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
It was the perfect start for the Southwick Regional High School boys basketball team.
A Westfield turnover, a Sean Braithwaite 3-pointer and a strong interior post move for two from John Whalley had Southwick up 5-0.
It proved to be fool’s gold though as Westfield went on a 15-0 run and cruised to a 58-32 win in the latest version of the border war against Southwick on Friday at James. E. Vincent Gymnasium.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/01/westfield-boys-basketball-runs-past-southwick-58-32.html
A Westfield turnover, a Sean Braithwaite 3-pointer and a strong interior post move for two from John Whalley had Southwick up 5-0.
It proved to be fool’s gold though as Westfield went on a 15-0 run and cruised to a 58-32 win in the latest version of the border war against Southwick on Friday at James. E. Vincent Gymnasium.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/01/westfield-boys-basketball-runs-past-southwick-58-32.html
High school golf season has long since passed, but Westfield Technical Academy senior golfer Dan O’Connor is still teeing off and sinking putts at an alarming rate.
O’Connor, a WTA senior in electrical engineering, recently signed his National Letter of Intent to play Division 2 golf at American International College during an official signing ceremony held at the high school on Dec. 15 with family members, teammates, coach Tim Pfau, and principal Bruce Hastings all by his side.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/01/westfield-technical-academy-senior-dan-oconnor-commits-to-aic.html
O’Connor, a WTA senior in electrical engineering, recently signed his National Letter of Intent to play Division 2 golf at American International College during an official signing ceremony held at the high school on Dec. 15 with family members, teammates, coach Tim Pfau, and principal Bruce Hastings all by his side.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/01/westfield-technical-academy-senior-dan-oconnor-commits-to-aic.html
A reminder that today, December 23, is an early release day for students.
• High Schools: 11:00 a.m. dismissal
• Middle & Intermediate Schools: 11:30 a.m. dismissal
• Elementary Schools: 12:15 p.m. dismissal
Thank you!
• High Schools: 11:00 a.m. dismissal
• Middle & Intermediate Schools: 11:30 a.m. dismissal
• Elementary Schools: 12:15 p.m. dismissal
Thank you!
This past weekend, Mrs. Thielen's Westfield River Third Grade class rang the bell for the Salvation Army. Collecting donations was their class community service project. Joined by Mrs. Thielen and their families, the students raised over $300 in their short, two hour shift.
Click on the link below to watch the latest "Superintendent's Spotlight". Last week, our guests included staff and students from Southampton Road Elementary School. Westfield Technical Academy's Culinary Arts Department also helped us to celebrate National Maple Syrup Day. Thanks for watching!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vz5BBDidaLg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vz5BBDidaLg
Westfield State University admissions staff and students went to Westfield High School on Dec. 17 to hand more than 50 WHS students' acceptances to the university on the first leg of its Future Owl Flight Tour.
“The Future Owl Flight Tour is the first event of its kind that we’re bringing to several schools in the area. It’s a way for us to celebrate accepted students for all of their hard work and getting into the university,” said WSU Admissions Marketing CRM Coordinator Kristina Adamyan.
WHS School Counselor Merylina Asselin called it a super day. Asselin said she was contacted by the WSU admission office because they were interested in doing an acceptance event at the school.
“They are looking to get students’ acceptances out to them and celebrate their accomplishments. They brought their mascot, treats and a small goodie bag,” Asselin said. Mayor Mike McCabe and WHS Principal Charles Jendrysik also got in on the action.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2025/12/westfield-state-sends-future-owl-flight-tour-to-westfield-high-school.html
“The Future Owl Flight Tour is the first event of its kind that we’re bringing to several schools in the area. It’s a way for us to celebrate accepted students for all of their hard work and getting into the university,” said WSU Admissions Marketing CRM Coordinator Kristina Adamyan.
WHS School Counselor Merylina Asselin called it a super day. Asselin said she was contacted by the WSU admission office because they were interested in doing an acceptance event at the school.
“They are looking to get students’ acceptances out to them and celebrate their accomplishments. They brought their mascot, treats and a small goodie bag,” Asselin said. Mayor Mike McCabe and WHS Principal Charles Jendrysik also got in on the action.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2025/12/westfield-state-sends-future-owl-flight-tour-to-westfield-high-school.html
The School Committee took time at the start of the meeting on Dec. 15 to say goodbye to two longtime members, Timothy O’Connor and Heather Sullivan, who have served 17 and 16 years, respectively, with some years off in between.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2025/12/school-committee-thanks-tim-oconnor-and-heather-sullivan-for-their-service.html
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2025/12/school-committee-thanks-tim-oconnor-and-heather-sullivan-for-their-service.html
The arrival of a brand new Volvo ECR 25 Electric Excavator, with a value of $80,000 to $100,000, at the Westfield Technical Academy Horticulture Department on Dec. 15, created quite a stir. The donation was made possible by J.L. Raymaakers & Sons, Tyler Equipment Corporation and Volvo.
