Panther Pride
From the desk of Mr.McElhinney
Thank You SBPTO!!
I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge our amazing Stony Brook PTO for their continuous support of our staff and students. Our PTO volunteers work tirelessly to raise funds (mostly from you all....thank you) and bring additional programs and encouragement to our school. This week alone they brought science to life through the Discovery Museum. Mrs. Robinson (PTO treasurer) was the instructor during 4 science classes on Tuesday. There were demonstrations regarding matter, liquids, solids, and gases. Students were able to work around the room at stations and see and experience firsthand some of the processes of these transitional states of matter (see Photos below). Once again on Friday (through your support) the SBPTO presented goodies to teachers in their annual "sweets for teachers". This is always well received by teachers. The extra jolt of a brownie, cookies, and chocolate treats always helps to shake the winter doldrums. The SBPTO is an opportunity for you to have a direct impact on your child's experiences at SB. Whether through the Academic Enrichment programs (AEP) programs, Teacher luncheons, Mini-grant program, 8th-grade celebration, the PTO bring joy and energy to the SB community! If you have an interest in joining or just volunteering your time for one-time events, please reach out to stonybrookschoolpto@gmail.com.
Gases, Liquids, Solids, Donations, Volunteering ............... it all matter(s),
Mr. Mac
***Progress reports have been posted, please see your IPARENT account***
FYI
MCAS dates
April 12,13 ELA
May 11,12 Math
May 18,19 STE (8th grade only)
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
Incoming 9th graders to Westford Academy Curriculum Information Night
Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s) of current 8th grade student,
I would like to invite you to our Curriculum Information Presentation on Wednesday, February 16th at 6:30pm. This event will be virtual.
The program will include:
Information regarding courses offered at Westford Academy. Please review our Freshmen Transition page as well as our Program of Studies which can be found on the counseling website.
A review of the course and level expectations by department.
Information on the scheduling process and timeline.
Please register here:
Parents/Guardians of Stony Brook and Blanchard Middle School 8th Grade Students.
Please join us for a Webinar on Zoom.
When: Feb 16, 2022 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Topic: Curriculum Information Presentation for Incoming Freshmen
Register in advance for this webinar:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Q1ifhPqbRZi0je79yWAXcg
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
This presentation will be posted on the WA Counseling website the following day for interested parent(s)/guardian(s) who were unable to attend.
I look forward to “seeing you” on February 16th!
Sincerely,
James P. Antonelli
Principal
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
Notes from the Clinic 2/11/2022: (You may need to copy and paste any links into your browser)
The first at home antigen kits were successfully sent home last Thursday before the ice storm. It is not too late to sign up if you are still interested. Please go to this link for more information: https://www.westfordk12.us/sites/g/files/vyhlif5181/f/uploads/families_-_at-home_testing_rev1.pdf The expectation is that you will test your child every Sunday night or Monday before school. If they test positive, please call me with the results. We will be sending more kits home the day before vacation. At the above link you can also sign your child up for symptomatic testing. I am happy to report that we had only three cases of COVID all week. The numbers have come down dramatically.
If you are going to be traveling over the break, here is some travel information: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/travel-during-covid19.html for domestic travel and for international travel: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/international-travel-during-covid19.html
If your family is experiencing any financial difficulties, please reach out to St. Vincent DePaul. They are a local organization through Blessed Trinity Church in Westford to help families in need. You do not have to be a member of the parish to seek support. Please see this link for more information: https://www.blessedtrinitycatholic.org/svdp
Alison Christopher is our town social worker. She is also able to offer family support. Although she is housed in the Cameron Senior center, she works with all Westford residents. Her email address is achristopher@westfordma.gov and her phone number is 978-399-2325. There is also a food pantry open to area residents located there. This is the link to that: https://www.westfordfoodpantry.org/ The hours of the food pantry are Wednesdays from 6-8P and Friday mornings from 9-11.
Finally, for the past several years, Roberta Oehley, our school adjustment counselor, myself and Alison Peternell, an 8th grade math teacher have coached our Girls on the Run program. Here is more information: 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) and 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
Sue Hanly, MSN, RN, NCSN
978-392-6974(direct line); shanly@westfordk12.us
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
GREAT OPPORTUNITY
Wednesday, February 16 at 7:00pm
On Wednesday, February 16 at 7PM, the Westford SEPAC and Westford Public Schools Office of Pupil Services is pleased to present Dr. Ross Greene, Founding Director, Lives in the Balance. Dr. Greene is the originator of the Collaborative & Proactive Solutions (CPS) model and author of books The Explosive Child, Lost at School, Lost & Found, and Raising Human Beings.
A link to the Dr. Greene Zoom webinar session will be provided prior to the scheduled event.
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