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
Westfield Technical Academy horticulture students spent the week planting and mulching around the new outdoor classroom pavilion in the Grandmothers’ Garden, which is nearing completion.
Jacqueline McDowell of the Friends of the Grandmothers’ Garden said the pavilion itself will be completed within the next few weeks, with final touches on the painting and inside work on the ADA accessible bathroom and storage room. She said the pavilion will be all set for its grand opening and ribbon cutting in the spring.
“More than anything, we are thrilled with Westfield Technical Academy horticulture and (department head) Nate Sperry, who has worked with us since Day 1 planning the garden area around the new pavilion, and they will continue to be a part of it,” McDowell said.
“It’s right on schedule. Everything has worked so beautifully — we were so hopeful to get the planting and mulching done,” McDowell said. She said the horticulture students will be planting 600 bulbs next week around the pavilion, which should be in bloom for the ribbon cutting.
McDowell, who is the outreach coordinator for the Friends, said the project is a wonderful collaboration with Westfield Public Schools. She said the pavilion will be used by local schools for nature-based programs, STEM instruction, the arts, photography and community field trips.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2025/10/grandmothers-garden-pavilion-is-right-on-schedule-for-spring-ribbon-cutting.html
Jacqueline McDowell of the Friends of the Grandmothers’ Garden said the pavilion itself will be completed within the next few weeks, with final touches on the painting and inside work on the ADA accessible bathroom and storage room. She said the pavilion will be all set for its grand opening and ribbon cutting in the spring.
“More than anything, we are thrilled with Westfield Technical Academy horticulture and (department head) Nate Sperry, who has worked with us since Day 1 planning the garden area around the new pavilion, and they will continue to be a part of it,” McDowell said.
“It’s right on schedule. Everything has worked so beautifully — we were so hopeful to get the planting and mulching done,” McDowell said. She said the horticulture students will be planting 600 bulbs next week around the pavilion, which should be in bloom for the ribbon cutting.
McDowell, who is the outreach coordinator for the Friends, said the project is a wonderful collaboration with Westfield Public Schools. She said the pavilion will be used by local schools for nature-based programs, STEM instruction, the arts, photography and community field trips.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2025/10/grandmothers-garden-pavilion-is-right-on-schedule-for-spring-ribbon-cutting.html
On Oct. 20, the School Committee unanimously approved a new housebuilding agreement with the Westfield Technical Academy Foundation for a one-story ranch house to be built on 72 St. James Ave. by students in construction technology, cabinetmaking, electrical wiring, horticulture, and several other departments at the school.
The Westfield Technical Foundation is a non-profit entity which was set up for the last housebuilding project on 64 Mill Street, to allow the school to borrow the money to buy the property and build the house from the Polish National Credit Union at zero percent interest. When the home was completed, it sold in the first week, and proceeds were returned to the foundation for future programs.
“The experience of building a house from start to finish cannot be duplicated in a classroom setting back at the school,” Matthew Gomes, head of the construction department, said at the ribbon-cutting for the Mill Street project.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2025/10/westfield-school-committee-approves-new-housebuild-on-st-james-avenue.html
The Westfield High School guidance counselors put together its 14th annual college fair in the high school gymnasium on Oct. 21.
Over 90 colleges, technical schools and military organizations filled the gym, with juniors and seniors from WHS, Westfield Technical Academy, Gateway Regional and Southwick Regional collecting information from schools and organizations of interest to them.
WHS Counselor Merylina Asselin said the Western Mass. Consortium is assisting with 12 college fairs in Western Mass. throughout the week. Asselin, along with counselors Megan Dougherty, Tara Bean and David Breglio were on hand to answer questions from students as well.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2025/10/westfield-high-school-college-fair-draws-90-colleges.html
Over 90 colleges, technical schools and military organizations filled the gym, with juniors and seniors from WHS, Westfield Technical Academy, Gateway Regional and Southwick Regional collecting information from schools and organizations of interest to them.
WHS Counselor Merylina Asselin said the Western Mass. Consortium is assisting with 12 college fairs in Western Mass. throughout the week. Asselin, along with counselors Megan Dougherty, Tara Bean and David Breglio were on hand to answer questions from students as well.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2025/10/westfield-high-school-college-fair-draws-90-colleges.html
Show up. Learn. Grow. Repeat. Every day in school = one step closer to your goals! #EveryDayCounts
Stop by Tiger's Pride Restaurant at Westfield Technical Academy on Thursday, October 16, between 10:45 a.m. and 12:15 a.m. for a terrific lunch prepared by our talented students. For more information, please call 413-564-3123.
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
Strong attendance today creates brighter opportunities tomorrow.
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
Click on the link below for the latest edition of "Superintendent's Spotlight". This week, our guests included Westfield High School Principal Chuck Jendrysik, Career Center Counselor Patty Healy and seven WHS students, who talked about their work-based learning experiences. The students were very impressive. Westfield Technical Academy Culinary Arts staff and students also helped us to recognize National Quesadilla Day. Thanks for watching!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7g_15zoNN-s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7g_15zoNN-s
Westfield Technical Academy's Tiger's Pride Restaurant will be open on Thursday, September 25 and Friday, September 26 from 10:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. this week. Stop by for a terrific lunch prepared by our talented students. For more information, please call 413-564-3123. Thank you!
Home really is shaping up to be a sweet venue for the Westfield Technical Academy High School golf team. Westfield Tech remained near-perfect at home, winning their third match at Shaker Farms Country Club on Thursday by defeating Turners Falls, 170-198. The Tigers improved to 3-1 at home and 3-5 overall.
Westfield Tech’s No. 1 golfer Dan O’Connor led all golfers with a 40 on the par 37 course. The Tigers’ No. 3 golfer, Owen Colbath placed second on the day with a 41. The team’s No. 4 golfer Ayden Ciavola finished with a 43. No. 2 golfer Josh Elmer and No. 5 golfer Jacob Wilson tied for fourth with a 46.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2025/09/westfield-technical-academy-golf-improves-to-3-1-at-shaker-farms-cc.html
Westfield Tech’s No. 1 golfer Dan O’Connor led all golfers with a 40 on the par 37 course. The Tigers’ No. 3 golfer, Owen Colbath placed second on the day with a 41. The team’s No. 4 golfer Ayden Ciavola finished with a 43. No. 2 golfer Josh Elmer and No. 5 golfer Jacob Wilson tied for fourth with a 46.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2025/09/westfield-technical-academy-golf-improves-to-3-1-at-shaker-farms-cc.html
Through September 12, Westfield Technical Academy's Daily Attendance Rate was 97.64%. Great job, Tigers!
✨ 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
Click on the link below for the latest episode of "Superintendent's Spotlight". This week we spoke with elementary school teachers from Southampton Road School and Highland School about developing building Thinking Classrooms in Grade 4. Students and staff from Westfield Technical Academy's Culinary Arts Program also joined us in the second half of the show to help celebrate National Hot Cross Buns Day. Thanks for watching!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uv_WLOadUqI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uv_WLOadUqI
Everyday counts! Consistent attendance builds success in school & beyond. #attendancematters
