Abbot Update
September 11, 2020
Welcome Back!
Dear Abbot Families,
I want to thank you all for attending our Back To School meeting last night. It was so nice to see you all and to have the opportunity to share our excitement for coming back to school! For those of you who weren't able to make it, no worries. I have included the slide presentation below. Please feel free to reach out with any questions.
We are so excited to welcome all of our Abbot students back this week. I'm not sure I have EVER been more excited for a school year to start.
I have included a LOT of important information in this week's update, so please carve out a few minutes to read it through carefully. I promise - the update won't be this long every week!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Sincerely,
Lori McDermott
Abbot School Principal
Parent Information Night Presentation
Upcoming Events
Remote Learning Academy Material Pick-up Day
Dear Parents/Guardians of Abbot Remote Learning Academy Students,
On Tuesday, September 15th we will be inviting RLA families (Grade 3, 4, and 5) to come to Abbot to pick up grade level Remote Learning Academy materials from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM. The remote learning academy students may have the opportunity to have a quick wave with their teachers as they pick up their learning materials.
Please enter on Fisher Way and take your first right into the Abbot School parking lot. Proceed around the perimeter of the parking lot toward the side of the building and turn right to pass in front of Abbot School.
We ask that you display a card on the driver side window for each student. Click here for a document that contains a template and example of what the name-tag should look like. Runners will be stationed at the “Pick-Up Area” to distribute the RLA materials. Please make sure to have one name-tag for each student in the school. Should you have any questions or are unable to attend the pick-up day, please contact the school via email (sedgecomb@westfordk12.us) for an alternative pick-up date.
Grade 3 Orientation
Dear Families of our Incoming Third Grade Students,
This year WPS has built in an orientation day for our students who are transitioning from Nab to Abbot. Typically our grade 3 student orientations take place in the spring. However, due to the school closure in March, we have built time into the calendar for a fall orientation day. We look forward to welcoming our new third grade students to Abbot on September 15, 2020. We will be hosting our orientation sessions by pod following a modified schedule as detailed below. The modified schedule will allow the custodial team to clean the building between pod visits. The hybrid pods will meet in person and the remote learning pods will meet remotely. If your child is attending as a hybrid student, please send them in with their school supplies, as the third grade team is planning an activity for the students to take part in during their visit which will require them to use coloring materials. We are all so excited to welcome our third graders to Abbot!
Please note POD assignments will be shared by the end of the week.
Hybrid Orientation for Grade 3 Students Only - (In Building)
Hybrid Pod A will attend from 8:15 - 9:30 AM
Hybrid Pod B will attend from 1:15 - 2:30 PM
The hybrid students will have the opportunity to meet their teacher and their classmates and take a tour around the building to acclimate to their new learning environment.
Remote Learning Orientation for Grade 3 Students Only - (Remotely from Home)
Remote Pod A will attend remotely from 8:45 - 9:15 AM
Remote Pod B will attend remotely from 1:45 - 2:15 PM
The RLA students will log in with their classroom teacher during their remote time. All RLA students should log in to Google Classroom prior to their orientation time to accept an invitation to join their teacher's classroom. A link to join the Google Meet orientation will be in the Stream of their teacher's classroom. As a reminder, in most situations, a student's username is their year of graduation, their first initial, and their last name followed by @westfordk12.us (Example: 30lmcdermott@westfordk12.us). Their password is their lunch number. If you have difficulties logging in please contact your child's teacher.
Transportation for Third Grade Students Attending the in Building Hybrid Orientation:
Car Drop-Off/Car Pick-Up - Car drop-off and pick-up will take place on the parking lot side of the school. If your student is a car rider, please proceed around the perimeter of the parking lot toward the side of the building and turn right to pass in front of Abbot School.
