Southampton Road Elementary School

Southampton Road Elementary School students will get active and get moving today’s “Fun Run,” an event where they will spend a class period outdoors running from station to station, doing various activities like sports and relay races. The event is a collaboration between the school and four Westfield State University students who are minoring in coaching. “I am very excited,” said physical education teacher Kate Bust. “I love partnering with people in the community and having some young Westfield State University students come is going to be really motivating for the students.” https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2024/04/westfield-state-university-students-to-help-elementary-pupils-get-moving-today.html

Now that the solar eclipsed has passed, Westfield’s public schools are passing on the special viewing glasses to students in South America. Westfield school district Curriculum and Instruction Director Susan Dargie said the schools are working with the Holyoke Fire Department to collect glasses to be donated to Argentina and Chile, where an annular solar eclipse will be visible on Oct. 2. https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2024/04/westfield-students-will-donate-used-eclipse-glasses-to-kids-in-south-america.html

Lauren Cadigan, supervisor of science, technology and engineering for Westfield schools, and K-6 STEM coach Lyndsey Ayers, said they are ready to distribute more than 5,700 solar eclipse safety glasses, a pair for every student and staff member in the public school system. Any leftover glasses will be given to the preschools at the YMCA and Boys & Girls Club. “Students won’t get them until Monday,” Cadigan said. She said 3,000 of them were donated from UMass Amherst, and the district purchased the rest. Administrators made sure these glasses have been tested to protect eyes from the intense rays of the sun. https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2024/04/safety-glasses-pinhole-viewer-project-have-westfield-pupils-ready-for-eclipse.html

Tonight's SEPAC Meeting is now being held virtually only. Thank you.

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

A reminder that schools are closed tomorrow, March 29, for Good Friday. Thank you. Have a great weekend!

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.

Preschool educators from WPS, the Boys & Girls Club, the YMCA, and Amelia Park Children's Museum gathered for a STEM Professional Development session with Instructional Coaches Lindsey Ayers & Kelly O'Sullivan. Teachers prepared to implement another "It STEMs from a Story" unit (Spring Edition) utilizing resources from Project Lead the Way. It was a great opportunity for collaboration among early childhood community partners in Westfield.

Click below for the Quarter 3 Newsletter from Westfield Public Schools. https://www.schoolsofwestfield.org/documents/district/district-newsletters/quarter-three-newsletter/598820

On March 13, Southampton Road Elementary School students from preschool to fourth grade participated in an obstacle course of the circulatory system, as part of the American Heart Association’s Kids Heart Challenge. The students practiced jumping, balance and gymnastic skills, while hearing about how the heart is a muscle that gets stronger with exercise. Physical education teacher Kate Bust said the focus of the AHA challenge is on healthy habits that can help keep hearts healthy. “I focus on nutrition, sleep, drinking water and physical activity. In our PE classes, we have been focusing on our cardiovascular health, learning jumping and jump rope skills,” she said. Before Joanne Hewins’ third grade class went through the obstacle course, Bust explained to the students that the four chambers of the heart are like a house with four rooms, and talked about the circulatory system, the relationship between the heart and lungs, red blood cells and blood vessels, and the jobs they all do every time the heart pumps 100,000 heart beats a day. “You guys have so much power over your body,” Bust said. “The more you exercise, the stronger your heart gets.” She said choices over decades keep the valves and aortas open, “such as the veggies and fruit in the cafeteria — to eat them or skip them. Poor choices build plaque, make the opening smaller and the blood goes slower. An athlete’s heart rate will be lower because the heart gets better at doing its job, and doesn’t have to work as hard.” The obstacle course had obstacles labeled as arteries, heart valves and aortas that the students had to crawl through, jump over and somersault down as they carried foam pieces representing oxygen and carbon dioxide to the correct buckets. There was also a heart rate monitor so they could check themselves at the end. The third and fourth graders also watched a hands-only CPR video, and by the end of the week had a chance to practice on life-sized stuffed animals. As part of the challenge, Southampton Road Elementary School students raised more than $2,400 for the American Heart Association through an online fundraiser. https://www.thereminder.com/localnews/westfield/obstacle-course-helps-teach-heart-health-to-westfi/

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

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.

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.

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.

Schools will be closed starting Monday, February 19, 2024 - Friday, February 23, 2024, for our Winter Recess. Have a happy and safe winter break!

Five teachers with decades of experience and one teacher new to the profession were surprised in their classrooms on Monday by Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski and members of his central office team with this year’s Grinspoon Pioneer Valley Excellence in Teaching Award. “Surprising our deserving staff members with the Pioneer Valley Teaching Excellence Awards is truly one of the highlights of our school year. Recognizing staff for their outstanding work with our students and contributions to the school community is something that I look forward to,” Czaporowski said. https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2024/02/westfield-schools-celebrate-6-recipients-of-excellence-in-teaching-awards.html

Due to the significant snowstorm being forecast for tomorrow, February 13, Westfield Public Schools and offices will be closed. Thank you.

