Projects

Following the examples set by our MCPS cluster middle and high schools, Westland and BCC, FOWS was proud to open a food pantry on site at Westbrook in 2023. The pantry gives students free access to non-perishable items that they can bring home from school. These are available for any school families who are experiencing food insecurity. Families can arrange a time to visit the pantry by emailing Westbrook’s guidance counselor, Ms. Faerber. If you are interested in making a donation to the pantry, please visit our Amazon wish list.

To help families in need during the COVID-19 pandemic, FOWS provided grocery cards and pandemic response supplies to families at Westbrook and our sister school, Viers Mill Elementary. As the pandemic continues, FOWS will continue to identify and support the ongoing needs of the Westbrook community.

With the loss of some trees during our construction project in 2014, and a newly configured playground, the school community felt the need for more shade on the playground. FOWS raised funds for three new shade sails, an additional tetherball pole and they were installed in the Spring of 2017. 

When Westbrook's expansion project began in 2011, the plans included the creation of a courtyard between the existing building and the new wing. This courtyard gave the school an opportunity to create an enhanced outdoor teaching courtyard that would allow teachers and students to learn in an outdoor environment. As a result, FOWS raised funds to turn the courtyard created by the new addition into a vibrant outdoor learning classroom with native plants, ample student seating and useful design to enhance Westbrook’s science and environmental programs. American Plan Landscape Division and Muse Architects provide pro-bono assistance with the courtyard’s design and landscaping. All plans for this outdoor learning space were financed by the Friends of Westbrook School. FOWS raised more than $15,000 in honor of retiring teacher Sandi Geddes. 

In 2023, FOWS partnered with local design company Aligned Design, to refresh the Westbrook staff lounge. Our hope was to show our gratitude to the Westbrook staff for their commitment to education, their dedication to the wellbeing of our students, and their hard work to keep the school running safely and smoothly. The new lounge is a calm place to have lunch, to chat with colleagues, or simply take a break and enjoy a cup of coffee.

In partnership with the Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Universal Design for Learning (UDL) experts and the MCPS Supervisor of School Media Programs, we were able to design a robust, flexible, and accommodating instructional space. The implementation of UDL concepts in the Media Center will have an exciting impact on instruction for years to come. This project included new carpeting, paint and shelving, adaptive furniture and a maker space area.  Due to the generosity of the Westbrook Community, FOWS was able to underwrite the entire cost to refresh the Media Center.

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During the “One Community” Campaign, from May 2011 – August 2013, FOWS’ mission was to take advantage of opportunities presented while Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) built a gymnasium and classroom addition at Westbrook. The construction of the new gymnasium finally brought Westbrook Elementary on par with the majority of MCPS elementary schools that have gymnasiums. It also further highlighted the fact that Westbrook's all-purpose room, after decades of service as a gymnasium, community center, daycare center, voting center, and cafeteria was left in desperate need of repair. The investment in the all-purpose room included newly expanded platform (or stage) with more room for the growing student population, opened sight-lines with removal of 1950's brick archway near stage opening, improved ADA ramp for equal access, new paint, new ceiling and new floor, and most of all, functional lighting and a sound system that actually works for all who use the space.

FOWS spearheaded an urgent campaign to save our playground and upgrade the playground equipment. FOWS donors contributed more than $50,000 in funds in just a six-week period. A complete list of donors to this project can be found here.