December 2024 Newsletter

Dear WHS Families,

As 2024 comes to a close, I want to thank you for your support of the high school PTO (of which you are all members!) this year. So far, you have:

• Facilitated professional technical support for A Cappella Fest, sponsored by Passing Notes, WHS’s premiere a cappella group

• Provided seed money for our 18-22-year-old students to start their own dog biscuit business

• Sponsored transportation to our Guidance-sponsored college tour ventures

• Purchased specialized countertop electric pizza ovens to broaden our food scientists’ understanding of culinary science and culture

• Provided funding for Model UN students to compete locally and nationally

• Supported AP Biology student participation in the MIT Department of Biology’s Educational Outreach Program and Marine Biology student collaboration with the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) in Cape Cod

• Sponsored the StressLess Ice Cream Social for all students

• Showered our hardworking faculty, staff, and students with numerous lunches, dinners, and special treats throughout the spring and fall

In the spirit of fresh starts in the new year, please help us redouble our efforts to maintain a device-free learning environment in classrooms and hallways at WHS. The high school’s Device Task Force is excited to share with you last month’s Screenagers podcast, How Phone Bans Improve School Safety, and we look forward to sharing additional resources and activities in the coming months to strengthen commitment to our policy during the second half of the school year. Recently, we have observed an uptick in the number of students using their phones in hallways during academic time, and we find that they are often communicating with folks at home. Our phone and device policy is only as strong as each of our efforts to uphold it. Please help ensure all of our students feel empowered and supported to meet our community expectations.

When students return from break, on January 9, 2025, our 9th-11th graders will participate in J-Term Course Shopping, an interactive preview of six self-selected J-Term courses. The shopping experience is designed to help students identify the J-Term experiences that will energize, engage, and stretch them in June. Student J-Term Registration will begin immediately after Shopping, and submissions will be due on Tuesday, January 14, 2025. Please check in with your child to learn about their hopes and plans for J-Term 2025.

Thank you for helping us celebrate and support our students and staff. We are so grateful for your partnership. Have a wonderful winter break! I look forward to our work together in 2025.

Wishing you health and happiness this winter season,

Sincerely,

Amy L. Davenport

Principal, Westwood High School

WHS is hosting a student for the 2024-2025 school year from Albania, who is a part of the YES Program. The Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study Program (YES) was initiated in 2002 to build bridges between Americans and people in countries of strategic importance. This program includes scholarships for U.S. high school students to study abroad and for students from countries such as Indonesia, Ghana, Mozambique, and Thailand to be part of U.S. schools for the academic year. As part of the partnership, WHS earned a 2024-2025 Medallion from the U.S. Department of State! This medallion is given in recognition that our school is committed to exposing students to diverse cultures, attitudes, beliefs, and languages.

On Friday, December 6th Senior Gabrielle Bernadeau was selected to represent the METCO students across the commonwealth to deliver the 2024 student keynote address at the 40th annual METCO Directors Association Educator Conference. Gabrielle delivered her message in front of almost 400 educators. She talked about her experience as a METCO program student in Westwood. She shared stories about the many WPS educators at Thurston and WHS who have helped her successfully navigate her journey.

Pictured below is Jean Maguire, American educator, civil rights leader and one of the founders of METCO, and Gabby Bernadeau, WHS Class of 2025

An excerpt from Gabby's speech:

“...being a Westwood Public School student through the METCO Program, I learned that the most important tool is your voice. All throughout my long years within the program, the amount of times I've heard “speak up” come from so many different people. But learning to communicate has been one of the best and most challenging experiences I think I’ve been put through. All of the lessons I’ve learned throughout my time have been beneficial because since taking in all of these great seeds from the METCO program, I’ve blossomed into a wonderful individual and so here’s a little update about myself. I’ve been inducted into the national honor society at Westwood High. I’ve also just wrapped up my second season as captain of the WHS cheer team as well as recently accepted the Massachusetts Student Achievement Award and John & Abigail Adams scholarship for a high score in MCAS results. I don’t share some of my achievements to brag but to explain to you all that had I not had the opportunity to join the METCO program, I’m not so sure I would be the same student I am today.”

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.

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 were asked to submit transcript release forms by December 14th, so the Guidance Office had ample time to send materials to colleges.

Information for Juniors:

Virtual College Planning Night will be held on January 22nd at 7:00 p.m. Admission representatives from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, BC and Umass Amherst will present. Register here.