Students who will arrive in the car drop-off/pick-up will follow the car drop-off/pick-up procedures, please click here. Please have a name-tag for drop-off/pick-up. Click here for a document that contains a template and example of what the name-tag should look like. Please note this orientation is for students only. Parents of car riders may park in the side parking lot at Abbot for the duration of the event and then proceed to the pick up area when the orientation is over or you may drop off, leave and come back for pick-up.
Bus and Van Riders - Students who will be taking the bus or WPS van transportation will be picked up and dropped off at their regular bus stop on September 15th. If your child is attending the morning session (POD A) and taking the bus or the van, please arrive at the bus stop by 7:40 AM. If your child is attending the afternoon session (POD B) and taking the bus or the van, please arrive at the bus stop by 12:40 PM.
We look forward to welcoming our third graders to Abbot!
Sincerely,
Lori McDermott and Carolyn Jerzylo
Band & Strings
Mrs. Mejia, our K-12 Visual and Performing Arts Curriculum Coordinator will be hosting a virtual Back to School Night for Instrumental Music at the Elementary level on Thursday, September 17 at 6:30 PM. In this presentation, you will learn what the band and strings program will look like at the elementary level this year. At the end of the presentation, Mrs. Mejia will also be available to answer any questions you might have.
The link to this meeting will be coming soon.
Back-to-School Forms
- Arrival and Dismissal Transportation Form - For hybrid students please complete by Monday, September 14th. We will need this information before the first day of school to properly dismiss your child. If your child is riding the bus, we are aware that you won't be able to inform us of your bus number until the bus routes are posted. Feel free to submit the form after this information is released.
- Record of Transmittal Form - please complete by September 25th.
Vehicle Identification Card - For hybrid students, please print and use this temporary vehicle ID card or create your own if you will be picking up your student in the car line.
Your child will bring home a permanent vehicle ID card during the first week of school if you have selected car pick up.
Free and Reduced Lunch Application - if applicable
Additional Forms Coming Home Soon:
Student Biographical Report - this will be sent home with hybrid students on their first week of school and be sent home with remote students on material pick up day. Please complete and return to school by September 25th.
Health Emergency Cards - this will be sent home with hybrid students on their first week of school and be sent home with remote students on material pick up day. Please complete and return to school by September 25th.
Arrival and Dismissal Procedures
Bus Riders
Please remind your students to keep their masks on for the duration of the bus ride, keep the windows open, and load the bus from the back to the front.
Buses will begin unloading (one bus at a time) at 8:15am at the front of the building. Staff members will be present to greet students outside, at their grade level entrance doors and at their classroom door.
Bus registration is open and live. This year we are using MySchoolBucks.com as the registration and payment portal.
Masks are mandatory on the bus for all K-12 students.
Bus fees for September through January are $150 for the first student, $300 for two students, $400 for three or more students. The family cap is $400.
More information is available on the district website: https://www.westfordk12.us/district/transportation
Link to bus registration Grades K-5:
https://www.myschoolbucks.com/ver2/prdembd?ref=ZZHCKVF90G01ERQ_ZZJGWKDLTJ0O9Q2
Car Riders
Parents who are driving students to and/or from school must stop by the office for a car placard to be displayed on the right hand side of the car windshield. Car drop-off and pick-up will take place on the parking lot side of the school. Car riders should aim to be in the car line by 8:10 AM to ensure a prompt arrival and by 11:35 AM for dismissal. The school day ends at 11:40 AM.
Dismissal Notes
Please do not send in a note with your child. We are trying to minimize the passing of paper as much as possible.
Late Arrivals and Absences
Student arrival for begins at 8:15am with school starting promptly at 8:25am. It is important for students to arrive on time and ready to learn. In the event that your child will be absent or late, please call the main office at 978-692-5580 to inform us so we can account for all students.
School Lunch
While the start of the school year looks a little different for everyone, I wanted to share with you some good news that schools nationwide received last week. The USDA extended a waiver that allows schools to serve free breakfast and lunch to ALL students, through 12/31/20. We are thrilled with this news as it means that we will be able to provide all Westford Public School students with nutritious and nourishing food for free that will support them, both in school and at home.
