📺 **Did you miss last week’s brand-new episode of *Superintendent’s Spotlight*?**
In this episode, we sat down with members of our Curriculum and Instruction Team to learn more about **Building Thinking Classrooms** and our annual **Curriculum Summit**, held each August to help prepare our educators for the year ahead.
We also welcomed staff and students from **Westfield Technical Academy’s Culinary Arts Department**, who helped us celebrate **National Hot Dog Day — California style!** 🌭
Thank you to all of our guests for joining us, and thank you for watching!
▶️ **Watch the full episode here:**
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfVY-sqb4A4
In this episode, we sat down with members of our Curriculum and Instruction Team to learn more about **Building Thinking Classrooms** and our annual **Curriculum Summit**, held each August to help prepare our educators for the year ahead.
We also welcomed staff and students from **Westfield Technical Academy’s Culinary Arts Department**, who helped us celebrate **National Hot Dog Day — California style!** 🌭
Thank you to all of our guests for joining us, and thank you for watching!
▶️ **Watch the full episode here:**
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfVY-sqb4A4
James Laverty has just started his fourth year as a school safety attendant at Highland Elementary School through a Veterans Services program.
Director of Veterans Services Julie Barnes said the volunteer program started four years ago in elementary schools that didn’t have school resource officers from the Police Department. Currently, Westfield High School and Westfield Technical Academy each have an SRO assigned, and Westfield Middle School and Westfield Intermediate School share an SRO.
At the time, Barnes met with state Sen. John Velis and Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski to discuss implementing the veterans’ volunteer program. In return for their volunteer work, veterans who work 100 hours in the schools can get a $1,500 tax abatement.
Director of Operations and Safety Christopher Rogers provides onboarding for all volunteers, who are all CORI-checked and fingerprinted. According to Rogers, the veteran's program is designed to identify and deter potential problems and foster a sense of security by having an extra level of protection in the schools.
Interested veteran volunteers should contact Barnes at 413-572-6247. Program guidelines and a volunteer application are also available on the city website under Veterans Services. Barnes said veterans must have served on active duty to qualify for the abatement program.
Heidi Cote, coordinator of Volunteers in Public Schools, said there are many volunteer opportunities in the schools throughout the year for the public at large, including at special events, where extra hands are always needed.
Cote said there is currently a big need for cafeteria support at both Highland Elementary and Westfield River Elementary. She said there are three lunches a day with recess between them, and volunteers who can come in for an hour or two are most welcome. “Consistency is best,” Cote said. Email heidi.cote@schoolsofwestfield.org to sign up. Anyone with questions should call Cote at 413-572-6463, ext. 61417.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/09/veterans-who-volunteer-in-the-schools-receive-tax-abatement.html
Director of Veterans Services Julie Barnes said the volunteer program started four years ago in elementary schools that didn’t have school resource officers from the Police Department. Currently, Westfield High School and Westfield Technical Academy each have an SRO assigned, and Westfield Middle School and Westfield Intermediate School share an SRO.
At the time, Barnes met with state Sen. John Velis and Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski to discuss implementing the veterans’ volunteer program. In return for their volunteer work, veterans who work 100 hours in the schools can get a $1,500 tax abatement.
Director of Operations and Safety Christopher Rogers provides onboarding for all volunteers, who are all CORI-checked and fingerprinted. According to Rogers, the veteran's program is designed to identify and deter potential problems and foster a sense of security by having an extra level of protection in the schools.
Interested veteran volunteers should contact Barnes at 413-572-6247. Program guidelines and a volunteer application are also available on the city website under Veterans Services. Barnes said veterans must have served on active duty to qualify for the abatement program.
Heidi Cote, coordinator of Volunteers in Public Schools, said there are many volunteer opportunities in the schools throughout the year for the public at large, including at special events, where extra hands are always needed.
Cote said there is currently a big need for cafeteria support at both Highland Elementary and Westfield River Elementary. She said there are three lunches a day with recess between them, and volunteers who can come in for an hour or two are most welcome. “Consistency is best,” Cote said. Email heidi.cote@schoolsofwestfield.org to sign up. Anyone with questions should call Cote at 413-572-6463, ext. 61417.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/09/veterans-who-volunteer-in-the-schools-receive-tax-abatement.html
On Sept. 8, Chef Eric Rogers, Westfield Technical Academy culinary department head, visited the transition services program at its new home at 390 Southampton Road to discuss the commercial kitchen with students and staff.
