Westfield Public Schools has a limited number of School Choice seats available for the 2026-2027 school year at our elementary schools, intermediate and middle school, and Westfield High School. The School Choice program allows parents to send their children to schools in communities other than the city or town in which they reside at no cost. Please visit https://westfieldpubma.sites.thrillshare.com/page/announcement-of-school-choice for more information.
One year ago, a senior pitcher by the name of Shea Hurley led the Westfield High School softball team to a Western Massachusetts championship. Without their field general, the Bombers stumbled to a 2-7 start this season.
Westfield finished strong down the stretch, winning three of its final four games, and then made some noise in the PVIAC tournament with a thrilling quarterfinal win over Longmeadow and a narrow defeat to eventual runner-up Agawam.
Although it was the end to Westfield’s quest to defend its Western Mass crown, it has not deterred them from attempting to make yet another run.
Westfield pitcher Hailey Zanolli tossed a two-hitter, allowing just one run and no walks while striking out 10 batters, outdueling Gabrianna Arigghi to help the No. 31 Bombers advance past No. 34 Bristol Plymouth, 3-1, in a Division 2 state tournament preliminary round game on Friday.
Westfield advances to play second-seeded Marshfield (18-2) in the Round of 32 on the road Sunday at 1 p.m.
Westfield finished strong down the stretch, winning three of its final four games, and then made some noise in the PVIAC tournament with a thrilling quarterfinal win over Longmeadow and a narrow defeat to eventual runner-up Agawam.
Although it was the end to Westfield’s quest to defend its Western Mass crown, it has not deterred them from attempting to make yet another run.
Westfield pitcher Hailey Zanolli tossed a two-hitter, allowing just one run and no walks while striking out 10 batters, outdueling Gabrianna Arigghi to help the No. 31 Bombers advance past No. 34 Bristol Plymouth, 3-1, in a Division 2 state tournament preliminary round game on Friday.
Westfield advances to play second-seeded Marshfield (18-2) in the Round of 32 on the road Sunday at 1 p.m.
The Westfield High School boys lacrosse team finished the regular season four games below .500 with a 7-11 record. The Bombers are undefeated this postseason.
No. 32 Westfield exploded for 17 goals in eliminating No. 33 Southeast Regional Vocational Tech from the MIAA Division 2 boys lacrosse tournament. The Bombers won the preliminary round game, 17-4, at Roots Athletic Complex.
Westfield advances to play the tournament’s top seed, Billerica Memorial (15-3) on June 1 at 6:30 p.m.
No. 32 Westfield exploded for 17 goals in eliminating No. 33 Southeast Regional Vocational Tech from the MIAA Division 2 boys lacrosse tournament. The Bombers won the preliminary round game, 17-4, at Roots Athletic Complex.
Westfield advances to play the tournament’s top seed, Billerica Memorial (15-3) on June 1 at 6:30 p.m.
Westfield Public Schools Director of Human Resources Michael Morris has announced that two finalists have been selected for the principal position at Westfield Intermediate School. They are Mary Claire St. James, currently the principal for Stafford Elementary School in Connecticut, and Gary Wright, assistant principal at East Longmeadow High School.
Finalist forums will be held on Monday, June 1. Staff forums in the WIS library are scheduled for 2:45-3:15 p.m. to meet with Wright, and 3:15-3:45 p.m. to meet with St. James. Parent/community forums are scheduled for 5-5:30 p.m. to meet with Wright, and 5:40-6:10 p.m. to meet with St. James.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/05/finalist-forums-set-for-westfield-intermediate-school-principal-search.html
Finalist forums will be held on Monday, June 1. Staff forums in the WIS library are scheduled for 2:45-3:15 p.m. to meet with Wright, and 3:15-3:45 p.m. to meet with St. James. Parent/community forums are scheduled for 5-5:30 p.m. to meet with Wright, and 5:40-6:10 p.m. to meet with St. James.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/05/finalist-forums-set-for-westfield-intermediate-school-principal-search.html
Westfield Technical Academy is continuing its streak of representing Massachusetts in the SkillsUSA national competition.
Next week, sophomore Elias Layng will travel to Atlanta, Georgia, accompanied by his IT instructor Scott Lockwood and WTA’s SkillsUSA Chapter Advisor Angel Arenas Nieves, to compete for a medal in the Internet of Things. Layng earned the trip after winning the gold medal in Internet of Things in the state competition.
