December Newsletter

• December Dates and Reminders
• BMS Counseling LinkTree - Subscribe
• SNAP Resources
• Nashoba Valley Technical High School
• Private School Applications
• Mental Health & Community Resources
• Digital Wellness
• PowerSchool
• Requesting Parent/Team Meetings
• Choose Joy this Season
• BMS Counseling Department

Due to the federal government shutdown, it is likely that November SNAP benefits for all recipients will not be sent.

Clients facing immediate need can access resources through the Project Bread Food Source Hotline at (800) 645-8333 and local food pantries. DTA offices remain open to provide other services.

State funded programs including HIP, TAFDC, and EAEDC will continue operating normally. EBT cards will continue to function in November with any carryover benefits, though no new funds will be added.

You can find more information on mass.gov/SNAPupdates and additional resources here. Here is a link for Food Banks and Free Meals.

Students who are applying to NVTHS should be in communication with Mrs. Leone as early in the year as possible. The application deadline is 1/15/2026.

Admissions Lottery & Criteria

Admission is based on a weighted lottery. Students who are residents of a member district (Ayer,

Chelmsford, Groton, Littleton, Pepperell, Shirley, Townsend, and Westford) will be admitted before

non-resident students.

All eligible applicants will be entered into the lottery, and students who meet the following criteria will receive one additional weight per criterion:

• Attendance: Fewer than 27 unexcused, full-day absences over the 270 school days prior to the application date. Data from before a student’s seventh-grade year will not be considered.
• Discipline: No suspensions or expulsions for possessing a dangerous weapon or assaulting educational staff on school property or at school-sponsored events within the 270 school days prior to the application date. This applies to felony-related incidents with a court adjudication or admission of guilt. Data from before a student’s seventh-grade year will not be considered.
• Student Interest: Demonstrated interest in CTE through a non-evaluative interview (district preferred), submission of a video or audio presentation, a personal essay, or a letter of recommendation from a non-family member.

The lottery will be conducted at NVTHS with public notice given at least one week in advance. It may be conducted electronically, provided the methods are publicly shared, fair, and random.

CLICK HERE for Nashoba Valley Technical High School (NVTHS) FULL Admissions Policy

For more information on Nashoba Tech's programs or admissions, please contact Nashoba Tech directly:

admissions@nashobatech.net

It is very important that any student interested in applying to a private or technical high school inform Mrs. Leone (or your student's grade level Counselor if they are not in 8th grade) by December 5th.

Mrs. Leone will be having individual meetings with students applying to private schools to discuss the application process and answer any questions.

***IMPORTANT***

All students applying should notify their teachers and their school counselor by December 1st for January/February deadlines and one month in advance for any deadlines before then. All formal recommendation and transcript requests from the schools to which students are applying should be received by DECEMBER 5th for January/February deadlines and one month in advance for any deadlines before then.

Please see the document below for further information on applying to a Private or Technical school.

The Westford Food Pantry provides services for individuals and families in the local community and surrounding towns with emergency, short and long-term needs for quality fresh and dry foods along with personal care and household items. Click Here for more information.

Marine Toys for Tots Foundation: If your family is in need of gifts for the holidays, please fill out the application by December 12

Located in Acton, MA. We are a family-focused practice providing evidence-based therapy for children, teens, and parents. At Rise and Shine, our mission is to empower individual and family systems with skills that allow them to RISE from ambivalence, isolation, and distress to a place where they SHINE and grow in relationships, cognitions, and wellness; living with purpose.

This fall, we are excited to share these offerings:

Child and Family Therapy Sessions

• Afternoon Availability
• While we are out of network with insurances, we do offer a deep sliding scale and provide superbills that insurances often reimburse up to 60% of the costs.