Westfield’s Public Schools are hosting a “Countdown to Kindergarten” information and registration night in the Westfield Middle School cafeteria, 30 W. Silver St., on Tuesday, Feb. 6. Families of prospective kindergartners may attend anytime between 6 and 7:30 p.m., and may bring the kids. The snow date is Feb. 8. Assessment and Accountability Director Christine Shea said the district’s goal is to get as many kindergartners registered as possible, to help plan for the 2024-25 school year. “That way, we know who’s coming. We can have them come to screenings in May, invite them to play dates in the summer, and be ready to welcome them to school in the fall,” Shea said. There will be information for families, with central registration staff and translators available to answer questions and to register children for kindergarten. Children must be 5 years old by Sept. 1, 2024, to enter kindergarten in the fall. Shea said families can bring their paperwork with them and learn what else they need. A list of paperwork needed for registration is available at www.schoolsofwestfield.org/page/required-enrollment-documents. Families are encouraged to bring their prospective kindergartner with them. There will be a school bus outside for children to climb onto and explore, and inside will be a family “photo booth,” art kits with crayons and coloring books, raffle prizes and more. Between 6 and 7 p.m. each elementary school will have a table where families can meet their future principals and teachers. Partners such as the Boys & Girls Club and the YMCA, will also have representatives on hand, so families can connect and learn more about before- and after-school programs. The evening is also an opportunity to ask questions about transportation, to hear about school lunches and see a sample menu. Shea described the evening as the kickoff for kindergarten registration. She said if families miss it, they may register online, or visit the central office welcome center in the Westwood Building on the first floor of 94 Elm St., Westfield. The Countdown to Kindergarten is sponsored in collaboration with the Westfield Coordinated Family and Community Engagement grant and community partners. For more information, call Sarah Kotarski at 413-572-6439 or email s.kotarski@schoolsofwestfield.org. For translation assistance, call Laura Surprise at 413-642-9320 or email l.surprise@schoolsofwestfield.org. https://www.thereminder.com/localnews/westfield/kindergarten-info-night-planned-on-feb-6-in-westfi/

The mission of the Westfield Public Schools Parent Support Group is to provide opportunities for parents and caregivers to come together and gain information, training and resources. We strive to support strong family units and improve all systems of care for students with special needs through increased communication and collaboration. Please click on the image below for information on our next meeting on February 7 at 6:00 p.m. Thank you.

Good afternoon, We are excited to announce that Westfield Public Schools will again be offering tuition-free, full-day preschool for Westfield residents for the 2024-2025 school year. We will have full-day preschool programs at Southampton Road School, Highland School, Munger Hill School and the new elementary school. If your child will be 3 or 4 years old by September 1, 2024 and you are interested in entering your child's name in the preschool lottery, please complete this form. If you have more than one child eligible for preschool, please complete a separate form for each child. This form will be open through Friday, February 16th at 5:00 p.m. Families will be notified on or before Friday, March 1st. English - 2024-2025 WPS Full-Day Preschool Lottery Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf4LKRkI1KcqIrqIcjIuAJh37HXdNN6_8KjaAGaHqvj8v-pog/viewform Inscripción para la Lotería Preescolar de WPS Nos complace anunciar que las Escuelas Públicas de Westfield volverán a ofrecer educación preescolar gratuita de día completo para los residentes de Westfield durante el año escolar 2024-2025. Tendremos programas preescolares de día completo en Southampton Road School, Highland School, Munger Hill School y la nueva escuela primaria. Si su hijo cumplirá 3 o 4 años antes del 1ro de septiembre de 2024 y está interesado en inscribir el nombre de su hijo en la lotería preescolar, complete este formulario. Si tiene más de un hijo que reúne los requisitos para el preescolar, complete un formulario por separado para cada niño. Este formulario estará abierto hasta el viernes 16 de febrero a las 5:00 p.m. Se notificará a las familias el viernes, 1ro de marzo o antes. Gracias por tomarse el tiempo para completar esta encuesta. 2024-2025 Inscripción para la Lotería Preescolar de WPS: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf4LKRkI1KcqIrqIcjIuAJh37HXdNN6_8KjaAGaHqvj8v-pog/viewform Мы рады сообщить, что государственные школы Вестфилда снова будут предлагать набор в бесплатные дошкольные учреждения для жителей Вестфилда в 2024-2025 учебном году. У нас будут дошкольные программы полного дня в школах: Southampton Road, Highland School, Munger Hill и также, новой начальной школе. Если к 1 сентября 2024 года вашему ребенку исполнится 3 или 4 года, и вы заинтересованы принять участие в дошкольной лотерее, заполните эту форму. Если у вас более одного ребенка, имеющего право на дошкольное образование, пожалуйста, заполните отдельную форму для каждого из них. Эта форма будет открыта до пятницы, 16 февраля, 5:00 вечера. Семьи будут уведомлены не позднее пятницы, 1 марта. WPSpreschool@schoolsofwestfield.org Спасибо, что нашли время заполнить этот опрос. Реєстрація на дошкільну лотерею: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdPN0T8lNFAgvqGks5ZrUsRbW8-45zwAhqEtHhEfSj3JP1K5A/closedform Мы рады сообщить, что государственные школы Вестфилда снова будут предлагать набор в бесплатные дошкольные учреждения для жителей Вестфилда в 2024-2025 учебном году. У нас будут дошкольные программы полного дня в школах: Southampton Road, Highland School, Munger Hill и также, новой начальной школе. Если к 1 сентября 2024 года вашему ребенку исполнится 3 или 4 года, и вы заинтересованы принять участие в дошкольной лотерее, заполните эту форму. Если у вас более одного ребенка, имеющего право на дошкольное образование, пожалуйста, заполните отдельную форму для каждого из них. Эта форма будет открыта до пятницы, 16 февраля, 5:00 вечера. Семьи будут уведомлены не позднее пятницы, 1 марта. WPSpreschool@schoolsofwestfield.org Спасибо, что нашли время заполнить этот опрос. Регистрация на дошкольную лотерею: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdPN0T8lNFAgvqGks5ZrUsRbW8-45zwAhqEtHhEfSj3JP1K5A/closedform