WESTFORD CENTER — The School Committee approved proposed updates to the Westford Academy and middle school student handbooks for FY27 during its May 26 meeting.
Westford Academy Principal Dan Twomey presented several proposed handbook revisions, many aimed at clarifying attendance and academic expectations for students participating in field trips, competitions and extracurricular activities.
Among the most discussed changes was a proposal to reduce the threshold for unexcused absences that could result in loss of course credit from six to five days per quarter.
Twomey said the change was intended to address increasing absences while still allowing flexibility for legitimate illnesses and documented medical situations.
“We’re trying to balance it,” Twomey said. “We’re also trying to respect when students are sick. Stay home.”
School Committee members raised concerns about families facing repeated illnesses and the cost or practicality of obtaining doctors’ notes for every absence. Committee members discussed whether documentation from telehealth visits or online medical portals could be accepted in some cases.
Twomey said the number of students affected by loss-of-credit policies remains a small percentage, though instances of unexcused absences have increased.
Committee members also discussed how the policy would apply to students with chronic illnesses or extended medical absences. They said students may qualify for tutoring and accommodations through existing state-supported educational services.
Twomey proposed “off and away” cell phone policy for Westford Academy that would require students to keep personal electronic devices put away throughout the school day.
Twomey said the district is preparing for possible statewide legislation restricting phone use in schools and wants to establish clear expectations before the start of the next school year.
“We’re going to start the year with cell phones off and away,” Twomey said.
Committee members debated whether the handbook language should explicitly define the school day as “bell to bell” to avoid confusion during lunch periods, study halls and passing times. Some members expressed support for firm restrictions, citing concerns about social media and classroom distractions, while others cautioned against language that could remove flexibility for educational or medical uses.
Additional handbook updates included language addressing AI-generated “deepfake” images and clarifying policies regarding student and staff likenesses shared online.
The committee ultimately approved the Westford Academy handbook and school improvement plan, as amended.
