Westfield EATS, Westfield Public Schools Food Services, has announced a new partnership with My School Menus that offers interactive online menus to make it easier for families, students and staff to see what’s being served each day.
“My School Menus is a program that we’ve teamed up with to help us get all of the menus and pertinent information out to parents,” said Food Services Director Rachel Kania. She said parents can now scroll through the daily menu items and see pictures of the food, nutritional facts and ingredients, which is especially important for families of children with allergies, she added.
“Now we can have all of that information right at the fingertips of parents, who can go online and see all of the options available every day,” she said.
Kania said Westfield EATS gets its food from local farms and partnerships. For example, ground beef comes from North Elm Butcher Block, which grinds it fresh that day. Lettuce and produce come from local farms, and fruit from Mountain Orchard Farms in Granville.
Previously, Kania had to keep track of all the recipes, ingredients and nutritional information by hand on an Excel spreadsheet. She said her staff spent the summer transferring the information to My School Menus.
“To be honest with you, it was a pretty big undertaking. We had to enter every ingredient for every recipe we have here. It took us two months to enter over the summer,” she said. “Now parents can see what we can see, make their own decisions and navigate the menu safely.”
On the menu site, there is a drop-down list for allergies. For example, if an egg allergy is indicated on that list, any items containing egg will be crossed off the menu.
Kania said some medical conditions also require nutritional information. For a child with diabetes, parents can now see a carbohydrate count, so they know how much insulin is needed for their child. “This helps everybody, from nurses to parents to us; it’s a great program,” she said.
Kania said parents can either navigate menus on their own with their children or utilize a menu from a registered dietitian. Food Services has a dietitian on staff who has been with the department for 25 years. The dietitian may be reached at 413-572-6493 or by visiting the Food Services office in Suite B10 in City Hall at 59 Court St.
The new online menus for Westfield EATS may be accessed at: menus.healthepro.com/organizations/3724
“It’s really a wealth of information at the parents’ fingertips, which we’re so excited about,” Kania said.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/09/westfield-food-services-offers-new-interactive-menus-for-parents-to-safeguard-kids-choices.html
“My School Menus is a program that we’ve teamed up with to help us get all of the menus and pertinent information out to parents,” said Food Services Director Rachel Kania. She said parents can now scroll through the daily menu items and see pictures of the food, nutritional facts and ingredients, which is especially important for families of children with allergies, she added.
“Now we can have all of that information right at the fingertips of parents, who can go online and see all of the options available every day,” she said.
Kania said Westfield EATS gets its food from local farms and partnerships. For example, ground beef comes from North Elm Butcher Block, which grinds it fresh that day. Lettuce and produce come from local farms, and fruit from Mountain Orchard Farms in Granville.
Previously, Kania had to keep track of all the recipes, ingredients and nutritional information by hand on an Excel spreadsheet. She said her staff spent the summer transferring the information to My School Menus.
“To be honest with you, it was a pretty big undertaking. We had to enter every ingredient for every recipe we have here. It took us two months to enter over the summer,” she said. “Now parents can see what we can see, make their own decisions and navigate the menu safely.”
On the menu site, there is a drop-down list for allergies. For example, if an egg allergy is indicated on that list, any items containing egg will be crossed off the menu.
Kania said some medical conditions also require nutritional information. For a child with diabetes, parents can now see a carbohydrate count, so they know how much insulin is needed for their child. “This helps everybody, from nurses to parents to us; it’s a great program,” she said.
Kania said parents can either navigate menus on their own with their children or utilize a menu from a registered dietitian. Food Services has a dietitian on staff who has been with the department for 25 years. The dietitian may be reached at 413-572-6493 or by visiting the Food Services office in Suite B10 in City Hall at 59 Court St.
The new online menus for Westfield EATS may be accessed at: menus.healthepro.com/organizations/3724
“It’s really a wealth of information at the parents’ fingertips, which we’re so excited about,” Kania said.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/09/westfield-food-services-offers-new-interactive-menus-for-parents-to-safeguard-kids-choices.html
Please click here for the latest newsletter from Westfield River Elementary School. Thank you! https://app.smore.com/n/dq8uc
District teachers will take their turn at summer enrichment during a three-day curriculum summit at Westfield Intermediate School from Aug. 17-19.
Topics at this year’s summit will include the role of lead teachers, building student discourse and whether and how to use approved artificial intelligence tools in the classroom.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/08/westfield-teachers-take-a-turn-at-summer-enrichment.html
Topics at this year’s summit will include the role of lead teachers, building student discourse and whether and how to use approved artificial intelligence tools in the classroom.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/08/westfield-teachers-take-a-turn-at-summer-enrichment.html
Westfield Public Schools and Offices are closed on Friday, July 3, 2026, in observance of Independence Day. Happy Birthday, America!
