Yesterday on "Superintendent's Spotlight", we recognized National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day with guests Captain Eric Hall and School Resource Officers (SRO) Jim Summers, Bryan Turgeon, and Mike Csekovsky. Staff and students from Westfield Technical Academy's Culinary Arts Program also helped us celebrate the day with a homemade breakfast treat. Thank you to our School Resource Officers for all the support that they provide to our staff, students, and families. Thanks for watching!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0tMtzPnGnU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0tMtzPnGnU
Sophomores in Mark Dargie’s history class at Westfield High School made the 1930s come to life in the classroom with cardboard houses and a dust storm simulation.
“My sophomore U.S. History classes are recreating the Dust Bowl of the 1930s in our classroom using cardboard model homes that were designed and cut on a laser in collaboration with Renee Sweeney’s engineering class,” Dargie said.
Students researched houses that were common in the 1930s in the Great Plains, then did a sketch of the house on paper. That sketch was given to Sweeney’s students, who designed the house and had it cut on a laser cutter.
Dargie’s students then assembled the house with glue and tape, making sure that there was some ventilation. They then tested the houses in a makeshift dust chamber in the classroom using a hair dryer.
After the initial test, students added moist fabric to cover the windows and doors and used petroleum jelly, both of which Dargie said people actually used during the Dust Bowl to block spaces where dust could enter.
“We then re-tested the models, and students observed how well the alterations kept the dust out of the models,” Dargie said. “Students actually experienced the messiness of the dust, and saw it floating around the room, so I think that experience was useful in seeing what people were going through during that time period,” Dargie said.
Following the hands-on project, students were required to write a reflection about the project.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/01/whs-sophomore-history-class-recreates-1930s-dust-bowl.html
“My sophomore U.S. History classes are recreating the Dust Bowl of the 1930s in our classroom using cardboard model homes that were designed and cut on a laser in collaboration with Renee Sweeney’s engineering class,” Dargie said.
Students researched houses that were common in the 1930s in the Great Plains, then did a sketch of the house on paper. That sketch was given to Sweeney’s students, who designed the house and had it cut on a laser cutter.
Dargie’s students then assembled the house with glue and tape, making sure that there was some ventilation. They then tested the houses in a makeshift dust chamber in the classroom using a hair dryer.
After the initial test, students added moist fabric to cover the windows and doors and used petroleum jelly, both of which Dargie said people actually used during the Dust Bowl to block spaces where dust could enter.
“We then re-tested the models, and students observed how well the alterations kept the dust out of the models,” Dargie said. “Students actually experienced the messiness of the dust, and saw it floating around the room, so I think that experience was useful in seeing what people were going through during that time period,” Dargie said.
Following the hands-on project, students were required to write a reflection about the project.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/01/whs-sophomore-history-class-recreates-1930s-dust-bowl.html
The Westfield High School Free Web Clinic is seeking two to three more website clients for its spring term.
Bram Moreinis, WHS web development and programming teacher, said the Free Web Clinic is for small businesses and community organizations that are looking to redo or create a website.
The free website design is created by web development students at Westfield High School. Moreinis said he has six teams of two to three students ready, and three websites that have already been selected, including the Westfield Education to Business Alliance website. Case studies of other websites the students have published are available to view at freewebclinic.org.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/01/whs-free-web-clinic-is-seeking-website-clients-for-its-spring-term.html
Bram Moreinis, WHS web development and programming teacher, said the Free Web Clinic is for small businesses and community organizations that are looking to redo or create a website.
The free website design is created by web development students at Westfield High School. Moreinis said he has six teams of two to three students ready, and three websites that have already been selected, including the Westfield Education to Business Alliance website. Case studies of other websites the students have published are available to view at freewebclinic.org.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/01/whs-free-web-clinic-is-seeking-website-clients-for-its-spring-term.html
Due to the current weather conditions, Westfield Public Schools will operate on a two-hour delay schedule today, Wednesday, January 7, 2026. Please drive safely. Thank you.
🌟 Show up. Learn. Grow. Repeat. Every day in school = one step closer to your goals! #EveryDayCounts
The Science and Engineering Fair at Westfield High School on Jan. 29 features student projects from Westfield High School and Westfield Technical Academy. In past years, many of the students and their projects have gone on to successfully compete at regional, state and international science fairs.
Judges are needed and everyone is welcome to volunteer. The judges always come from many backgrounds. While many have current or past experience in science, engineering, or related technical fields, others bring experience in education or simply have a strong interest in science or in supporting student learning.
“We are anticipating one of the largest fairs in recent history with nearly 250 projects. WTA participation has increased from 50 students last year to almost 200 this year, so we are definitely in need of more judges,” said Christina Smith, supervisor of science, technology and Engineering for grades 5-12. Smith said the projects will be about 50-50 from both high schools.
