Friday, November 18, 2022
Good afternoon,
Just another reminder that first quarter grades are now available to see in the PowerSchool Portal. We thank you for your patience as we introduce this new student information system to our school community. It has been a challenge, but we are making progress from week to week. I would like to thank Mrs. Karin Brown and Mrs. Lynda Vernalia, two of our outstanding administrative assistants who have been working behind the scenes to deliver an accurate and quality report card. I would also like to thank Mrs. Stephanie Gosselin, our Digital Learning Specialist and Mrs. Lauren Clark, our Director of School Counseling for all of their efforts in tackling this monumental task of changing from iPass to PowerSchool.
If your student struggled in quarter one, there is plenty of time for improvement. I would encourage you to speak with your student about them reaching out to their teachers with questions about how to improve a grade within a specific class. Our teachers are very generous with their time and very supportive of our students. You can also reach out to a school counselor with any specific questions or ways to support your student. We have a very talented and caring group of school counselors.
From the Desk of Jeff Bunyon, Director of Athletics
Below is the link for the Westford Academy Fall 2022 Athletics Survey.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScVgBEVRzKsMVAGHqiqbkrJos7MKRor...
Westford Academy Winter 2022 Sport Registration is now OPEN!
All student-athletes MUST register on FamilyiD prior to try outs and turn in an UP-TO-DATE physical to the coach or to Danielle Mendonca in the main office prior to ANY participation. Reminder, physicals are valid for 13 months. All tryouts are scheduled to start on Monday November 28th.
Sports Offered this Season: Alpine Ski, Basketball, Cheer, Crew, Gymnastics, Ice Hockey, Indoor Track, Nordic Ski, Swim/Dive, and Wrestling.
Activity fees are due AFTER teams are selected. This can be done online through MySchoolBucks or by check. Checks are to be given to the coach.
https://www.familyid.com/programs/westford-academy-athletics-registratio...
Buy tickets online for the Thanksgiving Day football game!
Helpful Hint: Have your ticket pulled up BEFORE arriving to WA and a staff member will redeem your ticket at the gate.
https://gofan.co/app/events/662331?schoolId=MA14773
OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS:
XC State Championship Meet
Boys and Girls will compete in the XC State Championship Meet at Willard Park at Fort Devens on Saturday, November 19th; Girls at 2:00pm and Boys at 2:45pm.
From the WA Counseling Department
We are bringing the Career Exploration Breakfast back and we are looking for career speakers to sit in a round table format in our cafeteria and talk with four groups of students!
When: Wednesday, January 11, 2023 from 7:30 - 9:50 AM
The goal of this School to Careers program is to help students connect academic schoolwork to career readiness and awareness beyond Westford Academy. The objective is for our juniors and sophomores to learn more about two particular careers, educational path, typical day, and then connect academic schoolwork to their possible future career.
Here are some specific careers we are still looking for: biotechnologist, Business management or sales, civil engineer, doctor/physician, electrical engineer, elementary teacher, environmentalist, event planner, financial planner, investment manager, healthcare administrator, human resources manager, marketing, musician, occupational therapist, physical therapist, pharmacist, physician assistant, product designer, nurse, realtor, data science, scientist, veterinarian, etc...... We welcome all careers and we are very appreciative of your valuable time!
**If you can commit to the entire time frame on Wednesday, January 11 from 7:30 - 9:50 AM, please reply to Karen Halloran at khalloran@westfordk12.us with your name and career area that you'd like to represent.
Class of 2024 - Class Rings
It's time to order your Class Rings! Order your ring online by Friday, November 25th. Visit Jostens.com to choose your free gift!
UPDATED PHYSICALS REQUIRED FOR SPORTS AND SOME CLUBS
The ski club has multiple students who have paid the bus fee but have not received the code to purchase their ski pass from Wachusett because of an expired physical on file with the school nurse. Physicals are only good for 13 months and are necessary to participate in not only sports but clubs such as the ski club. The code to get the Wachusett ski pass cannot be handed out without getting those updated physicals in. A doctor's note stating that the student is cleared to participate in the ski club will be accepted if their physical appointment is after ticket prices go up on December 1st. See Mrs Pickersgill or Miss Casey if questions.
Attention All Senior Parents
The Class of 2023 is looking for donations for the silent auction being held at the Holiday Bazaar on Saturday, December 3. We are looking for items as small as gift cards and as big as sports tickets and stays at vacation homes. If you have anything to donate or any questions, please contact the advisors at 2023ghosts@gmail.com
The Class of 2023 thanks you for your support!
