Friday, January 28, 2022 | Westford Public Schools

Good afternoon,

Can you say Nor’easter! Here it comes! A winter blast and artic cold! Check the snowblower, the generator, and fill up the gas tanks! Make sure to have backup water and lots of mix for hot cocoa! Please stay healthy and safe this weekend! We are hearty New Englanders, we’ve got this!

Some positive new on the COVID front. Our absenteeism has been significantly lower this week, as well as the number of positive cases. That is good news! I hope and pray that we continue to trend this way as we approach the spring! I know that hospitals and our healthcare heroes are still working overtime to help those stricken by this awful virus. A huge “Thank You” to all of our healthcare professionals for their unselfish commitment during this pandemic! All of you are true HEROES! Please continue stay healthy and safe, you are appreciated!

This week we began Qtr. 3! Can you believe it? Half of the school year is over and we are headed to the spring! I would like to commend our students and teachers for their efforts to come to school each day and fight the fight! While we had an uptick of student and teacher absences following the winter break, the tide has turned and both student and teacher attendance has greatly improved.

Lastly, as we approach the spring, we are very focused on our seniors. The Class of 2022 has been very positive throughout a difficult time. We want to celebrate this amazing group of young people who will help to shape the future of our country. They have demonstrated a positive attitude, toughness, and resiliency and we are very proud of this group! We are laser focused on making the end of this school year special for our outgoing class. They have earned it! The administration is working closely with the Class Officers to accomplish this mission!

OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Town Meeting Survey

The newly formed Access to Town Meeting (ATM) Committee is a group of residents working to improve participation and attendance at Westford's Annual and Special Town Meetings. We want to hear from you - whether you always attend or aren't sure what the fuss is about. Please take a moment to fill out our very short survey (only about 5 questions)!

https://bit.ly/WestfordTMsurvey

We are asking demographic questions because we want our results to be representative of our community. Please help us reach as many Westford residents as possible -- share with friends and neighbors! Thanks, ATM Committee

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

High School Quiz Show competition!

Congratulations Westford Academy for having a team in the High School Quiz Show competition! As part of our show preparation, we will be recording fans and team supporters in a virtual “audience”. This footage will be edited into the recordings of various quiz rounds to give the viewers the experience of seeing audience support for your team.

The recording will take place over Zoom. Family, friends, school faculty and students, even pets!—anyone who is a supporter of the team and who has access to a computer or phone with a stable internet connection and camera can participate. Recordings will not take more than half an hour.

YOUR SUPPORTERS ARE SCHEDULED TO BE RECORDED ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 28 AT 4:30 PM

Registration link for attending the recording:

https://wgbh.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcucuCrrjktE9xO7PQD932Qrim3LWGF4AMj

Note: School colors, posters, banners and spirit items are welcome and encouraged. Branded clothing and clothing with logos or artwork not related to the school are not allowed. Audience members are also asked to remove all signs, artwork, posters, prints, photos, branded items or logos from the background.

Producers of High School Quiz Show will direct audience members throughout the recording session.

Audience reactions will be recorded, and by registering and attending the event, participants understand that they will be giving GBH permission to use worldwide in all media their appearance, and the appearance of any minor(s) in their charge also appearing with them, as well as any materials that they may display as part of their participation. Thank you, The High School Quiz Show Team

MASS General Hospital iDecide Opt Out Letter to Parents/Guardians, January 2022

https://www.westfordk12.us/wa/principals-corner/files/mass-general-hospi...

From the Nurses Clinic

Per MGL 105 CMR 200.00, Physical exam in school children.

Students in Grade 10 need to have an updated physical on file in the nurse’s clinic.

Physicals dated after August 1, 2020 are acceptable. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

Joan Mitchell, MEd BS RN

Kathy Bourdeau BSN RN NCSN

978-692-5570, ext 7425,7437

Parent(s)/Guardian(s) of members of the Class of 2023

Please join us for a Webinar on Zoom for our “Life After WA” presentation which kicks starts the post-secondary planning process. This will be held virtually on Tuesday, 2/15 at 6:30pm. There will be a live Q& A session following the presentation.

Please register below:

When: Feb 15, 2022 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Topic: Junior Parent/Guardian Night: Life After WA

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_VFVEA15oSoeVpczl2HtZMA

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

SAT Classes - Math and English - Roudenbush

Roudenbush is pleased to announce SAT classes starting in February for both the English and Math sections of the March SAT.

To register for the Wednesday English course, please visit: https://www.roudenbush.org/service-page/sat-prep-english-remote-class-we...

To register for the Thursday Math course, please visit: https://www.roudenbush.org/service-page/sat-mathematics-prep-course-thur...

SAT Mathematics Prep Course at Roudenbush - Instructor: Lori Ditto

Contact Information: dittotutoring@gmail.com

Roudenbush is pleased to offer an SAT/PSAT Mathematics Prep Course taught by Lori Ditto.

This 100% online (via Zoom) SAT Mathematics Preparatory Course is designed to help students of all levels and abilities improve their scores on the mathematics sections on the SAT test. Students will not only be exposed to the mathematics curriculum covered on the SAT test, but they will also learn strategies for taking standardized mathematics tests. Students will take actual SAT practice tests where answers and methods for solving problems will be discussed. Cost $250 (8 hrs. of instruction).

Dates:

Option #1: 4 Tuesdays: 2/8, 2/15, 3/1, 3/8 (SKIP 2/22) 3:00-5:00pm

Option #2: 4 Tuesdays: 2/8, 2/15, 3/1, 3/8 (SKIP 2/22) 6:00-8:00pm

Have a good weekend! Jim Antonelli