“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!
Please help stock our library's board game collection! Our school library is a popular hangout spot for students, and having a range of fun, engaging board games available for them to play during their free time is a big hit. If you have any board games your family no longer uses, we would be thrilled to add them to our collection. Popular titles, classic games, and unique/creative options are all welcome. Here are some games we're seeking: Checkers; Jenga; Dominoes; Phase 10; Candy Land; and Chess, to name a few. You can drop off any donations at the main office during school hours. Your contribution will help make our library an even more vibrant and entertaining space for our students. Thank you in advance for supporting our middle schoolers! 🎲
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.
At Westfield Middle School, regular attendance is vital for student success and academic achievement. We enforce our District attendance policy to emphasize the importance of being present and engaged in learning.
Students are expected to attend all classes and participate actively. Consistent attendance aids in understanding material and develops skills like responsibility and collaboration. While absences can occur, we encourage families to prioritize attendance and communicate with teachers about extended absences.
To support students, we have attendance mentors who identify barriers, offer personalized support, and develop improvement strategies. Their goal is to empower students and foster accountability. Caregivers can monitor attendance real-time through PowerSchool to stay informed and address concerns quickly.
This policy and mentor support aim to encourage student presence and engagement, promoting academic excellence and personal growth.
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.
This is a friendly reminder that there is no school on Tuesday, November 5th for staff development, as well as Monday, November 11th for Veterans' Day. Have a great weekend! -Principal McMillan
Please help support Jillian's Bags Project by donating puzzle books! Thank you!
Dear WMS Families,
The holiday season is a time for coming together, and our community is committed to supporting one another. We understand that families may be experiencing financial challenges, and we want to ensure that every family can enjoy a warm Thanksgiving meal.
We are offering confidential support for families who could use assistance with their Thanksgiving meal this year. Please know that:
-There is NO shame in asking for help
-All information will be kept strictly confidential
-Only Principal McMillan will review the support requests
-Our goal is simply to care for our school family
If your family would benefit from a complete Thanksgiving meal, please complete our confidential Google Form. Deadline: November 5th. Request Form: https://forms.gle/dJ7Hvu7WbU6h7fh9A
Times are challenging for many families, and we want you to know that you are not alone. We are a community that supports each other, and there is strength in reaching out when you need help.
Request Form: https://forms.gle/dJ7Hvu7WbU6h7fh9A
With warmth and care,
Principal McMillan
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
Dear Westfield Middle School Students and Families,
While we do not celebrate Halloween as a school community with any specific event or activity, Westfield Middle School traditionally allows students to wear costumes to school for Halloween; therefore, students can wear Halloween costumes Thursday, October 31st only. However, all students must follow the guidelines below to maintain appropriate standards that respect our educational setting.
Costume Guidelines:
-All regular dress code requirements regarding length and coverage still apply.
-Costumes must be school appropriate.
-Costume preparations must be completed at home. (No dressing or applying of make-up, colored hairspray, etc. once students arrive at school).
-Costumes must allow students to fully participate in all classroom activities. Inflatable costumes are not permitted.
-Costumes that depict violence, gore, or horror are not permitted.
-Absolutely no props that contain simulated weapons of any kind (e.g., pretend swords, guns, grenades, knives, etc.)
-Masks or costume hoods are not permitted.
-Costumes that can be offensive or perpetuate a stereotype of someone’s culture, gender, heritage, or religion are not permitted.
Students wearing costumes that violate these guidelines will be asked to change into their regular clothes. Caregivers will be contacted, if necessary. Thank you for taking the time to discuss these expectations with your student(s). We look forward to a festive and respectful Halloween day!
Sincerely,
Principal McMillan
Volleyball Club with Coach Skorupski will be starting on Monday, October 28th in the gym from 2:35 - 4pm for the returning 8th graders only. Starting Monday, November 4th, anyone wanting to join the Volleyball Club can just show up and join; no sign ups required. Volleyball Club will run on Mondays from 2:35 - 4pm. Please have appropriate gym clothes and sneakers, and please arrange a ride home in advance.
Please click on the following link to view the October newsletter, "The Howler," from Westfield Middle School. Thank you! -Principal McMillan (https://secure.smore.com/n/dje6z)
Did you know that the center of Westfield was once a swamp? And that our city played an important role in the American Revolution? Mr. Strycharz' 8th grade Digital Literacy students learned about the history of Westfield from Cindy Gaylord, Chair of the Historical Commission and retired 5th grade teacher. Students took pictures of statues, historical landmarks, and architecture, which they will use for a project in class.
Click on the image below to view that latest newsletter from the WPS Health Services Department. Thank you!
Please review the following for important information regarding tonight's dance.
Dance Information:
-Additional concessions will be sold by the Builders' Club. Students are welcome to bring cash for this.
-Students can be dropped off by the cafeteria beginning at 5:45 p.m.
-Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and will close at 6:15 p.m.
-Students cannot leave the dance early.
Parking/Pick Up Information:
-In an effort to ensure a safe evening dismissal with 300+ students, please follow the protocol below for parking.
-The dance ends at 8:00 p.m. sharp. All rides should arrive no later than 7:55 p.m.
-Both pick-up locations (front bus loop and main parking lot) will have one-way traffic. Please enter from W. Silver Street.
-There will be multiple one-way traffic lanes. When one lane fills, please proceed to the next lane.
-When students depart at 8 p.m., please STAND OUTSIDE of your vehicle to greet your child. We will know you're ready when families are in their vehicles.
-PLEASE WAIT until your lane is dismissed. We recognize this might take 10-15 minutes, but this is to ensure students' safety in a dark parking lot.
-Once your lane is dismissed, you will depart by Amelia Park.
-See attached photo for visual of parking lot.
Thank you,
Principal McMillan
