PRESS RELEASE – MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Office of Language Acquisition will conduct a Tiered Focused Monitoring Review of the Westfield Public School District the week of December 1, 2025.
During the week of December 1, 2025, the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s (DESE’s) Office of Language Acquisition (OLA) will conduct a Tiered Focused Monitoring Review of the Westfield Public School District. The Office of Language Acquisition reviews each district’s and charter school’s ELE 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.
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 by OLA and they will contribute to the monitoring report.
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.
Within approximately 60 business days of the onsite visit, the review chairperson will provide the Westfield Public School District with a report with information about areas in which the Westfield Public School District meets or exceeds regulatory requirements and areas in which the Westfield Public School District requires assistance to correct or improve practices. The report will be available to the public at https://www.doe.mass.edu/ele/cpr/.
During the week of December 1, 2025, the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s (DESE’s) Office of Language Acquisition (OLA) will conduct a Tiered Focused Monitoring Review of the Westfield Public School District. The Office of Language Acquisition reviews each district’s and charter school’s ELE 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.
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 by OLA and they will contribute to the monitoring report.
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.
Within approximately 60 business days of the onsite visit, the review chairperson will provide the Westfield Public School District with a report with information about areas in which the Westfield Public School District meets or exceeds regulatory requirements and areas in which the Westfield Public School District requires assistance to correct or improve practices. The report will be available to the public at https://www.doe.mass.edu/ele/cpr/.
"When students show up, they grow academically and socially."
A reminder that schools will be closed on Tuesday, November 11, in observance of Veteran's Day. Thank you.
A moving Veterans Day assembly in the auditorium of Westfield Intermediate School honored the veterans who attended, several of whom were sitting with their children and grandchildren who attended the school, by name and service, and gave one sixth grader in particular the opportunity to praise his grandfather.
The assembly began with a color guard and the chorus singing the national anthem. Navy veteran Gary Fontaine narrated the meaning of the 13 folds of the American flag as Cindy LaCoste and Cathy Martin folded a flag on stage.
Principal Greg Miller introduced students Alexander Rivera and Oliver Szlachetka who spoke about the history and meaning of Veterans Day. “This day is about showing respect and gratitude,” they said.
Miller then announced that the winner of the American Legion Post 124 essay contest for sixth graders on what it means to be a hero was Lennox Carmichael, who he then invited onstage to read his essay in honor of his grandfather Bill Dupre.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2025/11/veterans-assembly-at-westfield-intermediate-school-honors-those-who-served.html
The assembly began with a color guard and the chorus singing the national anthem. Navy veteran Gary Fontaine narrated the meaning of the 13 folds of the American flag as Cindy LaCoste and Cathy Martin folded a flag on stage.
Principal Greg Miller introduced students Alexander Rivera and Oliver Szlachetka who spoke about the history and meaning of Veterans Day. “This day is about showing respect and gratitude,” they said.
Miller then announced that the winner of the American Legion Post 124 essay contest for sixth graders on what it means to be a hero was Lennox Carmichael, who he then invited onstage to read his essay in honor of his grandfather Bill Dupre.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2025/11/veterans-assembly-at-westfield-intermediate-school-honors-those-who-served.html
"As a student, I’ve realized that when I’m in school every day, I don’t just keep up—I get ahead. Attendance is key to staying connected with friends, teachers, and my future." #EveryDayCounts
If you missed last week's "Superintendent's Spotlight", please click on the link below. In this episode, we talked all about STEM week and the fun educational activities that our students were able to experience. Thanks for watching!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vl2pXdHWvp8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vl2pXdHWvp8
Excitement was in the air during Westfield Public School’s STEM Week, Oct. 20-24, when a lot of special activities were planned for students from prekindergarten to Westfield High School.
Westfield River Preschool teacher Aimee Blair said, “When one my students walked into the classroom in the morning this week and saw science on the schedule they shouted, ‘We get to be scientists today!’”
The week started on Oct. 20 with Project Lead the Way teachers and leaders from elementary through high school attending the annual Project Lead the Way fall conference, where educators from across the state gathered to collaborate and share best practices in supporting students in the hands-on STEM Curriculum.
“My favorite part about STEM Week is that it highlights what we’re already doing every day in our schools. STEM is woven into our curriculum at every grade level, starting as early as preschool. What we’re doing in Westfield Schools truly reflects this year’s theme ‘STEM Starts Now’ because we believe it’s never too early to start building curiosity and problem-solving skills,” said STEM coach Lindsey Ayers.
