Thanksgiving meal drive co-chairs Ralph and Sue Figy and Eileen and Jimmy Jachym are once again preparing to donate more than 200 complete Thanksgiving meal kits to Westfield Public School families.
At the City Council meeting on Nov. 5, Councilor Ralph Figy announced that they were all set with turkeys, which are ordered and purchased from the North Elm Butcher Block.
He told the councilors that some families have needs that extend beyond Thanksgiving. “We are able to supply a group of gift cards to each building principal to utilize. If anybody wants to contribute gift cards from Walmart, Stop & Shop or Big Y in $10 to $25 increments, they are more than welcome at this point,” he said.
Participants buy enough for 204 families. For example, potatoes are donated by Jane Martone; stuffing by Kristen Pighetti and Robert Levesque; gravy by James McCann and Kathy Wallis McCann; green beans by Atty. Richard “Kick” Sullivan III; mushroom soup by Lisa Oleksak-Sullivan, Coldwell Banker; and onion rings by ASignature Fence, the Arena family.
Corn is donated by Rita Slaskinski, Shirley Sbriscia, Kathy Mochak, Mary Ann Irwin and Bobbi Pitkin of Coldwell Banker Westfield. Cranberry sauce is donated by Linda Wortman, Maureen Tsatsos of Coldwell Banker and Mary Quesnel of Movement Mortgage. The Figys donate the apples.
New donors this year included Kathy Witalisz of Witalisz and Associates Real Estate, who added corn muffin mix, a new item for the meals. Also newly involved is the Westfield Police Association, which donated all of the brownie mix this year, and Westfield Fire WFD L1111 and Westfield firefighters, who donated gift cards, as did Janetand Dave Mayhew and family. Bags are donated by Westfield Bank, Polish National Credit Union and Westfield Gas & Electric.
Major sponsors of the drive are Raymaakers and sons and ROAR, Advanced MFG, Firtion Adams Funeral Services, Westfield Bank, Michael and Annmarie Buell, and Judy and Don Puffer. Figy said companies that donate cash help fill in missing items or provide more meals when needed. Last year, they provided 226 meals for families
Figy said gift cards are needed because times have changed. “We have at least four families that we’re pre-cooking the meals for who are homeless or living in a hotel,” she said, adding that Westfield Technical Academy cooks the meals for them.
The gift cards are given to schools to use for emergency purposes, as needed, for students who are homeless or couch surfing, or for families who have experienced layoffs. “They go through them. We already have some at the central office if they need it,” she said.
Figy said most of the gift cards are $10 to $25. “The $10 cards are great. They go much further, and we have more of them to give,” she said.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/11/community-rallies-for-westfield-public-schools-thanksgiving-meal-donations.html
At the City Council meeting on Nov. 5, Councilor Ralph Figy announced that they were all set with turkeys, which are ordered and purchased from the North Elm Butcher Block.
He told the councilors that some families have needs that extend beyond Thanksgiving. “We are able to supply a group of gift cards to each building principal to utilize. If anybody wants to contribute gift cards from Walmart, Stop & Shop or Big Y in $10 to $25 increments, they are more than welcome at this point,” he said.
Participants buy enough for 204 families. For example, potatoes are donated by Jane Martone; stuffing by Kristen Pighetti and Robert Levesque; gravy by James McCann and Kathy Wallis McCann; green beans by Atty. Richard “Kick” Sullivan III; mushroom soup by Lisa Oleksak-Sullivan, Coldwell Banker; and onion rings by ASignature Fence, the Arena family.
Corn is donated by Rita Slaskinski, Shirley Sbriscia, Kathy Mochak, Mary Ann Irwin and Bobbi Pitkin of Coldwell Banker Westfield. Cranberry sauce is donated by Linda Wortman, Maureen Tsatsos of Coldwell Banker and Mary Quesnel of Movement Mortgage. The Figys donate the apples.
New donors this year included Kathy Witalisz of Witalisz and Associates Real Estate, who added corn muffin mix, a new item for the meals. Also newly involved is the Westfield Police Association, which donated all of the brownie mix this year, and Westfield Fire WFD L1111 and Westfield firefighters, who donated gift cards, as did Janetand Dave Mayhew and family. Bags are donated by Westfield Bank, Polish National Credit Union and Westfield Gas & Electric.
