Friday, February 11, 2022
Good afternoon,
The last two weeks have been very difficult for our high school and the community of Westford. I wanted to share with you some of the things we have done and will be doing to support diversity, equity, and inclusion. Westford has been and will continue to be committed to this work.
Under former Superintendent Bill Olsen, the Westford Public Schools created a Cultural Committee that evolved over time into the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee. This committee included representatives from the elementary, middle, and high school levels; the Central Office; the School Committee; and the parent community. Westford’s town officials also developed a DEI Town Committee and the both the town and school committees work collaboratively on issues connected to diversity, equity and inclusion.
This year, under the leadership of Superintendent of Schools Dr. Christopher Chew, all school principals are required to be part of the DEI Committee for the nine schools. I strongly believe this is an excellent recommendation by Dr. Chew. School principals play a significant role in ensuring safe schools for all students. The DEI Committee meets once a month and discusses a variety of topics connected to professional development for teachers and staff, programs for students, topics of concern within our schools or community, and more.
In addition to this important work, Dr. Chew and Dr. Clery have hired a DEI Consultant, Dr. Kalise Wornum. Dr. Wornum leads a consulting firm that is designed to help school districts improve teaching and learning while training educators to become culturally proficient. You can find more information about Dr. Wornum and KW Diversity, Inc, at this link.
The Westford Public Schools Leadership Team, composed of curriculum coordinators, assistant principals, principals and other central office personnel have worked with Dr. Wornum this entire school year, meeting twice a month for professional development connected to cultural proficiency. This work has been meaningful and powerful and is designed to help leaders work with staff to help make all of use more culturally proficient and responsive.
At Westford Academy we are working with our World of Difference students and advisors to coordinate some learning opportunities for our students at each grade level within the month of March. The exact topic(s) are in the development phase and I will share more with you as the outline develops. Having students working with and alongside their peers is a great way for students to engage with and learn from one another.
Finally, towards the end of the fall season, the MIAA developed a video and pledge sheet for all student-athletes to review and sign if your school is a member of the MIAA. The video demonstrated the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our Athletic Director, Mr. Jeff Bunyon, required all coaches to show and discuss the video within the first week of the winter season. Following the viewing, the pledge sheet was reviewed by the coach, handed out to each student-athlete, and the signed pledges are being kept on file. We will also do this as the spring season begins.
MIAA Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Pledge
https://www.westfordk12.us/wa/principals-corner/files/miaa-diversity-equ...
The reason I share this information with you is so that you are informed regarding the work that is happening within our schools and town connected to diversity, equity, and inclusion. This is just the “tip of the iceberg” and we recognize and are open to other ideas. If you have any thoughts or ideas about diversity, equity, and inclusion, please feel free to email me. I will listen to any and all ideas. We fully acknowledge that we have more work to do and the Westford Academy Administration, Faculty, and Staff are committed to this work. Our job is to provide a safe school and an inclusive environment for the entire student-body and anyone who visits our school.
In closing, I would like to thank Dr. Michele Shannon for her guidance and support over the last two weeks. Dr. Shannon was the Executive Vice President of the New York City Leadership Academy, a former Chief of Schools for the City of Boston, and she has been involved with the School Leadership Program at Harvard Graduate School of Education. Dr. Shannon has been invaluable by helping us to outline steps to move us forward during this most difficult time. Thank you very much Dr. Shannon!
OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS:
SENIORS – Class of 2022 – Time to Order Your CAP, GOWN, TASSEL & SASH FOR GRADUATION ($36.00 "Essential Package")
Please use the link below to order your cap, gown, tassel, and sash for graduation. The $36 “Essential Package" includes the minimum that you will need to wear to the graduation ceremony. (Please note that the website will only refer to a cap and gown, but the tassel and sash will be included.) There are other graduation packages you can purchase as well (using this link) should you wish to do so that include a variety of graduation attire and keepsakes. Please note that the deadline to order your graduation attire is February 18th (A late fee will be charged for any order placed after this date.) The graduation cap, gown, tassel, and sash will be delivered to WA and given to you just prior to graduation.
LINK to Order Graduation Attire:
https://www.westfordk12.us/wa/principals-corner/links/updated-class-2022...
If you have any questions, please email: ScholasticSolutions@jostens.com
Working Papers
Working papers are requested online. If your student has been offered a job, please have them go on the Westford Academy webpage. Click on “For Students” and then click on “Working Permit – Ages 14-18”. https://www.westfordk12.us/wa/students/links/working-permit-ages-14-18
STUDENT DISMISSALS
Have your student bring in a dismissal note (given to the attendance secretary Karin Brown who sits in the Guidance Department). OR: Call the attendance line at 978-692-5570 then press #1 to leave a detailed message. Have your student pick up their dismissal pass from the Attendance Secretary (Karin Brown) prior to the dismissal time. Please note that a dismissal is NOT valid unless these steps are followed.
Have a great weekend!
Respectfully, Jim Antonelli