The Westfield High School band entertained the crowd at the Springfield Thunderbirds’ Jan. 10 game against the Lehigh Valley Phantoms.
Joining the band in representing Westfield were Westfield Intermediate School, which performed “God Bless America” and Westfield Middle School, which performed “America the Beautiful” on ice during the opening ceremonies.
The Westfield Jr. Bombers youth hockey team also played a preliminary game prior to the Thunderbirds’ game.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/01/westfield-well-represented-at-springfield-thunderbirds-game.html
Joining the band in representing Westfield were Westfield Intermediate School, which performed “God Bless America” and Westfield Middle School, which performed “America the Beautiful” on ice during the opening ceremonies.
The Westfield Jr. Bombers youth hockey team also played a preliminary game prior to the Thunderbirds’ game.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/01/westfield-well-represented-at-springfield-thunderbirds-game.html
The Westfield High School girls basketball team has often found themselves on the wrong end of the score in the early portion of games this season. This time the Bombers fought back.
“We were hungry for a win, and we were trying to do all the right things,” Westfield girls basketball coach Christie Mirski said, following the Bombers’ 32-27 road win against Chicopee on Thursday.
Westfield rallied from an early first quarter deficit behind a sensational effort from sophomore forward-center Kendall O’Brien, who scored a game-high 19 points. O’Brien made several key plays throughout the contest.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/01/kendall-obrien-propels-westfield-girls-basketball-past-chicopee.html
“We were hungry for a win, and we were trying to do all the right things,” Westfield girls basketball coach Christie Mirski said, following the Bombers’ 32-27 road win against Chicopee on Thursday.
Westfield rallied from an early first quarter deficit behind a sensational effort from sophomore forward-center Kendall O’Brien, who scored a game-high 19 points. O’Brien made several key plays throughout the contest.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/01/kendall-obrien-propels-westfield-girls-basketball-past-chicopee.html
This week, on "Superintendent's Spotlight", we talked about our "Countdown to Kindergarten" event being held on February 3 at 6:00 p.m. at Westfield River Elementary School. Staff and students from Westfield Technical Academy's Culinary Arts Department also stopped by to help us celebrate National Strawberry Ice Cream Day. Thanks for watching.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tp3evPWLEGA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tp3evPWLEGA
The Westfield High School girls swim team is rounding into peak form.
The Westfield High School girls swim team took control right from the outset and never looked back, defeating Belchertown 95-81 on Tuesday for their fifth win of the season and third straight victory.
The Bombers improved to 5-3 and now head into a key showdown with the Lancers (3-2) at Longmeadow High School on Friday at 5:30 p.m.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/01/westfield-girls-swim-team-wins-3rd-straight-with-95-81-victory-over-belchertown.html
The Westfield High School girls swim team took control right from the outset and never looked back, defeating Belchertown 95-81 on Tuesday for their fifth win of the season and third straight victory.
The Bombers improved to 5-3 and now head into a key showdown with the Lancers (3-2) at Longmeadow High School on Friday at 5:30 p.m.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/01/westfield-girls-swim-team-wins-3rd-straight-with-95-81-victory-over-belchertown.html
Westfield High School hockey team coach Dominic Puntillo, who teaches at Westfield Intermediate School, wanted his players from Westfield High and Westfield Technical Academy to be involved in their community.
Looking for ways they might get involved, junior Christian Andwood approached the coach with the idea of having players connect with younger students through reading. Eighteen players from WHS and WTA signed up to do just that.
Puntillo involved Westfield Public Schools Curriculum Director Susan Dargie, who supplied new books for them to read, and a plan was formed. On Jan. 9, a no-practice day for the team, the players, sporting their jerseys, visited four elementary schools in the district to read to the students as the last activity of their Friday.
“The visits from our WHS hockey athletes to our elementary schools were a tremendous success! I met students as they arrived at Paper Mill, and everyone was excited,” said Dargie. She said in many cases, the high school students chose to read at their former elementary schools.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/01/visit-from-westfield-high-hockey-team-excites-elementary-students.html
Looking for ways they might get involved, junior Christian Andwood approached the coach with the idea of having players connect with younger students through reading. Eighteen players from WHS and WTA signed up to do just that.
Puntillo involved Westfield Public Schools Curriculum Director Susan Dargie, who supplied new books for them to read, and a plan was formed. On Jan. 9, a no-practice day for the team, the players, sporting their jerseys, visited four elementary schools in the district to read to the students as the last activity of their Friday.
“The visits from our WHS hockey athletes to our elementary schools were a tremendous success! I met students as they arrived at Paper Mill, and everyone was excited,” said Dargie. She said in many cases, the high school students chose to read at their former elementary schools.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/01/visit-from-westfield-high-hockey-team-excites-elementary-students.html
Join us for lunch on Wednesday, January 14 and Thursday, January 15, for a delicious lunch prepared by our talented students. Tiger's Pride Restaurant at Westfield Technical Academy is open from 10:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. for take-out or dining in. Please call 413-564-3123 for more information. Thank you for your support!
We are excited to invite local businesses to participate in our second All Ages Activities Expo on Tuesday, March 24, from 5:30–7:30 p.m. at the Westfield Boys & Girls Club.
All families of our 5,000 PreK–Grade 12 students will be invited to attend. This high-energy, community-focused event is designed to connect families with the many enriching opportunities available to children and teens ages 3–18 throughout Westfield. Last year we welcomed over 400 people to browse our local businesses and organizations. Many of our vendors came away with new customers and contacts.
As a participating vendor, you’ll have the opportunity to:
-Engage directly with families through conversation
-Share information and promotional materials
-Register interested children/adults for your programs
-Collect contact information from families who want to learn more
-Promote your business or organization to the Westfield community — at no cost
Vendors are asked to bring their own table for displays and to donate a small raffle prize, which will be featured throughout the evening to help drive traffic and excitement.
If your business or organization would like to participate, please complete the registration form by March 3, 2025, by scanning the QR code on the attached flyer.
If you have any questions, please contact Chris Tolpa, Title I Supervisor, at 413-572-6467 or c.tolpa@schoolsofwestfield.org.
Westfield Public Schools values you as a partner in our shared mission to educate and support the whole child. We hope you’ll join us for this exciting community event!
All families of our 5,000 PreK–Grade 12 students will be invited to attend. This high-energy, community-focused event is designed to connect families with the many enriching opportunities available to children and teens ages 3–18 throughout Westfield. Last year we welcomed over 400 people to browse our local businesses and organizations. Many of our vendors came away with new customers and contacts.
As a participating vendor, you’ll have the opportunity to:
-Engage directly with families through conversation
-Share information and promotional materials
-Register interested children/adults for your programs
-Collect contact information from families who want to learn more
-Promote your business or organization to the Westfield community — at no cost
Vendors are asked to bring their own table for displays and to donate a small raffle prize, which will be featured throughout the evening to help drive traffic and excitement.
If your business or organization would like to participate, please complete the registration form by March 3, 2025, by scanning the QR code on the attached flyer.
If you have any questions, please contact Chris Tolpa, Title I Supervisor, at 413-572-6467 or c.tolpa@schoolsofwestfield.org.
Westfield Public Schools values you as a partner in our shared mission to educate and support the whole child. We hope you’ll join us for this exciting community event!
Regular school attendance is one of the strongest predictors of student success. When students come to school each day they learn new skills, stay connected with teachers and classmates, and access the supports they need to thrive. Chronic absenteeism can make it hard to catch up — but every day missed is also an opportunity to improve. Let’s work together — families, teachers, and neighbors — to make sure every student can be present, safe, and ready to learn. #AchievingExcellenceTogether
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