Blanchard Community Update 4/10/20

Hi Everyone,

As we conclude our first week of remote learning, we would like to thank you all for your support, patience, and understanding as we roll out this new model of instruction in Westford. We’ve been asked to revolutionize our practice in just a couple of weeks, and I cannot overstate the amount of effort and time staff have invested in making this transition successful. As due dates for the first round of assignments approach, please be in direct communication with the teachers with any of your questions, challenges, or concerns. As always, the social-emotional wellbeing of our students also remains our priority, and we understand the school closure impacts each household differently. If your child is experiencing any difficulties, please let us know. 

School Calendar Update

The School Committee has amended the current year school calendar to continue remote learning through April break with the exception of Monday, April 20, which is a legal holiday (Patriots Day). Eliminating the vacation allows for continuity and also allows us to end the academic year earlier in June. 

The original school calendar for this year noted Tuesday, May 5 as a no school day due to the original date of Westford's town election. With the rescheduling of the May 5 town election date to June 30, May 5 will be a school day of remote instruction, or conventional in-school instruction in the event that school systems are cleared to reopen across Massachusetts. This is a decision that Governor Baker will be making as we proceed through April. 

As a result of these calendar changes we will be able to gain five instructional days and move the last day of the current school year from June 23 to June 16.

Remote Learning Etiquette Reminder

Over the past five days, we have already seen strong participation in remote learning engagement. As students continue to interact with peers and teachers in digital classrooms, they are responsible for upholding the expectations within the Student Handbook regarding acceptable internet use and conduct. By participating in remote learning, students agree not to save, record, share, or post a session or any photos from a session. The rules in school apply to this remote classroom experience. It is the expectation that all students will treat each other with respect during the sessions and must follow all school rules. 

Stay safe and enjoy the weekend. We have certainly earned it! 

Sincerely,

Tim and Patti