Westfield Public Schools

Westfield police officers took time out during the day on March 29 to read to first graders in all six elementary schools in the city about their work keeping people safe. Police Lt. Eric Hall, who runs the community services unit, reached out to the School Department several months ago about having the officers come in. https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2023/03/police-officers-read-about-safety-to-first-graders-at-westfield-schools.html

If you missed the latest episode of "Superintendent's Spotlight" this morning, click on the link below. This week, we talked with WPS Community Outreach Coordinator Lesley Lambert about upcoming events, including the WPS Student Art Display at the Westfield Athenaeum in April, Credit for Life on April 14, and the return of Into the Arts on April 28 and 29. The WTA Culinary Arts Department also helped us celebrate National Turkey Neck Soup Day. Thanks for watching! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJJ85eJJI74

Tune in on Thursday, March 30 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 Westfield Public School's Community Outreach Coordinator, Lesley Lambert, about upcoming events including Into the Arts and Credit for Life. We will also talk about our Volunteers in Public Schools Program. Thanks for watching!

Jay Mankita and Susan McGinn of Playful Engineers spent two weeks this month at Franklin Avenue Elementary School, showing second and third graders how to build simple machines from household items. “We were fortunate to get a STARS grant from the Mass. Cultural Council to bring Jay to Franklin,” said Franklin Avenue Principal Chris Tolpa. This is the school’s second grant with Playful Engineers. The first was two years ago during the COVID-19 shutdown. https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2023/03/ex-entertainer-teaches-westfield-elementary-pupils-to-be-playful-engineers.html

If you missed "Superintendent's Spotlight" this morning, click on the link below. This week, we talked with staff from Franklin Avenue Elementary School and Westfield State University about STEM activities with students at Franklin Avenue Elementary. We also had some fun with World Math Day! Thanks for watching. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCAdvgFrlcw

Westfield High School Principal Charles Jendrysik told the School Committee on Monday night that he was excited to be there to talk about the school’s transition services for 18- to 22-year-olds, located in the Central Baptist Church at 115 Elm St., one of the three buildings he supervises along with the main campus and Pathways alternative program. “We also have some students here today who will talk about their experiences,” Jendrysik said. https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2023/03/young-adults-in-westfield-transition-program-speak-about-learning-life-skills.html

Tune in on Thursday, March 23 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 Chris Tolpa all about Franklin Avenue Elementary School. We will also recognize World Math Day. Thanks for watching!

While a Pope Francis student from Russell won the grand prize award at the Region IV Science Fair at Western New England University on March 10, Westfield High School students also fared very well, with one first place award, one second place, and six third place winners. Milana Camilleri, a junior at Westfield High School, won a first-place award in biology. Congratulations! https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2023/03/russell-westfield-students-win-awards-at-regional-science-fair-qualify-to-advance.html

The Westfield Education to Business Alliance (WE2BA) hosted it's fourth annual Career Expo and Job Fair Thursday morning at Westfield State University. Students from Westfield High School, Westfield Technical Academy, and St. Mary's High School were able to meet and interact with staff from over 70 businesses about careers, career opportunities, and part time employment. After the event, students were treated to lunch at WSU's Dining Commons. Thank you to the Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce and MassHire Holyoke for helping our district plan this wonderful event, to Westfield State University for hosting us and providing lunch for our students, to all the business that participated, and to Westfield Gas and Electric for their assistance with transportation costs. #AchievingExcellenceTogether

Westfield is now under a Winter Storm Warning and power outages are being reported in the city. As a result of this updated information, Westfield Public Schools will be closed today. Please stay safe. Thank you.

