Westfield Police Department shared their new partner Joules with Mrs. Kubic's class. The students enjoyed meeting Joules and enjoyed spending time with her!
Munger Hill Elementary Principal Stacy Burgess and teacher Jennifer Kubic gave a presentation on ST Math with the help of district ST Math mascot JiJi. Burgess said ST Math is a visual instruction program that uses game-based puzzles, starting with language free puzzles in the early grades that eventually connects to traditional math.
Kubic said the program challenges students not to learn by rote memorization, but to work through the puzzles to solve them, building perseverance and critical thinking. She said students receive immediate feedback with the help of JiJi. “When JiJi crosses the screen, students know they got it right,” she said, adding that the school’s goal is to get to 80 percent math by the end of the year for the fourth year in a row.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2025/11/on-eve-of-election-school-committee-conducts-business-as-usual.html
Kubic said the program challenges students not to learn by rote memorization, but to work through the puzzles to solve them, building perseverance and critical thinking. She said students receive immediate feedback with the help of JiJi. “When JiJi crosses the screen, students know they got it right,” she said, adding that the school’s goal is to get to 80 percent math by the end of the year for the fourth year in a row.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2025/11/on-eve-of-election-school-committee-conducts-business-as-usual.html
"As a student, I’ve realized that when I’m in school every day, I don’t just keep up—I get ahead. Attendance is key to staying connected with friends, teachers, and my future." #EveryDayCounts
If you missed last week's "Superintendent's Spotlight", please click on the link below. In this episode, we talked all about STEM week and the fun educational activities that our students were able to experience. Thanks for watching!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vl2pXdHWvp8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vl2pXdHWvp8
Excitement was in the air during Westfield Public School’s STEM Week, Oct. 20-24, when a lot of special activities were planned for students from prekindergarten to Westfield High School.
Westfield River Preschool teacher Aimee Blair said, “When one my students walked into the classroom in the morning this week and saw science on the schedule they shouted, ‘We get to be scientists today!’”
The week started on Oct. 20 with Project Lead the Way teachers and leaders from elementary through high school attending the annual Project Lead the Way fall conference, where educators from across the state gathered to collaborate and share best practices in supporting students in the hands-on STEM Curriculum.
“My favorite part about STEM Week is that it highlights what we’re already doing every day in our schools. STEM is woven into our curriculum at every grade level, starting as early as preschool. What we’re doing in Westfield Schools truly reflects this year’s theme ‘STEM Starts Now’ because we believe it’s never too early to start building curiosity and problem-solving skills,” said STEM coach Lindsey Ayers.
“What makes STEM Week special is that it gives us a chance to shine a light on the great teaching and learning that happens in our district every day. We had a couple of opportunities this week to bring together students from elementary and high schools, which is always so exciting for both the older kids and the younger kids — those events were the biggest highlight for me. And I got to meet JiJi,” said Chrissy Smith, WPS’s new supervisor of science, technology and engineering.
“What I love most about STEM Week is the opportunity to celebrate STEM in our schools. Our students are curious and collaborative, and it’s wonderful to see their joy in problem-solving. It’s inspiring to watch students, from preschool to high school, explore new ideas, ask questions, and discover the excitement of innovation together,” said Kate Perez, WPS supervisor of mathematics.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2025/10/students-get-to-be-scientists-during-stem-week-in-westfield.html
Westfield River Preschool teacher Aimee Blair said, “When one my students walked into the classroom in the morning this week and saw science on the schedule they shouted, ‘We get to be scientists today!’”
The week started on Oct. 20 with Project Lead the Way teachers and leaders from elementary through high school attending the annual Project Lead the Way fall conference, where educators from across the state gathered to collaborate and share best practices in supporting students in the hands-on STEM Curriculum.
