Friday, October 11, 2019 | Westford Public Schools

Good afternoon,

This afternoon we ended the day with a very fun and festive spirit rally to end "spirit week!" I would like to thank Ms. Maddle Kendall and Mrs. Jen Ganley (Student Council Advisors) for creating a fun and exciting event. I would also like to thank ALL members of the Student Council for their efforts to make today's event special. Great job by all!

This weekend is a great weekend for some college visits. If you are planning to visit colleges and universities this weekend, best of luck and enjoy. I remember those days!

OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS:

STUDENT DISMISSALS

Please note: We will not accept dismissals made by email or fax. Dismissals must be by written note or phone call.

Have your student bring in a dismissal note (given to the attendance secretary Karin Brown who sits in the Guidance Department).

OR:

Call the attendance line at 978-692-5570 then press #1 to leave a detailed message.

Have your student pick up their dismissal pass from the Attendance Secretary (Karin Brown) prior to the dismissal time.

Please note that a dismissal is NOT valid unless these steps are followed.

Financial Aid Night: Parents

Tuesday October 22, 2019, 6:30 PM PAC (Westford Academy)

This seminar, presented by the Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority (MEFA) and hosted by WA Guidance Department will provide information and clarity on the entire college financial aid application process. You’ll learn about financial aid applications (FAFSA, CSS Profile) and types of financial aid, the factors that determine eligibility and a Q&A to wrap up the event.

School Trip to Portugal - April 2020

The art department is hosting a 10-day trip to Portugal in April 2020. There are still spots available. If you are interested in learning more about this wonderful travel opportunity for your child, please visit eftours.com/2148462CK or contact Ms. Bolotte at lbolotte@westfordk12.us.

FAME: Friends Advancing Music Education

Friends Advancing Music Education is a non-profit 501(c)(3) all-volunteer parent organization that supports music students, teachers, and programs of Westford Public Schools K-12. Founded in 1983, FAME believes incorporating music into a child's education cannot be understated. There is a heap of incontestable research showing that an education rich in music improves students' cognitive function, boosts IQ, focus and overall academic performance. FAME activities would not be possible without the efforts of committed volunteers throughout our community. Join us to help keep the nationally-renowned WPS music program a treasured resource for this and future generations of student musicians. You can support WPS Music & FAME by attending school concerts, purchasing tickets for one of FAME's fundraising events, donating money to support the scholarship fund, or join FAME volunteers by committing 2 hours a month. Find out more about FAME and how we can work together to support OUR music students! Monthly meetings are on 2nd Tuesdays, 7:00 PM in Room 108 at Westford Academy. Our next meeting is on this coming Tuesday, October 8th. In order for FAME to continue to thrive, we need your ideas--and your help putting them into action. Thank you in advance for your support! Contact us by email fame.westford1@gmail.com

Climate Action Now Rally

On October 17, 2019, from 4:00 – 7:00 PM, on the Westford Town Common, we, the people who have to live with the consequences of inaction, are protesting for a new era to protect our futures, our planet, and the frontline and vulnerable communities who have done the least harm but will be most affected. Please join us to stop this crisis while we still can. Event Organizer: Sunrise Movement Westford. Co-Sponsors: Indivisible Westford, First Parish Church United of Westford. The Sunrise Movement is a national, youth-led organization dedicated to stopping the climate crisis. Sunrise Westford is the local hub for this organization, composed primarily of high school students. For any questions, please contact Tobias Bluestein, the hub coordinator of Sunrise Westford at sunrisewestford@gmail.com, on Facebook at Sunrise Movement Westford, or on Instagram at @sunrisemvmtwestford. The Facebook event can be found at bit.ly/Westford-Climate-Rally-Oct-17.

Westford Youth Basketball

Westford Youth Basketball is now accepting applications for high school student coaches for our rec basketball teams this season. For more information or to apply, please go to westfordhoops.com and select H.S. Coaches Application 2019-2020 from the menu. The deadline to apply is Thursday, October 31, 2019.

Food Drive to Benefit Westford Food Pantry
On Friday Oct 11th from 5:30 to 7:00 PM Scout Troop 437 of Westford will be conducting a food drive prior to the WA Varsity football game.
Please bring non-perishable food products. Ideas include:
Canned goods: soups, beans, vegetables, tuna, chicken

Dry goods: cereal, pasta, rice, coffee, tea, sugar, flour

Personal care: tooth paste, shaving / razors, soap, shampoo, deodorant

For more information on the food pantry see: https://www.westfordfoodpantry.org/

Have a great weekend. Jim Antonelli