Bundle up! Our students will be going outside come rain, shine, or arctic temperatures. Think of our daily outdoor time as character-building boot camp.
Yes, that means EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. Blizzard? We're out. Light drizzle? We're out. Frost on the ground or snow on the back field? Definitely out. We're teaching students that a little weather is nothing compared to the joy of fresh air and freedom! Please ensure your child arrives dressed like they're preparing for an expedition to the North Pole:
-Warm jackets (not hoodies, not light sweaters - WARM jackets)
-Gloves that actually cover fingers
-Hats that protect ears from turning into popsicles
-Close-toed shoes (and NO, as I gently remind our young friends each day, fuzzy slippers and Crocs do not count)
Now, let's talk about exceptions. We're not completely weather-crazy. There are two weather conditions that will keep us inside: pouring rain or a dangerous wind chill that could risk student safety. As Chief Meteorologist, I closely monitor the wind-chill factor (see attached), as well as recommendations from local weather reports.
If your child looks like they're ready to climb Mount Everest, they're probably dressed just right for our outdoor adventure time. Think layers, warmth, and practicality. Important note: Students who are not appropriately dressed will be asked to stay inside. We're building resilient, weather-resistant students here!
Meteorologically yours,
Principal McMillan
The WMS Builders’ Club, overseen by Mrs. Skorupski and Mrs. Elder, volunteered their time today at WSU’s annual Breakfast with Santa! Our students provided face painting, facilitated a letter writing activity, and coordinated a game section for kids. Principal McMillan and his family were pleased to run into our school community members and participate in the festivities.
Happy Friday! Please know, your child will be bringing their trimester 1 report card home today. Please be sure to ask for this copy. Thank you! -Principal McMillan
Please click on the image below for important information regarding school delays and closures in the event of inclement weather. Thank you.
WMS Families,
The holidays are the season of giving; giving love and giving thanks. The holidays are also about showing appreciation and helping those in need. It only takes a moment to look into a child’s eyes and see the joy the season brings. This holiday season, the Westfield Police Cadet Program will be making those wishes come true for our children in need.
Schools will be working with the Cadet program to then provide the gifts to families in need. If you are able to contribute, we appreciate your support!
If your family is in need this holiday season, we are here to support you! Please click on the following link to provide some additional information that will be sent directly to Principal McMillan and will be kept confidential: https://forms.gle/2zB21wUqpsDmAeTEA
Thank you and Happy Holidays!
-Mr.McMillan
Happy Thanksgiving!
Together with Westfield on Weekends, Mayor McCabe will host the annual Holiday Tree Lighting on Saturday, November 30th. The festivities will begin at Elm Street Plaza at 4:45 PM with Cocoa and Carols, featuring the Westfield High School Pep Band under the direction of Patrick Kennedy, followed by a performance of the Westfield High School Show Choir under the direction of Korey Bruno. Special thanks to Mount Moriah Lodge for offering cocoa to attendees.
Dear WMS Families,
I want to take a moment to express my deep gratitude for our school community. This season of reflection reminds us of the fundamental connections that bind us together - as families, as educators, and as a shared community dedicated to our children's growth and success.
I'd also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our families. Your daily commitments - supporting learning at home, transporting your child (and their friends!) to/from after-school commitments, and showing up for your children in countless ways - make an immeasurable difference. Behind every successful student is a family providing love, guidance, and support.
Thanksgiving is a time-honored tradition of gathering, sharing, and expressing appreciation. It is my hope that everyone has an opportunity this Thanksgiving season to feel the warmth of family and the joy of shared moments. As always, we are thankful for the trust you place in our team at WMS. Your partnership makes everything we do possible. Happy Thanksgiving!
-Principal McMillan
Last chance to win a gift card or gift basket!
Westfield State University researchers are offering the opportunity for parents/guardians to win one of several available gift cards from local businesses or one of several $50 gift baskets! To be entered to win, parents/guardians will complete a brief survey. Participation will require no more than 10 minutes.
To participate (and get more details about the study), click on the link below or copy and paste it into a browser. Students whose parent/guardian completes a survey will then be asked to complete a survey at school and will receive 2 Red PACK Tickets each for participating.
Parents/guardians have until Tuesday, November 26, 2024 to complete the survey and be entered to win.
LINK: https://s.alchemer.com/s3/Early-Experiences-Traits-Study-Schools-Parent-Version
Sincerely,
Westfield Middle School & Westfield State University
Please click here to view updated protocols for the 7th grade class. Thank you! https://docs.google.com/document/d/1niN0oRLsVUwWzwBmkS3fkJLKdKduKLpvfPuyQNwiyhA/edit?usp=sharing
“This will be so many years of us doing this that I can’t remember,” said Susan Figy, co-chair with Ralph Figy, Eileen Jachym and Jimmy Jachym in the lead up to putting together 200 meals for families who need them in the Westfield Public Schools.
“It all started with Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski asking us to do it, I think 12 years ago,” she said.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2024/11/wps-thanksgiving-food-drive-provides-meals-for-200-district-families.html
Schools will be closed from Wednesday, November 27 - Friday, November 29 for Thanksgiving break. Happy Thanksgiving from Westfield Public Schools!
Please help stock our library's board game collection! Our school library is a popular hangout spot for students, and having a range of fun, engaging board games available for them to play during their free time is a big hit. If you have any board games your family no longer uses, we would be thrilled to add them to our collection. Popular titles, classic games, and unique/creative options are all welcome. Here are some games we're seeking: Checkers; Jenga; Dominoes; Phase 10; Candy Land; and Chess, to name a few. You can drop off any donations at the main office during school hours. Your contribution will help make our library an even more vibrant and entertaining space for our students. Thank you in advance for supporting our middle schoolers! 🎲
Massachusetts Partnerships for Youth (MPY) is pleased to announce its new MPY Parenting Solutions Library. The MPY Parenting Solutions Library is offered at no charge, in partnership with Peace at Home Parenting Solutions, a non- profit. Peace At Home Parenting Solutions is a dynamic hub of trusted knowledge and compassionate support that inspires parents to create positive change for their children, their families and themselves. Through this new partnership, MPY is pleased to offer proven resources to help students’ families thrive. The video trainings are presented by experts with advanced degrees and present easy-to-use strategies for long-lasting change.
If you didn't catch last week's brand new "Superintendent's Spotlight", please click on the link below. In this episode, we talk all about STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) in the Westfield Public Schools in recognition of STEAM Day on Friday, November 8. Thanks for watching!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obteUQOd684
REMINDER: Westfield Public Schools will be closed on Monday, November 11, in observance of Veteran's Day. Thank you.
At Westfield Middle School, regular attendance is vital for student success and academic achievement. We enforce our District attendance policy to emphasize the importance of being present and engaged in learning.
Students are expected to attend all classes and participate actively. Consistent attendance aids in understanding material and develops skills like responsibility and collaboration. While absences can occur, we encourage families to prioritize attendance and communicate with teachers about extended absences.
To support students, we have attendance mentors who identify barriers, offer personalized support, and develop improvement strategies. Their goal is to empower students and foster accountability. Caregivers can monitor attendance real-time through PowerSchool to stay informed and address concerns quickly.
This policy and mentor support aim to encourage student presence and engagement, promoting academic excellence and personal growth.
Our next SEPAC meeting will be held this Thursday, November 7, at 7:00 p.m. Please click on the image for additional information. Thank you.
This is a friendly reminder that there is no school on Tuesday, November 5th for staff development, as well as Monday, November 11th for Veterans' Day. Have a great weekend! -Principal McMillan
Please help support Jillian's Bags Project by donating puzzle books! Thank you!
