Abbot Update
November 20, 2020
Principal's Message
Dear Abbot Families,
Thank you so much for the wonderful sign that mysteriously appeared at the front entrance this week. This random act of kindness certainly put a spring in our step! We are so grateful for your support!
One of the highlights from this week was hearing personal stories from students about their Diwali traditions and celebrations over the weekend. Thank you to 5th graders, Ava K for teaching us about Diwali in Monday's morning announcements and to Rishabh M for presenting to his whole class about Diwali. He wore his kurta, brought pictures, traditional items, and shared a traditional story with everyone. It is so much fun to see the excitement the children have for this special holiday. In fact, Rishabh shared that Diwali is his favorite holiday! I included an adorable photo below!
Please see important information and reminders below.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Sincerely,
Lori McDermott
Abbot School Principal
What Pod Week Is It?
Next week, Pod A will be coming into the building or working live with their RLA teacher from 8:25-11:40 AM on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Pod B will be working asynchronously remotely from 8:25-11:40 AM on Tuesday and Wednesday. Please review your child's schedule carefully because there could be times when they need to meet in the morning for live instruction.
NO SCHOOL ON MONDAY, THURSDAY & FRIDAY - HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Parent Conferences
Parent Conferences will be held on Monday, November 23rd from 2-8PM and on Tuesday, November 24th from 12:30-2:30PM.
If you haven't signed up for a conference, please read THIS important letter with information regarding parent-teacher conference sign-ups.
The conference time flies by so I encourage you to be prepared with your questions. I enjoy asking my children what they think the teacher might say about them that could surprise us and what the teacher might tell us that we already know. It provides for a fun conversation at home and usually gives us quite a bit of insight from their perspective.
School Advisory Council
School Lunch/Breakfast
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, please note that next week’s lunch program will operate in the following abbreviated form:
Remote Learners:
Remote Meal Kits for two days will be available to pick up from one location only: Westford Academy on Monday, November 23rd from 11:30 A.M. until 12:00 P.M.
In-Person Learners:
There is no school in grades K-8 on Monday, 11/23 due to Parent/Teacher Conferences, therefore no In-Person Learner meals will be available that day. In-Person Learner meals will be available for grades K-8 on Tuesday, 11/24. There will be no lunch service on Wednesday, 11/25.
In-Person Learner meals will be available for students at WA on Monday, 11/23 and Tuesday, 11/24. There will be no lunch service on Wednesday, 11/25.
HOW TO ORDER LUNCH: Go to the Westford Public Schools Website, here, where you may choose to order for either Remote Learners or In-Person Learners. Select the plan that applies to your child(ren) for the week or days indicated on the form. It’s important to note that although student meals are free, additional item choices are available at a cost, and your child's lunch account will be charged for the extra item(s).
Warmest Regards and Happy Thanksgiving,
Colleen Wallace
Food Service Director
Parent’s/Guardian’s Guide To Emergency Reunification
PTO Update
Third Grade Shirts: The PTO is happy to provide Abbot T-shirts to all third grade students. The shirts have arrived and your third grader will be receiving theirs in the very near future! RLA students will be receiving their shirts during an upcoming material pick-up, and Hybrid students will be receiving their shirts at school to bring home.
The Scholastic Book Fair: Save the Date! The Scholastic Book Fair will be online this fall from November 30 - December 13. All orders will ship directly to your home, and Abbot earns 25% rewards on purchases made during the Fair. https://www.scholastic.com/bf/abbotschool
important information/reminders
Chromebook Replacements
Morning Announcements
You can find the morning announcements on our website posted daily by 9:00 AM under the NEWS tab.
Social Emotional Well-Being Website
Important Covid-19 Parent information
community news
Register Early and Save for Spring Westford Baseball and Softball
With our fall season wrapping up, it is already time to think about the 2021 Spring Baseball and Softball seasons. This year the Westford Youth Baseball and Softball League was able to have a spring/summer and fall season for baseball and softball. Baseball and Softball continue to be great ways to participate in team sports while learning good sportsmanship and building confidence.
Westford Youth Baseball and Softball League is offering a registration for early bird special. For divisions 7U to 12U, players who register prior to January to January 30th, 2021 will save $30.00 per registration. For all Tee-ball and pre-ball registrations the discount will be available up until registration close.
Please see details at www.wybsl.com/registration
Winter Fundraiser: For the Love of Erika
For the Love of Erika is a toy drive that began in Westford in memory of Taylor's friend, Erika, who passed away in 2005. Since then, FTLOE has delivered more than 20,000 presents to children in various hospitals and shelters throughout New England, as well as hosting holiday parties for families in shelters and the Department of Children and Families.
Due to COVID-19, all in-person deliveries and holiday parties have been canceled. FTLOE has maintained their commitment in providing gifts to at least 8 shelters and 3 hospitals in Massachusetts and New Hampshire that they support each year. Instead of toy collections, they are seeking monetary donations. 100% of monetary donations will go toward the purchase of gifts. The need for toys is immense, and in order to meet the goal of delivering 250+ toys, the goal is to raise least $5,000 by December 15th.
Any donations are greatly appreciated! Donations can be made through the GoFundMe page, Facebook page,, or checks made out to For the Love of Erika, 3 Cutter Lane, Westford MA. For any further questions, please feel free to reach out to Taylor Goodman-Leong at tgoodmanleong@gmail.com.
Revised District Calendar
Dates to Remember
November
November 23 - NO SCHOOL - Conferences 2:00-8:00 PM
November 24 - Early Release - Conferences 12:30-2:30 PM
November 26 - NO SCHOOL - Happy Thanksgiving!
November 27 - NO SCHOOL - Thanksgiving Break
November 30 - Virtual PTO Book Fair begins
Abbot School
Email: lmcdermott@westfordk12.us
Website: https://www.westfordk12.us/as
Location: 25 Depot Street, Westford, MA, USA
Phone: 978-692-5580