Westfield Public Schools

When one thinks of Santa Claus it’s usually of a jolly, round man with a heart as big as his belly sporting a curly white beard, with twinkling eyes, and a red suit trimmed with white fur wearing black, shiny boots, not a clean-cut man dressed in blue delivering bulging garbage bags. But on Thursday, a group of police officers and student cadets played the same role as Santa – delivering Christmas cheer throughout the city to many of its public-school students. https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2024/12/westfield-police-officers-and-cadets-were-spreading-christmas-cheer-thursday.html

If you missed this morning's brand-new episode of "Superintendent's Spotlight", please click on the link below. This week, we spoke with staff and students from Westfield Technical Academy's Horticulture Technology Program about their field and some of the projects that they have completed in the local community. We also recognized National Poinsettia Day. In fact, the Horticulture Department will be selling poinsettias and other holiday arrangements on Friday, December 13 from 10:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. outside of Tiger's Pride Restaurant by the Gymnasium. Thanks for watching! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQZkvOtQUmE

Before the Show Choir began its program at the Fort Meadow Early Childhood Center on Dec. 9, Director Korey Bruno introduced her students to the preschoolers. “My name is Mrs. Bruno, and I brought some of my favorite students to sing Christmas songs,” she said. Accompanying her were Autumn Estee, Amber Turner, Shresta Rai, Lanah Woody, Samantha Doiron, Ethan David, J.J. Bonilla, Luke Bulan and Aaron Boyd. https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2024/12/westfield-high-show-choir-shares-holiday-spirit-with-preschoolers.html

Special thanks to Matt Della and the Student Government Association at Westfield State University. We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you who contributed to this year’s Thanksgiving Food Drive. In particular, your generosity and commitment of $3,015.00 made a remarkable difference, and because of your kindness, over 200 families received full Thanksgiving dinners this holiday season. The outpouring of support from the students at Westfield State University highlights the true spirit of giving and reinforces the values we strive to uphold in our schools. Thanks to your generous donation, families in need were able to come together and celebrate with a warm meal. As we reflect on the blessings of this season, we are reminded of the power of community. Thank you for making this year’s food drive such a resounding success! It was so wonderful to meet so many of the students at the Butcher Block on a very cold, very early morning as you presented your "huge" check. All of the students and advisors were so polite, so friendly, and so kind, it really put us in the holiday spirit. I am attaching pictures that captured the wonderful way to cap off this year’s drive. To say that we were overwhelmed with your generosity, is an understatement.

School Committee Vice Chair Timothy O’Connor took time at the start of its Dec. 2 meeting to honor Westfield High School Hockey Coach C. B. “Moose” Matthews, who retired quietly a few years ago after a 30-year career. “It’s a privilege for me personally and professionally on behalf of the Westfield School Committee to be honoring Moose Matthews here this evening, for all he accomplished for the Westfield Public Schools as hockey coach of the Westfield Bombers,” O’Connor said. https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2024/12/westfield-school-committee-honors-retired-coach.html

Please click on the image below for important information regarding school delays and closures in the event of inclement weather. Thank you.

Jill Keenan, Westfield High School English teacher and WHS Community Closet coordinator, recently spoke to the Westfield Education to Business Alliance about the success and continued needs of the Closet, which provides needed items to students, faculty and staff at the school at no charge. “We’re newly renovated. The community really came together to allow this to happen,” Keenan said, adding that the catalyst for the renovation was Senator John Velis, who put a line item in the state budget for $5,000. https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2024/12/westfield-high-school-community-closet-lists-greatest-needs.html

We are excited to share the latest updates on the Westfield Elementary School construction project. Significant progress continues both inside and outside the building as we are quickly approaching the completion of this state-of-the-art facility. Here’s what’s been happening on-site: Electrical Finish Work Underway Electricians are completing the final stages of electrical installations throughout the school. This includes connecting and testing lighting fixtures, power outlets, and switches in classrooms, offices, and shared spaces. Specialized systems like classroom technology, fire alarms, and security systems are also being finalized to ensure safety and functionality. Every electrical component is being meticulously checked and adjusted to guarantee it operates seamlessly when the building opens. Punch List Process in Progress The punch list phase is a meticulous step where every detail of the construction is inspected. This includes reviewing finishes such as paint, flooring, and trim, ensuring doors and windows function correctly, and verifying the installation of cabinetry, fixtures, and hardware. Any minor issues, such as alignment adjustments, touch-ups, or minor repairs, are documented and quickly addressed. This process ensures that every space meets the design and quality expectations for a flawless final product. Final Cleaning and Furniture Delivery The final cleaning process is in full swing, with teams ensuring that every corner of the building is spotless. Windows are being polished, floors are being scrubbed, and construction dust is being eliminated to create a pristine environment. At the same time, furniture delivery is transforming the empty rooms into vibrant learning spaces. Desks, chairs, bookshelves, and other furnishings are being placed in classrooms, while administrative offices, the library, and communal areas are being equipped with the necessary furniture. These additions bring the vision of a warm, welcoming school to life. Looking Ahead In the coming weeks, our team will focus on completing the punch list, conducting final inspections, and preparing the building for occupancy. With the last pieces falling into place, the new Westfield Elementary School will soon be ready to welcome students and staff into a modern, innovative learning environment.

