Update: The Rachel's Challenge event tomorrow evening is being changed to 5:00 p.m. instead of 6:00 p.m. due to inclement weather later in the evening. Enjoy some free pizza during the presentation! Register here if you haven't already: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rachels-challenge-community-event-at-westfield-middle-school-tickets-1983288156264?aff=oddtdtcreator
Congratulations to our incredible Chorus Director, Mrs. Cipoletta, on receiving the Harold Grinspoon Excellence in Teaching Award!
This honor is a true reflection of the passion, dedication, and vision she brings to our music program every single day. Under her leadership, chorus enrollment has grown substantially, creating opportunities for more students to find their voices and experience the joy of music.
Beyond the classroom, Mrs. Cipoletta has brought our Chorus into the community, building meaningful connections and showcasing the talent and spirit of our students. Her work has elevated not only the music program, but the entire WMS community.
Mrs. Cipoletta has made an extraordinary and lasting impact, and we are so proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition. Congratulations on this remarkable achievement!
Student success starts with showing up! Daily attendance helps build strong habits, lasting friendships, and academic achievement. Let’s work together to make every day count! #AttendanceMatters
We rarely say this, but... please actually read this post! Free pizza. Gift cards. 50 MINGA points. Okay, now that we have your attention...
We wanted to send a quick reminder about our upcoming Rachel's Challenge family event this Tuesday evening! We worked hard to bring this incredible organization to our school, and we'd love to see a great turnout.
Here are the details:
📅 Tuesday | WMS Cafeteria
🍕 Free Pizza: 5:30 p.m.
🎤 Evening Presentation: 6:00 p.m.
Rachel's Challenge is a national movement inspired by Rachel Scott, the first student killed in the 1999 Columbine High School shooting, whose journals and acts of kindness sparked a mission to create safer, more compassionate schools across the country.
Enjoy some free pizza, enter the gift card raffle, and students who attend will earn 50 MINGA points! Spots are still available, so please register today if you haven't already.
Click here to register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rachels-challenge-community-event-at-westfield-middle-school-tickets-1983288156264?aff=oddtdtcreator
We wanted to send a quick reminder about our upcoming Rachel's Challenge family event this Tuesday evening! We worked hard to bring this incredible organization to our school, and we'd love to see a great turnout.
Here are the details:
📅 Tuesday | WMS Cafeteria
🍕 Free Pizza: 5:30 p.m.
🎤 Evening Presentation: 6:00 p.m.
Rachel's Challenge is a national movement inspired by Rachel Scott, the first student killed in the 1999 Columbine High School shooting, whose journals and acts of kindness sparked a mission to create safer, more compassionate schools across the country.
Enjoy some free pizza, enter the gift card raffle, and students who attend will earn 50 MINGA points! Spots are still available, so please register today if you haven't already.
Click here to register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rachels-challenge-community-event-at-westfield-middle-school-tickets-1983288156264?aff=oddtdtcreator
The WMS Drama Club Presents - Peter Pan: A Musical Adventure! Please join us next Friday, March 6th at 6:00 p.m. in the auditorium. The cost is $5.00. We hope to see you there!
We are excited to share that we will be transitioning to MINGA, a digital platform that will streamline how we manage behavioral referrals, positive behavior recognition, and hall passes here at school.
Here's what this means for your family:
Referral Notifications — Depending on the type of referral, you will receive both a text message and an email notifying you when a referral has been submitted for your child. You will also receive a notification if a detention is assigned.
Your Child's MINGA Dashboard — Each student will have their own MINGA Dashboard where they can view all referrals, positive behavior points earned for our school store, assigned consequences, and more. This gives students a great tool to stay informed and take ownership of their behavior and achievements. While parents will not have a Dashboard, you can ask your student to show you their information.
If you ever have questions about a specific referral, please reach out to your child's teacher directly. The teacher's name will be included in each referral.
We believe MINGA will help us better communicate with families, celebrate student success, and address concerns in a timely and transparent way. Thank you for your continued partnership!
Thank you.
Principal McMillan
Here's what this means for your family:
Referral Notifications — Depending on the type of referral, you will receive both a text message and an email notifying you when a referral has been submitted for your child. You will also receive a notification if a detention is assigned.
Your Child's MINGA Dashboard — Each student will have their own MINGA Dashboard where they can view all referrals, positive behavior points earned for our school store, assigned consequences, and more. This gives students a great tool to stay informed and take ownership of their behavior and achievements. While parents will not have a Dashboard, you can ask your student to show you their information.
If you ever have questions about a specific referral, please reach out to your child's teacher directly. The teacher's name will be included in each referral.
We believe MINGA will help us better communicate with families, celebrate student success, and address concerns in a timely and transparent way. Thank you for your continued partnership!
Thank you.
Principal McMillan
Due to the forecasted snowstorm tonight and tomorrow, Westfield Public Schools and Offices will be closed tomorrow, Monday, February 23, 2026. Please stay safe. Thank you.
