Westfield Public Schools and Offices will be closed on Monday, September 2, in observance of Labor Day. Have a great long weekend! Thank you.

WMS Students: Principal McMillan is seeking 2 students from EACH PACK to represent their team of students - and the entire school - on the 2024-2025 Principal's Council. If you are interested, please click here - or check your email for the link - to complete your application by next Thursday, September 5th: https://forms.gle/ajAcPgmfKpXyYrP19

Please like, share, and follow the Westfield Middle School Facebook page for daily photos and updates!
https://www.facebook.com/share/utTG4yoxjq17EVpF/?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Dear WMS Families,
I hope this message finds you well. I'm writing to share that our opening day was marked by a strong start, setting a positive tone for the academic year ahead. Students arrived ready to engage, demonstrating a commendable level of focus and adaptability as they settled into their new classes and routines. We even had an unexpected fire drill within the first hour of school, and students did an excellent job! Their conduct throughout the day was a testament to the values we uphold at our school.
Our faculty and staff's dedication was evident in the seamless execution of the day's activities. Their preparedness and enthusiasm laid the groundwork for a productive learning environment.
As we embark on this new school year, I'm reminded of our motto: "Excellence Happens Here." Today, I witnessed numerous instances that embodied this principle. From the thoughtful questions posed in classrooms to the collaborative spirit in our hallways, our students exemplified the pursuit of excellence that defines our school community.
As your principal, I am deeply honored to lead this remarkable community. The potential I observed today reinforces my confidence in the exceptional year that lies ahead. I look forward to our continued partnership in supporting our students' academic journey and personal growth. Together, we will foster an environment where excellence is not just a motto, but a daily practice.
Thank you for your trust and support. If you have any questions or insights to share, please don't hesitate to reach out.
-Principal McMillan
Dear WMS Families: We look forward to welcoming our students tomorrow morning! Please remember, the entry bell is 7:50 a.m. For tomorrow only, all 7th grade students will line up by the double doors in the bus loop. All 8th grade students will continue around the corner to the far side entrance. Homeroom teachers will be holding signs and will help direct students into the building. In addition, administrators and counselors will be available to provide students their homeroom teacher's name, if needed. All students will have a two-hour homeroom tomorrow morning, which will allow teachers and students to review schedules, address questions, and navigate any changes that might need to occur. We promise that your students will be in great hands! -Principal McMillan

To emphasize the importance of attending school, DESE's "Power of Presence" initiative asks you to submit a creative piece of artwork, music, photography, videography, writing, etc. to express why you attend school. We hope to hear from everyone:pre-K to adult students, families, school staff, educators, and administrators!
Some examples include a short story about your school community, a painting of your favorite teacher, a photo of your classroom decorations, a video interview of your favorite teacher, a song you've been practicing for the school play, a testimonial about a new skill you learned - we are encouraging you to get creative!
We will choose one entry to be featured this spring, highlighting you and your school community! We can't wait to see what you create and what makes your presence so powerful. This opportunity is open to all students, school staff, educators, and families in Massachusetts public pre-K-12 schools and adult learning classes.
Deadline: December 20, 2024
To Submit:
Complete the Entry Form (with included Media Agreement language)
Attach your submission to the form.
Deadline is Friday, December 20th, by 11:59 p.m.
The creator of the entry that will be featured in the spring will be notified on or before January 10, 2025.
https://www.doe.mass.edu/sfs/attendance/?utm_source=DA-Commissioner%27s+Weekly+Update&utm_campaign=bcd0ba25fc-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2024_08_26_08_11&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-bcd0ba25fc-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D
Thank you to St Joseph’s Church for their donation of school supplies. These supplies will be distributed to our refugee and McKinney Vinto families

New Staff Spotlight: Welcome, Mr. Murphy, to Westfield Middle School!

New Staff Spotlight: Welcome, Mr. Starzyk, to Westfield Middle School!

New Staff Spotlight: Welcome, Mrs. Gillette, to Westfield Middle School!

New Staff Spotlight: Welcome, Dr. Petrucelli, to Westfield Middle School!

WMS Virtual Families: Please click on the following link for back-to-school information for our virtual pathway students. Please contact your grade level Assistant Principal with any questions: Karoline Kells, 7th Grade: k.kells@schoolsofwestfield.org or Jennifer Leveille, 8th Grade: jennifer.leveille@schoolsofwestfield.org
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1nySHGXtvaHtEV2KXqjuLH_aEYiuPu-LKovLHi_Eoq44/edit?usp=sharing

Westfield Middle School has several new staff members joining the wolfpack! Stay tuned over the next week for a special staff spotlight on each new member of our school community!

We are seeking School Council members for the 24-25 school year! Please email Principal McMillan to express interest!

Welcome to the 2024-2025 school year! Please view the attached letter with back-to-school information. Please note, the first day of school for Westfield Middle School is Thursday, August 29th. Doors open at 7:50 a.m. We look forward to working with you this year!
https://docs.google.com/document/d/12uvD5_YWXf-uAEQO9sayYsFOtGTmDvMdfoipQYhACAQ/edit?usp=sharing

Please see the attachments for the 24-25 Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) and EL Parent Advisory Council (ELPAC) meeting dates!


Approximately 65 rising seventh graders in the Westfield Middle School transition program were completing a team-building exercise in the gym around cooperation on Wed. morning, Aug. 7.
WMS Dean of Students Lauren Paret, who is running the four-day program, said the entering students will become part of the WMS Wolves, which are pack animals. Every day of the transition program the group is focusing on themes for the pack -- perseverance, accountability, cooperation and kindness.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2024/08/students-get-comfortable-in-middle-school-transition-program.html
7th Grade Families: Please join us for our back-to-school 7th Grade Orientation on Monday, August 26th. from 6-7 p.m. We hope to see you there! -Principal McMillan

Beginning on Monday, Aug. 5, hundreds of students entering Westfield Intermediate School, Westfield Middle School and Westfield High School this fall will have an opportunity to familiarize themselves with their new schools ahead of the first day at the schools’ transition programs.
Unfortunately, all of the programs are filled, but there will be scheduled orientations for some of the schools later in the month.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2024/08/hundreds-of-westfield-5th-7th-9th-graders-sign-up-for-transition-programs.html
Dear WMS Families,
I hope you are having a fantastic summer!
Please click on the following link to view the recommended school supplies for the 24-25 school year: 24-25 School Supply List
In addition, your student's 24-25 schedule will be available to view in PowerSchool beginning Friday, August 16th. As we shared in our communication last year, we will not be able to honor specific requests for teachers or teams. If you do not have PowerSchool access, please email Alexis Lemelin at a.lemelin@schoolsofwestfield.org.
Lastly, you will receive a more comprehensive back-to-school letter from me in mid-August. Stay tuned!
Thank you,
Principal McMillan

