Westfield Public Schools is pleased to announce an Open House and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at the brand-new state of the art Westfield River Elementary School on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. There will be a short ceremony followed by the chance to tour the building. No RSVP is needed. We hope to see you there.
Sincerely,
Stefan Czaporowski
Superintendent of Schools
Westfield Public Schools
Please see an important update from the Westfield Public School's Health Office by clicking on the link below. Thank you.
Westfield Public Schools will be closed on Wednesday, January 1, 2015. Classes resume on Thursday, January 2 for all students except those attending Franklin Avenue and Abner Gibbs Elementary Schools. Classes will resume for Abner and Franklin students at Westfield River Elementary School on Monday, January 6.
Happy New Year from the Westfield Public Schools!
Yesterday on "Superintendent's Spotlight", we talked with Tammy Tefft from the City of Westfield and Bert Gardner from Caolo and Bienik all about the new Westfield River Elementary School that will be opening for students on January 6, 2025. Our live broadcast from the school's media center was made possible by staff and students from Westfield Technical Academy's Arts and Communications Department. Thanks for watching!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acew-zW-qGY
Students will be on a Holiday Break from Monday, December 23 through Wednesday, January 1. Classes resume on Thursday, January 2 for all students except those attending Franklin Avenue and Abner Gibbs Elementary Schools. Classes will resume for Abner and Franklin students at Westfield River Elementary School on Monday, January 6.
Happy Holidays from the Westfield Public Schools!
Special thanks to Matt Della and the Student Government Association at Westfield State University. We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you who contributed to this year’s Thanksgiving Food Drive. In particular, your generosity and commitment of $3,015.00 made a remarkable difference, and because of your kindness, over 200 families received full Thanksgiving dinners this holiday season.
The outpouring of support from the students at Westfield State University highlights the true spirit of giving and reinforces the values we strive to uphold in our schools. Thanks to your generous donation, families in need were able to come together and celebrate with a warm meal.
As we reflect on the blessings of this season, we are reminded of the power of community. Thank you for making this year’s food drive such a resounding success! It was so wonderful to meet so many of the students at the Butcher Block on a very cold, very early morning as you presented your "huge" check. All of the students and advisors were so polite, so friendly, and so kind, it really put us in the holiday spirit. I am attaching pictures that captured the wonderful way to cap off this year’s drive. To say that we were overwhelmed with your generosity, is an understatement.
Please click on the image below for important information regarding school delays and closures in the event of inclement weather. Thank you.
We are excited to share the latest updates on the Westfield Elementary School construction project. Significant progress continues both inside and outside the building as we are quickly approaching the completion of this state-of-the-art facility.
Here’s what’s been happening on-site:
Electrical Finish Work Underway
Electricians are completing the final stages of electrical installations throughout the school. This includes connecting and testing lighting fixtures, power outlets, and switches in classrooms, offices, and shared spaces. Specialized systems like classroom technology, fire alarms, and security systems are also being finalized to ensure safety and functionality. Every electrical component is being meticulously checked and adjusted to guarantee it operates seamlessly when the building opens.
Punch List Process in Progress
The punch list phase is a meticulous step where every detail of the construction is inspected. This includes reviewing finishes such as paint, flooring, and trim, ensuring doors and windows function correctly, and verifying the installation of cabinetry, fixtures, and hardware. Any minor issues, such as alignment adjustments, touch-ups, or minor repairs, are documented and quickly addressed. This process ensures that every space meets the design and quality expectations for a flawless final product.
Final Cleaning and Furniture Delivery
The final cleaning process is in full swing, with teams ensuring that every corner of the building is spotless. Windows are being polished, floors are being scrubbed, and construction dust is being eliminated to create a pristine environment. At the same time, furniture delivery is transforming the empty rooms into vibrant learning spaces. Desks, chairs, bookshelves, and other furnishings are being placed in classrooms, while administrative offices, the library, and communal areas are being equipped with the necessary furniture. These additions bring the vision of a warm, welcoming school to life.
Looking Ahead
In the coming weeks, our team will focus on completing the punch list, conducting final inspections, and preparing the building for occupancy. With the last pieces falling into place, the new Westfield Elementary School will soon be ready to welcome students and staff into a modern, innovative learning environment.
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.
“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!
On Sat., Nov. 23 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Westfield Public School district invites members of the community to join them in a farewell walk-through Abner Gibbs Elementary School on 50 West Silver St. and Franklin Avenue Elementary at 22 Franklin Ave. Anyone who has a connection to these schools or is simply curious about the buildings are encouraged to stop by.
There will be displays featuring historic photographs, along with a virtual tour of the new Westfield River Elementary School on Franklin Street, which the students from both schools will be attending following the holiday break, showing what the future holds for education in the community.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2024/11/saying-goodbye-to-abner-gibbs-and-franklin-avenue-elementary-schools.html
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.
Please join us for our Holiday Tradition! Troop 821 is proud to host Breakfast with Santa 2024. Sit back, relax and enjoy some time with Santa as well as some arts and crafts with your family, while the Scouts of Troop 821 serve you breakfast. Please make your reservation with the link attached! December 7, 2024 at the Elks Lodge on Franklin St. Westfield, MA.
https://ticketstripe.com/BSATROOP821SANTA
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.
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