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
Please click here for the latest newsletter from Westfield River Elementary School. Thank you https://app.smore.com/n/drpez
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. #EveryDayCounts #AchievingExcellenceTogether
A reminder that there is no school for students Monday, April 20 - Friday, April 24 for Spring Vacation. Have a safe Spring Break!
This morning, on "Superintendent's Spotlight", we talked with CEO Bo Sullivan about summer programming and the planned expansion of the Teen Center at the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Westfield. Westfield Technical Academy students and staff also stopped by to help us recognize National Eggs Benedict Day. Thanks for watching. #AchievingExcellenceTogether
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mi9Vr2F_1qA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mi9Vr2F_1qA
Friday, April 10, marked the first-ever Westfield Public Schools Applied Learning Student Showcase. Students from grades 2-12 representing all schools in our district presented projects to local professionals and community members.
The event highlighted applied learning across multiple subjects, including STEM, science, computer science, civics, and history. Additionally, students from the Free Web Clinic course provided local businesses with professional consultations and website improvement strategies.
This showcase was made possible through the support of our partners and dedicated staff:
Mestek: Thank you for hosting this event.
The One8 Foundation: We appreciate your sponsorship and support of applied learning.
Local Businesses and Volunteers: Thank you for providing students with professional feedback and serving as an authentic audience.
Westfield Teachers: Thank you for facilitating this work in the classroom and guiding student success.
We are proud of the hard work and professional engagement demonstrated by our students.
The event highlighted applied learning across multiple subjects, including STEM, science, computer science, civics, and history. Additionally, students from the Free Web Clinic course provided local businesses with professional consultations and website improvement strategies.
This showcase was made possible through the support of our partners and dedicated staff:
Mestek: Thank you for hosting this event.
The One8 Foundation: We appreciate your sponsorship and support of applied learning.
Local Businesses and Volunteers: Thank you for providing students with professional feedback and serving as an authentic audience.
Westfield Teachers: Thank you for facilitating this work in the classroom and guiding student success.
We are proud of the hard work and professional engagement demonstrated by our students.
Student success starts with showing up! Daily attendance helps build strong habits, lasting friendships, and academic achievement. Let’s work together to make every day count! #AttendanceMatters
Creativity takes center stage as “Into the Arts” comes to Westfield High School on Saturday, April 11, to showcase visual arts from students in grades 2 and 4 through high school that will be displayed throughout the hallways and library on the first floor of WHS from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. “It’s Bandtastic,” featuring student musicians from grades 4 to 12, will perform at 1 p.m. in the gymnasium during the Into the Arts festival.
For the first time, WHS art students will preview their work on Thursday, April 9, from 5 to 7 p.m. in a free art show open to the public.
“The Art Club will be selling plants, and there will be refreshments in the library. It is called Prelude to the Arts, and we received a grant from the Mass Art Culture [Cultural Council]. Please feel free to stop by to see the art before Into the Arts,” said WHS art teacher Karen Kane.
Band Director Patrick Kennedy said It’s Bandtastic has been a highlight every year since its inception in the Spring of 2016.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/04/wps-celebrates-the-arts-at-into-the-arts-on-april-11-at-whs.html
For the first time, WHS art students will preview their work on Thursday, April 9, from 5 to 7 p.m. in a free art show open to the public.
“The Art Club will be selling plants, and there will be refreshments in the library. It is called Prelude to the Arts, and we received a grant from the Mass Art Culture [Cultural Council]. Please feel free to stop by to see the art before Into the Arts,” said WHS art teacher Karen Kane.
Band Director Patrick Kennedy said It’s Bandtastic has been a highlight every year since its inception in the Spring of 2016.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/04/wps-celebrates-the-arts-at-into-the-arts-on-april-11-at-whs.html
The Bill of Rights Institute and iCivics have named Jennifer Thielen, a third grade teacher at Westfield River Elementary, a winner of the Civic Star Challenge, a nationwide initiative to inspire millions of acts of civic learning in the lead-up to the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Thielen is one of 63 educators nationwide who have received the honor for integrating themes from the Declaration of Independence into their teaching.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/03/westfield-river-teacher-is-named-a-national-civic-star-challenge-winner.html
Thielen is one of 63 educators nationwide who have received the honor for integrating themes from the Declaration of Independence into their teaching.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/03/westfield-river-teacher-is-named-a-national-civic-star-challenge-winner.html