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!
Today all of our Kindergarten students are being sent home with Literacy Bags made by our Literacy Team, Ms. Barbosa and Mrs. Creech. The bags include a variety of materials to strengthen literacy development. Students are receiving books, sand trays, chalk and chalkboards, dry erase markers and name and letter tracing cards and lots of other fun activities! Threre is even a bingo board that students can turn in for a prize if they complete three activities in a row! Thank you Ms. Barbosa and Mrs. Creech!
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
Click on the image below to view that latest newsletter from the WPS Health Services Department. Thank you!
Westfield on Weekends’ PumpkinFest will return from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Oct. 19 on the athletic fields behind Amelia Park off South Broad Street.
“A goal of any community event that brings people together is just that, bringing people together to interact in a world which is so online, so divisive sometimes,” said WOW President Bob Plasse. “It is so important for us to offer opportunities for us to play together and actually to work on a project and collaborate together.”
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2024/10/pumpkinfest-set-to-return-with-madison-curbelo-performance-food-trucks.html
Click on the link below for the latest edition of "Superintendent's Spotlight". This week, we talked about the new IEP and more with our Special Education Leadership Team. We also celebrated National Angel Food Cake Day with staff and students from Westfield Technical Academy's Culinary Arts Department. Thanks for watching!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=np4jTwSqU8k
October is National Principals Month, and we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to the amazing principals who lead our schools. Their dedication, passion, and commitment shape the educational experiences of our students and foster positive school cultures.
Every day, our principals inspire teachers, staff, and students to strive for their best. They navigate challenges with grace and create environments where every student can thrive. This month, join us in recognizing and thanking these remarkable leaders.
To our wonderful principals, thank you for all that you do. Your leadership and tireless efforts make a profound difference. Let’s all take a moment to #ThankAPrincipal and show our appreciation for their invaluable contributions to our schools and communities.
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 emergency operations 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 October 15-18 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.
Rain in the forecast may have stopped some people from attending the Big E on Sept. 26, as the fair only managed 48,078 admissions, far short of the pleasant-weather standard.
But on Salute to Westfield Day, it couldn’t keep several city residents from making the short trip to the West Springfield fairground to see their exposition favorites, like the Avenue of States.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2024/09/westfield-residents-enjoy-food-business-sightseeing-on-citys-day-at-big-e.html