Three hundred students from Westfield High School and Westfield Technical Academy presented their science and engineering projects in the WHS auditorium to over 100 judges, scientists, industry professionals, and educators with backgrounds in science and engineering at the 25th annual High School Science and Engineering Fair on Jan. 29.
“It was an incredible day. It’s always rewarding to see our students so engaged in their work and excited about presenting it to the judges. Our Science Fair is truly a community effort, and as a school community, we have so much to be proud of. Our students and the students who joined us from WTA really produced some impressive projects,” said WHS Principal Charles Jendrysik.
During the four hours of judging that morning, which was covered live by Westfield Community Television, coordinator and science teacher Christina Smith said the science standards in the Westfield high schools allow students to progress all the way to the International Fair.
Winners who will be moving on to the regional fair were announced with balloons at a public viewing that evening and the next day during school.
WHS science teachers Jakob Wyman and Renee Sweeney said 15 projects from WHS and two from WTA were selected by the judges to move on to the regional fair, with five projects selected as alternates. Sweeney said Westfield has 15 slots altogether at the regional fair.
The project that was scored the highest by the judges went to WHS junior Giovanni Santaniello with his project on “Mycoremediation — utilizing pleurotus ostreatus var. Columbinus (oyster mushrooms) to degrade plastic.”
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/01/student-scientists-share-findings-at-25th-high-school-science-engineering-fair.html
“It was an incredible day. It’s always rewarding to see our students so engaged in their work and excited about presenting it to the judges. Our Science Fair is truly a community effort, and as a school community, we have so much to be proud of. Our students and the students who joined us from WTA really produced some impressive projects,” said WHS Principal Charles Jendrysik.
During the four hours of judging that morning, which was covered live by Westfield Community Television, coordinator and science teacher Christina Smith said the science standards in the Westfield high schools allow students to progress all the way to the International Fair.
Winners who will be moving on to the regional fair were announced with balloons at a public viewing that evening and the next day during school.
WHS science teachers Jakob Wyman and Renee Sweeney said 15 projects from WHS and two from WTA were selected by the judges to move on to the regional fair, with five projects selected as alternates. Sweeney said Westfield has 15 slots altogether at the regional fair.
The project that was scored the highest by the judges went to WHS junior Giovanni Santaniello with his project on “Mycoremediation — utilizing pleurotus ostreatus var. Columbinus (oyster mushrooms) to degrade plastic.”
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/01/student-scientists-share-findings-at-25th-high-school-science-engineering-fair.html
Stop by Tiger's Pride Restaurant at Westfield Technical Academy this Friday, January 30, 2026, between 10:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. for a terrific lunch prepared by our talented students. Please call 413-564-3123 for more information. Thank you!
Click on the link below for the latest episode of "Superintendent's Spotlight". This week, we talked with staff and students from Munger Hill Elementary School about PLTW - Project Lead The Way, Building Thinking Classroom, and Student Discourse. Staff and students from Westfield Technical Academy's Culinary Arts Program stopped by to help us celebrate National Blonde Brownie Day too. Thanks for watching!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPuD5C0CtzY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPuD5C0CtzY
Join us for lunch today and tomorrow at Tiger's Pride Restaurant at Westfield Technical Academy from 10:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Please call 413-564-3123 for more information. Thank you for supporting our students.
Area businesses are encouraged to attend the Westfield Education to Business Alliance (WE2BA) meeting, co-sponsored by the Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce and Westfield Public Schools, on Jan. 28, 8-9 a.m. at Tiger’s Pride Restaurant in Westfield Technical Academy.
This meeting will focus on ways in which the business community can both support and gain from the work of high school students as they head into their prospective careers.
Kevin Daley, assistant principal at WTA, will talk about cooperative education and the students in the various shops who are ready to go to work.
“The WTA Cooperative Education Program is pivotal to career development and the success of many of our students. It provides opportunities to acquire real-world job experience while earning credits towards graduation working 30-40 hours a week. These opportunities foster career skills, lead to potential full-time employment, all while earning money and building their resumes with our local businesses,” Daley said.
