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WPS BILLBOARD…  March 10, 2010
NEW POSTINGS:
ANNUAL TOWN-WIDE CHORAL NIGHT - To commemorate March being “Music in Our Schools Month”, the Westford Music Department presents its Annual Town-Wide Choral Night on Wednesday March 17th at 7pm in the WA Performing Arts Center. Choirs from Crisafulli, Abbot, Day, Stony Brook, Blanchard and Westford Academy will be performing both separately and together in this exciting concert. Admission is free!
WESTFORD PARENT CONNECTION - Building Resilience: Giving Children Roots And Wings
High academic expectations, packed schedules, peer and media pressure, and the like combine to threaten kids’ mental and physical health. Children and their families are stressed out. What can parents and teachers do? Dr. Kenneth Ginsburg, one of the nation’s foremost experts in adolescent medicine, comes to Westford Wednesday, March 17, to present Building Resilience: Giving Children Roots And Wings. Dr. Ginsburg is a professor of pediatrics at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and practices medicine at The Children’s Hospital Of Philadelphia.
Dr. Ginsburg will talk about what he calls the 7-C plan for resilience, which includes helping kids learn competence, confidence, connection, character, contribution, coping, and control. He gives parents the tools they need to teach their children to build upon their natural strengths, avoid risky behaviors, and make smart decisions in today’s complex environment. His presentation promises to be dynamic, witty, and fresh. Copies of his book, A Parents’ Guide To Building Resilience, will be available for purchase.
Dr. Ginsburg’s talk will be held at the Blanchard Middle School, 14 West Street, Westford, at 7:00 p.m. on March 17. The event is free and open to the public, thanks to the generous support of Westford Against Substance Abuse (WASA), Emerson Hospital, and Lowell General Hospital. The Westford Parent Connection is grateful to these and all the sponsors who make it possible for the WPC to continue the work that it does. For more information, contact Tina Grosowsky at tgrosowsky@westfordma.gov or Mary Anne Seraphin at mseraphin@comcast.net. Details can also be found on the Westford Parent Connection website at www.westford.com/wpc/.
Hosted by WA’s DECA business club and open to the general public:
Bob Marley, the comedian from Maine, is returning to WA's PAC on Friday, March 19. Last year's appearance was a major success with people coming in from everywhere, Maine to Rhode Island, just to see him perform. The show is one night only with limited tickets available. Note: contains mature language. Tickets are $20 each and show time starts at 8:00 pm. Tickets Available: online at www.mktix.com or call 978-692-5570 ext 7 or at WA box office.
Celebrating 15 years as a stand-up comic, Bob Marley is one of the hottest and most sought-after comedians in the country. He has been featured in his own special on Comedy Central, and is one of the few comics to do the complete late- night TV circuit: The Late Show with David Letterman, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Late Night with Conan OBrien and The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson and Craig Kilborn. Marley, a Maine native and University of Maine at Farmington graduate, uses biographical and observational material for his high-energy routines. He began his career in his hometown of Portland, and then moved to Boston to gain experience in a city known for spawning comedy all-stars. A regular at the Aspen and Montreal comedy festivals, Marley was named one of Varietys 10 Comics to Watch, Marley has also appeared in
several films, including the cult favorite, Boondock Saints. Marley works nonstop throughout the country, in such cities as Los Angles, Las Vegas, Washington, D.C., Boston, New York and Denver.
WESTFORD AGAINST SUBSTANCE ABUSE (WASA) will host an open Town Hall Meeting for parents, youth, teachers, school administrators, elected leaders, town officials, local law enforcement officers, clergy, and other community members from Westford to view a segment of the video “True Stories” and discuss the impact that underage drinking has on the community, and possible ways that our community might address this issue. The meeting will take place on March 25 at 7:00 PM at the Stony Brook Middle School. For information contact: Tina Grosowsky, tgrosowsky@westfordma.gov, 978-399-2528.
