On Feb. 26, Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski, Director of Assessment Christine Shea and Curriculum Director Susan Dargie gathered flower bouquets and balloons for a surprise delivery to the six Westfield teachers who were honored with the Grinspoon Pioneer Valley Excellence in Teaching Award.
This year’s honorees included five veteran educators who have collectively impacted thousands of students, alongside one teacher new to the profession who is already making a meaningful difference.
In the nominations from their school principals, this year’s Grinspoon teachers were described as going above and beyond for their students and their school communities as a whole.
“So many of our staff members go above and beyond every day for our students, and it is both a pleasure and a privilege to honor six educators each year with the Pioneer Valley Excellence in Teaching Awards. I am also deeply grateful to the Harold Grinspoon Foundation for continuing to make this meaningful opportunity available to our district,” said Czaporowski after the visits.
All of the Grinspoon Pioneer Valley Excellence in Teaching honorees will be celebrated at a banquet held at the Log Cabin in their honor on May 12. They will also receive $250 scholarships, tuition incentives for graduate courses, YMCA memberships and other gifts and benefits.
The Pioneer Valley Excellence in Teaching Awards program is made possible by the Harold Grinspoon Charitable Foundation in partnership with the Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation, and supported by area colleges and universities, YMCAs of Pioneer Valley, the Springfield Jewish Community Center, Arrha Credit Union, Country Bank, and Meyers Brothers Kalicka.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/03/six-westfield-teachers-honored-with-excellence-in-teaching-awards.html
The music for the 73rd annual pops concert, “An American Spectacular,” that will take place on March 13 and 14 at 7 p.m. in the Westfield High School gymnasium, was originally going to be mostly patriotic music, according to Band Director Patrick Kennedy.
In honor of the 250th anniversary, Kennedy first chose the concert band sheet music entitled “An American Spectacular,” which begins with “God Save the Queen” — the music underlying “My Country Tis of Thee,” and includes other recognizable tunes, ending with “America the Beautiful.”
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/03/whs-annual-pops-concert-to-mix-patriotic-songs-with-american-music-royalty.html
In honor of the 250th anniversary, Kennedy first chose the concert band sheet music entitled “An American Spectacular,” which begins with “God Save the Queen” — the music underlying “My Country Tis of Thee,” and includes other recognizable tunes, ending with “America the Beautiful.”
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/03/whs-annual-pops-concert-to-mix-patriotic-songs-with-american-music-royalty.html
Please click the link below for the latest newsletter from Westfield Intermediate School. Thank you. https://app.smore.com/n/hwp5m
Please click below for the latest newsletter from Southampton Road School. Thank you. https://app.smore.com/n/asmhw
Congratulations to Aviation Maintenance Technology's Lead Teacher Galen Wilson for receiving the Federal Aviation Administration's Northeast Instructor of the Year Award on Thursday, March 4. Chief Wilson is also 1 of 8 nominated for the National FAA Instructor of the Year Award. #AchievingExcellenceTogether
Due to the current weather conditions tonight's SEPAC meeting is cancelled.
The Massachusetts Statewide Graduation Council has released a proposed statewide graduation framework designed to better prepare all students for success after high school. The framework outlines seven key elements focused on ensuring students build a strong academic foundation, demonstrate mastery of course content, showcase their creativity, and develop meaningful real-world problem-solving skills.
Parents, guardians, students, and staff are encouraged to review the proposed requirements and provide feedback through the statewide survey. Input from our community is important and will help inform future decisions.
The survey will remain open through June 30, 2026.
https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8612728/Statewide-Graduation-Council-Interim-Report
Parents, guardians, students, and staff are encouraged to review the proposed requirements and provide feedback through the statewide survey. Input from our community is important and will help inform future decisions.
The survey will remain open through June 30, 2026.
https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8612728/Statewide-Graduation-Council-Interim-Report
Please click here for the latest newsletter from Westfield Public Schools. Thank you! https://app.smore.com/n/9a5q3x
Due to icy conditions, Westfield Public Schools will have a two-hour delayed start today, Wednesday, March 4, 2026. Thank you.
Due to icy conditions, Westfield Public Schools will have a two-hour delayed start today, Wednesday, March 4, 2026. Thank you.
Due to the prediction of snow and freezing rain this afternoon, all afterschool activities are canceled today, Tuesday, March 3, 2026. Thank you.
