Twelve contestants competing for the 2026 Sons of Erin Colleen gathered on the morning of Jan. 18 to have their photos taken, get to know each other, and learn about all the responsibilities of the colleen and her court.
The breakfast meet-and-greet at the Sons of Erin on William Street in Westfield is the first step before one of them is chosen as the colleen and four others as members of her court at the 43rd annual Sons of Erin Colleen Ball on Friday, Feb. 6, at Tekoa Country Club, 459 Russell Road, Westfield.
Tracy Oleksak, who serves on the Colleen Committee and is herself a former member of the court, said this year’s 12 contestants are a well-rounded group of young women.
“This year’s contestants are, like always, an exceptional group of bright young women. Each contestant brings her own personality, drive, and commitment to making a positive difference, with impressive contributions to both her school and community. It was a pleasure to meet with them at the breakfast on Sunday and to read their accomplishments submitted on their bios. Every one of them exemplifies what we look for in a colleen and court member to represent the Sons of Erin and the city of Westfield,” Oleksak said.
The 2026 contestants are Casey Elizabeth Coulombe, 17, of Westfield, a senior at Westfield High School; Giara Grace Curran, 17, of Westfield, a senior at WHS; Abigail Anna Jemiolo, 17 of Westfield, a senior at WHS; Maggie Grace Leen, 18, of Westfield, a senior at WHS; Savanna Brooke Mazeika, 17, of Westfield, a senior at WHS; Alexandra Marie Monczka, 21, of Southwick, a junior at Westfield State University; Reese Elinor-Janet O’Connell, 17, of Westfield, a senior at Hampshire Regional High School; Kylee Elizabeth O’Grady, 17, of Westfield, a senior at WHS; Angelica Madison Racette, 17, of Southwick, a junior at Southwick Regional High School; Kiera Marie St. Peter, 17, of Russell, a junior at WHS; Leah Catherine Shea, 17, of Westfield, a senior at WHS; and Sophia Rose Smithies, 17, of Westfield, a senior at WHS.
On Feb. 5 at 6 p.m., the contestants will meet with the judges for their interview and first round of judging based on personality and intellect, each making up 25% of their scores. Judges will know them only by their numbers, and contestants will answer a series of questions unknown to anyone beforehand.
On Feb. 6 at the Colleen Ball, contestants will be introduced by name and walk the runway, where they will be judged on their poise and appearance, making up another 25% of their scores. The judges’ selection of a colleen and her court will be announced at the ball.
The colleen and her court will represent Westfield during the “Green Season” events leading up to the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 23, where they will ride on the Sons of Erin float.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/01/twelve-contestants-compete-for-2026-sons-of-erin-colleen.html
The breakfast meet-and-greet at the Sons of Erin on William Street in Westfield is the first step before one of them is chosen as the colleen and four others as members of her court at the 43rd annual Sons of Erin Colleen Ball on Friday, Feb. 6, at Tekoa Country Club, 459 Russell Road, Westfield.
Tracy Oleksak, who serves on the Colleen Committee and is herself a former member of the court, said this year’s 12 contestants are a well-rounded group of young women.
“This year’s contestants are, like always, an exceptional group of bright young women. Each contestant brings her own personality, drive, and commitment to making a positive difference, with impressive contributions to both her school and community. It was a pleasure to meet with them at the breakfast on Sunday and to read their accomplishments submitted on their bios. Every one of them exemplifies what we look for in a colleen and court member to represent the Sons of Erin and the city of Westfield,” Oleksak said.
The 2026 contestants are Casey Elizabeth Coulombe, 17, of Westfield, a senior at Westfield High School; Giara Grace Curran, 17, of Westfield, a senior at WHS; Abigail Anna Jemiolo, 17 of Westfield, a senior at WHS; Maggie Grace Leen, 18, of Westfield, a senior at WHS; Savanna Brooke Mazeika, 17, of Westfield, a senior at WHS; Alexandra Marie Monczka, 21, of Southwick, a junior at Westfield State University; Reese Elinor-Janet O’Connell, 17, of Westfield, a senior at Hampshire Regional High School; Kylee Elizabeth O’Grady, 17, of Westfield, a senior at WHS; Angelica Madison Racette, 17, of Southwick, a junior at Southwick Regional High School; Kiera Marie St. Peter, 17, of Russell, a junior at WHS; Leah Catherine Shea, 17, of Westfield, a senior at WHS; and Sophia Rose Smithies, 17, of Westfield, a senior at WHS.
