Westfield Public Schools

Tune in this Thursday, November 3, from 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. on WSKB 89.5 FM, WCPC cable channel 15, or westfieldtv.org for the next episode of "Superintendent's Spotlight". This week, we are talking with our Director of Special Education and Special Education Supervisors about programming in our district. Thanks for watching!

The Westfield Education to Business Alliance (WE2BA) marked its sixth anniversary during a morning meeting at the Westfield Gas & Electric Operations Center on Thursday. Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski said the organization, which provides opportunities for the business community and the schools to collaborate, survived COVID-19 and remote meetings, and is still thriving. https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2022/10/westfield-school-business-alliance-still-thriving-as-it-marks-6th-anniversary.html

A sophomore from Westfield High School is spending her free time giving back to those who give their service to the country. She’s collecting items for care packages that will be sent to soldiers. This is the second year in a row that Jillian Battles is collecting items for soldiers. Exactly 800 care bags will be filled and donated across western Massachusetts, as well as overseas. She started the drive on September 11 and will collect items until Veterans Day. The packages will then be filled at the YMCA in Westfield and distributed around Christmas time. She told Western Mass News how coming from a military family and seeing how little veterans are appreciated pushed her to create these packages. “There are a lot of homeless veterans, which is very wrong because they put their lives on the line for our country and our freedom and they should be respected most out of anybody in our country,” Jillian Battles noted. That is when Battles started reaching out to big and small companies for help and with donations from companies like MGM Springfield, Big Y, Stop and Shop, and Costco, she started to fill her house with boxes of donations for the care packages. “She was very heartbroken to find out how little our troops and veterans get and that especially the troops, while overseas, they have to provide things for themselves,” said Jillian’s mother, Jen Battles. Western Mass News spoke with Jen Battles, who is helping her daughter reach out to the community on social media to collect toiletries, packaged snacks, blankets, and books. She added how the care packages from last year had notes in them from Jillian, who is planning to do the same thing again this year. “It says a little something from me to you to say thank you for being you. Thank you for our freedom, Jillian Battles…It’s just a little bit of appreciation for everything that they do and have done for us,” Jillian Battles noted. As for what items they still need the most, Jillian said instant coffee and blankets. “Blankets are the biggest thing. They make the troops feel at home and, especially, I am sending them overseas this time. I wasn’t able to because of COVID the last time I did it, but this time, when they get the blankets, they get that sense of comfort,” Jillian Battles explained. Donations are being collected at: Westfield YMCA Westfield High School Shortstop Bar and Grill in Westfield Fitness First in Feeding Hills If you are interested in learning how to donate, you can visit Jillian’s Amazon Wishlist. In addition, large print crossword books and large print word search books are also being accepted. https://www.westernmassnews.com/2022/10/27/westfield-teen-collecting-donations-soldier-care-packages/?fbclid=IwAR2T4BNgzSv1KgqBWs_-lJYzqIC1tLHgSjXnV3WXWGcgk_2ODXGeQMGE0a4

If you missed "Superintendent's Spotlight" this morning, click on the link below. This week, we spoke with staff members from the Westfield YMCA about their programming and their collaboration with Westfield, MA Public Schools. We also recognized National Civics Day. Thanks for watching #NationalCivicsDay https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ru7n9ccxzuo

📣Calling all Teachers, Staff, and PTOs of the Westfield Public School District: Our 2022/23 Grant Application is posted on our website, and officially OPEN for submission!! We are so excited to be back from the COVID shutdown and are thrilled that we are able to offer this program once again.🍎✏️🎓📚 Grants of up to $1,500 will be awarded to fund dynamic classroom and curriculum projects. Grants will be considered in all disciplines including the arts, sciences, reading and writing, physical education and social competency. The link to the Grant Application is below. Should you have any questions, we are here to help! Contact us via e-mail at: westfield.foundation2013@gmail.com We are looking forward to receiving your awesome and unique ideas for our students! https://www.westfieldfoundation.org/grant-application

More than 30 storefronts are expected to participate in the annual downtown trick-or-treat Friday, Oct. 28, 4-5 p.m. Signs provided by the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Westfield will be displayed in the windows of participating merchants along Elm and Main streets, declaring “Trick-or-Treaters Welcome Here.” https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2022/10/downtown-merchants-are-ready-for-trick-or-treating.html

Tune in this Thursday, October 27, from 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. on WSKB 89.5 FM, WCPC cable channel 15, or westfieldtv.org for the next episode of "Superintendent's Spotlight". This week, we are talking with Andrea Allard about the Westfield YMCA. Thanks for watching!

As part of our ongoing efforts to increase communication with our school community, the district is publishing a quarterly newsletter that contains updates, important dates, and other information. Please click on the images to view our first newsletter of the school year. Thank you.