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
Click on the link below for the latest 'Superintendent's Spotlight" This week, our guests included Lead Instructor Galen Wilson and three students from Westfield Technical Academy's Aviation Maintenance Technology Program. Staff and students from WTA's Culinary Arts Program also stopped by to help us celebrate National Chili Day. Thanks for watching.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQ6Oa6O9Gos
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQ6Oa6O9Gos
Due to the forecasted snowstorm tonight and tomorrow, Westfield Public Schools and Offices will be closed tomorrow, Monday, February 23, 2026. Please stay safe. Thank you.
Westfield Public Schools and the Westfield Police Department Release Drill Dates
Westfield Public Schools continues to update our school district’s comprehensive safety plan in conjunction with the Westfield Police and Fire Departments. A team of Westfield Administrators and other staff members representing every level from elementary to high school, has been working collaboratively with the Westfield Police and Fire Departments to make sure our students, staff, and families have a current, research-based, and educationally sound emergency operations plan.
As part of our continued work with Westfield Police Department and our ongoing training for students and staff, our city departments working together will conduct lockdown drills in our schools the week of March 9-12 utilizing the enhanced lockdown procedures known as A.L.I.C.E. (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, and Evacuate).
If you have any questions regarding our drills please contact Mr. Christopher Rogers, Director of Operations and Safety for the Westfield Public Schools at 413-572-6495 or c.rogers@schoolsofwestfield.org. Thank you!
Westfield Public Schools continues to update our school district’s comprehensive safety plan in conjunction with the Westfield Police and Fire Departments. A team of Westfield Administrators and other staff members representing every level from elementary to high school, has been working collaboratively with the Westfield Police and Fire Departments to make sure our students, staff, and families have a current, research-based, and educationally sound emergency operations plan.
As part of our continued work with Westfield Police Department and our ongoing training for students and staff, our city departments working together will conduct lockdown drills in our schools the week of March 9-12 utilizing the enhanced lockdown procedures known as A.L.I.C.E. (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, and Evacuate).
If you have any questions regarding our drills please contact Mr. Christopher Rogers, Director of Operations and Safety for the Westfield Public Schools at 413-572-6495 or c.rogers@schoolsofwestfield.org. Thank you!
Westfield Middle School Principal Jesse McMillan is inviting the public to join the school for a screening of Rachel’s Challenge from 6-7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 3.
Rachel’s Challenge tells the powerful true story of Rachel Joy Scott, the first person killed in the Columbine High School tragedy in April 1999. “Through emotional storytelling and Rachel’s own words, our community is inspired to reflect on their personal influence, the power of compassion and the importance of treating others with respect,” McMillan said.
During the day, the group will give two assemblies, one for seventh graders and one for eighth graders. The assemblies will be followed by a unique workshop for up to 100 students and 10 teachers, which McMillan called a mini-training to come up with ideas on how to keep the momentum going. “I want to make sure we can continue that work each day,” he said.
“Their primary message is to find simple ways to spread kindness — that’s what their daughter did as well during her time at Columbine,” McMillan said.
In the evening, there will be a free presentation for the community at large from 6-7 p.m. Pizza will be served beforehand in the cafeteria at 5:30 p.m. People are asked to preregister for a free ticket through the link on the Westfield Middle School website at https://www.schoolsofwestfield.org/o/wms to let them know who’s coming.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/02/rachels-challenge-is-coming-to-westfield-middle-school-on-march-3.html
Rachel’s Challenge tells the powerful true story of Rachel Joy Scott, the first person killed in the Columbine High School tragedy in April 1999. “Through emotional storytelling and Rachel’s own words, our community is inspired to reflect on their personal influence, the power of compassion and the importance of treating others with respect,” McMillan said.
During the day, the group will give two assemblies, one for seventh graders and one for eighth graders. The assemblies will be followed by a unique workshop for up to 100 students and 10 teachers, which McMillan called a mini-training to come up with ideas on how to keep the momentum going. “I want to make sure we can continue that work each day,” he said.
“Their primary message is to find simple ways to spread kindness — that’s what their daughter did as well during her time at Columbine,” McMillan said.
In the evening, there will be a free presentation for the community at large from 6-7 p.m. Pizza will be served beforehand in the cafeteria at 5:30 p.m. People are asked to preregister for a free ticket through the link on the Westfield Middle School website at https://www.schoolsofwestfield.org/o/wms to let them know who’s coming.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/02/rachels-challenge-is-coming-to-westfield-middle-school-on-march-3.html
Westfield State University has signed an articulation agreement with Westfield High School for its Chapter 74 Criminal Justice pathway to award up to 18 credits to students who have successfully completed the pathway.
