Due to the forecasted snowstorm tonight and tomorrow, Westfield Public Schools and Offices will be closed tomorrow, Monday, February 23, 2026. Please stay safe. Thank you.
Westfield Public Schools and the Westfield Police Department Release Drill Dates
Westfield Public Schools continues to update our school district’s comprehensive safety plan in conjunction with the Westfield Police and Fire Departments. A team of Westfield Administrators and other staff members representing every level from elementary to high school, has been working collaboratively with the Westfield Police and Fire Departments to make sure our students, staff, and families have a current, research-based, and educationally sound emergency operations plan.
As part of our continued work with Westfield Police Department and our ongoing training for students and staff, our city departments working together will conduct lockdown drills in our schools the week of March 9-12 utilizing the enhanced lockdown procedures known as A.L.I.C.E. (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, and Evacuate).
If you have any questions regarding our drills please contact Mr. Christopher Rogers, Director of Operations and Safety for the Westfield Public Schools at 413-572-6495 or c.rogers@schoolsofwestfield.org. Thank you!
Westfield Public Schools continues to update our school district’s comprehensive safety plan in conjunction with the Westfield Police and Fire Departments. A team of Westfield Administrators and other staff members representing every level from elementary to high school, has been working collaboratively with the Westfield Police and Fire Departments to make sure our students, staff, and families have a current, research-based, and educationally sound emergency operations plan.
As part of our continued work with Westfield Police Department and our ongoing training for students and staff, our city departments working together will conduct lockdown drills in our schools the week of March 9-12 utilizing the enhanced lockdown procedures known as A.L.I.C.E. (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, and Evacuate).
If you have any questions regarding our drills please contact Mr. Christopher Rogers, Director of Operations and Safety for the Westfield Public Schools at 413-572-6495 or c.rogers@schoolsofwestfield.org. Thank you!
Westfield State University has signed an articulation agreement with Westfield High School for its Chapter 74 Criminal Justice pathway to award up to 18 credits to students who have successfully completed the pathway.
“Our newest articulation agreement with Westfield State University for students studying Criminal Justice and Public Safety at Westfield High School is truly exciting. Eighteen credits represent more than a semester of college coursework, giving our students a tremendous academic and financial advantage,” said Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski.
WHS Criminal Justice teacher Kara LaValley said the students will receive the WSU credits if they stay in the pathway all four years. She said moving forward, WSU will also offer Intro to Psychology at WHS in the fall of junior year and Intro to Sociology in the fall of senior year. “This is in addition to the classes that they are already taking during the spring semester of junior and senior year.”
Students in the pathway will receive three credits each for Intro to Criminal Justice and Intro to Corrections, taught by LaValley in their freshman and sophomore years; Intro to Psychology and American Judicial Systems as juniors, taught by WSU professors, and Intro to Sociology and Criminal Investigation/Homicide as seniors, also taught by WSU professors, for a total of 18 credits.
Currently, there are 70 students enrolled in the criminal justice program at WHS, more than half of them freshmen. Last year was LaValley’s first graduating class, and this year, four students will complete all four years.
LaValley said students studying criminal justice may pursue several career tracks, including local and state police, criminology, crime data and FBI. Other tracks include crime lab work, which is more science-based and mental health. Her own master’s is in forensic psychology.
Her students are interested in entering law school, policing, or SWAT; she has students in the Westfield Police Cadets right now, and some who are more interested in the mental health side of the profession. “I told them the whole corrections system has so many different avenues if you go through the Academy — truancy officer, parks, marine units — so many.”
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/02/whs-signs-articulation-agreement-with-westfield-state-for-criminal-justice-classes.html
“Our newest articulation agreement with Westfield State University for students studying Criminal Justice and Public Safety at Westfield High School is truly exciting. Eighteen credits represent more than a semester of college coursework, giving our students a tremendous academic and financial advantage,” said Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski.
