This week on Superintendent’s Spotlight, we welcomed Kelly Pease for an insightful conversation about the state budget process and issues impacting our schools and community.
We also enjoyed a delicious visit from the talented staff and students of Westfield Technical Academy Culinary Arts Program, who celebrated National Leg of Lamb Day with amazing lamb gyros!
Thank you for watching and supporting Westfield Public Schools!
🎥 Watch the full episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrO707rNtUc
We also enjoyed a delicious visit from the talented staff and students of Westfield Technical Academy Culinary Arts Program, who celebrated National Leg of Lamb Day with amazing lamb gyros!
Thank you for watching and supporting Westfield Public Schools!
🎥 Watch the full episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrO707rNtUc
Today we celebrate our incredible school nurses—thank you for the care, compassion, and expertise you bring to our schools every single day. Your work keeps our students safe, healthy, and ready to learn. Happy School Nurses Day!
Gabriella Scottini has been named Westfield Technical Academy’s Outstanding Vocational Student for 2026. A senior in graphic communications, Scottini was recently honored along with 80 other students from across Massachusetts at the 40th Annual Outstanding Vocational Student Awards at Mechanics Hall in Worcester last month.
Each year, career technical schools across the state of Massachusetts nominate one student from each school who has demonstrated strong academic, technical and leadership skills.
The 40th anniversary marked a milestone in celebrating the achievements of career and technical education students who bridge academic excellence with real-world skills, leadership and community impact. The event also serves as a platform to inspire future generations in vocational and technical education.
Scottini was described at the awards ceremony by Lyndsay Grimsley, her art and communication instructor, as academically driven and college focused. Grimsley also said Scottini demonstrated exceptional academic excellence and leadership, holding multiple notable positions at WTA. She is the president of the class of 2026 and is part of the National Technical Honor Society and WTA Chapter SkillsUSA. Scottini is ranked third in her class and has earned 12 college credits through the Westfield Promise Early College program.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/05/westfield-senior-honored-as-outstanding-vocational-student-for-2026.html
Each year, career technical schools across the state of Massachusetts nominate one student from each school who has demonstrated strong academic, technical and leadership skills.
The 40th anniversary marked a milestone in celebrating the achievements of career and technical education students who bridge academic excellence with real-world skills, leadership and community impact. The event also serves as a platform to inspire future generations in vocational and technical education.
Scottini was described at the awards ceremony by Lyndsay Grimsley, her art and communication instructor, as academically driven and college focused. Grimsley also said Scottini demonstrated exceptional academic excellence and leadership, holding multiple notable positions at WTA. She is the president of the class of 2026 and is part of the National Technical Honor Society and WTA Chapter SkillsUSA. Scottini is ranked third in her class and has earned 12 college credits through the Westfield Promise Early College program.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/05/westfield-senior-honored-as-outstanding-vocational-student-for-2026.html
Happy National Teacher Appreciation Day!
Thank you to our incredible teachers for your dedication, passion, and the difference you make every day. #ThankATeacher
Thank you to our incredible teachers for your dedication, passion, and the difference you make every day. #ThankATeacher
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. #attendancematters
This week on Superintendent’s Spotlight, we had the pleasure of sitting down with George and Geana Delisle to highlight the incredible work of Kiwanis of Westfield and the meaningful impact they continue to make for our students and community. Students and staff from Westfield Technical Academy’s Culinary Arts Department also stopped by to celebrate National Oatmeal Cookie Day, and they did not disappoint! Community, connection, and a little sweetness, this episode had it all. Thanks for watching.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-a1J1GLKCs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-a1J1GLKCs
Horticulture Technology instructor Vicki Toro said the plants for the popular plant sale at Westfield Technical Academy are ready to go. While the rain got the plantings off to a slow start last year, this year they are busting out of the greenhouses.
“I’m amazed at the plants this year,” said Technical Assistant Jennifer Ryan. “Everything is bigger and better this year.”