“My favorite part about STEM Week is that it highlights what we’re already doing every day in our schools. STEM is woven into our curriculum at every grade level, starting as early as preschool. What we’re doing in Westfield Schools truly reflects this year’s theme ‘STEM Starts Now’ because we believe it’s never too early to start building curiosity and problem-solving skills,” said STEM coach Lindsey Ayers.
“What makes STEM Week special is that it gives us a chance to shine a light on the great teaching and learning that happens in our district every day. We had a couple of opportunities this week to bring together students from elementary and high schools, which is always so exciting for both the older kids and the younger kids — those events were the biggest highlight for me. And I got to meet JiJi,” said Chrissy Smith, WPS’s new supervisor of science, technology and engineering.
“What I love most about STEM Week is the opportunity to celebrate STEM in our schools. Our students are curious and collaborative, and it’s wonderful to see their joy in problem-solving. It’s inspiring to watch students, from preschool to high school, explore new ideas, ask questions, and discover the excitement of innovation together,” said Kate Perez, WPS supervisor of mathematics.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2025/10/students-get-to-be-scientists-during-stem-week-in-westfield.html
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
Tomorrow evening is our Fall Fest. We hope to see everyone tomorrow evening!
Show up. Learn. Grow. Repeat. Every day in school = one step closer to your goals! #EveryDayCounts
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 October 21-24 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.
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 October 21-24 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.
Attendance = Learning + Friendships + Future Success
Parent Teacher Conferences are taking place on October 22nd. This means this is a half day for students. Dismissal will be at 12:15 pm. Please plan accordingly.
Strong attendance today creates brighter opportunities tomorrow.
Our October Newsletter is out. Please see import dates and upcoming events.
Picture day is Tuesday, October 7th. Please be sure to send in your forms on the day of pictures.
Hey students — showing up is your superpower. Each day you’re in class you level up your skills, meet friends, and get closer to your dreams. Be here. Be curious. Be unstoppable. #AchievingExcellenceTogether
We are inviting our families to our Open House on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 from 6:00 pm-7:30 pm. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet your child(ren)'s teacher, learn about their classroom and so much more. There will be raffles and prizes from our PTO. We hope you can join us on Tuesday evening!
✨ Consistent attendance = consistent success! ✨
Every day in school is a chance to learn, grow, and connect. When students show up, they set themselves up for achievement today and opportunities tomorrow. Let’s make attendance a priority—it’s the first step toward reaching every goal! 📚✅ #AttendanceMatters #EveryDayCounts
Every day in school is a chance to learn, grow, and connect. When students show up, they set themselves up for achievement today and opportunities tomorrow. Let’s make attendance a priority—it’s the first step toward reaching every goal! 📚✅ #AttendanceMatters #EveryDayCounts
More than 20 people, some virtually, attended the first Special Education Parent Advisory Committee (SEPAC) meeting of the school year on Sept. 11 in the Westfield River Elementary library to meet Gregory Rosenthal, Westfield’s new administrator of special services and student support services.
Most recently, Rosenthal, who started on July 1, was the director of special education and student services for the Douglas Public Schools. Prior to that role, he had a similar one with the Northbridge Public Schools. He has also worked as a special education teacher and administrator in public schools and out-of-district private special education schools.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2025/09/parents-turn-out-to-meet-new-special-education-administrator.html
Most recently, Rosenthal, who started on July 1, was the director of special education and student services for the Douglas Public Schools. Prior to that role, he had a similar one with the Northbridge Public Schools. He has also worked as a special education teacher and administrator in public schools and out-of-district private special education schools.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2025/09/parents-turn-out-to-meet-new-special-education-administrator.html
Everyday counts! Consistent attendance builds success in school & beyond. #attendancematters
Click on the link below for this morning's season premiere of "Superintendent's Spotlight". This week, we spoke with our new Director of Special Education, Dr. Gregory Rosenthal, and celebrated 'Eat an Extra Dessert Day' with staff and students from Westfield Technical Academy's Culinary Arts Department. Thanks for watching!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1Vy78U2Agg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1Vy78U2Agg