A reminder that Westfield Public Schools are closed on Monday, June 19. Tuesday, June 20 is the last day of school, and it is an early release day. High school students will be dismissed at 11:00 a.m., Middle and Intermediate school students at 11:30 a.m., and Elementary school students at 12:15 a.m. Thank you.
If you missed the season finale of "Superintendent's Spotlight" this morning, please click on the link below. This week, we talked about the new elementary school project timeline, progress, and shared photos and drone footage of the work completed so far. You can actually see the footprint of the building already. Westfield Technical Academy Culinary Arts students also helped us celebrate National Fudge Day. Thanks for watching!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Cf6fPKjKqE
Did you know students in grades 4,7, and 10 are required to submit a physical exam within 30 days of school entry. Students in grades K-12 are also required to be fully immunized against certain diseases. Please click on the image for more information.
All year long, parents worry about the safety of their children, especially when they are in school. That’s why Westfield Public Schools started a new safety program to provide extra pairs of eyes on students this year.
It’s a pilot program called “school safety attendants” featuring volunteers who are retired or current military personnel or first responders. In exchange, they receive an incentive that may motivate others to join for the upcoming school year.
Volunteers from the “school safety attendants” program in Westfield are showing up in the schools every day, connecting with kids, and making a difference.
The program was born from joint efforts by the Westfield Public Schools, State Senator John Velis, and the city’s Veterans Affairs Department.
Stefan Czaporowski, Westfield’s school superintendent, and Christopher Rogers, the director of student interventions and safety, told Western Mass News the goals of the program are simple.
“They are building relationships; they are another set of eyes and ears in the building, and often times when there is a safety issue in the school, it is known that something is going to happen somewhere,” said Czaporowski. “So, this is just another trusted adult for our students to confide in and maybe even prevent something that might happen that way.”
This program is also the result of multiple safety concerns that have come up in recent years because of the many mass shootings in schools across the country.
“We have protocols in place, we have systems in place, and I think, and while this—I don’t know that this is going to deter it, but we hope it does— we hope it’s a deterrent, knowing that there is another adult in the building who is, you know, trained in identifying threats,” said Rogers.”
On Wednesday, Western Mass News got a chance to see one of the volunteers in action at the Southampton Road Elementary School. Carl Schwarzenback, a military veteran told us he first decided to volunteer so he could spend more time with his son Lincoln, and he really enjoys the experience.
“Teachers focus on teaching, counselors can focus on counseling, the administrators can focus on administrating, and I can be there to focus on talking or just listening, that’s it through the day,” said Schwarzenback. “Walking, getting my step count in, saying hi to kids, high fiving. It’s, it’s a lot of fun actually.”
Volunteers are eligible for up to $1,500 off their property taxes.
Czaporowski told us they started with three schools participating this year, but they are hoping to have more volunteers and reach all six of their elementary schools next year.
https://www.westernmassnews.com/2023/06/14/getting-answers-westfield-public-schools-spearheads-new-school-safety-attendants-program/
Franklin Avenue's field day will take place on Friday, June 16 at Municipal Playground. Students should remember to bring a bathing suit and towel. Caregivers should apply sunscreen before sending students to school.
Join us on Thursday, June 15, from 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. to WSKB 89.5 FM, WCPC cable channel 15, or westfieldtv.org for the last new episode of "Superintendent's Spotlight" for the 2022-2023 school year. This week, we will catch up on the amazing progress being made on the new elementary school building. Thanks for watching!
We want to continue to improve the services and support we offer to our students and families at Franklin Avenue Elementary. Our school has a Title 1 program, which provides federal funds that allow us to offer before and after school programs, materials for student use, and teacher training in new and innovative practices. Please take a few minutes to complete this survey so we can determine how we can better serve your child and family. Please fill in the answer that best matches how you feel. There are no right or wrong answers!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdhr6Ut0V4UKTPeFZoQmlSUcYK1r7jzVfDncijnD74SwEMP9Q/viewform
In celebration of Career Week, Franklin Avenue students are learning first hand about future careers from a variety of presenters this week. Nurses, doctors, and even Mayor Mike McCabe are giving their time to explain their jobs, answer questions, and inspire our students to think about the possibilities that await them. Thank you to all of our professionals who support our students.
