Friday, February 14, 2020

Happy Valentine's Day and Happy February Vacation!

Good afternoon,

Happy Valentine's Day!  Winter vacation begins at 1:55 PM this afternoon.  I reminded all faculty regarding the "no homework" over vacations.  Students need some downtime to be with family and friends.  I hope all of our students and staff enjoy a week filled with "more sleep", less stress, and some fun!  We reached our 100th day of school and now we are on the way to graduation.  Spring will be here before you know it.  While it doesn't feel that way today, the warmer weather and brighter days are within reach!  

This afternoon we invited Dave Casanave from Kiss 108 to spin some tunes for us in the cafe. We had sing-a-longs, some great dance moves, and an overall good time.  A little something different before we head off into the vacation.  Our student body appeared to enjoy the music and the different lunchroom atmosphere.  

Our senior students have signed up for their Senior Capstone Projects and I want to thank all of the faculty advisors, our Capstone Coordinators Heidi Hider and Susan Lynch, and the host companies/organizations who have offered to work with one or more of our senior students.  This is a great opportunity for our seniors! Each year I advise a number of students and I really enjoy the experience and getting to know students in a different way.  We have great students and I want to thank our parent/guardian community!  It is a great partnership!

OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Seniors - Capstone Applications

Seniors have submitted Capstone applications.  Please be advised that all Capstone related communication (including application acceptances) will take place through the Guidance Google Classroom and student email addresses (westfordk12.us).

Spring MCAS Testing

A reminder to parents of WA Sophomores, your student(s) will be using their own One-to-World devices for MCAS testing.  Please check with your student to ensure that their device is holding a charge for the full school day, that all keys are functional and that the screen is clear, free of cracks and easy to read.  If a device needs repair, please have your student bring it to Mr. Jewell at the Chromebook help desk by the end of this month.  Thank you!

March 14th SAT

Students planning to take the March 14 SAT at WA should register ASAP.  The deadline is today, February 14. Please register through College Board.

English and Math ACT Prep Class 

Roudenbush Community Center is pleased to offer an English and Math ACT Prep Class taught by WA English teacher Lynn Bonakdar and Math teacher Cory Roman.  The course will run for four Mondays starting March 2nd from 6:30-8:30 PM and costs $225 per student (text provided). For a full course description and to reserve your seat in the class, please visit Roundenbush's website:  https://www.roudenbush.org/events/act-english-math-prep-course

Westford Academy Presents Camp Sunshine Night - Worcester Railers vs. Adirondack Thunder

Saturday, March 21st at 7:05 PM 

DCU Center located at 50 Foster Street, Worcester, MA

Tickets are $20 with a portion of the price going to Camp Sunshine. Join the students of Westford Academy at the Worcester Railers onMarch 21stas we support Camp Sunshine! Camp Sunshine is a camp in Casco, Maine for children (and their families) who are facing serious Illness. Tickets are $20 and include a Railers hat!All seats are located in Section 111-112 based on availability. 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 icefollowing the game. Go Camp Sunshine!  www.railershc.com/sunshine  

LAST NIGHT 2020

WA Last Night 2020 is the all-night, substance-free celebration for our Westford Academy graduating seniors, which will be held on Friday, June 5th starting at 10:00 PM. With almost 100% participation, Last Night is a highlight for WA graduates. It takes over 300 volunteers and many, many generous donors to make this evening a success. Parents of all students from K to 12, are encouraged to volunteer.  For more information, please see the Last Night website at www.walastnight.org

Habitat for Humanity 13th Annual Dream Builders Gala

Friday, March 13th , 6:00 PM at UMass Lowell Inn & Conference Center, Lowell. Student volunteers (ages 16 yrs+) are needed for gala fundraiser from 4:00 - 10:00 PM.  Community service hours provided by Habitat Lowell in exchange for your time supporting a worthy cause! Contact Heidi Tierney at htierney@lowellhabitat.org if interested, by March 6th. Gala Tickets Also Available! More info about event,  https://Build2020.givesmart.com

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, New England Chapter (AAFA New England)

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 PM 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/FebruarySpeaker...) provides all of the details about the event, whether attending in person or remotely.

Katherine Cruise

Communications Consultant

Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America

New England Chapter

Have a great weekend and enjoy the February Vacation! Jim Antonelli