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
Please click below for the latest newsletter from Southampton Road School. Thank you. https://app.smore.com/n/asmhw
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 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
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!
Reminder: There will be no school for students from February 16–February 20 due to Winter Vacation. Have a wonderful break and stay safe!
Southampton Road Elementary School held its second STEAM night (science, technology, engineering, art and math) night for third and fourth graders and their siblings, in partnership with students and staff from the Jandon Center for Community Engagement at Smith College.
SRS STEM teacher Jessica Hanson said the school has been partnering for the last two years with the Jandon Center’s education initiative, which they connected with through a parent, Nancy Ziegler, who works there. Besides the STEAM night, they’ve benefitted from the Center’s Robotics Outreach Initiative, which organizes teams of Smith students to create robotics workshops and classes.
The Robotics team brought their robots to STEAM night, giving all of the students who attended the opportunity to participate in a diner dash, in which the robots pushed “food” items from one restaurant to another.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/02/southampton-road-students-have-hands-on-fun-at-steam-night-run-with-the-jandon-center.html
SRS STEM teacher Jessica Hanson said the school has been partnering for the last two years with the Jandon Center’s education initiative, which they connected with through a parent, Nancy Ziegler, who works there. Besides the STEAM night, they’ve benefitted from the Center’s Robotics Outreach Initiative, which organizes teams of Smith students to create robotics workshops and classes.
The Robotics team brought their robots to STEAM night, giving all of the students who attended the opportunity to participate in a diner dash, in which the robots pushed “food” items from one restaurant to another.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/02/southampton-road-students-have-hands-on-fun-at-steam-night-run-with-the-jandon-center.html
“Being present every day is the first step toward achievement.” #AchievingExcellenceTogether
We are pleased to announce that Westfield Public Schools will offer tuition-free preschool for Westfield residents for the 2026-2027 school year. If your child will be 3 or 4 years old by September 1, 2026 and you are interested in having your child attend WPS preschool, please complete this interest form. If you have more than one child eligible for preschool, please complete a separate form for each child.
All 3 year old preschool classrooms will be held from Monday through Friday for 2.5 hours, either in the morning or afternoon. The morning program will run from 9:15 am to 11:45 am and the afternoon program will run from 12:45 pm to 3:15 pm.
All 4 year old preschool classrooms will be held from Monday through Friday from 9:15 am to 3:15 pm each day.
This form will remain open through Friday, March 20, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Families will be notified on or before Thursday, April 2, 2026 if their child has been selected.
Please contact Jonathan Scagel, Preschool Program Supervisor, at (jonathan.scagel@schoolsofwestfield.org) with any questions.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XmEKoihDwnMvWVCE3mxwJUkcHZNwrvGU-Us8IP2kQIU/edit?usp=sharing
All 3 year old preschool classrooms will be held from Monday through Friday for 2.5 hours, either in the morning or afternoon. The morning program will run from 9:15 am to 11:45 am and the afternoon program will run from 12:45 pm to 3:15 pm.
All 4 year old preschool classrooms will be held from Monday through Friday from 9:15 am to 3:15 pm each day.
This form will remain open through Friday, March 20, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Families will be notified on or before Thursday, April 2, 2026 if their child has been selected.
Please contact Jonathan Scagel, Preschool Program Supervisor, at (jonathan.scagel@schoolsofwestfield.org) with any questions.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XmEKoihDwnMvWVCE3mxwJUkcHZNwrvGU-Us8IP2kQIU/edit?usp=sharing
National School Counseling Week 2026 (Feb. 2-6), sponsored by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), highlights the essential contribution of school counselors within U.S. school systems and the tremendous impact they have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career. Take a moment to thank your school counselor(s). #AchievingExcellenceTogether
A reminder that all Elementary School Students will be released at 12:15 p.m. on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, for Parent-Teacher Conferences. Thank you.
Westfield families with preschool-aged children, whether they’re in preschool or not, are invited to come to the 2026 Countdown to Kindergarten event on Tuesday, Feb. 3, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Westfield River Elementary School, 133 Franklin St. A snow date has been scheduled for Feb. 5.
The event is for students who will be attending any of the five elementary schools in the district. The principals and some of their staff from each of the schools will be present to meet families.
Christine Shea, director of assessment and accountability for Westfield Public Schools, said the Countdown to Kindergarten is a great opportunity for families to get their questions answered and all the information they need to register their child for kindergarten, a process they can get help starting at the Countdown to Kindergarten. Children must be 5 years old on or before Sept. 1 to register for kindergarten.
“Parents have found it really helpful to get their questions answered, get help with online registration, meet principals and staff from their schools and learn about the program,” Shea said.
If families plan to register at the countdown, they may bring the required paperwork with them, listed online at www.schoolsofwestfield.org under “Registration.” They can also just come and begin the process and bring what they have. If families register ahead of time, they will receive information about kindergarten screening, as well as play dates held over the summer, Shea said.
