WESTFIELD — On the second day of the second week of band camp at Westfield Middle School, the halls were buzzing during a break.
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
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
Dear Westfield Middle School Families,
I hope you and your family are having a wonderful summer!
I wanted to let you know that student schedules will be available in PowerSchool on Monday, August 17. This is a change from our originally planned release date of August 10 due to some adjustments we have been making within the building.
While the release date has shifted by one week, it is still earlier than we have released schedules in previous years and will provide families with nearly two weeks to review schedules before the start of school.
You can also expect a Welcome Back letter from me late next week with additional information to help your family prepare for the new school year.
We look forward to welcoming everyone back soon!
Sincerely,
Jesse McMillan
Principal, Westfield Middle School
We are hiring! Please share!
Paving is set to begin on the Westfield Middle School parking lot this week as part of a complete redesign made possible by a climate resilience grant of $810,200 from the state Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness program and an additional $70,000 from the Westfield River Watershed Association.
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
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
Westfield Public Schools and Offices are closed on Friday, July 3, 2026, in observance of Independence Day. Happy Birthday, America!
Check out the locations below to access free lunches through August 26th! Happy summer!
After a year-long focus on attendance, Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski and Christopher Rogers, director of operations and safety, said they met their goals to improve the daily attendance rate and reduce chronic absenteeism.
“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
“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
Mother Nature has been keeping us guessing! I am writing to inform you that we're moving the 8th Grade Recognition Ceremony to 6:00 p.m. tonight (instead of 5 p.m.), which lets us keep the celebration right where it belongs - outside, under the open sky, where our students deserve to be celebrated. Students should arrive to the back field by 5:30 p.m.
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
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
Westfield Public Schools will be closed on Friday, June 19, 2026, for the Juneteenth Holiday. Thank you.
Captain Eric Hall of the Westfield Police Department visited Ms. J-C's class at the invitation of students conducting research for a civics project focused on foot patrols and community relations in the City of Westfield. During his visit, Captain Hall answered students’ questions about their project, the police budget, and various community issues. He also connected with students researching related topics, including: Nip bottles (litter concerns, alcohol enforcement, and a student petition); E-bikes (safety and regulations); Mental health (police response, training, and community support); Substance abuse (prevention, enforcement, and available resources).
🌟 Discover the Difference at Westfield Public Schools! 🌟
Westfield Public Schools is excited to announce that a limited number of School Choice seats are available for the 2026–2027 school year at our elementary schools, Westfield Intermediate School, Westfield Middle School, and Westfield High School!
Through Massachusetts School Choice, families can choose to enroll their children in Westfield Public Schools regardless of where they live—at no cost to parents.
Why choose Westfield?
✅ Strong academic programs
✅ Exceptional teachers and staff
✅ Career and technical education opportunities
✅ Early College and Innovation Pathways programs
✅ A wide variety of extracurricular activities, athletics, and student supports
Don't miss this opportunity to become part of a school community dedicated to helping every student learn, grow, and succeed.
For more information and application details, please visit:
https://westfieldpubma.sites.thrillshare.com/.../announce...
We look forward to welcoming new students and families to Westfield Public Schools!
Westfield Public Schools is excited to announce that a limited number of School Choice seats are available for the 2026–2027 school year at our elementary schools, Westfield Intermediate School, Westfield Middle School, and Westfield High School!
Through Massachusetts School Choice, families can choose to enroll their children in Westfield Public Schools regardless of where they live—at no cost to parents.
Why choose Westfield?
✅ Strong academic programs
✅ Exceptional teachers and staff
✅ Career and technical education opportunities
✅ Early College and Innovation Pathways programs
✅ A wide variety of extracurricular activities, athletics, and student supports
Don't miss this opportunity to become part of a school community dedicated to helping every student learn, grow, and succeed.
For more information and application details, please visit:
https://westfieldpubma.sites.thrillshare.com/.../announce...
We look forward to welcoming new students and families to Westfield Public Schools!
Show up. Learn. Grow. Repeat. Every day in school = one step closer to your goals! #everydaycounts
Westfield Public Schools has a limited number of School Choice seats available for the 2026-2027 school year at our elementary schools, intermediate and middle school, and Westfield High School. The School Choice program allows parents to send their children to schools in communities other than the city or town in which they reside at no cost. Please visit https://westfieldpubma.sites.thrillshare.com/page/announcement-of-school-choice for more information.
Please click here for the latest newsletter from Westfield Public Schools. https://app.smore.com/n/95wjz
A reminder that Westfield Public Schools will be closed on Monday, May 25, 2026. Thank you.
🎨🛹 Students in Art Club designed and built an amazing new tech deck setup — a miniature skateboard park for fingerboards — and it’s now officially on display and ready to use in the student lounge. We love seeing student ideas come to life and create fun spaces for everyone to enjoy!
Every day in school matters—attendance builds success.
Attention Incoming 7th Grade Students and Families! Please join us for PACK Prep Transition Program this August! Please sign up soon using the QR code or the following link: https://forms.gle/S8TmFgyaY2iME8M37
Check out some photos of Team 72 and Team 84 enjoying their reward trip to the Boys & Girls Club last Friday! 🎉
Both teams earned the highest attendance rates during Westfield Middle School’s April Attendance Challenge and enjoyed some well-deserved leisure time as a result.
The challenge resets for May, with another reward trip scheduled for the first Friday in June. We’re excited to see which teams come out on top next — every day counts at
WMS! Thank you to Ms. Paret for arranging and BGC for partnering with us!
Last car wash of the school year!