On Feb. 5 at 6 p.m., the contestants will meet with the judges for their interview and first round of judging based on personality and intellect, each making up 25% of their scores. Judges will know them only by their numbers, and contestants will answer a series of questions unknown to anyone beforehand.
On Feb. 6 at the Colleen Ball, contestants will be introduced by name and walk the runway, where they will be judged on their poise and appearance, making up another 25% of their scores. The judges’ selection of a colleen and her court will be announced at the ball.
The colleen and her court will represent Westfield during the “Green Season” events leading up to the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 23, where they will ride on the Sons of Erin float.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/01/twelve-contestants-compete-for-2026-sons-of-erin-colleen.html
Westfield families with preschool-aged children, whether they’re in preschool or not, are invited to come to the 2026 Countdown to Kindergarten event on Tuesday, Feb. 3, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Westfield River Elementary School, 133 Franklin St. A snow date has been scheduled for Feb. 5.
The event is for students who will be attending any of the five elementary schools in the district. The principals and some of their staff from each of the schools will be present to meet families.
Christine Shea, director of assessment and accountability for Westfield Public Schools, said the Countdown to Kindergarten is a great opportunity for families to get their questions answered and all the information they need to register their child for kindergarten, a process they can get help starting at the Countdown to Kindergarten. Children must be 5 years old on or before Sept. 1 to register for kindergarten.
“Parents have found it really helpful to get their questions answered, get help with online registration, meet principals and staff from their schools and learn about the program,” Shea said.
If families plan to register at the countdown, they may bring the required paperwork with them, listed online at www.schoolsofwestfield.org under “Registration.” They can also just come and begin the process and bring what they have. If families register ahead of time, they will receive information about kindergarten screening, as well as play dates held over the summer, Shea said.
Every child who attends will also receive a backpack filled with school supplies and a t-shirt with their graduation year on it. “I think we’re up to 2039,” Shea said.
The district transportation director will be there to answer questions, and there will be a school bus parked for the kids to explore. Also on hand will be the district’s literacy and math coaches to answer questions about academics; lead nurse Fawne St. Pierre will answer questions about immunizations and health records, and Food Services will have sample menus and snacks.
Shea said many of the district’s community partners, including the Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts, the Boys & Girls Club, and the YMCA, will talk about before and after-school programs. Seven Hills will be there to help with vouchers and the application process.
CFCE director Paula Hebert-Pike will give information on area play groups, and the Westfield Athenaeum will share information on children’s library programs.
Riverside Counseling, which has a partnership with Westfield Public Schools, will be available to talk about mental health questions.
Anyone with questions about the Countdown to Kindergarten may reach out to Sarah Kotarski at s.kotarski@schoolsofwestfield.org or at 413-572-6439.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/01/countdown-to-kindergarten-on-feb-3-is-a-nice-information-night-for-young-families.html
The event is for students who will be attending any of the five elementary schools in the district. The principals and some of their staff from each of the schools will be present to meet families.
Christine Shea, director of assessment and accountability for Westfield Public Schools, said the Countdown to Kindergarten is a great opportunity for families to get their questions answered and all the information they need to register their child for kindergarten, a process they can get help starting at the Countdown to Kindergarten. Children must be 5 years old on or before Sept. 1 to register for kindergarten.
“Parents have found it really helpful to get their questions answered, get help with online registration, meet principals and staff from their schools and learn about the program,” Shea said.
If families plan to register at the countdown, they may bring the required paperwork with them, listed online at www.schoolsofwestfield.org under “Registration.” They can also just come and begin the process and bring what they have. If families register ahead of time, they will receive information about kindergarten screening, as well as play dates held over the summer, Shea said.