“Our students at Westfield High School and Westfield Technical Academy have been working diligently on projects that reflect creativity, curiosity, and real-world problem solving. The expertise and perspective of our judges play a meaningful role in encouraging their growth and helping them refine their scientific thinking,” said Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski.
Judges must be available to attend the Science Fair on Jan. 29 from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Westfield High School gymnasium. The morning will begin with a short training session, where experienced teachers will explain the scoring rubric and procedures and answer any questions.
For more information about the fair, including judges’ responsibilities and the schedule for the day, and to sign up, visit https://sites.google.com/schoolsofwestfield.org/wpsscienceandengineeringfair or email Chrissy Smith at christina.smith@schoolsofwestfield.org, and she will send you a sign-up form.
Coffee, light breakfast refreshments, and lunch will be provided courtesy of the WHS Culinary Arts department.
“Judging the science fair is a rewarding experience for both students and judges alike. Students benefit greatly from thoughtful feedback and professional insight, while judges often find the experience inspiring—a chance to engage with enthusiastic young scientists and see fresh ideas in action,” Czaporowski said.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/01/judges-needed-for-westfield-hs-science-and-engineering-fair.html
Judges are needed and everyone is welcome to volunteer. The judges always come from many backgrounds. While many have current or past experience in science, engineering, or related technical fields, others bring experience in education or simply have a strong interest in science or in supporting student learning.
“We are anticipating one of the largest fairs in recent history with nearly 250 projects. WTA participation has increased from 50 students last year to almost 200 this year, so we are definitely in need of more judges,” said Christina Smith, supervisor of science, technology and Engineering for grades 5-12. Smith said the projects will be about 50-50 from both high schools.
“Our students at Westfield High School and Westfield Technical Academy have been working diligently on projects that reflect creativity, curiosity, and real-world problem solving. The expertise and perspective of our judges play a meaningful role in encouraging their growth and helping them refine their scientific thinking,” said Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski.
Judges must be available to attend the Science Fair on Jan. 29 from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Westfield High School gymnasium. The morning will begin with a short training session, where experienced teachers will explain the scoring rubric and procedures and answer any questions.
For more information about the fair, including judges’ responsibilities and the schedule for the day, and to sign up, visit https://sites.google.com/schoolsofwestfield.org/wpsscienceandengineeringfair or email Chrissy Smith at christina.smith@schoolsofwestfield.org, and she will send you a sign-up form.
Coffee, light breakfast refreshments, and lunch will be provided courtesy of the WHS Culinary Arts department.
“Judging the science fair is a rewarding experience for both students and judges alike. Students benefit greatly from thoughtful feedback and professional insight, while judges often find the experience inspiring—a chance to engage with enthusiastic young scientists and see fresh ideas in action,” Czaporowski said.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/01/judges-needed-for-westfield-hs-science-and-engineering-fair.html
It was the perfect start for the Southwick Regional High School boys basketball team.
A Westfield turnover, a Sean Braithwaite 3-pointer and a strong interior post move for two from John Whalley had Southwick up 5-0.
It proved to be fool’s gold though as Westfield went on a 15-0 run and cruised to a 58-32 win in the latest version of the border war against Southwick on Friday at James. E. Vincent Gymnasium.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/01/westfield-boys-basketball-runs-past-southwick-58-32.html
A Westfield turnover, a Sean Braithwaite 3-pointer and a strong interior post move for two from John Whalley had Southwick up 5-0.
It proved to be fool’s gold though as Westfield went on a 15-0 run and cruised to a 58-32 win in the latest version of the border war against Southwick on Friday at James. E. Vincent Gymnasium.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/01/westfield-boys-basketball-runs-past-southwick-58-32.html
A reminder that today, December 23, is an early release day for students.
• High Schools: 11:00 a.m. dismissal
• Middle & Intermediate Schools: 11:30 a.m. dismissal
• Elementary Schools: 12:15 p.m. dismissal
Thank you!
• High Schools: 11:00 a.m. dismissal
• Middle & Intermediate Schools: 11:30 a.m. dismissal
• Elementary Schools: 12:15 p.m. dismissal
Thank you!
Wishing you a Happy & Healthy Holiday Season!
WHS Team
WHS Team
Westfield State University admissions staff and students went to Westfield High School on Dec. 17 to hand more than 50 WHS students' acceptances to the university on the first leg of its Future Owl Flight Tour.
“The Future Owl Flight Tour is the first event of its kind that we’re bringing to several schools in the area. It’s a way for us to celebrate accepted students for all of their hard work and getting into the university,” said WSU Admissions Marketing CRM Coordinator Kristina Adamyan.
WHS School Counselor Merylina Asselin called it a super day. Asselin said she was contacted by the WSU admission office because they were interested in doing an acceptance event at the school.
