"As a student, I’ve realized that when I’m in school every day, I don’t just keep up—I get ahead. Attendance is key to staying connected with friends, teachers, and my future." #EveryDayCounts
Please click here for the latest newsletter from Westfield River Elementary School. Thank you. https://secure.smore.com/n/ahkqm
Click on the link below for a brand-new episode of "Superintendent's Spotlight". This week, our guests included Westfield Middle School Principal Jesse McMillan and four student members of the WMS Principal's Leadership Council. Staff and students from WTA's Culinary Arts Department also helped us to celebrate National Candy Corn Day with some delicious pumpkin spice cupcakes. Thanks for watching!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_F79_RU-EQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_F79_RU-EQ
If you missed last week's "Superintendent's Spotlight", please click on the link below. In this episode, we talked all about STEM week and the fun educational activities that our students were able to experience. Thanks for watching!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vl2pXdHWvp8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vl2pXdHWvp8
Excitement was in the air during Westfield Public School’s STEM Week, Oct. 20-24, when a lot of special activities were planned for students from prekindergarten to Westfield High School.
Westfield River Preschool teacher Aimee Blair said, “When one my students walked into the classroom in the morning this week and saw science on the schedule they shouted, ‘We get to be scientists today!’”
The week started on Oct. 20 with Project Lead the Way teachers and leaders from elementary through high school attending the annual Project Lead the Way fall conference, where educators from across the state gathered to collaborate and share best practices in supporting students in the hands-on STEM Curriculum.
“My favorite part about STEM Week is that it highlights what we’re already doing every day in our schools. STEM is woven into our curriculum at every grade level, starting as early as preschool. What we’re doing in Westfield Schools truly reflects this year’s theme ‘STEM Starts Now’ because we believe it’s never too early to start building curiosity and problem-solving skills,” said STEM coach Lindsey Ayers.
“What makes STEM Week special is that it gives us a chance to shine a light on the great teaching and learning that happens in our district every day. We had a couple of opportunities this week to bring together students from elementary and high schools, which is always so exciting for both the older kids and the younger kids — those events were the biggest highlight for me. And I got to meet JiJi,” said Chrissy Smith, WPS’s new supervisor of science, technology and engineering.
“What I love most about STEM Week is the opportunity to celebrate STEM in our schools. Our students are curious and collaborative, and it’s wonderful to see their joy in problem-solving. It’s inspiring to watch students, from preschool to high school, explore new ideas, ask questions, and discover the excitement of innovation together,” said Kate Perez, WPS supervisor of mathematics.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2025/10/students-get-to-be-scientists-during-stem-week-in-westfield.html
Westfield River Preschool teacher Aimee Blair said, “When one my students walked into the classroom in the morning this week and saw science on the schedule they shouted, ‘We get to be scientists today!’”
The week started on Oct. 20 with Project Lead the Way teachers and leaders from elementary through high school attending the annual Project Lead the Way fall conference, where educators from across the state gathered to collaborate and share best practices in supporting students in the hands-on STEM Curriculum.
“My favorite part about STEM Week is that it highlights what we’re already doing every day in our schools. STEM is woven into our curriculum at every grade level, starting as early as preschool. What we’re doing in Westfield Schools truly reflects this year’s theme ‘STEM Starts Now’ because we believe it’s never too early to start building curiosity and problem-solving skills,” said STEM coach Lindsey Ayers.
“What makes STEM Week special is that it gives us a chance to shine a light on the great teaching and learning that happens in our district every day. We had a couple of opportunities this week to bring together students from elementary and high schools, which is always so exciting for both the older kids and the younger kids — those events were the biggest highlight for me. And I got to meet JiJi,” said Chrissy Smith, WPS’s new supervisor of science, technology and engineering.
“What I love most about STEM Week is the opportunity to celebrate STEM in our schools. Our students are curious and collaborative, and it’s wonderful to see their joy in problem-solving. It’s inspiring to watch students, from preschool to high school, explore new ideas, ask questions, and discover the excitement of innovation together,” said Kate Perez, WPS supervisor of mathematics.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2025/10/students-get-to-be-scientists-during-stem-week-in-westfield.html
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
Principal McMillan and his Principal’s Council are represented Westfield Middle School at the New England League of Middle Schools’ Student Leadership Conference! “Grow. Lead. Inspire.” was the theme of this year’s conference. It is a day designed to help young leaders recognize their potential, build confidence, and take meaningful action in their schools and communities. Through interactive workshops, team-building activities, and inspiring speakers, students explored what it means to grow as individuals, lead with purpose, and inspire others through their words and actions!
Westfield Technical Academy horticulture students spent the week planting and mulching around the new outdoor classroom pavilion in the Grandmothers’ Garden, which is nearing completion.
