Westfield Public Schools

Yesterday, Westfield High School sent a group of five students to the Chemistry Olympiad at UMass, a chemistry competition put on by the American Chemical Society. Approximately 50 students from Western MA participated. In the 60-question multiple-choice assessment. Among the top six scorers, were WHS students Conner Gelinas and John Doyle. Conner and moved on to the next stage where they completed some short answer problems as well as a lab practical. Their results in this part will determine if they take the national exam to compete in the International Chemistry Olympiad in July. It was great to see WHS students perform so well alongside other Western MA schools. Congrats to Conner and John!

If you missed "Superintendent's Spotlight this morning, please click on the link below. This week, we spoke with students from Munger Hill Elementary School about their new Student Council. Westfield High School Assistant Principal Andrew Joseph joined us to tell us about pi on Pi Day, and Westfield Technical Academy Culinary Arts staff and students helped us to celebrate the day with some freshly made chocolate cream pie. Thanks for watching! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtSyZgbck-8

Students in grade 11 from Westfield, MA High School, Westfield Virtual School, Westfield Technical Academy, and St. Mary's High School participated in our 6th Annual Career Fair at Westfield State University this morning. After the event, students were treated to lunch at the Dining Commons on campus. Special thanks to Westfield State University, Westfield Gas + Electric/Whip City Fiber, the Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce, and the over 75 businesses in attendance for making this even a success again this year!

On Friday, March 8, Westfield High School participated in the Region 1 Science and Engineering Fair. Our students from Westfield did extremely well, placing first overall, Tegan Chisholm- Godshalk will attend the International Science Fair in Los Angeles in May. Seven teams moved on to the Massachusetts Science Fair at Gillette on April 5th. Of those seven teams, five received special awards in the categories of life science, engineering, and a special designation from the Air Force!

Last week, Westfield Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski and Science, Technology and Engineering Supervisor Lauren Figy Cadigan met with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to present their application for a Career Innovation Pathways designation for a manufacturing engineering curriculum at Westfield High School. Cadigan said the project has been in the works for four years. “We’ve had a three-course pathway. This would be a five-course pathway, focused on getting kids industry experience,” she said. “We’ve been in the process of putting the structures in place for this to be a possibility for four years.” https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2024/03/westfield-high-school-applies-to-state-to-help-fund-more-engineering-courses.html

City officials hope changes to the parking lots at Westfield Middle School will solve its “significant traffic problem,” and that state money can pay for most of the cost. City Engineer Alison McMordie and middle school Principal Jesse McMillan presented their plan to the Westfield School Committee on March 4. It results in a net addition of 12 spaces across the school’s two parking lots, as well as several safety features and a “bioretention” basin to divert stormwater from drains that carry runoff pollution to streams and rivers. Because of the positive impact on rivers and the middle school’s location in an environmental justice neighborhood, and because it is based on a previous proposal that included a partnership with a student from Westfield State University, McMordie said the $635,000 project ticks several boxes and has a good chance of qualifying for a state grant. https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2024/03/changes-eyed-for-safety-environment-at-westfield-middle-school-parking-lot.html

Today, for the first time since the pandemic, the Westfield High School Band hosted its Pops Concert Senior Citizen Luncheon through our partnership with the Westfield Senior Center. MGM Springfield donated more than 150 lunches for guests as well. The band was amazing, the food was delicious, and all attendees had a special afternoon. Thank you to MGM for their generosity and support! As a district, we are extremely happy to bring this tradition back to the city.

