AFTER SCHOOL CHORUS/CONCERT CHOIR
Advisor: Ms. St. George, Music Department
GOALS
MEMBERSHIP
Any singer interested in expanding their musical horizons is welcome. Singers understand that rehearsals are short and that there must be individual practice daily at home.
PARTICIPATION
After School Chorus meets every Tuesday from 2:05 - 3:05. Singers may not miss more than two rehearsals before any performance. Members are combined with the Honors Choir and Concert Choir classes to form the large Concert Choir.
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
Advisor: Mrs. Kavanagh, Social Studies Department
GOALS
MEMBERSHIP
Any Westford Academy student who meets Westford Academy's extra curricular eligibility requirement as outlined in the Student Manual
PARTICIPATION
Students are expected to attend weekly meetings. We encourage students to make at least two meetings per month and participate in fundraising and community service activities. Meeting dates and times are announced at the beginning of the school year.
ANIMAL RIGHTS LEAGUE
Advisor: Ms. Terry Brodsky, Speech/Language Pathologist
GOALS
MEMBERSHIP
All Westford Academy students who meet eligibility requirements.
PARTICIPATION
APOLLO SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY CLUB
Advisor: TBA
GOALS
MEMBERSHIP
Open to all students in good standing.
PARTICIPATION
There are no particular qualifications for participation in this club, only a desire to collaborate with other members on agreed-upon project work. Membership is flexible, allowing you to participate in other activities when conflicts arise.
ART CLUB
Advisors: Mr. Hardy, Ms. Pobuk, Art Department
GOALS
MEMBERSHIP
Art Club membership is open to all Westford Academy students. During the course of the year, the Art Club sponsors activities including dances, museum trips, holiday bazaar, car wash, the W.A. Art Club calendar sale, and the annual New York City trip.
PARTICIPATION
To be an active participant in the Art Club, students may not miss more than six meetings a year and must participate in at least two Art Club sponsored activities. Meeting dates and times are announced at the beginning of the year.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Art Club members also experiment in a variety of art materials and processes such as watercolors, clay, jewelry making and mural painting.
BEST BUDDIES
Advisors: Mrs. Lyman, Special Education
Mrs. Pietras, Faculty Advisor
WHAT IS BEST BUDDIES? The purpose of Best Buddies at Westford Academy is to create one on one friendships between teens with intellectual disabilities and their classmates without disabilities. Activities are planned each month to provide students with an organized group outing (game day, Halloween party, movie night, bowling etc) Students will also contact their buddies for informal monthly outings or just a phone call to chat about the day’s events.
GOALS
• To create long lasting friendships that enriches the lives of all participants.
• To provide special education students with positive peer relationships.
• For High School students (Peer Buddies) to support and model acceptance of individuals with intellectual or physical disabilities within the school community.
PARTICIPATION
Membership is open to all students in good standing.
BEYOND WORDS - LITERARY MAGAZINE
Advisor: Ms. Coates , English Department
GOALS
MEMBERSHIP
Membership is open to anyone interested. Members take turns bringing snacks to our meetings. We focus on publicity, selection, editing and fundraising throughout the year. Members are expected to participate in all aspects of the club.
PARTICIPATION
Beyond Words meets once a week after school. All members have the opportunity to take on leadership roles.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Poetry, short story and photocopied art submissions can be turned in to boxes in all English rooms, the Literary Magazine mailbox, or on-line. Type all written submissions; put your name and year of graduation on the back.
BOOK CLUB
Advisor: Mrs. Short, Library Media Specialist
GOALS
• To provide a discussion forum for students who like to read and talk about books.
• To share ideas about and opinions on books we have read.
• To promote reading of a variety of titles and genres.
MEMBERSHIP
• Open to all students in good academic standing.
PARTICIPATION
The W.A. Book Club meets monthly for an interesting and meaningful discussion about a book we have all read. Students and Mrs. Short decide upon the list of books to be read each school year at our first meeting in September. Titles are chosen that will appeal to a variety of reading tastes. Meetings are held after school in the Westford Academy Library on the second Wednesday of each month.