WESTFORD GIRL SCOUTS hosts Household Goods Driveto benefit Nashua Soup Kitchen & ShelterJunior Girl Scout Troop 60121will becollecting food, toiletries and household goods to benefit those in need in the Greater Nashua Area. Donations will be collected through March 31 and include non-perishable food items, toiletries, new or gently used blankets, comforters and sheets, towels, small kitchen appliances, dinnerware, cooking utensils, and books. Donations may be brought to collection boxes placed at the Crisafulli &Robinson Schools, and the JV Fletcher Library.More Info? Contact Girl Scout Troop 121 at gstroop121@hotmail.com
THE SUMMER SCHOOL FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS offers two three week sessions between June 28 and August 7, 2010 at Westford Academy. The SSPA mission is to teach and exercise positive effective expression of self through the living arts: musical theater and dramatic acting. Three areas of study will be offered this summer: Musical Theater, Dramatic Acting and Technical Theater. Performances for the 2010 season include 13 by Jason Robert Brown on July 16th & 17th and Schoolhouse Rock Live on August 6th & 7th. Visit our website at wa.westfordk12.us/sspa
NEW - SSPA jr welcomes students in grades one and two. Students will explore and create the living arts through song, dance, and play building. This program is coordinated by Artistic Director Michael Towers and WPS elementary teacher Kate Maguire. Each two-week session of SSPA jr. will culminate with a live performance for peers, friends and family.
ADULT SOFTBALL LEAGUE - The Westford Over-30 Softball league istaking draft applications for the 2010 season.We are aslow pitch league thatplays a 24 game schedule running May-August, followed by play-offs. The draft is open to men 30+ who are residents of Westford oremployees of a Westford business. If interested go to: http://eteamz.active.com/westfordover30sb/~for a draft application. Deadline is Friday,April 2nd.
AMERICAN GIRL FASHION SHOW®
Hosted by The Roudenbush Community Center, Inc. - Proceeds benefit the Roudenbush Children’s Special Project Fund - April 9th & 10th, 2010 - The sixth annual American Girl Fashion Show will be held at the new Chelmsford Elks on Littleton Road in Chelmsford, MA. The show is a fun-filled event for girls (ages 6 and up) and their families, friends, and favorite dolls.
There will be one seating on Friday, April 9th at 6:00pm, and three seatings on Saturday, April 10th at 10:00am, 2:00pm and 6:00pm. The two evening shows will include an ice cream social; the morning and afternoon shows will include bakery goods, fruit, and beverages. Tickets are $33; table of 10 can be purchased for $300 (10% disc).
NATIONAL CRIME VICTIMS’ RIGHTS WEEK - CANDLELIGHT VIGIL
APRIL 14TH 4-9 PM at Lowell Memorial Auditorium
Informational Booths (4-7PM)
Candlelight walk to city hall 7:30PM - Escorted by the Middlesex Sheriff ‘S Dept., Motorcade, Color Guard & The Bunker Hill Piper Band
MASTER OF CEREMONIES: Mayor James L. Milinazzo
SPEAKERS: Senator Steven C. Panagiotakos
Middlesex District Attorney’s Rep., Patrice Provitola
Middlesex Sheriff James V. DiPaola
Superintendent Kenneth E. Lavallee
Fox News Reporter, Bob Ward
Survivor, Bob Curley
Presenting: Lowell High School Spindle Show Choir,
Directed by Andy Descoteaux
REMINDERS:
MIDDLE SCHOOL PTO - Come Support Your Teachers And The WMSPTO!
The Blanchard and Stony Brook teachers and staff members have agreed to a friendly game of basketball on Wednesday, March 10, from 7:00 to 8:30 PM at Westford Academy. Tickets are $5 each in advance, and $6 at the door. Tickets will be sold in the middle school offices beginning February 22. Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the Westford Middle School PTO. Refreshments will also be available for purchase. Families are encouraged to come root for the Blanchard Bulldogs and the Stony Brook Panthers. For more information, please contact WMSPTO president Sue Havican at sahavican@comcast.net. Game on!
WESTFORD YOUTH SOCCER - Spring Soccer Registration
In-Town Program Closes March 15th (U6, U7, U8)
- In-Town Registration (U6, U7 and U8) closes March 15th
- Travel registration (U10, U12, U14, U16, and U19) closed November 15th - late registrations or waitlist registrations accepted for most programs.
