Westfield Public Schools

Join us on Thursday, June 8, from 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. to WSKB 89.5 FM, WCPC cable channel 15, or westfieldtv.org for a brand-new episode of "Superintendent's Spotlight". This week, we will talk with Principal Jill Phelan about all of the great things happening at Highland Elementary School. Thanks for watching!

The city will hold a formal groundbreaking ceremony at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 7, for the as-yet-unnamed new elementary school under construction at 133 Franklin St., Westfield. The project actually broke ground in late April 2023 and has an anticipated completion date of November 2024, according to a recent update released by P3 Project Planning Professionals, the owner’s project manager employed by the city. “While construction projects can experience supply delays, the project team has taken this into consideration when choosing materials and when submitting orders for materials and we do not anticipate supply delays to affect the project schedule,” according to P3. https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2023/06/symbolic-groundbreaking-for-westfield-elementary-school-slated-for-wednesday.html

When 14 fourth graders from Southampton Road Elementary School visited the Whip City Animal Sanctuary on Montgomery Road recently, they also brought a check for $400. The money will be used to buy more hay for the farm’s “animal friends.” With more than 50 animals to feed, one of the Westfield farm’s biggest expenses is hay – and lots of it. Hay costs are about $300 a week, so the large donation from the students was greatly appreciated. https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2023/06/westfield-schools-kiwanis-k-kids-raise-400-for-whip-city-animal-sanctuary.html

Adopt a Classroom update. Today Barnes Regional Airport Manager visited 3rd graders at Abner Gibbs today as a follow up to a field trip the class went on in early May. Chris talked about opportunities to be exposed to aviation through Westfield Public Schools. Students learned that they will take a field trip to Barnes in 6th grade to learn about different career pathways, the Wright Flight Program that starts in 7th grade, where upon completion of the program they can fly with an instructor, and the Aviation Program at Westfield Technical Academy. Chris talked about the various pathways you can take in aviation from being a pilot, airport manager, air traffic controller, civil engineer, FAA inspector, and more. He also answered a range of questions from our students who were eager to learn. Thank you Chris for visiting us today at Abner Gibbs!

If you missed this morning's episode of "Superintendent's Spotlight", please click on the link below. This week, we spoke with Senator John Velis about the mental health crisis and what he is proposing to increase services for students. We also celebrated National Doughnut Day with some treats from Mrs. Murphy's. Thanks for watching! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_zpfDQZVi0

Join us on Thursday, June 1, from 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. to WSKB 89.5 FM, WCPC cable channel 15, or westfieldtv.org for a brand-new episode of "Superintendent's Spotlight". This week, we will talk with State Senator John Velis. Thanks for watching!

It’s official – it’s a three-peat!. Westfield sophomore pitcher Shea Hurley scattered four hits, struck out 11 batters and the Bombers won their third straight Western Massachusetts crown with a 9-0 shutout of Agawam in the PVIAC Class A softball championship game Tuesday at Westfield State University. https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2023/05/bombers-latest-feat-is-a-three-peat.html

If you missed the latest episode of "Superintendent's Spotlight", click on the link below. On last week's show, we talked with Food Services Director Rachel Kania about all our school breakfast and lunch program. We also talked about some famous people named George on National George Day. Thanks for watching! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XjU0WMpDBM

The Westfield High School boys' volleyball team continues to age like a fine wine. For nearly a decade, the Westfield Bombers have dominated the high school volleyball landscape in Western Massachusetts. For a better part of that time, they have also proven to be the best in the state. https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2023/05/bombers-win-8th-straight-wmass-title-with-sweep-of-putnam-in-pviac-class-a-boys-volleyball-finals.html

Munger Hill Elementary School second graders put on their Wax Museum on Thursday, May 25. Each student chose a subject and researched their lives over the past four weeks. They dressed as their subject and brought them to life, sharing the details that they learned through their research. Guests to the museum had to push the button on their arms to bring the "statues" to life and hear the reports.