Jacqueline McDowell of the Friends of the Grandmothers’ Garden said the pavilion itself will be completed within the next few weeks, with final touches on the painting and inside work on the ADA accessible bathroom and storage room. She said the pavilion will be all set for its grand opening and ribbon cutting in the spring.
“More than anything, we are thrilled with Westfield Technical Academy horticulture and (department head) Nate Sperry, who has worked with us since Day 1 planning the garden area around the new pavilion, and they will continue to be a part of it,” McDowell said.
“It’s right on schedule. Everything has worked so beautifully — we were so hopeful to get the planting and mulching done,” McDowell said. She said the horticulture students will be planting 600 bulbs next week around the pavilion, which should be in bloom for the ribbon cutting.
McDowell, who is the outreach coordinator for the Friends, said the project is a wonderful collaboration with Westfield Public Schools. She said the pavilion will be used by local schools for nature-based programs, STEM instruction, the arts, photography and community field trips.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2025/10/grandmothers-garden-pavilion-is-right-on-schedule-for-spring-ribbon-cutting.html
Jacqueline McDowell of the Friends of the Grandmothers’ Garden said the pavilion itself will be completed within the next few weeks, with final touches on the painting and inside work on the ADA accessible bathroom and storage room. She said the pavilion will be all set for its grand opening and ribbon cutting in the spring.
“More than anything, we are thrilled with Westfield Technical Academy horticulture and (department head) Nate Sperry, who has worked with us since Day 1 planning the garden area around the new pavilion, and they will continue to be a part of it,” McDowell said.
“It’s right on schedule. Everything has worked so beautifully — we were so hopeful to get the planting and mulching done,” McDowell said. She said the horticulture students will be planting 600 bulbs next week around the pavilion, which should be in bloom for the ribbon cutting.
McDowell, who is the outreach coordinator for the Friends, said the project is a wonderful collaboration with Westfield Public Schools. She said the pavilion will be used by local schools for nature-based programs, STEM instruction, the arts, photography and community field trips.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2025/10/grandmothers-garden-pavilion-is-right-on-schedule-for-spring-ribbon-cutting.html
On Oct. 20, the School Committee unanimously approved a new housebuilding agreement with the Westfield Technical Academy Foundation for a one-story ranch house to be built on 72 St. James Ave. by students in construction technology, cabinetmaking, electrical wiring, horticulture, and several other departments at the school.
The Westfield Technical Foundation is a non-profit entity which was set up for the last housebuilding project on 64 Mill Street, to allow the school to borrow the money to buy the property and build the house from the Polish National Credit Union at zero percent interest. When the home was completed, it sold in the first week, and proceeds were returned to the foundation for future programs.
“The experience of building a house from start to finish cannot be duplicated in a classroom setting back at the school,” Matthew Gomes, head of the construction department, said at the ribbon-cutting for the Mill Street project.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2025/10/westfield-school-committee-approves-new-housebuild-on-st-james-avenue.html
The Westfield High School guidance counselors put together its 14th annual college fair in the high school gymnasium on Oct. 21.
Over 90 colleges, technical schools and military organizations filled the gym, with juniors and seniors from WHS, Westfield Technical Academy, Gateway Regional and Southwick Regional collecting information from schools and organizations of interest to them.
WHS Counselor Merylina Asselin said the Western Mass. Consortium is assisting with 12 college fairs in Western Mass. throughout the week. Asselin, along with counselors Megan Dougherty, Tara Bean and David Breglio were on hand to answer questions from students as well.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2025/10/westfield-high-school-college-fair-draws-90-colleges.html
Over 90 colleges, technical schools and military organizations filled the gym, with juniors and seniors from WHS, Westfield Technical Academy, Gateway Regional and Southwick Regional collecting information from schools and organizations of interest to them.
WHS Counselor Merylina Asselin said the Western Mass. Consortium is assisting with 12 college fairs in Western Mass. throughout the week. Asselin, along with counselors Megan Dougherty, Tara Bean and David Breglio were on hand to answer questions from students as well.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2025/10/westfield-high-school-college-fair-draws-90-colleges.html
Show up. Learn. Grow. Repeat. Every day in school = one step closer to your goals! #EveryDayCounts
Stop by Tiger's Pride Restaurant at Westfield Technical Academy on Thursday, October 16, between 10:45 a.m. and 12:15 a.m. for a terrific lunch prepared by our talented students. For more information, please call 413-564-3123.
Westfield Public Schools continues to update our school district’s comprehensive safety plan in conjunction with the Westfield Police and Fire Departments. A team of Westfield Administrators and other staff members representing every level from elementary to high school, has been working collaboratively with the Westfield Police and Fire Departments to make sure our students, staff, and families have a current, research-based, and educationally sound emergency operations plan.
