Friday, November 22. 2019 | Westford Public Schools

Good afternoon,

Last week I had the opportunity to meet with our Student Council. One of the items on our agenda was vehicles idling outside the school during various times. Members of the Student Council researched and found a School Committee Policy about idling. Please see the SC Policy below. The Student Council asked me to share this information with the parents and guardians and they are asking for your support. They are asking that if you come to pick up your student at Westford Academy and you are waiting outside for more than one minute, that you turn your vehicle off. This is supported by the School Committee Policy P3708. Members of the Student Council will be outside next week holding signs saying "No Idling Please" prior to the Thanksgiving Day break. I appreciate and applaud the efforts made by the students in the Student Council and hope that you will support their efforts. Please refer to the specifics as outlined in the P3708. Thank you in advance for your cooperation and understanding.

Motor Vehicle Idling P3708

In compliance with Massachusetts law, the School Committee establishes this policy to help ensure good air quality for students and staff in and around WPS schools, and to limit carbon emissions from unnecessary idling.

No motor vehicle on school grounds shall be allowed to idle its engine for greater than one minute, unless:

• Waiting in a moving queue at a school for the purpose of picking up or discharging students

• Maintaining an appropriate interior temperature when accepting or discharging passengers; provided idling does not exceed three minutes in any fifteen minute period for school buses, or one minute in any fifteen minute period for other motor vehicles

• Accommodating safety needs, or addressing emergencies

• Servicing or repairing motor vehicles which have broken on school premises

• Cooling down or warming up a turbo-charged diesel engine, provided that manufacturer documentation of this requirement can be provided

The Superintendent or delegate shall obtain written confirmation from any contracted provider of student transportation that all drivers will abide by this policy. Individual drivers contracted directly by the Westford Public Schools will also provide this written confirmation.

The Westford Public Schools shall erect and maintain signage in a conspicuous location on school grounds with font size chosen so as to be visible from a distance of 50 feet. This signage shall include the following items: “NO IDLING”, “Violators may be fined”, “M.G.L. c. 71:37H, c. 90:16B and 540 CMR 27.00”

References: M.G.L. c. 71:37H, c. 90:16B and 540 CMR 27.00

Policy Adopted: June 4, 2012 WESTFORD PUBLIC SCHOOLS Policy Reviewed: Westford, Massachusetts 01886 Policy Revised:

Parent/Guardian Newsletter VOL II- link below:

https://www.westfordk12.us/wa/principals-corner/files/parentguardian-new...

OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Class of 2020 – Ordering and Paying for Caps and Gowns

There is a two-step process for seniors to order their caps and gowns. The first step took place during Advisory on Friday, November 8th. The seniors (who were present during Advisory) were able to access the Jostens website and put in their name, height, weight, and contact information. The second step is to now go back onto the website and pay for their caps and gowns. Any senior who was not able to get on the website during Advisory OR was not present during Advisory can now go on the website and complete both steps - put in their information AND pay for their cap and gown.

Please note that the order deadline is Friday, November 29th! (The idea behind this deadline was for this to be completed early and therefore "out of sight out of mind." To check that off of your "senior year list." If anyone has an issue with the timeline or the new price of the cap and gown with stole, please reach out to me directly. If it is a financial issue I am willing to "scholarship" any family/senior student and it will be completely confidential. My email address is jantonelli@westfordk12.us.

Jostens Cap/Gown/Tassel/Stole Ordering Website

https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/productDetail/1065285/Westford-Academ...

School Trip to Greece: July 2020

Dear Families, I’m excited to announce that our Epic trip to Greece is “A Go!” we still have spots left to fill up our tour bus! Please attend a meeting to meet the students who are already committed and the chaperones December 16th at 8:00 PM in room 239 to learn more about this once in a lifetime program. Bring a friend to this opportunity to step outside the classroom and gain a new sense of confidence, experience a new culture, and see the world from a different perspective. This trip is open to all juniors, sophomores, and freshmen. Juniors, this will be your last chance to participate in this incredible international education experience. Check out our tour enrollment page at www.eftours.com/2288650ff and click on “Stay in the loop”.

Catie's Closet - Donated Items - Thanksgiving Football Game

Catie’s Closet is a non-profit organization that helps bring clothing, toiletries, and other school necessities to WA students in need. We the Westford ambassadors - Jessica Park, Victoria Princi, Koko Xu - are asking for your help to support our fellow students. Gather your gently used/new clothing as well as any spare school necessities (new toiletries, notebooks, lightly used binders etc.) and bring them to the WA vs. AB Thanksgiving Football Game on November 28th at WA to make a donation. Monetary donations are also appreciated and can be made on Catie’s Closets’ website. We appreciate your help supporting our peers in need and making our school, and town, a better place!

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

Enjoy your weekend! Jim Antonelli