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
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!