WHS Criminal Justice teacher Kara LaValley said the students will receive the WSU credits if they stay in the pathway all four years. She said moving forward, WSU will also offer Intro to Psychology at WHS in the fall of junior year and Intro to Sociology in the fall of senior year. “This is in addition to the classes that they are already taking during the spring semester of junior and senior year.”
Students in the pathway will receive three credits each for Intro to Criminal Justice and Intro to Corrections, taught by LaValley in their freshman and sophomore years; Intro to Psychology and American Judicial Systems as juniors, taught by WSU professors, and Intro to Sociology and Criminal Investigation/Homicide as seniors, also taught by WSU professors, for a total of 18 credits.
Currently, there are 70 students enrolled in the criminal justice program at WHS, more than half of them freshmen. Last year was LaValley’s first graduating class, and this year, four students will complete all four years.
LaValley said students studying criminal justice may pursue several career tracks, including local and state police, criminology, crime data and FBI. Other tracks include crime lab work, which is more science-based and mental health. Her own master’s is in forensic psychology.
Her students are interested in entering law school, policing, or SWAT; she has students in the Westfield Police Cadets right now, and some who are more interested in the mental health side of the profession. “I told them the whole corrections system has so many different avenues if you go through the Academy — truancy officer, parks, marine units — so many.”
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/02/whs-signs-articulation-agreement-with-westfield-state-for-criminal-justice-classes.html
Recently, students in Culinary Arts I at Westfield High School completed their annual food truck unit. “It’s one of their favorite projects,” said Ekaterina Rosario, hospitality and culinary arts teacher at the school. She said she introduces the project towards the end of the semester, for which the students create their own signature dish and food truck concept.
The students create teams and come up with the name of the food truck, the concept, logo and truck design. They also make a whole recipe book of six dishes featuring a signature dish, along with a menu with descriptions and prices. They also make up a grocery list, and Rosario does the shopping. “I literally give them free rein, as long as we can afford it,” she said.
The students then execute the signature dish in class in three days, two days for prep and one day for cooking. This year’s offerings included triple berry cheesecake, seven-layer burrito, several versions of mac and cheese, Oreo cinnamon buns, strawberry cupcakes, juicy burgers, a steak and cheese sandwich, orange chicken with rice, and a chicken burrito bowl, among others.
Culinary Arts I is open to sophomores, juniors and seniors. Anyone can sign up for the class, which is an elective credit at WHS, and very hands-on, she said. Upon successful completion of the course, students may advance to Culinary Arts 2 and Hospitality.
In Culinary Arts 2, students build the skills necessary to pursue careers in the food service and hospitality industries through a wide range of food preparation methods in the classroom, lab setting and real-world experiences. Additional areas of focus include etiquette, hospitality practices, banquet planning, facility operations, presentation skills and catering.
Hospitality introduces students to the structure and scope of the travel, tourism and hospitality industries. Students examine key components of tourism such as transportation, accommodations, food and beverage service and attractions. The course also explores a variety of career pathways in hospitality while helping students build essential industry knowledge and skills needed for success.
The long-term goal is to create a Chapter 74 program in hospitality. Rosario has been working towards that goal since she first started at WHS, making plans to upgrade the kitchen classroom at the school. She said last year, significant improvements were made to modernize and enhance the kitchen space.
Improvements included removing all of the upper kitchen cabinets to create a more open and functional layout, completely gutting on corner kitchen area, installing wire shelving to improve organization for food ingredients and kitchen equipment, adding a new three-bay sink and stainless steel worktable, and upgrading to larger, industrial-sized refrigerators.
Upcoming renovations and upgrades include removing and gutting the remaining wooden kitchen cabinets and replacing them with stainless steel workstations, upgrading additional kitchen equipment to industrial-grade standards, including ovens, worktables, mixers, wire shelving and handheld equipment.