Special education teacher Carolyn Busiere said there are 24 young men and women in the program this year, and 390 Southampton Road is a great new location. “It’s quite the upgrade,” she said.
The transition program is part of the Westfield Public Schools. It gives students ages 18 to 21 who are still entitled to services the support and opportunity to achieve their goals by offering continuing education opportunities, assistance with employment and workplace readiness, and community-based opportunities and support.
390 Southampton Road is also on the bus route, and several participants said they took the bus to get there. Outside, one student was waiting for a bus to Westfield State University, where he is taking classes.
“Today, Chef Rogers from WTA has been nice enough to train our clients and staff on individual appliances,” Busiere said on Tuesday.
She said many of the students in the program are interested in cooking and have taken culinary courses in high school. Several also work or have worked in kitchens at Shaker Farms, Noble Hospital and Westfield State, and two are in the culinary program at Holyoke Community College and are ServSafe certified.
Besides the commercial kitchen, new touchscreen displays for visual learners are being installed. There is an on-site apartment for mastering life skills and budgeting. There is also a community room, a meeting room, a technology room for studying and a recreation room in development.
“We’ll be gardening; we have a large backyard,” Busiere said.
Another great new addition is a van. “We got them a van so they can go out and visit in the community. We worked with Westfield Technical Academy to work that out; it’s one of theirs that wasn’t being used. They saw the importance of the transition program and made it happen. We’re very grateful to them,” Jendrysik said.
“It’s a great facility. The kids are excited. They’re going to have a recreation room. There are so many different opportunities,” Jendrysik said.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/09/wta-chef-tours-390-southampton-road-commercial-kitchen.html
Special education teacher Carolyn Busiere said there are 24 young men and women in the program this year, and 390 Southampton Road is a great new location. “It’s quite the upgrade,” she said.
The transition program is part of the Westfield Public Schools. It gives students ages 18 to 21 who are still entitled to services the support and opportunity to achieve their goals by offering continuing education opportunities, assistance with employment and workplace readiness, and community-based opportunities and support.
390 Southampton Road is also on the bus route, and several participants said they took the bus to get there. Outside, one student was waiting for a bus to Westfield State University, where he is taking classes.
“Today, Chef Rogers from WTA has been nice enough to train our clients and staff on individual appliances,” Busiere said on Tuesday.
She said many of the students in the program are interested in cooking and have taken culinary courses in high school. Several also work or have worked in kitchens at Shaker Farms, Noble Hospital and Westfield State, and two are in the culinary program at Holyoke Community College and are ServSafe certified.
Besides the commercial kitchen, new touchscreen displays for visual learners are being installed. There is an on-site apartment for mastering life skills and budgeting. There is also a community room, a meeting room, a technology room for studying and a recreation room in development.
“We’ll be gardening; we have a large backyard,” Busiere said.
Another great new addition is a van. “We got them a van so they can go out and visit in the community. We worked with Westfield Technical Academy to work that out; it’s one of theirs that wasn’t being used. They saw the importance of the transition program and made it happen. We’re very grateful to them,” Jendrysik said.
“It’s a great facility. The kids are excited. They’re going to have a recreation room. There are so many different opportunities,” Jendrysik said.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/09/wta-chef-tours-390-southampton-road-commercial-kitchen.html
The Westfield Technical Academy topped Mohawk Trail 168-180 behind freshman Jakob Elmer who fired a 2- over 38, tying Mohawk’s Connor Bergeron for medalist honores. Fellow freshman Tyler LaCasse, who tallied a 4-over 40, also helped lead the way for the Tigers.
Elmer played the final seven holes one under to card his 38, a team best so far on the year, while LaCasse’s 40 tied the previous team best on the season.
Josh Elmer and Chris Pederson each carded 45s to round out WTA’s top scorers.
Westfield golf defeats Northampton
Medalis Nathan Jarvis shot an even par score of 35 to lead Westfield to its first win of the season, 156-164.
Treygan Lemanski (39), Danny Romanelli (40) and Jonas Miller rounded out the top scorers for Westfield.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/09/wta-westfield-high-golf-squads-earn-victories.html
Elmer played the final seven holes one under to card his 38, a team best so far on the year, while LaCasse’s 40 tied the previous team best on the season.
Josh Elmer and Chris Pederson each carded 45s to round out WTA’s top scorers.
Westfield golf defeats Northampton
Medalis Nathan Jarvis shot an even par score of 35 to lead Westfield to its first win of the season, 156-164.