BROADCAST/COMMUNICATIONS CLUB
Advisors: Mrs. Elaine Pietras, Library Media Specialist
Mr. Mark Miller, AV Technician
GOALS
MEMBERSHIP
Any student who has an interest in broadcasting, journalism as a career goal. Any student who wishes to strengthen their communication skills. Student must abide by and sign WA's Broadcast Communication Code of Conduct.
PARTICIPATION
Morning broadcast begins at 8:25 AM
Monthly meetings take place to organize on camera line up.
CIRRUS
Advisors: Mr. Maienza (Special Ed Rm. 108), Ms. Palmer, Social Studies Department, Mr. Brumbaugh, Math Department
GOALS
MEMBERSHIP
Open to all Westford Academy students
PARTICIPATION
Two semester groups must be able to attend on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, plus do a five-day hike and two and a half-day solo. Student instructor opportunities available.
COLORGUARD
Advisors: Ms. Febres
GOALS
MEMBERSHIP
Students interested in twirling baton, flag or in the "rifle" squad may join. All technique will be taught from the beginning
PARTICIPATION
There is a band camp in mid-August and practices are generally on Mondays and Fridays in the fall, ending on Thanksgiving.
For the spring, practices are held on Fridays.
COMMUNITY SERVICE TEAM
Advisor: Mr. Kravetz, Math Department
GOALS
MEMBERSHIP
This activity is open to all Westford Academy students, parents, and other members of the Westford Community
PARTICIPATION
Meetings are held Monday nights from7:00 to 7:30 beginning late February/early March. Members should be able to attend our project held in May. Date of project each year is TBA.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Our first project was June 1996. Each year since then the WACST has participated with various community organizations to produce a significant spring community service event.
COMPUTER SOCIETY
Advisor, Mr. Eang, Computer Department
GOALS:
MEMBERSHIP
Any student having interests in computers and computer software
DANCE CLUB
Advisors: Ms. Rothwell, Wellness Department
GOALS
MEMBERSHIP
Membership in the dance club is open to all students. Membership on the dance team is also open to all, but depends on a person's commitment level.
PARTICIPATION
Meetings/practices are held once a week throughout the school year, usually on Wednesdays. These meetings are usually from 2:10 - 3:30.
DECA
Advisor: Mrs. Bruneau, Business/Computers Department, Mr. Rogers, Business/Computers Department, Mrs. Demins, Special Education Department, Mrs. Mahoney, Administrative Assistant
GOALS
MEMBERSHIP
DECA membership is open to all students enrolled in Marketing I, Marketing II, Principles of Management and Entrepreneurship. During the course of the year students have the opportunity to participate in a district, state and national conference.
PARTICIPATION
There is a small membership fee. Students must be enrolled in the above classes in order to be an active member.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
There are opportunities to compete individually, or in a team for role-play events. There are also several written events with a presentation component.
DESTINATION IMAGINATION
Advisor: Mr. Colson, Social Studies Department
GOALS
MEMBERSHIP
Open to all Westford Academy students. You can join either singly (if there are openings on the two current teams) or by forming or joining a new team. (We can have up to four 5 - 7 person teams.)
PARTICIPATION
Each team sets its own agenda for meetings. Problems are given out by September. The first competition is in March; the State Competition (one team made it this year) is in late March or early April.
ENVIROTHON
Advisors: TBA
GOALS
MEMBERSHIP
Envirothon is open to all students at Westford Academy. Members should be students of good academic and attendance standing. Attend as often as possible, with mandatory attendance in April and May. Selection for the May competition is based upon the coach's observation of student preparedness.
PARTICIPATION
Meetings are scheduled one afternoon per week in October through May. The five top scoring students are eligible to compete in the State sponsored competition. Winners are eligible to represent Massachusetts at the National Conference and Competition.
FORENSICS CLUB
Advisor: Mrs. Burke, Science Department
GOALS
* To introduce students to the field of Forsenic Science.
* To explore the different techniques specific to Forsenics.
* To participate in competitions.
MEMBERSHIP
Membership is open to any Westford Academy student who meets Westford Academy's extra curricular eligibility requirement as outlined in the Student Manual
PARTICIPATION
Students are expected to attend weekly meeting and to participate in fundraising activities.