Arenas Nieves said, overall, the 23 competitors that WTA took to the state competition in Marlborough on April 30 and May 1 brought home a total of 27 silver and gold medals.
“Among the highlights, we had a two-member team earn silver in the Cybersecurity competition,” Arenas Nieves said, referring to the silver medal team of William Torres-Ortiz and Kaif Khan.
“Additionally, Eli Layng earned a gold medal in Internet of Things and will be advancing to the National Leadership & Skills Conference,” Arenas Nieves said. The group will be travelling to Atlanta, Georgia from June 1-6 for nationals.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/05/westfield-technical-academy-student-to-compete-in-skillsusa-nationals.html
Next week, sophomore Elias Layng will travel to Atlanta, Georgia, accompanied by his IT instructor Scott Lockwood and WTA’s SkillsUSA Chapter Advisor Angel Arenas Nieves, to compete for a medal in the Internet of Things. Layng earned the trip after winning the gold medal in Internet of Things in the state competition.
Arenas Nieves said, overall, the 23 competitors that WTA took to the state competition in Marlborough on April 30 and May 1 brought home a total of 27 silver and gold medals.
“Among the highlights, we had a two-member team earn silver in the Cybersecurity competition,” Arenas Nieves said, referring to the silver medal team of William Torres-Ortiz and Kaif Khan.
“Additionally, Eli Layng earned a gold medal in Internet of Things and will be advancing to the National Leadership & Skills Conference,” Arenas Nieves said. The group will be travelling to Atlanta, Georgia from June 1-6 for nationals.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/05/westfield-technical-academy-student-to-compete-in-skillsusa-nationals.html
Missed last week’s episode of Superintendent’s Spotlight? Catch up at the link below! 🎥⬇️
This episode featured a great conversation with some of our outstanding student-athletes as they reflected on the spring sports season and shared their experiences representing Westfield Public Schools. We also had a little fun celebrating National Talk Like Yoda Day—because sometimes, learning and laughter go hand in hand.
Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Itypcx43p8
Thank you for watching and for continuing to support our students and schools! #WestfieldPublicSchools #SuperintendentsSpotlight #StudentAthletes #SpringSports
This episode featured a great conversation with some of our outstanding student-athletes as they reflected on the spring sports season and shared their experiences representing Westfield Public Schools. We also had a little fun celebrating National Talk Like Yoda Day—because sometimes, learning and laughter go hand in hand.
Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Itypcx43p8
Thank you for watching and for continuing to support our students and schools! #WestfieldPublicSchools #SuperintendentsSpotlight #StudentAthletes #SpringSports
Second graders in Westfield River Elementary School studying plant adaptation traversed with their teachers to Grandmothers’ Garden on May 22, where they were greeted by volunteers.
The students were handed a scavenger hunt with boxes of things to look for and check off. Westfield School Committee member Kathleen Hillman asked the students what they might find on their hunt. Among the items on the list were a squirrel, a yellow flower, insects, sprouts, acorns, rocks or stones, butterflies and plants with thorns.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/05/grandmothers-garden-welcomes-westfield-river-elementary-second-graders.html
The students were handed a scavenger hunt with boxes of things to look for and check off. Westfield School Committee member Kathleen Hillman asked the students what they might find on their hunt. Among the items on the list were a squirrel, a yellow flower, insects, sprouts, acorns, rocks or stones, butterflies and plants with thorns.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/05/grandmothers-garden-welcomes-westfield-river-elementary-second-graders.html
Please click here for the latest newsletter from Westfield Public Schools. https://app.smore.com/n/95wjz
A reminder that Westfield Public Schools will be closed on Monday, May 25, 2026. Thank you.
Westfield River Elementary School recently opened a new food pantry to combat food insecurity among its students and their families. This initiative was made possible by a $7,500 donation from the Stop & Shop School Food Pantry Program.
The elementary school currently has 410 students enrolled, with a majority considered economically disadvantaged and facing daily food insecurity. Jill Phelan, principal of Westfield River Elementary School, emphasized the significant need for the new pantry.