THE WESTFORD HISTORICAL SOCIETY will be hosting a screening of the documentary Paper Clips, 82 minutes, on March 16 from 7-9:30 PM (snow date March 23) at the Westford Museum. The film demonstrates the response of middle school students when confronted with the history of the Holocaust, which resulted with a railcar packed with 11 million paper clips to represent Nazi victims. For more information on the documentary take a look at their website: http://www.paperclipsmovie.com/. There will be a discussion after the film ends, which will include Westford Academy’s Amnesty International Club and local clergy. A reception with refreshments will follow. Unfortunately, the Holocaust is not the only genocide the world has witnessed;
but through remembering and honoring the past, perhaps we can learn for the future. Westford and surrounding community is invited to honor and remember the Holocaust and other Genocides the world has witnessed. For more information or questions, please contact Nora Newhard at (978)692-5550 or nora.s.newhard@gmail.com.
ARTISTS FOR ARTISTS FUNDRAISER AND GALA - Save the Date!
Mark your calendars for the first “Artists for Artists Fundraiser and Gala” which will be on March 19, 2010 from 7:00-9:00 PM at the Parish Center for the Arts. There will be food and music as well as outstanding artwork by Westford area artists and WA art students for sale at a silent auction. All proceeds will be used to create a scholarship for a senior pursuing art post secondary.
The Westford Elementary PTO presents ‘Robert Rivest : Healthy Choices’ onFriday,March 19 from7:00 – 8:00 PM at theBlanchard Middle School Auditorium.
Robert Rivest, comedian and mime artist extraordinaire, will present a high-energy, comedy and mime health & wellness show appropriate for families with children in grades K-5. The show will inject 'health topics with humor' and discuss mindful choices about food, exercise, entertainment & safety. Open to the Public. FREE.
Sponsored by: Westford & Tyngsboro Elementary PTO's, Lowell General Hospital, The Pediatric Practice of Drs. Gilchrist and Sevigny in Chelmsford, and BOOST Fitness.
BLANCHARD-STONY BROOK PRODUCTIONS presents CINDERELLA, at the Stony Brook Auditorium on March 19, 20, 21. Tickets are $10 and may be purchased at:
Stony Brook School - Outside the Cafeteria from 10:30AM-NOON
- Tuesday 3/16
- Wednesday 3/10, and 3/17
- Thursday 3/11, and 3/18
Stony Brook School - Outside the Auditorium from 9:00AM-1:00PM
Toy Shop of Westford -160 Littleton Road (Market Basket Plaza) starting 2/23
FLETCHER LIBRARY - Who Says We Only Read-Aloud to our PreSchoolers? Nancy Boutet, Head of Youth Services, has crafted a unique Read-Aloud Storytime for 1st through 3rd graders. This drop-in, weekly event allows school- aged children to stop home after school, have a snack and then head up to the Library for a relaxing, yet spirited, special time for sharing favorite CHAPTER books, authors and series! Drop-in when you can on Wednesday afternoons from 4:00 to 4:45 in the Children’s Room.
"Shenanigans" with award-winning Storyteller, Diane Edgecomb:
Friday, March 19 at 4:00 pm (Please note the time change for this performance). Diane Edgecomb, known for her vivid comedic style, presents delightful interpretations classic Irish stories. There will be plenty of laughter during Edgecomb's animated retelling of these well loved gems! This performance will be accompanied by Musician Margot Chamberlain playing the Celtic harp. Tickets ($2.00) are on sale now in the Youth Services Dept. For ages four and up.
TEEN AND TWEEN PROGRAMS at the Fletcher Library:
Join the Library’s Young Adult Advisory Board. We are looking for teens grades 6-12 to meet monthly to discuss programming ideas and make materials recommendations. New members are welcome. No prior experience needed, just bring your enthusiasm. Feel free to attend our meeting on Saturday, March 20 at 3:00 p.m. Refreshments will be served!
WESTFORD PARENT CONNECTION - Would you know if your child is depressed?
Mental health issues are tough to talk about. But many children (and adults) need help and don’t seek it. Is your child depressed? Or anxious? Have you or anyone you know ever contemplated suicide? Knowledge is power. The more parents know about mental health issues, the greater the likelihood they can recognize warning signs and get their children the help they may need. Join Sue Hanly, RN, NCSN, and Dianne Walsh, LICSW, on Tuesday, March 23, 2010 for the presentation, Dealing With Depression.
The evening will feature a 30-minute documentary, Breaking Free From Depression, which showcases real teens who have struggled with depression, anxiety, and thoughts of suicide. Sue Hanly’s daughter Caroline Hanly, who is featured in the film, will also be speaking that evening. The event will begin at 7:00 p.m. in the Stony Brook Middle School auditorium.