The Annual Spring Plant Sale runs Tuesday, May 5, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Wednesday and Thursday, May 6 and 7, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., and on Friday, May 8, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. If any plants are left over, the sale will be open on Saturday, May 9, from 8 to noon.
Featured are beautiful hanging baskets, $22 for most with larger spiral planters available; herb planters for $15, and vegetable and other annuals in 7-inch pots for $7. Toro said there are 10 different types of tomato plants, plus lots of different peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, eggplant, strawberries and lots of flowers.
“Get here early, especially this year,” Toro said. Customers should enter the school by the Greylock Street entrance next to the municipal park, where there is often a line for the sale. Freshmen and seniors in horticulture will run it and help bring plants to cars. Ryan said they can only accept cash and checks for the plants.
Proceeds from the plant sale will benefit the horticulture department.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/04/spring-plant-sale-blooms-at-westfield-technical-academy-from-may-5-9.html
“I’m amazed at the plants this year,” said Technical Assistant Jennifer Ryan. “Everything is bigger and better this year.”
The Annual Spring Plant Sale runs Tuesday, May 5, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Wednesday and Thursday, May 6 and 7, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., and on Friday, May 8, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. If any plants are left over, the sale will be open on Saturday, May 9, from 8 to noon.
Featured are beautiful hanging baskets, $22 for most with larger spiral planters available; herb planters for $15, and vegetable and other annuals in 7-inch pots for $7. Toro said there are 10 different types of tomato plants, plus lots of different peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, eggplant, strawberries and lots of flowers.
“Get here early, especially this year,” Toro said. Customers should enter the school by the Greylock Street entrance next to the municipal park, where there is often a line for the sale. Freshmen and seniors in horticulture will run it and help bring plants to cars. Ryan said they can only accept cash and checks for the plants.
Proceeds from the plant sale will benefit the horticulture department.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/04/spring-plant-sale-blooms-at-westfield-technical-academy-from-may-5-9.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. #EveryDayCounts #AchievingExcellenceTogether
A reminder that there is no school for students Monday, April 20 - Friday, April 24 for Spring Vacation. Have a safe Spring Break!
Twelve district finalists from Westfield High School and Westfield Technical Academy brought their projects and learning to the Massachusetts High School Science & Engineering Fair on April 9 at the DCU Center in Worcester.
Students attending from WHS included Adedipo Soyele, Alec Piepergerdes, Andy Liu, Giovanni Santaniello, Isabella Chalmers, Kaitlynn Goulette, Paige Mello and Teagan Chisholm-Godshalk. In its first trip to the state fair, WTA was represented by Ximena Pena Guerrero, Zar Iodlovskiy, Mason Matovich and Alexander Bousquet.
WTA science teacher Kristen Styspeck, who was instrumental in involving 100 of her students in science projects this year, accompanied the students and was recognized for her work in the district.
Styspeck was honored at the fair with one of three Student Support Awards, which recognizes educators who help students see themselves as capable scientists and engineers.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/04/westfield-tech-teacher-honored-at-state-science-fair.html
Students attending from WHS included Adedipo Soyele, Alec Piepergerdes, Andy Liu, Giovanni Santaniello, Isabella Chalmers, Kaitlynn Goulette, Paige Mello and Teagan Chisholm-Godshalk. In its first trip to the state fair, WTA was represented by Ximena Pena Guerrero, Zar Iodlovskiy, Mason Matovich and Alexander Bousquet.
WTA science teacher Kristen Styspeck, who was instrumental in involving 100 of her students in science projects this year, accompanied the students and was recognized for her work in the district.
Styspeck was honored at the fair with one of three Student Support Awards, which recognizes educators who help students see themselves as capable scientists and engineers.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/04/westfield-tech-teacher-honored-at-state-science-fair.html
This morning, on "Superintendent's Spotlight", we talked with CEO Bo Sullivan about summer programming and the planned expansion of the Teen Center at the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Westfield. Westfield Technical Academy students and staff also stopped by to help us recognize National Eggs Benedict Day. Thanks for watching. #AchievingExcellenceTogether
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mi9Vr2F_1qA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mi9Vr2F_1qA
Friday, April 10, marked the first-ever Westfield Public Schools Applied Learning Student Showcase. Students from grades 2-12 representing all schools in our district presented projects to local professionals and community members.
