Westfield Middle School

Dear Families and Community Members, Westfield Public Schools received notification from PowerSchool that we have not been affected by the cybersecurity incident they became aware of on January 7, 2025 that occurred on December 28, 2024. Westfield’s IT Department and the WPS Data Department have done internal checks, and have not found any data inconsistencies or concerns. Please reach out to Christine Shea if you have any questions at christine.shea@schoolsofwestfield.org or (413) 642-9320. Stefan Czaporowski Superintendent

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!

In observance of the holidays, the WMS Main Office is closed Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Regular hours will resume on Friday from 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Happy Holidays!

We are always incredibly grateful for our WTA students who volunteer their time to assist with low-level computer repairs here at WMS. Thank you Bianca, Emily, Evelyn, and Brayden!

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!

Please click on the following link to view December's newsletter from Westfield Middle School: https://secure.smore.com/n/96rgt Thank you, Principal McMillan

When one thinks of Santa Claus it’s usually of a jolly, round man with a heart as big as his belly sporting a curly white beard, with twinkling eyes, and a red suit trimmed with white fur wearing black, shiny boots, not a clean-cut man dressed in blue delivering bulging garbage bags. But on Thursday, a group of police officers and student cadets played the same role as Santa – delivering Christmas cheer throughout the city to many of its public-school students. https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2024/12/westfield-police-officers-and-cadets-were-spreading-christmas-cheer-thursday.html

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.

Bundle up! Our students will be going outside come rain, shine, or arctic temperatures. Think of our daily outdoor time as character-building boot camp. Yes, that means EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. Blizzard? We're out. Light drizzle? We're out. Frost on the ground or snow on the back field? Definitely out. We're teaching students that a little weather is nothing compared to the joy of fresh air and freedom! Please ensure your child arrives dressed like they're preparing for an expedition to the North Pole: -Warm jackets (not hoodies, not light sweaters - WARM jackets) -Gloves that actually cover fingers -Hats that protect ears from turning into popsicles -Close-toed shoes (and NO, as I gently remind our young friends each day, fuzzy slippers and Crocs do not count) Now, let's talk about exceptions. We're not completely weather-crazy. There are two weather conditions that will keep us inside: pouring rain or a dangerous wind chill that could risk student safety. As Chief Meteorologist, I closely monitor the wind-chill factor (see attached), as well as recommendations from local weather reports. If your child looks like they're ready to climb Mount Everest, they're probably dressed just right for our outdoor adventure time. Think layers, warmth, and practicality. Important note: Students who are not appropriately dressed will be asked to stay inside. We're building resilient, weather-resistant students here! Meteorologically yours, Principal McMillan

The WMS Builders’ Club, overseen by Mrs. Skorupski and Mrs. Elder, volunteered their time today at WSU’s annual Breakfast with Santa! Our students provided face painting, facilitated a letter writing activity, and coordinated a game section for kids. Principal McMillan and his family were pleased to run into our school community members and participate in the festivities.

Happy Friday! Please know, your child will be bringing their trimester 1 report card home today. Please be sure to ask for this copy. Thank you! -Principal McMillan

Please click on the image below for important information regarding school delays and closures in the event of inclement weather. Thank you.

WMS Families, The holidays are the season of giving; giving love and giving thanks. The holidays are also about showing appreciation and helping those in need. It only takes a moment to look into a child’s eyes and see the joy the season brings. This holiday season, the Westfield Police Cadet Program will be making those wishes come true for our children in need. Schools will be working with the Cadet program to then provide the gifts to families in need. If you are able to contribute, we appreciate your support! If your family is in need this holiday season, we are here to support you! Please click on the following link to provide some additional information that will be sent directly to Principal McMillan and will be kept confidential: https://forms.gle/2zB21wUqpsDmAeTEA Thank you and Happy Holidays! -Mr.McMillan

Happy Thanksgiving!

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.

Dear WMS Families, I want to take a moment to express my deep gratitude for our school community. This season of reflection reminds us of the fundamental connections that bind us together - as families, as educators, and as a shared community dedicated to our children's growth and success. I'd also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our families. Your daily commitments - supporting learning at home, transporting your child (and their friends!) to/from after-school commitments, and showing up for your children in countless ways - make an immeasurable difference. Behind every successful student is a family providing love, guidance, and support. Thanksgiving is a time-honored tradition of gathering, sharing, and expressing appreciation. It is my hope that everyone has an opportunity this Thanksgiving season to feel the warmth of family and the joy of shared moments. As always, we are thankful for the trust you place in our team at WMS. Your partnership makes everything we do possible. Happy Thanksgiving! -Principal McMillan

Last chance to win a gift card or gift basket! Westfield State University researchers are offering the opportunity for parents/guardians to win one of several available gift cards from local businesses or one of several $50 gift baskets! To be entered to win, parents/guardians will complete a brief survey. Participation will require no more than 10 minutes. To participate (and get more details about the study), click on the link below or copy and paste it into a browser. Students whose parent/guardian completes a survey will then be asked to complete a survey at school and will receive 2 Red PACK Tickets each for participating. Parents/guardians have until Tuesday, November 26, 2024 to complete the survey and be entered to win. LINK: https://s.alchemer.com/s3/Early-Experiences-Traits-Study-Schools-Parent-Version Sincerely, Westfield Middle School & Westfield State University

Please click here to view updated protocols for the 7th grade class. Thank you! https://docs.google.com/document/d/1niN0oRLsVUwWzwBmkS3fkJLKdKduKLpvfPuyQNwiyhA/edit?usp=sharing