The evening is sponsored by the Westford Parent Connection, and is similar to the presentation that was given in October 2009. The response was so positive that the presenters agreed to repeat the talk, which is free and open to the public. The material is appropriate for adults and high school students, should parents and young adults choose to come together. For more information, please contact Sue Hanly at shanly@westfordk12.us or Mary Anne Seraphin at mseraphin@comcast.net. For any questions pertaining to the Westford Parent Connection, please go to the group’s website at www.westford.com/wpc/.
SAVE THE DATE for The Big Event 2010!
The Westford Education Foundation cordially invites you to The Big Event 2010, Havana Nightclub, on Saturday, April 10, at the First Parish Church. Enjoy an enchanted evening with a Caribbean-inspired dinner,musical entertainment by the First Class Band, an auction,special door prizes, and a raffle with a $5,000 grand prize.Like to dance? Instructors from the DNE School Of Dance will offer salsa and tango lessonsduring the evening, as well.Tickets for the dinner dance are $100 per person, and raffle tickets are $50 each. Only 500 raffle tickets will be sold. The grand prize is $5,000.
For ticket information, please visit the Westford Education Foundation’s website at http://wefweb.org/the-big-event-2010/. Proceeds from the fifth-annual Big Event will be used to fund innovative education and professional development programs for the Westford Public School system and Nashoba Valley Technical High School. The WEF has been able to give nearly $100,000 to the Westford community since its inception in 2004. Dance tickets, like the raffle tickets, are limited. Please purchase your tickets early.
Annual F.A.M.E. Dinner Dance - SAVE THE DATE!!!
Friday April 16, 2010 7:00 PM at the First Parish Church United - Dinner, Dancing and Great Music featuring the Westford Academy Jazz and Dance Bands as well as other talented musical ensembles. For ticket information check westford.com/fame or contact us at fame_westford@yahoo.com. Tickets will be on Sale Soon!!
2010 STREAMS Summer Program - The week of 2/1/10 brochures for the 2010 STREAMS (Strategic Teaching of Reading, Enrichment And Mathematical Studies) Summer Program will be distributed to all students at their elementary school. To access the information contained in the brochure please visit http://www.westfordk12.us/pages/Curric/Streams.
Note the registration form is linked to the above address.
STREAMS is a 19-day summer program for children having completed Kindergarten through Grade 5 in the Westford Public Schools. Participants will benefit from enrichment opportunities in grade level content. Program objectives are to enhance the development of student proficiency in reading, writing, and math by expanding student intrigue, exposure, and self-belief in literacy and mathematical thinking. The STREAMS program is entering its seventh summer! A $100 non-refundable deposit is due no later than 3/12/10. For more information contact STREAMS Coordinator Kevin Regan at 978-692-5591 x11.
EXPLORE SUMMER PROGRAM - The Westford Special Education Department is running an integrated summer program for students in Preschool through grade 5. The program is open to all students in the Westford Public Schools. The Explore program is an educationally based summer program that makes learning fun. Campers will enjoy math, literacy, and writing in a creative and engaging manner. The Explore curriculum is based on the Westford Benchmarks and Massachusetts State Curriculum Frameworks to help solidify students’ skills. The Explore program will run from July 12th – August 6th and will be held at the Crisafulli School. The fee for this program is only $250 per week and registration is on a two-week cycle. Please visit your school’s office for a program
brochure and registration materials. Admissions are on a first come first served basis.
RESEARCH FOR THE WESTFORD ACADEMY DIRECTORY PROJECT IS UNDER WAY!
Work on the upcoming Westford Academy Alumni Directory project is well underway. We are working with Harris Connect to produce the new Alumni directory scheduled for publication in August 2010. Over the next several months, you may receive postcards, emails or phone calls from Harris asking for updated contact information. Your information will not be released to any third parties.
Designed to be a definitive reference for Westford Academy and Alumni, the directory will make it easy for you to reconnect with former friends and classmates. Complete listings for each respondent will include academic, professional and personal information – sorted alphabetically by last name and cross-referenced by name as a student, if different. Alumni will also be listed by class year and city and state of residence, and a special editorial section of Westford Academy will give you a look at the past and glimpse into our future. To help make the directory as complete as possible please be sure to respond to our appeal to update your biographical profile. If you have received a mailing or would like to verify your listing by phone, please call 1-877-893-7496.
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