Excitement was in the air during Westfield Public School’s STEM Week, Oct. 20-24, when a lot of special activities were planned for students from prekindergarten to Westfield High School.
Westfield River Preschool teacher Aimee Blair said, “When one my students walked into the classroom in the morning this week and saw science on the schedule they shouted, ‘We get to be scientists today!’”
The week started on Oct. 20 with Project Lead the Way teachers and leaders from elementary through high school attending the annual Project Lead the Way fall conference, where educators from across the state gathered to collaborate and share best practices in supporting students in the hands-on STEM Curriculum.
“My favorite part about STEM Week is that it highlights what we’re already doing every day in our schools. STEM is woven into our curriculum at every grade level, starting as early as preschool. What we’re doing in Westfield Schools truly reflects this year’s theme ‘STEM Starts Now’ because we believe it’s never too early to start building curiosity and problem-solving skills,” said STEM coach Lindsey Ayers.
“What makes STEM Week special is that it gives us a chance to shine a light on the great teaching and learning that happens in our district every day. We had a couple of opportunities this week to bring together students from elementary and high schools, which is always so exciting for both the older kids and the younger kids — those events were the biggest highlight for me. And I got to meet JiJi,” said Chrissy Smith, WPS’s new supervisor of science, technology and engineering.
“What I love most about STEM Week is the opportunity to celebrate STEM in our schools. Our students are curious and collaborative, and it’s wonderful to see their joy in problem-solving. It’s inspiring to watch students, from preschool to high school, explore new ideas, ask questions, and discover the excitement of innovation together,” said Kate Perez, WPS supervisor of mathematics.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2025/10/students-get-to-be-scientists-during-stem-week-in-westfield.html
Westfield River Preschool teacher Aimee Blair said, “When one my students walked into the classroom in the morning this week and saw science on the schedule they shouted, ‘We get to be scientists today!’”
The week started on Oct. 20 with Project Lead the Way teachers and leaders from elementary through high school attending the annual Project Lead the Way fall conference, where educators from across the state gathered to collaborate and share best practices in supporting students in the hands-on STEM Curriculum.
“My favorite part about STEM Week is that it highlights what we’re already doing every day in our schools. STEM is woven into our curriculum at every grade level, starting as early as preschool. What we’re doing in Westfield Schools truly reflects this year’s theme ‘STEM Starts Now’ because we believe it’s never too early to start building curiosity and problem-solving skills,” said STEM coach Lindsey Ayers.
“What makes STEM Week special is that it gives us a chance to shine a light on the great teaching and learning that happens in our district every day. We had a couple of opportunities this week to bring together students from elementary and high schools, which is always so exciting for both the older kids and the younger kids — those events were the biggest highlight for me. And I got to meet JiJi,” said Chrissy Smith, WPS’s new supervisor of science, technology and engineering.
“What I love most about STEM Week is the opportunity to celebrate STEM in our schools. Our students are curious and collaborative, and it’s wonderful to see their joy in problem-solving. It’s inspiring to watch students, from preschool to high school, explore new ideas, ask questions, and discover the excitement of innovation together,” said Kate Perez, WPS supervisor of mathematics.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2025/10/students-get-to-be-scientists-during-stem-week-in-westfield.html
Regular school attendance is one of the strongest predictors of student success. When students come to school each day they learn new skills, stay connected with teachers and classmates, and access the supports they need to thrive. Chronic absenteeism can make it hard to catch up — but every day missed is also an opportunity to improve. Let’s work together — families, teachers, and neighbors — to make sure every student can be present, safe, and ready to learn. #AchievingExcellenceTogether
Principal McMillan and his Principal’s Council are represented Westfield Middle School at the New England League of Middle Schools’ Student Leadership Conference! “Grow. Lead. Inspire.” was the theme of this year’s conference. It is a day designed to help young leaders recognize their potential, build confidence, and take meaningful action in their schools and communities. Through interactive workshops, team-building activities, and inspiring speakers, students explored what it means to grow as individuals, lead with purpose, and inspire others through their words and actions!
Principal McMillan and his Principal’s Council are representing Westfield Middle School today at the New England League of Middle Schools’ Student Leadership Conference! “Grow. Lead. Inspire.” is the theme of this year’s conference. It is a day designed to help young leaders recognize their potential, build confidence, and take meaningful action in their schools and communities. Through interactive workshops, team-building activities, and inspiring speakers, students will explore what it means to grow as individuals, lead with purpose, and inspire others through their words and actions!
As the holiday season approaches, we want you to know how much our community cares about each and every one of you. We're here to ensure that our families can gather around the table for a warm Thanksgiving meal.