Westfield Middle School science teacher Patrick Dufraine brought students from his computer science and robotics classes to visit Westfield Gas & Electric on Oct. 18 for STEM week. The students got a tour of the operations center, learned about gas and electric safety, mechanics and robotics in the field, computer programming at the utilities and what it’s like to be a dispatcher. Students also heard from a career panel about each of the various jobs at the municipal utility, hosted by John Leary, WG&E director of internet technology. #STEMWeek https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2022/10/westfield-middle-school-computer-science-students-visit-utility-hub-for-stem-week.html

Christopher Rogers, administrator of student interventions and safety for the Westfield public schools, has announced that lockdown drills in all the schools will be conducted next week to update the school district’s comprehensive safety plan in conjunction with the Westfield Police, Fire and Health departments. “As part of our continued work with Westfield Police Department and our ongoing training for students and staff, both city departments working together will conduct lockdown drills in our schools the week of October 24-28 utilizing the enhanced lockdown procedures known as ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter and Evacuate),” Rogers said. https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2022/10/westfield-schools-drill-for-lockdowns-including-stinky-at-preschool-center.html

If you missed "Superintendent's Spotlight" this morning, click on the link below. This week we broadcasted live from Fort Meadow Early Childhood Center to see our Westfield High School Science students work with our preschool students at STEM learning stations. During the last 15 minutes of our show, WHS students and Southampton Road preschool students showed us their STEM learning stations as well. #SeeYourselfinSTEM Thanks for watching! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXl0puyYXo4

As part of Massachusetts’ fifth annual STEM week, Westfield Middle School students were given the opportunity to learn about the different coding and technology jobs offered at a municipal utility. STEM refers to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. It has brought together schools, non-profits, colleges, museums, and employers from Massachusetts to showcase potential career paths and enthuse students about them. For the second day of STEM week, 22News visited Westfield Gas and Electric and Whip City Fiber. Continuing the theme from last year, students were encouraged to “See yourself in STEM” on Tuesday. “The world is so different beyond our classroom, so take our classroom as an experience, learn a little bit, but really you’re going to apply your skills and passions when you get out into the workforce. We really want to prepare them for that,” said Pat Dufraine, Computer Science teacher at Westfield Middle School. Before students began a day of learning, they met with the Director of Information Technology who explains that in order to take meter readings 14 years ago, they had to deploy meter readers into the neighborhood. “Today all those meter readings come to us automatically, we don’t have to send anybody out into the community. And I asked them this question, where is it going to be 14 years from now,” said John Leary, Director of Information Technology for Westfield Gas and Electric. As they discovered the value of technology throughout the day, this question persisted in their minds as to how they could improve the processes inside the facility. Workshops helped students to learn about gas and electric safety, mechanics and robotics in the field, computer programming at utilities, and being a dispatcher. They were also given a tour of the company’s facility and trucks and heard about the company’s career opportunities. “I think it’s incredibly important for kids to realize that there’s another opportunity from your traditional schooling. Especially, with a vocational-technical school, said Ryan Callan, Westfield Gas, and Electric Journeymen lineman. “I think it’s important for the younger folks to have a sense of purpose, to serve something bigger than yourself.” “See how it implies to reality, I think that is a good start for these kids,” adds Thomas Flaherty, Westfield Gas, and Electric General Manager. One 14-year-old student shared what he enjoyed most. “I just like electricity and like learning about it, and how they explain it to me, and I wanna do what they do someday,” expressed Christian Edward, Westfield Middle School 8th grade student. This experience helps prepare students like Edward, for STEM-related jobs one day. STEM week is to continue until October 21st. https://www.wwlp.com/news/digital-first/students-learn-from-westfield-gas-and-electric-employees-during-stem-week/

WPS is Hiring! Be a part of Westfield Public Schools! We are hiring multiple positions across the district including substitute teachers, substitute nurses, classroom and 1:1 paraprofessionals, and many more opportunities that can be found on our district website at https://www.schoolspring.com/jobs/?employer=11953

As there is a growing need for counselors in the state, Westfield Public Schools works in partnership with River Valley Counseling and Rick’s Place to provide additional emotional support for students. The River Valley Counseling provides four to five clinicians that will come into the school buildings for entire days. This meets the need of about 52 referrals that came in this month so far. Currently, there are about 36 counselors that focus on social and emotional learning, plus academics and careers. With River Valley Counseling’s partnership with the school district, adjustment counselors are allotted more time to work with more students in small groups, enter classrooms, and do social-emotional learning with a whole class. As a result of the pandemic, students’ mental health has become more evident in a school setting. “If a student isn’t in a good place mentally then it is a barrier to learning. They really may have something else going on and can’t focus on instruction,” said Westfield Public Schools superintendent, Stefan Czaporowski. “We need to really help them to be prepared and successful in a school environment.” For adolescents and families that may have lost a loved one due to the pandemic or another cause, Rick’s Place helps with their grief. “The counseling students receive can continue through school vacations and through the summer to carry the progress forward,” adds the Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Susan Dargie. However, counseling often takes years to have its desired effect. River Valley Counseling continuation through summer and vacations would be at the request of parents. Students can also be seen in the clinic. Typically, a student who is referred to River Valley Counseling is already seeing an adjustment counselor, which brings additional support. Sometimes family counseling can also be a result. “Vast majority of our students are having their needs addressed, but I always think we could do better. Counselor-to-student ratio is a strength of ours,” expressed Czaporowski. “When we think about educating students, we are educating the whole student and we can’t separate out a child’s brain from their emotions and from their social skills and needs,” said Dargie. “So, we have to look at the big picture.” For the school to completely replenish from the pandemic, it can take five to 10 years, according to Cazaporowksi, but is certain the vast majority of students will be ok. A future BRYT program may also be another future development for Westfield Public Schools. This will allow more support for students that may be coming out of hospitalization. “Meeting the need that is needed at that time,” said Dargie. “We often have students who are really struggling to maintain in the classroom, they really can’t be in that general setting,” explained Dargie. “A program like this would be another space where there is an educator there, but there is also a clinician” (hospitalized for their own safety). With these services, the school district has hopes the mental and academic needs of students will be met. https://www.wwlp.com/news/local-news/hampden-county/westfield-public-schools-therapy-service-partnerships-help-adjustment-counselors-work-with-more-students/