Westfield Public Schools Quarterly Newsletter is out now, you can read it by clicking here: https://www.schoolsofwestfield.org/o/wps/page/district-newsletter for updates from our various departments and important dates and events coming up.

Westfield’s public schools have formed a partnership with Ignite! Reading, a one-on-one tutoring program for students who are learning how to read. Curriculum Director Susan Dargie and Director of Assessment Christine Shea implemented a pilot of the program on March 13 in Highland Elementary School and Franklin Avenue Elementary School. Altogether, 74 kindergarten to second graders in Highland and Franklin Avenue are participating in the pilot. https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2023/05/westfield-partners-with-virtual-tutoring-company-for-elementary-reading-help.html

Join us on Thursday, May 25, an hour early, from 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. to WSKB 89.5 FM, WCPC cable channel 15, or westfieldtv.org for a brand-new episode of "Superintendent's Spotlight". This week, we will talk with Food Services Director Rachel Kania about Westfield EATS, our school breakfast and lunch programs. Thanks for watching!

If you missed "Superintendent's Spotlight" yesterday, please click on the link below. This week, we spoke with Principal Alexandra Clines about Munger Hill Elementary School. Westfield Technical Academy Culinary Arts students also helped us recognize "I Love Reese's Day". Thanks for watching. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCXBxI4WJ9I

Eleven seniors at Westfield High School are the finalists for this year’s Bronze Tablet. The Bronze Tablet is awarded annually at the Senior Assembly to that member of the graduating class “who has done the most for the welfare, good name, and progress of Westfield High School.” That student’s name is permanently engraved on a bronze tablet and added to the plaque, which stands prominently in the main entrance to the school near the auditorium. The winner is determined each year by a vote of the senior class from a list of students nominated by the faculty. A student must receive three nominations from faculty members in order to qualify for the student ballot. https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2023/05/finalists-honored-to-be-nominated-for-westfield-high-schools-bronze-tablet.html

Tune in on Thursday, May 18 from 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. to WSKB 89.5 FM, WCPC cable channel 15, or westfieldtv.org for a brand-new episode of "Superintendent's Spotlight". This week, we will talk with Munger Hill Elementary School Principal Alexandra Clines and Instructional Technology Specialist Valerie Tettemer about their Book Creator Program and more. We will also take some time to recognize "I love Reese's Day". Thanks for watching!

If you missed "Superintendent's Spotlight this morning, please click on the link below. This week, we spoke with State Representative Kelly Pease bout the current happenings in the State Legislature, and we also talked about National Mental Health Awareness. Thanks for watching! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aB1ii-HuoaQ

Episode 2 of the Westfield Technical Academy's Chef Showdown is here! This episode features a 7-way Burger Battle and was edited by Graphics Junior Lindsey D! This one will make you hungry, so beware! Thanks to Autumn Mist Farm, Feeding Hills, MA and Hampton Ponds Market for supplying the students with a variety of ingredients for this challenge! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xQACMOEAyo&t=3s

Westfield High School Band Director Patrick Kennedy and Choral Director Korey Bruno are riding high this week on the successes of their programs at separate music festivals over the weekend, and neither could resist bragging about their students a little bit. Bruno said the choirs left early Thursday morning bound for Williamsburg, Virginia, for their annual spring competition with 21 students and seven adults, including Ken Stomski of Ken’s Den on WSKB radio and Westfield Community Television, who documented the trip with video and still photos. https://www.masslive.com/news/2023/05/westfield-choir-band-mop-up-competition-at-high-school-music-festivals.html

Tune in on Thursday, May 11 from 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. to WSKB 89.5 FM, WCPC cable channel 15, or westfieldtv.org for a brand-new episode of "Superintendent's Spotlight". This week, we will talk with State Representative Kelly Pease about recent happenings at the Massachusetts State House. We will also take some time to recognize "National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day". Thanks for watching!