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November 2024 Newsletter

November 2024Newsletter

From the Principal

Dear WHS Families,

Winter is coming...! In the next few weeks, students will be encountering a “Winter Wonderland” at Student Council’s Homecoming Dance on November 22nd; supporting the Westwood Food Pantry during Key Club’s annual Thanksgiving Drive; and kicking off the Winter Sports season. As the daylight hours diminish, student (and staff) absences due to illness are likely to increase. Here is what students and families should expect:

Student Absences

  • Notifying the School: If a student will be absent for the entire day, their parent/caregiver should call x1512 or submit the student's absence electronically to hsattendance@westwood.k12.ma.us by 9:30 AM that day.

  • Missed Work: Students must speak with their teachers within two days of returning from an absence to arrange plans for missed work. Students have two days of make-up time for each day of absence, unless special arrangements are made with teachers and Guidance.

  • Missed Assessments: If a student is absent the day a quiz, test, essay, or other project is due, it is expected that the assessment will be taken or handed in the day the student returns to school.

  • Attendance Expectations: Students are expected to be present for 90% of school days each semester. Students who exceed absence limits will lose privileges, including parking, for the following semester.

Staff Absences

  • Substitute Coverage: When a classroom teacher is absent, students receive email notification. Students are often provided with substitute coverage and are expected to attend class regardless of the classroom teacher's absence. If a classroom substitute is not available, students in grades 9 and 10 are directed to report to the building-based substitute, usually in the Cafeteria or Little Theatre, for supervision. Students in grades 11 and 12 who have open campus privileges may access them when their teachers are absent.

  • Continued Learning: Classroom teachers provide work for students to complete via Google Classroom or other digital communication platforms. This work must be completed prior to their next scheduled class meeting (or on the assigned date provided by the teacher).

For more detailed information, please refer to the Westwood High School Student Handbook. Please reach out to your child’s guidance counselor if you have concerns about your child’s attendance. We are committed to working with families to instill responsible attendance habits in students.


Sincerely,

Amy L. Davenport

Principal, Westwood High School

We are excited to invite you to an informative session, presented by Steve Ouellette, Director of Technology and Innovation, focusing on digital citizenship and safety for WPS children. The workshop will provide valuable tools and knowledge to:


●Understand the challenges and opportunities of the digital world for our children.

●Learn about available safety measures and controls on smartphones and home networks.

●Explore digital citizenship instructions implemented within the Westwood Public Schools (WPS) system.

●Gain insights on fostering a safe and balanced digital experience for your children.


Join us on Wednesday, November 13th, from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM at the Westwood High School Professional Development Room.

Please RSVP here if you'd like to attend via Zoom. We look forward to seeing you there!


Sincerely,
Lateefah Franck

Director of Equity, Integration and Community Partnerships

News from Guidance

Guidance Website

Parents are encouraged to visit the Guidance Website, for information on topics such as navigating the college search process, applying for financial aid, scholarship opportunities, internships as well as the Guidance Calendar. In addition to the website, parents and students are encouraged to follow the Guidance Instagram account.

Parent Talks

Guidance run Parent Talks give parents the opportunity to meet with guidance counselors and discuss topics including the college application process, standardized testing and course selection. The meetings will continue to be virtual and recorded and posted to the website for those unable to attend. A Zoom link will be provided to all parents the week of each meeting. The meetings will be recorded and posted on our website afterwards. All meetings are 8:30-9:30 a.m. Future dates:


  • November 22nd - for parents of 9th grade students in person- register here

  • March 7th – for all parents


Information for Seniors:

The FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid,is now available and can be accessed at https://fafsa.ed.gov/. The CSS Profile, required at some colleges, but not all, is also available at https://cssprofile.collegeboard.org/. View the list of colleges that require the Profile.


Free assistance available for completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

FAFSA Day will run several days in November and December. FAFSA Day provides free assistance to students and families completing a FAFSA. This statewide program is administered by the Massachusetts Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators with the assistance of many community-based organizations. Visit MA FAFSA Day Website for more details.


Seniors who applied early action and/or early decision (October 15th or November 1st/15th) will automatically have their updated transcripts/GPA sent to colleges after first term grades are issued. Students with regular decision deadlines of January 1st or later should submit transcript release forms by December 14th, so the Guidance Office has ample time to send materials to colleges.


Information for Juniors:

October 26th PSAT scores are expected to be available online in early December. Guidance counselors will meet with juniors at that time to review score reports and will delve more fully into the college search process during third term Junior Seminars. Please see the College Planning Timeline with dates for important events and deadlines. Now is a great time to think about potential February and April vacation college visits with your child.


Information for Sophomores:

Sophomore Seminars

During second term guidance counselors will lead Sophomore Seminars, topics include career exploration and standardized testing. Students will be given an overview of options for college majors and careers, and complete a career interest inventory on Naviance.


Information for Freshmen:

Ninth Grade Seminars

The second round of Ninth Grade Seminars will run in December. Students will learn to calculate their grade point average based on first term grades and participate in a lesson on goal-setting.

Job Board
The Guidance Office maintains a job board, where we post job opportunities called in by local businesses.