Westfield Public Schools and the Westfield Police Department Release Drill Dates
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 March 9-12 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 or c.rogers@schoolsofwestfield.org. Thank you!
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 March 9-12 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 or c.rogers@schoolsofwestfield.org. Thank you!
Westfield Middle School Principal Jesse McMillan is inviting the public to join the school for a screening of Rachel’s Challenge from 6-7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 3.
Rachel’s Challenge tells the powerful true story of Rachel Joy Scott, the first person killed in the Columbine High School tragedy in April 1999. “Through emotional storytelling and Rachel’s own words, our community is inspired to reflect on their personal influence, the power of compassion and the importance of treating others with respect,” McMillan said.
During the day, the group will give two assemblies, one for seventh graders and one for eighth graders. The assemblies will be followed by a unique workshop for up to 100 students and 10 teachers, which McMillan called a mini-training to come up with ideas on how to keep the momentum going. “I want to make sure we can continue that work each day,” he said.
“Their primary message is to find simple ways to spread kindness — that’s what their daughter did as well during her time at Columbine,” McMillan said.
In the evening, there will be a free presentation for the community at large from 6-7 p.m. Pizza will be served beforehand in the cafeteria at 5:30 p.m. People are asked to preregister for a free ticket through the link on the Westfield Middle School website at https://www.schoolsofwestfield.org/o/wms to let them know who’s coming.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/02/rachels-challenge-is-coming-to-westfield-middle-school-on-march-3.html
Rachel’s Challenge tells the powerful true story of Rachel Joy Scott, the first person killed in the Columbine High School tragedy in April 1999. “Through emotional storytelling and Rachel’s own words, our community is inspired to reflect on their personal influence, the power of compassion and the importance of treating others with respect,” McMillan said.
During the day, the group will give two assemblies, one for seventh graders and one for eighth graders. The assemblies will be followed by a unique workshop for up to 100 students and 10 teachers, which McMillan called a mini-training to come up with ideas on how to keep the momentum going. “I want to make sure we can continue that work each day,” he said.
“Their primary message is to find simple ways to spread kindness — that’s what their daughter did as well during her time at Columbine,” McMillan said.
In the evening, there will be a free presentation for the community at large from 6-7 p.m. Pizza will be served beforehand in the cafeteria at 5:30 p.m. People are asked to preregister for a free ticket through the link on the Westfield Middle School website at https://www.schoolsofwestfield.org/o/wms to let them know who’s coming.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/02/rachels-challenge-is-coming-to-westfield-middle-school-on-march-3.html
With the amazing leadership of Mr. Emken and the incredible help of our band students and parents, the band room got a fresh new look. The walls were repainted, the space was brightened up, and you can truly feel the pride that went into every brushstroke. It wasn’t just about paint — it was about community: parents and students giving their time over the February break, students excited to see the transformation, and a director who cares deeply about creating a space where music is made every single day.
We have a special event coming to WMS! Please join us on TUESDAY, MARCH 3RD for the 60-minute presentation that tells the powerful true story of Rachel Joy Scott, the first person killed in the Columbine High School tragedy. Through emotional storytelling and Rachel’s own words, our community is inspired to reflect on their personal influence, the power of compassion, and the importance of treating others with respect.
Pizza will be served in the cafeteria at 5:30 p.m. The presentation begins at 6 p.m. in the auditorium. Tickets are free and open to the community! Please click here to register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rachels-challenge-community-event-at-westfield-middle-school-tickets-1983288156264?aff=oddtdtcreator
Thank you,
Principal McMillan
Pizza will be served in the cafeteria at 5:30 p.m. The presentation begins at 6 p.m. in the auditorium. Tickets are free and open to the community! Please click here to register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rachels-challenge-community-event-at-westfield-middle-school-tickets-1983288156264?aff=oddtdtcreator
Thank you,
Principal McMillan
Reminder: There will be no school for students from February 16–February 20 due to Winter Vacation. Have a wonderful break and stay safe!
“Being present every day is the first step toward achievement.” #AchievingExcellenceTogether
We are pleased to announce that Westfield Public Schools will offer tuition-free preschool for Westfield residents for the 2026-2027 school year. If your child will be 3 or 4 years old by September 1, 2026 and you are interested in having your child attend WPS preschool, please complete this interest form. If you have more than one child eligible for preschool, please complete a separate form for each child.
All 3 year old preschool classrooms will be held from Monday through Friday for 2.5 hours, either in the morning or afternoon. The morning program will run from 9:15 am to 11:45 am and the afternoon program will run from 12:45 pm to 3:15 pm.
All 4 year old preschool classrooms will be held from Monday through Friday from 9:15 am to 3:15 pm each day.
This form will remain open through Friday, March 20, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Families will be notified on or before Thursday, April 2, 2026 if their child has been selected.
