Hello WTA Family!
I’m a day late getting my message out to you, which means I find myself here on Groundhog Day having just heard the unfortunate news that Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow. With any luck, this quirky old annual tradition really is just a superstition and spring is only around the corner. I know we would all welcome the sunshine and warmth!
Among other things, February brings with it the celebration of National Career Technical Education Week, which takes place this year from February 14 to 18. Typically, as part of our observance here at WTA, we begin the week with our annual National Technical Honor Society Induction Ceremony; continue with our “Adopt a School” initiative and annual Grade 10 Shop Induction Ceremony; and round out the week with our annual Allied Health Department CNA Pinning Ceremony on Friday. Sadly, due to the lingering effects of the pandemic, I thought it prudent to suspend these public events and celebrations again this year. Nevertheless, I would be remiss if I didn’t take a moment, on behalf of the entire school community, to remind ALL our students how proud we are of your achievements and your determination in these uncertain and unprecedented times. You are—ALL of you—beacons of light, and you remind us each and every day about what it means to strive, persevere, and, ultimately, triumph!
I would also like to take a moment to acknowledge our dearly departed friend and colleague, Rob Ollari, who passed away on January 7. Rob’s career in the Westfield Public Schools, and here at WTA as our Student Services Coordinator, spanned over 20 years. In that time, he was very much the smiling public face of WTA, and he touched the lives of countless students, families, and community partners with his compassion, his intelligence, and his humor. Together with his wife Karen, his daughters Taylor and Carlie, and his whole family, his WTA Family grieves his loss deeply, but we are consoled that his legacy to our school and community will live on. May Rob rest in peace, and may his memory be a blessing for us all.
As a reminder, all Westfield Public Schools will be closed from Monday, February 21, through Friday, February 25, for Winter Vacation.
Happy Valentine’s Day, and, as always, please know how grateful I am for all that you do on behalf of WTA!
Regards,
Joe Langone