Everywhere Joules goes she’s greeted with nuzzles, snuggles, and cuddles because that’s the only job the Police Department’s first comfort dog has.
“She puts smiles on people’s faces,” said Police Detective Christopher Coach at Westfield Intermediate School to the sixth-grade classes of Amy Haramut and Ethan Dallas.
And the students were all smiles, oohing and aahing, and petting, and snuggling Joules while she lapped it up with her fat tail wagging away.
Joules was purchased with a generous donation by WG&E/Whip City Fiber.
While the department is familiar with K9s that track, sniff out drugs, and provide a deterrence when its handler needs help, Joules, an English Labrador with an unusual charcoal gray coat, spends her days bringing smiles to children at the city’s schools, interacting with the elderly at various assistant living facilities, providing a calming presence in stressful environments, and help people with anxiety, trauma, loneliness, or illness by providing a gentle, non-judgmental distraction, and to encourage social interaction.
There is a reason why Joules is perfectly suited to the role.
English Labradors are known for their stockier build – even at 15 weeks old it’s evident Joules is going to be huge – a blockier head, and a calm demeanor.
“She is relaxed, very chill,” Coach said as the students gathered around her in each class.
She’s different from other labradors that are bred primarily for hunting and field work; English Labradors are bred as family companions to be relaxed and patient, which Joules clearly was with the students.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2025/12/comfort-dog-joules-creates-sparks-of-joy-with-students.html
“She puts smiles on people’s faces,” said Police Detective Christopher Coach at Westfield Intermediate School to the sixth-grade classes of Amy Haramut and Ethan Dallas.
And the students were all smiles, oohing and aahing, and petting, and snuggling Joules while she lapped it up with her fat tail wagging away.
Joules was purchased with a generous donation by WG&E/Whip City Fiber.
While the department is familiar with K9s that track, sniff out drugs, and provide a deterrence when its handler needs help, Joules, an English Labrador with an unusual charcoal gray coat, spends her days bringing smiles to children at the city’s schools, interacting with the elderly at various assistant living facilities, providing a calming presence in stressful environments, and help people with anxiety, trauma, loneliness, or illness by providing a gentle, non-judgmental distraction, and to encourage social interaction.
There is a reason why Joules is perfectly suited to the role.
English Labradors are known for their stockier build – even at 15 weeks old it’s evident Joules is going to be huge – a blockier head, and a calm demeanor.
“She is relaxed, very chill,” Coach said as the students gathered around her in each class.
She’s different from other labradors that are bred primarily for hunting and field work; English Labradors are bred as family companions to be relaxed and patient, which Joules clearly was with the students.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2025/12/comfort-dog-joules-creates-sparks-of-joy-with-students.html
Westfield Technical Academy's sophomore and junior Aviation classes recently took a memorable trip to the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome in New York. The goal of the visit was to deepen students’ understanding of the early days of flight, with a focus on aviation during the World War I era — also known as the Gilded Age of Aviation.
From the moment they arrived, students were met with incredible hospitality. The Aerodrome staff generously opened up the entire facility, allowing for an up-close look at rare vintage aircraft, historical displays, and hangars full of early aviation treasures.
For many, the highlight was the chance to see authentic WWI-era planes and learn how aviation technology evolved during that period. The experience brought classroom lessons to life in a way that textbooks simply can’t match.
Overall, the trip was both educational and inspiring — a unique opportunity to explore aviation history firsthand.
From the moment they arrived, students were met with incredible hospitality. The Aerodrome staff generously opened up the entire facility, allowing for an up-close look at rare vintage aircraft, historical displays, and hangars full of early aviation treasures.
For many, the highlight was the chance to see authentic WWI-era planes and learn how aviation technology evolved during that period. The experience brought classroom lessons to life in a way that textbooks simply can’t match.
Overall, the trip was both educational and inspiring — a unique opportunity to explore aviation history firsthand.
On Dec. 4, Blessed Buys Thrift Shoppe on 20 Broad St. presented its quarterly donation of $1,200 to the Westfield Public Schools to help students and their families who are in need.