“Currently we have over 55 Grade 12 and Grade 11 students participating in the program with anticipation of more in the next few weeks, with hopes to reach 100 by the end of June,” Daley said, adding that in order to be eligible, students must meet academic, attendance and discipline requirements, and receive a positive recommendation from all of their teachers. He said all 11 of WTA’s career technical education shops are actively looking for business participation.
Patricia Healy, Reed Career Center counselor at Westfield High School, will talk about internships, job shadows and work-based learning at WHS. Healy said she is looking for businesses to partner with WHS seniors in an internship and/or job shadowing opportunity. Students who intern commit to 10 hours per week.
The area's most popular are healthcare, electrical, construction, social work, and esthetics, and are all in need for the second semester. Healy said she plans to review her process of how students are assigned and monitored each week. Healy said she has 40 seniors signed up for internships starting at the end of January.
Also on the agenda are internet technology services available at WTA, and how businesses can support Link to Libraries.
“WE2BA offers a unique opportunity for members of the business community to engage with our students. Businesses can offer job shadowing or internship experiences, or they can adopt a classroom. It can be an ongoing relationship or a one-time experience. We’re looking for all kinds of businesses to participate, because the experiences seem to be very rewarding on both sides,” said Amanda Waterfield, executive director of the Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce.
“The connections that come out of WE2BA allow students to explore industry or career options that may resonate and inspire them, while giving businesses the chance to inform and shape their future workforce. The chamber members who are active in WE2BA are having a meaningful impact on our classrooms, with a far-reaching ripple effect. I would encourage anyone who is looking to make a difference to join us for the meeting to learn more,” added Waterfield.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/01/area-businesses-are-invited-to-engage-with-high-school-students.html
This meeting will focus on ways in which the business community can both support and gain from the work of high school students as they head into their prospective careers.
Kevin Daley, assistant principal at WTA, will talk about cooperative education and the students in the various shops who are ready to go to work.
“The WTA Cooperative Education Program is pivotal to career development and the success of many of our students. It provides opportunities to acquire real-world job experience while earning credits towards graduation working 30-40 hours a week. These opportunities foster career skills, lead to potential full-time employment, all while earning money and building their resumes with our local businesses,” Daley said.
“Currently we have over 55 Grade 12 and Grade 11 students participating in the program with anticipation of more in the next few weeks, with hopes to reach 100 by the end of June,” Daley said, adding that in order to be eligible, students must meet academic, attendance and discipline requirements, and receive a positive recommendation from all of their teachers. He said all 11 of WTA’s career technical education shops are actively looking for business participation.
Patricia Healy, Reed Career Center counselor at Westfield High School, will talk about internships, job shadows and work-based learning at WHS. Healy said she is looking for businesses to partner with WHS seniors in an internship and/or job shadowing opportunity. Students who intern commit to 10 hours per week.
The area's most popular are healthcare, electrical, construction, social work, and esthetics, and are all in need for the second semester. Healy said she plans to review her process of how students are assigned and monitored each week. Healy said she has 40 seniors signed up for internships starting at the end of January.
Also on the agenda are internet technology services available at WTA, and how businesses can support Link to Libraries.
“WE2BA offers a unique opportunity for members of the business community to engage with our students. Businesses can offer job shadowing or internship experiences, or they can adopt a classroom. It can be an ongoing relationship or a one-time experience. We’re looking for all kinds of businesses to participate, because the experiences seem to be very rewarding on both sides,” said Amanda Waterfield, executive director of the Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce.
“The connections that come out of WE2BA allow students to explore industry or career options that may resonate and inspire them, while giving businesses the chance to inform and shape their future workforce. The chamber members who are active in WE2BA are having a meaningful impact on our classrooms, with a far-reaching ripple effect. I would encourage anyone who is looking to make a difference to join us for the meeting to learn more,” added Waterfield.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/01/area-businesses-are-invited-to-engage-with-high-school-students.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
Join us for the next WE2BA meeting and learn more about exciting opportunities to connect education and business in Westfield!
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
Westfield High School hockey team coach Dominic Puntillo, who teaches at Westfield Intermediate School, wanted his players from Westfield High and Westfield Technical Academy to be involved in their community.
