Westfield Public Schools

Recently, thirty-one students from Westfield Technical Academy’s ‘Flying Tigers’ Aviation program were given a tour of American Airlines (AA) at Boston’s Logan International Airport. The tour was arranged by AA pilots Captain Chris ‘Biggs’ Bigelow (USAF retired and WTA Aviation Advisory Board member) and Captain Bradley Nordgren (Prior Army aviator and AA Chief Pilot) in conjunction with Mr. Galen ‘Chief’ Wilson (WTA Aviation Dept Head). Through many hours of coordination and airport security protocols the students were able to view, amongst other things, up-close a Boeing 777 aircraft. After a superb AA in-briefing and lunch, provided by AA, the students split into six groups and then were off to tour the facility. Here’s how it went - The students were given a tour of the aircraft cockpit by two senior AA pilots. The pilots informed the students on such systems as aircraft flight control, communications, electronic flight instrument system, navigation systems and engine control/monitoring systems, just to name a few. Each student was given a chance to sit in the left (Captain’s) or right (First Officer’s) seat while simultaneously briefed on the cockpit’s instrumentation and glass (monitor screens) cockpit functions by AA senior captains. Students were also introduced to the cabin of the aircraft by two flight attendants. The flight attendants (FA) explained their role in customer service, passenger protection and flight safety. The FA’s also explained the training that goes into being an FA along with their ‘typical’ flight schedule. The students then went outside and toured the exterior of the aircraft. They also took turns getting inside the cargo area and the avionics bay, where they saw the line-replaceable units (LRUs) that make up the electronics used in the aircraft for navigation, weather monitoring, surveillance and control. Lastly, the students went to the aircraft maintenance facility where the AA technicians service/troubleshoot/repair up to eighteen aircraft per night. The technicians were able to explain their day-to-day life, all-the-while answering many questions from the students. The technicians were AWESOME! The students and faculty of WTA ‘Flying Tigers’ would like to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation to American Airlines for such an informative and memorable day – THANK YOU!

Westfield High School Band Director Patrick Kennedy and seven members of the high school’s jazz band entertained folks at the Westfield Senior Center during breakfast on April 4, as a makeup for the Senior Citizens Pops Concert on March 7, which was canceled due to a power outage caused by downed trees. Raffle prizes previously donated for the Pops Concert by MGM Springfield, Westfield Technical Academy, the Boys & Girls Club and the YMCA were also given out, to the delight of the seniors. “The concert was such a huge success, that we all decided it just has to be an annual event,” said COA Special Projects Coordinator Tina Gorman, referring to herself as well as COA Executive Director Michael Squindo, Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski, Kennedy and the seniors in attendance. https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2025/04/jazz-band-performs-makeup-concert-at-the-senior-center.html

The Volunteers in Public Schools of Westfield recently received a $1,000 grant from the Massachusetts Bankers Association Charitable Foundation after the organization was nominated for it by bankESB, according to a statement from the bank. VIPS of Westfield works to strengthen public education by engaging community volunteers in supporting students and educators through mentoring, tutoring, and program support, works to foster partnerships between the community and the school system, and providing vital resources such as tutoring, mentoring, and program support to benefit students of all ages. The $1,000 grant will help the nonprofit organization continue its mission of engaging volunteers and enhancing educational programs in Westfield’s public schools. https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2025/04/westfield-public-schools-volunteer-organization-get-1000-grant.html

📚🔬 Big day at Southampton Road Elementary! Senator John Velis stopped by Ms. Dougherty’s Pre-K classroom to see our youngest scientists in action as they explored states of matter during a Project Lead the Way module. Superintendent Czaporowski and our PreK-4 STEM Coach joined the visit, witnessing hands-on learning at its finest. The students rotated through engaging stations designed to build background knowledge and prepare them to solve a big challenge—helping Milo, Angelina, and Suzie get their message across the creek while staying dry and afloat! 🌊💡This is the foundation of our Pre-K-12 PLTW STEM Pipeline in WPS. Thanks to Senator Velis for supporting STEM education and our future innovators!

The annual Career Expo & Job Fair took place on March 27 in Scanlon Hall at Westfield State University. More than 400 students from Westfield High School, Westfield Technical Academy, St. Mary’s High School and White Oak School connected with over 65 area employees to explore career pathways, network with professionals, and gain valuable insights into their futures. https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2025/04/students-engage-with-area-businesses-at-westfield-career-fair.html

If you missed this morning's "Superintendent's Spotlight", please click on the link below. This week, we recognized Paraprofessionals Appreciation Day with staff members from Westfield Intermediate School. We also celebrated National Chocolate Mousse Day with staff and students from Westfield Technical Academy's Culinary Arts Department. Thanks for watching! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPjl3gSL2xk

Elm Electrical, the Westfield Food Pantry and engineering students at Westfield High School and Middle School teamed up on March 28 in the Parenzo Gym at Westfield State University for a CANstruction Contest and Food drive to benefit the Westfield Food Pantry. The event showcased larger-than-life structures built entirely from canned goods and non-perishable food items raised by the participants to be donated to the Food Pantry. All of the structures were judged, and cash prizes awarded to the winning teams. Judges included Paul Nesbitt, minister of First Congregational Church in Westfield, Ward 3 Councilor Bridget Matthews Kane and Superintendent of Schools Stefan Czaporowski. https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2025/04/elm-electrical-and-westfield-food-pantry-team-up-for-canstruction-contest.html