“Our newest articulation agreement with Westfield State University for students studying Criminal Justice and Public Safety at Westfield High School is truly exciting. Eighteen credits represent more than a semester of college coursework, giving our students a tremendous academic and financial advantage,” said Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski.
WHS Criminal Justice teacher Kara LaValley said the students will receive the WSU credits if they stay in the pathway all four years. She said moving forward, WSU will also offer Intro to Psychology at WHS in the fall of junior year and Intro to Sociology in the fall of senior year. “This is in addition to the classes that they are already taking during the spring semester of junior and senior year.”
Students in the pathway will receive three credits each for Intro to Criminal Justice and Intro to Corrections, taught by LaValley in their freshman and sophomore years; Intro to Psychology and American Judicial Systems as juniors, taught by WSU professors, and Intro to Sociology and Criminal Investigation/Homicide as seniors, also taught by WSU professors, for a total of 18 credits.
Currently, there are 70 students enrolled in the criminal justice program at WHS, more than half of them freshmen. Last year was LaValley’s first graduating class, and this year, four students will complete all four years.
LaValley said students studying criminal justice may pursue several career tracks, including local and state police, criminology, crime data and FBI. Other tracks include crime lab work, which is more science-based and mental health. Her own master’s is in forensic psychology.
Her students are interested in entering law school, policing, or SWAT; she has students in the Westfield Police Cadets right now, and some who are more interested in the mental health side of the profession. “I told them the whole corrections system has so many different avenues if you go through the Academy — truancy officer, parks, marine units — so many.”
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/02/whs-signs-articulation-agreement-with-westfield-state-for-criminal-justice-classes.html
“Our newest articulation agreement with Westfield State University for students studying Criminal Justice and Public Safety at Westfield High School is truly exciting. Eighteen credits represent more than a semester of college coursework, giving our students a tremendous academic and financial advantage,” said Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski.
WHS Criminal Justice teacher Kara LaValley said the students will receive the WSU credits if they stay in the pathway all four years. She said moving forward, WSU will also offer Intro to Psychology at WHS in the fall of junior year and Intro to Sociology in the fall of senior year. “This is in addition to the classes that they are already taking during the spring semester of junior and senior year.”
Students in the pathway will receive three credits each for Intro to Criminal Justice and Intro to Corrections, taught by LaValley in their freshman and sophomore years; Intro to Psychology and American Judicial Systems as juniors, taught by WSU professors, and Intro to Sociology and Criminal Investigation/Homicide as seniors, also taught by WSU professors, for a total of 18 credits.
Currently, there are 70 students enrolled in the criminal justice program at WHS, more than half of them freshmen. Last year was LaValley’s first graduating class, and this year, four students will complete all four years.
LaValley said students studying criminal justice may pursue several career tracks, including local and state police, criminology, crime data and FBI. Other tracks include crime lab work, which is more science-based and mental health. Her own master’s is in forensic psychology.
Her students are interested in entering law school, policing, or SWAT; she has students in the Westfield Police Cadets right now, and some who are more interested in the mental health side of the profession. “I told them the whole corrections system has so many different avenues if you go through the Academy — truancy officer, parks, marine units — so many.”
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/02/whs-signs-articulation-agreement-with-westfield-state-for-criminal-justice-classes.html
Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski has announced the appointment of Daniel Paquette as the new principal of Westfield Technical Academy, replacing Bruce Hastings, who will be retiring at the end of the school year. Paquette has served as assistant principal at the school for the past two-and-a-half years. He will begin his new role on July 1.
Paquette received his bachelor’s in history from Fitchburg State College, his master’s in education from Our Lady of the Elms and his master’s in school administration from Westfield State University.
Before joining WTA, Paquette served as an assistant principal at Westfield High School for six years and as an assistant principal in Palmer for one year. Before entering administration, he spent thirteen years as a social studies teacher at Chicopee Comprehensive. He has also served as a head tennis coach and assistant football coach.
Czaporowski said the appointment follows an intensive and comprehensive search process led by a dedicated 12-member interview committee. The committee included representation from WTA staff, students, parents/guardians, district office administrators, and a School Committee member who devoted many hours to reviewing applications, selecting semifinalists, and conducting formal interviews with four candidates.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to all who served on the committee for their time, professionalism, and commitment to the future of WTA,” Czaporowski said.
“Paquette is a familiar and respected leader at Westfield Technical Academy, having served as assistant principal since August 2023. His deep roots in Westfield Public Schools and extensive administrative background made him the clear choice for this role,” Czaporowski said.
“We are confident that his leadership will continue to strengthen WTA as ‘the place to be’ and advance excellence for both students and staff.”
