The much-anticipated solar eclipse is just days away and areas schools are preparing their students to have a front row seat for what could be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
“This is called a pinhole viewer…and some classrooms, we provided instructions, so that teachers can create these, and kids can use them and safely view the eclipse with things they have at home,” said Lauren Cadigan, supervisor of Science Technology and Engineering at Westfield Public Schools.
Throughout Westfield Public Schools, teachers have received resources ranging from directions on how to create a pinhole viewer, reading materials, maps, and more. Some of the masterminds behind it are Cadigan and Pre-K through Grade 4 STEM Coach Lindsey Ayers.
“I think students are more excited about learning when they can see something in real life. We’re excited about that real-life experience,” Ayers added.
However, preparations for the eclipse are extending outside of the classroom too. Across the district, after-school sports practices and games have been cancelled so students can take in the eclipse.
To view the eclipse, you need the right lenses to protect your eyes. Elementary school students were given eclipse viewing glasses, but teachers throughout the district had the chance to request them. We’re told the demand was so high that by Monday, the district plans to order and distribute nearly 3,900 pairs about 2,500 pairs were donations from UMass Amherst.
“I hope we inspire the next generation of scientists. As always, we try to create a space where all kids, if they want to be, can be successful in STEM and can see themselves in stem,” Cadigan noted.
https://www.westernmassnews.com/2024/04/03/schools-preparing-use-eclipse-learning-moment-students/?fbclid=IwAR1lAUd35NgO0rf-OqlCMdx5WBr0Y8gDgwaR-im7MpVClfrp_NcbRewMTO0_aem_AUtfRf3DEHnxeT87bc9iDiYdtPrI8iY9RQl8fnC4CRYKFiYJL5XLsB50hz-u0fQjjidQwBTV9qq_ayNSw1VdGzUQ
On Tuesday, Westfield Technical Academy senior softball pitcher Allyssa Slack saved the best for last.
Slack closed out a 20-5 win over Pioneer Valley Regional with her 11th strikeout of the day. More importantly, it was the 500th of her career.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2024/04/the-westfield-news-scoreboard-allysa-slack-records-strikeout-no-500-in-tigers-victory.html
It was a pitcher’s duel that wasn’t decided until the very last out. Westfield Technical Academy senior softball pitcher Allyssa Slack scattered four hits, struck out 13 batters, walked two, and allowed just one earned run as the Tigers turned back the St. Mary’s Saints, 5-3, in a season opener Monday at Whitney Field.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2024/04/allyssa-slack-homers-strikes-out-13-in-westfield-technical-academy-softball-win-over-st-marys-5-3.html
A reminder that schools are closed tomorrow, March 29, for Good Friday. Thank you. Have a great weekend!
Westfield Technical Academy had 59 students participate in the SkillsUSA District 6 qualifying competition against nine area high schools, and did very well against the competition in the written portion.
“We received 30 medal winners: 14 first-place gold medals, five silver second-place winners and 11 bronze third-place winners,” said allied health department head and SkillsUSA advisor Maureen Baillargeon.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2024/03/westfield-skillsusa-district-winners-raising-funds-for-state-competition.html
In Massachusetts, students with attendance rates consistently above 95% in pre-kindergarten through grade 3 outperformed students with lower attendance rates during any year between pre-kindergarten and grade 3 on the grade 3 MCAS tests.
Students from the Westfield Technical Academy (WTA) Aviation program are intently listening to Ms. Colleen D'Alessandro, New England Region Regional Administrator. Ms. D'Alessandro is the principal Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) representative for the six New England states: Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island and Connecticut.
WTA’s FAA students will play an incredibly important role in keeping people safe while flying. Upon graduation, and as a licensed FAA technician they will perform inspection checks, troubleshoot, repair and maintain aircraft, and ensure that aircraft continue to function as expected, and safely.
Click below for the Quarter 3 Newsletter from Westfield Public Schools.
https://www.schoolsofwestfield.org/documents/district/district-newsletters/quarter-three-newsletter/598820
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!
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.
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/
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!
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
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.
Five seniors in the Westfield Technical Academy allied health class of 2024 were honored at a pinning ceremony in the school auditorium on Feb. 16. Each student successfully completed the Nurse Aide Training Program at WTA and passed the state written and practicum exams in June 2023 to become certified nurse assistants.
In a traditional ceremony, students Makayla Brazee, Marissa Crepeau, Cheyenne Lamontagne, Emerson Trzepacz and Alexandra Valentine received pins as a symbol of joining the nursing profession.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2024/02/westfield-tech-honors-nursing-students-at-traditional-pinning-ceremony.html
Schools will be closed starting Monday, February 19, 2024 - Friday, February 23, 2024, for our Winter Recess. Have a happy and safe winter break!
