Panther Pride
From the desk of Mr.McElhinney
Marching On-Phew
Nice to see March in the review mirror on this April Fool's day. Ironically, in middle school, April Fool's tend to be a "no big deal". Today was true to form. A couple of paper fish on the backs of some (French Culture Tradition), other than that mostly quiet.
Report cards went out today (by 2:30). Please review the additional 'Tardy" notation in the bottom right area of the report card. With the better weather, there has been a slight improvement in tardies, but there are still some bad habits that need to be broken. We appreciate your support with the punctuality lesson.
Congratulations to IMLEM Team perfect scorers: Nikhil B, Hansen S, and Jeffrey X. Thanks to Zain I for leading the team to a perfect team round score.
Please see the PTO updates, Cradles to Crayons student initiative, Performing Arts sign up, Spring Athletics for Boys Volleyball clinics....... and so much more.
MCAS testing Dates
April 12,13 ELA
May 11,12 Math
May 18,19 STE (8th grade only)
Please be mindful of these dates as you schedule appointments and other absences.
Mr. Mac
Cradles to Crayons Project 351
* Child Sized Clothing (Sizes 0-20)
* Adult Sized Clothing (Small & Medium sizes)
* Pajama Tops, Bottoms & Accessories, Socks, and Underwear (All must be new)
* Sneakers, Sandals, and Boots (please attach matched pairs with a rubber band)
* Cash donations are also accepted and appreciated!
** Cash donations to Cradles to Crayons can be made through the following link (hyperlinked)
Project 351 and Cradles to Crayons very much appreciates the Stony Brook community's support of this important initiative, which will benefit so many kids and families throughout Massachusetts. All donations count and are helpful to those in need.
Thank you
Kate Kelly
SB 8th grader
Performing Arts Sign up
Dear Parents of Incoming Grade 6-8 Students,
We are thrilled to be able to invite you and your child to view this short informational video relating to Performing Arts classes available to your student for the 2022-2023 school year. In order to enroll your child, you will need to click on the right side of the slide and complete the google form. Please be sure to complete the google form labeled with your child's school no later than Tuesday, April 12. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Andrea Mejia
K-12 Visual and Performing Arts Curriculum Coordinator
Protecting our Tweens and Teens
Protecting our Tweens and Teens:
Anxiety Awareness and Suicide Prevention
The tween and teen years bring an explosion of developmental milestones. Coupled with the excitement of personal growth, adolescents are already anxious about grades and college admissions, relationships, finances, and a host of unknowns. Adding the wallop of an endless pandemic, plus global concerns such as the war in Ukraine, today's young people are living with unprecedented stress. This special forum offers practical strategies to help youths in the face of anxiety, mental health issues, and the risk of suicide.
WHO: Concerned family members, emergency responders, school staff,
MRC volunteers, nurses, counselors, and care providers
WHAT: Forum on crisis mental health and our region's youths
FEATURED SPEAKER: Jon Mattleman, MS
WHEN: Monday, May 23, 2022
TIME: 6:30 p.m. – Registration with light refreshments
7 to 9 p.m. – Program with Q&A
PLACE: Stony Brook School Auditorium
ADDRESS: 9 Farmer’s Way, Westford
CONTACT: Nancy Burns, 978-399-2549, nburns@westfordma.gov
CONTINUING EDUCATION: 2.4 CEUs for nurses and 2 contact hours
for WPS staff. Requesting 2 OEMS hours for EMTs and 2 CMEs
for social workers.
Jon Mattleman, a mental health consultant, is returning to update our ability to help local adolescents through the current mental health crisis. Jon believes in teaching people the language to use when dealing with a mental health challenge in a family member, friend, student or colleague. Participants leave with proven tools that can be implemented immediately; who has time to wait?
This program is hosted by the Upper Merrimack Valley Medical Reserve Corps, the Westford Health Department, and Westford Public Schools.
8th Grade field trip Information
8th Grade Field Trip:
Location: NH Lakes/Mountains. Dinner Cruise on Lake Winnipesaukee
Date: Wednesday June 15, 2022. 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Cost per student: $199 plus optional trip insurance
Registration is completed with Capitol Tours. www.capitaltours.net
Scholarships are available. (information to follow)
If you would like to contribute toward scholarships for students needing assistance, please send your donation to Laurie DeTolla in the main office.
Parent Information includes links and forms as well as an itinerary.
SEE VIDEO BELOW
Civil Rights Information
PTO UPDATE
Music & Dance of the Andes: Gr.6 Academic Enrichment Program
Ask your 6th graders about the PTO-sponsored Music & Dance of the Andes performance by New Inca Son they saw on March 30. This event was made possible by the generous donations of parents to our Annual No-Fuss Fundraiser so we thank you for your support.
Teacher Appreciation Week (May 2 to May 6)
The PTO requests donations of food/beverage & raffle items for the Teacher Appreciation Week. We have a lot of open slots so please do consider donating to help us make the week special for our dedicated & hardworking teachers & staff. Donate HERE
PTO Team 2022-23
The PTO is in urgent need of parent volunteers to fill several open positions in the 2022-23 school year. We invite you to see the list of open positions and SIGN UP to join the PTO team. Help & support will be provided by current PTO members to all new team members.
PTO Meet & Greet
Come meet the Stony Brook School PTO team and get more information on ways to get involved at our next Meet & Greet scheduled for 6:00 PM on Thu, May 12 at Evviva Trattoria,Westford. Please mark your calendar & RSVP HERE
Get more SBSPTO information from our website 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