Major sponsors of the drive are Raymaakers and sons and ROAR, Advanced MFG, Firtion Adams Funeral Services, Westfield Bank, Michael and Annmarie Buell, and Judy and Don Puffer. Figy said companies that donate cash help fill in missing items or provide more meals when needed. Last year, they provided 226 meals for families
Figy said gift cards are needed because times have changed. “We have at least four families that we’re pre-cooking the meals for who are homeless or living in a hotel,” she said, adding that Westfield Technical Academy cooks the meals for them.
The gift cards are given to schools to use for emergency purposes, as needed, for students who are homeless or couch surfing, or for families who have experienced layoffs. “They go through them. We already have some at the central office if they need it,” she said.
Figy said most of the gift cards are $10 to $25. “The $10 cards are great. They go much further, and we have more of them to give,” she said.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/11/community-rallies-for-westfield-public-schools-thanksgiving-meal-donations.html
Our WMS staff is preparing for an exciting opportunity to learn from one another through building-wide learning walks! Led by Principal McMillan, this collaborative effort is bringing our entire staff together for the first time to visit colleagues’ classrooms, observe instruction, share ideas, and see great teaching and learning in action.
Learning walks are a powerful way for educators to step outside their own classrooms, gain new perspectives, celebrate best practices, and bring fresh ideas back to their students. They remind us that some of our greatest professional learning happens when we open our doors and learn alongside one another.
We are proud of our staff’s commitment to continuous growth, collaboration, and doing whatever it takes to make the experience better for our students.
Excellence happens here. We are moving the PACK forward! 🐾
A reminder that Westfield Public Schools will be closed on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, in observance of Veterans Day.
Mr. Novetsky’s art class is getting creative as students dive into their very first claymation projects! Students are bringing their imaginations to life, one little movement at a time, as they sculpt, create, and explore the magic of stop-motion animation. Great work, artists! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=QEWreAaz1k88k1OF&v=TUh5QWPIsvo&feature=youtu.be)
Join us for our next Westfield Education to Business Alliance (WE2BA) meeting and learn how your business can partner with Westfield Public Schools to support students and develop our future workforce!
📅 Tuesday, November 10, 2026
⏰ 8:00 a.m.
📍 Reed Institute at Mestek
152 Notre Dame Street, Westfield, MA
🔧 Westfield Technical Academy staff will share opportunities for businesses to employ students through cooperative education.
🎓 Westfield High School staff will highlight opportunities for internships, job shadows, and other work-based learning experiences.
✅ All businesses are welcome to attend!
📧 For more information, contact Stefan Czaporowski at s.czaporowski@schoolsofwestfield.org or Amanda Brodkin at amanda@westfieldbiz.org.
📅 Tuesday, November 10, 2026
⏰ 8:00 a.m.
📍 Reed Institute at Mestek
152 Notre Dame Street, Westfield, MA
🔧 Westfield Technical Academy staff will share opportunities for businesses to employ students through cooperative education.
🎓 Westfield High School staff will highlight opportunities for internships, job shadows, and other work-based learning experiences.
✅ All businesses are welcome to attend!
📧 For more information, contact Stefan Czaporowski at s.czaporowski@schoolsofwestfield.org or Amanda Brodkin at amanda@westfieldbiz.org.
REMINDER: NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS – TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2026
Westfield Public Schools will be closed to students on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, in observance of Election Day.
This day is also designated as a Staff Professional Development Day. While students will not attend school, district staff will participate in professional development activities focused on enhancing teaching, learning, and student success.
We look forward to welcoming students back on Wednesday, November 4, 2026.
Westfield Public Schools will be closed to students on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, in observance of Election Day.
This day is also designated as a Staff Professional Development Day. While students will not attend school, district staff will participate in professional development activities focused on enhancing teaching, learning, and student success.
We look forward to welcoming students back on Wednesday, November 4, 2026.
Friendly reminder: No school on Tuesday, 11/3
DTA has mailed new chip/tap EBT cards to all clients. DTA clients must activate their new
EBT card by November 29, 2026, before their old card is deactivated. After November
29, their non-chip EBT card will stop working. Learn more by visiting mass.gov/EBT and
clicking “EBT Chip/Tap Frequently Asked Questions.”