Winter Fundraiser: For the Love of Erika
For the Love of Erika is a toy drive that began in memory of Erika Gould, a Westford resident who passed away at the age of seven from cancer. Since her passing in 2005, FTLOE has delivered more than 40,000 presents to children in various hospitals, shelters, DCF, and other social service agencies throughout New England. In addition to this, FTLOE has also hosted holiday parties for disadvantaged children and families, provided summer camp scholarships for children in need, filled back-to-school backpacks with new clothing and supplies, donated more than 100 COVID-19 care bags, and much more!
We couldn’t have done this without your help, and we are hoping that you can help us bring smiles to children in need again this holiday season. We are accepting both physical toy donations through school, or monetary donations (made through our GoFundMe page: gofundme.com/fortheloveoferika2022, or checks made out to For the Love of Erika, 3 Cutter Lane, Westford MA). 100% of monetary donations will go toward the purchase of gifts. The need for gifts this year is immense. Our goal is to raise at least $5,000 worth of toys by December 9th.
Starting Nov 28th, physical toy donations will be accepted by bringing new, unopened toys to your school’s donation box (WA’s Bell Lobby). LEGOs, Barbies, dolls, arts/crafts, and infant toys are highly requested. For any questions, please contact Taylor Goodman-Leong at tgoodmanleong@gmail.com. For current updates, please check out our Facebook page: facebook.com/theloveoferika. Thank you
From the Yearbook Advisor
The 2023 Yearbook is well underway. Thank you to all that pre-ordered their copy of the yearbook. You can still do that up until January 2024.
Parents of Seniors: Please don't miss out on purchasing a PDA (Parent's Display of Affection) tribute ad for the yearbook. Details on pricing and how to complete this ad are on this website.
https://www.westfordk12.us/wa/wa-yearbook/pages/parent-information-page
Please feel free to send any questions to gmustoe@westfordk12.us
AFL-CIO Exam
Seniors, see link below to register to take the AFL-CIO Exam to be considered for their scholarship. The deadline to register is: FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2022. There is also a study guide to reference as well. The exam itself will be take place the week of:
FEB 6 - FEB 10th at WA (online exam)
https://massaflcio.org/scholarships
For more information, contact Mr. Doherty - Counseling Dept.
Panorama Survey Information
We thank you and your family for being our valued partners as we work together to educate the children in our district. Westford Public Schools values input from our community – and we need to hear from your child or children! Students are important partners as we work to improve our communication, academic program and overall experience for everyone.
To learn more about our students' experiences at school, we will be asking for your child to reflect on their own mindsets and approaches to learning via an online survey they will be completing at school. The survey administration window is scheduled to take place between the week of December 5, 2022 to the end of the week of December 12, 2022.. The survey shouldn’t take more than 20-30 minutes to complete. The survey is available to view in the main office. Please complete the Google Form by November 18, 2022 ONLY if you would like to OPT OUT your child out of taking the survey.
Click the link below for more information:
Westford Academy - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdUXDr1Ww-dzIdCtM2lgWl_9mAbR_HV...
Class of 2023 – Wreaths, Centerpieces, Garland and More!
The Class of 2024 is selling wreaths, centerpieces, garlands and more through Lynch Creek Farm, a family owned business. Give the gift of greenery or decorate your home for a festive winter while supporting the Junior Class. Once you order, items will be shipped directly for free within 2-3 days; you can even set your delivery date! Please contact Ms. Bonakdar or Mr. Claycomb with questions! Click here to shop and support the class! https://www.lynchcreekfundraising.com/c/299936
SAT Math Prep Class - In-person for one night
The Roudenbush Community Center is offering an in-person one night SAT Math Prep Course on Thursday, December 1st. Students will take an actual SAT practice test and will learn strategies for taking the SAT. Please go to the Roudenbush website for more information.
thttps://www.roudenbush.org/service-page/sat-math-cram-prep-course-dec-1s...
SAT Cram Courses - English and Math
Roudenbush is 0ffering SAT cram courses starting November 30th for both the English and Math sections of the December SAT.
To learn more and to register, please visit: https://www.roudenbush.org/high-school-classes
WA Crewnecks
Looking for the perfect gift for your favorite WA students, alumni, parents? The Sophomore class is selling WA Crewneck sweatshirts at the Holiday Bazaar! Reserve yours by using the following link:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScnrlHtqJ0xXWGEIl8FI6pJeRke5bbD...
Payment of $35 is due by December 1st- inventory is limited!
Payment/Pick up details are on the order form.
ELPAC Night at the Library's PJ Storytime Event
The ELPAC (English Learner Parent Advisory Council) is teaming up with the JV Fletcher Librarians to host the ELPAC Night at the Library's PJ Storytime event. This will take place at the JV Fletcher Library and is for our younger learners on Monday, November 28th at 6:30 PM. Our flyer: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/18mcaHxmqe8jgxvhBX4S-BLuxsRjCZwmK...
Have a great weekend!
Respectfully, Jim Antonelli