Treygan Lemanski (39), Danny Romanelli (40) and Jonas Miller rounded out the top scorers for Westfield.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/09/wta-westfield-high-golf-squads-earn-victories.html
Please click here for the latest newsletter from Westfield Technical Academy. Thank you! https://app.smore.com/n/e5p8z
Westfield Technical Academy opened its golf season with a 172-191 victory over Pioneer Valley Regional High School in a Bi-County East Division 3 match at Shaker Farms Country Club Monday afternoon.
Chris Pedersen paced the Tigers with a 39 over nine holes on the par-37 course, claiming medalist honors. WTA swept the top three individual positions as Tyler LaCasse carded a 42 for second place and Josh Elmer finished third with a 43.
Jakob Elmer shot a 48 and Jacob Wilson finished with a 49 to round out Westfield Tech’s top scorers. Josh McDonald added a 52, Zach Morgado shot a 53 and Jameson Cotto carded a 55 for the Tigers.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/09/westfield-tech-golf-opens-season-with-victory-over-pioneer-valley.html
Chris Pedersen paced the Tigers with a 39 over nine holes on the par-37 course, claiming medalist honors. WTA swept the top three individual positions as Tyler LaCasse carded a 42 for second place and Josh Elmer finished third with a 43.
Jakob Elmer shot a 48 and Jacob Wilson finished with a 49 to round out Westfield Tech’s top scorers. Josh McDonald added a 52, Zach Morgado shot a 53 and Jameson Cotto carded a 55 for the Tigers.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/09/westfield-tech-golf-opens-season-with-victory-over-pioneer-valley.html
Westfield EATS, Westfield Public Schools Food Services, has announced a new partnership with My School Menus that offers interactive online menus to make it easier for families, students and staff to see what’s being served each day.
“My School Menus is a program that we’ve teamed up with to help us get all of the menus and pertinent information out to parents,” said Food Services Director Rachel Kania. She said parents can now scroll through the daily menu items and see pictures of the food, nutritional facts and ingredients, which is especially important for families of children with allergies, she added.
“Now we can have all of that information right at the fingertips of parents, who can go online and see all of the options available every day,” she said.
Kania said Westfield EATS gets its food from local farms and partnerships. For example, ground beef comes from North Elm Butcher Block, which grinds it fresh that day. Lettuce and produce come from local farms, and fruit from Mountain Orchard Farms in Granville.
Previously, Kania had to keep track of all the recipes, ingredients and nutritional information by hand on an Excel spreadsheet. She said her staff spent the summer transferring the information to My School Menus.
“To be honest with you, it was a pretty big undertaking. We had to enter every ingredient for every recipe we have here. It took us two months to enter over the summer,” she said. “Now parents can see what we can see, make their own decisions and navigate the menu safely.”
On the menu site, there is a drop-down list for allergies. For example, if an egg allergy is indicated on that list, any items containing egg will be crossed off the menu.
Kania said some medical conditions also require nutritional information. For a child with diabetes, parents can now see a carbohydrate count, so they know how much insulin is needed for their child. “This helps everybody, from nurses to parents to us; it’s a great program,” she said.
Kania said parents can either navigate menus on their own with their children or utilize a menu from a registered dietitian. Food Services has a dietitian on staff who has been with the department for 25 years. The dietitian may be reached at 413-572-6493 or by visiting the Food Services office in Suite B10 in City Hall at 59 Court St.
The new online menus for Westfield EATS may be accessed at: menus.healthepro.com/organizations/3724
“It’s really a wealth of information at the parents’ fingertips, which we’re so excited about,” Kania said.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/09/westfield-food-services-offers-new-interactive-menus-for-parents-to-safeguard-kids-choices.html
“My School Menus is a program that we’ve teamed up with to help us get all of the menus and pertinent information out to parents,” said Food Services Director Rachel Kania. She said parents can now scroll through the daily menu items and see pictures of the food, nutritional facts and ingredients, which is especially important for families of children with allergies, she added.
“Now we can have all of that information right at the fingertips of parents, who can go online and see all of the options available every day,” she said.
Kania said Westfield EATS gets its food from local farms and partnerships. For example, ground beef comes from North Elm Butcher Block, which grinds it fresh that day. Lettuce and produce come from local farms, and fruit from Mountain Orchard Farms in Granville.
Previously, Kania had to keep track of all the recipes, ingredients and nutritional information by hand on an Excel spreadsheet. She said her staff spent the summer transferring the information to My School Menus.
