So here it is, Weston, the reason I am traumatized. All the nopes in one sentence: Weston Middle School Principal John Gibbons has announced his retirement. He sent a wonderful letter out at 4 pm yesterday, and School Administration has just sent a further thank you to him. Both communications are included below.

I have not yet even BEGUN to thank Mr. Gibbons for all he has done and does every day. So a small paragraph (I am restraining myself) of respect and admiration for the guy who led the Owlets’ way through the pandemic, which affected two years of their middle school experience (7th and 8th grades). I can tell anyone who cares that without Mr. Gibbons and the amazing staff and teachers of Weston Middle School, we would be in a whole different place today–he kept these kids going, interested, involved while their world outside crumbled. Zooms and masks and distancing and things that we try to not remember–it was his steady hand that brought them all through. Deeply, truly, and sometimes madly, thank you Principal Gibbons. I super can’t wait for the PARTY.

Mr. Gibbons has been profiled several times in the Owl, first as a Weston Voice, and winner of a national award, and then finally as the Gardener of the Middle School. He is unparalleled. I wish us all luck in finding our next principal.

Happy new adventures! (after June). If you wish to send Mr. Gibbons a personal note, you can fill up his inbox at gibbonsj@weston.org.

+++From Principal Gibbons+++

Dear Weston Middle School Community, 

After thirty-one years of service, nine as a teacher and twenty-two as the principal of Weston Middle School, I am writing to announce my intention to retire at the end of June, 2023. It is with mixed emotions that I make this announcement, as I will deeply miss the daily interactions and relationships I have formed with all of you, but I am also excited to explore the next chapter in my life.

Looking back on my time in Weston at WMS, I am filled with a sense of pride, gratitude, and humility. I have had the privilege of working with an amazing group of educators, students, and families who have made this school a very special place. I have been blessed each day given the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others. Together, we have achieved many great things and made a lasting impact on the lives of countless students.

I will always cherish the memories of the students who have walked through our doors, who brought joy to my world each day, the dedicated staff who have worked tirelessly to provide an excellent education, and the supportive families who have helped to create a strong community. Your passion and commitment to education has been an inspiration to me every day.

As I move on to the next stage of my life, I want to thank each and every one of you for the support and encouragement you have given me over the years. I am confident that Weston Middle School will continue to thrive and that the next generation of students will receive the same high-quality education that we have worked so hard to provide all these years.

With gratitude and appreciation,

John Gibbons

Principal

Weston Middle School

+++School Administration Communication+++

Dear Weston School Community,

It is with the deepest respect that we will all say, “see you later” to John Gibbons as he will retire at the end of this school year.  John has served the students and families of Weston for 31 years, 21 as the principal of the Middle School. 

It is not all that often that school districts are able to say that their middle school is a wonderful, nurturing environment where students feel connected, supported, and enjoy their experience.  That is one of the legacies that John Gibbons will retire knowing he had created.  John is one of the most impressive educational leaders I have ever had the pleasure to work alongside, and we will find ways in the coming months to celebrate and honor him for all he has done for so many in the Weston Public Schools.

We will post for a new Middle School principal immediately and will be sending out a survey to families and faculty in the coming weeks to get some input from you on what you value in a Middle School Principal.  We will then put together a committee of administrators, teachers, parents, and others to find the best person for the role.  Our goal is to have the new principal named before April break to ensure the smoothest transition possible.

Thank you for all you have done, John.  We are grateful for all your years of service and the tremendous efforts you put forward on the behalf of the students and families of the Weston Public Schools.

Appreciatively,

Dr. Midge Connolly and the Administrative Team