Every child who attends will also receive a backpack filled with school supplies and a t-shirt with their graduation year on it. “I think we’re up to 2039,” Shea said.
The district transportation director will be there to answer questions, and there will be a school bus parked for the kids to explore. Also on hand will be the district’s literacy and math coaches to answer questions about academics; lead nurse Fawne St. Pierre will answer questions about immunizations and health records, and Food Services will have sample menus and snacks.
Shea said many of the district’s community partners, including the Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts, the Boys & Girls Club, and the YMCA, will talk about before and after-school programs. Seven Hills will be there to help with vouchers and the application process.
CFCE director Paula Hebert-Pike will give information on area play groups, and the Westfield Athenaeum will share information on children’s library programs.
Riverside Counseling, which has a partnership with Westfield Public Schools, will be available to talk about mental health questions.
Anyone with questions about the Countdown to Kindergarten may reach out to Sarah Kotarski at s.kotarski@schoolsofwestfield.org or at 413-572-6439.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/01/countdown-to-kindergarten-on-feb-3-is-a-nice-information-night-for-young-families.html
The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts will be hosting a Webex Webinar Keeping Kids Safe and Secure Online: A Project Safe Childhood Presentation for Parents. The webinar will take place on the evening of Tuesday, February 3rd at 6:30 pm in a partnership between the United States Attorney’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations Digital Forensics/Child Exploitation/Cyber Crime Unit. The registration flyer is attached. Advanced registration is required, and the capacity of the Webex webinar platform is 1000. In the event we reach capacity, those who are unable to register can email USAMA.PSCOutreach@usa.doj.gov to be put on the list for the next webinar.
Registration can be done either via the attached flyer or the link below.
Webinar topic: Keeping Kids Safe and Secure Online: A Project Safe Childhood Presentation for Parents
Date and time: Tuesday, February 3, 2026, 6:30 PM | (UTC-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada)
Register link:
https://usao.webex.com/weblink/register/r83f7d49f6565b65bce8bb420f1cfef7c
Registration can be done either via the attached flyer or the link below.
Webinar topic: Keeping Kids Safe and Secure Online: A Project Safe Childhood Presentation for Parents
Date and time: Tuesday, February 3, 2026, 6:30 PM | (UTC-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada)
Register link:
https://usao.webex.com/weblink/register/r83f7d49f6565b65bce8bb420f1cfef7c
Join us for the next WE2BA meeting and learn more about exciting opportunities to connect education and business in Westfield!
A reminder that Westfield Public Schools are closed on Monday, January 19, 2026, for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Holiday. Thank you.
The Westfield High School band entertained the crowd at the Springfield Thunderbirds’ Jan. 10 game against the Lehigh Valley Phantoms.
Joining the band in representing Westfield were Westfield Intermediate School, which performed “God Bless America” and Westfield Middle School, which performed “America the Beautiful” on ice during the opening ceremonies.
The Westfield Jr. Bombers youth hockey team also played a preliminary game prior to the Thunderbirds’ game.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/01/westfield-well-represented-at-springfield-thunderbirds-game.html
Joining the band in representing Westfield were Westfield Intermediate School, which performed “God Bless America” and Westfield Middle School, which performed “America the Beautiful” on ice during the opening ceremonies.
The Westfield Jr. Bombers youth hockey team also played a preliminary game prior to the Thunderbirds’ game.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/01/westfield-well-represented-at-springfield-thunderbirds-game.html
The Westfield High School girls basketball team has often found themselves on the wrong end of the score in the early portion of games this season. This time the Bombers fought back.
“We were hungry for a win, and we were trying to do all the right things,” Westfield girls basketball coach Christie Mirski said, following the Bombers’ 32-27 road win against Chicopee on Thursday.
Westfield rallied from an early first quarter deficit behind a sensational effort from sophomore forward-center Kendall O’Brien, who scored a game-high 19 points. O’Brien made several key plays throughout the contest.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/01/kendall-obrien-propels-westfield-girls-basketball-past-chicopee.html
“We were hungry for a win, and we were trying to do all the right things,” Westfield girls basketball coach Christie Mirski said, following the Bombers’ 32-27 road win against Chicopee on Thursday.