Every child who attends will also receive a backpack filled with school supplies and a t-shirt with their graduation year on it. “I think we’re up to 2039,” Shea said.
The district transportation director will be there to answer questions, and there will be a school bus parked for the kids to explore. Also on hand will be the district’s literacy and math coaches to answer questions about academics; lead nurse Fawne St. Pierre will answer questions about immunizations and health records, and Food Services will have sample menus and snacks.
Shea said many of the district’s community partners, including the Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts, the Boys & Girls Club, and the YMCA, will talk about before and after-school programs. Seven Hills will be there to help with vouchers and the application process.
CFCE director Paula Hebert-Pike will give information on area play groups, and the Westfield Athenaeum will share information on children’s library programs.
Riverside Counseling, which has a partnership with Westfield Public Schools, will be available to talk about mental health questions.
Anyone with questions about the Countdown to Kindergarten may reach out to Sarah Kotarski at s.kotarski@schoolsofwestfield.org or at 413-572-6439.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/01/countdown-to-kindergarten-on-feb-3-is-a-nice-information-night-for-young-families.html
The event is for students who will be attending any of the five elementary schools in the district. The principals and some of their staff from each of the schools will be present to meet families.
Christine Shea, director of assessment and accountability for Westfield Public Schools, said the Countdown to Kindergarten is a great opportunity for families to get their questions answered and all the information they need to register their child for kindergarten, a process they can get help starting at the Countdown to Kindergarten. Children must be 5 years old on or before Sept. 1 to register for kindergarten.
“Parents have found it really helpful to get their questions answered, get help with online registration, meet principals and staff from their schools and learn about the program,” Shea said.
If families plan to register at the countdown, they may bring the required paperwork with them, listed online at www.schoolsofwestfield.org under “Registration.” They can also just come and begin the process and bring what they have. If families register ahead of time, they will receive information about kindergarten screening, as well as play dates held over the summer, Shea said.
Every child who attends will also receive a backpack filled with school supplies and a t-shirt with their graduation year on it. “I think we’re up to 2039,” Shea said.
The district transportation director will be there to answer questions, and there will be a school bus parked for the kids to explore. Also on hand will be the district’s literacy and math coaches to answer questions about academics; lead nurse Fawne St. Pierre will answer questions about immunizations and health records, and Food Services will have sample menus and snacks.
Shea said many of the district’s community partners, including the Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts, the Boys & Girls Club, and the YMCA, will talk about before and after-school programs. Seven Hills will be there to help with vouchers and the application process.
CFCE director Paula Hebert-Pike will give information on area play groups, and the Westfield Athenaeum will share information on children’s library programs.
Riverside Counseling, which has a partnership with Westfield Public Schools, will be available to talk about mental health questions.
Anyone with questions about the Countdown to Kindergarten may reach out to Sarah Kotarski at s.kotarski@schoolsofwestfield.org or at 413-572-6439.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/01/countdown-to-kindergarten-on-feb-3-is-a-nice-information-night-for-young-families.html
The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts will be hosting a Webex Webinar Keeping Kids Safe and Secure Online: A Project Safe Childhood Presentation for Parents. The webinar will take place on the evening of Tuesday, February 3rd at 6:30 pm in a partnership between the United States Attorney’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations Digital Forensics/Child Exploitation/Cyber Crime Unit. The registration flyer is attached. Advanced registration is required, and the capacity of the Webex webinar platform is 1000. In the event we reach capacity, those who are unable to register can email USAMA.PSCOutreach@usa.doj.gov to be put on the list for the next webinar.
Registration can be done either via the attached flyer or the link below.
Webinar topic: Keeping Kids Safe and Secure Online: A Project Safe Childhood Presentation for Parents
Date and time: Tuesday, February 3, 2026, 6:30 PM | (UTC-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada)
Register link:
https://usao.webex.com/weblink/register/r83f7d49f6565b65bce8bb420f1cfef7c
Registration can be done either via the attached flyer or the link below.
Webinar topic: Keeping Kids Safe and Secure Online: A Project Safe Childhood Presentation for Parents
Date and time: Tuesday, February 3, 2026, 6:30 PM | (UTC-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada)
Register link:
https://usao.webex.com/weblink/register/r83f7d49f6565b65bce8bb420f1cfef7c
A reminder that Westfield Public Schools are closed on Monday, January 19, 2026, for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Holiday. Thank you.
This week, on "Superintendent's Spotlight", we talked about our "Countdown to Kindergarten" event being held on February 3 at 6:00 p.m. at Westfield River Elementary School. Staff and students from Westfield Technical Academy's Culinary Arts Department also stopped by to help us celebrate National Strawberry Ice Cream Day. Thanks for watching.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tp3evPWLEGA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tp3evPWLEGA