“To be honest with you, it was a pretty big undertaking. We had to enter every ingredient for every recipe we have here. It took us two months to enter over the summer,” she said. “Now parents can see what we can see, make their own decisions and navigate the menu safely.”
On the menu site, there is a drop-down list for allergies. For example, if an egg allergy is indicated on that list, any items containing egg will be crossed off the menu.
Kania said some medical conditions also require nutritional information. For a child with diabetes, parents can now see a carbohydrate count, so they know how much insulin is needed for their child. “This helps everybody, from nurses to parents to us; it’s a great program,” she said.
Kania said parents can either navigate menus on their own with their children or utilize a menu from a registered dietitian. Food Services has a dietitian on staff who has been with the department for 25 years. The dietitian may be reached at 413-572-6493 or by visiting the Food Services office in Suite B10 in City Hall at 59 Court St.
The new online menus for Westfield EATS may be accessed at: menus.healthepro.com/organizations/3724
“It’s really a wealth of information at the parents’ fingertips, which we’re so excited about,” Kania said.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/09/westfield-food-services-offers-new-interactive-menus-for-parents-to-safeguard-kids-choices.html
District teachers will take their turn at summer enrichment during a three-day curriculum summit at Westfield Intermediate School from Aug. 17-19.
Topics at this year’s summit will include the role of lead teachers, building student discourse and whether and how to use approved artificial intelligence tools in the classroom.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/08/westfield-teachers-take-a-turn-at-summer-enrichment.html
Topics at this year’s summit will include the role of lead teachers, building student discourse and whether and how to use approved artificial intelligence tools in the classroom.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/08/westfield-teachers-take-a-turn-at-summer-enrichment.html
The Westfield Technical Academy’s Aviation Maintenance Program showed its appreciation to Mrs. Murphy’s Donuts in Southwick in a way that only it could, by offering a thank-you ride in a 1942 Stearman bi-plane to owner Shane Murphy.
Mrs. Murphy’s Donuts celebrated 50 years in business on July 12.
“Mrs. Murphy’s has been a staple of our community for 50 years, constantly giving back to Southwick, Westfield and the local public schools. Most recently, Shane generously donated all the donuts, pastries, muffins, and coffee for this year’s Westfield Technical Academy Aviation graduation ceremony,” said AMT instructor Scott Hepburn, adding, “This flight is our program’s way of giving them some well-deserved recognition for half a century of community support.”
Hepburn and his brother Ed Hepburn, who was present for the occasion, have a long association with Mrs. Murphy’s Donuts, having worked there for many years in their youth, along with their sisters and nieces.
They originally offered the flight to Rose Murphy, who passed it to her daughter, Shane, who now runs the business with two of her children. Rose was on hand to see her daughter take off. “I could not do that, but she loved it and thought it was such a great opportunity,” she said, adding, “This is better than Six Flags.”
Ken Dromgold, president of the AMT advisory board and owner of the vintage WWII trainer, piloted the flight. He said the plane started as a Naval trainer, and after the war, spent some years as a crop duster, as many retired planes did.
Dromgold said he got the plane six years ago and has restored it a few times, keeping everything original, although he did recently put a new wooden propeller on the radial engine. He called the plane pretty rugged but said it has taught a lot of people to fly.
Now Dromgold’s goal for the plane is to “keep it looking good and give rides.” He flies veterans and auctions off rides for charities. Hepburn said Dromgold also flies every student in the AMT program every year.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/07/wtas-aviation-program-gives-thank-you-ride-to-mrs-murphys-donuts-owner.html
Mrs. Murphy’s Donuts celebrated 50 years in business on July 12.
“Mrs. Murphy’s has been a staple of our community for 50 years, constantly giving back to Southwick, Westfield and the local public schools. Most recently, Shane generously donated all the donuts, pastries, muffins, and coffee for this year’s Westfield Technical Academy Aviation graduation ceremony,” said AMT instructor Scott Hepburn, adding, “This flight is our program’s way of giving them some well-deserved recognition for half a century of community support.”
Hepburn and his brother Ed Hepburn, who was present for the occasion, have a long association with Mrs. Murphy’s Donuts, having worked there for many years in their youth, along with their sisters and nieces.
They originally offered the flight to Rose Murphy, who passed it to her daughter, Shane, who now runs the business with two of her children. Rose was on hand to see her daughter take off. “I could not do that, but she loved it and thought it was such a great opportunity,” she said, adding, “This is better than Six Flags.”