Westfield rallied from an early first quarter deficit behind a sensational effort from sophomore forward-center Kendall O’Brien, who scored a game-high 19 points. O’Brien made several key plays throughout the contest.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/01/kendall-obrien-propels-westfield-girls-basketball-past-chicopee.html
This week, on "Superintendent's Spotlight", we talked about our "Countdown to Kindergarten" event being held on February 3 at 6:00 p.m. at Westfield River Elementary School. Staff and students from Westfield Technical Academy's Culinary Arts Department also stopped by to help us celebrate National Strawberry Ice Cream Day. Thanks for watching.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tp3evPWLEGA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tp3evPWLEGA
The Westfield High School girls swim team is rounding into peak form.
The Westfield High School girls swim team took control right from the outset and never looked back, defeating Belchertown 95-81 on Tuesday for their fifth win of the season and third straight victory.
The Bombers improved to 5-3 and now head into a key showdown with the Lancers (3-2) at Longmeadow High School on Friday at 5:30 p.m.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/01/westfield-girls-swim-team-wins-3rd-straight-with-95-81-victory-over-belchertown.html
The Westfield High School girls swim team took control right from the outset and never looked back, defeating Belchertown 95-81 on Tuesday for their fifth win of the season and third straight victory.
The Bombers improved to 5-3 and now head into a key showdown with the Lancers (3-2) at Longmeadow High School on Friday at 5:30 p.m.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/01/westfield-girls-swim-team-wins-3rd-straight-with-95-81-victory-over-belchertown.html
Westfield High School hockey team coach Dominic Puntillo, who teaches at Westfield Intermediate School, wanted his players from Westfield High and Westfield Technical Academy to be involved in their community.
Looking for ways they might get involved, junior Christian Andwood approached the coach with the idea of having players connect with younger students through reading. Eighteen players from WHS and WTA signed up to do just that.
Puntillo involved Westfield Public Schools Curriculum Director Susan Dargie, who supplied new books for them to read, and a plan was formed. On Jan. 9, a no-practice day for the team, the players, sporting their jerseys, visited four elementary schools in the district to read to the students as the last activity of their Friday.
“The visits from our WHS hockey athletes to our elementary schools were a tremendous success! I met students as they arrived at Paper Mill, and everyone was excited,” said Dargie. She said in many cases, the high school students chose to read at their former elementary schools.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/01/visit-from-westfield-high-hockey-team-excites-elementary-students.html
Looking for ways they might get involved, junior Christian Andwood approached the coach with the idea of having players connect with younger students through reading. Eighteen players from WHS and WTA signed up to do just that.
Puntillo involved Westfield Public Schools Curriculum Director Susan Dargie, who supplied new books for them to read, and a plan was formed. On Jan. 9, a no-practice day for the team, the players, sporting their jerseys, visited four elementary schools in the district to read to the students as the last activity of their Friday.
“The visits from our WHS hockey athletes to our elementary schools were a tremendous success! I met students as they arrived at Paper Mill, and everyone was excited,” said Dargie. She said in many cases, the high school students chose to read at their former elementary schools.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/01/visit-from-westfield-high-hockey-team-excites-elementary-students.html
Join us for lunch on Wednesday, January 14 and Thursday, January 15, for a delicious lunch prepared by our talented students. Tiger's Pride Restaurant at Westfield Technical Academy is open from 10:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. for take-out or dining in. Please call 413-564-3123 for more information. Thank you for your support!
We are excited to invite local businesses to participate in our second All Ages Activities Expo on Tuesday, March 24, from 5:30–7:30 p.m. at the Westfield Boys & Girls Club.
All families of our 5,000 PreK–Grade 12 students will be invited to attend. This high-energy, community-focused event is designed to connect families with the many enriching opportunities available to children and teens ages 3–18 throughout Westfield. Last year we welcomed over 400 people to browse our local businesses and organizations. Many of our vendors came away with new customers and contacts.