Looking for ways they might get involved, junior Christian Andwood approached the coach with the idea of having players connect with younger students through reading. Eighteen players from WHS and WTA signed up to do just that.
Puntillo involved Westfield Public Schools Curriculum Director Susan Dargie, who supplied new books for them to read, and a plan was formed. On Jan. 9, a no-practice day for the team, the players, sporting their jerseys, visited four elementary schools in the district to read to the students as the last activity of their Friday.
“The visits from our WHS hockey athletes to our elementary schools were a tremendous success! I met students as they arrived at Paper Mill, and everyone was excited,” said Dargie. She said in many cases, the high school students chose to read at their former elementary schools.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/01/visit-from-westfield-high-hockey-team-excites-elementary-students.html
Looking for ways they might get involved, junior Christian Andwood approached the coach with the idea of having players connect with younger students through reading. Eighteen players from WHS and WTA signed up to do just that.
Puntillo involved Westfield Public Schools Curriculum Director Susan Dargie, who supplied new books for them to read, and a plan was formed. On Jan. 9, a no-practice day for the team, the players, sporting their jerseys, visited four elementary schools in the district to read to the students as the last activity of their Friday.
“The visits from our WHS hockey athletes to our elementary schools were a tremendous success! I met students as they arrived at Paper Mill, and everyone was excited,” said Dargie. She said in many cases, the high school students chose to read at their former elementary schools.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/01/visit-from-westfield-high-hockey-team-excites-elementary-students.html
Join us for lunch on Wednesday, January 14 and Thursday, January 15, for a delicious lunch prepared by our talented students. Tiger's Pride Restaurant at Westfield Technical Academy is open from 10:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. for take-out or dining in. Please call 413-564-3123 for more information. Thank you for your support!
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
Yesterday on "Superintendent's Spotlight", we recognized National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day with guests Captain Eric Hall and School Resource Officers (SRO) Jim Summers, Bryan Turgeon, and Mike Csekovsky. Staff and students from Westfield Technical Academy's Culinary Arts Program also helped us celebrate the day with a homemade breakfast treat. Thank you to our School Resource Officers for all the support that they provide to our staff, students, and families. Thanks for watching!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0tMtzPnGnU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0tMtzPnGnU
Due to the current weather conditions, Westfield Public Schools will operate on a two-hour delay schedule today, Wednesday, January 7, 2026. Please drive safely. Thank you.
🌟 Show up. Learn. Grow. Repeat. Every day in school = one step closer to your goals! #EveryDayCounts
The Science and Engineering Fair at Westfield High School on Jan. 29 features student projects from Westfield High School and Westfield Technical Academy. In past years, many of the students and their projects have gone on to successfully compete at regional, state and international science fairs.
Judges are needed and everyone is welcome to volunteer. The judges always come from many backgrounds. While many have current or past experience in science, engineering, or related technical fields, others bring experience in education or simply have a strong interest in science or in supporting student learning.
“We are anticipating one of the largest fairs in recent history with nearly 250 projects. WTA participation has increased from 50 students last year to almost 200 this year, so we are definitely in need of more judges,” said Christina Smith, supervisor of science, technology and Engineering for grades 5-12. Smith said the projects will be about 50-50 from both high schools.
“Our students at Westfield High School and Westfield Technical Academy have been working diligently on projects that reflect creativity, curiosity, and real-world problem solving. The expertise and perspective of our judges play a meaningful role in encouraging their growth and helping them refine their scientific thinking,” said Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski.
Judges must be available to attend the Science Fair on Jan. 29 from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Westfield High School gymnasium. The morning will begin with a short training session, where experienced teachers will explain the scoring rubric and procedures and answer any questions.
For more information about the fair, including judges’ responsibilities and the schedule for the day, and to sign up, visit https://sites.google.com/schoolsofwestfield.org/wpsscienceandengineeringfair or email Chrissy Smith at christina.smith@schoolsofwestfield.org, and she will send you a sign-up form.
Coffee, light breakfast refreshments, and lunch will be provided courtesy of the WHS Culinary Arts department.
