Missing you...update! SB 4-27-2020

Thinking about this update just kept bringing the John Waite song to my head.  I thought how funny it would be to throw the link to his video in...then I watched it again after 30+ years and realized that was not a good idea on multiple levels.  If you know what I am talking about the song is already in your head, if not, you’re welcome.

Instead, I have an awesome video created by our fabulous Mrs. Schultz, and this one provides a much better sentiment as well as not being as outdated...please show the kids this one...you will actually need them to log into their WPS google account to see it which is intentional as we prepare to explore more ways to expand these remote connections: SB Staff Misses You (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OcejtjItnzp2DJ7OzmX2CuAyoAqFGCo-/view?u...)

For those of you missing our SB Book Club...miss no more...Stony Brook Book Club moves online!  Mrs. Smith and Kate Rose (JV Fletcher YA librarian) really miss talking with students about books!  We will be hosting an 'online book club' where students can join us from home via Google Meet.

Any student who might be interested should fill out this form: Stony Brook Book Club to get on our invitation list, help us choose a date for our first meeting and decide what topics we should talk about. Online Book Club is open to ALL Stony Brook students, you do not need to have been a book club member in the past.

For those of you missing things that might be in a locker here in the building...now that we know for sure that we will be extending our remote learning through the end of the year, know that we will be organizing a number of times and opportunities for students to come to the building to collect personal belongings all while maintaining physical distancing and following the guidance of our local health department.  Most likely, we will develop something like an extensive sign-up genius to allow students to select appointment times to come and get their things.  Once we have our plan in place, I will communicate that to all of you.  

We will also be developing very specific plans to support all of our students with the transition to our next school year, as well.  Some of those plans are already in place in terms of scheduling and different course selection and placements.  Other things like end of year activities for current students and building tours and or meet and greets for incoming students will be discussed later.  For now, in addition to continuing to support the social emotional wellbeing of all our students, our guidance counselors are also collaborating with curriculum coordinators and teachers to begin the scheduling process for next year.

The Math Placement process for our current 7th grade students moving into 8th grade has been modified due to the school closures. Krissy Bold, the 6-12 Math Curriculum Coordinator, has created a video to explain the process. The video, slideshow used in the video, and other information are available on the district website. Eligibility letters will be sent home on Monday, April 27 via the email address you have listed in iParent. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Krissy at kbold@westfordk12.us

Our 6th grade students looking to take a World Language in 7th grade will be getting access to a presentation created for them by the WPS World Language curriculum coordinator, Ms. Charbonniere, along with our SB World Language teachers.  I will send out a separate message to our Gr6 families with that information at the beginning of next week.

Finally, as we all continue to navigate through this, If you haven’t already seen the Social Emotional Health & Wellbeing site created by the wonderful WPS Psychologists, it is posted on all of the WPS schools’ homepages. Also, don’t forget about SB COVID-19 Student Support page curated by our fantastic SB Guidance Counselors. Both have helpful resources designed to support families and individuals during this time. 

This was a long message with links to some long videos and long lists of information...unfortunately, it is not a long weekend...still, take care of yourself and carve out a weekend as best you can.  

Balance, balance, balance,

Chris

Dr. Christopher Chew

Stony Brook School

Westford