As a participating vendor, you’ll have the opportunity to:
-Engage directly with families through conversation
-Share information and promotional materials
-Register interested children/adults for your programs
-Collect contact information from families who want to learn more
-Promote your business or organization to the Westfield community — at no cost
Vendors are asked to bring their own table for displays and to donate a small raffle prize, which will be featured throughout the evening to help drive traffic and excitement.
If your business or organization would like to participate, please complete the registration form by March 3, 2025, by scanning the QR code on the attached flyer.
If you have any questions, please contact Chris Tolpa, Title I Supervisor, at 413-572-6467 or c.tolpa@schoolsofwestfield.org.
Westfield Public Schools values you as a partner in our shared mission to educate and support the whole child. We hope you’ll join us for this exciting community event!
All families of our 5,000 PreK–Grade 12 students will be invited to attend. This high-energy, community-focused event is designed to connect families with the many enriching opportunities available to children and teens ages 3–18 throughout Westfield. Last year we welcomed over 400 people to browse our local businesses and organizations. Many of our vendors came away with new customers and contacts.
As a participating vendor, you’ll have the opportunity to:
-Engage directly with families through conversation
-Share information and promotional materials
-Register interested children/adults for your programs
-Collect contact information from families who want to learn more
-Promote your business or organization to the Westfield community — at no cost
Vendors are asked to bring their own table for displays and to donate a small raffle prize, which will be featured throughout the evening to help drive traffic and excitement.
If your business or organization would like to participate, please complete the registration form by March 3, 2025, by scanning the QR code on the attached flyer.
If you have any questions, please contact Chris Tolpa, Title I Supervisor, at 413-572-6467 or c.tolpa@schoolsofwestfield.org.
Westfield Public Schools values you as a partner in our shared mission to educate and support the whole child. We hope you’ll join us for this exciting community event!
Regular school attendance is one of the strongest predictors of student success. When students come to school each day they learn new skills, stay connected with teachers and classmates, and access the supports they need to thrive. Chronic absenteeism can make it hard to catch up — but every day missed is also an opportunity to improve. Let’s work together — families, teachers, and neighbors — to make sure every student can be present, safe, and ready to learn. #AchievingExcellenceTogether
Young adults in the Westfield Public Schools Transition Program spread holiday cheer with annual caroling stops at downtown businesses and a special delivery to the Westfield Animal Shelter on the Monday before Christmas.
Items delivered to the shelter were collected through their “Operation Santa Paws Supply Drive,” and included blankets, towels, Clorox wipes, food, toys, treats, paper towels and a gift card to Westfield Feed.
Teacher Carolyn Busiere thanked the Transition Program, Westfield High School, and other agencies for their contributions to the drive.
The Westfield Community-Based Transition Program is designed to prepare students with further support beyond high school, Busiere said.
Students ages 18-22 are provided the opportunity to learn and grow through community, recreation, socialization, self-advocacy, travel training, internships and inclusive college at Westfield State University and Holyoke Community College.
The program is based on the individual needs and vision of each student, whether it be life skills, functional academics, independent living and others.
The teachers and staff assist students and families in connecting to community agencies, resources, and adult funding sources prior to the student aging out the day before their 22nd birthday. The goal is to have a more seamless transition to adult life as lifelong learners and productive community members.
https://thereminder.com/local-news/hampden-county/westfield/young-adults-spread-holiday-cheer-in-downtown-westfield/
Items delivered to the shelter were collected through their “Operation Santa Paws Supply Drive,” and included blankets, towels, Clorox wipes, food, toys, treats, paper towels and a gift card to Westfield Feed.
Teacher Carolyn Busiere thanked the Transition Program, Westfield High School, and other agencies for their contributions to the drive.
The Westfield Community-Based Transition Program is designed to prepare students with further support beyond high school, Busiere said.
Students ages 18-22 are provided the opportunity to learn and grow through community, recreation, socialization, self-advocacy, travel training, internships and inclusive college at Westfield State University and Holyoke Community College.