“We have a number of families that either come to the Welcome Center or call us with some kind of need, and these funds will go towards supporting them,” said Christine Shea, director of assessment and accountability for Westfield Public Schools, adding that the money from Blessed Buys will be used to purchase gift cards from grocery stores for families who are food insecure and come to them seeking help.
“It’s amazingly helpful. We couldn’t do it otherwise, because we don’t have a way to purchase gift cards right now. The need is so great, this gives us an additional boost, so we can meet the need when families come in,” Shea said.
The thrift store has given $4,800 to area non-profits and other organizations this past year from proceeds of sales. The store also raises money to support church activities.
Blessed Buys volunteer Cindy Gaylord said they also give away clothes to people in shelters and have been working with the Red Cross to donate kitchen supplies and clothing to people who lost everything in recent fires.
The week before Christmas will begin their 50% off holiday sale, continuing through the end of December, Gaylord said. Open hours are Thursdays and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2025/12/thrift-store-gives-1200-to-schools-to-help-students-and-families-in-need.html
“We have a number of families that either come to the Welcome Center or call us with some kind of need, and these funds will go towards supporting them,” said Christine Shea, director of assessment and accountability for Westfield Public Schools, adding that the money from Blessed Buys will be used to purchase gift cards from grocery stores for families who are food insecure and come to them seeking help.
“It’s amazingly helpful. We couldn’t do it otherwise, because we don’t have a way to purchase gift cards right now. The need is so great, this gives us an additional boost, so we can meet the need when families come in,” Shea said.
The thrift store has given $4,800 to area non-profits and other organizations this past year from proceeds of sales. The store also raises money to support church activities.
Blessed Buys volunteer Cindy Gaylord said they also give away clothes to people in shelters and have been working with the Red Cross to donate kitchen supplies and clothing to people who lost everything in recent fires.
The week before Christmas will begin their 50% off holiday sale, continuing through the end of December, Gaylord said. Open hours are Thursdays and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2025/12/thrift-store-gives-1200-to-schools-to-help-students-and-families-in-need.html
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now available for students who will be in college during the 2026-27 academic year. Students can visit fafsa.gov to complete the online financial aid application used by the vast majority of U.S. colleges.
https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
AVIATION PAINT A PLANE NIGHT!!- Our Aviation Maintenance Technology Program held its FIRST Annual Paint a Plane Night last month. Students and their families picked out their favorite airplane and created masterpieces on canvas! The event was well attended, and much fun was had. Thank you to our Aviation staff, students, and families for making this event a success. #AchievingExcellenceTogether #STEAM
Click on the link below to watch yesterday's brand new "Superintendent's Spotlight". This week, we spoke with staff and second grade students from Highland Elementary School about their latest PLTW - Project Lead The Way assignment. Staff and students from Westfield Technical Academy's Culinary Arts Program joined the show to help us recognize National Cookie Day. Thanks for watching!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYRzg_KDQrQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYRzg_KDQrQ
Before introducing Westfield High School Career Center Counselor Patty Healy to the School Committee on Dec. 1, Principal Charles Jendrysik said the internship program for seniors at the school is thriving.
“We’ve had our internship program going for a number of years now, but this is the third year that it’s run under Patty. We’ve seen it grow, we’ve seen the quality of the programming grow, and the quality of the internships get stronger throughout the years, and we thought it would be exciting for you guys to hear some of the experiences that our students are having in the community,” Jendrysik said.
Healy, who had brought five students with her to speak about their internships, said there are currently 38 students, all seniors, in the program this semester, and the interest continues to expand.
She said the career center has evolved a little bit, and they are getting some great true internships in career fields the students are interested in learning more about before they graduate from high school.
The largest area is the medical field. Healy said she has students in physical therapy, radiology, oncology, skilled nursing and behavioral health. She also has her first student intern in the engineering field at ProAmpac.
The second largest area of interest is education, with students in both the middle school and elementary schools. She also has students at Armbrook Village, the Westfield Fire Department, Westfield Dispatch 911 and Mountainview Landscaping.