What this means for your family and for Westford Public Schools
- Your children, ages 0-18 will receive a healthy breakfast and lunch every school day, at no cost, in a safe and welcoming environment. This applies to students who are attending classes in school or virtual classes at home, or a hybrid combination of these models
- You may pick up meals for your children who are remote learners at designated schools.
The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has requested that the USDA extend free meals for all students for the entire school year. However, as of now, the USDA has only allowed this through December 31. Therefore, families should still submit a household application to determine eligibility for free and reduced price school meals. This will also allow students to qualify for any additional benefits and ensure a seamless transition when schools move back to a paid program (if the waiver is not extended for January to June 2021). The application is available to download at www.westfordk12.us
In addition, we also encourage families to apply for SNAP benefits. SNAP provides monthly cash benefits (on an EBT card) to purchase groceries for eligible families. To apply for SNAP, visit www.startwithsnap.org or call the Project Bread FoodSource Hotline at 1-800-645-8333. If you are unsure whether your family is eligible, the FoodSource Hotline can assist you with eligibility questions.
HOW TO ORDER LUNCH:
Go to the Westford Public Schools Website, www.westfordk12.us, Select the BULLETINS tab, LUNCH ORDERING. Once on the LUNCH ORDERING page you can choose to order for Remote Learners or In Person Learners. Select the plan that applies to your children for the week or days indicated on the form. All student meals are free but extra choices have been included at a cost should you want additional items for your child. Your child's lunch account will be charged for the extra items.
All students are eligible for free breakfast as well. In an effort to maintain safe social distancing and minimal movement within the schools, we ask that you coordinate with the building principal and cafeteria manager in your child’s school in order to arrange for breakfast.
Please reach out with any questions you might have. Your children are the reason we do our jobs and we are here to make sure that they are fueled with good food.
Best Regards,
Colleen Wallace, Food Service Director
A Message From Mrs. Grassi
IMPORTANT INFORMATION/REMINDERS
Attendance
Flexibility of Scheduling Within Pods
As you know with the hybrid model, there will be times when students are assigned asynchronous activities, while their peers in the opposite Pod are receiving live instruction. We are pleased that our model allows for students in grades 1-12 to connect daily with teachers in both the hybrid and the RLA models.
During the at-home weeks, it is highly encouraged that your child follows the schedule for the day even though in many cases they are not “live” with the teacher during that morning time. This is because there may be times when the asynchronous Pod is asked to remotely join their opposite Pod peers who are “live” with a teacher. This will be at the teacher’s discretion, based on the lesson objectives. Adequate advanced notice will be provided to the asynchronous students so they are aware if/when they should log on to join their teacher live from home during a designated/predetermined time.
Hybrid and RLA Visual Schedule
Hand washing/Sanitizing
Hand sanitizers have been placed in the classrooms, at the many building entrances, outside bathrooms and throughout the hallways. Students and staff are required to disinfect hands often, specifically upon arrival, before and after masks breaks, before and after snack, before dismissal and when otherwise needed.
Building Cleaning
Throughout the day, our amazing custodians will clean all commonly touched surfaces and areas in the school with an approved cleaning agent and disinfectant. After dismissal each day, the custodial team will clean and disinfect the building following the WPS guidelines.
Masks/Face Coverings
All K-12 students and staff are required to wear a 2-ply mask/face covering that covers their nose and mouth for the health and safety of all. Exceptions to wearing a mask/face covering will be considered as possible options for students with medical, behavioral or other challenges. Parents/guardians are asked to supply disposable or reusable masks/face coverings for their child(ren). Fabric masks must be washed daily to ensure cleanliness. Bandanas will not be allowed and it is recommended that gaiters be folded over twice to be 2-ply or have a changeable filter. Please do not wear face masks with exhalation vents or valves.
