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/.
The Principal's Council is pleased to announce next week's Spirit Week! We can't wait to see everyone!
"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.
Just a friendly reminder that there is no school tomorrow, Tuesday, November 11th in observance of Veterans' Day
Click here to view November's "The Howler" from Principal McMillan! https://secure.smore.com/n/3ueqd
Please review the following for important information regarding tonight's dance. Students can be dropped off by the cafeteria beginning at 5:45 p.m. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and will close at 6:15 p.m. Students cannot leave the dance early.
Parking/Pick Up Information: In an effort to ensure a safe evening dismissal with 250+ students, please follow the protocol below for parking.
The dance ends at 8:00 p.m. sharp. All rides should arrive no later than 7:55 p.m. Both pick-up locations (front bus loop and main parking lot) will have one-way traffic. Please enter from W. Silver Street and there will be multiple one-way traffic lanes; please follow the traffic directives from police staff. When students depart at 8 p.m., please STAND OUTSIDE of your vehicle to greet your child. We will know you're ready when families are in their vehicles. PLEASE WAIT until your lane is dismissed.
We recognize this might take 10 minutes, but this is to ensure students' safety in a dark parking lot. Thank you!
-Principal McMillan
Parking/Pick Up Information: In an effort to ensure a safe evening dismissal with 250+ students, please follow the protocol below for parking.
The dance ends at 8:00 p.m. sharp. All rides should arrive no later than 7:55 p.m. Both pick-up locations (front bus loop and main parking lot) will have one-way traffic. Please enter from W. Silver Street and there will be multiple one-way traffic lanes; please follow the traffic directives from police staff. When students depart at 8 p.m., please STAND OUTSIDE of your vehicle to greet your child. We will know you're ready when families are in their vehicles. PLEASE WAIT until your lane is dismissed.
We recognize this might take 10 minutes, but this is to ensure students' safety in a dark parking lot. Thank you!
-Principal McMillan
Our librarian, Mrs. Scott, in collaboration with 7th grade Social Studies teachers - Ms. Mendez, Ms. Kenneally, and Ms. Plummer - taught our 7th grade students about Veterans' Day. Students then created cards and wrote letters to veterans at the Holyoke Soldiers' Home as part of Senator Velis' "Thank-a-Veteran" project.
Tomorrow is the last day that students can purchase tickets during lunch for the all-school dance on Friday night from 6-8 p.m.! Over 200 students are attending! The theme is NEON NIGHT. Tickets are $7 and includes admission and pizza. There will be a concession stand if students would like to purchase snacks.
Our October Attendance ShowDOWN has come to an end, and the results are in! The goal this month was to have the lowest absentee rate, and one grade truly stood above the rest...
Congratulations to the 7th Grade! 3.96% absentee rate!
And now, it’s time for our next challenge... “NO Absence NOvember!” 🦃 The grade level with the highest attendance rate for the month of November will win a Pajama Day.
Let’s keep showing up, supporting each other, and making every day count!
Congratulations to the 7th Grade! 3.96% absentee rate!
And now, it’s time for our next challenge... “NO Absence NOvember!” 🦃 The grade level with the highest attendance rate for the month of November will win a Pajama Day.
Let’s keep showing up, supporting each other, and making every day count!
Just a friendly reminder that there is no school tomorrow, November 4th!
"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
Click on the link below for a brand-new episode of "Superintendent's Spotlight". This week, our guests included Westfield Middle School Principal Jesse McMillan and four student members of the WMS Principal's Leadership Council. Staff and students from WTA's Culinary Arts Department also helped us to celebrate National Candy Corn Day with some delicious pumpkin spice cupcakes. Thanks for watching!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_F79_RU-EQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_F79_RU-EQ
We’re excited to share that our school has partnered with an online store offering high-quality clothing and items featuring our school logo. You can browse and place your order directly through this website here.
All purchases are made through the online store, and items will be shipped straight to your home. Please note that the store will close on November 4th, so be sure to get your orders in before then!
Students can order any color, but the grade-level color for 7th is RED and 8th is BLACK!
This store is open to students, staff, and families, and orders will arrive approximately two weeks after the store closes. (The school must get a minimum of 15 total orders for the store to process.)
Show your school spirit and order today! 🎉
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
Exciting news! The Principal's Council is pleased to announce that our first all-school dance is next Friday, November 7th from 6-8 p.m. Tickets will be sold at lunch beginning tomorrow. Please know, if students have been suspended during the first trimester, they will not be eligible to attend this dance; they will be eligible to attend future dances. Additional information regarding drop off and pick up will be sent next week.
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
Principal McMillan and his Principal’s Council are represented Westfield Middle School at the New England League of Middle Schools’ Student Leadership Conference! “Grow. Lead. Inspire.” was the theme of this year’s conference. It is a day designed to help young leaders recognize their potential, build confidence, and take meaningful action in their schools and communities. Through interactive workshops, team-building activities, and inspiring speakers, students explored what it means to grow as individuals, lead with purpose, and inspire others through their words and actions!
Principal McMillan and his Principal’s Council are representing Westfield Middle School today at the New England League of Middle Schools’ Student Leadership Conference! “Grow. Lead. Inspire.” is the theme of this year’s conference. It is a day designed to help young leaders recognize their potential, build confidence, and take meaningful action in their schools and communities. Through interactive workshops, team-building activities, and inspiring speakers, students will explore what it means to grow as individuals, lead with purpose, and inspire others through their words and actions!
