Abbot Update
December 4, 2020
Principal's Message
Dear Abbot Families,
I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Somehow it feels like it was a very long time ago. I can't believe it's December already and snow is predicted for tomorrow! While I don't prefer the snow, December is one of my favorite months of the year in school. The excitement from the children is usually palpable and we typically have many fun-filled events happening. Although this year is obviously different, we are planning creative ways to keep some of our school-wide seasonal traditions alive. Some of these include festive spirit days, Hour of Code, our annual holiday sing-along and winter door decorating to name a few. We plan to keep the spirit of the season going here at Abbot!
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. Pod A will be expected to work asynchronously from 1:10-2:30 PM every day except Wednesday. Please review your child's schedule carefully because there could be times when they need to meet in the afternoon for live instruction.
Pod B will be working asynchronously remotely from 8:25-11:40 AM. Pod B will be expected to log in for live instruction from 1:10-2:30 PM every day except 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 AFTERNOON SESSIONS ON WEDNESDAYS.
The Scholastic Book Fair
The Scholastic Book Fair is now live through 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
UPCOMING EVENTS
Hour of Code - Volunteer Opportunity
Grade 3 - December 10, 1:10-2:30 PM
Grade 4 - December 8, 1:10-2:30 PM
Grade 5 - December 11, 1:10-2:30 PM
We are looking for volunteers to join our Google Meet and help us supervise the fun. No experience is necessary! You do not have to be a coder! Of course, if you do have some coding experience, please let us know. Please use this link to volunteer by MONDAY, DECEMBER 7.
Pajama Day
Festive Sweater Day
Holiday Sing-Along
IMPORTANT INFORMATION/REMINDERS
Superintendent Search - Community Input
https://www.westfordk12.us/district/school-committee/pages/superintendent-search
A Message From Superintendent Olsen
School Cancellation Notification Procedures
2020/2021 Hybrid Learning Model
If the Superintendent determines that inclement weather conditions create the necessity for what would ordinarily be determined as a 1- or 2-hour delay to the school day, the school day will be considered a “Full-Remote Learning “ day and be counted as a school day.
If the Superintendent determines that inclement weather conditions may create unsafe travel for much of the day and there is no evidence of power outages, the school day may be considered a “Full-Remote Learning” day and be counted as a school day.
On Full-Remote Learning days, students and staff shall follow the schedule already planned for the day. Students and staff will come together live via Google Meet instead of in the physical school buildings and the teaching and learning will take place remotely. At the respective early release times, students and staff shall log off for the duration of time designated in their normal schedule for lunch and/or planning. The afternoon portion of the day shall follow its normal schedule because the afternoons are conducted remotely in this hybrid model.
If the Superintendent determines that inclement weather conditions may create unsafe travel for much of the day and there is evidence of or a strong possibility of power outages, the school day may be considered a “No-School – No Remote Learning” day and will be made up at the end of the school year.
Parents will be notified either the night prior, or no later than 6:00 A.M. of the “weather day” via the automated telephone system. The traditional television and radio stations will continue to be a notification resource.
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
Revised District Calendar
Dates to Remember
DECEMBER
December 8 - Grade 4 Hour of Code (1:10-2:30 PM)
- December 10 - Grade 3 Hour of Code (1:10-2:30 PM), SAC (3:00-4:00 PM)
- December 11 - Grade 5 Hour of Code (1:10-2:30 PM)
- December 13 - Virtual PTO Scholastic Book Fair Ends
- December 17 - Festive Sweater Day (Pod B)
- December 18 - Pajama Day (Pod B)
- December 21 - Festive Sweater Day (Pod A)
- December 22 - Pajama Day (Pod A)
- December 23 - Early Release Day
- December 24 - January 1 - Winter Break
- January 4 - Welcome Back!
COMMUNITY NEWS
Westford Girl Scouts are very excited to announce the launch of "Signs of Hope 2021!”
The Girl Scouts are reaching out to community partners who may wish to share a message of hope this holiday season.
For a requested donation of $6-10 your organization can obtain a sign to inscribe with your wishes for 2021. Do it as a group or as an individual. This is a great opportunity to remind us all that good things are coming. Any funds collected beyond cost will be donated to Westford families in need.
The details are on the form below including how to order your sign. Signs can be ordered online or picked up in person. You are welcome and encouraged to forward this to any groups who may be interested. we ask that you review the attached instructions and respect the guidelines.
Community members/organizations will sponsor a sign in one of the two ways listed below. Signs should be returned to the marked bin at the back of Westford Town Hall by Dec. 18. The WGS Signs of Hope Committee will install the signs in accordance with town safety regulations and they will be viewable on the Westford Common from Dec. 20-27.
How to Sponsor a Sign
1. Visit gswestford.wordpress.com to register online and make your payment using PayPal. A sign/instructions will be delivered to your home.
2. Make payment by cash or check (payable to Westford Girl Scouts) in an envelope along with your name, phone/email, and address and place it in the self-pay box on the bench outside Muffins on Main. Collect your sign and instructions from behind the bench. Monday through Friday only. (PLEASE do not bother the staff at MoM.)
Questions? Email gswestford@gmail.com or visit the Westford Girl Scouts Facebook page.
Westford Girl Scouts, Signs of Hope 2021 Guidelines
In keeping with the theme of unity and peace, we share the below stated Signs of Hope Guidelines. We reserve the right not to place any signs that violate these requirements.
When filling out your sign:
1. Please use a permanent marker like a Sharpie. (Water-based markers will run.)
2. Please write in large letters and make sure it is legible. 3. Images/drawings that comply with the guidelines below are permitted.
4. Complete both sides of the sign.
Signs may not:
1. Promote a political party or specific elected official. 2. Use any language or images that are or could be perceived as offensive to people of a particular race, ethnicity, religion, sex ual orientation or gender identity, or to individuals with disabili ties.
3. Create an advertisement for a for-profit business/organization. For example, you may sign it “Muffins on Main” but you may not write, “Come Shop at Muffins on Main.”
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.
Abbot School
Email: lmcdermott@westfordk12.us
Website: https://www.westfordk12.us/as
Location: 25 Depot Street, Westford, MA, USA
Phone: 978-692-5580