Thursday, December 23, 2021 | Westford Public Schools

Good morning!

As the new year approaches I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year! The year 2021 certainly had its challenges and I hope and pray that 2022 brings joy and happiness to all of us. We have earned it! Our students have been resilient. Wearing masks every day is just not normal, but it has become the “new norm” for us at W.A. I appreciate their efforts under such unusual circumstances. Who ever thought we would be dealing with a pandemic for this length of time?!?

I have remined the faulty that there should be no homework over the break and nothing due on the day we return. Everyone is tired and burnt out right now and “downtime” is needed! I know I said it before, but read a good book, catch up on some sleep, or binge watch a Hulu or Netflix series under a warm blanket! Or break a set of cards or the Monopoly board! That might result in some laughs and we all know that laughter is good for the soul!

When we return to school mid-year exams will be approaching. We have lowered the value placed on the mid-year assessments from counting 10% to 6%. We strongly believe that a mid-year exam helps to prepare students for beyond high school, but we realize that students are more stressed right now than ever before due to the pandemic and other pressures. A mid-year exam schedule will be shared with all of you following the vacation.

In closing, I want to thank you for all of the support. We have a great school and school system and I feel blessed to work in a community that values education. I wish you and all of your families a wonderful holiday season and a very Happy New Year! See you in 2022!

OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS:

SENIORS – Class of 2022 – Time to Order Your CAP, GOWN, TASSEL & SASH FOR GRADUATION ($36.00 "Essential Package")

Please use the link below to order your cap, gown, tassel, and sash for graduation. The $36 “Essential Package" includes the minimum that you will need to wear to the graduation ceremony. (Please note that the website will only refer to a cap and gown, but the tassel and sash will be included.) There are other graduation packages you can purchase as well (using this link) should you wish to do so that include a variety of graduation attire and keepsakes. Please note that the deadline to order your graduation attire is January 14th (A late fee will be charged for any order placed after this date.) The graduation cap, gown, tassel, and sash will be delivered to WA and given to you just prior to graduation.

LINK to Order Graduation Attire:

https://www.westfordk12.us/wa/principals-corner/links/class-2022-jostens...

If you have any questions, please email: ScholasticSolutions@jostens.com

Midterm Care Packages

The Class of 2023 wants to make sure you're prepared for midterms! Please consider sending your child (all 4 grades) a midterm care package to help them get organized and energized. The package contains school supplies (notecards, post-its, pens, pencils, highlighters), refreshments (Smartwater, Gatorade, Rice Krispies treat, granola bar, and M&Ms) along with a personalized note from the buyer. Midterm care packages will be delivered a week before exams during your child's first period class. If you would like to order a midterm care package, please email 2023ghosts@gmail.com. The cost is $15. Orders are due no later than December 23rd. Thank you!

Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Office of Public School Monitoring (PSM)

During the week of January 9, 2022, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Office of Public School Monitoring (PSM) will conduct a Tiered Focused Monitoring Review of Westford Public Schools. The Office of Public School Monitoring visits each district and charter school every three years to monitor compliance with federal and state special education and civil rights regulations. Areas of review related to special education include student assessments, determination of eligibility, the Individualized Education Program (IEP) Team process, and IEP development and implementation. Areas of review related to civil rights include bullying, student discipline, physical restraint, and equal access to school programs for all students.

In addition to the onsite visit, parent outreach is an important part of the review process. The review chairperson from the Office of Public School Monitoring will send all parents of students with disabilities an online survey that focuses on key areas of their child’s special education program. Survey results will contribute to the development of a report. During the onsite review, the Office of Public School Monitoring will interview the chairperson(s) of the district’s Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC). Other onsite activities may include interviews of district staff and administrators, reviews of student records, and onsite observations.

Parents and other individuals may call Alaena Podmore, Public School Monitoring Chairperson, at (781) 338- 6706 to request a telephone interview. If an individual requires an accommodation, such as translation, to participate in an interview, the Department will make the necessary arrangements.

Within approximately 60 business days after the onsite visit, the review chairperson will provide the (district or charter school) with a report with information about areas in which the (district or charter school) meets or exceeds regulatory requirements and areas in which the (district or charter school) requires assistance to correct or improve practices. The public will be able to access the report at http://www.doe.mass.edu/psm/tfm/reports/.

WA Athletic Boosters - 7th Annual Trivia Night

The WA Athletic Boosters invite you to our 7th Annual Trivia Night on Saturday, February 5, 2022 at the Westford Regency. $200 per table (10 people per table) when purchased in advance, or tickets for $25 each. Join us for raffles, silent auction, cash bar, and lots of friendly competition! All adults welcome, doors open at 7:00 pm.

To reserve a table or purchase a ticket, email Jill Trotter at jmaguiretrotter@yahoo.com

Westford Youth Soccer Association (WYSA)

Westford Youth Soccer registration is open for spring 2022! Regular registration for Grades 3-8 closes on January 3rd; Grades 9-12 closes on January 30th; and Grades K-2 closes on March 1st. New and returning players are all welcome! Grades 3-6 have the option of choosing the Local Rec or Travel program. There are also opportunities for high school students to volunteer coach. For league contacts, information about each age group, and to register as a player or coach- please check out: westfordyouthsoccer.com. Or email rec@westfordyouthsoccer.com with any questions.

Sites Needed for Capstone

Do you work for a business or an organization that can benefit from an intern from April 11- May 20? Perhaps your company or volunteer organization has a to-do list that could use some help? Our seniors are excited to apply the skills that they've learned in school to the real world for their Capstone. You can learn more about our senior Capstone on the website (https://sites.google.com/a/westfordk12.us/school-to-careers/senior-capst...). If you have an opportunity you'd like us to advertise to the seniors, please complete the site development form found on the front page of the Capstone website and we will advertise it. We welcome all types of opportunities for our seniors, and thank you for your support of our program!

Have a great vacation!

Respectfully, Jim Antonelli