“What makes STEM Week special is that it gives us a chance to shine a light on the great teaching and learning that happens in our district every day. We had a couple of opportunities this week to bring together students from elementary and high schools, which is always so exciting for both the older kids and the younger kids — those events were the biggest highlight for me. And I got to meet JiJi,” said Chrissy Smith, WPS’s new supervisor of science, technology and engineering.
“What I love most about STEM Week is the opportunity to celebrate STEM in our schools. Our students are curious and collaborative, and it’s wonderful to see their joy in problem-solving. It’s inspiring to watch students, from preschool to high school, explore new ideas, ask questions, and discover the excitement of innovation together,” said Kate Perez, WPS supervisor of mathematics.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2025/10/students-get-to-be-scientists-during-stem-week-in-westfield.html
Westfield River Preschool teacher Aimee Blair said, “When one my students walked into the classroom in the morning this week and saw science on the schedule they shouted, ‘We get to be scientists today!’”
The week started on Oct. 20 with Project Lead the Way teachers and leaders from elementary through high school attending the annual Project Lead the Way fall conference, where educators from across the state gathered to collaborate and share best practices in supporting students in the hands-on STEM Curriculum.
“My favorite part about STEM Week is that it highlights what we’re already doing every day in our schools. STEM is woven into our curriculum at every grade level, starting as early as preschool. What we’re doing in Westfield Schools truly reflects this year’s theme ‘STEM Starts Now’ because we believe it’s never too early to start building curiosity and problem-solving skills,” said STEM coach Lindsey Ayers.
“What makes STEM Week special is that it gives us a chance to shine a light on the great teaching and learning that happens in our district every day. We had a couple of opportunities this week to bring together students from elementary and high schools, which is always so exciting for both the older kids and the younger kids — those events were the biggest highlight for me. And I got to meet JiJi,” said Chrissy Smith, WPS’s new supervisor of science, technology and engineering.
“What I love most about STEM Week is the opportunity to celebrate STEM in our schools. Our students are curious and collaborative, and it’s wonderful to see their joy in problem-solving. It’s inspiring to watch students, from preschool to high school, explore new ideas, ask questions, and discover the excitement of innovation together,” said Kate Perez, WPS supervisor of mathematics.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2025/10/students-get-to-be-scientists-during-stem-week-in-westfield.html
Regular school attendance is one of the strongest predictors of student success. When students come to school each day they learn new skills, stay connected with teachers and classmates, and access the supports they need to thrive. Chronic absenteeism can make it hard to catch up — but every day missed is also an opportunity to improve. Let’s work together — families, teachers, and neighbors — to make sure every student can be present, safe, and ready to learn. #AchievingExcellenceTogether
Show up. Learn. Grow. Repeat. Every day in school = one step closer to your goals! #EveryDayCounts
Westfield Public Schools continues to update our school district’s comprehensive safety plan in conjunction with the Westfield Police and Fire Departments. A team of Westfield Administrators and other staff members representing every level from elementary to high school, has been working collaboratively with the Westfield Police and Fire Departments to make sure our students, staff, and families have a current, research-based, and educationally sound emergency operations plan.
As part of our continued work with Westfield Police Department and our ongoing training for students and staff, our city departments working together will conduct lockdown drills in our schools the week of October 21-24 utilizing the enhanced lockdown procedures known as A.L.I.C.E. (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, and Evacuate). If you have any questions regarding our drills, please contact Mr. Christopher Rogers, Director of Operations and Safety for the Westfield Public Schools at 413-572-6495.
As part of our continued work with Westfield Police Department and our ongoing training for students and staff, our city departments working together will conduct lockdown drills in our schools the week of October 21-24 utilizing the enhanced lockdown procedures known as A.L.I.C.E. (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, and Evacuate). If you have any questions regarding our drills, please contact Mr. Christopher Rogers, Director of Operations and Safety for the Westfield Public Schools at 413-572-6495.
Attendance = Learning + Friendships + Future Success
Strong attendance today creates brighter opportunities tomorrow.
🐻❄️💥🐦 Attendance Competition Kicks Off!
