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The student news site of Westford Academy

WA Ghostwriter

The student news site of Westford Academy

WA Ghostwriter

The student news site of Westford Academy

WA Ghostwriter

School committee discusses Panorama Education at 1/31 meeting.

4 takeaways from 1/31 to know for today’s school committee meeting

Anushka Patil, Co-Editor-in-Chief Feb 15, 2022

The school committee met on Mon., January 31 to discuss both the budget and social-emotional tools for members of the Westford Public Schools district. 1. English Teacher Statement: Chew proposed a cut of 1.6 FTE (full-time equivalent) in the Westford Academy English department, to comply with his...

Student scans the Civil Rights Complaint Form posted in the WA's bathroom stall.

Walking the walk: Westford DEI efforts in action

Sophia Keang and Kristen Su Feb 14, 2022

After Westford Academy’s student section verbally abused a Wayland player at the girls’ basketball game on Friday, January 28, Westford has frequently brought up its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts during interviews as a response to the incident. However, many don’t seem to understand...

The January school committee meeting discussed the influx of COVID-19 cases these past few weeks, as well as budget updates and plans for the 2022 and 2023 school years.

Three key takeaways from 1/10 school committee meeting

Sophia Keang, Co-Managing Editor Jan 11, 2022

The Westford School Committee discussed the rising concerns regarding the influx of COVID-19 cases and absence rates these past weeks, as well as budget updates and plans for the 2022-23 school year during the Jan. 10 meeting. Here are the three key takeaways from the night:  I. Superintendent’s...

Next year, the graduation requirements will be changed. The tech credit requirement will instead by changed into another elective credit.

WPS gets rid of tech requirements for after 21-22 school year

Justin Dobski, Business and Marketing Manager Dec 22, 2021

The school committee has recently proposed a new change in the tech graduation requirement. It will remove the technology credit from the graduation requirements for next year. This policy will go into effect during the 2022-2023 school year. The technology credit won't be removed but changed into...

The staff on The Ghostwriter supports Dr. Chew's proposal to change "The Grey Ghost" mascot.

School committee should change “The Grey Ghost” mascot

The Editors Nov 22, 2021

In the past year, there has been a noticeable shift in how our community is addressing social issues, bringing forth questions of inclusivity and tolerance, and in some cases demanding outright change. The recent proposal regarding the upcoming change in Westford Academy’s mascot, the Grey Ghost, is...

It has been proposed for the mascot to change from "The Grey Ghosts" to "The Ghosts".

Chew introduces mascot proposal

Keertana Gangireddy, Co-Editor-in-Chief Nov 10, 2021

Superintendent of schools, Christopher Chew, has recommended that the Westford Academy mascot change from “The Grey Ghost” to “The Ghost”, as well as to change the design of the mascot at the school committee meeting on Nov. 9. This proposal comes after years of discussion regarding the mascot’s...

Seniors at the 2019 spirit rally.

WA bans black face paint at spirit rally

Keertana Gangireddy, Co-Editor-in-Chief Oct 21, 2021

WA Principal James Antonelli and Westford Social Studies Curriculum Coordinator Adam Ingano mandated that seniors should not wear black face paint via morning announcement on Monday, Oct. 18 at the Spirit Rally on Friday, Oct. 22. Although students wore black and silver face paint in previous years,...

Chair of Westford School Committee Chris Sanders speaks at the unofficial celebration of Indigenous heritage and support at the Westford Town Commons.

DEI members hold unofficial Indigenous People’s Day celebration

Sophia Keang, Co-Managing Editor Oct 11, 2021

To honor and recognize Indigenous heritage and history, members of Westford’s DEI Committee and the First Parish Church Action for Social Justice Group held an unofficial celebration for Indigenous People’s Day on Oct. 11 in the Westford Town Common from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.  Every second Monday...

A graphic of a person taking a survey.

WA vaccination survey regards possible mask lift

Melanie Duronio, Co-Managing Editor Oct 10, 2021

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) issued a statement on Sept. 27, stating that mask requirements in schools will be extended until Nov. 1. However, as of Oct. 15, if a school verifies that over 80 percent or more of their students and staff are vaccinated, then they will be...

Dr. Margaret Adams (top left), Dr. Christopher Chew (top right), Dr. Matthew Janger (bottom left), Dr. Michele Shannon (bottom right).

Q&A’s with Superintendent Finalists

The Ghostwriter Mar 11, 2021

The race for Superintendent is on! Recently, the four final candidates for Superintendent of Westford were announced at the 3/1 School Committee meeting: Dr. Margaret Adams, Dr. Christopher Chew, Dr. Matthew Janger, and Dr. Michele Shannon. This past week, the Ghostwriter was fortunate enough to individually...

Superintendent Finalist Dr. Margaret Adams

Q&A with Superintendent Finalist Dr. Margaret Adams

Unnati Bhat, Social Media Manager Mar 11, 2021

With Bill Olsen’s Superintendency coming to an end, the School Committee recently announced that Dr. Margaret Adams Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning in Melrose Public Schools was one of the four final Superintendent candidates. The Ghostwriter had the opportunity to interview Dr....

Superintendent Finalist Dr. Matthew I. Janger

Q&A with Superintendent Finalist Dr. Matthew Janger

Sophia Keang, Reviews-Opinions Editor Mar 11, 2021

With Bill Olsen’s Superintendency coming to an end, the school committee recently announced that Principal of Arlington High School Dr. Matthew Janger is one of the four final Superintendent candidates. The Ghostwriter had the opportunity to interview Dr. Janger for a holistic perspective on his goals...