October 14th PSAT scores were released by College Board in early November. Guidance counselors are meeting with juniors this month 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.

Standardized Testing Updates

WHS is hosting the SAT on Saturday March 9th and an unlisted ACT on June 8th, for which a registration code will be provided closer to the date. Juniors are encouraged to register now for the spring SAT at www.collegeboard.com, to ensure first choice test site location. Follow this link on SAT & ACT Test Dates for registration instructions.

Information for Sophomores:

Sophomore Seminars

Sophomore Seminars have been taking place during Term 2. 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. Parents will receive a copy of Seminars via email once they are complete.

Information for Freshmen:

Ninth Grade Seminars

The final round of Freshman Seminars will be held in January. Course selection will be discussed.

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:

• March 7th – for all parents

Our friends at Revolution Prep are offering an online presentation to our parents:

Navigating the Critical Changes in Admissions Testing

In today’s college admissions landscape, the role of testing has evolved rapidly. With these changes, families face a new set of decisions: many of the most competitive colleges and universities move back to a test-required policy; College Board has a new fully adaptive digital version of the PSAT and SAT; the ACT is piloting a digital version of their exam. Having a complete understanding of the nuances is critical for students to maximize their opportunities.

Join us as we walk you through everything you need to know – and the misinformation you need to avoid. In this webinar you’ll learn:

• What test-optional, test-flexible, and test-free really mean and how it should impact your preparation process.

• How to be ready for the SAT and ACT, including tips for navigating the adaptive SAT format and utilizing the digital tools

• The right considerations when building a testing plan for your student, and how the tests are different from when you took them.

Navigating the Critical Changes in Admissions Testing

When: Wednesday, January 8, 2025

Time: 7:00- 8:00 PM EST

Where: Online via Zoom (link will be shared by email)

Please note- if you cannot attend on this date, register anyway and Revolution Prep will send the link to the recording.

Westwood HS - Register under Parent Events: www.revolutionprep.com/partners/499/

The Spanish and Mandarin Honor Societies hosted their induction ceremonies on November 14th and 19th, respectively. Between the two societies, the ceremonies recognized the academic achievements of thirty-one current Juniors in their world language studies. Also recognized at the event were current Seniors who achieved the Massachusetts State Seal of Biliteracy in their language of study. Congratulations to all inductees and seal recipients!

The winter sports season is underway! For those families of winter athletes who have not paid their athletic fee, the fee is now past due. Please click on WHS ATHLETICS and then click on "Registration, Physicals, and Fees" in the left column.

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 editors of The Nahatan News are excited to present to you the newspaper's twelfth volume! With articles ranging from the bagel bar to AI in education, there is something to read for all of you. If student have any comments about the articles or want to sign up to write for The Nahatan News, please email editors Georgia Perry, Deepak Viswalingam, and Rachael Botelho.

As part of our Conversation with Caregivers series, Steve Ouellette, Director of Technology, Learning, and Innovation, presented on Digital Citizenship and Safety. For those of you who were not able to attend, copies of the presentation and the resources for protecting your kids online that were shared that evening are linked here for your convenience. Slide Presentation (Empowering Caregivers to Provide a Safe and Balanced Digital Experience) and Resource Links

The day before Thanksgiving, Westwood High School’s Youth Climate Action Coalition (YCAC) led a campus cleanup to help keep our community beautiful. A big thank-you to all the volunteers who joined in collecting litter around the school’s campus.

This event also serves as a reminder for all who use the multipurpose field and tennis courts: Let’s work together to keep our campus clean. Please remember to pick up after using our community spaces and dispose of trash in the appropriate bins.

Let’s keep the momentum going! Stay tuned for more community events organized by the YCAC. Together, we can create a cleaner, greener Westwood!

In December, the Crime in America class went on the annual field trip to Norfolk County Correctional Facility to conclude their unit on Criminal Justice. Students toured the facility and had the opportunity to speak with an inmate about his life and experiences behind bars.

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!

ANGP Committee Members Needed:

ANGP has several committees looking for new members! You are invited to attend our January ANGP Meeting to learn more. The meeting will be held Jan. 7 at 6:30 p.m. at Westwood Public Library on High Street.

Parents/Guardians of 2025 Graduates:

Keep an eye out for emails after the winter break with details about fundraisers that help bring the ANGP to life! These include contributions from senior families, restaurant fundraisers, and fun social gatherings for the parents and caregivers of the Class of 2025. Emails will come from "Westwood All Night Grad Party".

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

• 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

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

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)