Also included in the plans is enhancement of the WHS café area across the hall by completing the barista counter currently being built by the WTA Carpentry and Cabinetry Shop, updating the bakery display case, installing commercial coffee machines and refreshing tables and chairs in the space.
Each renovation and upgrade demonstrates the school’s collective dedication to equipping students with practical, hands-on skills aligned with industry standards.
Rosario also offered her appreciation for the support the program has received, both from the school district and the community.
“A heartfelt thank you to the Westfield Women’s Club and our community for their generous donation of much-needed kitchen equipment and utensils. Their support has made a meaningful difference,” she said.
“Thank you to our dedicated custodial and maintenance staff for their hard work and commitment throughout the renovation process. I am also deeply grateful to our administration, especially Principal Charles Jendrysik at WHS and Pete Taloumis at WTA, for their continued support and leadership,” Rosario added.
“Finally, thank you to our superintendent and school committee for believing in and supporting the vision of growing the hospitality program into a fully developed vocational pathway here at WHS. I am incredibly proud of how far we have come and excited for what lies ahead. The future of the hospitality program at WHS is bright,” Rosario said.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/02/whs-culinary-arts-and-hospitality-program-is-on-a-roll.html
The students create teams and come up with the name of the food truck, the concept, logo and truck design. They also make a whole recipe book of six dishes featuring a signature dish, along with a menu with descriptions and prices. They also make up a grocery list, and Rosario does the shopping. “I literally give them free rein, as long as we can afford it,” she said.
The students then execute the signature dish in class in three days, two days for prep and one day for cooking. This year’s offerings included triple berry cheesecake, seven-layer burrito, several versions of mac and cheese, Oreo cinnamon buns, strawberry cupcakes, juicy burgers, a steak and cheese sandwich, orange chicken with rice, and a chicken burrito bowl, among others.
Culinary Arts I is open to sophomores, juniors and seniors. Anyone can sign up for the class, which is an elective credit at WHS, and very hands-on, she said. Upon successful completion of the course, students may advance to Culinary Arts 2 and Hospitality.
In Culinary Arts 2, students build the skills necessary to pursue careers in the food service and hospitality industries through a wide range of food preparation methods in the classroom, lab setting and real-world experiences. Additional areas of focus include etiquette, hospitality practices, banquet planning, facility operations, presentation skills and catering.
Hospitality introduces students to the structure and scope of the travel, tourism and hospitality industries. Students examine key components of tourism such as transportation, accommodations, food and beverage service and attractions. The course also explores a variety of career pathways in hospitality while helping students build essential industry knowledge and skills needed for success.
The long-term goal is to create a Chapter 74 program in hospitality. Rosario has been working towards that goal since she first started at WHS, making plans to upgrade the kitchen classroom at the school. She said last year, significant improvements were made to modernize and enhance the kitchen space.
Improvements included removing all of the upper kitchen cabinets to create a more open and functional layout, completely gutting on corner kitchen area, installing wire shelving to improve organization for food ingredients and kitchen equipment, adding a new three-bay sink and stainless steel worktable, and upgrading to larger, industrial-sized refrigerators.
Upcoming renovations and upgrades include removing and gutting the remaining wooden kitchen cabinets and replacing them with stainless steel workstations, upgrading additional kitchen equipment to industrial-grade standards, including ovens, worktables, mixers, wire shelving and handheld equipment.
Also included in the plans is enhancement of the WHS café area across the hall by completing the barista counter currently being built by the WTA Carpentry and Cabinetry Shop, updating the bakery display case, installing commercial coffee machines and refreshing tables and chairs in the space.
Each renovation and upgrade demonstrates the school’s collective dedication to equipping students with practical, hands-on skills aligned with industry standards.
Rosario also offered her appreciation for the support the program has received, both from the school district and the community.
“A heartfelt thank you to the Westfield Women’s Club and our community for their generous donation of much-needed kitchen equipment and utensils. Their support has made a meaningful difference,” she said.