Ken Dromgold, president of the AMT advisory board and owner of the vintage WWII trainer, piloted the flight. He said the plane started as a Naval trainer, and after the war, spent some years as a crop duster, as many retired planes did.
Dromgold said he got the plane six years ago and has restored it a few times, keeping everything original, although he did recently put a new wooden propeller on the radial engine. He called the plane pretty rugged but said it has taught a lot of people to fly.
Now Dromgold’s goal for the plane is to “keep it looking good and give rides.” He flies veterans and auctions off rides for charities. Hepburn said Dromgold also flies every student in the AMT program every year.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/07/wtas-aviation-program-gives-thank-you-ride-to-mrs-murphys-donuts-owner.html
Westfield Technical Academy sophomore Elias Layng returned home with a bronze medal and great memories from the national SkillsUSA competition in Atlanta, Georgia, which was held the first week of June.
Layng, who was accompanied by his Information System Support and Networking Instructor E. Scott Lockwood and WTA’s SkillsUSA Chapter Advisor Angel Arenas Nieves, earned the trip after winning the gold medal in Internet of Things in the Massachusetts SkillsUSA competition.
“Eli did great at the competition. He won Bronze in the IOT [Internet of Things] category, which is awesome. He’s excited to go back next year and win gold. I think it was a great trip and an awesome experience for all of us,” Lockwood said.
This is the third year in a row that WTA earned a gold medal in the state competition in Internet of Things and went on to compete at nationals. Brady LePage, who graduated in 2026, also won gold at nationals two years in a row.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/07/wta-sophomore-earns-bronze-at-national-skillsusa-comp.html
Layng, who was accompanied by his Information System Support and Networking Instructor E. Scott Lockwood and WTA’s SkillsUSA Chapter Advisor Angel Arenas Nieves, earned the trip after winning the gold medal in Internet of Things in the Massachusetts SkillsUSA competition.
“Eli did great at the competition. He won Bronze in the IOT [Internet of Things] category, which is awesome. He’s excited to go back next year and win gold. I think it was a great trip and an awesome experience for all of us,” Lockwood said.
This is the third year in a row that WTA earned a gold medal in the state competition in Internet of Things and went on to compete at nationals. Brady LePage, who graduated in 2026, also won gold at nationals two years in a row.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/07/wta-sophomore-earns-bronze-at-national-skillsusa-comp.html
Westfield Public Schools and Offices are closed on Friday, July 3, 2026, in observance of Independence Day. Happy Birthday, America!
After a year-long focus on attendance, Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski and Christopher Rogers, director of operations and safety, said they met their goals to improve the daily attendance rate and reduce chronic absenteeism.
“We did well. We met our goals,” said Rogers, who runs the District Attendance Task Force that meets monthly throughout the year. School Committee member Kathleen Hillman and a representative from each school are on the team. He said they review data, share their best practices and collaborate.
Czaporowski said the total daily attendance rate improved to 93.4% this school year, compared to an average daily rate of 92.7% in the 2024-25 school year.
Rogers said a year ago, chronic absenteeism was at 20.8%. He said the goal for this year was to reduce it to 19.5%, and they ultimately achieved 17.6%. “We’re basically almost 2% lower than our goals,” he said.
Looking at chronic absenteeism in sub-groups, the rate of chronic absenteeism for students in special education dropped from 28.5% last year to 25% this year. “We met that goal of exactly 25%.”
Rogers said the district beat its goal for English language learners as a group, which had a chronic absenteeism rate of 30% last year and ended up at 23% this year.
“Part of the reason we focused specifically on special education and English language learners was the achievement gap; looking at attendance, we believe that had something to do with it. Our goal was to get high needs kids in their classes,” Czaporowski said.
One of the strategies they used was home visits with mentors and other staff members to understand what barriers were keeping students from coming to school. “By going to the homes, we learned why students weren’t coming,” Czaporowski said.
“The task force will continue its work,” said Czaporowski. “I also give a lot of credit to our principals and their site teams. They made a big push on attendance this year, along with the district. Each team came up with strategies to get their kids in school.”
“Attendance will remain a focus for us as we move forward. We know that for students that come regularly to school, socially, emotionally and academically, their potential for growth increases exponentially,” Czaporowski said. “It was a very good year, and we look forward to welcoming everybody back in the fall.”