“Judging the science fair is a rewarding experience for both students and judges alike. Students benefit greatly from thoughtful feedback and professional insight, while judges often find the experience inspiring—a chance to engage with enthusiastic young scientists and see fresh ideas in action,” Czaporowski said.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/01/judges-needed-for-westfield-hs-science-and-engineering-fair.html
Judges are needed and everyone is welcome to volunteer. The judges always come from many backgrounds. While many have current or past experience in science, engineering, or related technical fields, others bring experience in education or simply have a strong interest in science or in supporting student learning.
“We are anticipating one of the largest fairs in recent history with nearly 250 projects. WTA participation has increased from 50 students last year to almost 200 this year, so we are definitely in need of more judges,” said Christina Smith, supervisor of science, technology and Engineering for grades 5-12. Smith said the projects will be about 50-50 from both high schools.
“Our students at Westfield High School and Westfield Technical Academy have been working diligently on projects that reflect creativity, curiosity, and real-world problem solving. The expertise and perspective of our judges play a meaningful role in encouraging their growth and helping them refine their scientific thinking,” said Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski.
Judges must be available to attend the Science Fair on Jan. 29 from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Westfield High School gymnasium. The morning will begin with a short training session, where experienced teachers will explain the scoring rubric and procedures and answer any questions.
For more information about the fair, including judges’ responsibilities and the schedule for the day, and to sign up, visit https://sites.google.com/schoolsofwestfield.org/wpsscienceandengineeringfair or email Chrissy Smith at christina.smith@schoolsofwestfield.org, and she will send you a sign-up form.
Coffee, light breakfast refreshments, and lunch will be provided courtesy of the WHS Culinary Arts department.
“Judging the science fair is a rewarding experience for both students and judges alike. Students benefit greatly from thoughtful feedback and professional insight, while judges often find the experience inspiring—a chance to engage with enthusiastic young scientists and see fresh ideas in action,” Czaporowski said.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/01/judges-needed-for-westfield-hs-science-and-engineering-fair.html
High school golf season has long since passed, but Westfield Technical Academy senior golfer Dan O’Connor is still teeing off and sinking putts at an alarming rate.
O’Connor, a WTA senior in electrical engineering, recently signed his National Letter of Intent to play Division 2 golf at American International College during an official signing ceremony held at the high school on Dec. 15 with family members, teammates, coach Tim Pfau, and principal Bruce Hastings all by his side.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/01/westfield-technical-academy-senior-dan-oconnor-commits-to-aic.html
O’Connor, a WTA senior in electrical engineering, recently signed his National Letter of Intent to play Division 2 golf at American International College during an official signing ceremony held at the high school on Dec. 15 with family members, teammates, coach Tim Pfau, and principal Bruce Hastings all by his side.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/01/westfield-technical-academy-senior-dan-oconnor-commits-to-aic.html
A reminder that today, December 23, is an early release day for students.
• High Schools: 11:00 a.m. dismissal
• Middle & Intermediate Schools: 11:30 a.m. dismissal
• Elementary Schools: 12:15 p.m. dismissal
Thank you!
• High Schools: 11:00 a.m. dismissal
• Middle & Intermediate Schools: 11:30 a.m. dismissal
• Elementary Schools: 12:15 p.m. dismissal
Thank you!
Click on the link below to watch the latest "Superintendent's Spotlight". Last week, our guests included staff and students from Southampton Road Elementary School. Westfield Technical Academy's Culinary Arts Department also helped us to celebrate National Maple Syrup Day. Thanks for watching!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vz5BBDidaLg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vz5BBDidaLg
The arrival of a brand new Volvo ECR 25 Electric Excavator, with a value of $80,000 to $100,000, at the Westfield Technical Academy Horticulture Department on Dec. 15, created quite a stir. The donation was made possible by J.L. Raymaakers & Sons, Tyler Equipment Corporation and Volvo.
Tony Brignoli, sales manager at Tyler Equipment in East Longmeadow, said the machine is three tons — 6,000 pounds, the weight of a rhinoceros, and the value of 42,000 gallons of diesel fuel, or 12,000 Red Sox tickets. “The education value is priceless. It is fully electric. Tyler Equipment is here to support the school,” he said.