News from the Health Office

November 2024

WHS Health office

We have had a great start to the school year!


Grade 9 Physicals

All students entering Grade 9 must provide a recent physical.

Physicals should be dated 2/1/2023 or later.

For students with upcoming Fall/Winter physicals, please submit after the exam.


Health Screenings

Information regarding health screenings for students in grades 9 and 10 can be found here and will also be sent in the next week.

A physical exam with the appropriate screenings can be submitted or parents can opt-out here

Emergency Action Plans

Most provider offices provide their own Seizure, Asthma and Allergy Action/Emergency Plans. These are acceptable forms and should be submitted to WHS.


If your child’s office does not have a standard form, you can download one HERE.


Please submit forms annually following your child’s appointment.

Forms are valid for one year from the appointment date.

No additional provider orders or forms are required in addition to the action plans.


IMPORTANT: Aspen Allergy Update

Please log in to your student’s ASPEN account and update their allergy information annually.

If your child does not have food allergies, please still complete the update and select NONE.


Over the Counter Medications

Tylenol (acetaminophen), motrin (ibuprofen), tums, and cough drops are available to students in the health office with parental/guardian consent. You can complete the attached form and submit it. Please complete a separate form for each student. Forms need to be completed annually.

2023-24 Parent Consent OTC form


Illness

Students with fever or acute illness should remain home.

The link to guidance regarding common illnesses is HERE


Injury/PE excusals

A provider note is required for accommodations or excusals from PE/Wellness class due to student injury or surgery. All paperwork should be submitted to the health office.


Information Delivery

All emergency action plans (asthma, allergy/anaphylaxis, diabetes, seizure) and physicals can be submitted to the health office in person, via email, mail, or fax (781-326-2695).


Please call or email the health office if you have any questions or concerns.

Dawnmarie Shu RN, MSN

dshu@westwood.k12.ma.us

(781)326-7500 x3353


Laura Cucchi RN, BSN
lcucchi@westwood.k12.ma.us
(781)326-7500 x3361

Congratulations to the Cast & Crew of Much Ado About Nothing!

Update from Athletics

The WHS Athletics Department is excited to announce a new partnership with the Positive Coaches Alliance to provide training for all Westwood High School coaches. The first session, course, Coaching With Empathy, will equip coaches with tools to build meaningful relationships with their teams and maximize the positive impact of sports. The first session will take place on Thursday, November 21st, and will be offered to fall, winter, and spring coaching staff. We are excited for our coaches to learn new, practical techniques to support youth development, enhance athletic performance, increase athletes' engagement and enjoyment of sports, and help athletes improve resilience, sportsmanship, and character.

The deadline for registration for Winter Sports is November 15. Please register before the deadline to give the coaches a chance to organize before tryouts begin on December 2nd!


Westwood Fall sports enjoyed great success this year with football continuing until Thanksgiving. Come out and show your support at a state tournament game!


Click on WHS ATHLETICS for schedules, registration, payment, etc.


Questions?
Matthew Gillis, mgillis@westwood.k12.ma.us ~ Athletic Director
Paul Lilla, plilla@westwood.k12.ma.us ~ Athletic Trainer
Martha Laughna, mlaughna@westwood.k12.ma.us ~ Athletic Department Administrator

The staff of We the People is proud to present a special, election issue of our political newspaper.


This special edition required significant effort and organization in the early months of the school year to publish before this week's election. A special thanks to our editorial team of Deepak Viswalingam (Editor), Tony Maari (Design Coordinator), Jacob Liu (Design Coordinator), and Isabella Gervais (Social Media Manager).


Deepak said it best in this issue, "[W]e decided to publish this special edition to encourage all of you to participate in this election to the fullest extent possible. If you are an eligible voter we beseech you to vote tomorrow. If you are not, we urge that you strive to remain politically informed as you develop into a civically-active citizen."

Key Club Thanksgiving Drive

Hello, the WHS Key Club is excited to announce our annual Thanksgiving Drive!


We will be collecting donations from Nov 1- Nov 14, and all contributions will go to the Westwood Food Pantry. The drive is going to be a competition between the grades, and whichever grade donates the most will be receiving a prize. Collection bins will be located in the main lobby.


This is a great opportunity for students and families to come together and support those in need!


High-need items this year include:


  • CANS OF CARROTS

  • CAKE MIX (YELLOW AND CHOCOLATE)

  • PANCAKE MIX

  • SYRUP

  • JELLY

  • SALAD DRESSINGS

  • SALSA

  • OLIVE OIL, VEGETABLE OIL

  • CANS OF WHITE TUNA

  • BALSAMIC VINEGAR

  • MAYONNAISE (REGULAR)

  • COOKIES AND CRACKERS

  • BOXED PASTA

  • PASTA SAUCE

  • BAKED BEANS

  • HERBAL TEA

  • TOOTHPASTE AND TOOTHBRUSHES

  • PAPER TOWELS AND TOILET PAPER

  • ADULT SANITARY PRODUCTS (SIZE L AND XL)

  • SMALLER SIZE PERSONAL ITEMS (SHAMPOO, BODY WASH, BARS OF SOAP)


Thank you so much for your support!


