Panther Pride
From the desk of Mr.McElhinney
Spirit Week
We have just completed our second spirit week. Our festivities began on Monday with "red/pink" day followed by "baggy day" and then wrapped up with "tropical" day leading us into the February break. The baggy day opened my eyes to a whole new world in comfort. I tend to not be a slave to fashion, so no surprise I was unaware of the trends in blankets until I saw "the Comfy". A wearable blanket with pockets. It was a prevalent "baggy" item in the 8th grade (see photo) on Wednesday. I took this photo during one of our transitions and then saw several dozen other students wearing this amazing item. I started checking with other students to see if they had one and in the end; I think I'm the only person without one. Safe to say I may be seen at the Paper Store next week with a couple under my arm; good week to take one for a test drive. See everyone bright and early on the 28th.
Spirit week winner, using the tie-breaker system (rock, paper, scissors) Mrs. Holden's Spirit Advisory.
Stay Comfy,
Mr. Mac
School Committee Resolution Regarding a January 28, 2022 Incident at Westford Academy
On Monday evening, February 14, the Westford School Committee adopted a resolution in response to an incident where a visiting athlete was subjected to racist, disparaging, and insensitive comments from spectators during a January 28 basketball game at Westford Academy. The School Committee encourages you to observe the resolution's important message posted online at https://www.westfordk12.us/district/school-committee/pages/school-committee-resolution
Masking after Break
A MESSAGE FROM DR. CHEW
During the School Committee meeting on February 14, 2022, it was decided that the mask requirement for all Westford Public Schools will continue through March 4, 2022. Following March 4, 2022, the federal mandate for masks to be worn on all school buses and in any of our health clinics will still be in place until that is rescinded or expires on the national level. Additionally, with current DESE and DPH guidance regarding COVID protocols, following the 5-day isolation period for individuals who have tested positive, those individuals must mask for 5 additional days when around others, other than when eating, drinking, or outside.
Even after any of the requirements are lifted, masks will still be optional for individuals choosing to wear them in any of our school buildings. There have been a significant amount of emotions expressed regarding the masking decisions. It is incredibly important that we respect and understand that there are differences of opinion on this matter. We must collectively support each individual's decision whether to wear a mask or not and we will not foster an environment that singles out an individual or groups for their choice.
There has been some confusion as to how all of the mask mandates intersect and or potentially conflict. Currently, WPS is operating under both our local Board of Health mask mandate and the DESE mandate. If the Board of Health decides to lift the town mandate, then the school requirement is still in effect. Conversely, if the Board of Health decided to keep the town mandate in place then the schools would only be able to end their mask requirement on March 4 if the Board of Health allowed for that exemption.
Each group can make decisions to be more restrictive in terms of mask requirements within their own organization, but they can't be less restrictive than the larger governing body.
The schools can be more restrictive than the Town. The Town can be more restrictive than the state. However, the schools have to follow all of the town rules just as the town has to follow all of the state rules.
I hope this helps clarify any questions and that you are able to enjoy a restful, rejuvenating February vacation next week.
Sincerely,
Chris
District Report Card
CHRISTOPHER CHEW, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools
COURTNEY L. MORAN, M.Ed. Director of Pupil Services
KERRY CLERY, Ed.D.Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction
PATRICIA LEONHARDT Director of School Finance
Westford Public Schools
Administrative Offices
23 Depot St. • Westford, Massachusetts 01886
www.westfordk12.us • (978) 692-5560 • FAX (978) 392-4497
February 16, 2022
Dear Families:
Every year, each public school and school district in Massachusetts receives a report card. As the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) indicates, the school’s report card is designed to show families how our school is doing in different areas, just as your child’s report card shows how they are doing in different subjects. A link to our district’s report card is available at
https://reportcards.doe.mass.edu/. This URL will bring you to the main page where you may enter our district’s name or a school’s name to view a particular school’s report card.
The report card includes multiple measures of a district’s/school’s performance – more than just MCAS scores. It represents a new way of looking at school performance by providing information on student achievement, teacher qualifications, student learning opportunities, and more. While the data on our report card compares our recent information to prior years and state averages, you may also search for other districts/schools throughout Massachusetts.
Report cards are designed to be useful tools for everyone connected to our school. Families can use the information to have meaningful conversations with us about what the school is doing well and where there is room for improvement. Community and education leaders can use the information to better understand how to support students and our schools.