EBT card by November 29, 2026, before their old card is deactivated. After November
29, their non-chip EBT card will stop working. Learn more by visiting mass.gov/EBT and
clicking “EBT Chip/Tap Frequently Asked Questions.”
📣 PTO Meeting Reminder!
We’d love for you to join us for our November PTO Meeting this Monday, November 2nd at 6:00 PM!
Topics:
- Fundraising results
- Fundraiser opportunities
- Teacher Appreciation
- 8th Grade Dance
Since all of our meetings are virtual, you can hop on right from the comfort of home!
💻 Google Meet Link: Meet - ihr-cnha-vyd
Log in to catch up on all the exciting things happening at WMS, share your ideas, and help us plan a fantastic year for our students. Every voice makes a difference!
We can't wait to see you there!
We’d love for you to join us for our November PTO Meeting this Monday, November 2nd at 6:00 PM!
Topics:
- Fundraising results
- Fundraiser opportunities
- Teacher Appreciation
- 8th Grade Dance
Since all of our meetings are virtual, you can hop on right from the comfort of home!
💻 Google Meet Link: Meet - ihr-cnha-vyd
Log in to catch up on all the exciting things happening at WMS, share your ideas, and help us plan a fantastic year for our students. Every voice makes a difference!
We can't wait to see you there!
Harvest traditions are a part of every community, and Westfield is no different.
This Saturday, families will attend Westfield on Weekends’ 10th annual PumpkinFest at Westfield Middle School Athletic Fields, behind Amelia Park, off South Broad Street, rain or shine, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The event is free admission with live performances, games, activities, costumed characters, strolling performers, craft/local vendors, food trucks, pumpkin carving/decorating, trunk or treat and much more.
This year, WOW has a new layout featuring themed villages for families to enjoy: Westfield G&E and Whip City Fiber’s “Autumn Arcade”, Home Depot’s “Homer’s Harvest Workshop,” “Make Some Magic” with TruNorth Bank, KidzBiz Village where young entrepreneurs ages 7-17 showcase their own businesses, products, crafts and services.
There will also be the Peaceful Low-Sensory Pumpkin Grove, a place where folks who want to take a break from the activities can find a calm, quiet space to enjoy the festival at their own pace.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/10/wows-pumpkinfest-returns-with-updated-layout.html
This Saturday, families will attend Westfield on Weekends’ 10th annual PumpkinFest at Westfield Middle School Athletic Fields, behind Amelia Park, off South Broad Street, rain or shine, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The event is free admission with live performances, games, activities, costumed characters, strolling performers, craft/local vendors, food trucks, pumpkin carving/decorating, trunk or treat and much more.
This year, WOW has a new layout featuring themed villages for families to enjoy: Westfield G&E and Whip City Fiber’s “Autumn Arcade”, Home Depot’s “Homer’s Harvest Workshop,” “Make Some Magic” with TruNorth Bank, KidzBiz Village where young entrepreneurs ages 7-17 showcase their own businesses, products, crafts and services.
There will also be the Peaceful Low-Sensory Pumpkin Grove, a place where folks who want to take a break from the activities can find a calm, quiet space to enjoy the festival at their own pace.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/10/wows-pumpkinfest-returns-with-updated-layout.html
Westfield Middle School students in Jennifer Johnson-Corwin’s eighth grade history class visited the school library this week where librarian Sarah Scott taught them about the history of Veterans Day and how to write a letter.
“Students worked very hard to create thoughtful and gracious cards and letters for local veterans. These will go to Senator Velis’ staff for distribution in our community. It is amazing to read our students’ reflections, patriotism, and kind words,” said Principal Jesse McMillan.
Scott said this is the school’s fourth year doing the “Thank-a-Veteran” project, and she will be seeing other classes throughout the month leading up to Veterans Day on Nov. 11.
She said some of the students like to make cards and decorate them with artwork, and others prefer sheets of paper for letters. The students also have a choice whether to write to a veteran they know or to a veteran in the Massachusetts Veterans Home at Holyoke.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/10/westfield-students-thank-veterans-with-heartfelt-letters-and-cards.html
“Students worked very hard to create thoughtful and gracious cards and letters for local veterans. These will go to Senator Velis’ staff for distribution in our community. It is amazing to read our students’ reflections, patriotism, and kind words,” said Principal Jesse McMillan.