After a year-long focus on attendance, Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski and Christopher Rogers, director of operations and safety, said they met their goals to improve the daily attendance rate and reduce chronic absenteeism.
“We did well. We met our goals,” said Rogers, who runs the District Attendance Task Force that meets monthly throughout the year. School Committee member Kathleen Hillman and a representative from each school are on the team. He said they review data, share their best practices and collaborate.
Czaporowski said the total daily attendance rate improved to 93.4% this school year, compared to an average daily rate of 92.7% in the 2024-25 school year.
Rogers said a year ago, chronic absenteeism was at 20.8%. He said the goal for this year was to reduce it to 19.5%, and they ultimately achieved 17.6%. “We’re basically almost 2% lower than our goals,” he said.
Looking at chronic absenteeism in sub-groups, the rate of chronic absenteeism for students in special education dropped from 28.5% last year to 25% this year. “We met that goal of exactly 25%.”
Rogers said the district beat its goal for English language learners as a group, which had a chronic absenteeism rate of 30% last year and ended up at 23% this year.
“Part of the reason we focused specifically on special education and English language learners was the achievement gap; looking at attendance, we believe that had something to do with it. Our goal was to get high needs kids in their classes,” Czaporowski said.
One of the strategies they used was home visits with mentors and other staff members to understand what barriers were keeping students from coming to school. “By going to the homes, we learned why students weren’t coming,” Czaporowski said.
“The task force will continue its work,” said Czaporowski. “I also give a lot of credit to our principals and their site teams. They made a big push on attendance this year, along with the district. Each team came up with strategies to get their kids in school.”
“Attendance will remain a focus for us as we move forward. We know that for students that come regularly to school, socially, emotionally and academically, their potential for growth increases exponentially,” Czaporowski said. “It was a very good year, and we look forward to welcoming everybody back in the fall.”
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/06/districts-focus-on-attendance-produces-results.html
“We did well. We met our goals,” said Rogers, who runs the District Attendance Task Force that meets monthly throughout the year. School Committee member Kathleen Hillman and a representative from each school are on the team. He said they review data, share their best practices and collaborate.
Czaporowski said the total daily attendance rate improved to 93.4% this school year, compared to an average daily rate of 92.7% in the 2024-25 school year.
Rogers said a year ago, chronic absenteeism was at 20.8%. He said the goal for this year was to reduce it to 19.5%, and they ultimately achieved 17.6%. “We’re basically almost 2% lower than our goals,” he said.
Looking at chronic absenteeism in sub-groups, the rate of chronic absenteeism for students in special education dropped from 28.5% last year to 25% this year. “We met that goal of exactly 25%.”
Rogers said the district beat its goal for English language learners as a group, which had a chronic absenteeism rate of 30% last year and ended up at 23% this year.
“Part of the reason we focused specifically on special education and English language learners was the achievement gap; looking at attendance, we believe that had something to do with it. Our goal was to get high needs kids in their classes,” Czaporowski said.
One of the strategies they used was home visits with mentors and other staff members to understand what barriers were keeping students from coming to school. “By going to the homes, we learned why students weren’t coming,” Czaporowski said.
“The task force will continue its work,” said Czaporowski. “I also give a lot of credit to our principals and their site teams. They made a big push on attendance this year, along with the district. Each team came up with strategies to get their kids in school.”
“Attendance will remain a focus for us as we move forward. We know that for students that come regularly to school, socially, emotionally and academically, their potential for growth increases exponentially,” Czaporowski said. “It was a very good year, and we look forward to welcoming everybody back in the fall.”
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/06/districts-focus-on-attendance-produces-results.html
Westfield Public Schools will be closed on Friday, June 19, 2026, for the Juneteenth Holiday. Thank you.
🎭❄️🚚 What a show! Last night, Mrs. Thielen’s third-grade class at Westfield River Elementary brought history to life with Ain’t No Mountain High Enough, a fun-filled musical celebrating Henry Knox’s incredible journey transporting cannons from Fort Ticonderoga to Boston during the American Revolution.
The performance featured four energetic musical numbers, students dressed as oxen, a snow machine, and even a confetti cannon finale! Along the way, students learned about Henry Knox’s connection to Westfield, making local history come alive right on stage.
Bravo to our talented performers, dedicated staff, and supportive families for an unforgettable production. We are so proud of the hard work, creativity, and enthusiasm our students displayed! #AchievingExcellenceTogether
The performance featured four energetic musical numbers, students dressed as oxen, a snow machine, and even a confetti cannon finale! Along the way, students learned about Henry Knox’s connection to Westfield, making local history come alive right on stage.