“Thank you to our dedicated custodial and maintenance staff for their hard work and commitment throughout the renovation process. I am also deeply grateful to our administration, especially Principal Charles Jendrysik at WHS and Pete Taloumis at WTA, for their continued support and leadership,” Rosario added.
“Finally, thank you to our superintendent and school committee for believing in and supporting the vision of growing the hospitality program into a fully developed vocational pathway here at WHS. I am incredibly proud of how far we have come and excited for what lies ahead. The future of the hospitality program at WHS is bright,” Rosario said.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/02/whs-culinary-arts-and-hospitality-program-is-on-a-roll.html
Reminder: There will be no school for students from February 16–February 20 due to Winter Vacation. Have a wonderful break and stay safe!
Click on the link below to view the latest "Superintendent's Spotlight" featuring students from the Westfield High School/Westfield Technical Academy Hockey Team. We also took time to recognize National Paczki Day. Thanks for watching!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JoZtkh_KjZQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JoZtkh_KjZQ
Westfield Public Schools and the Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce are thrilled to announce that the Annual Career Expo & Job Fair will be held on April 1, 2026, at Westfield State University, and we hope you will attend!
Businesses will have the opportunity to engage with students in conversations about your career and industry and recruit students for internships and jobs.
Eleventh-grade students from Westfield High School, Westfield Technical Academy, St. Mary’s High School, and White Oak School will be in attendance.
Please click on the flyer below for more information and to register. Thank you!
Businesses will have the opportunity to engage with students in conversations about your career and industry and recruit students for internships and jobs.
Eleventh-grade students from Westfield High School, Westfield Technical Academy, St. Mary’s High School, and White Oak School will be in attendance.
Please click on the flyer below for more information and to register. Thank you!
Feb 16-20, 2026
NO SCHOOL
Winter Vacation
“Being present every day is the first step toward achievement.” #AchievingExcellenceTogether
This week on "Superintendent's Spotlight", the Westfield High School Show Choir stopped by the studio to give us a preview of their upcoming Disney inspired Cabaret Show that will be held on Thursday, February 12 at 6:30 p.m. at Westfield High School. Tickets are only $10.00. Westfield Technical Academy's Culinary Arts Department also helped us celebrate National Homemade Soup Day. Thanks for watching!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYrrHkCOF_M
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYrrHkCOF_M
We are pleased to announce that Westfield Public Schools will offer tuition-free preschool for Westfield residents for the 2026-2027 school year. If your child will be 3 or 4 years old by September 1, 2026 and you are interested in having your child attend WPS preschool, please complete this interest form. If you have more than one child eligible for preschool, please complete a separate form for each child.
All 3 year old preschool classrooms will be held from Monday through Friday for 2.5 hours, either in the morning or afternoon. The morning program will run from 9:15 am to 11:45 am and the afternoon program will run from 12:45 pm to 3:15 pm.
All 4 year old preschool classrooms will be held from Monday through Friday from 9:15 am to 3:15 pm each day.
This form will remain open through Friday, March 20, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Families will be notified on or before Thursday, April 2, 2026 if their child has been selected.
Please contact Jonathan Scagel, Preschool Program Supervisor, at (jonathan.scagel@schoolsofwestfield.org) with any questions.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XmEKoihDwnMvWVCE3mxwJUkcHZNwrvGU-Us8IP2kQIU/edit?usp=sharing
All 3 year old preschool classrooms will be held from Monday through Friday for 2.5 hours, either in the morning or afternoon. The morning program will run from 9:15 am to 11:45 am and the afternoon program will run from 12:45 pm to 3:15 pm.
All 4 year old preschool classrooms will be held from Monday through Friday from 9:15 am to 3:15 pm each day.
This form will remain open through Friday, March 20, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Families will be notified on or before Thursday, April 2, 2026 if their child has been selected.
