Our Project351 Ambassador, Ella Golec, kicked off her year of service at her first leadership conference in Boston this past weekend! The leadership day was in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. & Coretta Scott King, and in Celebration of the new Ambassador Class.
A statewide service program known as Project 351 is giving four local 8th graders the opportunity to participate in a year-long journey of service, civic engagement and leadership.
Through their work with this nonprofit, Diana DeSanto, Olivia Gagne and Daniiel Morrissey — from Southwick Regional School in the Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional School District — along with Ella Golec from Westfield Middle School will learn how to help find solutions for a more just, inclusive and equitable world as “ambassadors” to Project 351.
The program’s goal is to inspire students through the ethic of service and values of kindness, compassion, humility and gratitude, The four 13-year-olds are among a new class of 8th graders who will engage in a youth-led community service program, including three projects in their own communities.
Selected to represent their communities and their schools, these ambassadors from the state’s 351 towns and cities will travel to Boston on Jan. 25 to launch a transformative year of service and leadership. This kickoff event will include a day of celebration and service projects in the state’s capital.
The Project 351 model — the only one of its kind in the country — is embarking on its 15th year of community service that honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Gov. Maura Healey and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll are expected to meet with the ambassadors — also known as “unsung heroes” because of their unselfish work in helping to lead social change.
Golec is an avid WMS athlete who understands the importance of teamwork — which will help her as a Project 351 ambassador.
“It’ll be a good opportunity to meet new people and help communities,” said the Westfield native who was chosen from among the 358 students in her class. “There will be lots of other students like me who want to be leaders. Project 351 will connect me with people who can push me into becoming a better leader.”
When the principal called her to his office to tell her about becoming the ambassador, Golec thought she might be in trouble.
“I was surprised when he told me about Project 351. I had no idea what it was,” she said.
At home, she and her mother explored the Project 351 website.” When I saw pictures of teenagers doing many hands-on projects together, I realized what a great opportunity it will be. I enjoy working with partners at my school, so I’m looking forward the most to working with other people.”
https://thereminder.com/local-news/hampden-county/southwick/southwick-westfield-students-selected-for-leadership-project/
Congratulations, Ella, on becoming the Project351 Ambassador for Westfield Middle School!
https://thereminder.com/local-news/hampden-county/southwick/southwick-westfield-students-selected-for-leadership-project/
Director of Curriculum Susan Dargie and Westfield Middle School Principal Jesse McMillan presented for approval to the School Committee a new grant program called BRYT -- Bridge for Resilient Youth in Transition, that will now start at WMS this winter.
BRYT is an in-school intervention for students that have fallen behind due to a significant mental health or medical disruption. Staffed by a full-time school adjustment counselor-clinician, who McMillan said will be highly qualified, and a part-time academic teaching assistant to be hired through the grant, BRYT is an 8-to-12-week intervention designed to provide intensive individual support for students who need it.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2025/01/school-committee-approves-bryt-intervention-grant-for-westfield-middle-school.html
Dear Families and Community Members,
Westfield Public Schools received notification from PowerSchool that we have not been affected by the cybersecurity incident they became aware of on January 7, 2025 that occurred on December 28, 2024. Westfield’s IT Department and the WPS Data Department have done internal checks, and have not found any data inconsistencies or concerns.
Please reach out to Christine Shea if you have any questions at christine.shea@schoolsofwestfield.org or (413) 642-9320.
Stefan Czaporowski
Superintendent
Westfield Public Schools is pleased to announce an Open House and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at the brand-new state of the art Westfield River Elementary School on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. There will be a short ceremony followed by the chance to tour the building. No RSVP is needed. We hope to see you there.
Sincerely,
Stefan Czaporowski
Superintendent of Schools
Westfield Public Schools
Please see an important update from the Westfield Public School's Health Office by clicking on the link below. Thank you.
Westfield Public Schools will be closed on Wednesday, January 1, 2015. Classes resume on Thursday, January 2 for all students except those attending Franklin Avenue and Abner Gibbs Elementary Schools. Classes will resume for Abner and Franklin students at Westfield River Elementary School on Monday, January 6.
Happy New Year from the Westfield Public Schools!
In observance of the holidays, the WMS Main Office is closed Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Regular hours will resume on Friday from 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Happy Holidays!
We are always incredibly grateful for our WTA students who volunteer their time to assist with low-level computer repairs here at WMS. Thank you Bianca, Emily, Evelyn, and Brayden!
Students will be on a Holiday Break from Monday, December 23 through Wednesday, January 1. Classes resume on Thursday, January 2 for all students except those attending Franklin Avenue and Abner Gibbs Elementary Schools. Classes will resume for Abner and Franklin students at Westfield River Elementary School on Monday, January 6.
Happy Holidays from the Westfield Public Schools!
Please click on the following link to view December's newsletter from Westfield Middle School: https://secure.smore.com/n/96rgt
Thank you,
Principal McMillan
When one thinks of Santa Claus it’s usually of a jolly, round man with a heart as big as his belly sporting a curly white beard, with twinkling eyes, and a red suit trimmed with white fur wearing black, shiny boots, not a clean-cut man dressed in blue delivering bulging garbage bags.
But on Thursday, a group of police officers and student cadets played the same role as Santa – delivering Christmas cheer throughout the city to many of its public-school students.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2024/12/westfield-police-officers-and-cadets-were-spreading-christmas-cheer-thursday.html
Special thanks to Matt Della and the Student Government Association at Westfield State University. We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you who contributed to this year’s Thanksgiving Food Drive. In particular, your generosity and commitment of $3,015.00 made a remarkable difference, and because of your kindness, over 200 families received full Thanksgiving dinners this holiday season.
The outpouring of support from the students at Westfield State University highlights the true spirit of giving and reinforces the values we strive to uphold in our schools. Thanks to your generous donation, families in need were able to come together and celebrate with a warm meal.
As we reflect on the blessings of this season, we are reminded of the power of community. Thank you for making this year’s food drive such a resounding success! It was so wonderful to meet so many of the students at the Butcher Block on a very cold, very early morning as you presented your "huge" check. All of the students and advisors were so polite, so friendly, and so kind, it really put us in the holiday spirit. I am attaching pictures that captured the wonderful way to cap off this year’s drive. To say that we were overwhelmed with your generosity, is an understatement.
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!