Nathan Sperry, horticulture department head, said they can use the electric excavator indoors in the winter for training, because it has no emissions, and on job sites in the community. “Currently, students train on a simulator. Now, they can get on the real machine after lessons,” he said, adding that the battery has four hours of run time.
“It’s a big day for WTA. I still don’t know the story of how this happened,” Sperry, who’s been teaching for 18 years, said in his remarks to the shop supporters. He said when he first started at WTA, there were only two pieces of equipment, and now, through the support of the administration and the community, everything has changed. “What a blessing it’s been,” he said.
John Raymaakers, a member of the program’s advisory board, answered the question of how the donation happened. He said the school is building a home from the ground up, with 100% of proceeds going back to the school, and horticulture is participating in the outdoor work, which requires an excavator.
Raymaakers said he called Tyler Equipment and asked if there was any way to get Volvo to give an excavator, maybe a used one. “This one is brand new. They donated the entire machine to the school. My jaw dropped,” he said.
Raymaakers said as a former student, along with his parents before him, he knows everyone has to learn at some point. “I can’t thank the Tyler family enough. We are going to use this in the spring to put in the water and sewer line at the house build. My brother and I will be there to help.”
Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski praised Sperry for his work with the horticulture department and the great work the students have been doing in the community. “School-business partnerships play a critical role in making that possible,” he said, listing several outstanding partners who exemplify collaboration, including Elm Electrical and Westfield Gas & Electric. He said J.L. Raymaakers & Sons has “consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to student learning by connecting classroom instruction with real-world applications.”
“Because of partnerships like these, our students engage in meaningful, hands-on experiences that deepen learning, spark curiosity and open doors. These collaborations strengthen our schools, our workforce and our entire community,” Czaporowski said.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2025/12/brand-new-volvo-ecr-25-electric-excavator-donated-to-westfield-technical-academy.html
Tony Brignoli, sales manager at Tyler Equipment in East Longmeadow, said the machine is three tons — 6,000 pounds, the weight of a rhinoceros, and the value of 42,000 gallons of diesel fuel, or 12,000 Red Sox tickets. “The education value is priceless. It is fully electric. Tyler Equipment is here to support the school,” he said.
Nathan Sperry, horticulture department head, said they can use the electric excavator indoors in the winter for training, because it has no emissions, and on job sites in the community. “Currently, students train on a simulator. Now, they can get on the real machine after lessons,” he said, adding that the battery has four hours of run time.
“It’s a big day for WTA. I still don’t know the story of how this happened,” Sperry, who’s been teaching for 18 years, said in his remarks to the shop supporters. He said when he first started at WTA, there were only two pieces of equipment, and now, through the support of the administration and the community, everything has changed. “What a blessing it’s been,” he said.
John Raymaakers, a member of the program’s advisory board, answered the question of how the donation happened. He said the school is building a home from the ground up, with 100% of proceeds going back to the school, and horticulture is participating in the outdoor work, which requires an excavator.
Raymaakers said he called Tyler Equipment and asked if there was any way to get Volvo to give an excavator, maybe a used one. “This one is brand new. They donated the entire machine to the school. My jaw dropped,” he said.
Raymaakers said as a former student, along with his parents before him, he knows everyone has to learn at some point. “I can’t thank the Tyler family enough. We are going to use this in the spring to put in the water and sewer line at the house build. My brother and I will be there to help.”
Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski praised Sperry for his work with the horticulture department and the great work the students have been doing in the community. “School-business partnerships play a critical role in making that possible,” he said, listing several outstanding partners who exemplify collaboration, including Elm Electrical and Westfield Gas & Electric. He said J.L. Raymaakers & Sons has “consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to student learning by connecting classroom instruction with real-world applications.”
“Because of partnerships like these, our students engage in meaningful, hands-on experiences that deepen learning, spark curiosity and open doors. These collaborations strengthen our schools, our workforce and our entire community,” Czaporowski said.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2025/12/brand-new-volvo-ecr-25-electric-excavator-donated-to-westfield-technical-academy.html