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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

Mitchell sits at her desk surrounded by some of her favorite phrases, mottos, knick knacks, and photos. Two photos capture the beach, a place where Mitchell will frequently visit after her move to Cape Cod for retirement.

Mitchell leaves legacy of compassion after 25 years at WPS

Grace Hsu, Co-Managing Editor May 5, 2025

Compassion. Fairness. Empathy. These are the core values that Director of School Nurses Joan Mitchell carries with her when she walks into Westford Academy each morning. Whether it’s to fill up a water bottle, get some Advil, or say hello to a friendly face, WA’s nurse's office is often visited by...

Photo of today's weather (Jan. 5th, 2023) at 6:45 a.m.

Snow Day Grader: Jan. 5, 2023

The Editors Jan 5, 2023

WPS’s 2-hour delay on Thursday, Jan. 5 was the topic of discussion for students and faculty today at WA. Not many expected a call from Superintendent Christopher Chew yesterday evening as weather conditions seemed standard for a typical day during a New England winter. However, Chew explained that...

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...

(Left to right) NHS President Aaditi Padhi, Secretary Davina Finney, and Vice President Cole Kirby at the induction ceremony for NHS.

National Honor Society needs your help

Mackenzie Adam, Staff Writer Oct 29, 2021

WA's National Honor Society (NHS) will be hosting a fundraiser dedicated to sending care packages to WA Alumni in the military. Students and staff will be able to drop off donation items from Monday, Nov. 1 to Friday, Nov. 5 in the senior lobby. NHS President Aaditi Padhi, Vice President Cole Kirby,...

Superintendent Bill Olsen addresses the class before they accept their diplomas

Olsen leaves a legacy of cooperation and empathy

Anushka Patil and Srinithi Raj Jun 3, 2021

As the Class of 2017 threw their graduation caps high in the air, there was a single student whose attention was elsewhere. A young graduate looked towards the man at the podium who created the very building blocks for his positive education in Westford Public Schools: Superintendent Everett (Bill) Olsen. When...

WPS combines the math and science coordinator position, creating a STEM coordinator for grades 6-12.

WPS introduces STEM coordinator position

Anushka Patil, Co-Editor-in-Chief Apr 30, 2021

With the positions of math and science coordinator open and the reworking of the school system's budget underway, Westford Public Schools will hire an interim STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) coordinator who will serve grades 6-12 for the 2021-22 school year. After math coordinator...

Current hybrid model at WA

School Committee meeting 8/5 updates hybrid model

Srinithi Raj and Melanie Duronio Aug 6, 2020

With the ongoing spread of COVID-19, the Westford School Committee gathered for an online meeting on Wednesday, August 5, to continue discussing a safe reopening plan for Westford Public Schools. Although a final vote regarding the implementation of the hybrid model will occur on a later date, the meeting...

Valery Young runs for school committee position with fresh ideas

Valery Young runs for school committee position with fresh ideas

Melanie Duronio, Staff Writer Jun 16, 2020

As the Westford School Committee continues to make important decisions, Valery Young is one Westford resident who has decided to step up and take a more active role in her community by running for a position.  Young has lived in Westford for the past six years and is the mother of a seven-year-old...

COVID-19 cancellations

COVID-19 cancellations

Ronan Lovely and Anushka Patil Mar 12, 2020

(Update 4:00 pm March 16) Principal Jim Antonelli sent out an email around 12 AM updating Westford Academy students and parents that distance learning will not occur. He mentioned teachers can only use Google Classroom in order to update and check-up on students — not to continue their teachings.  “At...

Assistant Superintendent Kerry Clery discusses coronavirus updates at the School Committee Meeting.

School Committee Meeting addresses coronavirus matters

Mahi Kandage, Editor-in-Chief Mar 10, 2020

In light of the recent spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus) across the world, the School Committee Meeting met on Monday March 9 to address concerns regarding the impacts of the disease in Westford. In the absence of Superintendent Bill Olsen, Assistant Superintendent Kerry Clery gave a statement and answered...