Please contact Jonathan Scagel, Preschool Program Supervisor, at (jonathan.scagel@schoolsofwestfield.org) with any questions.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XmEKoihDwnMvWVCE3mxwJUkcHZNwrvGU-Us8IP2kQIU/edit?usp=sharing
Check out the latest edition of the Bomber Bulletin.
Bomber Bulletin
National School Counseling Week 2026 (Feb. 2-6), sponsored by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), highlights the essential contribution of school counselors within U.S. school systems and the tremendous impact they have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career. Take a moment to thank your school counselor(s). #AchievingExcellenceTogether
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
Westfield baseball standout Joshua Wagner has found a new home to continue his academic and athletic career.
Wagner announced on X (formerly Twitter) last week that he has committed to play Division I baseball for Merrimack College upon graduation. This has been a moment in the making for Wagner. So for his vision to finally become a reality is a dream come true.
This spring will mark Wagner’s fourth and final season with the Bombers. And during his memorable tenure, Wagner has accumulated 136 strikeouts and has allowed 46 earned runs in 121 combined innings pitched thus far. On the offensive side, meanwhile, the senior has recorded 31 combined hits and 21 RBIs in 115 plate appearances thus far.
But aside from those impressive figures, Wagner has also been a vocal leader who helped guide Westfield to the D-II state semifinals against Plymouth North in 2024. That said, it’s no wonder that Wagner has been named a Super 7 and First-Team All-Western Mass. selection for two consecutive years.
https://www.masslive.com/highschoolsports/2026/01/westfields-joshua-wagner-commits-to-play-d-i-baseball-at-merrimack.html
Wagner announced on X (formerly Twitter) last week that he has committed to play Division I baseball for Merrimack College upon graduation. This has been a moment in the making for Wagner. So for his vision to finally become a reality is a dream come true.
This spring will mark Wagner’s fourth and final season with the Bombers. And during his memorable tenure, Wagner has accumulated 136 strikeouts and has allowed 46 earned runs in 121 combined innings pitched thus far. On the offensive side, meanwhile, the senior has recorded 31 combined hits and 21 RBIs in 115 plate appearances thus far.
But aside from those impressive figures, Wagner has also been a vocal leader who helped guide Westfield to the D-II state semifinals against Plymouth North in 2024. That said, it’s no wonder that Wagner has been named a Super 7 and First-Team All-Western Mass. selection for two consecutive years.
https://www.masslive.com/highschoolsports/2026/01/westfields-joshua-wagner-commits-to-play-d-i-baseball-at-merrimack.html
We have found the perfect place to display two beautiful drawings gifted to Westfield High School. These detailed renditions of our school were sketched by two graduating members of the Class of 2025.
We are proud to showcase their work for our school community to enjoy!
We are proud to showcase their work for our school community to enjoy!
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
Twelve contestants competing for the 2026 Sons of Erin Colleen gathered on the morning of Jan. 18 to have their photos taken, get to know each other, and learn about all the responsibilities of the colleen and her court.
The breakfast meet-and-greet at the Sons of Erin on William Street in Westfield is the first step before one of them is chosen as the colleen and four others as members of her court at the 43rd annual Sons of Erin Colleen Ball on Friday, Feb. 6, at Tekoa Country Club, 459 Russell Road, Westfield.
Tracy Oleksak, who serves on the Colleen Committee and is herself a former member of the court, said this year’s 12 contestants are a well-rounded group of young women.
“This year’s contestants are, like always, an exceptional group of bright young women. Each contestant brings her own personality, drive, and commitment to making a positive difference, with impressive contributions to both her school and community. It was a pleasure to meet with them at the breakfast on Sunday and to read their accomplishments submitted on their bios. Every one of them exemplifies what we look for in a colleen and court member to represent the Sons of Erin and the city of Westfield,” Oleksak said.