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/02/new-principal-chosen-for-westfield-technical-academy.html
Paquette received his bachelor’s in history from Fitchburg State College, his master’s in education from Our Lady of the Elms and his master’s in school administration from Westfield State University.
Before joining WTA, Paquette served as an assistant principal at Westfield High School for six years and as an assistant principal in Palmer for one year. Before entering administration, he spent thirteen years as a social studies teacher at Chicopee Comprehensive. He has also served as a head tennis coach and assistant football coach.
Czaporowski said the appointment follows an intensive and comprehensive search process led by a dedicated 12-member interview committee. The committee included representation from WTA staff, students, parents/guardians, district office administrators, and a School Committee member who devoted many hours to reviewing applications, selecting semifinalists, and conducting formal interviews with four candidates.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to all who served on the committee for their time, professionalism, and commitment to the future of WTA,” Czaporowski said.
“Paquette is a familiar and respected leader at Westfield Technical Academy, having served as assistant principal since August 2023. His deep roots in Westfield Public Schools and extensive administrative background made him the clear choice for this role,” Czaporowski said.
“We are confident that his leadership will continue to strengthen WTA as ‘the place to be’ and advance excellence for both students and staff.”
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/02/new-principal-chosen-for-westfield-technical-academy.html
Recently, students in Culinary Arts I at Westfield High School completed their annual food truck unit. “It’s one of their favorite projects,” said Ekaterina Rosario, hospitality and culinary arts teacher at the school. She said she introduces the project towards the end of the semester, for which the students create their own signature dish and food truck concept.
The students create teams and come up with the name of the food truck, the concept, logo and truck design. They also make a whole recipe book of six dishes featuring a signature dish, along with a menu with descriptions and prices. They also make up a grocery list, and Rosario does the shopping. “I literally give them free rein, as long as we can afford it,” she said.
The students then execute the signature dish in class in three days, two days for prep and one day for cooking. This year’s offerings included triple berry cheesecake, seven-layer burrito, several versions of mac and cheese, Oreo cinnamon buns, strawberry cupcakes, juicy burgers, a steak and cheese sandwich, orange chicken with rice, and a chicken burrito bowl, among others.
Culinary Arts I is open to sophomores, juniors and seniors. Anyone can sign up for the class, which is an elective credit at WHS, and very hands-on, she said. Upon successful completion of the course, students may advance to Culinary Arts 2 and Hospitality.
In Culinary Arts 2, students build the skills necessary to pursue careers in the food service and hospitality industries through a wide range of food preparation methods in the classroom, lab setting and real-world experiences. Additional areas of focus include etiquette, hospitality practices, banquet planning, facility operations, presentation skills and catering.
Hospitality introduces students to the structure and scope of the travel, tourism and hospitality industries. Students examine key components of tourism such as transportation, accommodations, food and beverage service and attractions. The course also explores a variety of career pathways in hospitality while helping students build essential industry knowledge and skills needed for success.
The long-term goal is to create a Chapter 74 program in hospitality. Rosario has been working towards that goal since she first started at WHS, making plans to upgrade the kitchen classroom at the school. She said last year, significant improvements were made to modernize and enhance the kitchen space.
Improvements included removing all of the upper kitchen cabinets to create a more open and functional layout, completely gutting on corner kitchen area, installing wire shelving to improve organization for food ingredients and kitchen equipment, adding a new three-bay sink and stainless steel worktable, and upgrading to larger, industrial-sized refrigerators.
Upcoming renovations and upgrades include removing and gutting the remaining wooden kitchen cabinets and replacing them with stainless steel workstations, upgrading additional kitchen equipment to industrial-grade standards, including ovens, worktables, mixers, wire shelving and handheld equipment.
Also included in the plans is enhancement of the WHS café area across the hall by completing the barista counter currently being built by the WTA Carpentry and Cabinetry Shop, updating the bakery display case, installing commercial coffee machines and refreshing tables and chairs in the space.
Each renovation and upgrade demonstrates the school’s collective dedication to equipping students with practical, hands-on skills aligned with industry standards.
Rosario also offered her appreciation for the support the program has received, both from the school district and the community.
“A heartfelt thank you to the Westfield Women’s Club and our community for their generous donation of much-needed kitchen equipment and utensils. Their support has made a meaningful difference,” she said.
“Thank you to our dedicated custodial and maintenance staff for their hard work and commitment throughout the renovation process. I am also deeply grateful to our administration, especially Principal Charles Jendrysik at WHS and Pete Taloumis at WTA, for their continued support and leadership,” Rosario added.