The event highlighted applied learning across multiple subjects, including STEM, science, computer science, civics, and history. Additionally, students from the Free Web Clinic course provided local businesses with professional consultations and website improvement strategies.
This showcase was made possible through the support of our partners and dedicated staff:
Mestek: Thank you for hosting this event.
The One8 Foundation: We appreciate your sponsorship and support of applied learning.
Local Businesses and Volunteers: Thank you for providing students with professional feedback and serving as an authentic audience.
Westfield Teachers: Thank you for facilitating this work in the classroom and guiding student success.
We are proud of the hard work and professional engagement demonstrated by our students.
The event highlighted applied learning across multiple subjects, including STEM, science, computer science, civics, and history. Additionally, students from the Free Web Clinic course provided local businesses with professional consultations and website improvement strategies.
This showcase was made possible through the support of our partners and dedicated staff:
Mestek: Thank you for hosting this event.
The One8 Foundation: We appreciate your sponsorship and support of applied learning.
Local Businesses and Volunteers: Thank you for providing students with professional feedback and serving as an authentic audience.
Westfield Teachers: Thank you for facilitating this work in the classroom and guiding student success.
We are proud of the hard work and professional engagement demonstrated by our students.
Click on the link below for the latest "Superintendent's Spotlight". This week, Westfield High School students shared their knowledge on the American Civil on Appomattox Day. Staff and students from Westfield Technical Academy joined us to help us celebrate National Empanada Day. Thanks for watching! #AchievingExcellenceTogether
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjLOEixe6HQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjLOEixe6HQ
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
Nearly 400 students from Westfield High School, Pathways, Westfield Technical Academy, White Oak School and St. Mary’s High School attended a career fair in Scanlon Hall at Westfield State University on April 1. The event was sponsored by the Westfield Education to Business Alliance.
“We greatly appreciate our continued partnership with the Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce, which makes this outstanding opportunity possible for our students. We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to Westfield State University for hosting the event and providing lunch, as well as to Westfield Gas & Electric for generously supporting transportation,” said Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski.
“A heartfelt thank you to the more than 50 businesses that participate in our annual career fair. Their commitment to engaging with our students and offering meaningful, real-world learning experiences truly makes a lasting impact,” Czaporowski said.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/04/400-students-attend-we2ba-high-school-career-fair-at-westfield-state.html
“We greatly appreciate our continued partnership with the Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce, which makes this outstanding opportunity possible for our students. We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to Westfield State University for hosting the event and providing lunch, as well as to Westfield Gas & Electric for generously supporting transportation,” said Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski.
“A heartfelt thank you to the more than 50 businesses that participate in our annual career fair. Their commitment to engaging with our students and offering meaningful, real-world learning experiences truly makes a lasting impact,” Czaporowski said.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/04/400-students-attend-we2ba-high-school-career-fair-at-westfield-state.html
Creativity takes center stage as “Into the Arts” comes to Westfield High School on Saturday, April 11, to showcase visual arts from students in grades 2 and 4 through high school that will be displayed throughout the hallways and library on the first floor of WHS from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. “It’s Bandtastic,” featuring student musicians from grades 4 to 12, will perform at 1 p.m. in the gymnasium during the Into the Arts festival.
For the first time, WHS art students will preview their work on Thursday, April 9, from 5 to 7 p.m. in a free art show open to the public.
“The Art Club will be selling plants, and there will be refreshments in the library. It is called Prelude to the Arts, and we received a grant from the Mass Art Culture [Cultural Council]. Please feel free to stop by to see the art before Into the Arts,” said WHS art teacher Karen Kane.
Band Director Patrick Kennedy said It’s Bandtastic has been a highlight every year since its inception in the Spring of 2016.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/04/wps-celebrates-the-arts-at-into-the-arts-on-april-11-at-whs.html
For the first time, WHS art students will preview their work on Thursday, April 9, from 5 to 7 p.m. in a free art show open to the public.
