A Grill-in...update! SBS 10-5-18

Best laid plans of mice and men…

 

While the weather was not as cooperative as it has been in other years, we enjoyed the Fall Cookout nonetheless. If you missed the tweet earlier, it’s not too late to enjoy Grillaoke 2018. Perhaps the best news of the day was that students were not going to be subjected to our interpretation of B.J. Thomas’ classic 70s diddy during the afternoon concert as students were instead graced with a phenomenal performance from Casey McQuillen a former American Idol contestant visiting us on her “You Matter” Tour.

 

Although it is only October, we are starting to plan for the 8th Grade trip to Washington DC this spring.  On October 15, there will be a Parent Information Meeting @ 6:30 here in the auditorium regarding the trip.  It is not mandatory, but it does provide an opportunity for parents to ask questions and get information. All forms given out at the meeting will be made available on our website following the meeting, as well.  Additionally, we are having our first Restaurant Fundraiser that same evening at Five Guys in Westford.  Five Guys Burgers & Fries in Westford will donate 10% of sales on October 15th to the Stony Brook School Washington D.C. Scholarship Fund!


 

Finally, I would like to share with you a message about a new opportunity coming to WPS:

 

Dear Westford Families:

 

We are writing to share some very exciting news with you regarding a special program that we are bringing to the Westford Public Schools this school year.  The Peer Training Program, which is sponsored by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and its A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE ® Institute, will provide our 6-12 schools with the opportunity to communicate and reinforce our core values, such as respect and civility, while giving our students a unique opportunity to lead the conversation.

 

The goals of the Peer Training Program are to:

Explore the meaning of community and why it’s important for everyone to feel that they belong to the community.

Examine the ways in which some school community members could feel left out and identify ways to be an ally.

Identify what members of the school community can do to actively promote an inclusive learning environment in which cultural, racial and other human similarities and differences are respected and valued.

 

Students now have the opportunity to apply to become a Peer Leader.  Peer Leaders will take a leading role in facilitating activities and conversations in our classrooms.  We are also seeking Peer Leader nominations from teachers and encourage those students to apply. Applications will be reviewed in October (due the 16th) and selections made by late November.  Applications, dates and deadlines are posted on the program’s website: https://sites.google.com/westfordk12.us/wps-adl-awod

 

For more information, please reach out to our building program coordinator, Ms. Morris (kmorris@westfordk12.us) or the district program coordinator (contact information on the program's website).

 

Have a wonderful long, really long weekend!

 

Chris

Dr. Christopher Chew

Principal

Stony Brook School


 

Attend Film Screening To Combat Toxic Masculinity      

Pressured by the media, their peer groups, and even the adults in their lives, boys and young men confront messages encouraging them to disconnect from their emotions, devalue authentic relationships, objectify women, and resolve conflicts through violence. These gender stereotypes interconnect with race, class, and circumstance, creating a maze of identity issues boys and young men must navigate to become “real” men. Join the Westford Parent Connection and the Westford Coalition For Non-Violence on Wednesday, October 17, 2018, at 7:00 p.m. for a screening of the important film, The Mask You Live In. The film follows boys and young men as they struggle to stay true to themselves while negotiating America’s narrow definition of masculinity.

The film – which is 90 minutes long – will be followed by a Q&A with Matthew Swoveland, executive director at The Second Step. The Second Step partners with survivors to address the aftermath of abuse, while working to identify and eradicate the roots of domestic violence. The evening promises to illustrate how we, as a society, can do better to raise a healthier generation of boys and young men.

The event is being held at the Stony Brook Middle School, 9 Farmer Way, Westford, at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 17. Due to the generosity of our sponsors, the event is free and open to the public. For more information about the film, go to http://therepresentationproject.org/film/the-mask-you-live-in/about-the-.... To learn more about The Second Step, check out https://thesecondstep.org/. For all other questions, go to https://www.westford.org/wpc/ or contact Mary Anne Seraphin at mary.anne.seraphin@gmail.com.

 

Westford Parent Support Group

Sponsored by the Westford Health Department.  This support group is a free drop in group, available to any parent who is concerned that their child might be struggling with a mental health issue. This can be something such as ADD, or or some sadness, lots of worries or perhaps

something more defined. This is a pro bono group offered for parents to come

together and share ideas, offer support to each other and realize that they are not

alone in our concern for our children.

 

For more information about meeting dates, times and topics please access this link: Parent Support Group 2018