FRENCH CLUB
Advisors: Ms. Lackner, World Language Department
GOALS
MEMBERSHIP
Membership in the French Club is open to all French students at Westford Academy.
PARTICIPATION
Members are expected to help out at our major fund-raising activity, the Holiday Bazaar. Trips to Quebec and France are open on a priority basis to French Club members.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Meetings are bi-weekly, both after school and in the evening. A regular activity is to watch French films and sample different kinds of French food.
FUTURE EDUCATORS OF AMERICA
Advisor:Mrs. Pechacek, Guidance Dept.
GOALS
MEMBERSHIP
Open to all students in good standing. Not limited to students who plan to pursue teaching. Open to anyone who likes to work with children and values education.
PARTICIPATION
Meetings are generally held twice a month. Annual activities include after school tutoring at Robinson, Crisafulli, and Blanchard; the Walk for Education, treats for new teachers, the Holiday Bazaar, and the end of the year ice cream social for teachers. Active members are expected to attend monthly meetings and can elect to participate in extra activities depending on their interest and availability.
GAY-STRAIGHT ALLIANCE
Advisor:Ms. Susan Beers, Social Worker
GOALS
MEMBERSHIP:
Membership is open. Confidentiality is stressed. The GSA provides awareness activities for the school through educational exhibits, viewing films, holding discussions, and sponsoring speakers. Members attend safe schools networking meetings and organize Westford Academy's participation in the Day of Silence.
PARTICIPATION:
Meets Wednesdays after school. Everyone is welcome. Students who attend are NOT required to disclose their sexual orientation.
GERMAN CLUB
Advisor: Mr. Joyce, Foreign Language Department
GOALS
MEMBERSHIP
Open to all students taking German
GHOSTWRITER (Student Newspaper)
Advisors:Ms. Fonden, Ms. MacDonald, English Department
GOALS
MEMBERSHIP
Ghostwriter membership is open to all Westford Academy students in good standing. During the course of the year, Ghostwriter produces five issues of the newspaper.
PARTICIPATION
To be an active participant in Ghostwriter, students must assist with the layout of at least four issues. Editorial staff must also prepare editorials for all five issues.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Students wishing to submit articles should include both a paper and disk copy, and turn them in to Ms. Fonden or Ms. Macdonald.
GUITAR CLUB
Advisor: Mr. Jeff Kucaj, English Department
GOALS
* To deepen the knowledge of the art of guitar.
* To share music and play guitar.
* To learn about music theory and composition.
MEMBERSHIP
Membership is open to any Westford Academy student who meets Westford Academy's extra curricular eligibility requirement as outlined in the Student Manual
PARTICIPATION
This club offers a stress free environment where guitarists come together to collaborate with others and to learn from each other.
INTERNATIONAL CLUB
Advisor: Mr. Joyce, Foreign Language Department
GOALS
The purpose of this club is to promote an international flavor to the hallowed halls of the new Westford Academy.
MEMBERSHIP
This club is not only open to Foreign Languages students. We want anyone who is interested in thinking globally.
JAZZ ENSEMBLE
Advisor: Mr. Arsenault, Blanchard M.S. , Music Department
GOALS
MEMBERSHIP
The Jazz Ensemble is open to any student at Westford Academy by audition. All students must be able to read music and perform at a level appropriate to a high school musician. Sight-reading is part of the audition.
PARTICIPATION
Students chosen for Jazz Ensemble must attend weekly after-school rehearsals. Failure to attend rehearsals will result with the student's replacement. Rehearsal schedules are determined in discussion with ensemble members. All members are required to participate in all performances given by the ensemble during the year. A list of scheduled performances is given to all members.
LATIN CLUB - JUNIOR CLASSICAL LEAGUE
Advisor: Mr. Lubben, Foreign Language Department
GOALS
MEMBERSHIP
Open to all students currently enrolled in Latin
PARTICIPATION
To be an active member of Latin Club, students must participate in initiation, attend meetings, and assist in special events such as the Holiday Bazaar and Classics Day. Optional activities include movie nights and competitions
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Active members of the Latin Club who achieve an A average in both Latin I and Latin II are eligible for membership in the National Latin Honor Society.
