Dear Families,
We're excited to share our new arrival and dismissal plan. Thanks to our redesigned parking lot — now with sidewalks, crosswalks, and one-way traffic in key areas — we can move to a simpler process instead of the structured car line we used to need.
Drop-off: You can enter from West Silver Street or Amelia Lot (off South Broad Street).
-From West Silver Street: turn left immediately after entering — you can no longer go straight, as this is now one-way. Drive to the end of the lot, turn right into the one-way lane, and drop off at the crosswalk near the cafeteria. Do not drop off in the main lot. Exit straight back onto West Silver Street.
-From Amelia Lot: enter directly into the one-way lane through the small opening.
Pickup: Park in the main lot, which has two-way traffic and entrances/exits on both West Silver Street and Amelia Lot. We've reserved the entire front row for families — please use this first. Families are also welcome to exit through the one-way lane if they'd prefer.
**Please drive 5 mph** at all times, and families must stay alert and watch all surroundings for pedestrians throughout the lot. The new lot is far more free-flowing, but slow, careful driving keeps everyone safe.
We're also asking families to avoid parking at Amelia Park itself, since that adds an extra traffic pattern to manage.
We'll monitor how the first few days go and adjust as needed — your feedback is welcome. Thank you for your patience as we settle into this new system, and for treating WMS staff and administration with respect.
Thank you,
Principal McMillan





Dear Families,
Please find the 2026–2027 WMS Student & Family Handbook here.
One of the most frequently asked questions we receive is about cell phones. WMS has maintained a strict no-phone policy since 2024, and it has been incredibly effective in reducing distractions and supporting a positive learning environment for students and staff.
Please take a moment to review the cell phone policy in the handbook, as well as the attached visual outlining the expectations.
Thank you in advance for your partnership and support in helping us keep students safe, focused, and accountable.
Best,
Principal McMillan

Dear WMS Families,
Please click here view the supply lists for each Team. If you have any questions about this or scheduling, please contact your grade-level assistant principal and counselor.
7th Grade: Karoline Kells (k.kells@schoolsofwestfield.org) and Lindsey Michalik (l.michalik@schoolsofwestfield.org)
8th Grade: Lauren Paret (lauren.paret@schoolsofwestfield.org) and Alison Kelly (a.kelly@schoolsofwestfield.org)
Important Note: Advisory is a NEW Class for all WMS students, which will occur 2x weekly. Middle school advisory is a small-group class for everyone where students meet regularly with a dedicated staff member to focus on social-emotional growth, academic support, and building a strong sense of community and belonging within the school. Topics will also include MyCap (career and academic planning) where students will begin exploring their interests.
Thank you,
Principal McMillan

Topics at this year’s summit will include the role of lead teachers, building student discourse and whether and how to use approved artificial intelligence tools in the classroom.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/08/westfield-teachers-take-a-turn-at-summer-enrichment.html
Called “Wolf Pack Prep” in honor of the school’s wolf mascot, the immersive experience was designed to make students feel better about coming to a new school, said organizer and reading specialist Jacqueline Osowski.
Osowski said students had the opportunity to meet some of the staff, explore the classes and become familiar with the new school. She said they enjoyed fun, laid-back activities while incorporating what they could expect when they come to WMS. They were given snacks every morning and walked down to the Boys & Girls Club to pick up lunch. They also received Wolf Pack T-shirts on Tuesday and were encouraged to wear them the next day.
On Wednesday, the activities included a scavenger hunt, individual vision boards and students expressing themselves through chalk art on the bus loop sidewalks.
Both the teachers and the students enjoyed the experience.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/08/wolf-pack-prep-helps-students-transition-to-westfield-middle-school.html

Dear WMS Families,
Welcome to the 26-27 school year! Please view the following attachments:
If you haven't done so already, please click here to like and follow us on Facebook! You have the chance to win a gift card once we reach 1.5k followers!
We look forward to welcoming students back to school on Monday, August 31st.
Thank you,
Principal McMillan

We’re proud to be a school where teachers and staff feel happy, valued, and supported - and where teamwork makes a difference every day. Know someone who works at WMS? Ask them what it’s like to be part of our team! We think they’ll tell you there’s something special about being here.
Please share and help us spread the word!
#SpecialEducationTeacher #NowHiring #JoinOurTeam #WMSFamily #ExcellenceHappensHere #EducationJobs #TeacherJobs


