Day School News
August 25, 2021
Dear Day School Community,
We are excited to welcome students back for the start of a brand new school year. The custodians and maintenance staff have done an outstanding job preparing the building for our staff and students. Teachers are looking forward to greeting students on the first day of school on Tuesday, August 31.
On Wednesday afternoon, we had a fantastic event with third graders and their families. The students were able to tour their classrooms, watch a magic show, and enjoy an ice cream treat on the playground. We were thrilled to hear the laughter and feel the energy of the third graders again at the Day School.
This year we are excited to have students back for full time learning. Please read this newsletter for important information to prepare you for the first day of school. If you have additional questions, feel free to reach out at any time. We are looking forward to seeing you and talking to you over the course of the school year. Welcome back!
Sincerely,
Chris Louis Sardella, Principal
Hilary Sturgis, Assistant Principal
Norman E. Day Elementary School
New Day School Staff Members
Juliana Viscione, Grade 4 Teacher
Madhu Verma, Teaching Assistant
Eileen Manning, Speech and Language Pathologist
Erin DaSilvaneto, ELL Teacher
Brendan Ferrari, Music Teacher
Mikaela Flynn, School Adjustment Counselor
Stacy King, Cafeteria Manager
Rachel Zazzaro, Ruth Margetts, Tina Morris, Principal Aides
Please click on the link above to learn more about the elementary instrumental music program and how to register for a band or strings instrument.
Instrumental Music Registration Form
School Information
Placement 2021-2022
Please log into the Parent Portal to access your child’s homeroom assignment for the 2021-2022 school year. To access the portal, please go to the WPS web site: https://www.westfordk12.us/district/parents/pages/parent-portal-information
If you have never created an iParent account, and do not know your student’s ID, please call the Crisafulli Office. For problems with your existing account, please access the district webform link.
Chromebook Information
Students in Grades 3-5 will continue to bring their school issued Chromebook to and from school each day during the 2021-2022 school year. New students will receive a Chromebook on the first day of school. If your child does not have a device or it is not working please submit a ticket to: homesupport@westfordk12.us
Lunch and Recess
Students will eat lunch in the cafeteria and attend recess each day. To maintain personal space and 3’ of distance, we will split the grade levels (half at lunch/half at recess with a switch mid-way). Students will sit at desks in rows to maintain a safe distance (3’) while eating. The students will be able to choose their lunch spot and will not have assigned seats.
To maintain a healthy environment, we will continue to communicate the importance of washing hands and using hand sanitizer throughout the day as well as respecting personal spaces and encouraging 3’ of distance where possible.Students will have access to hand sanitizers on their way into the cafeteria, and when they are exiting the cafeteria. All desks will be sanitized after each lunch period.
School Lunch Program
Click here for more information regarding the School Lunch Program. More information regarding school lunches will be shared from the Food Service Department. Please note, that all school meals will remain free to all students for the 2021-2022 school year.
Masks
As shared in a previous communication from Dr. Chew, Superintendent of Schools, all K-12 students and staff in WPS will be required to wear masks when indoors, through October 1st. More information will be shared as the district will be revisiting the decision and provide a clear timetable for potential changes.
Students 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.
Masks are required for all students when riding the bus to and from school.
Mask Breaks and Snack Break
Mask and snack breaks are given each day. The breaks may be indoors (with a 3’ distance) or outdoors. We are going to try to get outside as much as possible for mask/snack breaks, PE, and recess. As our New England weather can be unpredictable, please have your student dressed/prepared for all types of weather. In the event of inclement weather we will utilize the building overhangs at the front and rear of the Day School.
Important Information to Know
Much of the information you need to know can be found on the Westford Public Schools website: https://www.westfordk12.us/, and also on the Day School website: https://www.westfordk12.us/ds
Bus Passes
BUS PASSES ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL STUDENTS RIDING THE BUS.
All students who plan to ride the bus during any point of the school year are required to register for a bus pass. Parents must register all children who plan to ride the bus, whether they qualify for fee-based transportation or not. All registrations for bus transportation will require online registration. Please visit: https://www.westfordk12.us/district/transportation to determine cost and to register.
Email Notifications
When you register your child for school, your email address does NOT automatically go into the WPS email database. Please visit: https://www.westfordk12.us/subscribe and sign up for any applicable schools, as well as Westford Public Schools notifications. Most Day School notices including this newsletter are communicated through Blackboard Connect. We use email addresses listed in our student information portal. Make sure your email address is updated by contacting Kathy Norton in the Day School office: knorton@westfordk12.us
District Calendar
You may find the school calendar here: https://www.westfordk12.us/district/about-wps/pages/calendar
iParent Portal
The iPARENT System is tightly integrated into the District's iPASS student information system including teacher rank books. iPARENT is specifically designed to provide an additional means of communication and sharing information between parents, teachers, students, and administrators.
iPARENT will allow parents real-time access to student attendance, schedules, and biographical information. To create an account, please visit: https://www.westfordk12.us/district/parents/pages/parent-portal-information. Please note the Day Office cannot assist with iParent accounts.
Inclement Weather - School Cancellations/Delays
If Westford Public Schools cancels or delays school, there are multiple places to find this information. You may visit: https://www.westfordk12.us/ and local news stations (Fox 25, CBS, NBC, etc.) or their websites. In addition, you will receive an email and a phone call the morning of from an automated system alerting you of the delay/cancellation. Please note that the number called, and email address used, will be the first number/email address listed in your child’s iPass account. To change this information, please call the office to ensure the correct phone number and email address are being used.
WPS Elementary Handbook
The elementary schools will be using an electronic format of the WPS Elementary Handbook. Please review the information with your child/children, click here.
School Lunch Program
For school lunch prices and ticket information, please refer to the Westford Public Schools website: http://www.schoolnutritionandfitness.com/index.php?sid=0802121850414637
Student Absences
It is important for us to know if your child is going to be absent from school. Call 978-692-5591 by 9:30 AM to leave a message.
Arrival/Dismissal
Your child’s safety is our primary concern. Your cooperation and support with the following procedures are greatly appreciated.
Bus Drop-Off/Pick-Up
Students will begin to exit buses and cars at 8:15 AM when supervision is available.
Buses will use the driveway at the side parking lot for arrival and dismissal. Bus riders will enter and exit the building using the side entrance.
All students who ride the bus must have a bus pass. Students may only ride the bus to which they are assigned. Exceptions will only be made in an emergency.
Car Drop-Off/Pick-Up (See map below)
The Day School drop-off zone is located at the front of the school. Bear right when entering the main school driveway around the center island. You will then be directed to follow a path to the rear of the school by the playground and loop back to the front entrance. Cars will then proceed to take spots along the platform. Please wait at the designated stopping area before proceeding to the platform.
When we have a full line of cars completing the traffic path described above, new cars will be asked to form two lines and stop at the end of the traffic island before proceeding to the right. Traffic monitors will direct cars to the path as the line of cars begins to move.
The Westford police and fire departments require cars to keep a zone clear for emergency vehicles. Please pay attention to directions from car monitors.
In the afternoon, your child will come to your car. Please do not get out of your car to retrieve your child. This will ensure we have a smooth-flowing traffic pattern. To protect the safety of all children, it is imperative that cars stay in a single-file line when dropping off or picking up students. Even if your child is already in the car, you may not pass other cars as children enter/exit cars from both sides. Vehicle Identification Cards will be sent home within the first week of school. Your Vehicle Identification Card must be displayed on the driver's side window or driver's side dashboard for AM drop-off and PM pick-up.
Please remember the speed limit at Day is 15 MPH.