Bravo to our talented performers, dedicated staff, and supportive families for an unforgettable production. We are so proud of the hard work, creativity, and enthusiasm our students displayed! #AchievingExcellenceTogether
🌟 Discover the Difference at Westfield Public Schools! 🌟
Westfield Public Schools is excited to announce that a limited number of School Choice seats are available for the 2026–2027 school year at our elementary schools, Westfield Intermediate School, Westfield Middle School, and Westfield High School!
Through Massachusetts School Choice, families can choose to enroll their children in Westfield Public Schools regardless of where they live—at no cost to parents.
Why choose Westfield?
✅ Strong academic programs
✅ Exceptional teachers and staff
✅ Career and technical education opportunities
✅ Early College and Innovation Pathways programs
✅ A wide variety of extracurricular activities, athletics, and student supports
Don't miss this opportunity to become part of a school community dedicated to helping every student learn, grow, and succeed.
For more information and application details, please visit:
https://westfieldpubma.sites.thrillshare.com/.../announce...
We look forward to welcoming new students and families to Westfield Public Schools!
Westfield Public Schools is excited to announce that a limited number of School Choice seats are available for the 2026–2027 school year at our elementary schools, Westfield Intermediate School, Westfield Middle School, and Westfield High School!
Through Massachusetts School Choice, families can choose to enroll their children in Westfield Public Schools regardless of where they live—at no cost to parents.
Why choose Westfield?
✅ Strong academic programs
✅ Exceptional teachers and staff
✅ Career and technical education opportunities
✅ Early College and Innovation Pathways programs
✅ A wide variety of extracurricular activities, athletics, and student supports
Don't miss this opportunity to become part of a school community dedicated to helping every student learn, grow, and succeed.
For more information and application details, please visit:
https://westfieldpubma.sites.thrillshare.com/.../announce...
We look forward to welcoming new students and families to Westfield Public Schools!
On Friday, May 29th, Westfield River third graders took a big step toward safer summer riding by participating in a bicycle safety program presented by the Kiwanis Club of Westfield. Brad Cassin shared essential tips with the students for staying safe on their bikes. After the presentation, every single third grader went home with a brand-new, custom-fitted bicycle helmet!
A massive thank you to Kiwanians Brad Cassin, George and Geanna Delisle, Lorena Dubois, and Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski for spending the afternoon investing in our students' safety. We appreciate you!
A massive thank you to Kiwanians Brad Cassin, George and Geanna Delisle, Lorena Dubois, and Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski for spending the afternoon investing in our students' safety. We appreciate you!
Show up. Learn. Grow. Repeat. Every day in school = one step closer to your goals! #everydaycounts
Westfield Public Schools has a limited number of School Choice seats available for the 2026-2027 school year at our elementary schools, intermediate and middle school, and Westfield High School. The School Choice program allows parents to send their children to schools in communities other than the city or town in which they reside at no cost. Please visit https://westfieldpubma.sites.thrillshare.com/page/announcement-of-school-choice for more information.
Second graders in Westfield River Elementary School studying plant adaptation traversed with their teachers to Grandmothers’ Garden on May 22, where they were greeted by volunteers.
The students were handed a scavenger hunt with boxes of things to look for and check off. Westfield School Committee member Kathleen Hillman asked the students what they might find on their hunt. Among the items on the list were a squirrel, a yellow flower, insects, sprouts, acorns, rocks or stones, butterflies and plants with thorns.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/05/grandmothers-garden-welcomes-westfield-river-elementary-second-graders.html
The students were handed a scavenger hunt with boxes of things to look for and check off. Westfield School Committee member Kathleen Hillman asked the students what they might find on their hunt. Among the items on the list were a squirrel, a yellow flower, insects, sprouts, acorns, rocks or stones, butterflies and plants with thorns.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/05/grandmothers-garden-welcomes-westfield-river-elementary-second-graders.html
Please click here for the latest newsletter from Westfield Public Schools. https://app.smore.com/n/95wjz
A reminder that Westfield Public Schools will be closed on Monday, May 25, 2026. Thank you.
Westfield River Elementary School recently opened a new food pantry to combat food insecurity among its students and their families. This initiative was made possible by a $7,500 donation from the Stop & Shop School Food Pantry Program.
The elementary school currently has 410 students enrolled, with a majority considered economically disadvantaged and facing daily food insecurity. Jill Phelan, principal of Westfield River Elementary School, emphasized the significant need for the new pantry.
The pantry is currently stocked with non-perishable items, dairy products and fresh produce. To ensure privacy and convenience for families, access to the pantry is available by appointment only. Families and students can arrange a visit by contacting the principal, school nurse, or secretary via phone or email.
https://www.wwlp.com/news/local-news/hampden-county/stop-shop-donates-7500-to-westfield-school-food-pantry/
The elementary school currently has 410 students enrolled, with a majority considered economically disadvantaged and facing daily food insecurity. Jill Phelan, principal of Westfield River Elementary School, emphasized the significant need for the new pantry.