Please contact Jonathan Scagel, Preschool Program Supervisor, at (jonathan.scagel@schoolsofwestfield.org) with any questions.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XmEKoihDwnMvWVCE3mxwJUkcHZNwrvGU-Us8IP2kQIU/edit?usp=sharing
All 3 year old preschool classrooms will be held from Monday through Friday for 2.5 hours, either in the morning or afternoon. The morning program will run from 9:15 am to 11:45 am and the afternoon program will run from 12:45 pm to 3:15 pm.
All 4 year old preschool classrooms will be held from Monday through Friday from 9:15 am to 3:15 pm each day.
This form will remain open through Friday, March 20, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Families will be notified on or before Thursday, April 2, 2026 if their child has been selected.
Please contact Jonathan Scagel, Preschool Program Supervisor, at (jonathan.scagel@schoolsofwestfield.org) with any questions.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XmEKoihDwnMvWVCE3mxwJUkcHZNwrvGU-Us8IP2kQIU/edit?usp=sharing
National School Counseling Week 2026 (Feb. 2-6), sponsored by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), highlights the essential contribution of school counselors within U.S. school systems and the tremendous impact they have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career. Take a moment to thank your school counselor(s). #AchievingExcellenceTogether
Please support the WMS Builders' Club Blessing Bag Collection! See attached.
After the final bell rings, the learning keeps going! Our students are making the most of our weekly after-school homework workspace in the library - collaborating, asking questions, and supporting one another in a calm, focused environment. Thank you, Mrs. Scott, for hosting! Way to go!
Principal Jesse McMillan said during a visit last week to Westfield Middle School, motivational speaker Terrence Lee Talley’s message of hope and resilience was well received.
Talley, who is from Minnesota, spent the day in Westfield on Jan. 22 giving four presentations, one to seventh-grade students in the auditorium and one to eighth-grade students, leading a staff meeting at the end of the day and an evening event for families at 6 p.m.
One of the topics Talley touched upon was mental health concerns in middle school and navigating teasing and bullying. McMillan said the school has a social-emotional curriculum that Talley’s message reinforced. “We needed to provide a unified message of hope, resiliency, and supporting one another — even people you don’t know.”
The overall theme of the assembly was don’t give up reaching out to others, no matter what life situations they’re going through, and encourage people to keep going, not only the people you know, but the ones you don’t know, he said. “Sitting in an auditorium with 350 kids — 700 in the school — can guarantee you that someone is weathering a storm. Be mindful of that in daily interactions. You don’t know what people are going through inside and outside of school.”
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/01/you-could-hear-a-pin-drop-said-wms-principal-about-recent-assemblies.html
Talley, who is from Minnesota, spent the day in Westfield on Jan. 22 giving four presentations, one to seventh-grade students in the auditorium and one to eighth-grade students, leading a staff meeting at the end of the day and an evening event for families at 6 p.m.
One of the topics Talley touched upon was mental health concerns in middle school and navigating teasing and bullying. McMillan said the school has a social-emotional curriculum that Talley’s message reinforced. “We needed to provide a unified message of hope, resiliency, and supporting one another — even people you don’t know.”
The overall theme of the assembly was don’t give up reaching out to others, no matter what life situations they’re going through, and encourage people to keep going, not only the people you know, but the ones you don’t know, he said. “Sitting in an auditorium with 350 kids — 700 in the school — can guarantee you that someone is weathering a storm. Be mindful of that in daily interactions. You don’t know what people are going through inside and outside of school.”
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/01/you-could-hear-a-pin-drop-said-wms-principal-about-recent-assemblies.html
Reminder! Our motivational speaker is here at WMS tonight at 6 p.m. in the auditorium. Ask your students about his message today. It was powerful. You won’t want to miss it! I hope to see you there. -Principal McMillan
The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts will be hosting a Webex Webinar Keeping Kids Safe and Secure Online: A Project Safe Childhood Presentation for Parents. The webinar will take place on the evening of Tuesday, February 3rd at 6:30 pm in a partnership between the United States Attorney’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations Digital Forensics/Child Exploitation/Cyber Crime Unit. The registration flyer is attached. Advanced registration is required, and the capacity of the Webex webinar platform is 1000. In the event we reach capacity, those who are unable to register can email USAMA.PSCOutreach@usa.doj.gov to be put on the list for the next webinar.
Registration can be done either via the attached flyer or the link below.
Webinar topic: Keeping Kids Safe and Secure Online: A Project Safe Childhood Presentation for Parents
Date and time: Tuesday, February 3, 2026, 6:30 PM | (UTC-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada)
Register link:
https://usao.webex.com/weblink/register/r83f7d49f6565b65bce8bb420f1cfef7c
Registration can be done either via the attached flyer or the link below.
Webinar topic: Keeping Kids Safe and Secure Online: A Project Safe Childhood Presentation for Parents
Date and time: Tuesday, February 3, 2026, 6:30 PM | (UTC-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada)
Register link:
https://usao.webex.com/weblink/register/r83f7d49f6565b65bce8bb420f1cfef7c