On March 11, students from 13 schools in District 6 for SkillsUSA MA competed in a written competition for a chance to head to the State Leadership and Skills Conference in May. WTA had 34 students that medalled in the district competition, the most of any of the participating schools. The first and second place medalists will advance to the state competition on May 1, 2 and 3 in Marlborough. https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2025/03/westfield-technical-academy-is-sending-30-students-to-state-skillsusa-competition.html

After a successful seventh and eighth grade band concert on March 25, the Westfield Middle School 125-member band is looking forward to more exciting events in April. On Saturday, April 5, eighth graders will participate in the Massachusetts Instrumental and Choral Conductor’s Association Concert Festival at Belchertown High School. WMS band leader Ryan Emken said he has been taking the students to MICCA for the last three years. https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2025/03/westfield-middle-school-band-director-talks-events-collaboration.html

If you missed "Superintendent's Spotlight" this morning, click on the link below. This week, we talked with Principal Michael Atkins all about Paper Mill Elementary School. We also reminisced about Opening Day for Major League Baseball. Thanks for watching! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SgEyWGqVaEQ

DPW Deputy Superintendent Casey Berube, in a collaborative project with city stormwater coordinator Noel Lioce-Marra, seniors in the horticulture department at Westfield Technical Academy and John Raymaakers of J.L. Raymaakers and Sons Construction, began installing a rain garden at School and Elm Streets this week. The plantings will be done by horticulture students later in the spring. https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2025/03/dpw-installs-rain-garden-on-school-street-with-wta-horticulture-and-raymaakers.html

Patrick Kennedy, band director for Westfield High School and Westfield Technical Academy and lead music teacher for Westfield Public Schools grades 5 to 12, will be receiving the Massachusetts Music Educators Distinguished Service Award in a ceremony on Thursday, March 27, at the DCU Convention Center in Worcester. https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2025/03/patrick-kennedy-to-receive-the-mmea-distinguished-service-award-on-march-27-in-worcester.html

On the afternoon of March 13, Westfield Technical Academy played its annual student vs. faculty basketball game to support the Robert P. Ollari Memorial Scholarship fund. According to assistant Principal Kevin Daley, the students narrowly beat the staff by five in a hard-fought battle watched by over 570 students and staff, including Mayor Michael McCabe and Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski. The tournament raised over $1000 through donations from staff, students, and the raffle. WTA awards a $1000 scholarship each to two deserving seniors to use towards college or the workforce upon graduation. If anyone would like to donate to the scholarship, checks may be made out to the WTA Rob Ollari Scholarship Fund and mailed to Westfield Technical Academy ℅ WTA PVO-Ollari Scholarship, 33 Smith Ave., Westfield, MA 01085. https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2025/03/wta-students-beat-faculty-in-tourney-to-support-robert-ollari-memorial-scholarship.html

If you missed last week's "Superintendent's Spotlight", click on the link below. this week, our guests were Fort Meadow Principal Jonathan Scagel and Secretary Becky Decker. Thanks for watching! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCiCLirbwd0

Starting in the new innovation lab in a former woodshop on the ground floor of Westfield High School, and proceeding to the science classrooms on the second and third floors, Mayor Michael McCabe, state Sen. John Velis, City Councilor Ralph Figy, Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski, WHS Principal Charles Jendrysik, Science Technology and Engineering Supervisor Lauren Cadigan and others toured the school’s newly refurbished science labs on March 10. The renovations were kickstarted by a $1 million earmark in the 2023 state budget by Velis, who was the hero of the hour. https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2025/03/whs-science-faculty-celebrates-new-classrooms-with-ribbon-cutting.html

Due to a power outage, Westfield High School will be closed today, Friday, March 7. Thank you.

If you missed this morning's brand new "Superintendent's Spotlight" about our English Language Learner Program, click on the link below. This week, we had the pleasure of meeting a few of our EL students from Afghanistan, Ecuador, and Ukraine. Thanks for watching! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NPuO36CcpNM

Join us for Into the Arts on Saturday, April 5 from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at Westfield High School!

We are seeking volunteers for the Credit for Life Fair, an interactive event that teaches students real-world budgeting and money management skills. At the Fair, students will select a profession, receive a monthly take-home salary, and navigate various booths—such as housing, insurance, clothing, and retirement—to make “purchases” using imaginary cash, credit, or savings. The goal? To learn how to live within their budget. As a volunteer, you’ll be assigned to a booth and engage with students as they make their financial decisions. Volunteers will receive a booth overview and all necessary information before students arrive. 📅 Date: Thursday, April 10 📍 Location: Westfield High School Gymnasium ⏰ Time: 7:30 AM - 12:00 PM (students arrive at 8:30 AM) High school students from Westfield and surrounding schools will attend. If you’re willing and able to volunteer, please register by scanning the QR Code on this flyer. If you have any questions, feel free to email kate.perez@schoolsofwestfield.org. Thank you for helping make the Credit for Life Fair a valuable experience for our students!

On Thursday, the teachers and staff at Westfield Technical Academy got their first chance to check out their staff lounge which has been completely renovated into a warm and inviting space to relax, or recharge. “We want our schools to know that their community supports them and values the incredible work they do,” Senior Vice President of Elm Electrical Inc. Keith Saltmarsh said. https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2025/03/elm-electric-spearheads-wta-teacher-lounge-renovation-project.html