Together with Westfield on Weekends, Mayor McCabe will host the annual Holiday Tree Lighting on Saturday, November 30th. The festivities will begin at Elm Street Plaza at 4:45 PM with Cocoa and Carols, featuring the Westfield High School Pep Band under the direction of Patrick Kennedy, followed by a performance of the Westfield High School Show Choir under the direction of Korey Bruno. Special thanks to Mount Moriah Lodge for offering cocoa to attendees.

“This will be so many years of us doing this that I can’t remember,” said Susan Figy, co-chair with Ralph Figy, Eileen Jachym and Jimmy Jachym in the lead up to putting together 200 meals for families who need them in the Westfield Public Schools. “It all started with Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski asking us to do it, I think 12 years ago,” she said. https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2024/11/wps-thanksgiving-food-drive-provides-meals-for-200-district-families.html

Click on the link below for the latest "Superintendent's Spotlight". This week, we spoke with staff and students from Highland Elementary School about Project Lead the Way and more. Westfield Technical Academy's Culinary Arts Department also helped us to celebrate National Gingerbread Cookie Day. Thanks for watching! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwAAHaOH1mE

Schools will be closed from Wednesday, November 27 - Friday, November 29 for Thanksgiving break. Happy Thanksgiving from Westfield Public Schools!

On Sat., Nov. 23 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Westfield Public School district invites members of the community to join them in a farewell walk-through Abner Gibbs Elementary School on 50 West Silver St. and Franklin Avenue Elementary at 22 Franklin Ave. Anyone who has a connection to these schools or is simply curious about the buildings are encouraged to stop by. There will be displays featuring historic photographs, along with a virtual tour of the new Westfield River Elementary School on Franklin Street, which the students from both schools will be attending following the holiday break, showing what the future holds for education in the community. https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2024/11/saying-goodbye-to-abner-gibbs-and-franklin-avenue-elementary-schools.html

A military information night for middle and high school students and their families who may be interested in learning more about a military post-graduate option is scheduled for Nov. 20, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in Westfield High School. “In my new role as WPS Title I Supervisor, I am trying to increase family engagement in all of our schools. Patty Healy and I are organizing a military informational night for grade 8 to 12 students and parents who may want to learn more about the military. The highlight of the event will be the virtual presentation by recent graduates who currently serve our country,” said Chris Tolpa, who is also a parent of one of the speakers. https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2024/11/military-information-night-scheduled-at-westfield-high-school-nov-20.html

Russell Johnston, acting commissioner of elementary and secondary education, flew over Westfield Wednesday but he learned that it’s the 56 students in the aviation maintenance and technology program at Westfield Technical Academy who are really about to soar. “This is great,” the former West Springfield schools superintendent said on a visit to classroom and workshop space in historic Hangar #2 at Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport. “We strive to have an education that is exciting, hands-on and relevant. This is all these things.” https://www.masslive.com/news/2024/11/state-schools-chief-soars-westfield-aviation-students-look-to-take-off-to-careers.html

Over the weekend, Westfield High School senior Jillian Battles completed her mission of filling 800 “Bags for Bravery” for active troops and veterans with everything from personal care items and throw blankets, to notebooks, pens, pencils and playing cards to a wide range of snacks. This is the fourth year in a row that Jillian, with the help of her mother Jen Battles, area businesses and community volunteers filled the 800 bags. https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2024/11/jillian-battles-fills-800-bags-for-troops-4th-year-in-a-row.html

Massachusetts Partnerships for Youth (MPY) is pleased to announce its new MPY Parenting Solutions Library. The MPY Parenting Solutions Library is offered at no charge, in partnership with Peace at Home Parenting Solutions, a non- profit. Peace At Home Parenting Solutions is a dynamic hub of trusted knowledge and compassionate support that inspires parents to create positive change for their children, their families and themselves. Through this new partnership, MPY is pleased to offer proven resources to help students’ families thrive. The video trainings are presented by experts with advanced degrees and present easy-to-use strategies for long-lasting change.

NEW On The Mark and Superintendent's Spotlight 11/06/24 from Westfield Community Programming, 89.5fm/WSKB, Agawam Media and Southwick Community TV. Students at Westfield High School can earn college credits at Westfield State University. Mark G. Auerbach and Stefan Czaporowski talk with students and teachers in the program. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsVNs__x2r4

If you didn't catch last week's brand new "Superintendent's Spotlight", please click on the link below. In this episode, we talk all about STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) in the Westfield Public Schools in recognition of STEAM Day on Friday, November 8. Thanks for watching! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obteUQOd684

REMINDER: Westfield Public Schools will be closed on Monday, November 11, in observance of Veteran's Day. Thank you.