The 2026 contestants are Casey Elizabeth Coulombe, 17, of Westfield, a senior at Westfield High School; Giara Grace Curran, 17, of Westfield, a senior at WHS; Abigail Anna Jemiolo, 17 of Westfield, a senior at WHS; Maggie Grace Leen, 18, of Westfield, a senior at WHS; Savanna Brooke Mazeika, 17, of Westfield, a senior at WHS; Alexandra Marie Monczka, 21, of Southwick, a junior at Westfield State University; Reese Elinor-Janet O’Connell, 17, of Westfield, a senior at Hampshire Regional High School; Kylee Elizabeth O’Grady, 17, of Westfield, a senior at WHS; Angelica Madison Racette, 17, of Southwick, a junior at Southwick Regional High School; Kiera Marie St. Peter, 17, of Russell, a junior at WHS; Leah Catherine Shea, 17, of Westfield, a senior at WHS; and Sophia Rose Smithies, 17, of Westfield, a senior at WHS.
On Feb. 5 at 6 p.m., the contestants will meet with the judges for their interview and first round of judging based on personality and intellect, each making up 25% of their scores. Judges will know them only by their numbers, and contestants will answer a series of questions unknown to anyone beforehand.
On Feb. 6 at the Colleen Ball, contestants will be introduced by name and walk the runway, where they will be judged on their poise and appearance, making up another 25% of their scores. The judges’ selection of a colleen and her court will be announced at the ball.
The colleen and her court will represent Westfield during the “Green Season” events leading up to the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 23, where they will ride on the Sons of Erin float.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/01/twelve-contestants-compete-for-2026-sons-of-erin-colleen.html
The breakfast meet-and-greet at the Sons of Erin on William Street in Westfield is the first step before one of them is chosen as the colleen and four others as members of her court at the 43rd annual Sons of Erin Colleen Ball on Friday, Feb. 6, at Tekoa Country Club, 459 Russell Road, Westfield.
Tracy Oleksak, who serves on the Colleen Committee and is herself a former member of the court, said this year’s 12 contestants are a well-rounded group of young women.
“This year’s contestants are, like always, an exceptional group of bright young women. Each contestant brings her own personality, drive, and commitment to making a positive difference, with impressive contributions to both her school and community. It was a pleasure to meet with them at the breakfast on Sunday and to read their accomplishments submitted on their bios. Every one of them exemplifies what we look for in a colleen and court member to represent the Sons of Erin and the city of Westfield,” Oleksak said.
The 2026 contestants are Casey Elizabeth Coulombe, 17, of Westfield, a senior at Westfield High School; Giara Grace Curran, 17, of Westfield, a senior at WHS; Abigail Anna Jemiolo, 17 of Westfield, a senior at WHS; Maggie Grace Leen, 18, of Westfield, a senior at WHS; Savanna Brooke Mazeika, 17, of Westfield, a senior at WHS; Alexandra Marie Monczka, 21, of Southwick, a junior at Westfield State University; Reese Elinor-Janet O’Connell, 17, of Westfield, a senior at Hampshire Regional High School; Kylee Elizabeth O’Grady, 17, of Westfield, a senior at WHS; Angelica Madison Racette, 17, of Southwick, a junior at Southwick Regional High School; Kiera Marie St. Peter, 17, of Russell, a junior at WHS; Leah Catherine Shea, 17, of Westfield, a senior at WHS; and Sophia Rose Smithies, 17, of Westfield, a senior at WHS.
On Feb. 5 at 6 p.m., the contestants will meet with the judges for their interview and first round of judging based on personality and intellect, each making up 25% of their scores. Judges will know them only by their numbers, and contestants will answer a series of questions unknown to anyone beforehand.
On Feb. 6 at the Colleen Ball, contestants will be introduced by name and walk the runway, where they will be judged on their poise and appearance, making up another 25% of their scores. The judges’ selection of a colleen and her court will be announced at the ball.
The colleen and her court will represent Westfield during the “Green Season” events leading up to the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 23, where they will ride on the Sons of Erin float.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/01/twelve-contestants-compete-for-2026-sons-of-erin-colleen.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!
