Westfield Public Schools

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

The Advertising Club of Western Massachusetts honored Sherry Elander for her community service on Thursday at the Delaney House with induction into the Order of William Pynchon. The Pynchon Medals are presented to individuals who make positive statements to the community and their kindness. Sherry Elander, a transition specialist in the Westfield School System was recognized for building an extensive network with businesses to help special needs students adjust for real world experiences. Elander developed many programs that are now shared with school and educators across the state.

Westfield High School sophomore Jillian Battles is continuing her commitment to community service through a donation drive that she has undertaken to fill 800 bags with needed items and goodies for the troops. The drive will continue through Veterans Day, Nov. 11. She is well underway with another drive to fill another 800 bags for our troops and veterans,” said Jen Battles, Jillian’s mother and helper in the project. The dynamic duo filled 800 bags in February, which were donated through Project New Hope, an organization that provides resources to veterans and their families with an office and food pantry at Hampton Pond Plaza. https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2022/10/high-school-sophomore-again-seeking-donations-for-goodie-bags-for-troops.html

If you missed "Superintendent's Spotlight" yesterday morning, click on the link below. This morning we talked about our English Language Learner Program with Supervisor Anna Antropova, Technology with Coordinator Brian Sutko, and STEM with Coach Lindsey Ayers. We also took a moment to recognize National M&Ms day. Thanks for watching. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-GMv8Hfcz4

Members of the Westfield Public Schools received a $1,005,000 check to help with updating the high school. The money comes from funding from this fiscal year’s state budget and will go towards repairs school leaders said are much needed. The money will be divided up going towards fixing the tennis courts, as well as upgrading the science labs and making improvements towards school security. Senator John Velis graduated from Westfield High School, he said investing in all three of these is critical, “This school, very candidly speaking, as we all know needs a little bit of work and being able to do my small part with my teammates here brings me a lot of joy.” The additional $5,000 is going towards the school’s Community Closet which offers clothes, food and personal care items to students and families. They’re looking to use that to make it more student friendly and to potentially invest in a washer and dryer. https://www.wwlp.com/news/1m-in-funding-for-westfield-high-school/

Abner Gibbs Elementary School staff and students, led by new Principal Erika Masciadrelli, staged a surprise clap-out for retiring principal Kathleen O’Donnell behind the school on Oct. 11. All of the students and teachers gathered to say goodbye and gave “Mrs. O” a card with all of their signatures on it. Masciadrelli, who began her new job Oct. 3, complimented the students on managing to keep it a surprise all day. https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2022/10/students-staff-at-westfields-abner-gibbs-surprise-retiring-principal-with-clap-out.html

The 2023-24 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) launched on October 1. New and returning students who plan to attend college between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024, should complete the FAFSA form as soon as possible. Massachusetts resources, including links to regional organizations and events that can help students and families complete the form, are posted at https://www.doe.mass.edu/financialaid/ and will be updated continuously. In addition, the U.S. Department of Education has helpful tips, such as “Seven Things You Need Before Filling Out the FAFSA Form,” “Eight Steps to Completing the FAFSA Form,” and “15 Myths We’re Busting About the FAFSA Process.”

Tune in this Thursday, October 13, 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 will talk curriculum with our Director of Curriculum and Instruction Susan Dargie and other members of the WPS Curriculum Team. Thanks for watching!

What’s more synonymous with Halloween than a festively carved pumpkin, all aglow with candlelight? Hundreds of kids and their families will get the chance to test those creative skills at this year’s PumpkinFest, slated for 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15, rain or shine, on the athletic fields behind Amelia Park off South Broad Street in Westfield. Now in its sixth year, the event is organized by Westfield on Weekends, and according to Co-President Bob Plasse, more than 100 people volunteer their time to make this event happen. https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2022/10/westfield-pumpkinfest-promises-fun-for-whole-community-next-weekend.html

If you missed yesterday's "Superintendent's Spotlight", click on the link below. This week we talked with retiring Principal Kathy O'Donnell and new Principal Erika Masciadrelli all about the great things happening at Abner Gibbs Elementary School. Thanks for watching! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hi-siN92wgs

Join us this Thursday, October 6, 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 will talk with retiring principal Kathy O'Donnell and new principal Erika Masciadrelli about all of the great things happening at Abner Gibbs Elementary School. Thanks for watching!

Westfield Public School families may get $30 off your monthly internet bill and $100 off a laptop, tablet, or computer through a federal program called the Affordable Connectivity Program. Learn more & apply! Affordableconnectivity.gov