The city will hold a formal groundbreaking ceremony at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 7, for the as-yet-unnamed new elementary school under construction at 133 Franklin St., Westfield.
The project actually broke ground in late April 2023 and has an anticipated completion date of November 2024, according to a recent update released by P3 Project Planning Professionals, the owner’s project manager employed by the city.
“While construction projects can experience supply delays, the project team has taken this into consideration when choosing materials and when submitting orders for materials and we do not anticipate supply delays to affect the project schedule,” according to P3.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2023/06/symbolic-groundbreaking-for-westfield-elementary-school-slated-for-wednesday.html
If you missed this morning's episode of "Superintendent's Spotlight", please click on the link below. This week, we spoke with Senator John Velis about the mental health crisis and what he is proposing to increase services for students. We also celebrated National Doughnut Day with some treats from Mrs. Murphy's. Thanks for watching!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_zpfDQZVi0
If you missed the latest episode of "Superintendent's Spotlight", click on the link below. On last week's show, we talked with Food Services Director Rachel Kania about all our school breakfast and lunch program. We also talked about some famous people named George on National George Day. Thanks for watching!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XjU0WMpDBM
Westfield Public Schools Quarterly Newsletter is out now, you can read it by clicking here: https://www.schoolsofwestfield.org/o/wps/page/district-newsletter for updates from our various departments and important dates and events coming up.
Join us on Thursday, May 25, an hour early, from 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. to WSKB 89.5 FM, WCPC cable channel 15, or westfieldtv.org for a brand-new episode of "Superintendent's Spotlight". This week, we will talk with Food Services Director Rachel Kania about Westfield EATS, our school breakfast and lunch programs. Thanks for watching!
Tune in on Thursday, May 11 from 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. to WSKB 89.5 FM, WCPC cable channel 15, or westfieldtv.org for a brand-new episode of "Superintendent's Spotlight". This week, we will talk with State Representative Kelly Pease about recent happenings at the Massachusetts State House. We will also take some time to recognize "National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day". Thanks for watching!
Children’s Mental Health Week is dedicated to increasing public awareness about the triumphs and challenges in children’s mental health and emphasizing the importance of family and youth involvement in the children’s mental health movement!
This week Franklin Avenue third graders will be taking the Math MCAS on Tuesday, 5/9. and fourth grade students will take it on Wednesday, 5/10. Please be sure that your child gets a good night sleep and arrives to school on time. Thank you for your support.
It's Teacher Appreciation Week! Thank you to all our teachers for their hard work and dedication to the students in our schools.
If you missed "Superintendent's Spotlight" this morning, click on the link below. This week we spoke with Daniel Palotta, Project Manager, about the new construction process for our district's new elementary school. With assistance from our staff and students at Westfield Technical Academy's Culinary Arts Program, we also recognized "National Prime Rib Day". Thanks for watching!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HNFUVnKQzE
On May 4, 2023, Westfield Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) will hold the 2023 Shining Star Ceremony in Tiger’s Pride at Westfield Technical Academy at 6:30 pm. Nominations for Shining Star recipients are for those educators and support personnel who go the extra mile to serve the Westfield District Schools’ special education community and inspire others to do the same. This Recognition of Excellence in Supporting Special Education is an important way for the community to thank those who through dedication, creativity, patience, and
determination help students receiving special education to experience success.
The special education department appreciates the hard work and dedication of educators and support personnel for all that they do for our students. We also appreciate all of your support in ensuring that your children succeed
Our Franklin Avenue Third Annual PTO Auction begins on Thursday, April 27 at 4 p.m. You can register at the following link to bid on designer purses, gift baskets, and other great items. Thank you for supporting our Franklin Avenue students!
https://event.auctria.com/efad6625-5d55-418d-80a5-cf30105a5607/