An Ugly...update! SB 12-18-2020 | Westford Public Schools

Celebrating National Ugly Sweater Day is definitely better on self-esteem if you are proactively choosing to participate rather than someone assuming you are participating when you had no idea it was happening. I went on the offensive and searched my wardrobe for the real deal. The sweater I chose to wear today is admittedly 30 years old and was a gift that I wore proudly in my younger years; I was concerned that it might disintegrate when I put it on this morning as it has been stored up on a shelf for at least 20 years. The number of people who remarked just how ugly my sweater really was humored me as many of them were wearing some type of homemade seasonal sweater or something specifically purchased to honor today’s festive occasion. I was sporting 100% authentic no joke ugly.

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Hopefully, you were all able to enjoy the snow day. I informed the B Pod students this morning that they will be able to come to school next Thursday to make up the day...then I quickly let them know I was joking before any potential riot could ensue. I have always been a fan of the occasional snow day myself as it can be a nice little gift of time.

Wednesday, the Stony Brook PTO generously supplied to-go lunches again for our staff which has been a wonderfully thoughtful gesture each month for which we are all very grateful. The lunches were once again created by local restaurant Il Forno and the PTO also gave all of the staff members beautiful handcrafted decorations designed and painted by local artist and SB Parent, Pooja Krishnamurthy. Each piece had the word “Grace” inscribed on it which has been an important theme of this school year indeed.

Last week, we sent out a form necessary for students to access certain educational Apps that require additional parental permission. Many of you have already filled out the form but if you have not yet had a chance, please access this link: https://forms.gle/HAWNXnh1osnadtic8

Some exciting news on the local front in terms of App development, two of our Gr8 students, Somya Lunavet and Arav Jain, won national level recognition in the 2020 Congressional App Challenge competition. Their non profit project Work for Cause helps non profit organizations connect with tech volunteers to meet their technology needs. United States Congresswoman Lori Trahan announced their names as winners on Wednesday.

Report cards were released in iParent this afternoon...just like National Ugly Sweater Day it is something that some people look forward to while some other people dread. While I typically don’t look forward to it, in embracing it this year I discovered I could still fit into something that was given to me 30 years ago...I choose to see that as a plus. Hopefully, reflecting on this first trimester will garner positive reactions, as well.

This week’s notes from the Clinic are brought to you by moth balls...keeping ugly sweaters in the game for decades:

I am still missing documentation for over 100 students' flu vaccines. Even if your child is a remote student, a copy of the record is required. If you do not want your child vaccinated, I will need that in writing. (There are medical and religious exemptions.)

A clarification on quarantine versus isolation was in the last newsletter. I also wanted to share some information if you have a family member who tests positive for COVID. The lab results are sent to the state, and the health departments in each town are tasked with doing follow up. The only lab results that a health department can access are those in their own town. Unfortunately, there have been many times that results have taken several days to come into the database. If you or your child is exposed or tested, please notify the nurse at the school your child attends. The nurse can start the ‘contact tracing’ at the school level. When someone tests positive for COVID, we quarantine every family member as well as anyone that individual was with for more than 15 mins, less than 6 feet apart 48 hours prior to symptom onset. Although all children need socialization-activities outside are the best kind of activities. If your child has a friend in your home, try to ensure that they are 6 feet apart. And limit carpooling as much as possible.

Vaccination news is encouraging but we are still months away from having everyone vaccinated. As our Winter break approaches, I encourage all of you to enjoy some downtime but continue to do everything you can to stop the spread. If you travel for the holidays to another state, please make sure your children get tested before returning to school.

As always, call or email me with any questions or concerns. I will be checking email over the weekend and the winter break.

Sue Hanly, RN, MSN

shanly@westfordk12.us

978-392-6974 ( direct line)

Have a wonderful weekend,

Chris

Dr. Christopher Chew

Principal

Stony Brook School

Westford

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

End of Year Teacher Appreciation Gifts!

Our incredible teachers have risen to the challenge of these uncertain times and remained present and a constant in our children’s lives and education. What a perfect time to thank them for all their hard work. Please consider sending a WEF note to your favorite teacher, counselor, teacher’s aide, school nurse, office staff member, or principal. It’s the perfect way to say thank you and support innovation in Westford schools at the same time! Money generated from these notes will be used to fund grants for the Westford Public School system.

.Just make a tax-deductible donation (minimum of $10 per honoree) to Westford Education Foundation and we will send your honoree an email from WEF with a personalized note. The email will state your name and your note, but will not disclose the amount of your gift. These cards make great end-of-year class gifts, as well.

Note: Donations made to WEF in WPS staff members’ names comply with the revised state ethical regulations in terms of gift-giving and acceptance.

Westford Education Foundation is an independent, non-profit organization that promotes excellence in education. We fund grants to teachers, staff, and the community for innovative educational initiatives,professional development, and life-long learning ventures.

Please visit https://www.westford.org/wef/teacher/ to fill out the form. You can complete your donation using your PayPal account or credit card.

Questions? Contact the Westford Education Foundation on wef@westford.org

Thank you!

Westford Education Foundation

P.O. Box 535

Westford, MA 01886