The pantry is currently stocked with non-perishable items, dairy products and fresh produce. To ensure privacy and convenience for families, access to the pantry is available by appointment only. Families and students can arrange a visit by contacting the principal, school nurse, or secretary via phone or email.
https://www.wwlp.com/news/local-news/hampden-county/stop-shop-donates-7500-to-westfield-school-food-pantry/
Every day in school matters—attendance builds success.
The Westfield River Elementary School has announced the official grand opening of the Otter Essentials Pantry, a program to fight food insecurity amongst students and families.
The pantry will be stocked with nutritious shelf-stable foods so students can have consistent access to nourishment when the school is closed on weeknights and weekends. The initiative was done in partnership with the Stop & Shop School Food Pantry program, which is donating $7,500 in gift cards towards food and supplies.
“We are incredibly excited to partner with Stop & Shop to open our ‘Otter Essentials’ food pantry. As educators, we know that for a child to learn, grow, and succeed, their most basic needs must be met first. By opening this pantry in Westfield River Elementary, we are making support easily accessible to all of our families. My hope is that our community takes full advantage of this amazing resource,” said Westfield River Principal Jill Phelan.
Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski said he first made contact with the Stop & Shop Food Pantry program after seeing a link to it on the bottom of his grocery receipt. Knowing that a majority of the 410 students enrolled at Westfield River Elementary School are considered economically disadvantaged and may face food insecurity daily, he applied on behalf of the school, which opened in January 2025.
Czaporowski said that besides the $7,500 donation, Stop & Shop is providing signage for the pantry and recommendations for nutritious foods to buy, which will get the food pantry off to a great start. With the opening of Otter Essential, every school in the district now has a pantry of some sort, he said.
“We are incredibly grateful to Stop & Shop for their generous partnership and commitment to supporting the students and families of Westfield River Elementary School,” Czaporowski said. “The Otter Essentials Pantry will help ensure that our students have access to nutritious food beyond the school day, giving them the support they need to be healthy, engaged and ready to learn. This initiative reflects the power of community collaboration and the positive impact we can make when we come together to support children and families.”
Westfield River secretary Theresa Allie, who is helping Phelan to get the pantry ready for the opening, said the racks were ordered and all set up in the former storage space, and the school is working on getting a refrigerator donated.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/05/westfield-river-elementary-opens-new-food-pantry-with-a-grant-from-stop-shop.html
The pantry will be stocked with nutritious shelf-stable foods so students can have consistent access to nourishment when the school is closed on weeknights and weekends. The initiative was done in partnership with the Stop & Shop School Food Pantry program, which is donating $7,500 in gift cards towards food and supplies.
“We are incredibly excited to partner with Stop & Shop to open our ‘Otter Essentials’ food pantry. As educators, we know that for a child to learn, grow, and succeed, their most basic needs must be met first. By opening this pantry in Westfield River Elementary, we are making support easily accessible to all of our families. My hope is that our community takes full advantage of this amazing resource,” said Westfield River Principal Jill Phelan.
Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski said he first made contact with the Stop & Shop Food Pantry program after seeing a link to it on the bottom of his grocery receipt. Knowing that a majority of the 410 students enrolled at Westfield River Elementary School are considered economically disadvantaged and may face food insecurity daily, he applied on behalf of the school, which opened in January 2025.
Czaporowski said that besides the $7,500 donation, Stop & Shop is providing signage for the pantry and recommendations for nutritious foods to buy, which will get the food pantry off to a great start. With the opening of Otter Essential, every school in the district now has a pantry of some sort, he said.
“We are incredibly grateful to Stop & Shop for their generous partnership and commitment to supporting the students and families of Westfield River Elementary School,” Czaporowski said. “The Otter Essentials Pantry will help ensure that our students have access to nutritious food beyond the school day, giving them the support they need to be healthy, engaged and ready to learn. This initiative reflects the power of community collaboration and the positive impact we can make when we come together to support children and families.”
Westfield River secretary Theresa Allie, who is helping Phelan to get the pantry ready for the opening, said the racks were ordered and all set up in the former storage space, and the school is working on getting a refrigerator donated.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/05/westfield-river-elementary-opens-new-food-pantry-with-a-grant-from-stop-shop.html
Today we celebrate our incredible school nurses—thank you for the care, compassion, and expertise you bring to our schools every single day. Your work keeps our students safe, healthy, and ready to learn. Happy School Nurses Day!
Happy National Teacher Appreciation Day!
Thank you to our incredible teachers for your dedication, passion, and the difference you make every day. #ThankATeacher
Thank you to our incredible teachers for your dedication, passion, and the difference you make every day. #ThankATeacher
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. #attendancematters