PTO
A Message From Our PTO:
Thank you to everyone who has completed the PTO Google form, which includes permission to include your contact information in the Abbot Directory and permission to include your child’s photo and name in the Abbot Yearbook.
https://forms.gle/4xrNKGAuLoXRJ97L7
Third grade parents: The Abbot PTO is happy to be able to provide an Abbot t-shirt complimentary to welcome all incoming third grade students. These shirts will be distributed shortly after school begins. If you have opted for remote learning, stay tuned for more information about delivery of your student's shirt! When filling out the Google Form linked above, please be sure to provide your child’s T-shirt size. Please complete this form at your earliest convenience that we can have the shirts shortly after the students return to school.
Many PTO operations will be on hold this fall, but we are planning to hold a meeting on September 29 at 4:00 PM (remotely, via Zoom) to discuss the coming school year. All are welcome! We are still seeking a Secretary for this coming school year. If you are interested, or if you have any questions, please let us know at abbotschoolpto@gmail.com.
Like and Follow us on Facebook to stay up to date with everything the PTO is up to: https://www.facebook.com/abbotschoolpto In addition, the Abbot PTO sends out a monthly newsletter as well as occasional updates and calls for volunteers. Please subscribe to our electronic newsletter using this link: https://tinyurl.com/AbbotNewsletter
Core Values
SPIRIT
The six K-5 elementary schools will continue to implement our consistent set of core values utilizing the acronym SPIRIT this year. This consistent set of core values keeps our six elementary schools aligned and fosters a closer community feel. We will continue to build this respectful community by asking our students to “Show their SPIRIT!”
Safety
Students of the Westford Public Schools will demonstrate SAFETY. They will honor others' space and property, and will keep their hands, feet, and other objects to themselves. They will exhibit self-control by walking as they travel throughout the school building, by using an appropriate voice level for the setting, and by following directions and instructions given by adults the first time. They will use words and adult intervention to solve problems.
Perseverance
Students of the Westford Public Schools will demonstrate PERSEVERANCE. They will set goals and strive to reach them each day. They will work hard and not give up even when something is difficult. They will demonstrate a growth mindset when met with challenging tasks and activities. They will keep a positive attitude.
Inclusion
Students of the Westford Public Schools will demonstrate INCLUSION. They have a responsibility to break down barriers by inviting new people into teams, circle of friends, and experiences as they work to be a unified, collaborative community. They will show acceptance to everyone around them.
Respect
Students of the Westford Public Schools will demonstrate RESPECT. They will think about others before speaking or taking any action. They will appreciate the contributions of others, while showing respect for themselves, other people, personal and/or community property, and the environment. They will treat others the way that they want to be treated.
Integrity
Students of the Westford Public Schools will demonstrate INTEGRITY. They will do the right thing, even when no one is watching. They will show good character. They will be honest, fair, and humble. They will exercise their best effort and judgment in all activities in which they participate and will set goals that promote positive academic, social, and personal development.
Teamwork
Students of the Westford Public Schools will demonstrate TEAMWORK. They will encourage others to do their best. They will listen to the ideas of others, while also sharing their ideas to ensure the best end product. They will show empathy, considering another person's situation, feelings, or motives before speaking or taking action. They will compromise when necessary. They will behave in a manner that allows all others to enjoy a safe, positive learning community.
Revised Calendar Updated w/Pods
Dates to Remember
September
- September 15 - Grade 3 Orientation Day
- September 15 - RLA Materials Pick-up (10:00 AM-12:00 PM)
- September 16 - First Day of School
- September 17 - Instrumental Parent Information Night (6:30 PM)
- September 29 - PTO Meeting (4:00 PM)
Abbot School
Email: lmcdermott@westfordk12.us
Website: https://www.westfordk12.us/as
Location: 25 Depot Street, Westford, MA, USA
Phone: 978-692-5580