“The Art Club will be selling plants, and there will be refreshments in the library. It is called Prelude to the Arts, and we received a grant from the Mass Art Culture [Cultural Council]. Please feel free to stop by to see the art before Into the Arts,” said WHS art teacher Karen Kane.
Band Director Patrick Kennedy said It’s Bandtastic has been a highlight every year since its inception in the Spring of 2016.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/04/wps-celebrates-the-arts-at-into-the-arts-on-april-11-at-whs.html
CHAMBER SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE
Do you know a graduating senior who could use $500 to put toward their education? Have them apply for the Chamber's Annual Scholarship, named in honor of the Chamber's former administrative assistant, Fran Zampini. Fran was a high school science teacher prior to her retirement and her career at the Chamber.
Do you know a graduating senior who could use $500 to put toward their education? Have them apply for the Chamber's Annual Scholarship, named in honor of the Chamber's former administrative assistant, Fran Zampini. Fran was a high school science teacher prior to her retirement and her career at the Chamber.
Several projects featured at the Western Mass Regional Science & Engineering Fair at Western New England University on March are moving on to compete in the state science fair on April 9 at the DCU Center in Worcester.
“Our students did a fantastic job representing our district at the Western Massachusetts Regional Science & Engineering Fair at Western New England University. Their hard work, creativity, and dedication truly shined,” said Westfield Public Schools Science Fair Coordinator Christina Smith.
The students moving on with their projects include Kaitlynn Goulette, who won a first place and the Alnylam Bioscience Excellence Award for her project “Acheta domesticus Consumption Rates as a Function of Varying Electromagnetic Wavelengths.”
Giovanni Santaniello won third place and a MA Life Science Trailblazer Award at the district fair for “Mycoremediation Employing Pleurotus ostreatus var. columbinus to Degrade Plastics,” which studied the capability of oyster mushrooms to break down plastics.
Also advancing to the state fair with a third place win was Alec Piepergerdes and Andy Liu for “Exposing the Effects of Noise Pollution Through Eisenia Fetida” (European night crawlers). In their project, they observed the earthworms for two weeks, and then introduced loud noises, up to 93 decibels, to see how it would affect them. Some of the discomfort they observed included the worms curling into a ball, surfacing, an absence of moisture and excessive burrowing. Their conclusion was that loud disruptive noises have a negative impact on worms and other wildlife.
Other third place district winners moving on to states include Paige Mello of WHS, with her project “How Plant Spacing Affects Growth Rate” and Adedipo Soyele of WHS with “Designing An Alternative Energy Source That Is Cost Efficient”.
Direct entrants to the state science fair submitted by Westfield Public Schools from WHS are Teagan Chisholm-Godshalk, who scored a third place win in the high school fair with “Smile Say ‘Plastics’: Investigating How Many Microplastics Are Hidden in Cheese”; and Isabella Chalmers, with her project “Analyzing How Different Tinted Glass Bottles Withstand Chemical Migration Against Solarization.”
Direct entrants to the state science fair from Westfield Technical Academy include Alexander Bousquet, Mason Matovich and Zar Iodlovskiy, who took first place among WTA students at the high school fair for “The Bounce Behavior of Batteries: An Analysis of Internal Structure and Charge State.”
Also moving on to state from WTA is Ximena Pena, second place at the high school fair from WTA for “A Study on Sustainable Cup Design as an Alternative to Plastic.”
“Congratulations to our incredible students from Westfield High School and Westfield Technical Academy,” said Smith.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/03/high-school-science-fair-district-finalists-move-on-to-states.html
“Our students did a fantastic job representing our district at the Western Massachusetts Regional Science & Engineering Fair at Western New England University. Their hard work, creativity, and dedication truly shined,” said Westfield Public Schools Science Fair Coordinator Christina Smith.
The students moving on with their projects include Kaitlynn Goulette, who won a first place and the Alnylam Bioscience Excellence Award for her project “Acheta domesticus Consumption Rates as a Function of Varying Electromagnetic Wavelengths.”