Patrick Kennedy, band director for Westfield High School and Westfield Technical Academy and lead music teacher for Westfield Public Schools, said a total of 160 band students in grades 5-12 signed up for band camp, with about 85 of them attending both weeks.
Directing the band along with Kennedy were Ryan Emken from Westfield Middle School, William Choe from Westfield Intermediate School and Gina Clark from Highland Elementary School.
The fifth graders have had one year of music in school — general music, chorus and band — with one lesson a week, Kennedy said. “It’s a unique model for Westfield. Fortunately, all our teachers are professionals and embraced it. It’s a lot to ask,” he said.
“We’re having a great time. The kids are having a blast. The kids going into fifth grade are learning with the sixth graders, and get to play with high school kids, honing their skills and having a great time together,” said Clark.
Emken praised the entire group of student musicians. “It’s a well-balanced ensemble; the sound is one of the best we’ve had. We’re really happy with that. The fifth graders are doing well and split their time with the large ensemble and with Mr. Choe and Miss Clark — to work on parts they can play,” he said.
Also helping out at band camp were WHS seniors Riley Markt, Alexis McCabe, Sarah Collins, Raeghan McGrath, Julianna Targonski and Gabby Pichardo. They handed out the music, made copies when needed and served as role models.
Kennedy said the student mentors are receiving credit from WHS band parents toward the spring band trip and gave a shout-out to the parents. “It helps; sometimes they have younger brothers and sisters in the band,” he said.
When asked what they like best about band camp, Targonski, who plays clarinet and trumpet, said, “I like helping the kids.”
“I’m looking to step into leadership, and this is a great way to prepare,” said McGrath, an All-State pick for concert band on saxophone last year.
“It’s a step into adulthood — it helps with independence,” said flautist McCabe.
McGrath said she also liked the wide variety of songs selected for the camp. Asked for her favorites, she said she liked “Bone-a-fide,” because it was funky.
McCabe said she liked “Curse of Tutankhamun.”
Kennedy agreed that “Bone-a-fide” is funky and offers a chance for improvisation. “We try to choose music for every kid to be challenged, but not overwhelmed; fundamental concepts that are fun to play and fun for our audience to listen to,” Kennedy said.
Each week of band camp wraps up with a Friday performance for families and friends.
Other music selections for the week included “With Honor” by Pinkzebra, another favorite named by some of the students; “Soda Pop” by the K-Pop Demon Hunters; and “Any Way You Want It” by Journey.
Sitting with Kennedy was percussionist Evelyn Timmerman, who is entering eighth grade. She said this was her fourth year at band camp. When Kennedy mentioned Journey, she started singing the lyrics.
Tenor sax player Liam Corbett, who is entering 10th grade, consulted with Emken. This is Corbett’s third year at band camp. “I find it really fun to get together with kids from Westfield that want to play in the summer, and play fun music,” he said. He named Bruno Mars’s “That’s What I Like” as one of his favorites.
Joining them was percussionist and 10th grader Quinn Humason, who’s been to band camp every year since it began six years ago. This year he is focusing on pitched percussion: xylophone, vibraphone and marimba, and playing marching mallets. He said he is also playing timpani on Soda Pop.
Emken thanked the Westfield Middle School office staff and Principal Jesse McMillan for allowing the camp to continue at the school. He gave special thanks to all the custodians, who he said had been super helpful.
Kennedy said nutritious snacks from Westfield Eats were provided. “Every day, it’s a different breakfast treat,” he said.
Kennedy also thanked Westfield Public Schools for allowing the camp to continue and state Rep. Kelly Pease, who secured state funding for the program.
“I love it,” Kennedy said when asked what the band directors like best about band camp.
“We get the opportunity at Bandtastic to work together, but we don’t always get together with the elementary folks,” said Emken, adding that the best part is being able to collaborate.
“Music is a joyful experience, and you can feel the joy,” said Choe.
-Amy Porter, The Westfield News