The program is based on the individual needs and vision of each student, whether it be life skills, functional academics, independent living and others.
The teachers and staff assist students and families in connecting to community agencies, resources, and adult funding sources prior to the student aging out the day before their 22nd birthday. The goal is to have a more seamless transition to adult life as lifelong learners and productive community members.
https://thereminder.com/local-news/hampden-county/westfield/young-adults-spread-holiday-cheer-in-downtown-westfield/
Yesterday on "Superintendent's Spotlight", we recognized National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day with guests Captain Eric Hall and School Resource Officers (SRO) Jim Summers, Bryan Turgeon, and Mike Csekovsky. Staff and students from Westfield Technical Academy's Culinary Arts Program also helped us celebrate the day with a homemade breakfast treat. Thank you to our School Resource Officers for all the support that they provide to our staff, students, and families. Thanks for watching!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0tMtzPnGnU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0tMtzPnGnU
Sophomores in Mark Dargie’s history class at Westfield High School made the 1930s come to life in the classroom with cardboard houses and a dust storm simulation.
“My sophomore U.S. History classes are recreating the Dust Bowl of the 1930s in our classroom using cardboard model homes that were designed and cut on a laser in collaboration with Renee Sweeney’s engineering class,” Dargie said.
Students researched houses that were common in the 1930s in the Great Plains, then did a sketch of the house on paper. That sketch was given to Sweeney’s students, who designed the house and had it cut on a laser cutter.
Dargie’s students then assembled the house with glue and tape, making sure that there was some ventilation. They then tested the houses in a makeshift dust chamber in the classroom using a hair dryer.
After the initial test, students added moist fabric to cover the windows and doors and used petroleum jelly, both of which Dargie said people actually used during the Dust Bowl to block spaces where dust could enter.
“We then re-tested the models, and students observed how well the alterations kept the dust out of the models,” Dargie said. “Students actually experienced the messiness of the dust, and saw it floating around the room, so I think that experience was useful in seeing what people were going through during that time period,” Dargie said.
Following the hands-on project, students were required to write a reflection about the project.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/01/whs-sophomore-history-class-recreates-1930s-dust-bowl.html
“My sophomore U.S. History classes are recreating the Dust Bowl of the 1930s in our classroom using cardboard model homes that were designed and cut on a laser in collaboration with Renee Sweeney’s engineering class,” Dargie said.
Students researched houses that were common in the 1930s in the Great Plains, then did a sketch of the house on paper. That sketch was given to Sweeney’s students, who designed the house and had it cut on a laser cutter.
Dargie’s students then assembled the house with glue and tape, making sure that there was some ventilation. They then tested the houses in a makeshift dust chamber in the classroom using a hair dryer.
After the initial test, students added moist fabric to cover the windows and doors and used petroleum jelly, both of which Dargie said people actually used during the Dust Bowl to block spaces where dust could enter.
“We then re-tested the models, and students observed how well the alterations kept the dust out of the models,” Dargie said. “Students actually experienced the messiness of the dust, and saw it floating around the room, so I think that experience was useful in seeing what people were going through during that time period,” Dargie said.
Following the hands-on project, students were required to write a reflection about the project.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/01/whs-sophomore-history-class-recreates-1930s-dust-bowl.html
The Westfield High School Free Web Clinic is seeking two to three more website clients for its spring term.
Bram Moreinis, WHS web development and programming teacher, said the Free Web Clinic is for small businesses and community organizations that are looking to redo or create a website.
The free website design is created by web development students at Westfield High School. Moreinis said he has six teams of two to three students ready, and three websites that have already been selected, including the Westfield Education to Business Alliance website. Case studies of other websites the students have published are available to view at freewebclinic.org.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/01/whs-free-web-clinic-is-seeking-website-clients-for-its-spring-term.html
Bram Moreinis, WHS web development and programming teacher, said the Free Web Clinic is for small businesses and community organizations that are looking to redo or create a website.