MARCHING BAND (INCLUDES COLORGUARD)
Advisors: Mr. Arsenault , Music Dept., J. Melanson, K. Febres
GOALS
MEMBERSHIP
Any instrumentalist with playing experience is welcome. All marching techniques will be taught
PARTICIPATION
There is a band camp in mid-August and practices are generally on Mondays and Fridays in the fall, ending on thanksgiving.
In the spring, practices are held on Fridays.
MATH TEAM
Advisor:Mrs. Perreault, Math Tutor
GOALS
MEMBERSHIP
Open to all Westford Academy students
PARTICIPATION
We participate in the Massachusetts Math League (MML), which has over 35 teams competing six times each school year at various sites on a Thursday each month from October through March. We hold practices every Tuesday, and the New England Math League (NEML), which has 179 teams from all six New England states competing "in house" six times each year. Participation in any fall or winter sports does not preclude joining the Westford Academy Math Team, since we have only one meet each month. The MML allows each team to bring 10 regulars, whose scores count toward the school's score, and up to 10 alternates. The regulars can consist of up to eight juniors and/or seniors (no more than four seniors) and the rest, underclassmen.
MOCK TRIAL
Advisor: Ms. Rigali, Special Education Department, Dr. Bogue
GOALS
MEMBERSHIP
Team membership is open to all Westford Academy students.
PARTICIPATION
Team members are expected to attend training and work sessions. This activity requires commitment and teamwork as we participate in at least three regional competitions. Meeting dates and times are scheduled at the beginning of the "training" season, usually by late October. Developing a mock trial case involves hard work, commitment, sensitivity, creativity, and a good sense of humor. It can also involve four to six hours per week, especially from December through March.
MODEL UNITED NATIONS CLUB
Advisors: Mr. Kastritis, Social Studies Department
GOALS
MEMBERSHIP
All members of the Westford Academy community are welcome to join Model UN, though most students come from our Issues in International Relations course.
PARTICIPATION
To be a participant, students must complete pre-conference preparation and attend after school sessions to practice parliamentary procedure and bargaining strategies
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Fall Conference - Harvard Model UN December
Spring Conference - Bentley Model UN May
MUSEUM CLUB
Advisors: Mr. Norander, Social Studies Department
GOALS
MEMBERSHIP
Open to all Westford Academy students. Currently has about 12 active members. Should enjoy learning about the history of Westford.
PARTICIPATION
Meets usually twice a month after school. Members work at museum or at home on the exhibits or on helping to create exhibits.
NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY
Advisor: Ms. Shaw, Ms. Simonis, English Department
GOALS
MEMBERSHIP
Any student who has a 3.60 GPA (not rounded) or better is invited to apply for membership. In addition to the GPA requirement, students must provide proof of leadership, service, and good character.
PARTICIPATION
Students are required to attend monthly meetings, to take part in fund raising activities and service projects, and do a minimum of 40 hours of service per year. Dues are currently $10 per year.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Members of the NHS Faculty Council
Catherine Coughlin, Mathematics Department
Anjli Trehan, Business/Technology Department
Mark Lucey, Guidance Department
ORCHESTRA
Advisor: Mr. Culver, Music Department
GOALS
MEMBERSHIP
Orchestra membership is open to all students at Westford Academy with the dedication and enthusiasm to further the orchestral music education. Grade eight students that show outstanding ability will also be invited to participate.
PARTICIPATION
Our after-school rehearsals are a direct outgrowth of the regular scheduled academic day classes - student contact and participation will attain a high level. Rehearsals will be held a minimum of one afternoon per week in the auditorium music suite.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The culminating activities of orchestra include periodic school performances, performances in the outreach community, performances at the state level, and international performances bringing positive acclaim to both students and Westford Academy.
OUTING CLUB
Advisor: Mr. Brumbaugh , Social Studies Department
GOALS
MEMBERSHIP
Open to all Westford Academy students
PARTICIPATION
Students can go on any or all Outing Club activities. There are usually no in-school meetings. Activities are posted about a week before taking place through announcements.
