A blurry eyed update (posted on SB website 9/30)

I would like to say that this morning came early because of the riveting conversations taking place in the parking lots following last night's curriculum night.  While it was fun to joke about additional social events that could add to the enjoyment of curriculum night for many of the adults, it was truly my attempt to stay awake and watch "the game" that made it difficult for me to muster my normal enthusiasm for starting the day today.  I was glad to learn this morning that my failure to remain engaged did not negatively impact the outcome of the event...the game that is...not the curriculum event.  I was fully focused and engaged in the curriculum event!  Well, engaged perhaps not always focused...for those of you who might remember the Braveheart tangent. Thank you to everyone who was able to join us for last night's Curriculum Night.  It was very well attended and there were plenty of smiles both entering and exiting the building which I use as a formative assessment to help determine enjoyment.  If you were forcing a smile for social conventions, I appreciate your effort! Speaking of efforts, our student gardeners have been helping our consultant from FreshStart gardens harvest some of our fall crop.  On the first day of fall, I was able to enjoy a kale salad after visiting the 6th grade lunch for a few minutes.  It was delicious and made me feel less guilty for only having an organic pop-tart with my coffee earlier in the morning. We received a congratulatory email from another school this week following our cross country meet.  The competing school praised our 8th graders for the excellent job they did leading the course walk prior to the meet.  They were so impressed and inspired by our students' leadership that they are going to start asking their 8th graders to lead their course walks before their home meets. Just one excellent example of how our middle school students can #SBtheChange! While I am on the subject of 8th graders, the parent information night for the Washington DC trip is scheduled for Oct 19 from 6-7.  It is not mandatory and information will be made available for anyone not able to attend, as well, but it is a good opportunity to hear from the coordinators and get questions answered. Seventh grade was deep into their archeological dig this week and the parents experienced the joy of locating and traveling to the third floor of the building last night.  Fun had by all! For those of you looking for more things to add to your schedule, we have two open parent positions on our School Advisory Council which meets once a month on the first Tuesday afternoon from 2:30-3:30 here at Stony Brook.  The Council's primary responsibility is two develop and monitor the School Improvement Plan each year.  The Council is made up of parent, faculty and committee representatives.  If you would be interested in participating in the council, please contact me via email cchew@westfordk12.us before next Weds September 28, 2016.  If we have more volunteers than available positions, we will work the WMSPTO to conduct online elections to fill the spots. Please note very important event taking place this weekend at Westford Academy: At the Westford Academy Boy's Varsity Soccer Game on Saturday, September 24th, students will pay tribute to classmate Matt Roberge and to the sport he loved. As many WA Boy's Soccer fans know, the program suffered a tragic loss in August with the passing of 16 year old Matt Roberge after his courageous battle with leukemia.  Matt, who would have been starting his Junior year at Westford Academy this fall, is dearly missed by his teammates as well as by the entire Westford community. At the start of the game against Chelmsford, members of the Junior Class will release 21 balloons to honor the #21 jersey that Matt proudly wore during his time as a player.     The Varsity game will be played at Westford Academy's Trustee Stadium at 7pm against Chelmsford.  All gate receipts will be donated to the Matthew Roberge Scholarship Fund.  The WA Boy's JV game vs. Chelmsford will be played at 5pm.  Please join us to support this wonderful cause, Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and our WA Athletes. During last night's 7th & 8th grade Curriculum Night, I mentioned the upcoming opportunity to see the film Beyond Measure at Westford Academy.  Here is the information: Join The Westford Education Foundation For A Screening Of Beyond Measure Westford prides itself on the many talented educators, rich resources, and tiered supports the school system offers students to meet the needs of all learners. The school system continuously reflects on daily efforts to enhance and maintain the best teaching practices in an ever-changing world. Over the past several years, Westford Public Schools have placed a strong emphasis on students’ personal growth, inquiry-based learning, social and emotional development, and tapping into students’ interests. But could more be done?   Those are just some of the topics highlighted in the new documentary, Beyond Measure, a follow up to Race To Nowhere. Sponsored by the Westford Education Foundation, the film will be shown on Thursday, October 13, 2016, at 6:30 p.m. in the Westford Academy Performing Arts Center. A panel discussion will be held following the film, which is free and open to the public.   The Westford Education Foundation is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to innovative educational initiatives and life-long learning. For more information, contact Mary Anne Seraphin at mseraphin@comcast.net or go to http://beyondmeasurefilm.com/.   My apologies to all of the parents of 6th graders who feel left out of any attempt at humor in this email regarding last night's event.  Consider it a teaser for this week's 6th Grade Curriculum Night Thursday, September 29 starting at 6:00pm. Have a great weekend! Chris