“They are looking to get students’ acceptances out to them and celebrate their accomplishments. They brought their mascot, treats and a small goodie bag,” Asselin said. Mayor Mike McCabe and WHS Principal Charles Jendrysik also got in on the action.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2025/12/westfield-state-sends-future-owl-flight-tour-to-westfield-high-school.html
“The Future Owl Flight Tour is the first event of its kind that we’re bringing to several schools in the area. It’s a way for us to celebrate accepted students for all of their hard work and getting into the university,” said WSU Admissions Marketing CRM Coordinator Kristina Adamyan.
WHS School Counselor Merylina Asselin called it a super day. Asselin said she was contacted by the WSU admission office because they were interested in doing an acceptance event at the school.
“They are looking to get students’ acceptances out to them and celebrate their accomplishments. They brought their mascot, treats and a small goodie bag,” Asselin said. Mayor Mike McCabe and WHS Principal Charles Jendrysik also got in on the action.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2025/12/westfield-state-sends-future-owl-flight-tour-to-westfield-high-school.html
Please click here for the District's Second Quarterly newsletter for the 2025-2026 School year. Thank you!
https://www.schoolsofwestfield.org/documents/district/district-newsletters/2025-2026/quarter-2/23361217
https://www.schoolsofwestfield.org/documents/district/district-newsletters/2025-2026/quarter-2/23361217
🌟 Show up. Learn. Grow. Repeat. Every day in school = one step closer to your goals! #EveryDayCounts
With his father watching, on Dec. 11, over a thousand students, most wearing black, gathered together with teachers, administrators, city and state officials, and military service members in the Westfield High School gymnasium to honor the memory of U.S. Navy Seal Christopher Chambers, a 2005 graduate, who died defending the United States of America during a miliary operation in January 2024.
To honor Chambers, a plaque detailing his life’s achievements was dedicated during the ceremony that his father, Kevin Chambers, attended.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2025/12/fallen-seal-christopher-chambers-is-honored-with-plaque.html
To honor Chambers, a plaque detailing his life’s achievements was dedicated during the ceremony that his father, Kevin Chambers, attended.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2025/12/fallen-seal-christopher-chambers-is-honored-with-plaque.html
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now available for students who will be in college during the 2026-27 academic year. Students can visit fafsa.gov to complete the online financial aid application used by the vast majority of U.S. colleges.
https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
Westfield High School Drama Club
Presents
Romeo & Juliet
Dec 4 & 5
Door open 6:30 PM
Hope to see you there!
Presents
Romeo & Juliet
Dec 4 & 5
Door open 6:30 PM
Hope to see you there!
Before introducing Westfield High School Career Center Counselor Patty Healy to the School Committee on Dec. 1, Principal Charles Jendrysik said the internship program for seniors at the school is thriving.
“We’ve had our internship program going for a number of years now, but this is the third year that it’s run under Patty. We’ve seen it grow, we’ve seen the quality of the programming grow, and the quality of the internships get stronger throughout the years, and we thought it would be exciting for you guys to hear some of the experiences that our students are having in the community,” Jendrysik said.
Healy, who had brought five students with her to speak about their internships, said there are currently 38 students, all seniors, in the program this semester, and the interest continues to expand.
She said the career center has evolved a little bit, and they are getting some great true internships in career fields the students are interested in learning more about before they graduate from high school.
The largest area is the medical field. Healy said she has students in physical therapy, radiology, oncology, skilled nursing and behavioral health. She also has her first student intern in the engineering field at ProAmpac.
The second largest area of interest is education, with students in both the middle school and elementary schools. She also has students at Armbrook Village, the Westfield Fire Department, Westfield Dispatch 911 and Mountainview Landscaping.
Healy said if any business is interested in getting a student intern, they can reach out to the Westfield High School office and let them know the position, the qualifications needed and the time of day. She said the goal is 10 hours minimum, although they do have students who spend more time than that, including one at the ER who stays late outside of internship hours one day a week because he loves it.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2025/12/westfield-high-school-interns-excited-about-opportunities.html
“We’ve had our internship program going for a number of years now, but this is the third year that it’s run under Patty. We’ve seen it grow, we’ve seen the quality of the programming grow, and the quality of the internships get stronger throughout the years, and we thought it would be exciting for you guys to hear some of the experiences that our students are having in the community,” Jendrysik said.
Healy, who had brought five students with her to speak about their internships, said there are currently 38 students, all seniors, in the program this semester, and the interest continues to expand.
She said the career center has evolved a little bit, and they are getting some great true internships in career fields the students are interested in learning more about before they graduate from high school.
The largest area is the medical field. Healy said she has students in physical therapy, radiology, oncology, skilled nursing and behavioral health. She also has her first student intern in the engineering field at ProAmpac.
