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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

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...

Math teacher Frank Sitarski

WA welcomes new math teacher Frank Sitarski

Nicole Mckinnon, Staff Writer Nov 5, 2021

Originally from Buffalo, New York, Mr. Sitarski comes to WA with his humble, easy going nature, ready to teach young learners. Q. How has your experience working here been going? A. Well outside of COVID last year, I think it's gone very smoothly. I enjoy working with the students here. Q. Which...

How do students manage Diwali festivities and schoolwork?

Soundbytes: How do students manage Diwali festivities and schoolwork?

Sophia Keang, Co-Managing Editor Nov 4, 2021

As families prepare to celebrate Diwali, students also must find a way to juggle school work. While WA allows excused absences for religious holidays, many students choose to skip Diwali festivities in hopes of not falling behind in their classes. The WA Ghostwriter asked students who celebrate Diwali...

Senior Cole Kirby putts the ball.

WA golf team dominates opponents all season long

James McDermott, Co- Sports Editor Nov 3, 2021

The Westford Academy golf team had an extremely successful season, finishing with an impressive 8-2 record, making it to states for the first time in six years, and ending the year as DCL champions.  To cap off their historic season, WA won the DCL championships, led by junior Molly Smith (66), senior...

WA Girls Varsity Soccer team poses for a picture after their game against Newton South.

Girls Soccer team has a bond unlike any other at WA

Sophia Keang, Co-Managing Editor Oct 28, 2021

WA Girls Soccer (WAGS) is known for its team's imperishable kinship. From the countless memories at spags (spaghetti dinner parties) to bus rides filled with laughter, the team acts as a second family for all the girls. This sense of unity among the girls has led to the season’s ongoing success...

Busywork does not help students, since it repeats what they've already learned.

Students should get less busywork

Pravar Mukkala, Opinions Editor Oct 18, 2021

I come home with a loaded backpack with five binders, one for each class, my Chromebook, and papers from every class. I estimate that my homework will take up all of the time I have until dinner. With a heavy sigh, I set my bag down on the ground and think, is this really what school should be like? The...

WA crossing guard Patty Green directs traffic here in the morning.

WA welcomes new crossing guard Patty Green

Deepa Gautam, Staff Writer Oct 14, 2021

Patty Green is the new morning crossing guard. She is looking forward to the upcoming year. Q: What made you want to be the crossing guard here at WA? A: I had experience being one before at another city outside of Westford [...] I also had three kids who went through the Westford school systems. Q:...

WA closes school store

WA closes school store

Rohun Voruganti, Co-Sports Editor Oct 10, 2021

Kathe Lehan of the WA Business Department has been running the school store since 2018. Earlier this year Lehan was running the store in the small hallway outside of the clinic from 7:00 AM to 7:30 AM and 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM. Unfortunately, the area had to be transformed due to teaching purposes,...

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...

A common Khmer dish of mango salad with mint (left), white rice (middle), and baked mackerel fish (right).

My story: Assimilating into Western culture

Sophia Keang, Co-Managing Editor Oct 6, 2021

"What is that?” the girl who walked past my table asks as she points to my lunch. I respond, with confusion, and ask her what she had meant. She continues to point at the food in the container and then covers her nose. The scent of my lunch filled the noses of those within a radius of six feet around...

New WA interim Artistic Director Maggie Sulka smiles for a picture.

Meet Maggie Sulka: WA’s interim Artistic Director

Sophia Keang, Co-Managing Editor Sep 24, 2021

From playwriting to directing and even to acting, Maggie Sulka has done it all. Towards the end of the 2021 school year, Westford Academy Artistic Director Michael Towers announced his temporary leave of absence. Many were worried about what would happen to the annual WATA plays and theatre classes Towers...

The Grey Ghost painting that is part of the mural that is on the wall that leads to the cafeteria. If the mascot image is changed, the mural may need to be painted over.

An update on the Grey Ghost

Pravar Mukkala, Opinions Editor Sep 23, 2021

After a year-long discussion regarding the WA mascot (the Grey Ghost), the school committee, Principal Jim Antonelli, and Superintendent Christopher Chew are turning to the WPS DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) team and WA's students. "Students at WA have engaged in very thoughtful discussions...