PRESS RELEASE – MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Office of Language Acquisition will conduct a Tiered Focused Monitoring Review of the Westfield Public School District the week of December 1, 2025.
During the week of December 1, 2025, the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s (DESE’s) Office of Language Acquisition (OLA) will conduct a Tiered Focused Monitoring Review of the Westfield Public School District. The Office of Language Acquisition reviews each district’s and charter school’s ELE program every six years to monitor compliance with federal and state English learner education laws and regulations. Areas of review will include English learners’ student assessments, identification of English learners; what programs English learners are placed in, parent and community involvement, curriculum and instruction, student support services, licensure requirements for faculty, staff and administration, program plans, and evaluation and recordkeeping.
In addition to the onsite visit, parent outreach is an important part of the review process. The district will send a survey to the parents of students whose records the review team examines. The survey focuses on key areas of their child’s English learner education program. Survey results will be reviewed by OLA and they will contribute to the monitoring report.
Parents and other individuals may call Samantha Kodak, Office of Language Acquisition Review Chairperson, at (781) 338-3584 to request a telephone interview. If an individual requires an accommodation, such as translation, to participate in an interview, DESE will make the necessary arrangements.
Within approximately 60 business days of the onsite visit, the review chairperson will provide the Westfield Public School District with a report with information about areas in which the Westfield Public School District meets or exceeds regulatory requirements and areas in which the Westfield Public School District requires assistance to correct or improve practices. The report will be available to the public at https://www.doe.mass.edu/ele/cpr/.
During the week of December 1, 2025, the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s (DESE’s) Office of Language Acquisition (OLA) will conduct a Tiered Focused Monitoring Review of the Westfield Public School District. The Office of Language Acquisition reviews each district’s and charter school’s ELE program every six years to monitor compliance with federal and state English learner education laws and regulations. Areas of review will include English learners’ student assessments, identification of English learners; what programs English learners are placed in, parent and community involvement, curriculum and instruction, student support services, licensure requirements for faculty, staff and administration, program plans, and evaluation and recordkeeping.
In addition to the onsite visit, parent outreach is an important part of the review process. The district will send a survey to the parents of students whose records the review team examines. The survey focuses on key areas of their child’s English learner education program. Survey results will be reviewed by OLA and they will contribute to the monitoring report.
Parents and other individuals may call Samantha Kodak, Office of Language Acquisition Review Chairperson, at (781) 338-3584 to request a telephone interview. If an individual requires an accommodation, such as translation, to participate in an interview, DESE will make the necessary arrangements.
Within approximately 60 business days of the onsite visit, the review chairperson will provide the Westfield Public School District with a report with information about areas in which the Westfield Public School District meets or exceeds regulatory requirements and areas in which the Westfield Public School District requires assistance to correct or improve practices. The report will be available to the public at https://www.doe.mass.edu/ele/cpr/.
Stop by Tiger's Pride Restaurant at Westfield Technical Academy on Thursday, November 13 from 10:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. for a delicious lunch prepared by our talented students. Thank you for your support!
"When students show up, they grow academically and socially."
A reminder that schools will be closed on Tuesday, November 11, in observance of Veteran's Day. Thank you.
Catch this week's new "Superintendent's Spotlight" by clicking on the link below. In this episode, we talked all about Paper Mill Elementary School with Principal Mike Atkins. Staff and students from WTA's Culinary Arts Program also helped us to celebrate National Nachos Day with some delicious homemade nachos. Thanks for watching! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CfGkj3ueNWQ
A moving Veterans Day assembly in the auditorium of Westfield Intermediate School honored the veterans who attended, several of whom were sitting with their children and grandchildren who attended the school, by name and service, and gave one sixth grader in particular the opportunity to praise his grandfather.
The assembly began with a color guard and the chorus singing the national anthem. Navy veteran Gary Fontaine narrated the meaning of the 13 folds of the American flag as Cindy LaCoste and Cathy Martin folded a flag on stage.
Principal Greg Miller introduced students Alexander Rivera and Oliver Szlachetka who spoke about the history and meaning of Veterans Day. “This day is about showing respect and gratitude,” they said.
Miller then announced that the winner of the American Legion Post 124 essay contest for sixth graders on what it means to be a hero was Lennox Carmichael, who he then invited onstage to read his essay in honor of his grandfather Bill Dupre.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2025/11/veterans-assembly-at-westfield-intermediate-school-honors-those-who-served.html
The assembly began with a color guard and the chorus singing the national anthem. Navy veteran Gary Fontaine narrated the meaning of the 13 folds of the American flag as Cindy LaCoste and Cathy Martin folded a flag on stage.
Principal Greg Miller introduced students Alexander Rivera and Oliver Szlachetka who spoke about the history and meaning of Veterans Day. “This day is about showing respect and gratitude,” they said.
Miller then announced that the winner of the American Legion Post 124 essay contest for sixth graders on what it means to be a hero was Lennox Carmichael, who he then invited onstage to read his essay in honor of his grandfather Bill Dupre.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2025/11/veterans-assembly-at-westfield-intermediate-school-honors-those-who-served.html
Join us for lunch this Friday, November 7, from 10:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at Westfield Technical Academy's Tiger's Pride Restaurant. For more information, please call 413-564-3123. Thank you for supporting our students!
Munger Hill Elementary Principal Stacy Burgess and teacher Jennifer Kubic gave a presentation on ST Math with the help of district ST Math mascot JiJi. Burgess said ST Math is a visual instruction program that uses game-based puzzles, starting with language free puzzles in the early grades that eventually connects to traditional math.
Kubic said the program challenges students not to learn by rote memorization, but to work through the puzzles to solve them, building perseverance and critical thinking. She said students receive immediate feedback with the help of JiJi. “When JiJi crosses the screen, students know they got it right,” she said, adding that the school’s goal is to get to 80 percent math by the end of the year for the fourth year in a row.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2025/11/on-eve-of-election-school-committee-conducts-business-as-usual.html
Kubic said the program challenges students not to learn by rote memorization, but to work through the puzzles to solve them, building perseverance and critical thinking. She said students receive immediate feedback with the help of JiJi. “When JiJi crosses the screen, students know they got it right,” she said, adding that the school’s goal is to get to 80 percent math by the end of the year for the fourth year in a row.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2025/11/on-eve-of-election-school-committee-conducts-business-as-usual.html
Please click here for the latest newsletter from Southampton Road Elementary School. Thank you! https://app.smore.com/n/396sp#bos7sn8u58
"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
