishing clear student handbook policies alongside protocols for students to contact home via the front office for urgent matters, and ensuring medical exceptions (e.g., for diabetes monitoring) are documented in IEPs and 504 plans. Providing Resources:  Sharing FAQs and toolkits to help students, staff and families navigate these changes. We believe this change will help foster the environment our students need to flourish academically and socially. We look forward to working together as a community to create a healthier, happier, more intentional space for our students. Warmly, Allison Borchers, Superintendent

Friday, May 15 2026