The free website design is created by web development students at Westfield High School. Moreinis said he has six teams of two to three students ready, and three websites that have already been selected, including the Westfield Education to Business Alliance website. Case studies of other websites the students have published are available to view at freewebclinic.org.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/01/whs-free-web-clinic-is-seeking-website-clients-for-its-spring-term.html
Due to the current weather conditions, Westfield Public Schools will operate on a two-hour delay schedule today, Wednesday, January 7, 2026. Please drive safely. Thank you.
🌟 Show up. Learn. Grow. Repeat. Every day in school = one step closer to your goals! #EveryDayCounts
The Science and Engineering Fair at Westfield High School on Jan. 29 features student projects from Westfield High School and Westfield Technical Academy. In past years, many of the students and their projects have gone on to successfully compete at regional, state and international science fairs.
Judges are needed and everyone is welcome to volunteer. The judges always come from many backgrounds. While many have current or past experience in science, engineering, or related technical fields, others bring experience in education or simply have a strong interest in science or in supporting student learning.
“We are anticipating one of the largest fairs in recent history with nearly 250 projects. WTA participation has increased from 50 students last year to almost 200 this year, so we are definitely in need of more judges,” said Christina Smith, supervisor of science, technology and Engineering for grades 5-12. Smith said the projects will be about 50-50 from both high schools.
“Our students at Westfield High School and Westfield Technical Academy have been working diligently on projects that reflect creativity, curiosity, and real-world problem solving. The expertise and perspective of our judges play a meaningful role in encouraging their growth and helping them refine their scientific thinking,” said Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski.
Judges must be available to attend the Science Fair on Jan. 29 from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Westfield High School gymnasium. The morning will begin with a short training session, where experienced teachers will explain the scoring rubric and procedures and answer any questions.
For more information about the fair, including judges’ responsibilities and the schedule for the day, and to sign up, visit https://sites.google.com/schoolsofwestfield.org/wpsscienceandengineeringfair or email Chrissy Smith at christina.smith@schoolsofwestfield.org, and she will send you a sign-up form.
Coffee, light breakfast refreshments, and lunch will be provided courtesy of the WHS Culinary Arts department.
“Judging the science fair is a rewarding experience for both students and judges alike. Students benefit greatly from thoughtful feedback and professional insight, while judges often find the experience inspiring—a chance to engage with enthusiastic young scientists and see fresh ideas in action,” Czaporowski said.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/01/judges-needed-for-westfield-hs-science-and-engineering-fair.html
Judges are needed and everyone is welcome to volunteer. The judges always come from many backgrounds. While many have current or past experience in science, engineering, or related technical fields, others bring experience in education or simply have a strong interest in science or in supporting student learning.
“We are anticipating one of the largest fairs in recent history with nearly 250 projects. WTA participation has increased from 50 students last year to almost 200 this year, so we are definitely in need of more judges,” said Christina Smith, supervisor of science, technology and Engineering for grades 5-12. Smith said the projects will be about 50-50 from both high schools.
“Our students at Westfield High School and Westfield Technical Academy have been working diligently on projects that reflect creativity, curiosity, and real-world problem solving. The expertise and perspective of our judges play a meaningful role in encouraging their growth and helping them refine their scientific thinking,” said Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski.
Judges must be available to attend the Science Fair on Jan. 29 from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Westfield High School gymnasium. The morning will begin with a short training session, where experienced teachers will explain the scoring rubric and procedures and answer any questions.
For more information about the fair, including judges’ responsibilities and the schedule for the day, and to sign up, visit https://sites.google.com/schoolsofwestfield.org/wpsscienceandengineeringfair or email Chrissy Smith at christina.smith@schoolsofwestfield.org, and she will send you a sign-up form.
Coffee, light breakfast refreshments, and lunch will be provided courtesy of the WHS Culinary Arts department.
“Judging the science fair is a rewarding experience for both students and judges alike. Students benefit greatly from thoughtful feedback and professional insight, while judges often find the experience inspiring—a chance to engage with enthusiastic young scientists and see fresh ideas in action,” Czaporowski said.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/01/judges-needed-for-westfield-hs-science-and-engineering-fair.html