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/06/districts-focus-on-attendance-produces-results.html
“We did well. We met our goals,” said Rogers, who runs the District Attendance Task Force that meets monthly throughout the year. School Committee member Kathleen Hillman and a representative from each school are on the team. He said they review data, share their best practices and collaborate.
Czaporowski said the total daily attendance rate improved to 93.4% this school year, compared to an average daily rate of 92.7% in the 2024-25 school year.
Rogers said a year ago, chronic absenteeism was at 20.8%. He said the goal for this year was to reduce it to 19.5%, and they ultimately achieved 17.6%. “We’re basically almost 2% lower than our goals,” he said.
Looking at chronic absenteeism in sub-groups, the rate of chronic absenteeism for students in special education dropped from 28.5% last year to 25% this year. “We met that goal of exactly 25%.”
Rogers said the district beat its goal for English language learners as a group, which had a chronic absenteeism rate of 30% last year and ended up at 23% this year.
“Part of the reason we focused specifically on special education and English language learners was the achievement gap; looking at attendance, we believe that had something to do with it. Our goal was to get high needs kids in their classes,” Czaporowski said.
One of the strategies they used was home visits with mentors and other staff members to understand what barriers were keeping students from coming to school. “By going to the homes, we learned why students weren’t coming,” Czaporowski said.
“The task force will continue its work,” said Czaporowski. “I also give a lot of credit to our principals and their site teams. They made a big push on attendance this year, along with the district. Each team came up with strategies to get their kids in school.”
“Attendance will remain a focus for us as we move forward. We know that for students that come regularly to school, socially, emotionally and academically, their potential for growth increases exponentially,” Czaporowski said. “It was a very good year, and we look forward to welcoming everybody back in the fall.”
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/06/districts-focus-on-attendance-produces-results.html
Over a decade ago, Westfield Technical Academy began offering an aviation technology program to its students — the only one in western Massachusetts. Now, a gift from a local supporter is allowing these students to take what they’ve learned to the next level, and the program is showing their appreciation.
When you think of transportation at schools, your mind may go to buses, cars, or even bicycles. But how about a brand-new multi-engine airplane?
“Tremendous opportunity for our students to gain access to twin engine aircraft. To better align ourselves with the FAA curriculum,” said Career Technical Education Director at Westfield Tech’s Peter Taloumis.
This Cessna 310 multi-engine aircraft was donated to Westfield Tech’s aviation program to help students get real-world experience working with a complex airplane. Benjamin Surner, a former pilot himself for fifty years, donated the plane after a heart condition legally forced him to stop flying — $100,000 seemingly down the drain, “under the FAA medical conditions I couldn’t get reissued my medical, so therefore I could not fly the airplane legally anymore.”
So, after letting the plane sit around for a bit, a phone call was made.
“Approached one of our instructors at the academy and said, hey, I have an airplane and I know you have an aviation department. Could you connect me with that person? And it happened to be me,” said the Department Head of Westfield Technical Academy Aviation Program Galen Wilson, “It’s a brand-new toy. And it’s tight. It’s ready to go. Matter of fact, we could jump in this airplane right now and fly it. It’s that ready to go.”
We didn’t take it for a spin of course, but students in the program confirmed it was ready through training today. They went through maintenance and inspection procedures, while learning about the engine systems and operational components in the plane,
“Working around planes, like, it makes me excited to see what I could do in the future,” said Westfield Tech student Korena Bradley.
So, what influenced Surner to donate it to a high school of all places?
“I graduated from Framingham Vocational High School back in 1959, and as an automotive mechanic, so I am a big fan of trade schools,” Surner said, “I just look at these kids, and I think back to where I was, and I think it’s great. It just makes me feel very good.”
As good as he was feeling, the students wanted to show their appreciation and make him feel even better. You see, Surner flew with a plushie of M.J. from Looney Tunes for fifty years. So, students put a sticker on the plane’s side — with Surner’s name and picture of the frog to commemorate him.
Even though he was giving up his plane, his legacy continued on.
https://www.westernmassnews.com/2026/06/17/westfield-tech-students-soaring-with-donated-plane/
When you think of transportation at schools, your mind may go to buses, cars, or even bicycles. But how about a brand-new multi-engine airplane?
“Tremendous opportunity for our students to gain access to twin engine aircraft. To better align ourselves with the FAA curriculum,” said Career Technical Education Director at Westfield Tech’s Peter Taloumis.