“Finally, thank you to our superintendent and school committee for believing in and supporting the vision of growing the hospitality program into a fully developed vocational pathway here at WHS. I am incredibly proud of how far we have come and excited for what lies ahead. The future of the hospitality program at WHS is bright,” Rosario said.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/02/whs-culinary-arts-and-hospitality-program-is-on-a-roll.html
The students create teams and come up with the name of the food truck, the concept, logo and truck design. They also make a whole recipe book of six dishes featuring a signature dish, along with a menu with descriptions and prices. They also make up a grocery list, and Rosario does the shopping. “I literally give them free rein, as long as we can afford it,” she said.
The students then execute the signature dish in class in three days, two days for prep and one day for cooking. This year’s offerings included triple berry cheesecake, seven-layer burrito, several versions of mac and cheese, Oreo cinnamon buns, strawberry cupcakes, juicy burgers, a steak and cheese sandwich, orange chicken with rice, and a chicken burrito bowl, among others.
Culinary Arts I is open to sophomores, juniors and seniors. Anyone can sign up for the class, which is an elective credit at WHS, and very hands-on, she said. Upon successful completion of the course, students may advance to Culinary Arts 2 and Hospitality.
In Culinary Arts 2, students build the skills necessary to pursue careers in the food service and hospitality industries through a wide range of food preparation methods in the classroom, lab setting and real-world experiences. Additional areas of focus include etiquette, hospitality practices, banquet planning, facility operations, presentation skills and catering.
Hospitality introduces students to the structure and scope of the travel, tourism and hospitality industries. Students examine key components of tourism such as transportation, accommodations, food and beverage service and attractions. The course also explores a variety of career pathways in hospitality while helping students build essential industry knowledge and skills needed for success.
The long-term goal is to create a Chapter 74 program in hospitality. Rosario has been working towards that goal since she first started at WHS, making plans to upgrade the kitchen classroom at the school. She said last year, significant improvements were made to modernize and enhance the kitchen space.
Improvements included removing all of the upper kitchen cabinets to create a more open and functional layout, completely gutting on corner kitchen area, installing wire shelving to improve organization for food ingredients and kitchen equipment, adding a new three-bay sink and stainless steel worktable, and upgrading to larger, industrial-sized refrigerators.
Upcoming renovations and upgrades include removing and gutting the remaining wooden kitchen cabinets and replacing them with stainless steel workstations, upgrading additional kitchen equipment to industrial-grade standards, including ovens, worktables, mixers, wire shelving and handheld equipment.
Also included in the plans is enhancement of the WHS café area across the hall by completing the barista counter currently being built by the WTA Carpentry and Cabinetry Shop, updating the bakery display case, installing commercial coffee machines and refreshing tables and chairs in the space.
Each renovation and upgrade demonstrates the school’s collective dedication to equipping students with practical, hands-on skills aligned with industry standards.
Rosario also offered her appreciation for the support the program has received, both from the school district and the community.
“A heartfelt thank you to the Westfield Women’s Club and our community for their generous donation of much-needed kitchen equipment and utensils. Their support has made a meaningful difference,” she said.
“Thank you to our dedicated custodial and maintenance staff for their hard work and commitment throughout the renovation process. I am also deeply grateful to our administration, especially Principal Charles Jendrysik at WHS and Pete Taloumis at WTA, for their continued support and leadership,” Rosario added.
“Finally, thank you to our superintendent and school committee for believing in and supporting the vision of growing the hospitality program into a fully developed vocational pathway here at WHS. I am incredibly proud of how far we have come and excited for what lies ahead. The future of the hospitality program at WHS is bright,” Rosario said.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/02/whs-culinary-arts-and-hospitality-program-is-on-a-roll.html
Westfield Technical Academy celebrated its 19th Annual Pinning Ceremony on Feb. 13, which honors Allied Health students who have successfully passed their Certified Nursing Assistants certification. The ceremony, filled with tradition, recognizes the compassion and dedication the students have demonstrated on their pathway to care for people at their most vulnerable.
This year, the five students who completed the training, Karley Bullock, Alexandra Durfey, Yarianna Merced, Emilia Rohan and Laura Talbot have a wide range of goals in the healthcare field.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/02/westfield-tech-honors-cna-graduates-in-pinning-ceremony.html
This year, the five students who completed the training, Karley Bullock, Alexandra Durfey, Yarianna Merced, Emilia Rohan and Laura Talbot have a wide range of goals in the healthcare field.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/02/westfield-tech-honors-cna-graduates-in-pinning-ceremony.html