The second largest area of interest is education, with students in both the middle school and elementary schools. She also has students at Armbrook Village, the Westfield Fire Department, Westfield Dispatch 911 and Mountainview Landscaping.
Healy said if any business is interested in getting a student intern, they can reach out to the Westfield High School office and let them know the position, the qualifications needed and the time of day. She said the goal is 10 hours minimum, although they do have students who spend more time than that, including one at the ER who stays late outside of internship hours one day a week because he loves it.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2025/12/westfield-high-school-interns-excited-about-opportunities.html
The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Office of Language Acquisition will conduct a Tiered Focused Monitoring Review of the Westfield Public School District’s English learner education program the week of Dec. 1.
The Office of Language Acquisition reviews each district’s and charter school’s program every six years to monitor compliance with federal and state English learner education laws and regulations. Areas of review will include English learners’ student assessments, identification of English learners, what programs English learners are placed in, parent and community involvement, curriculum and instruction, student support services, licensure requirements for faculty, staff and administration, program plans, and evaluation and recordkeeping.
Christine Shea, director of assessment and accountability for Westfield Public Schools, said there are currently 409 English learners in the school district, 27 of whom opt out of ESL instruction, and 119 former EL students, who no longer require ESL instruction. Shea said these students are monitored for four years to ensure they’re succeeding academically.
In addition to the onsite visit, parent outreach is an important part of the review process. The district will send a survey to the parents of students whose records the review team examines. The survey focuses on key areas of their child’s English learner education program. Survey results will be reviewed and will contribute to the monitoring report.
The district will also be doing a full day of interviews with classroom teachers at all levels, English as a second language teachers, administrators and a parent focus group.
Parents and other individuals may call Samantha Kodak, Office of Language Acquisition Review chairperson, at (781) 338-3584 to request a telephone interview. If an individual requires an accommodation, such as translation, to participate in an interview, DESE will make the necessary arrangements. “They do these every six years - it’s very in-depth,” Shea said.
Through the survey and the focus group, Shea said she hopes to learn if there are things that families are looking for that they are not doing. “It’s a learning experience for us. We always feel there are ways to improve,” she said.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2025/12/dese-to-conduct-review-of-westfields-english-learner-education-program-this-week.html
The Office of Language Acquisition reviews each district’s and charter school’s program every six years to monitor compliance with federal and state English learner education laws and regulations. Areas of review will include English learners’ student assessments, identification of English learners, what programs English learners are placed in, parent and community involvement, curriculum and instruction, student support services, licensure requirements for faculty, staff and administration, program plans, and evaluation and recordkeeping.
Christine Shea, director of assessment and accountability for Westfield Public Schools, said there are currently 409 English learners in the school district, 27 of whom opt out of ESL instruction, and 119 former EL students, who no longer require ESL instruction. Shea said these students are monitored for four years to ensure they’re succeeding academically.
In addition to the onsite visit, parent outreach is an important part of the review process. The district will send a survey to the parents of students whose records the review team examines. The survey focuses on key areas of their child’s English learner education program. Survey results will be reviewed and will contribute to the monitoring report.
The district will also be doing a full day of interviews with classroom teachers at all levels, English as a second language teachers, administrators and a parent focus group.
Parents and other individuals may call Samantha Kodak, Office of Language Acquisition Review chairperson, at (781) 338-3584 to request a telephone interview. If an individual requires an accommodation, such as translation, to participate in an interview, DESE will make the necessary arrangements. “They do these every six years - it’s very in-depth,” Shea said.
Through the survey and the focus group, Shea said she hopes to learn if there are things that families are looking for that they are not doing. “It’s a learning experience for us. We always feel there are ways to improve,” she said.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2025/12/dese-to-conduct-review-of-westfields-english-learner-education-program-this-week.html
Due to today’s conditions, all afterschool and evening programs and activities are canceled for Tuesday, December 2, 2025. Please stay safe and take care.
The Westfield High School Drama Club will perform William Shakespeare’s “Romeo & Juliet” on Dec. 4 and 5 at the school. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the play begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $5 for seniors and students and $10 for adults.
“Romeo & Juliet” is directed by Drama Club advisor Owen Snyder, choreographed by Hannah Bruno, with fight choreography by Devon Fillion.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2025/12/westfield-high-school-to-perform-romeo-juliet-dec-4-5.html
“Romeo & Juliet” is directed by Drama Club advisor Owen Snyder, choreographed by Hannah Bruno, with fight choreography by Devon Fillion.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2025/12/westfield-high-school-to-perform-romeo-juliet-dec-4-5.html
Showing up to school does more than earn attendance points — it builds confidence, strengthens relationships, and creates routines that prepare students for life. When students are present, learning happens, friendships grow, and futures open up. Families and community: your support makes the difference. #AchievingExcellenceTogether