The redesigned lot will feature bioretention basins that help manage stormwater and improve environmental sustainability. The renovations will also provide safer traffic flow, improved parking, and a better overall experience for students, families, staff and visitors, said WMS Principal Jesse McMillan.
Tighe & Bond is the project manager, and Caracas Construction Corp. out of Ludlow is the contractor. Various departments in the city of Westfield, including engineering, the city planner and Public Works are also involved. “It’s been a great partnership working with the city of Westfield. We received a tremendous amount of support,” McMillan said.
The project includes demolition of existing parking areas, removal of two trees, construction of new parking facilities with one-way circulation, eight new trees, bioretention basins and a reduction in overall impervious surface area. The new parking area will improve traffic safety, especially during peak school hours, while reducing localized and regional flooding impacts and mitigating heat stress.
The work being done is also serving as a real-world resiliency demonstration for students by incorporating sustainable infrastructure elements both during and after construction. McMillan said students had the opportunity to review the overall plans, and after they return in the fall, they will have lessons on stormwater improvements and bioretention basins as part of the educational component.
Despite ongoing work, Band Camp will still be held in the school this summer on the weeks of July 27 and Aug. 7. The transition program for new students will also take place on Aug. 11 and 12.
In addition to the work being done outside, McMillan was thrilled to announce that the Hampden County Sheriff’s Office selected WMS to have the entire first-floor hallway repainted over the summer through its community service outreach. “They’re 75% of the way done, from the main entrance and bus loop all the way around the seventh-grade classrooms and back hall,” he said, adding that all the school had to do was supply the paint, for which they got some help from the district.
“One of the things I wanted to highlight was partnerships with the Sheriff’s office, the City of Westfield and students that made this possible. The fresh new look has completely transformed the feel of our building and will create a brighter, more welcoming environment for everyone who walks through our doors,” he added. “These projects represent a significant investment in our school and community, and we can’t wait to share the finished results. A heartfelt thank you to everyone whose hard work, dedication and partnership are making these improvements possible.”
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/07/paving-to-begin-this-week-at-westfield-middle-school-parking-lot.html


“We did well. We met our goals,” said Rogers, who runs the District Attendance Task Force that meets monthly throughout the year. School Committee member Kathleen Hillman and a representative from each school are on the team. He said they review data, share their best practices and collaborate.
Czaporowski said the total daily attendance rate improved to 93.4% this school year, compared to an average daily rate of 92.7% in the 2024-25 school year.
Rogers said a year ago, chronic absenteeism was at 20.8%. He said the goal for this year was to reduce it to 19.5%, and they ultimately achieved 17.6%. “We’re basically almost 2% lower than our goals,” he said.
Looking at chronic absenteeism in sub-groups, the rate of chronic absenteeism for students in special education dropped from 28.5% last year to 25% this year. “We met that goal of exactly 25%.”
Rogers said the district beat its goal for English language learners as a group, which had a chronic absenteeism rate of 30% last year and ended up at 23% this year.
“Part of the reason we focused specifically on special education and English language learners was the achievement gap; looking at attendance, we believe that had something to do with it. Our goal was to get high needs kids in their classes,” Czaporowski said.
One of the strategies they used was home visits with mentors and other staff members to understand what barriers were keeping students from coming to school. “By going to the homes, we learned why students weren’t coming,” Czaporowski said.
“The task force will continue its work,” said Czaporowski. “I also give a lot of credit to our principals and their site teams. They made a big push on attendance this year, along with the district. Each team came up with strategies to get their kids in school.”
“Attendance will remain a focus for us as we move forward. We know that for students that come regularly to school, socially, emotionally and academically, their potential for growth increases exponentially,” Czaporowski said. “It was a very good year, and we look forward to welcoming everybody back in the fall.”
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/06/districts-focus-on-attendance-produces-results.html
After much weather-watching (and maybe a little weather-app-refreshing every five minutes), it looks like the later time frame is shaping up to be our golden window. We know how many of you - parents, grandparents, siblings, and family friends - want to be there to cheer on our 8th graders, and an indoor venue just doesn't have room for everyone who wants to celebrate. Staying outside means everyone who wants to be there, can be there.
So grab your lawn chairs, perhaps your sunglasses, and maybe a light jacket just in case there is a lingering shower. We'll see you at 6:00 p.m.!
-Principal McMillan



