Friday, June 23, 2023 | Westford Public Schools

Good morning,

It is with mixed emotions that I send this final email to all of you today. As of June 30, 2023, I am leaving my position as the principal of Westford Academy. It is bittersweet. I started my career in 1988 as a coach for the football team, and returned in 1993 to begin my student teaching at W.A. In 1994 I was hired as a classroom teacher by Superintendent John Crisafulli and Principal Joseph Lisi. Both were extremely supportive of my career and I am thankful that they gave me the opportunity to work at such a great high school. Shortly thereafter I applied for a position as Dean of Student Activities and assumed that role for a number of years until I was promoted to assistant principal and then principal in 2007. For the last sixteen years I have had the privilege of serving as the high school principal and have loved my time in this leadership role.

My career in education began because of one person, my former W.A. teacher Mr. Bill Cody. Bill made a huge impact on me as a teacher and then we became the best of friends. He is like my other Dad! One call from me to a former teacher back in the early nineties changed the trajectory of my life. I am forever indebted to Mr. Cody. His advice, coaching, guidance, inspiration and love made the difference for me.

I want to thank former W.A. Principal Bill McGuirk for his guidance and support during my formative years as a school administrator. He taught me so many things early in my career, but what stood out the most was Bill’s connection with students and the way he greeted them each morning. It set a tone for the day and I followed his lead throughout my career. He showed me that the little things mean a lot.

I would be remiss if I didn’t thank former superintendent of schools Bill Olsen for believing in me back in 2007 when he appointed me as the new Westford Academy Principal. Bill coached me and supported me every day, and I appreciated his unwavering support throughout my career.

This late departure at the end of the school year was not my intent, but an opportunity came my way and it was something that really piqued my interest based on the job description and the location. I fully understand that the role of the high school principal is extremely important, and I have faith that Dr. Chew can lead the charge to find the next principal for Westford Academy. I know that Dr. Chew will be sharing information about the search process with all of you very soon, so please look out for his future communications.

I want to thank the Westford Academy School Community and the Community of Westford for all of the support throughout my long career. Westford Academy is a very special high school and I hope that the community continues to support the administration, the teachers, and the support staff. Teaching is at the heart and soul of what we are all about in education, and I hope the community rallies around the teachers in Westford to support their efforts in and out of the classroom.

I wish all of you a fun and safe summer and the very best for the upcoming 2023-2024 school year.

OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS:

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

Starting July 1st, any walk-in requests will be processed at the WPS Central Office, 23 Depot Street, Westford.

Important Information Regarding Military Recruiters

Federal law requires that the District release the names, addresses and telephone listings of students to military recruiters and institutions of higher education upon request for recruitment and scholarship purposes. However, in all instances listed above, parents may request that such directory information not be released without prior consent by notifying the school in writing by September 2023.

Bus Pass Registration 2023-2024 School Year

https://www.westfordk12.us/district/transportation

https://www.westfordk12.us/wa/principals-corner/files/bus-pass-registrat...

Westford Academy Composting recruiting students for 2023-24

Are you a student interested in environmental health and sustainability? We use school food scraps as a resource to make vital compost for our community. Every day after school (20-30 minutes) our team members take turns composting. Once-a-month they work as a team to turn and manage compost piles in our compost bins, located near the running track. Freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors are encouraged to apply to join WA’s Compost Team. Seniors must be available to work during Capstone, on through to the end of regular school. Our Compost Team members share exclusive, free access to two green parking spaces at Westford Academy.

If interested please apply before June 22, 2023, at this link:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1KL7l6a57Qy2ec8CG6j6vIzOvLtLFkQmkEEnW2dP...

Sharon Chew

WA Composting Director

westfordcommunitycompost@gmail.com

WESTFORD ACADEMY ATHLETIC BOOSTERS FUNDRAISER

4 Weeks of WECO

Sunday - Friday, June 4th - June 30th

Enjoy dinner & support our organization!

WECO's gourmet chefs make delicious dinners from scratch, using high-quality ingredients, and hand deliver them to your door daily. There are a variety of apps, mains, drink mixes, desserts, and kids’ favorites. A menu comes to your inbox each Wednesday. Dinners sell out fast! No subscription, no minimums.

WECO will donate 10% of your dinner bill to support the Westford Academy Athletic Boosters.

ORDER ON: Wednesdays, starting on May 31st

WestfordCAT – Recorded WA Graduation 2023

Parents, Families and Friends of Recent WA Graduates; In light of the issues WestfordCAT is experiencing with their Video On Demand Library and Purchasing System, WestfordCAT is Offering an alternative way to purchase and download your copy of the 2023 WA Graduation Ceremony. The Station has set up a WA Graduation Ceremony Order Form via "Network For Good" a fundraising service made specifically for Charities and Nonprofits! All you need to do is pay the required $30 fee for a downloadable copy of The WA Graduation Ceremony, provide your First Name, Last Name and Email Address. WestfordCAT will be in touch with you shortly to provide a Google Drive link of Graduation. All you need is to simply click the google drive link provided and the file will begin downloading to your desktop or laptop!

"Save the memories, speeches and special moments with a download you'll have forever. Proceeds from the sale of the program help with the production costs.

Thank you for your support and congratulations!

From all of us at WestfordCAT"

Have a great summer!

Respectfully,

Jim Antonelli