Panther Pride
From the desk of Mr.McElhinney
Supporting our SB community
Good Evening Everyone,
Throughout this year in this newsletter, I have tried to provide you with some alternative perspectives of your middle schoolers' behaviors. My attempts have been to help you navigate the many frustrations, emotions, challenges, high points, low points ................... the smorgasbord that puberty and middle school create. I have often stated over the years that, 'none of us would EVER choose to relive middle school' it's not an easy time for the middle schooler or the parents. With that, I am asking you for your help now. We are blessed to have "good kids" come to us daily, thank you. I believe all have been provided some level of influence from home in the realm of what is "right or wrong" and/or "proper behavior/language" for both private and public settings. But "good kids, make bad choices", so they need constant reminding of appropriate behaviors, particularly for the "unstructured" moments in their lives when impulsivity meets emotions and insecurities. There have been several stories in the news lately related to students (also adults) engaging in racist, homophobic, discriminatory language towards other individuals. These comments can be fueled by the above-mentioned ingredients, to hurt, humiliate, and marginalize others, never as a means to uplift or encourage. I suspect that individuals using these words resort to these hurtful choices to guard themselves against similar feelings (hurt, inequities, humiliation, fear, etc), are swept up in group think situations, or are ignorant to the impact that words can have on the people (classmates) around them. Please continue to educate your children on the impact of their behaviors on others. If they are faced with challenging emotions that are pushing them to feel the need to lash out at others, remind them to speak with their guidance counselor or other trusted adult about their feelings. Talk to them about the "hurtful" words/comments/behaviors; don't assume they know what the words are, their meaning, and the harm they can bring to others. They have thousands of opportunities a day to be "educated" in these areas, unfortunately, much of what they see and hear on social media, t.v. and friend groups can be dangerously unreliable. We will continue to do our part to educate/support your children through these social challenges, but we need your assistance to surround your children with positive messages. We have a very short window to help "raise" your children socially, please continue to work with your children around these issues, and maybe someday we will reach a point where all people will feel welcomed and accepted.
Please review the information below regarding the:
Incoming 9th grader information Night at WA. Feb. 16h
Summer Music Program (summer 2022)
Civil Rights Information
SEPAC Event Feb 16th
PTO Update- Sweets for teachers event
At-Home Testing directions to help you with testing your child
Working Together,
Mr. Mac
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
The PTO is still in need of Donations of Baked Goods & Chocolates/Candy or Money for the upcoming Valentine's Day 'Sweets for Teachers' appreciation event. We thank the parents who have already signed up to donate and request that you kindly review the list of requested items and consider donating.
Donate Money Here
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 1/28: (You may need to copy and paste any links into your browser)
At the end of the upcoming week, we will be distributing the at home tests for all students who opted in via the link sent by Dr. Chew. We will plan to send them home with your child unless you request otherwise. The expectation is that you will test your child Monday morning before school. The test kit will last for 2 weeks and every 2 weeks they will be distributed this way. If you have not already signed up, you can still do so. Your child will not get a kit the first week but will get one with the next distribution. These test kits are available whether you have been vaccinated or not. (Please note: If your child recently had COVID, there is no reason to test them weekly.) Please see this link from Dr. Chew for more information: https://www.westfordk12.us/sites/g/files/vyhlif5181/f/uploads/families_-_at-home_testing_rev1.pdf
Note in the link above-there is also an option for symptomatic testing. If you had signed your child up earlier in the year for the test and stay, they are automatically enrolled in this program. If you do not want your child enrolled in symptomatic testing but you had signed them up previously for test and stay, send me an email and we will remove your consent. Symptomatic testing is another program besides the kits that are being sent home. If you consent to have your child participate in symptomatic testing, it means you are giving me permission to do a COVID test if they come into the clinic with a fever or other symptoms which may indicate COVID. Please understand that we do not want children sent to school symptomatic! Every child that comes into the clinic will not be tested. There are other reasons for sore throats and headaches besides COVID. If you want to talk to me individually about this program, please reach out to me via email or phone.
As you are all aware, the Omicron variant has created a great deal of havoc with both unvaccinated individuals as well as vaccinated and boostered individuals testing positive. If your child has been vaccinated and even boostered but is symptomatic, please do monitor closely. This variant is causing more problems with congestion, headaches, sore throats, fatigue and one day fevers in children. Some of the at home antigen tests are coming up negative with preliminary results. This article explains some theories behind the negative antigen tests, followed by positive PCR’s: https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2022/01/23/1074978193/rapid-covid-tests-omicron
Fortunately, our positive cases have come down. We had only one positive today and none yesterday or the day before. I am hoping we will continue to see this downward trend. Please let me know if your child does test positive or is identified as a close contact. Vaccination records are appreciated.
Have a good weekend. Reach out with questions or concerns.
Sue Hanly, MSN, RN, NCSN
978-392-6974(messages left over the weekend and during off hours go into my email!)
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