In the spirit of promoting student attendance, WIS is holding a friendly competition to recognize the teams with the attendance rates that meet our goal. To celebrate the occasion, we had 2 special guests join us at yesterday’s lunch. Our very own Koda the Polar Bear invited long-time friend the WHS Bomber Bird to WIS to kick it off.
We're challenging all of our school teams to step up their daily attendance game. Here’s what’s at stake:
Weekly Raffles: Any team that achieves 95% or better daily attendance for the week will be entered into a raffle for an extra recess! The more weeks you hit the goal, the more chances you have to win!
Pizza Party: The team with the highest overall attendance rate for the month will win the ultimate prize: a PIZZA PARTY!
Let’s see which team brings the biggest commitment and earns that pizza party! Good luck, everyone!
In the spirit of promoting student attendance, WIS is holding a friendly competition to recognize the teams with the attendance rates that meet our goal. To celebrate the occasion, we had 2 special guests join us at yesterday’s lunch. Our very own Koda the Polar Bear invited long-time friend the WHS Bomber Bird to WIS to kick it off.
We're challenging all of our school teams to step up their daily attendance game. Here’s what’s at stake:
Weekly Raffles: Any team that achieves 95% or better daily attendance for the week will be entered into a raffle for an extra recess! The more weeks you hit the goal, the more chances you have to win!
Pizza Party: The team with the highest overall attendance rate for the month will win the ultimate prize: a PIZZA PARTY!
Let’s see which team brings the biggest commitment and earns that pizza party! Good luck, everyone!
Hey students — showing up is your superpower. Each day you’re in class you level up your skills, meet friends, and get closer to your dreams. Be here. Be curious. Be unstoppable. #AchievingExcellenceTogether
✨ Consistent attendance = consistent success! ✨
Every day in school is a chance to learn, grow, and connect. When students show up, they set themselves up for achievement today and opportunities tomorrow. Let’s make attendance a priority—it’s the first step toward reaching every goal! 📚✅ #AttendanceMatters #EveryDayCounts
Every day in school is a chance to learn, grow, and connect. When students show up, they set themselves up for achievement today and opportunities tomorrow. Let’s make attendance a priority—it’s the first step toward reaching every goal! 📚✅ #AttendanceMatters #EveryDayCounts
More than 20 people, some virtually, attended the first Special Education Parent Advisory Committee (SEPAC) meeting of the school year on Sept. 11 in the Westfield River Elementary library to meet Gregory Rosenthal, Westfield’s new administrator of special services and student support services.
Most recently, Rosenthal, who started on July 1, was the director of special education and student services for the Douglas Public Schools. Prior to that role, he had a similar one with the Northbridge Public Schools. He has also worked as a special education teacher and administrator in public schools and out-of-district private special education schools.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2025/09/parents-turn-out-to-meet-new-special-education-administrator.html
Most recently, Rosenthal, who started on July 1, was the director of special education and student services for the Douglas Public Schools. Prior to that role, he had a similar one with the Northbridge Public Schools. He has also worked as a special education teacher and administrator in public schools and out-of-district private special education schools.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2025/09/parents-turn-out-to-meet-new-special-education-administrator.html
Picture Day at WIS is tomorrow - Wednesday, September 10!
You can place your order on mylifetouch.com using your Picture Day ID: EVTBK3TDG. Order before midnight on Picture Day to get FREE shipping!
Your child can also bring their completed flyer with cash or check on Picture Day. Orders after Picture Day must be placed online only on mylifetouch.com.
You can place your order on mylifetouch.com using your Picture Day ID: EVTBK3TDG. Order before midnight on Picture Day to get FREE shipping!
Your child can also bring their completed flyer with cash or check on Picture Day. Orders after Picture Day must be placed online only on mylifetouch.com.
Everyday counts! Consistent attendance builds success in school & beyond. #attendancematters
Click on the link below for this morning's season premiere of "Superintendent's Spotlight". This week, we spoke with our new Director of Special Education, Dr. Gregory Rosenthal, and celebrated 'Eat an Extra Dessert Day' with staff and students from Westfield Technical Academy's Culinary Arts Department. Thanks for watching!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1Vy78U2Agg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1Vy78U2Agg
Last week, Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski and Director of Curriculum and Instruction Susan Dargie were guests on "Rock on Westfield", to talk about the start of the school year. Click on the link below. Thanks for watching!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uLO_k13gWi4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uLO_k13gWi4