An Extended Update! | Westford Public Schools

You are very brave!

The Update title did not deter you from opening this first missive of 2018. It really won't be too long in length only in the wait you endured since the last update and the length of the weekend since students do not have school on Monday or Tuesday. If that is a surprise to you at this point, it might be time to reassess both your middle schooler's observation skills and or communication skills in terms of sharing their schedule with you.

I had the privilege of watching Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech in its entirety with the 8th graders this morning. Over the years, I have seen and or read the speech countless times and it never fails to inspire or simply give me chills. Today, what stirred me the most was the reminder that this dramatic speech was given in 1963 and so much of it remains relevant 55 years later. His call to service is a universal appeal to extend our awareness to those around us and do all that we can to lift each other up with dignity and respect. Many of our students noticed additional pictures of Dr. King with various quotes of his on the monitors in the cafe and lobbies. Most of which were focused on service and challenging us to consider what we are doing for others. How can our actions have a positive impact on our community? How can we best choose to serve?

This extended weekend concludes on Tuesday night with the Challenge Success program "A Well-Balanced Student" at 6:30pm in the Westford Academy Performing Arts Center. Jon Kleiman, a representative from Challenge Success, will discuss strategies to establish a healthier home environment, reduce stress without sacrificing achievement, and increase your teenager's resilience, creativity and well-being (see poster below). During the day on Tuesday, he will be presenting to our 6-12 faculty on the same subject in connection to our school environment.

Date: Tuesday, January 16, 2018
Time: 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Where: Westford Academy (Performing Arts Center), 30 Patten Rd.

While the message is geared toward parents of middle and high school students, all parents may benefit from the message and are encouraged to join us.

The Well Balanced Student Flyer

Another upcoming event to keep on the calendar is the 8th Grade Parent Information Night at Westford Academy. It is scheduled for Wednesday, February 14th from 6:30pm - 8:00pm in the Westford Academy Performing Arts Center. Building tours will be available from 6:00pm - 6:30pm for interested parents. All curriculum coordinators will be in attendance for the general presentation and then will stay after for individual questions. To get a preview of the process, go to the Westford Academy Program of Studies and follow the links on the page starting with Freshman Course Listing.

Enjoy the extended weekend,

Chris

Dr. Christopher Chew
Principal
Stony Brook School
Westford, MA 01886
(978) 692-2708

Westford Academy presents Disney's madcap comedy, Peter and the Starcatcher. February 2, 3, 4, 2018.

Before Wendy… before he was Captain Hook… before a boy was given the name Peter Pan…and before there was a Neverland, there was a Starcatcher Apprentice named Molly, a pirate named Black Stache, and a nameless orphan…and they are about to be thrown together in a perilous (and wildly hilarious) adventure on the high seas. But, of course none of this actually exists, unless you are prepared to use your imagination.

Westford Academy Theater Arts is proud to present the highly inventive Peter and the Starcatcher - a play by Rick Elice (Jersey Boys - Addams Family) based on the 2004 novel by humorist Dave Barry and suspense writer Ridley Pearson and directed by Luke Jorgensen.

Performances are February 2nd & 3rd at 7:00pm and February 3rd & 4th at 2:00pm. Tickets are available online (click here) and at the Box Office at Westford Academy on Thursdays from 5:00pm - 7:00pm.

TEEN Nights are BACK! Our second Teen Night is for seventh grade students on Friday, January 26th.

VOLUNTEERS are needed to make it a successful night. Please see the sign up genius link to volunteer. It's a fun, fast evening and we'd love to have you join us. Feel free to email Barbie Goodhue with any questions: click here.