All this week Highland Elementary School has been celebrating Read Across America with unique spirit days. Thursday staff and students dressed like their favorite book characters. It was so much fun to see all of the amazing costumes! Our halls were filled with Harry Potter, Willy Wonka, Fancy Nancy, mice who love cookies, Pete the Cat, Ms. Frizzle, and even the girls from the Babysitter's Club! #AchievingExcellenceTogether

Tryouts are currently being held for Gator Swim Club's spring and summer season! Gator Swim Club is a nationally-ranked USA Swim Club based right here at Westfield High School. We accept swimmers as young as 6 years old, of varying ability levels. We even offer a discount for Westfield High swimmers looking for somewhere to train when the high school season ends! For more information about the club, visit us at www.westernmassgators.com, or follow us on instagram @westernmassgators. To arrange a tryout, contact Coach Tom Avila at (978) 771-0332 or CoachTAvila@gmail.com

If you missed this morning's "Superintendent's Spotlight", please click on the link below. This week, we had the Westfield Intermediate School Choir on the show. The students sang two songs for us and were also able to help us celebrate National Flapjack Day, with assistance from Westfield Technical Academy staff and students from the Culinary Arts Department. Thanks for watching! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMyPgAFv0tw

Many WPS teachers in grades PK-12 attended the annual Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Spring PD Day at WPI, organized by the Mass Learning Project. Teachers attended sessions that focused on curriculum mapping, collaborating, networking, utilizing artificial intelligence, and helping students solve meaningful problems through authentic skills. Teachers left the day feeling prepared and inspired to continue facilitating applied learning with their students through PLTW.

The city’s longest-running annual music event returns Friday as the Westfield High School Band presents its 71st pops concert, “Night & Day: Music from Stage and Screen.” Evening performances are at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, March 8-9, in the high school gymnasium at 177 Montgomery Road, Westfield. https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2024/03/westfield-high-school-readies-for-night-day-pops-concerts-friday-saturday.html

If you know a student in high school who is nervous about what their future holds, whether they’re interested in college or not, have them attend an upcoming career fair. Susan Dargie, Director of Curriculum and Instruction in the Westfield Public Schools, and Stefan Czaporowski, Superintendent of Westfield Schools, are here to talk about the importance of these events. https://www.wwlp.com/massappeal/career-fair-for-high-school-students-offers-options/

A voice from Westfield will be heard on national television this Monday, as Westfield High School graduate Madison Curbelo returns to “The Voice.” “I am so proud to represent Western Massachusetts on a stage like this and so happy to have you all supporting me along the way,” she said on Facebook. Her audition will air on Springfield’s NBC station, WWLP, Channel 22, at 8 p.m. Monday, March 4. https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2024/03/westfield-singer-returns-to-airwaves-in-mondays-episode-of-the-voice-on-nbc.html

Thank you to all that attended our Westfield Business to Education Alliance (WE2BA) meeting this week at Westfield Technical Academy. This month, we finalized preparations for our annual Career Expo and Job Fair on March 13, Elementary School Career Days in the spring, and Project Based Learning Experiences for students at our Intermediate and Middle Schools in June. Attendees were also treated to an omelet station provided by WTA's Culinary Arts students. We are very grateful for our business partnerships that offer our students authentic learning experiences throughout the school year.

A reminder that there is no school for students on Tuesday, March 5, 2024. Thank you!

Students from Paper Mill, Munger Hill and Fort Meadow participated in a community project, organized by Mona Rastegar, over their winter break. On February 20th, students were invited to meet in the Childrens' Room at the West Springfield Library between 9:00am-11:00am. Students colored cancer ribbons that will be displayed at Cancer House of Hope. #AchievingExcellenceTogether

If you missed "Superintendent's Spotlight" this morning, click on the link below. This week, three teams of Westfield Technical Academy Culinary Arts students helped us recognize National Chili Day with an authentic Chili Cookoff. All the students did a wonderful job in all categories. Much appreciation to the students, Chef Eric Rogers, the Culinary Arts staff, and the judges for making this show possible. Thanks for watching! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sy19QsAQaac

Click here for the latest newsletter and pictures from the Franklin Ave/Abner Gibbs Replacement School Project: https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Construction-on-the-new-Elementary-School-continues--February-2024-Newsletter.html?soid=1127583543316&aid=Xp4s0TEfBtI

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 safety 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 February 26 - March 1 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.