The pantry is currently stocked with non-perishable items, dairy products and fresh produce. To ensure privacy and convenience for families, access to the pantry is available by appointment only. Families and students can arrange a visit by contacting the principal, school nurse, or secretary via phone or email.
https://www.wwlp.com/news/local-news/hampden-county/stop-shop-donates-7500-to-westfield-school-food-pantry/
The elementary school currently has 410 students enrolled, with a majority considered economically disadvantaged and facing daily food insecurity. Jill Phelan, principal of Westfield River Elementary School, emphasized the significant need for the new pantry.
The pantry is currently stocked with non-perishable items, dairy products and fresh produce. To ensure privacy and convenience for families, access to the pantry is available by appointment only. Families and students can arrange a visit by contacting the principal, school nurse, or secretary via phone or email.
https://www.wwlp.com/news/local-news/hampden-county/stop-shop-donates-7500-to-westfield-school-food-pantry/
Every day in school matters—attendance builds success.
The Westfield River Elementary School has announced the official grand opening of the Otter Essentials Pantry, a program to fight food insecurity amongst students and families.
The pantry will be stocked with nutritious shelf-stable foods so students can have consistent access to nourishment when the school is closed on weeknights and weekends. The initiative was done in partnership with the Stop & Shop School Food Pantry program, which is donating $7,500 in gift cards towards food and supplies.
“We are incredibly excited to partner with Stop & Shop to open our ‘Otter Essentials’ food pantry. As educators, we know that for a child to learn, grow, and succeed, their most basic needs must be met first. By opening this pantry in Westfield River Elementary, we are making support easily accessible to all of our families. My hope is that our community takes full advantage of this amazing resource,” said Westfield River Principal Jill Phelan.
Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski said he first made contact with the Stop & Shop Food Pantry program after seeing a link to it on the bottom of his grocery receipt. Knowing that a majority of the 410 students enrolled at Westfield River Elementary School are considered economically disadvantaged and may face food insecurity daily, he applied on behalf of the school, which opened in January 2025.
Czaporowski said that besides the $7,500 donation, Stop & Shop is providing signage for the pantry and recommendations for nutritious foods to buy, which will get the food pantry off to a great start. With the opening of Otter Essential, every school in the district now has a pantry of some sort, he said.
“We are incredibly grateful to Stop & Shop for their generous partnership and commitment to supporting the students and families of Westfield River Elementary School,” Czaporowski said. “The Otter Essentials Pantry will help ensure that our students have access to nutritious food beyond the school day, giving them the support they need to be healthy, engaged and ready to learn. This initiative reflects the power of community collaboration and the positive impact we can make when we come together to support children and families.”
Westfield River secretary Theresa Allie, who is helping Phelan to get the pantry ready for the opening, said the racks were ordered and all set up in the former storage space, and the school is working on getting a refrigerator donated.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/05/westfield-river-elementary-opens-new-food-pantry-with-a-grant-from-stop-shop.html
The pantry will be stocked with nutritious shelf-stable foods so students can have consistent access to nourishment when the school is closed on weeknights and weekends. The initiative was done in partnership with the Stop & Shop School Food Pantry program, which is donating $7,500 in gift cards towards food and supplies.
“We are incredibly excited to partner with Stop & Shop to open our ‘Otter Essentials’ food pantry. As educators, we know that for a child to learn, grow, and succeed, their most basic needs must be met first. By opening this pantry in Westfield River Elementary, we are making support easily accessible to all of our families. My hope is that our community takes full advantage of this amazing resource,” said Westfield River Principal Jill Phelan.
Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski said he first made contact with the Stop & Shop Food Pantry program after seeing a link to it on the bottom of his grocery receipt. Knowing that a majority of the 410 students enrolled at Westfield River Elementary School are considered economically disadvantaged and may face food insecurity daily, he applied on behalf of the school, which opened in January 2025.
Czaporowski said that besides the $7,500 donation, Stop & Shop is providing signage for the pantry and recommendations for nutritious foods to buy, which will get the food pantry off to a great start. With the opening of Otter Essential, every school in the district now has a pantry of some sort, he said.
“We are incredibly grateful to Stop & Shop for their generous partnership and commitment to supporting the students and families of Westfield River Elementary School,” Czaporowski said. “The Otter Essentials Pantry will help ensure that our students have access to nutritious food beyond the school day, giving them the support they need to be healthy, engaged and ready to learn. This initiative reflects the power of community collaboration and the positive impact we can make when we come together to support children and families.”