The WHS Key Club

Cherryl Wu & Meaghan Greally, Thanksgiving Drive Leaders

Attention: Parents of Seniors

To the Parents/Guardians of the Class 2025:

The Senior Video Crew is beginning to gather materials for the Class of '25 Senior Video. We are seeking group photos or videos of important moments during middle school (plays, events, field trips, dances). If you have any photographs or videos of members of the class of 2025 in Middle School we would appreciate it if you could send them to us at our email address: seniorvideo@westwood.k12.ma.us .

Thank You-

Senior Video Crew

Academics in Action

Studio Art 2 - World Through Landscapes

The artists from Studio Art 2 are excited to invite you to view “The World Through Landscapes” currently exhibited in Westwood High School Gallery. Students were prompted to use their own original landscape photos as inspiration for an acrylic painting. In class, they learned about how focal points and centers of interest are used within compositions to capture and direct the viewer's interest through a painting. The exhibit showcases the process of moving from a sketch into a painting alongside the finished work. The show is open from November 1st to the 22nd.

News from the TEC Classroom

Friendship Club is conducting a drive for Coats for Kids in December. We will be collecting new and gently used winter coats of all sizes, so clean out your closet.

Community Resources

Update from SEPAC

Westwood SEPAC Parent Information

Update from ANGP

All Night Grad Party/Promenade Planning Underway: VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Help us celebrate WHS Class of 2025. This is a great way for parents of middle and high school students to see this 30+ year WHS event while paying it forward for all future graduates. It is a lot of fun!


ANGP not only runs the amazing All Night Graduation Party, but also puts up Lawn Signs for all the graduates, hangs the gorgeous Grad Wall Banner around the track, and coordinates the Promenade for the junior/senior prom! Click here to sign up for a volunteer shift!


Parents/Guardians of 2025 Graduates:

Make sure your senior is aware of upcoming events for the 2025 Graduating Class!

  • Log onto Aspen through a desktop computer. On the Right, you will see “ANNUAL VERIFICATION FORM." Click “HERE” to access the Verification Page.

  • On the window that opens, select the blue “Verify & Update” button next to your senior’s name.

  • In the numbered menu on the left, choose “4. Technology and Media Permissions” and make sure “YES” is selected under the “Release of Information to Affiliated School Groups.”


Contact Us:

email westwoodangp@gmail.com


Follow Us: For updates, pictures, more details and some fun teasers about the event!

Instagram: westwoodangp

Facebook: Westwood ANGP


Important Dates

  • November 13: Early Release
  • November 22: Homecoming Dance, 7 - 9 PM
  • November 27: Early Dismissal (Time TBD)
  • November 28 & 29: No School
  • December 11: Early Release
  • December 20: Early Release
  • December 23 - 31: Vacation
  • January 1: No School (New Year's Day)
  • January 8: Early Release
  • January 20: No School (Martin Luther King Jr. Day)
  • January 22: Early Release
  • February 5: Early Release
  • February 17 - 21: Vacation
  • February 26: Early Release
  • March 12: Early Release
  • March 26: Early Release
  • April 9: Early Release
  • April 18: No School (Good Friday)
  • April 21 - 25: Vacation
  • May 9: Prom, 6 - 10 PM
  • May 14: Early Release
  • May 26: No School (Memorial Day)
  • May 28: Early Release
  • June 4: Early Release
  • June 16: Tentative Last Day of School

Reports to Families

TERM 1 (44 days) Last day of term: November 1st


Progress Reports Grades due: Friday, September 27th at 12:00 PM

Available to students: Friday, September 27th at 3:30 PM


SPED Progress Reports Due: Wednesday, November 20th


Report Cards Grades due: Friday, November 8th at 12:00 PM

Available to students: Friday, November 8th at 3:30 PM


TERM 2 (43 days) Last day of term: January 17th


Progress Reports: Grades due: Friday, December 6th at 12:00 PM

Available to students: Friday, December 6th at 3:30 PM


SPED Progress Reports Due: Friday, February 7th


Report Cards: Grades due: Friday, January 24th at 12:00 PM

Available to students: Friday, January 24th at 3:30 PM


TERM 3 (44 days) Last day of term: March 28th


Progress Reports: Grades due: Friday, February 28th at 12:00 PM

Available to students: Friday, February 28th at 3:30 PM


SPED Progress Reports Due: Friday, April 11th


Report Cards: Grades due: Friday, April 4th at 12:00 PM

Available to students: Friday, April 4th at 3:30 PM


TERM 4 (44 days) Last day of term: June 9th


Progress Reports: Grades due: Friday, May 2nd at 12:00 PM

Available to students: Friday, May 2nd at 3:30 PM


SPED Progress Reports Due: Friday, June 13th


Report Cards Grades due: Monday, June 17th at 12:00 PM

Available to students: Monday, June 17th at 3:30 PM


J-TERM (5 days): June 10th - 13th, June 16th

Important Dates for Seniors

Last day of senior classes: May 23rd

Grades Available to Students: Wednesday, May 28th, at 3:30 PM

Class Night: May 30th

Graduation: June 1st (Time TBD)

Westwood High School
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