Scott said this is the school’s fourth year doing the “Thank-a-Veteran” project, and she will be seeing other classes throughout the month leading up to Veterans Day on Nov. 11.
She said some of the students like to make cards and decorate them with artwork, and others prefer sheets of paper for letters. The students also have a choice whether to write to a veteran they know or to a veteran in the Massachusetts Veterans Home at Holyoke.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/10/westfield-students-thank-veterans-with-heartfelt-letters-and-cards.html
Congratulations to our very own Ms. Mendez, 7th grade social studies teacher, for running a full marathon of 26.2 miles this past weekend! Her determination, perseverance, and commitment are an incredible example of what it means to set a goal and push yourself to achieve it. We’re proud to celebrate this amazing accomplishment with our WMS community!
Students in Mrs. Britt’s Social Studies class teamed up with Mrs. Scott in the library to explore “The Social Media Trap,” an article from Scholastic Junior magazine. Students engaged in thoughtful discussions about teen social media use, algorithms, mental health, and lawsuits involving major technology companies. It was great to see students so engaged and interested in a topic that directly impacts their everyday lives! These are important conversations that encourage critical thinking and responsible digital citizenship.
🌿 The final piece of our parking lot project is complete! All of the plants have been installed in the bioretention basin, adding a beautiful finishing touch to this major improvement at WMS.
We’re excited to see this space come together and appreciate the work that went into making it both functional and beautiful. The new landscaping really brings it all together!
Next time you’re here at WMS, be sure to take a moment to admire it! 🌱
At Westfield Middle School, we use PowerSchool to communicate student academic progress. In an effort to reduce paper waste and provide families with convenient access to academic information, we do not send home paper-based progress reports or report cards. Instead, all grades are available electronically through the PowerSchool Parent Portal.
For the 2026–2027 school year, midterm dates are October 16, January 15, and April 30, while end-of-trimester grades are available on December 4, March 19, and the last day of school.
Midterm grades will reflect your child's academic progress at the halfway point of each trimester and are not finalized until the end of the trimester. If you have any questions regarding your child's grades at the midterm close, please contact your child's teacher.
If you need assistance accessing PowerSchool, please contact Alexis Lemelin at a.lemelin@schoolsofwestfield.org.
Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting your child's academic success.
Sincerely,
Principal McMillan
Jennifer Johnson-Corwin's Social Studies classes visited the library yesterday where Mrs. Scott taught them about the history of Veterans' Day and how to write a letter of correspondence. Students worked very hard to create thoughtful and gracious cards and letters for local veterans. These will be given to Senator Velis' staff to be distributed in our community. It is amazing to read our students' reflections, patriotism, and kind words!
We’d love to see you at our October PTO Meeting this Monday, October 5th at 6:00 PM! All PTO meetings are virtual, so you can join right from home! Google Meet: Meet - ihr-cnha-vyd
Log in to see what’s happening at WMS, share your ideas, and help us plan a great year for our students! We hope to see you there!
Please click below for the latest newsletter from Westfield Public Schools. Thank you! https://app.smore.com/n/yd186
WMS FAMILIES — WE ARE SO CLOSE TO OUR GOAL WITH OUR MEADOW FARMS FUNDRAISER! We’re so close that we’re going to squeak out a few more days! ❤️🖤
📌 ALL PAPER ORDERS with cash/check are due WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 at 9:00 AM. Please turn them in ASAP!
💻 ONLINE ORDERS can be completed through the end of the day Wednesday, September 30.
Every order helps support our WMS students with field trips, field days, student activities, and staff appreciation. We would LOVE your help getting us across the finish line!
👉 Register your student or place an online order:
Meadowfarms.com/register
WMS Group ID: 1227117
📌 ALL PAPER ORDERS with cash/check are due WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 at 9:00 AM. Please turn them in ASAP!
💻 ONLINE ORDERS can be completed through the end of the day Wednesday, September 30.
Every order helps support our WMS students with field trips, field days, student activities, and staff appreciation. We would LOVE your help getting us across the finish line!
👉 Register your student or place an online order:
Meadowfarms.com/register
WMS Group ID: 1227117