Giovanni Santaniello won third place and a MA Life Science Trailblazer Award at the district fair for “Mycoremediation Employing Pleurotus ostreatus var. columbinus to Degrade Plastics,” which studied the capability of oyster mushrooms to break down plastics.
Also advancing to the state fair with a third place win was Alec Piepergerdes and Andy Liu for “Exposing the Effects of Noise Pollution Through Eisenia Fetida” (European night crawlers). In their project, they observed the earthworms for two weeks, and then introduced loud noises, up to 93 decibels, to see how it would affect them. Some of the discomfort they observed included the worms curling into a ball, surfacing, an absence of moisture and excessive burrowing. Their conclusion was that loud disruptive noises have a negative impact on worms and other wildlife.
Other third place district winners moving on to states include Paige Mello of WHS, with her project “How Plant Spacing Affects Growth Rate” and Adedipo Soyele of WHS with “Designing An Alternative Energy Source That Is Cost Efficient”.
Direct entrants to the state science fair submitted by Westfield Public Schools from WHS are Teagan Chisholm-Godshalk, who scored a third place win in the high school fair with “Smile Say ‘Plastics’: Investigating How Many Microplastics Are Hidden in Cheese”; and Isabella Chalmers, with her project “Analyzing How Different Tinted Glass Bottles Withstand Chemical Migration Against Solarization.”
Direct entrants to the state science fair from Westfield Technical Academy include Alexander Bousquet, Mason Matovich and Zar Iodlovskiy, who took first place among WTA students at the high school fair for “The Bounce Behavior of Batteries: An Analysis of Internal Structure and Charge State.”
Also moving on to state from WTA is Ximena Pena, second place at the high school fair from WTA for “A Study on Sustainable Cup Design as an Alternative to Plastic.”
“Congratulations to our incredible students from Westfield High School and Westfield Technical Academy,” said Smith.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/03/high-school-science-fair-district-finalists-move-on-to-states.html
On Thursday, March 12, 18 staff members from Westfield Technical Academy faced off against a combined boys’ and girls’ varsity basketball team to kick off the spring sports season, promote school spirit, and raise money for the Robert P. Ollari Memorial Scholarship Fund.
It was a well-fought game, highlighted by a last-second basket by the staff to clinch the victory, according to Assistant Prinicipal Kevin Daley. More than 550 staff and students packed the gymnasium to watch the fun and competitive matchup, an event that consistently entertains while helping build positive relationships between students and staff outside of the classroom and shops.
The afternoon also featured a fantastic halftime performance by the WTA cheerleaders, ensuring that everyone in attendance was thoroughly entertained.
Those who would like to contribute to the Ollari Scholarship can send a check payable to the Robert P. Ollari Scholarship in care of Westfield Technical Academy, 33 Smith Ave., Westfield. Proceeds from the scholarship support two deserving seniors from WTA each year at graduation.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/03/wta-faculty-beat-students-by-2-in-ollari-scholarship-tourney.html
It was a well-fought game, highlighted by a last-second basket by the staff to clinch the victory, according to Assistant Prinicipal Kevin Daley. More than 550 staff and students packed the gymnasium to watch the fun and competitive matchup, an event that consistently entertains while helping build positive relationships between students and staff outside of the classroom and shops.
The afternoon also featured a fantastic halftime performance by the WTA cheerleaders, ensuring that everyone in attendance was thoroughly entertained.
Those who would like to contribute to the Ollari Scholarship can send a check payable to the Robert P. Ollari Scholarship in care of Westfield Technical Academy, 33 Smith Ave., Westfield. Proceeds from the scholarship support two deserving seniors from WTA each year at graduation.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/03/wta-faculty-beat-students-by-2-in-ollari-scholarship-tourney.html
Last week on Superintendent's Spotlight, our Director of Food Services and staff and students from Westfield Technical Academy's Culinary Arts Department celebrated International School Meals Day. Thanks for watching!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-8QEqhG1v4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-8QEqhG1v4