If your family could use some support this year, our community would be honored to help thanks to our community partners. Please know that:
-Asking for help is a sign of strength, not something to feel ashamed about
-Everything you share will be kept completely confidential
-Only I (Principal McMillan) will review the requests
-We simply want to take care of our school family
If a Thanksgiving meal would be helpful for your family, please complete our confidential form by November 1st: https://forms.gle/zf2gih9nCTPxGXcX8
During challenging times, we lean on each other, and that's what makes us a community. You are valued, you are not alone, and we are here for you.
Sincerely,
Principal McMillan
The Gandara Family Resource Center graciously donated backpacks that have some school supplies. If interested, please contact Principal McMillan!
Show up. Learn. Grow. Repeat. Every day in school = one step closer to your goals! #EveryDayCounts
Assistant Principal Opening!
Please see attached detour plans for the roadway sealing work scheduled for tomorrow (10/17) on East Silver Street and the Broad/East/West Silver intersection. Detour 1 is expected to happen between 9am-noon, with Detour 2 happening between noon-2 p.m. Thank you. -Principal McMillan
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 October 21-24 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.
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 October 21-24 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.
Attendance = Learning + Friendships + Future Success
Order your yearbook today!
Please support our annual book fair! The fair will also be open during Open House, which is this Wednesday from 6-7 p.m. Please contact our librarian, Sarah Scott, with any questions! Click here for more info: https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/westfieldmiddleschool1
Strong attendance today creates brighter opportunities tomorrow.
Happy Fall! Please click here to view October's "The Howler" from Principal McMillan: https://secure.smore.com/n/e83uq
We're excited to invite all families to our upcoming Open House next Wednesday, October 8th from 6-7 p.m.! This is a wonderful opportunity to visit our school and see what makes our community special. Drop in anytime during the scheduled hours – come and go as you please! We encourage you to bring your student along so they can give you a personal tour and show you around the school. It's a great chance to see their classrooms, meet teachers, and experience a typical day through their eyes.
Feel free to join us early or stay a little later for our annual food trucks! We hope to see you there!
Feel free to join us early or stay a little later for our annual food trucks! We hope to see you there!
Westfield Middle School Principal Jesse McMillan and representatives of Bridge for Resilient Youth in Transition an in-school intervention program for students facing mental health or medical disruptions, gave a five-month overview of its implementation at WMS to Mayor Michael McCabe, Sen. John Velis, Rep. Mike Finn, Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski, members of the School Committee and other area officials on Oct. 1.
Also speaking was Paul Hyry-Dermith, BRYT national director and Zemora Tevah, district/school support specialist, both of whom worked closely with WMS in setting up BRYT at WMS, funded by a grant from the Department of Mental Health.
In introducing the program, WMS Principal Jesse McMillan said there is a significant increase in mental health needs among students. He said for the WMS population of 700 seventh- and eighth-grade students, there are tier invention programs for the student population at large and programs such as RISE for students with special needs. He said before BRYT, there was not a lot of support for students with mental health challenges.
BRYT, a program of the Brookline Center for Community Mental Health, transforms how schools support students and families who have experienced a mental health disruption.
The BRYT model provides support for staffing, student selection, a support plan and a separate space. McMillan said WMS was fortunate to have a room available that could be dedicated to the program that has a separate entrance, bathroom, academic and counseling space.
McMillan said in the five short months of its implementation, there have been success stories in which students who had access to the BRYT supports have now transitioned back into academic teams. “I am proud of my staff,” he said.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2025/10/bryt-intervention-program-is-making-a-difference-at-westfield-middle-school.html
Also speaking was Paul Hyry-Dermith, BRYT national director and Zemora Tevah, district/school support specialist, both of whom worked closely with WMS in setting up BRYT at WMS, funded by a grant from the Department of Mental Health.
In introducing the program, WMS Principal Jesse McMillan said there is a significant increase in mental health needs among students. He said for the WMS population of 700 seventh- and eighth-grade students, there are tier invention programs for the student population at large and programs such as RISE for students with special needs. He said before BRYT, there was not a lot of support for students with mental health challenges.
BRYT, a program of the Brookline Center for Community Mental Health, transforms how schools support students and families who have experienced a mental health disruption.
The BRYT model provides support for staffing, student selection, a support plan and a separate space. McMillan said WMS was fortunate to have a room available that could be dedicated to the program that has a separate entrance, bathroom, academic and counseling space.
McMillan said in the five short months of its implementation, there have been success stories in which students who had access to the BRYT supports have now transitioned back into academic teams. “I am proud of my staff,” he said.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2025/10/bryt-intervention-program-is-making-a-difference-at-westfield-middle-school.html
Hey students — showing up is your superpower. Each day you’re in class you level up your skills, meet friends, and get closer to your dreams. Be here. Be curious. Be unstoppable. #AchievingExcellenceTogether
Please support the WMS Builders' Club Food Drive!
Happy Friday!