As part of our continued work with Westfield Police Department and our ongoing training for students and staff, our city departments working together will conduct lockdown drills in our schools the week of October 21-24 utilizing the enhanced lockdown procedures known as A.L.I.C.E. (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, and Evacuate). If you have any questions regarding our drills, please contact Mr. Christopher Rogers, Director of Operations and Safety for the Westfield Public Schools at 413-572-6495.
As part of our continued work with Westfield Police Department and our ongoing training for students and staff, our city departments working together will conduct lockdown drills in our schools the week of October 21-24 utilizing the enhanced lockdown procedures known as A.L.I.C.E. (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, and Evacuate). If you have any questions regarding our drills, please contact Mr. Christopher Rogers, Director of Operations and Safety for the Westfield Public Schools at 413-572-6495.
Attendance = Learning + Friendships + Future Success
Please click here for the latest newsletter from Westfield River Elementary Scool. https://secure.smore.com/n/61dzwv
Thank you!
Thank you!
Strong attendance today creates brighter opportunities tomorrow.
September's attendance numbers are in. The Top 5 schools for the month are:
1. Munger Hill Elementary School - 96.48%
2. Southampton Road Elementary School - 96.38%
3. Westfield Technical Academy - 96.35%
4. Highland Elementary School - 96.25%
5. Westfield Intermediate School - 95.61%
Congratulations! Keep up the great work!
1. Munger Hill Elementary School - 96.48%
2. Southampton Road Elementary School - 96.38%
3. Westfield Technical Academy - 96.35%
4. Highland Elementary School - 96.25%
5. Westfield Intermediate School - 95.61%
Congratulations! Keep up the great work!
Please click below for the latest newsletter from Southampton Road School. Thank you!
https://secure.smore.com/n/j2704
https://secure.smore.com/n/j2704
Westfield Middle School Principal Jesse McMillan and representatives of Bridge for Resilient Youth in Transition an in-school intervention program for students facing mental health or medical disruptions, gave a five-month overview of its implementation at WMS to Mayor Michael McCabe, Sen. John Velis, Rep. Mike Finn, Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski, members of the School Committee and other area officials on Oct. 1.
Also speaking was Paul Hyry-Dermith, BRYT national director and Zemora Tevah, district/school support specialist, both of whom worked closely with WMS in setting up BRYT at WMS, funded by a grant from the Department of Mental Health.
In introducing the program, WMS Principal Jesse McMillan said there is a significant increase in mental health needs among students. He said for the WMS population of 700 seventh- and eighth-grade students, there are tier invention programs for the student population at large and programs such as RISE for students with special needs. He said before BRYT, there was not a lot of support for students with mental health challenges.
BRYT, a program of the Brookline Center for Community Mental Health, transforms how schools support students and families who have experienced a mental health disruption.
The BRYT model provides support for staffing, student selection, a support plan and a separate space. McMillan said WMS was fortunate to have a room available that could be dedicated to the program that has a separate entrance, bathroom, academic and counseling space.
McMillan said in the five short months of its implementation, there have been success stories in which students who had access to the BRYT supports have now transitioned back into academic teams. “I am proud of my staff,” he said.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2025/10/bryt-intervention-program-is-making-a-difference-at-westfield-middle-school.html
Also speaking was Paul Hyry-Dermith, BRYT national director and Zemora Tevah, district/school support specialist, both of whom worked closely with WMS in setting up BRYT at WMS, funded by a grant from the Department of Mental Health.
In introducing the program, WMS Principal Jesse McMillan said there is a significant increase in mental health needs among students. He said for the WMS population of 700 seventh- and eighth-grade students, there are tier invention programs for the student population at large and programs such as RISE for students with special needs. He said before BRYT, there was not a lot of support for students with mental health challenges.
BRYT, a program of the Brookline Center for Community Mental Health, transforms how schools support students and families who have experienced a mental health disruption.
The BRYT model provides support for staffing, student selection, a support plan and a separate space. McMillan said WMS was fortunate to have a room available that could be dedicated to the program that has a separate entrance, bathroom, academic and counseling space.
McMillan said in the five short months of its implementation, there have been success stories in which students who had access to the BRYT supports have now transitioned back into academic teams. “I am proud of my staff,” he said.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2025/10/bryt-intervention-program-is-making-a-difference-at-westfield-middle-school.html
Hey students — showing up is your superpower. Each day you’re in class you level up your skills, meet friends, and get closer to your dreams. Be here. Be curious. Be unstoppable. #AchievingExcellenceTogether