This Cessna 310 multi-engine aircraft was donated to Westfield Tech’s aviation program to help students get real-world experience working with a complex airplane. Benjamin Surner, a former pilot himself for fifty years, donated the plane after a heart condition legally forced him to stop flying — $100,000 seemingly down the drain, “under the FAA medical conditions I couldn’t get reissued my medical, so therefore I could not fly the airplane legally anymore.”
So, after letting the plane sit around for a bit, a phone call was made.
“Approached one of our instructors at the academy and said, hey, I have an airplane and I know you have an aviation department. Could you connect me with that person? And it happened to be me,” said the Department Head of Westfield Technical Academy Aviation Program Galen Wilson, “It’s a brand-new toy. And it’s tight. It’s ready to go. Matter of fact, we could jump in this airplane right now and fly it. It’s that ready to go.”
We didn’t take it for a spin of course, but students in the program confirmed it was ready through training today. They went through maintenance and inspection procedures, while learning about the engine systems and operational components in the plane,
“Working around planes, like, it makes me excited to see what I could do in the future,” said Westfield Tech student Korena Bradley.
So, what influenced Surner to donate it to a high school of all places?
“I graduated from Framingham Vocational High School back in 1959, and as an automotive mechanic, so I am a big fan of trade schools,” Surner said, “I just look at these kids, and I think back to where I was, and I think it’s great. It just makes me feel very good.”
As good as he was feeling, the students wanted to show their appreciation and make him feel even better. You see, Surner flew with a plushie of M.J. from Looney Tunes for fifty years. So, students put a sticker on the plane’s side — with Surner’s name and picture of the frog to commemorate him.
Even though he was giving up his plane, his legacy continued on.
https://www.westernmassnews.com/2026/06/17/westfield-tech-students-soaring-with-donated-plane/
Westfield Public Schools will be closed on Friday, June 19, 2026, for the Juneteenth Holiday. Thank you.
Missed the Season Finale of Superintendent’s Spotlight? Tune in as we celebrate retiring WTA Principal Bruce Hastings, welcome incoming Principal Daniel Paquette, and enjoy a sweet visit from WTA’s Culinary Arts students and staff in honor of National German Chocolate Cake Day! Thanks for watching and supporting Superintendent’s Spotlight all season long!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_v1noGAeCXo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_v1noGAeCXo
🌟 Discover the Difference at Westfield Public Schools! 🌟
Westfield Public Schools is excited to announce that a limited number of School Choice seats are available for the 2026–2027 school year at our elementary schools, Westfield Intermediate School, Westfield Middle School, and Westfield High School!
Through Massachusetts School Choice, families can choose to enroll their children in Westfield Public Schools regardless of where they live—at no cost to parents.
Why choose Westfield?
✅ Strong academic programs
✅ Exceptional teachers and staff
✅ Career and technical education opportunities
✅ Early College and Innovation Pathways programs
✅ A wide variety of extracurricular activities, athletics, and student supports
Don't miss this opportunity to become part of a school community dedicated to helping every student learn, grow, and succeed.
For more information and application details, please visit:
https://westfieldpubma.sites.thrillshare.com/.../announce...
We look forward to welcoming new students and families to Westfield Public Schools!
Westfield Public Schools is excited to announce that a limited number of School Choice seats are available for the 2026–2027 school year at our elementary schools, Westfield Intermediate School, Westfield Middle School, and Westfield High School!
Through Massachusetts School Choice, families can choose to enroll their children in Westfield Public Schools regardless of where they live—at no cost to parents.
Why choose Westfield?
✅ Strong academic programs
✅ Exceptional teachers and staff
✅ Career and technical education opportunities
✅ Early College and Innovation Pathways programs
✅ A wide variety of extracurricular activities, athletics, and student supports
Don't miss this opportunity to become part of a school community dedicated to helping every student learn, grow, and succeed.
For more information and application details, please visit:
https://westfieldpubma.sites.thrillshare.com/.../announce...
We look forward to welcoming new students and families to Westfield Public Schools!
Westfield Technical Academy conferred diplomas to 118 members of the class of 2026 at a commencement ceremony at Bullens field on June 4. The class was led by valedictorian Jeffrey Vella and the salutatorian Andrew Galczynski.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/06/westfield-technical-academy-commends-class-of-2026.html
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/06/westfield-technical-academy-commends-class-of-2026.html
Westfield Technical Academy put a runner in scoring position in all six innings in which they batted, scored three runs with a two-out rally in the fifth, and leaned on the arm of senior pitcher Antonio Simpson. Those three things resulted in one big Round of 32 victory for the Tigers in the Division 5 baseball tournament.
