Westfield Middle School

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!

Dear WMS Families, The holiday season is a time for coming together, and our community is committed to supporting one another. We understand that families may be experiencing financial challenges, and we want to ensure that every family can enjoy a warm Thanksgiving meal. We are offering confidential support for families who could use assistance with their Thanksgiving meal this year. Please know that: -There is NO shame in asking for help -All information will be kept strictly confidential -Only Principal McMillan will review the support requests -Our goal is simply to care for our school family If your family would benefit from a complete Thanksgiving meal, please complete our confidential Google Form. Deadline: November 5th. Request Form: https://forms.gle/dJ7Hvu7WbU6h7fh9A Times are challenging for many families, and we want you to know that you are not alone. We are a community that supports each other, and there is strength in reaching out when you need help. Request Form: https://forms.gle/dJ7Hvu7WbU6h7fh9A With warmth and care, Principal McMillan

A reminder that there is no school for students next Tuesday, November 5, 2024. Thank you.

Did you know that both Staff and Students have premium access to Book Creator, a digital tool that allows students to create and read digital books. To learn more and to read their November Newsletter click here: https://bookcreator.com/resources/newsletter/november-24/ You can log in by clicking "Log in" and then sign in with google to start creating!

Students in preschool to high school were all-hands-on during STEM Week in the Westfield public schools, Oct. 21-25. Kindergarten to fifth grade teachers launched Project Lead the Way modules across all grade levels around topics including energy, structure and function, forces and interactions, and matter. https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2024/10/westfield-stem-week-engages-pre-k-to-teens-with-demonstrations-career-talks.html

Dear Westfield Middle School Students and Families, While we do not celebrate Halloween as a school community with any specific event or activity, Westfield Middle School traditionally allows students to wear costumes to school for Halloween; therefore, students can wear Halloween costumes Thursday, October 31st only. However, all students must follow the guidelines below to maintain appropriate standards that respect our educational setting. Costume Guidelines: -All regular dress code requirements regarding length and coverage still apply. -Costumes must be school appropriate. -Costume preparations must be completed at home. (No dressing or applying of make-up, colored hairspray, etc. once students arrive at school). -Costumes must allow students to fully participate in all classroom activities. Inflatable costumes are not permitted. -Costumes that depict violence, gore, or horror are not permitted. -Absolutely no props that contain simulated weapons of any kind (e.g., pretend swords, guns, grenades, knives, etc.) -Masks or costume hoods are not permitted. -Costumes that can be offensive or perpetuate a stereotype of someone’s culture, gender, heritage, or religion are not permitted. Students wearing costumes that violate these guidelines will be asked to change into their regular clothes. Caregivers will be contacted, if necessary. Thank you for taking the time to discuss these expectations with your student(s). We look forward to a festive and respectful Halloween day! Sincerely, Principal McMillan

Volleyball Club with Coach Skorupski will be starting on Monday, October 28th in the gym from 2:35 - 4pm for the returning 8th graders only. Starting Monday, November 4th, anyone wanting to join the Volleyball Club can just show up and join; no sign ups required. Volleyball Club will run on Mondays from 2:35 - 4pm. Please have appropriate gym clothes and sneakers, and please arrange a ride home in advance.