PEER COUNSELING
Advisor: Ms. Pechacek, Ms. McLaughlin, Guidance Department
GOALS
MEMBERSHIP
Interested students in grade 10 and 11 are invited to apply each spring. Following a full day of training, peer counselors are then prepared to volunteer for the programs supported by peer counselors. If you are interested in applying, please see your counselor.
PARTICIPATION
Once training is completed, you will be requires to participate in at least two of the many activities run by peer counselors. You will also be expected to attend mandatory monthly meetings where we provide ongoing training and prepare for upcoming presentations.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Additional training and special conferences on various teen issues are available each year for peer counselors to participate in. Volunteer opportunities are also available after school.
PEER MEDIATION
Advisors: Ms. Jozokos, Wellness Department
GOALS
MEMBERSHIP
All members have been selected through an application and interview process. These selections usually take place within the first two months of the school year. During the course of the school year, members demonstrate and give presentations on mediation to different classes. Fundraisers are also held to raise money for the program.
PARTICIPATION
Meetings are held approximately once per month. Members receive notices well in advance of the meetings. Participation also includes mediations when needed, which are held during the school day.
PHILOSOPHY CLUB
Advisor: Mr. Pickering, Foreign Language Department
GOALS
MEMBERSHIP
Any student grades 9 - 12 are invited to participate in club membership. Come with an open mind and willingness to listen and share ideas.
PARTICIPATION
The club meets in the library every week. Ideas for discussion are submitted in the Philosophy Club box located in the library.
PHOTOGRAPHY CLUB
Advisor: Ms. Bolotte, Art Department
GOALS
MEMBERSHP
Photography Club is open to all Westford Academy students in good standing.
PARTICIPATION
To be a participant in Photography Club one must have an interest in photography. The club will meet each Tuesday from 2:00 - 3:00 in room 119.
RAISE YOUR VOICE
Advisor: Mr. Duffett, Social Studies Dept.
GOALS
MEMBERSHIP
Open to all students who have a voice and want to stand up and be heard, and are willing to help those in need.
PARTICIPATION
Our group is currently involved in providing community service to those who need assistance. The team is called "Hearts to Hands". You must be willing to donate your time to the "cause". We are a group that cares about people and we will "Raise Our Voice" to let people understand who we are and what we stand for.
ROCKETRY CLUB
Advisor: Mr. Bill Bowen, Science Department
GOALS
* To learn and to explore rockets.
* To prepare
MEMBERSHIP
Membership is open to all students in good standing.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Students must pay a $100.00 application fee.
RUGBY FOOTBALL
Advisor: Mr. Bill Bowan, Science Department
GOALS
* To teach the skills and the rules of Rugby Football.
* To provide an opportunity to play and hopefully enjoy the sport.
MEMBERSHIP
Membership is open to all students in good standing.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Protective gear must be worn by all players.
SCHOOL STORE
Advisor: Mrs. Cournoyer , Business / Computers Department
GOALS
MEMBERSHIP
The store is primarily, but not exclusively, staffed with Juniors and Seniors who are taking accounting/marketing courses.
The store is open to the student body for general sales before and after school on a daily basis.
SPANISH CLUB
Advisor: Ms. Jarrell , Foreign Language Department
GOALS
MEMBERSHIP
Open to all students whether or not they are currently studying Spanish
PARTICIPATION
Meetings are held once a month or more or on an as-neede basis. While attendance is not taken, it is encouraged. The Spanish Club is also active with other foreign language clubs.
SPEECH AND DEBATE TEAM
Advisor: Mrs. Jane Heaney (Parent Volunteer), Mr. Towers, Assistant
GOALS
MEMBERSHIP
Open to all Westford Academy Students
PARTICIPATION
All members are expected to attend evening practice sessions twice a week and to do some independent practice as well. This activity requires hard work and commitment. Tournaments are usually about twice a month, always on Saturdays. They take the entire day, and each member is expected to attend as many as possible.