After a two-year hiatus due to Covid, the Westfield High School Counseling Department is pleased to bring back the 12th annual College Fair! The College Fair will be held in the Gymnasium on Tuesday, October 25 during C and D periods. WHS will welcome about 100 colleges and universities to our campus! The list of some of the colleges attending is below. ALBANY COLLEGE OF PHARM AND HEALTH SCIENCES AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE ANNA MARIA COLLEGE ASNUNTUCK COMMUNITY COLLEGE ASSUMPTION UNIVERSITY BAY PATH UNIVERSITY BINGHAMTON UNIVERSITY BRIDGEWATER STATE UNIVERSITY BRYANT UNIVERSITY CASTLETON UNIVERSITY CENTRAL CONNECTICUT STATE UNIVERSITY CHAMPLAIN COLLEGE CURRY COLLEGE EASTERN CONNECTICUT STATE UNIVERSITY ELIZABETHTOWN COLLEGE ELMIRA COLLEGE ELMS COLLEGE EMMANUEL COLLEGE FISHER COLLEGE FITCHBURG STATE UNIVERSITY FLORIDA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY FRAMINGHAM STATE UNIVERSITY FRANKLIN PIERCE UNIVERSITY GREENFIELD COMMUNITY COLLEGE HOFSTRA UNIVERSITY HOLYOKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE HUSSON UNIVERSITY IONA COLLEGE JOHNSTON & WALES UNIVERSITY KEENE STATE COLLEGE LASELL UNIVERSITY LEMOYNE COLLEGE LESLEY UNIVERSITY LINCOLN TECHNICAL INSTITUTE MASSACHUSETTS ARMY NATIONAL GUARD MASSACHUSETTS COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS MASS COLLEGE OF PHARMACY AND HEALTH SCIENCE MASSACHUSETTS MARITIME ACADEMY MERRIMACK COLLEGE NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE NIAGARA UNIVERSITY NICHOLS COLLEGE NORTHEAST MARITIME INSTITUTE PLYMOUTH STATE UNIVERSITY PORTER & CHESTER INSTITUTE QUINNIPIAC UNIVERSITY REGIS COLLEGE RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE RHODE ISLAND COLLEGE We look forward to once again providing this opportunity to our students.

Tune in this Thursday, October 20, from 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. on WSKB 89.5 FM, WCPC cable channel 15, or westfieldtv.org for the next episode of "Superintendent's Spotlight". This week, we are broadcasting live from Fort Meadow Early Childhood Center to talk about STEM week. Thanks for watching!

The achievements and accolades for the Westfield High School field hockey team and its players keep on coming. Westfield posted its 12th shutout of the season and its 13th win in 15 tries with a 7-0 road win against Southwick on Monday. And if that isn’t enough, Bombers senior Meghan Bowen scored two points for a career total of 100. https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2022/10/meghan-bowen-nets-100th-career-point-for-westfield-field-hockey-team.html

The Fort Meadow PTO is hosting its second annual Family Trunk or Treat at the Early Childhood Center this Thursday, Oct. 20, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the back parking lot of the preschool at 35 White St., Westfield. Families that would like to participate with their vehicles, may sign up at the school, or call or text Amanda at 413-237-1367 or by email at ambruno85@yahoo.com. https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2022/10/fort-meadow-pto-plans-trunk-or-treat-at-westfield-preschool-center-this-week.html

A huge CONGRATULATIONS to Westfield High School's Tyler Wingate, this year's recipient of the 2021-2022 MIAA Coach of the Year Award for the sport of Volleyball! Specifically, this election was based upon excellence of character, impact upon students and community and coaching credentials. This Coach of the Year news comes on the heels of yesterday's MAVCA (Massachusetts Volleyball Coaches Association) Hall of Fame Induction ceremony for Tyler as a boys & girls coach! Thank you, Coach Wingate!

Children dressed in their best Halloween costumes were already in line more than 30 minutes before the official opening of PumpkinFest 2022 in Westfield Saturday morning. This year proved to be a solid hit with mild temperatures and more than 80 displays of vendors and demonstration teams, the fields in the rear of the Greater Westfield Boys & Girls Club were on fire with excitement. https://www.masslive.com/living/2022/10/pumpkinfest-in-westfield-is-a-big-hit.html