If you missed "Superintendent's Spotlight" this morning, click on the link below. This week, we interviewed Westfield High School Chorus Instructor Korey Bruno and members of the WHS Show Choir. The students performed for us as well and they were fantastic! Westfield Technical Academy Culinary Arts students also helped us celebrate National Meatball Day with some homemade meatballs in sauce that were outstanding. Thanks for watching! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRdbK9GD_qI

IT'S TIME!! Who likes C-A-S-H-?!?!...Who likes supporting our Westfield Public Schools?!!? WFE is holding its 1st Annual Cash Calendar Raffle Fundraiser for the month of April!! Purchase your Calendar anytime throughout the month of March and get 30 chances to win yourself some CASH! Simply scan the QR code on this post, make your $20 payment and you're ALL SET! BUT WAIT!.....There's more! 😉 The first 25 Calendars purchased will automatically be entered to win a $10 Dunkin' Gift Card AND 1 (one) Love Mich Cozy. Not feeling the QR purchase option? No worries! Physical Calendars will be available to purchase for cash by contacting westfield.foundation2013@gmail.com and at locations throughout Westfield. Details on the list of locations to follow shortly! ALL of the proceeds from the purchase of Calendar Raffles go DIRECTLY to supporting ALL of the Westfield Public Schools within the Westfield, MA district! Head over to www.westfieldfoundation.org to purchase, for information on the Grants we award, and to contact us with any questions.

Join us on Thursday, March 9 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, our guests are Mrs. Korey Bruno and the Westfield High School show Choir. The Westfield Technical Academy Culinary Arts Department will also help us celebrate National Meatball Day. Thanks for watching!

Stop in for lunch at Westfield Technical Academy's Tiger's Pride Restaurant Wednesday, March 8 and Thursday, March 9 from 10:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. On Thursday, March 9, customers will be treated to live entertainment with the Westfield High School Show Choir. Please call 413-564-3123 for more information. Thank you for supporting our students!

Registration for the Third Annual Math Acceleration Academy is now open! This is an opportunity for students in Grades 3-10 to improve their math skills, learn problem-solving methods, raise their MCAS scores, and HAVE SOME FUN! Click on the link to register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSegOhkhc0QBETYIptb5FhA9jFuGCL1R02Fxffk_fanOOeHvYw/viewform?usp=sf_link

SEPAC (Special Education Parent Advisory Council) is currently accepting nominations of educators and support personnel who go the extra mile to serve the Westfield District Schools’ special education community and inspire others to do the same. The Recognition of Excellence in Supporting Special Education is an important way for the community to thank those who through dedication, creativity, patience, and determination help students receiving special education to experience success.

If you missed the latest episode of "Superintendent's Spotlight" this morning, click on the link below. This week, we spoke with Band Director Pat Kennedy about the upcoming POPS Concert at WHS. We also spoke with our School Business Administrator about the budget process and our Director of Transportation about bussing. At the end of the show, we were treated to a delicious Banana Crem Pie made by another one of our talented WTA Culinary Arts students on National Banana Cream Pie Day! Thanks for watching! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PiAhIlSjGo4

Tune in on Thursday, March 2 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, Band Director Pat Kennedy stops by to talk about the 70th POPS concert at Westfield High School. We also talk with our School Business Administrator and Director of Transportation about the district budget and school transportation. Thanks for watching!

Families, educators, school leaders, and public education advocates across the country are joining together in celebrating public schools, Feb. 27–Mar. 3; a week designated to highlight and show support for our local public schools. Public Schools Week 2023 (#PSW23) is part of a larger campaign—#HerefortheKids—one that brings together families, educators, and community members to shine a light on local public schools and share the stories of the positive things happening in classrooms and school buildings nationwide. The teaching and learning in our local K-12 public schools positively impacts students and families, the neighborhoods, and communities they live in, and our nation as a whole. With commitment, creativity, and critical thinking, educators and school leaders continue to provide welcoming and engaging learning opportunities for our children. #Hereforthe Kids #AchievingExcellenceTogether

During his first month and a half as Westfield Middle School’s new principal, Jesse McMillan said his entire focus has been on listening, learning and building relationships with the school community in order to inform plans for the 2023-24 school year. He has started meeting with district administrators, other principals, and groups of staff, and recently held his first meeting with the entire staff. https://www.masslive.com/news/2023/02/westfield-middle-schools-principal-is-listening-learning-after-mid-year-arrival.html