Grant Highlight: Westbrook Spirit Wear – It’s more than just a shirt

Grant Highlight: Westbrook Spirit Wear

At Westbrook, community isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the foundation of everything they do. And sometimes, even a small gesture can make a huge impact. That’s why the Westbrook Spirit Wear for Staff grant became such a meaningful initiative for the school. Thanks to your generous funding, we were able to offer every member of the Westbrook team—teachers, support staff, custodians, nutrition services, and even the ECC and i66 team—a shirt that symbolizes unity, pride, and appreciation.

The Power of a Shirt
When Mr. Stevens first proposed the idea for this grant, their goal was simple but powerful: to strengthen the sense of team among all the staff members. With four different entities working together on the same campus, it’s essential for everyone to feel like they’re part of the same family. “We had 102 staff members request a Westbrook shirt when it was offered. This included not only our certified teachers but also our support staff,” Mr. Stevens said. The inclusion of every team member—from administrators to kitchen staff—was crucial. It was a way to break down silos and remind everyone that no matter their role, they are all integral to the success of Westbrook.
These shirts were more than just another shirt; they were a tangible reminder of something deeper—a shared purpose. As Mr. Stevens reflected, “We are all a part of Westbrook. It was important for us to create that mentality, where every individual feels valued and connected.”

A Lesson in Appreciation
Beyond fostering unity, the grant also addressed a crucial need: showing appreciation to the staff. While budget constraints often make it difficult to provide gifts or other forms of recognition, this grant allowed the school to do something simple but impactful. The shirts became a way to say, “We see you, we value you, and we are grateful for everything you do.”

A Visible Shift in Team Spirit
The results were immediate and visible. The day after distributing the shirts, Mr. Stevens noticed a marked shift in the school’s atmosphere. “About two-thirds of our staff had them on and were wearing them proudly!” That simple act of wearing the shirt created an undeniable sense of camaraderie, sparking conversations and interactions across departments that may not have happened otherwise.
The shirts did more than just unite staff on the surface; they helped to reinforce the shared goal of providing the best possible environment for students. When staff feel appreciated and part of something bigger, they are more motivated to give their best every day.

Gratitude and Impact
Thanks to your support of the Westbrook Spirit Wear for Staff grant, this small but powerful gesture has created ripples of positive change across Westbrook. The unity it fostered among staff will continue to strengthen their collaboration and improve the overall school environment. And perhaps most importantly, it sent a clear message to every staff member: they are valued.

Mr. Stevens put it perfectly: “It’s amazing how something as simple as a shirt can make such a big difference in bringing us all together. We’re truly grateful for the generosity that made this possible.”

Your support has had a lasting impact at Westbrook—thank you for helping to make their staff feel like a team and appreciated every day.