If you have questions about our district’s or school’s report card, would like to become involved in school improvement activities, or would like to request information about the qualifications of your child’s classroom teacher, please contact your child’s building principal.
For any additional information regarding the report card, please feel free to contact me at
Sincerely,
Kerry Clery, Ed.D.
Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction
Westford Public Schools
978-692-5560 ext. 2104
SHAPING THE FUTURE ONE CHILD AT A TIME
SB MACS still open for business
HEART & SOLE (GIRLS ON THE RUN)
Heart & Sole is a program from Girls on the Run for girls in grades 6-8. It encourages girls to challenge themselves, try new things, make new friends and build confidence to be themselves. As a team the girls will run, laugh and connect.
The season begins on Tuesday, March 29. It will meet Tuesdays & Thursdays after school from 2-3:30 through June 12th. If your child is interested in participating, they MAY NOT sign up for a Spring Sport at Stonybrook in addition to Heart & Sole, as this is considered a Spring Sport.
Lottery registration is open for Heart & Sole (GOTR) runs through March 11th. There are 15 slots available. Girls who are chosen from the lottery will be notified via email on March 13th. Registration link: https://www.pinwheel.us/register/index/GOTRGBSpring2022GirlReg
If you have any further questions feel free to reach out to Roberta Oehley or Sue Hanly.
MCAS Testing Dates
May 11,12 Math
May 18,19 STE (8th grade only)
Please be mindful of these dates as you schedule appointments and other absences.
Civil Rights Information
Town Meeting Survey- for adults
The newly formed Access to Town Meeting (ATM) Committee is a group of residents working to improve participation and attendance at Westford's Annual and Special Town Meetings. We want to hear from you - whether you always attend or aren't sure what the fuss is about. Please take a moment to fill out our very short survey (only about 5 questions)!
https://bit.ly/WestfordTMsurvey
We are asking demographic questions because we want our results to be representative of our community. Please help us reach as many Westford residents as possible -- share with friends and neighbors!
Valery Young
Vice Chair, School CommitteePronouns: she/her
774-239-4387
Anti Defamation League Leaders
PTO UPDATE
Get more SBSPTO information HERE
If you have questions or comments please email us at stonybrookschoolpto@gmail.com
Students Experiencing Homelessness
Child Search
If you know of any child attending public or private school, or who is homeless or has left school, and could benefit from a special education evaluation under Chapter 766 or educational services under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, please contact the Special Education Department in Westford. (978-692-5560 ext. 2111)
Every effort will be made to contact the parents to advise them of their rights under these laws.
Notes from the Clinic
ATHLETIC UPDATE
Pick Promptness
Please be mindful of the end times for your children's practices and games. Please be available to pick up at the designated end times for the day's event (game/practice). Coaches have other commitments, responsibilities and families to get to after coaching. Our coaches do not want to leave children alone after games or practices so your promptness will guarantee their safety and security after events. Your prompt pick up supports your children's continued participation.
SEPAC
What is the SEPAC? Massachusetts statutes and regulations require that every school district in the state establishes a SEPAC. This public body serves as an adviser to the School Committee on matters that pertain to the education and safety of students with disabilities. In addition, the SEPAC has a duty to meet regularly with school officials to participate in the planning, development, and evaluation of the district’s special education program.
For more information on SEPACs, please visit the Federation for Children with Special Needs’ MassPAC page.
The Westford SEPAC also encourages community members to follow our Facebook page or sign up for our mailing list to get information about upcoming Westford SEPAC events, as well as topics that the SEPAC Board of Directors believes is of interest to families of students with special needs in our community.
Westford Summer Music Program 7/11/22 through 7/15/22
Westford Summer Music Program 7/11/22 through 7/15/22
Come join the fun for a week-long program where band and orchestra ensembles will rehearse daily from 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at the Stony Brook School! During the week students will learn new music while building community and friendships. We will conclude the program with a free performance on Friday, July 15th at 11 a.m. This program is open for band and orchestra students entering grades 5 through 9 in September 2022.
Summer Band directed by Mr. Adam Shekleton
Summer Orchestra directed by Mr. Todd Hamelin
For more information and registration please visit: www.westfordk12.us/summermusic
For questions, please contact:
Julie Ottesen - jottesen@westfordk12.us