Couldn't resist the urge to celebrate this extra-special day with an update...
For those of you looking for the weekly missive last Friday, my sincerest apologies. The flu compromised my ability to string somewhat coherent thoughts...well, as coherent as they usually get...together into what would be a productive use of your time. I thought about sending out an Oscar Update, but the ability to timestamp this message with the date 2/29/2016 was far more intriguing. So, let's hop to it...
Before being sidelined with a ridiculous fever, I was able to enjoy visiting some classes earlier last week where strings were coming together more than just coherently but beautifully and strategically, as well. It was wonderful to see the orchestra students sight-reading very difficult Mozart pieces while collaborating in quartets. The importance of being able to listen effectively to their partners was magnified by the fact that Ms. Ottesen was not conducting them and they were being stretched outside their comfort zones. She was able to circulate and spend time giving each group individual feedback on their work. Mr. Desmond's Engineering classes were beginning to look at the components of a hydraulic system designed to operate a movable arm. Students will ultimately design their own arm and make decisions as to how they would like to best incorporate the hydraulics for maximum efficiency and string together a system of tubing that will be operated by three different manually triggered hydraulic pumps.
For those of you with a heart for service, you will appreciate the work our Westford representative to Project 351, Emily Blagg, is doing as she is organizing a special event to help support Crayons to Cradles. She asked me to the include the following message to help spread the word:
- Come see Westford's finest talent at our new fundraising talent show, Westford in Tune, supporting Cradles to Crayons on April 1st. Auditions for Stony Brook participants are taking place on March 11th, right after school. Admission for the show is a few gently used articles of clothing for children in need, ages 0-12. We are encouraging students grades 6-8 from both Stony Brook and Blanchard to participate and attend this special event. Spread the word to all in Westford and help support a great cause! Anyone unable to attend the performance can still contribute by sending in any like-new shoes and clothes to the donation bins that will be placed all around the school starting on March 21st and ending on April 1st. Thank you all for you support towards Cradles to Crayons and the children they are serving.
I would like to extend a special thank you to Ms. Jennifer Woodard and all of the parents who have helped her organize the Washington DC Scholarship Fund Restaurant events and additional thanks to all of the families participated in the Chili's and 99 events.
The next event is at Five Guys in March, date to be determined. The final event is at Panera on April 14th from 3 - 8. More information and flyers to follow. Also, the committee would like to send a shout out to the 8th graders who submitted a drawing for the T-shirt design contest. The students will vote on the final drawing and T-shirts will be sold for $10.
As a reminder, district mathematics curriculum coordinators, Mrs. O'Gorman and Mrs. Coughlin, will be holding informational meetings for parents in grades 4-7 to communicate details of this process. These meetings are scheduled for March 2 at 6:30 p.m. at Blanchard and March 7 at 6:30 p.m. at John A. Crisafulli Elementary School. Please read the Math Information Nights Notice for more information.
Finally, parents of students in grades 6 & 8 please read the letter from K-12 Wellness Coordinator, Mr. O'Leary, regarding the upcoming Youth Risk Behavior Survey found at this link: Youth Risk Behavior Survey Information
I hope the extra day has been enjoyable as we won't see it for another four years. If not, don't worry you won't need to see it again for another four years.
Chris
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