Abbot Update
January 14, 2022
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Dear Abbot Families,
It was wonderful to have a full five day week, and despite the frigid temperatures early on, we were able to get outside and enjoy some good old fashioned snow play. Please remember that students must have boots and snow pants to play in the snow. If they don't have snow gear, they will still go out, but may be restricted to the blacktop area.
We are looking ahead to a short week with Monday off in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. This brief video from Kid President is a great reminder of why Dr. King should be celebrated before, during, and after his honored day.
Please see below for important updates and upcoming events.
Enjoy the long weekend!
Sincerely,
Lori McDermott
Abbot School Principal
Bob the Snowman - Grade 3 Recess
STEM Fair
Students are encouraged to participate for the opportunity to experience STEM first-hand and share their innovative ideas with their peers. Research shows that students make up their minds about the possibility of pursuing a career in STEM fields by the time they leave fifth grade, so this foundation is important!
The deadline for registration is January 28, 2022.
Town Meeting Survey
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!
New Policy - Effective Immediately - P5327 Unanticipated Bus Route Interruptions
P5327 Unanticipated Bus Route Interruptions
Westford Public Schools and its transportation contractor(s) will abide by the following procedures when encountering an unanticipated route interruption:
Morning Unanticipated Route Interruptions
For all grades:
Driver will radio dispatch and inform them of the road that is inaccessible and the stop(s) that will be missed.
Upon receipt of notification, dispatch will inform the school(s), providing details of the route interruption, including the bus number and bus stop(s) affected. It will be the responsibility of the school to notify parents. It will be at the school’s discretion to trigger an automated notification of all parents with students on that route or upon arrival of the students to the school, contact only affected families.
Afternoon Unanticipated Route Interruptions
Grades 6-12 - The bus driver will speak to the Police Officer/person in charge at the closure to gather pertinent information, noting the name of the contact for future reference. (If no contact is available, decision making will be the responsibility of the bus driver and dispatch.) Using the details provided and the age of the affected student(s), a determination will be made regarding the safest and closest alternate drop off locations, if one exists. Driver will radio dispatch and inform them of the road that is inaccessible, the stop(s) which will be missed, and the plan for student drop off. If it is determined that no alternate safe location is available, the students will be returned to the school upon completion of the route.
Grades K-5 - Driver will radio dispatch and inform them of the road that is inaccessible and the stop(s) that will be missed. The students will be returned to the school upon completion of the route.
Upon receipt of notification, dispatch will inform the school, providing details of the route interruption, including the bus number and bus stop(s) affected. It will be the responsibility of the school to notify parents. It will be at the school’s discretion to trigger an automated notification of all parents with students on that route or upon return of the students to the school, contact only affected families.
MASC Reference: EEA
Reminder Message From Dr. Chew
Good Afternoon,
During Monday Night's School Committee meeting, we discussed discontinuing the letter notifications from each school regarding reported positve cases of COVID-19. We have created a new link on our website that will be updated daily by each school. That information can be found here: Positive COVID-19 Cases by School
We appreciate all of your patience and understanding as we transition towards finding the most effective way to provide updated information at this time.
Sincerely,
Chris
Dr. Christopher Chew
Superintendent of Schools
Westford, MA
Note: This dashboard is updated daily. If you have any additional questions, feel free to reach out to our school nurse, Mrs. Grassi or Mrs. McDermott. We are happy to provide any additional guidance.
A Message from the Nurse's Clinic
THIS WEEK
NO SCHOOL
Grade 3 - Plimoth Patuxet
WINTER WEATHER REMINDERS
Winter Weather Wear
Winter is here and it is going to be particularly cold next week. Please send your child to school in a warm jacket and appropriate winter clothing each day (long pants, jacket, hat, gloves and scarves). Winter snow boots and snow pants are required for those who would like to play in the snow during recess. We will be trying to get outside for recess as much as possible and we want to make sure the children have appropriate clothing for the weather. Sweatshirts are not sufficient for 20 minutes of outdoor play when temperatures are below freezing.
I feel your pain, I go through this with my own children - feel free to blame the principal. ;)
Snow Days and Delayed Opening Information
Dr. Chew will initiate a Blackboard Connect phone message to notify both staff and families of school closings or delays. These notifications will also be posted on the district's website. Hopefully you received the call last night. If not, please email Nina Mangan at nmangan@westfordk12.us to get this rectified.
Note: There is no Early Arrival Program when a delayed opening is called. The arrival process begins at 10:15 AM.
