A heartful of appreciation...update! SB 2-14-2020
This is by far one of my favorite days of the year...the day before vacation! The fact that it comes multiple times a year and with different moon phases and weather patterns makes it all the more interesting in a building full of various mood swings...that includes the students, as well. Valentine’s Day is ok, I guess, but it can certainly contribute to some of those shifts in dispositions whether it is too much sugar and additional excitement or the dread of sweet temptations and fear of disappointment. If I had to choose between spending Valentine’s Day or Halloween with 607 early adolescents, I think Halloween might actually get the nod. However, one of the great benefits of Valentine’s Day here at Stony Brook is the tremendous outpouring of appreciation that our Westford Middle School PTO exhibits through their annual Sweets for Teachers spread in the faculty dining room. Thank you to all of the parent volunteers who participated in helping the WMSPTO with this great event!
This week was blooming with anticipation for what seems to be just around the corner. Our Gr8 students were able to enjoy some wonderful performances by WA students on Thursday afternoon when the WA Visual and Performing Arts Dept sent representatives to join Ms. Pechacek, WA Coordinator of School Counseling Services, for an information session about scheduling and the course selection process at WA. During the week, I was able to check-in with a few Gr7 students and encouraged them to do extra laps on their stairs at home over the week so that they don’t get too winded when they return from a week without needing to hike up our three flights of stairs to the penthouse. I am sure you are surprised to hear that they did not think it was as funny as I did. Finally, our Gr6 students added their names to the Mission Patch that will be orbiting around the planet on the International Space Station this spring when the astronauts conduct the winning experiment designed by Stony Brook students!
As we head into this break, which I affectionately call “disinfection week”, I hope you are all able to get some rest and relaxation.
Stay warm,
Chris
Dr. Christopher Chew
Principal
Stony Brook School
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, New England Chapter (AAFA New England) is dedicated to the goal of improving the quality of life for people and their families throughout New England who are dealing with the impacts of asthma and allergies. Parents and their school-aged students seek information and support so that they can feel confident that their children with food allergies will be safe and supported in an inclusive environment in their schools.
AAFA New England, as part of our Speaker Series Program, is pleased to present “Supporting Children with Food Allergies,” a program by two experts in the field of food allergies and children. Both Dr. LeBovidge and Dr. Pistiner are members of the AAFA New England Medical Advisory Committee. On Wednesday, February 26th at 7:00 p.m., we invite members of your school community to join us, in person at Newton-Wellesley Hospital’s Shipley Auditorium or via Facebook live, to hear this important topic that promotes understanding and positive strategies for supporting children with food allergies at school. Participants can RSVP for the program by filling out the Google form at https://forms.gle/7f96ACGpgoArrNr88.
The flyer (http://asthmaandallergies.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/FebruarySpeakerSeriesFlyer.pdf) provides all of the details about the event, whether attending in person or remotely.
The Summer School for the Performing Arts at Westford Academy
For information about the SSPA 2020 Open House on March 4, 2020, please access this link: SSPA 2020 Open House Flyer
The Westford Parent Connection
February 25: The Dangers of Vaping, with Westford Police Detective and WA SRO Geoffrey Pavao, in collaboration with the Westford Health Department and See A New Sun Foundation (SANS). [Snow date February 26.]
February 27: The Opposite of Spoiled: Raising Kids Who Are Grounded, Generous, And Smart About Money. Westford Parent Connection book discussion group.
For a complete list of events for the remainder of 2020, go to https://www.westford.org/wpc/, or contact Mary Anne Seraphin at mary.anne.seraphin@gmail.com
NEW for the Spring 2020 Season!
WESTFORD JUNIOR GHOST GIRLS LACROSSE (WJGGL)
Who is eligible?
Any 7th or 8th grade girl
There will be two teams - one at each school
When are practices and games?
After school - 2:15-3:45pm practices, 4pm games
Practices will be 3 days/week + Games 1 day/week (with Fridays off)
When does the season begin?
Season kicks off on March 30th and runs through mid-June
What is the fee?
The fee is $210 which includes a reversible pinnie.
Each player is also required to register at US Lacrosse for $30
*Included with registration fee are two FREE Clinics - see reverse side for details
Players must provide their own stick and goggles
***************************************************************************************************************
Sign-up by: Friday, February 28, 2020
Register at: http://www.lax.westfordma.uslaxteams.com/
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Jodi Cipriano at jcipriano8@comcast.net or Julie Olivier at jdjmo21@gmail.com
FREE CLINIC DETAILS:
Girls invited to attend both clinics:
Friday 2/7 at Blanchard - 2:15-3:45pm
Friday 3/6 at Stonybrook - 2:15-3:45pm
Clinics will be run by the WA Varsity Lacrosse Coach, Julie Olivier and members of the WA Varsity Lacrosse team
Girls can sign-up for clinics in the main office.
Sticks and goggles will be provided for players who want to try out equipment.
Transportation between schools will not be provided for the clinics.
The WESTFORD JUNIOR GHOST GIRLS LACROSSE (WJGGL) program
Is a middle school aged program and
is self-funded and sponsored by Westford Youth Lacrosse and
the Westford Junior Ghost Girls Lacrosse Committee
Westford Academy presents Camp Sunshine Night - Worcester Railers vs. Adirondack Thunder
DCU Center located at 50 Foster Street Worcester, MA 01608
Saturday, March 21st at 7:05 PM
Tickets $20, with a portion of the price going to Camp Sunshine
Join the Students of Westford Academy at the Worcester Railers on March 21st as we support Camp Sunshine! Camp Sunshine is a camp in Casco, Maine for Children (and their families) as they face serious Illness. Tickets are $20 and include a Railers hat! Make sure to purchase your tickets through the link! Offer expires 48 hours prior to puck drop. All tickets purchased will be emailed prior to the game! Make sure to wear your Camp Sunshine yellow for a post game photo on the ice following the game.
Go Camp Sunshine! www.railershc.com/sunshine
Westford Youth Baseball and Softball Registration Now Open: Spring will soon
be here and that means Baseball and Softball season is fast approaching. The
Westford Youth Baseball and Softball League (WYBSL) is currently accepting
registrations for player ages 4-16 at all skill levels. Baseball and Softball
are great ways to develop confidence, strength, determination and teamwork
while having a lot of fun. Baseball and Softball are the safest team sports
to play! And with low registration and equipment costs it makes it a great
sport for any child. All practices are local with 1-2 days a week
(non-mandatory) commitment for games and practices. It is a great way to get
out and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine while learning a sport rooted in
history and Americana.
Registration is currently open on the WYBSL website here, until March 15th,
,2020. Receive a discount on registration if you register before January
31st, 2020. Our first games begin mid April with Opening Day Ceremonies
tentatively slated for May 2nd. For more information visit our website at