Friday, October 5, 2018 | Westford Public Schools

Good afternoon,

Thank you to everyone who attended yesterday for our Back to School Event. I truly hope that it was an enjoyable experience. Our faculty was thrilled to meet with all of you and to share classroom expectations and experiences with each of you.

The weekend ahead looks to be very nice. I hope this weekend provides many of you with the opportunity to visits some college campuses. It is a great time of year to see a college or university in action. If you are traveling this weekend, travel safe and enjoy the long weekend.

This afternoon we practiced our first school safety drill for the School-Year 2018-19. I must report that our students and staff in cooperation with the Westford Police Department and our Crisis Response Team did a great job. The first part of the drill aired a WABC video prepared by Dean of Students, Bob Ware and SRO, Det. Geoffrey Pavao. The video reminded our students about A.L.I.C.E. procedures/protocols and informed students about rally points and the reunification process. Following the video, students were informed of an intruder in the building and the building was put on alert. At this time students and staff used the protocols outlined by our A.L.I.C.E. training. Students and staff waited for additional information. Once the perpetrator was detained a complete evacuation of the building took place to rally points; Crisafulli and Robinson Schools. If this were a real situation, Dee Bus would transport your son or daughter from a rally point to the reunification point. Westford Academy’s reunification site is the Stony Brook School. I would like to thank all of our students and staff for doing a great today.

Other Announcements:

College Financial Aid Night for Parents NEW DATE/TIME: WED. OCTOBER 10TH 6:30 PM(previous date was 10/9).

WA Guidance Department and Massachusetts Educational Financial Authority (MEFA):

College Financial Aid Night for Parents

Wednesday, October 10, 2018 at 6:30pm in the WA Performing Arts Center (PAC)

How to Participate in the 2019 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards Program

All students who have distinguished themselves by making a meaningful difference in their community by volunteering in the past year are invited to apply for the Prudential Spirit of Community Award.

To be considered you must:

1. Complete & submit the online application at http://spirit.prudential.com or http://nassp.org/spirit

2. Indicate Mr. Antonelli, Principal as the “certifier”

3. Upon submission, you'll receive an email with the Certification page and Supplemental Code. Email the "Certification" page to Mrs. Halloran at khalloran@westfordk12.usor bring it to Guidance by the deadline of Tuesday, November 6, 2018

For application and certification questions, or to request a paper application form, call 855-670-4787

Westford Academy Crew Team - Fundraiser at Chipotle - October 9th

https://www.westfordk12.us//wa/friday-email/files/westford-crew-team-fun...

Chipolte Flyer

A World of Difference - Peer Training Program

Dear Westford Families: We are writing to share some very exciting news with you regarding a special program that we are bringing to the Westford Public Schools this school year. The Peer Training Program, which is sponsored by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and its A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE ® Institute, will provide our 6-12 schools with the opportunity to communicate and reinforce our core values, such as respect and civility, while giving our students a unique opportunity to lead the conversation. The goals of the Peer Training Program are to: Explore the meaning of community and why it's important for everyone to feel that they belong to the community, examine the ways in which some school community members could feel left out and identify ways to be an ally, and identify what members of the school community can do to actively promote an inclusive learning environment in which cultural, racial and other human similarities and differences are respected and valued. Students now have the opportunity to apply to become a Peer Leader. Peer Leaders will take a leading role in facilitating activities and conversations in our classrooms. We are also seeking Peer Leader nominations from teachers and encourage those students to apply. Applications will be reviewed in October (due the 16th) and selections made by late November. Applications, dates and deadlines are posted on the program's website: https://sites.google.com/westfordk12.us/wps-adl-awod.For more information, please reach out to your building program coordinator or the district program coordinator (contact information on the program's website).

Counseling Department- 9th Grade Health Classes

Between October 17 and 23 the counseling department will be visiting freshman health classes to discuss mental health. Students will discuss stress and depression in a program that consists of classroom lessons, guided discussions and tools to identify signs and symptoms of depression.

Have a great weekend. Jim Antonelli