DATES TO REMEMBER
JANUARY
- January 17 - NO SCHOOL, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- January 18 - Yearbook Club (7:30 AM), Play Rehearsal - Full Cast & Crew Chiefs (2:30-4:00 PM)
- January 19 - 5th Grade Band (7:30 AM)
- January 20 - 5th Grade Chorus (7:30 AM), Play Rehearsal - Principal Roles (2:30-4:00 PM), Ghosts & Goblins (3:00-3:45 PM)
- January 21 - Grade 3 Plimoth Patuxet AEP
- January 25 - Yearbook Club (7:30 AM), Play Rehearsal - Full Cast & Crew Chiefs (2:30-4:00 PM), PTO Meeting (4:00-5:00 PM)
- January 26 - 5th Grade Band (7:30 AM)
- January 27 - 5th Grade Chorus (7:30 AM), Play Rehearsal - Principal Roles (2:30-4:00 PM), Ghosts & Goblins (3:00-3:45 PM)
- January 28 - Deadline for STEM Fair Registration
COMMUNITY NEWS
Westford SEPAC
On Wednesday, January 19 at 7PM, the Westford Special Education Parents Advisory Council (SEPAC), in collaboration with the Federation for Children with Special Needs (FCSN) is hosting a virtual basic rights presentation focused on understanding the IEP with presenter Clare Vann, Esq.
This presentation will delve into the Individual Education Program (IEP) document, its development, the breakdown of each section and understanding how the document will support a student.
Workshop topics include:
Why the IEP is Important
Who is eligible for an IEP
How the IEP is Developed
Strengths and Concerns
Vision Statements
IEP Sections including PLEP A & B, Annual Goals, and Service Delivery Grid
Differences between Accommodations and Modifications
Response, Placement and Consent
Procedural Safeguards, and more!
This presentation is free and open to all members of the public.
Attendees must pre-register to attend the presentation and receive handouts.
https://fcsn-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMkd--upzstHtSTW8FGIsEZ05EzEwHEg39b
Westford Academy Last Night
For those of you who may not have heard of it, Westford Academy Last Night is a graduation celebration put on for the graduating seniors at Westford Academy every year. It is run by volunteers and funded by donations.
One of the favorite parts of the night is a raffle, where many of the graduating students have a chance to win a fabulous prize. In order to make this happen, we are looking for the help of our community. If you are able to donate, any gift, large or small would be appreciated.
You can purchase a gift thru the Amazon wish list:
https://www.amazon.com/.../custom/2R06FM62WYY1T/guest-view
Or make a donation thru walastnight.org
While WA Last Night may seem like a lifetime away for those families with young kids... it is not too early to help out! We need the help from everyone in our community to help make this event a success each year for our graduating seniors.
If you are looking for more information on donating or volunteering please visit our website at walastnight.org
Thank you, Kate Greene & Katelyn Bennett
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.
WESTFORD YOUTH LACROSSE (WYL)
WYL is accepting registrations for the Spring 2022 season for the boys and girls programs (Grades 1 - 8) as well as the mixed FiddleStix Program for Kindergarten age. Westford Youth Lacrosse play starts in mid-March with indoor practices. Games start in early April and run through mid-June. Boys and Girls programs consist of one to two practices per week with games on Sundays in Westford or the neighboring towns.
FiddleStix is a great entry program for Kindergarten age children looking to try something new. No equipment needed. One day per week commitment. No weekends.
Registration ends January 15, 2022, for Grades 1-8 programs so don’t miss out. Go to www.westfordlax.org to learn more and to register for any of the WYL programs. FiddleStix registration will remain open until April 1.
Lacrosse is the fastest sport on two feet and one of the fastest growing youth sports in the country. Help spread the word to your friends who may be interested in playing Lacrosse that registration is HAPPENING now!
Sincerely,
The Westford Youth Lacrosse Board
Nashoba Youth Hockey
Nashoba Youth Hockey is very excited to share the return of our Winter Learn to Skate and Learn to Play programs. Registration for both programs are available on the NYH website!
Learn to Skate Dates: Begins January 9 and runs for 10 consecutive Sundays
Time: 3:30pm to 4:30pm
Location: Nashoba Valley Olympia in Boxboro
Cost: $150
Learn to Play
Dates: Begins January 8 and runs for 10 consecutive Saturdays
Time: 7:40am to 8:40am
Location: Skate 3 Ice Arena in Tyngsboro
Cost: $200
Abbot School
Email: lmcdermott@westfordk12.us
Website: https://www.westfordk12.us/as
Location: 25 Depot Street, Westford, MA, USA
Phone: 978-692-5580