SKI AND SNOWBOARD CLUB
Advisor: Mr. Ricardelli, Science Department
GOALS
MEMBERSHIP
Open to all Westford Academy skiers and snowboarders
PARTICIPATION
Every Monday for six trips to Mt. Wachusett starting in January 2006
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
STUDENT COUNCIL
Advisor: Mr. Duffett, Social Studies Department
GOALS
MEMBERSHIP
A total of 30 students plus Student Council members at large (varies)
PARTICIPATION
Elected by class (6 from each class). Those not elected may petition the elected Student Council members for Student Council Member at Large status. The members elect President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Student Council sponsors 18 standing committees including Bloodmobile, Spirit Week(s), elections, Holiday Bazaar, Teacher Appreciation Week
S.P.O.T. (Student Public Outreach Team)
Advisor: TBA
S.P.O.T. is engaged in a variety of community service activities in Westford and surrounding communities.
STUDENTS AGAINST DESTRUCTIVE DECISIONS (S.A.D.D.)
Advisors: Mrs. Trehan, Business / Computers Department, Ms. Moorman, Social Studies Department
GOALS
MEMBERSHIP
ACTIVITIES
SUMMER MUSIC PROGRAM
Advisor: Mr. Culver, Music Department
GOALS
MEMBERSHIP
The Summer Music program is open to any musician grades 3 - adult. Enrollment in an activity determines if it will be presented. All activities take place at Westford Academy during the month of July.
PARTICIPATION
A blanket fee is charged and enables a member to participate in any or all of the activities sponsored as part of the Summer Music Program. The purchase of lesson books or supplies is not part of the registration fee. Performance ensembles will present one performance.
UNICYCLE CLUB
Advisor: Mr. John Wysokowski, History Department
GOALS
* To teach people how to unicycle.
* To provide fun and enjoyment.
MEMBERSHIP
Membership is open to all students in good standing.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Protective gear must be worn by all cyclists.
W.A.V.E. WESTFORD ACADEMY VOLUNTEERS FOR THE ELDERLY
Advisor: Mr. Scanlan, Math Department, Ms. Rothwell, Wellness Department
GOALS
MEMBERSHIP
W.A.V.E. membership is open to any student interested in doing volunteer work with the elderly.
PARTICIPATION
W.A.V.E. members are expected to make a commitment to visit the nursing home approximately once per month. Regular attendance is necessary, since the nursing home residents both look forward to our visits & need help with their activities.
WESTFORD ACADEMY THEATER ARTS (WATA)
Artistic Director: Michael Towers, Fine Arts Department
GOALS:
MEMBERSHIP:
WATA is not a club. It is a production company whose school calendar year is divided into three seasons. In each season there is one "mainstage" production which offers unlimited opportunities to students as performers, designers and technicians. Your Membership is defined by you, based on your interests, your level of interest and your availability. It is possible to find a position for which your commitment is as little as one hour a week or one as gret as thirty! You can be a member of one production or a member of all the productions.
All performance roles are cast through the audition process. Students are asked to perform a memorized two-minute monologue at the initial audition. Those students whom the director feels he/she can use will be "called back" for a second audition. Students interested in a designer or technical role should see the Artistic Director for an application. Any student whose contribution totals seventy-five hours or more during one season earns their Varsity Letter in Theater Arts. Membership is open to all Westford Academy students.
PARTICIPATION
All members of the cast and crew of each production will sign a contract that details the expectations respective to their individual role.
W.O.R.D. (Westford Opposing Racism and Discrimination)
Advisor: Mr. Duffett, Social Studies Department
GOALS
MEMBERSHIP
Open to all Westford Academy students
PARTICIPATION
Meetings are held twice a month.
WESTFORD ACADEMY POLITICAL FORUM CLUB
Advisor: Mr. Gene Troisi, Academic Tutor
GOALS
To provide a forum for students to discuss national and international political issues of the day
MEMBERSHIP
Any student willing to meet to discuss political topics. ( Economics, Abortion, Government Issues, and Leadership.)
PARTICIPATION
Meetings will be held every other week.
YEARBOOK
Advisor: Ms.Mustoe, Computer/Business Department
GOALS
MEMBERSHIP
Will be limited to 10 upperclassmen who have demonstrated dependability and a willingness to work hard.
PARTICIPATION
Participants must schedule themselves into the scheduled yearbook period, usually period F.
CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES PILOT PROGRAMS