Healy said if any business is interested in getting a student intern, they can reach out to the Westfield High School office and let them know the position, the qualifications needed and the time of day. She said the goal is 10 hours minimum, although they do have students who spend more time than that, including one at the ER who stays late outside of internship hours one day a week because he loves it.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2025/12/westfield-high-school-interns-excited-about-opportunities.html
“We’ve had our internship program going for a number of years now, but this is the third year that it’s run under Patty. We’ve seen it grow, we’ve seen the quality of the programming grow, and the quality of the internships get stronger throughout the years, and we thought it would be exciting for you guys to hear some of the experiences that our students are having in the community,” Jendrysik said.
Healy, who had brought five students with her to speak about their internships, said there are currently 38 students, all seniors, in the program this semester, and the interest continues to expand.
She said the career center has evolved a little bit, and they are getting some great true internships in career fields the students are interested in learning more about before they graduate from high school.
The largest area is the medical field. Healy said she has students in physical therapy, radiology, oncology, skilled nursing and behavioral health. She also has her first student intern in the engineering field at ProAmpac.
The second largest area of interest is education, with students in both the middle school and elementary schools. She also has students at Armbrook Village, the Westfield Fire Department, Westfield Dispatch 911 and Mountainview Landscaping.
Healy said if any business is interested in getting a student intern, they can reach out to the Westfield High School office and let them know the position, the qualifications needed and the time of day. She said the goal is 10 hours minimum, although they do have students who spend more time than that, including one at the ER who stays late outside of internship hours one day a week because he loves it.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2025/12/westfield-high-school-interns-excited-about-opportunities.html
The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Office of Language Acquisition will conduct a Tiered Focused Monitoring Review of the Westfield Public School District’s English learner education program the week of Dec. 1.
The Office of Language Acquisition reviews each district’s and charter school’s 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.
Christine Shea, director of assessment and accountability for Westfield Public Schools, said there are currently 409 English learners in the school district, 27 of whom opt out of ESL instruction, and 119 former EL students, who no longer require ESL instruction. Shea said these students are monitored for four years to ensure they’re succeeding academically.
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 and will contribute to the monitoring report.
The district will also be doing a full day of interviews with classroom teachers at all levels, English as a second language teachers, administrators and a parent focus group.
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. “They do these every six years - it’s very in-depth,” Shea said.
Through the survey and the focus group, Shea said she hopes to learn if there are things that families are looking for that they are not doing. “It’s a learning experience for us. We always feel there are ways to improve,” she said.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2025/12/dese-to-conduct-review-of-westfields-english-learner-education-program-this-week.html
The Office of Language Acquisition reviews each district’s and charter school’s 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.
Christine Shea, director of assessment and accountability for Westfield Public Schools, said there are currently 409 English learners in the school district, 27 of whom opt out of ESL instruction, and 119 former EL students, who no longer require ESL instruction. Shea said these students are monitored for four years to ensure they’re succeeding academically.
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 and will contribute to the monitoring report.
The district will also be doing a full day of interviews with classroom teachers at all levels, English as a second language teachers, administrators and a parent focus group.
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. “They do these every six years - it’s very in-depth,” Shea said.
Through the survey and the focus group, Shea said she hopes to learn if there are things that families are looking for that they are not doing. “It’s a learning experience for us. We always feel there are ways to improve,” she said.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2025/12/dese-to-conduct-review-of-westfields-english-learner-education-program-this-week.html
Due to today’s conditions, all afterschool and evening programs and activities are canceled for Tuesday, December 2, 2025. Please stay safe and take care.
Please click here for the latest article from Westfield Intermediate School. Thank you! https://app.smore.com/n/n1mp8
The Westfield High School Drama Club will perform William Shakespeare’s “Romeo & Juliet” on Dec. 4 and 5 at the school. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the play begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $5 for seniors and students and $10 for adults.
