Friday, October 14, 2022 | Westford Public Schools

Good afternoon,

We are approaching progress report time at Westford Academy. The date we plan to open the portal is Wednesday, October 19, 2022. I will email all of you with a specific timeframe in order for you to review progress report grades. Please understand that we have moved from iPass to PowerSchool for our Student Information System. We don’t anticipate any issues with opening the portal next Wednesday, however, this is our initial launch of grades through this new software program. If there are any issues I will alert you as soon as possible.

For those of you that are new to Westford Academy, please know that progress report grades are a mid-quarter check in. There is no exact formula as to how many grades make up the progress report grade. There is however, time for a student to improve their grade before the quarter one report card. A recommendation would be for your student to check in with their respective teachers about extra-help, future assessments, ways to improve how to study for a particular assessment, etc. We are trying to teach students the “art of communication” and how to “self-advocate” before they leave Westford Academy. A great life-long lesson.

You may also contact a teacher through email with specific questions or a department curriculum coordinator. If the administration can assist you in any way, please feel free to contact one of us as well.

***PSAT, October 15th***

For all students who have registered for the PSATs for tomorrow (10/15), please make sure you are checking your email with room assignments and arrival time!

OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS:

The WA Programming Club

The WA Programming Club would like to thank Gary and Ann Blanchard (Jack Whitman's grandparents) for donating $200 to buy Arduino boards, which are used to teach club members the workings of electrical components, as well as introduce them to programming hardware directly.

- Anjli Trehan, Computer Science teacher and Programming Club Advisor

Students' Mental Health and Well-Being

In an effort to promote the health and well-being of students at Westford Academy, students will be periodically provided with questionnaires, surveys, and screeners that address issues related to mental health. The information gained will support the school's ability to provide comprehensive and timely support for your child if they require assistance. Students can opt-out of filling out any questionnaire, survey, or screener that they are not interested in taking and you can opt-out your child at any time by contacting your child's counselor. We are committed to ensuring your child is supported academically, socially, and emotionally, and we look forward to partnering with each of you towards achieving this goal.

Westford Special Town Meeting, Monday, October 17th

Please attend part or all of Westford's upcoming Special Town Meeting on Monday, October 17 starting at 7 pm in the Westford Academy Gymnasium. There will be a Family Friendly Area for those who want to bring the kids and need some extra space. Presentations and vote results will be visible on video screens. Town staff, volunteer committees and department heads have been preparing diligently to fully inform you of the issues at the meeting and allow you to vote with confidence. There are eleven articles to be voted on including funding for a proposed Library expansion, funding for a new municipal building at 51 Main Street and changes to our Zoning Bylaw regarding accessory dwellings. For a full list of articles and other information about Town Meeting check out the links on the Town Moderator page under the Government tab of the Town of Westford website www.westfordma.gov. Town Meeting is the legislative body of our Town. It’s up to the voters to determine the rules we live by and how our local tax dollars are spent. Please make the time to attend this important meeting, which should last

Parent Volunteers/CORI Applications

A reminder that parent volunteer CORI applications for the 2022-2023 school year will only be processed through December 2022. As of January 1, 2023, CORI's are only done on an emergency basis. If you plan on volunteering during the 2022-2023 school year, you need to be CORI'd by January 1. If you even think there may be a chance that you will be volunteering in some capacity at Westford Academy, please come to the Main Office between the hours of 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM to complete a CORI application.

Calling High School Students – Coaching and Officiating Youth Basketball

Applications for coaching and/or officiating in Westford Youth Basketball this year are now OPEN. This is a great way to give back (and earn community service hours), all while learning and having fun! Our younger players really look up to you, so you can have a huge influence on their play, their attitude and their sportsmanship.

Click here for Coaching App https://www.leagueathletics.com/UserForm.asp?RegID=184819&org=westfordho...

Click here for Ref App https://www.leagueathletics.com/UserForm.asp?RegID=184818&org=westfordho...

Any questions, email Christy DeSisto christy.desisto@gmail.com or Ed Brown edcolbro@gmail.com

Registration to PLAY this year is now OPEN

Whether you are a serious baller, just like to have fun on the court, want to spend time with friends, or have a slight case of FOMO... be a part of one of the coolest high school leagues ever! Most towns don't provide opportunities to play basketball to high school students (other than school teams). WYBA makes sure your love of the game can continue all the way till graduation! Disclosure: Covid really set us back. We need you to help rebuild this awesome experience for you and your friends. Past seasons have even had their own instagram accounts and highlight videos... the league will be as great and fun as you make it!! Come join us! Register HERE or www.westfordhoops.com

2023 WA Ski/Snowboarding Club

Who/What? WA Ski/Snowboarding Club
Where? Wachusett Mountain, Princeton, MA
When? Six Tuesdays in January and beginning of February
Depart WA @ 2:10pm
Depart Wachusett @ 6:30pm
Arrive back at WA @ 7:10pm

All students who are interested in participating in the Ski Club at Wachusett Mountain this season should plan on attending the informational meeting on Tuesday, November 1st in room 133 from 2:05 - 2:45pm

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

Have a great weekend!

Respectfully, Jim Antonelli