Westfield River secretary Theresa Allie, who is helping Phelan to get the pantry ready for the opening, said the racks were ordered and all set up in the former storage space, and the school is working on getting a refrigerator donated.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/05/westfield-river-elementary-opens-new-food-pantry-with-a-grant-from-stop-shop.html
This week on Superintendent’s Spotlight, we welcomed Kelly Pease for an insightful conversation about the state budget process and issues impacting our schools and community.
We also enjoyed a delicious visit from the talented staff and students of Westfield Technical Academy Culinary Arts Program, who celebrated National Leg of Lamb Day with amazing lamb gyros!
Thank you for watching and supporting Westfield Public Schools!
🎥 Watch the full episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrO707rNtUc
We also enjoyed a delicious visit from the talented staff and students of Westfield Technical Academy Culinary Arts Program, who celebrated National Leg of Lamb Day with amazing lamb gyros!
Thank you for watching and supporting Westfield Public Schools!
🎥 Watch the full episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrO707rNtUc
Today we celebrate our incredible school nurses—thank you for the care, compassion, and expertise you bring to our schools every single day. Your work keeps our students safe, healthy, and ready to learn. Happy School Nurses Day!
Gabriella Scottini has been named Westfield Technical Academy’s Outstanding Vocational Student for 2026. A senior in graphic communications, Scottini was recently honored along with 80 other students from across Massachusetts at the 40th Annual Outstanding Vocational Student Awards at Mechanics Hall in Worcester last month.
Each year, career technical schools across the state of Massachusetts nominate one student from each school who has demonstrated strong academic, technical and leadership skills.
The 40th anniversary marked a milestone in celebrating the achievements of career and technical education students who bridge academic excellence with real-world skills, leadership and community impact. The event also serves as a platform to inspire future generations in vocational and technical education.
Scottini was described at the awards ceremony by Lyndsay Grimsley, her art and communication instructor, as academically driven and college focused. Grimsley also said Scottini demonstrated exceptional academic excellence and leadership, holding multiple notable positions at WTA. She is the president of the class of 2026 and is part of the National Technical Honor Society and WTA Chapter SkillsUSA. Scottini is ranked third in her class and has earned 12 college credits through the Westfield Promise Early College program.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/05/westfield-senior-honored-as-outstanding-vocational-student-for-2026.html
Each year, career technical schools across the state of Massachusetts nominate one student from each school who has demonstrated strong academic, technical and leadership skills.
The 40th anniversary marked a milestone in celebrating the achievements of career and technical education students who bridge academic excellence with real-world skills, leadership and community impact. The event also serves as a platform to inspire future generations in vocational and technical education.
Scottini was described at the awards ceremony by Lyndsay Grimsley, her art and communication instructor, as academically driven and college focused. Grimsley also said Scottini demonstrated exceptional academic excellence and leadership, holding multiple notable positions at WTA. She is the president of the class of 2026 and is part of the National Technical Honor Society and WTA Chapter SkillsUSA. Scottini is ranked third in her class and has earned 12 college credits through the Westfield Promise Early College program.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/05/westfield-senior-honored-as-outstanding-vocational-student-for-2026.html
Happy National Teacher Appreciation Day!
Thank you to our incredible teachers for your dedication, passion, and the difference you make every day. #ThankATeacher
Thank you to our incredible teachers for your dedication, passion, and the difference you make every day. #ThankATeacher
Please click here for the latest newsletter from Westfield Intermediate School. Thank you! https://app.smore.com/n/k1rf5
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. #attendancematters
Please click here for the latest newsletter from Westfield River Elementary School. Thank you https://app.smore.com/n/drpez
This week on Superintendent’s Spotlight, we had the pleasure of sitting down with George and Geana Delisle to highlight the incredible work of Kiwanis of Westfield and the meaningful impact they continue to make for our students and community. Students and staff from Westfield Technical Academy’s Culinary Arts Department also stopped by to celebrate National Oatmeal Cookie Day, and they did not disappoint! Community, connection, and a little sweetness, this episode had it all. Thanks for watching.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-a1J1GLKCs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-a1J1GLKCs