“Romeo & Juliet” is directed by Drama Club advisor Owen Snyder, choreographed by Hannah Bruno, with fight choreography by Devon Fillion.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2025/12/westfield-high-school-to-perform-romeo-juliet-dec-4-5.html
“Romeo & Juliet” is directed by Drama Club advisor Owen Snyder, choreographed by Hannah Bruno, with fight choreography by Devon Fillion.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2025/12/westfield-high-school-to-perform-romeo-juliet-dec-4-5.html
Showing up to school does more than earn attendance points — it builds confidence, strengthens relationships, and creates routines that prepare students for life. When students are present, learning happens, friendships grow, and futures open up. Families and community: your support makes the difference. #AchievingExcellenceTogether
Join WE2BA — a dynamic partnership between Westfield Public Schools and the Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce. Together, we create opportunities that support our students, empower educators, and strengthen Westfield’s business community. Be part of shaping our city’s future!
The 2026–2027 Massachusetts Application for State Financial Aid (MASFA) is now available. The MASFA allows students who are not eligible to file a FAFSA to complete the MASFA and be considered for need-based state financial aid. Completing the MASFA does not guarantee access to state financial aid, but it makes all students in Massachusetts eligible for consideration under the same terms as the FAFSA.
https://www.mass.edu/forstufam/instatetuition/home.asp?mc_cid=001b4a8db7&mc_eid=b9358ce1c4
https://www.mass.edu/forstufam/instatetuition/home.asp?mc_cid=001b4a8db7&mc_eid=b9358ce1c4
Sue Figy, who has cochaired the Westfield Public Schools Thanksgiving meal drive with Ralph Figy and Jimmy and Eileen Jachym for at least 13 years, said the group ended up with meals for 232 families.
“It was a banner year for donations. People were so phenomenal this year; we never had as many donations as we did this year,” Figy said. Monetary donations were used to purchase gift cards to be given out for Christmas and for families facing difficulties and emergency situations throughout the year.
“Those who were unable to cook due to their living situation were given gift cards,” Figy said, adding through the drive, they learned of 45 homeless families in the district. All of the families are identified by their schools and kept confidential. “We never know the names,” she said.
Among the standouts in giving to the drive was the Student Government Association at Westfield State University, who presented a check for $5,012.84 from two years of fundraising.
Figy also mentioned retired teacher Ann-Marie Buell and her husband, Michael Buell, who answered the call and donated 50 turkeys this year. Also giving generously were Westfield Gas & Electric, Firtion-Adams Funeral Home, J.L. Raymaakers & Sons and ROAR, Advance Manufacturing, Westfield Bank, who sponsored 50 turkeys; Rick Sullivan and Lisa Oleksak Sullivan, who gave ingredients for 232 green bean casseroles; Janet and David Mayhew and Dr. Stanley Konefal, who provided a huge amount of gift cards and volunteers for packing and delivering.
Many donors sponsored a part of the meal. Among them were Dr. Jane F. Martone DDS, Kristen and Rob Levesque, Judy Puer, Dr. Jim McCann, chiropractic, Kathy Wallis -McCann, Coldwell Banker Realtors Bobbi Pitkin, Kathy Mochak, Mary Ann Irwin, Rita Slaskinski, Maureen Tsatsos and Shirley Sbriscia; Attorney Richard Sullivan III of Lyon & Fitzpatrick LLP; Mary Quesnel, Mortgage Movement; and Linda Wortman, Coldwell Banker; and A Signature Fence. Bags were provided by Westfield Gas and Electric, Polish National Credit Union and The Westfield Bank.
Figy talked about the volunteers who came and helped put together the meals in bags, an effort which began on Thursday with picking up the food, and bagging on Friday. She said she went for the produce, picking up 1,250 pounds of potatoes, apples, and food from Shop Rite, with help from Brian Sullivan.
On Friday, everything was made ready for delivery to the schools. “We had great helpers. We were done packing all the bags and delivering the bags by 11 a.m.,” she said, singling out the students from Westfield High School.