Simpson scattered five hits over seven full innings, struck out one batter and walked just two as 11th seeded Westfield Tech outlasted No. 22 Cape Cod Tech, 4-1, Monday at Bullens Field.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/06/westfield-technical-academy-baseball-advances-to-round-of-16.html
Simpson scattered five hits over seven full innings, struck out one batter and walked just two as 11th seeded Westfield Tech outlasted No. 22 Cape Cod Tech, 4-1, Monday at Bullens Field.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/06/westfield-technical-academy-baseball-advances-to-round-of-16.html
Westfield Technical Academy Aviation department head Galen Wilson welcomed families, friends and dignitaries to the aviation maintenance technology graduation for the Class of 2026.
Following the singing of the national anthem by AMT underclassman Lucas Imbriglio, Wilson said the Class of 2026 has many aspirations; they are industry-bound and college-bound. He said a couple of the students may do something other than aviation, but they can always circle back around.
“None of them quit, none of them gave up,” Wilson said, despite the very difficult coursework. “I did it at 24-25 years old in college. I know it’s a struggle. I saw students in my class years ago wash out.” he said.
Mayor Michael McCabe presented each student with a certificate from the city and from the Senate on behalf of state Sen. John Velis, and he asked members of the 104th Fighter Wing, who were there in support, to stand and be recognized.
State Rep. Kelly Pease also presented the students with certificates from the House of Representatives. “It’s always a pleasure. I was here for the first graduation in 2019 as an aide to Senator [Donald] Humason,” he said.
Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski said his last year as principal of Westfield Technical Academy in 2015 was the first freshman class for aviation maintenance technology. Czaporowski said 2026 is the 10th anniversary of having students in the AMT program at WTA, which was the first in the state and third in the country.
AMT instructor Timothy Pfau awarded coins, an Air Force tradition, to distinguish past and present AMT graduates who received their FAA airframe license certification. Adam Kominski, Joshua Masse, Mark Poznyur, Kailyn Hawley, Maya Reyes and Owen O’Brien were awarded coins in the past.
Also distinguished for receiving FAA airframe license certification was Sophia Bazukin of the class of 2026, the first student to receive the certification before graduation. Her sister Lidia Bazukin, class of 2020, was the very first AMT student at WTA to receive a coin for FAA airframe certification.
Sophia Bazukin, who has apprenticed at Gulfstream since her sophomore year, has accepted an offer at Gulfstream for a full-time AMT position.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/06/class-of-2026-honored-at-westfield-technical-academy-aviation-ceremony.html
Following the singing of the national anthem by AMT underclassman Lucas Imbriglio, Wilson said the Class of 2026 has many aspirations; they are industry-bound and college-bound. He said a couple of the students may do something other than aviation, but they can always circle back around.
“None of them quit, none of them gave up,” Wilson said, despite the very difficult coursework. “I did it at 24-25 years old in college. I know it’s a struggle. I saw students in my class years ago wash out.” he said.
Mayor Michael McCabe presented each student with a certificate from the city and from the Senate on behalf of state Sen. John Velis, and he asked members of the 104th Fighter Wing, who were there in support, to stand and be recognized.
State Rep. Kelly Pease also presented the students with certificates from the House of Representatives. “It’s always a pleasure. I was here for the first graduation in 2019 as an aide to Senator [Donald] Humason,” he said.
Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski said his last year as principal of Westfield Technical Academy in 2015 was the first freshman class for aviation maintenance technology. Czaporowski said 2026 is the 10th anniversary of having students in the AMT program at WTA, which was the first in the state and third in the country.
AMT instructor Timothy Pfau awarded coins, an Air Force tradition, to distinguish past and present AMT graduates who received their FAA airframe license certification. Adam Kominski, Joshua Masse, Mark Poznyur, Kailyn Hawley, Maya Reyes and Owen O’Brien were awarded coins in the past.
Also distinguished for receiving FAA airframe license certification was Sophia Bazukin of the class of 2026, the first student to receive the certification before graduation. Her sister Lidia Bazukin, class of 2020, was the very first AMT student at WTA to receive a coin for FAA airframe certification.
Sophia Bazukin, who has apprenticed at Gulfstream since her sophomore year, has accepted an offer at Gulfstream for a full-time AMT position.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/06/class-of-2026-honored-at-westfield-technical-academy-aviation-ceremony.html
Show up. Learn. Grow. Repeat. Every day in school = one step closer to your goals! #everydaycounts