Tony Brignoli, sales manager at Tyler Equipment in East Longmeadow, said the machine is three tons — 6,000 pounds, the weight of a rhinoceros, and the value of 42,000 gallons of diesel fuel, or 12,000 Red Sox tickets. “The education value is priceless. It is fully electric. Tyler Equipment is here to support the school,” he said.
Nathan Sperry, horticulture department head, said they can use the electric excavator indoors in the winter for training, because it has no emissions, and on job sites in the community. “Currently, students train on a simulator. Now, they can get on the real machine after lessons,” he said, adding that the battery has four hours of run time.
“It’s a big day for WTA. I still don’t know the story of how this happened,” Sperry, who’s been teaching for 18 years, said in his remarks to the shop supporters. He said when he first started at WTA, there were only two pieces of equipment, and now, through the support of the administration and the community, everything has changed. “What a blessing it’s been,” he said.
John Raymaakers, a member of the program’s advisory board, answered the question of how the donation happened. He said the school is building a home from the ground up, with 100% of proceeds going back to the school, and horticulture is participating in the outdoor work, which requires an excavator.
Raymaakers said he called Tyler Equipment and asked if there was any way to get Volvo to give an excavator, maybe a used one. “This one is brand new. They donated the entire machine to the school. My jaw dropped,” he said.
Raymaakers said as a former student, along with his parents before him, he knows everyone has to learn at some point. “I can’t thank the Tyler family enough. We are going to use this in the spring to put in the water and sewer line at the house build. My brother and I will be there to help.”
Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski praised Sperry for his work with the horticulture department and the great work the students have been doing in the community. “School-business partnerships play a critical role in making that possible,” he said, listing several outstanding partners who exemplify collaboration, including Elm Electrical and Westfield Gas & Electric. He said J.L. Raymaakers & Sons has “consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to student learning by connecting classroom instruction with real-world applications.”
“Because of partnerships like these, our students engage in meaningful, hands-on experiences that deepen learning, spark curiosity and open doors. These collaborations strengthen our schools, our workforce and our entire community,” Czaporowski said.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2025/12/brand-new-volvo-ecr-25-electric-excavator-donated-to-westfield-technical-academy.html
Tony Brignoli, sales manager at Tyler Equipment in East Longmeadow, said the machine is three tons — 6,000 pounds, the weight of a rhinoceros, and the value of 42,000 gallons of diesel fuel, or 12,000 Red Sox tickets. “The education value is priceless. It is fully electric. Tyler Equipment is here to support the school,” he said.
Nathan Sperry, horticulture department head, said they can use the electric excavator indoors in the winter for training, because it has no emissions, and on job sites in the community. “Currently, students train on a simulator. Now, they can get on the real machine after lessons,” he said, adding that the battery has four hours of run time.
“It’s a big day for WTA. I still don’t know the story of how this happened,” Sperry, who’s been teaching for 18 years, said in his remarks to the shop supporters. He said when he first started at WTA, there were only two pieces of equipment, and now, through the support of the administration and the community, everything has changed. “What a blessing it’s been,” he said.
John Raymaakers, a member of the program’s advisory board, answered the question of how the donation happened. He said the school is building a home from the ground up, with 100% of proceeds going back to the school, and horticulture is participating in the outdoor work, which requires an excavator.
Raymaakers said he called Tyler Equipment and asked if there was any way to get Volvo to give an excavator, maybe a used one. “This one is brand new. They donated the entire machine to the school. My jaw dropped,” he said.
Raymaakers said as a former student, along with his parents before him, he knows everyone has to learn at some point. “I can’t thank the Tyler family enough. We are going to use this in the spring to put in the water and sewer line at the house build. My brother and I will be there to help.”
Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski praised Sperry for his work with the horticulture department and the great work the students have been doing in the community. “School-business partnerships play a critical role in making that possible,” he said, listing several outstanding partners who exemplify collaboration, including Elm Electrical and Westfield Gas & Electric. He said J.L. Raymaakers & Sons has “consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to student learning by connecting classroom instruction with real-world applications.”