She also pointed to the effort by Josh Adams of Firtion-Adams, who picked up all the turkeys at North Elm Butcher Block, beginning at 7 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 24, and delivered them all to the schools in time for the Thanksgiving meal.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2025/11/banner-year-for-westfield-public-schools-thanksgiving-meal-drive.html
“It was a banner year for donations. People were so phenomenal this year; we never had as many donations as we did this year,” Figy said. Monetary donations were used to purchase gift cards to be given out for Christmas and for families facing difficulties and emergency situations throughout the year.
“Those who were unable to cook due to their living situation were given gift cards,” Figy said, adding through the drive, they learned of 45 homeless families in the district. All of the families are identified by their schools and kept confidential. “We never know the names,” she said.
Among the standouts in giving to the drive was the Student Government Association at Westfield State University, who presented a check for $5,012.84 from two years of fundraising.
Figy also mentioned retired teacher Ann-Marie Buell and her husband, Michael Buell, who answered the call and donated 50 turkeys this year. Also giving generously were Westfield Gas & Electric, Firtion-Adams Funeral Home, J.L. Raymaakers & Sons and ROAR, Advance Manufacturing, Westfield Bank, who sponsored 50 turkeys; Rick Sullivan and Lisa Oleksak Sullivan, who gave ingredients for 232 green bean casseroles; Janet and David Mayhew and Dr. Stanley Konefal, who provided a huge amount of gift cards and volunteers for packing and delivering.
Many donors sponsored a part of the meal. Among them were Dr. Jane F. Martone DDS, Kristen and Rob Levesque, Judy Puer, Dr. Jim McCann, chiropractic, Kathy Wallis -McCann, Coldwell Banker Realtors Bobbi Pitkin, Kathy Mochak, Mary Ann Irwin, Rita Slaskinski, Maureen Tsatsos and Shirley Sbriscia; Attorney Richard Sullivan III of Lyon & Fitzpatrick LLP; Mary Quesnel, Mortgage Movement; and Linda Wortman, Coldwell Banker; and A Signature Fence. Bags were provided by Westfield Gas and Electric, Polish National Credit Union and The Westfield Bank.
Figy talked about the volunteers who came and helped put together the meals in bags, an effort which began on Thursday with picking up the food, and bagging on Friday. She said she went for the produce, picking up 1,250 pounds of potatoes, apples, and food from Shop Rite, with help from Brian Sullivan.
On Friday, everything was made ready for delivery to the schools. “We had great helpers. We were done packing all the bags and delivering the bags by 11 a.m.,” she said, singling out the students from Westfield High School.
She also pointed to the effort by Josh Adams of Firtion-Adams, who picked up all the turkeys at North Elm Butcher Block, beginning at 7 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 24, and delivered them all to the schools in time for the Thanksgiving meal.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2025/11/banner-year-for-westfield-public-schools-thanksgiving-meal-drive.html
Westfield Public Schools Reminder: There will be no school from Wednesday, November 26 through Friday, November 28 for Thanksgiving Break. We hope all of our students, families, and staff enjoy a safe, restful, and happy holiday! Schools will reopen on Monday, December 1.
If you missed yesterday's brand new "Superintendent's Spotlight", click on the link below. This week, six Westfield High School students talked about their internship experiences in our elementary, intermediate, and middle schools. We also shared some wisdom as we recognized Future Teachers of America Day. Thanks for watching!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ry1CWvpi5mY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ry1CWvpi5mY
Join us for lunch this Friday, November 21, from 10:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. for Tiger's Pride Restaurant's Annual Thanksgiving Buffet. Please call 413-564-3123 to make a reservation. Thank you for supporting our students.
Have you ever wondered how big our solar system really is?
Westfield High School students, Kaitlynn and Krystyna Goulette, have developed a walkable, scale model of the solar system, and are pleased to announce that its official ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place on November 29th!
Students and families are invited to attend; it’ll be out of this world! 💫
Westfield High School students, Kaitlynn and Krystyna Goulette, have developed a walkable, scale model of the solar system, and are pleased to announce that its official ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place on November 29th!
Students and families are invited to attend; it’ll be out of this world! 💫
Student success starts with showing up! Daily attendance helps build strong habits, lasting friendships, and academic achievement. Let’s work together to make every day count! #attendancematters