Teen and Parent Skill Groups

• Thursday lunch hour (virtual), SPACE Group – starts Oct. 9
• Parent only group - evidence-based strategies to decrease anxiety accommodations, also effective for parents of children with ARFID
• Friday lunch hour (in person), Parent Support Group - starts Oct. 3rd
• This group is designed for Parents of Neurodivergent Children looking for Skills, Connection, and Resources. Ideal for parents struggling with PDA, Autism, Sensory Processing Disorder, and ADHD.

Request for Service Referral Form

(978)219-4292

info@riseandshinefamilytherapy.net

Access Cartwheel's Back to School Activity Bundle HERE

Check out the first webinar of the 2025-2026 school year: How Parents & Caregivers Can Support Kids' Mental Health

The parent support group, Westford Supportive Parent Solutions, is meeting the 3rd Tuesday of every month 6:30pm – 8:00pm, beginning September 16th. The group will be held at the Roudenbush Community Center, 3rd floor Recreation Department. The attached flyer has additional details.

The Massachusetts Partnership for Youth (MPY) Parenting Solutions has created a list of proven resources to help students' families thrive. Parents can watch or just listen to experts who get right to the point solving big and small challenges. Each Library includes 10-minute videos and handouts.

Click HERE to access the videos and handouts in each library.

Parents Supporting Parents: Family Learning Sessions held first Tuesday of the month from 7-8pm

October 7 - Helping My Child Cope

Need additional support? Check out our Family Support Resources

10 Red-Flag Emotional Reflexes in Kids and Teens

As the holiday season approaches, excitement can sometimes come with stress. Remember to take a moment for yourself—pause, breathe, or step outside for a quick reset. Small acts of self-care, like getting enough sleep, spending time with supportive people, or enjoying a favorite activity, can make a big difference. However you celebrate, your well-being matters, and it’s always okay to slow down and ask for support when you need it.

Mindfulness - Watch a Meditation for Recharging Your Social Battery Around the Holidays.

CLICK HERE to listen to a podcast episode that addresses the following:

The holidays can bring joy — and stress. Psychologist Dr. Kimberly Alexander joins Dr. Dave Anderson to talk about how to survive (and even enjoy) the season with kids.

They discuss how to set realistic expectations, avoid the comparison trap, and make space for connection — without letting perfectionism take over.

Topics covered:

• Why kids melt down during holidays

• How to balance structure and flexibility

• Managing picky eaters, screen time, and sleep schedules

• Dealing with relatives who challenge your boundaries

• Helping kids show gratitude for gifts

How to Recognize and Navigate Trauma Triggers During the Holidays

Show your love by cooperating, not competing

This holiday season, Cartwheel has put together some simple, fun activities to help families connect and create special moments together. Try these conversation starters at the dinner table, an act of kindness checklist, and more! Holiday Winter Family Guide

Top 10 Festive Parenting Hacks for Navigating the Digital World during the Holiday Season

Not sure how to access your student's schedule and/or Progress Report? Please see below:

1. Use your device (Go to: https://westford.powerschool.com/public).
2. Download the 'PowerSchool Mobile' app on your phone - see image on the right for how to access your account. Once logged on, click on the "My Schedule" icon in the left nav and you'll see your student's schedule.

Please use the link below to email the School Counseling Department for assistance in setting up a 20 minute meeting with your child's core teachers (Math, Science, Social Studies and Language Arts, School Counselor). Meetings take place on certain days of the week based on teacher planning time, the grade and cycle day of the week. If you would like any additional Blanchard teacher or staff member to attend, please note that in the appropriate field as well. Thank you.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Jill Attardo at jattardo@westfordk12.us or 978-692-5582 x 6172.

Lisa Searl- 6th Grade School Counselor

Anna Kovar - 7th Grade School Counselor

Paige Leone - 8th Grade School Counselor

Emma Goodreau - 6-8 School Adjustment Counselor

Jill Attardo - School Counseling Administrative Assistant

Website: https://sites.google.com/westfordk12.us/bmsguidance/school-counseling-home
Location: 14 West Street, Westford, MA 01886
Phone: (978) 692-5582

September 2025

October 2025

November 2025