Good Riddance 2020...update!SB 12-23-2020
Dismissal was accompanied by James Taylor’s version of Auld Lang Syne. Don’t know about you but I am ready to show 2020 the door.
Translations via Google Translate
This is the last update before trying to close and lock the door on 2020.
At the risk of seeming like self-promotion, I shared this info with a group of Gr8 students today and thought it might be something that some of you might enjoy listening to as well. Last week, I was able to volunteer a few hours to record a dramatic reading of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol for Greater Boston Stage Company. They are posting it for free as separate podcast episodes for each of the five staves or chapters of the novella. I play all of the characters in the reading and worked remotely with a wonderful sound engineer in Boston to layer in sound effects to help bring the whole piece to life. My family and I were able to listen to the first few staves around the fireplace over the past few nights and it has been a wonderful escape into...well...something other than 2020. If it is something you might be interested in listening to you can access them all on the GBSC website: https://www.greaterbostonstage.org/achristmascarol.html
As we prepare for January, we are looking for additional help with our substitute coverage in the event that any of our staff members need to teach remotely. Following Thanksgiving, we had an increase in absences due to some staff needing to quarantine or were waiting for test results if they themselves were not feeling well. Teachers have always pushed through colds and allergies in order to stay connected to their students but just as we are encouraging students to stay home if they are at all sick, we are asking staff to do the same. We have managed to do very well with all of our protocols in place and we would like to keep the opportunity for in-person learning as long as possible. Information about joining the substitute teacher list can be found on our district Human Resources website:https://www.westfordk12.us/district/human-resources/pages/employment-opportunities
The expectations are different at the moment and here at Stony Brook we really need responsible adult bodies to be in the rooms with the students while the teacher works with the class remotely in most cases. At this time, we really aren’t asking our substitutes to execute lesson plans or teach a class; we really need them to help monitor and supervise. If possible, we are looking to simplify the application process for this current need, but if it is something that you would be available to do please send me an email so we can at least generate a potential list of new names. I will communicate additional information to those interested when we get back in January.
An abridged Notes from the Clinic brought to you CliffNotes...
I have an update on the flu vaccine:
The MDPH Immunization Division had set the deadline of December 31, 2020 for students to receive a flu vaccination unless they have obtained a medical or religious exemption. The deadline has been extended through February 28, 2021.
Please continue to provide documentation that your child has received the vaccine. I will check emails over the break.
If your family does travel over the holidays, a quarantine of 10 days(this just changed from 14 to 10 days!) or a negative test is needed before your child can return to school.
Enjoy the holiday break. Be safe and reach out if you need anything.
Sue Hanly, RN, MSN
Have a wonderfully restful break,
Chris
Dr. Christopher Chew
Principal
Stony Brook School
Come Join Westford Parks & Recreation's
NEW Egaming League
Starting this January, Westford Parks & Recreation will partner with GGLeagues to offer our first ever egaming league! This six-week winter session is for grades 3-5 (Elementary Division) and 6-12 (Middle/High School Division), and is appropriate for all skill levels, beginner to advanced. As part of the North Shore Gaming League, Westford Parks & Recreation team members will compete against participants throughout their esport community.
The Westford Parks & Recreation Egaming League is about meeting new friends, having fun, and improving your gaming techniques!
WINTER SEASON GAME SELECTION:
MADDEN21: Starts Monday, January 11
FORTNITE: Starts Tuesday, January 12
FIFA21: Starts Tuesday, January 12
NBA2k: Starts Wednesday, January 13
ROCKET LEAGUE: Starts Wednesday, January 13
SUPER SMASH BROS: Starts Thursday, January 14
For more information visit us at westfordrec.com or
REGISTER NOW! Game registration closes on Wednesday, December 30, at 11:59 pm.