“Because of partnerships like these, our students engage in meaningful, hands-on experiences that deepen learning, spark curiosity and open doors. These collaborations strengthen our schools, our workforce and our entire community,” Czaporowski said.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2025/12/brand-new-volvo-ecr-25-electric-excavator-donated-to-westfield-technical-academy.html
Join us for lunch this Wednesday, December 17 and Thursday, December 18 at Tiger's Pride Restaurant at Westfield Technical Academy from 10:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. For more information, please call 413-564-3123. Thank you for supporting our talented students.
Please click here for the District's Second Quarterly newsletter for the 2025-2026 School year. Thank you!
https://www.schoolsofwestfield.org/documents/district/district-newsletters/2025-2026/quarter-2/23361217
https://www.schoolsofwestfield.org/documents/district/district-newsletters/2025-2026/quarter-2/23361217
🌟 Show up. Learn. Grow. Repeat. Every day in school = one step closer to your goals! #EveryDayCounts
Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski said this year’s monthly Westfield Education to Business Alliance meetings will focus on different themes and ways that area businesses and organizations can interact in a meaningful way with the schools.
WE2BA is a dynamic partnership between Westfield Public Schools and the Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce that creates opportunities that support students, empower educators and strengthen Westfield’s business community.
One of the topics at the WE2BA meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 16, from 8-9 a.m. in Tiger’s Pride at the Westfield Technical Academy, 33 Smith Ave., will be on how businesses or individuals may “adopt” a classroom.
Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski said in the Adopt-a-Classroom program, businesses or individuals in different professions get involved by sharing their expertise or learning with a classroom of students. “It’s not necessarily financial, we’re looking for your time and talent,” he said.
Professionals who participate in Adopt-a-Classroom do not have to have experience in the classroom, as they will be guided in their lesson plans by one of the content supervisors at Westfield Public Schools: Mary Keane, English Language Arts; Kate Perez, Mathematics; Christina Smith, science and technology; and Lindsey Ayers, K-4 STEM coach.
“We want to encourage any business or someone who works for a business to be involved. Adopt-a-Classroom helps to provide authentic, real-world learning experiences for our students, and our partnerships with businesses help to accomplish that,” Czaporowski said.
Other topics at the meeting on Dec. 16 will be on how to participate as a judge in the upcoming high school science fair and on the Westfield High School student web-design program.
At the next WE2BA meeting on Jan. 28, 8-9 a.m., the focus will be on student internships, job shadowing and cooperative education.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2025/12/westfield-education-to-business-alliance-to-meet-dec-16-at-tigers-pride.html
WE2BA is a dynamic partnership between Westfield Public Schools and the Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce that creates opportunities that support students, empower educators and strengthen Westfield’s business community.
One of the topics at the WE2BA meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 16, from 8-9 a.m. in Tiger’s Pride at the Westfield Technical Academy, 33 Smith Ave., will be on how businesses or individuals may “adopt” a classroom.
Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski said in the Adopt-a-Classroom program, businesses or individuals in different professions get involved by sharing their expertise or learning with a classroom of students. “It’s not necessarily financial, we’re looking for your time and talent,” he said.
Professionals who participate in Adopt-a-Classroom do not have to have experience in the classroom, as they will be guided in their lesson plans by one of the content supervisors at Westfield Public Schools: Mary Keane, English Language Arts; Kate Perez, Mathematics; Christina Smith, science and technology; and Lindsey Ayers, K-4 STEM coach.
“We want to encourage any business or someone who works for a business to be involved. Adopt-a-Classroom helps to provide authentic, real-world learning experiences for our students, and our partnerships with businesses help to accomplish that,” Czaporowski said.
Other topics at the meeting on Dec. 16 will be on how to participate as a judge in the upcoming high school science fair and on the Westfield High School student web-design program.
At the next WE2BA meeting on Jan. 28, 8-9 a.m., the focus will be on student internships, job shadowing and cooperative education.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2025/12/westfield-education-to-business-alliance-to-meet-dec-16-at-tigers-pride.html
With his father watching, on Dec. 11, over a thousand students, most wearing black, gathered together with teachers, administrators, city and state officials, and military service members in the Westfield High School gymnasium to honor the memory of U.S. Navy Seal Christopher Chambers, a 2005 graduate, who died defending the United States of America during a miliary operation in January 2024.
To honor Chambers, a plaque detailing his life’s achievements was dedicated during the ceremony that his father, Kevin Chambers, attended.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2025/12/fallen-seal-christopher-chambers-is-honored-with-plaque.html
To honor Chambers, a plaque detailing his life’s achievements was dedicated during the ceremony that his father, Kevin Chambers, attended.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2025/12/fallen-seal-christopher-chambers-is-honored-with-plaque.html