Westfield High School

A voice from Westfield will be heard on national television this Monday, as Westfield High School graduate Madison Curbelo returns to “The Voice.” “I am so proud to represent Western Massachusetts on a stage like this and so happy to have you all supporting me along the way,” she said on Facebook. Her audition will air on Springfield’s NBC station, WWLP, Channel 22, at 8 p.m. Monday, March 4. https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2024/03/westfield-singer-returns-to-airwaves-in-mondays-episode-of-the-voice-on-nbc.html

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!

Check out the latest edition of the Bomber Bulletin here: https://5il.co/2f6ex

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.

Today really has been a special day at Westfield High School. Not only did we learn that we were awarded two Grinspoon Award winners in Mr. Dargie and Mrs. Bruno, but we also had the grand reopening of our Community Closet. What started as a small idea back in 2016 has truly blossomed into something special. Back in 2016, our Faculty Leadership Team recognized that something was missing from our school. We surely had many students who were struggling and in need of clothing and other items, but we really didn't have a space or the capacity to support these students well, at the time. We decided to try to create a community closet. When doing this, one of our staff members truly stood out as the ambassador and advocate for the need for this space. It was Jill Keenan. Over the next few years the Community Closet has had a few different locations and surely some different looks. Through it all, Jill has been there. She has been the constant source of trying to create a comfortable, stylish, and relaxing area where our students could visit without any stigma attached. She wanted it to look like a boutique. She wanted students to want to come visit, and through the years, students have done just that. Largely through Jill's efforts, we have received generous donations from various companies and individuals, grants from Senator Velis's Office, and a large grant from Home Depot that rebuilt our entire Community Closet room. Our Community Closet is an amazing space. It is a true testament to Jill's commitment to supporting our students both inside and out of the classroom. Today's grand opening was a huge success and I am grateful to Mrs. Keenan for her efforts. Attached are some images from today's grand reopening! Great job Jill!!

A Westfield teenager, with the support from a city councilor, is looking to complete his Eagle Scout project. The idea is to place an incinerator in the middle of a park for ceremonies that would honor both the American flag and our veterans. For 16-year-old Eagle Scout Brandon Cekovsky, he has been looking for a way to have folded flags burned safely to honor our veterans. “It was originally an open burn pit, and they (the parks and rec. commission) were concerned about the embers and the smoke,” Cekovsky said. “There’s just so much of a buildup and there was no easy way to dispose of them (the flags) quickly.” So, during the last year, Cekovsky has been working hard to get a flag incinerator in the middle of Parker Memorial Park, which is home to several stones paying tribute to those from the Westfield area who died during some of the most well-known conflicts in history. To avoid disrespect by throwing away a folded flag, there is a tradition of burning it known as the ceremony for the proper disposal of the American flag. “The American flag, as a symbol, is sacred. This project would allow all Westfield veterans organizations to burn a limited number of flags on a regular basis with greater public access,” said Westfield City Councilor Dan Allie. Allie has supported the project for a while and has been impressed with Cekovsky’s determination. While most flags would continue to be disposed of by veterans groups and Boy Scout troops in ceremonies at other city locations and surrounding communities, the idea is to have a small patio and incinerator in Parker Park to give the public a chance to observe the ceremony firsthand. With the project on the agenda at a Westfield Parks and Recreation Commission meeting Wednesday night, Allie, who is also the chair of the city properties committee, said there should be no issue with getting the idea passed. “Congress passed this procedure back in 1937 and I see nothing in local or state law that would prohibit them from doing this,” Allie added. No matter the result, the Westfield High School student is proud of his hard work and the support he has received. “My biggest takeaway from this project is keep on pushing, keep on persevering through it,” Cekovsky explained. “I could basically show the scouting community that even when people retaliate against you and they say, ‘no, you can’t do this.’ I just want to show the scouting community, ‘yes, you can.’” If the city’s parks and recreation commission approves the project, the hope is to have the patio and incinerator in place by Memorial Day weekend. https://www.westernmassnews.com/2024/02/07/westfield-eagle-scout-city-councilor-team-up-bring-flag-incinerator-park/

Westfield High School junior Sydney Drugan was named Sons of Erin colleen at the 41st annual Colleen Contest and Ball on Feb. 2. Members of her court are Grace Hanna, Brie Kelly-Barrett, Katelyn Jones and Riley McDonnell. “It was incredible, I was very surprised. There were so many amazing young ladies,” Drugan said after being named colleen. https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2024/02/dancer-aspiring-engineer-will-represent-westfield-as-st-patricks-colleen.html

The U.S. Education Department (USED) recently announced that data from college-bound students’ Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will not be delivered to colleges until March. While news of this delay is disconcerting, here is some guidance and information for students and families: Students should still complete the FAFSA. If they are experiencing technical errors, they should be patient and keep trying, especially when it comes to reaching Federal Student Aid (FSA) by phone. Students can also contact their prospective colleges and let them know that they are having problems with their submission. Federal Student Aid continues to correct errors. Anyone who has submitted their FAFSA but needs to make corrections will be able to do so once the FAFSA data is processed in March. National college access organizations are urging colleges and universities to extend financial aid and admissions deadlines in light of the delayed data. Colleges that depend on the FAFSA to make aid offers will most likely be delayed in sending offers to students. However, there is widespread understanding that students need these aid offers to make a college decision. To help families with the new FAFSA, which went live on December 30, the Massachusetts Education Financing Authority (MEFA) is holding several online events, including one on “Navigating the Challenges and Delays of the New FAFSA” for students and families from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 21. https://www.mefa.org/events/navigating-the-challenges-and-delays-of-the-new-fafsa?utm_source=DA-Commissioner%27s+Weekly+Update&utm_campaign=deda82ffdf-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2024_02_05_11_56&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-deda82ffdf-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D

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

Westfield’s public schools are hosting a “Countdown to Kindergarten” information and registration night in the Westfield Middle School cafeteria, 30 West 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. https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2024/01/westfield-families-can-register-new-kindergartners-at-feb-6-family-event.html

There will be a 2 hour delay this morning, Wednesday, January 17th due to icy conditions on side roads, sidewalks, and school parking lots.

Acting United States Attorney Joshua Levy is pleased to announce the United States Attorney’s Office District of Massachusetts in collaboration with the Federal Bureau of Investigation will be holding an online webinar for adults that will bring awareness to the dangers children face online and to educate adults on how to keep children safe. Space is limited and registration is required in advance. Webinar topic: Keeping Children Safe & Secure Online: A Project Safe Childhood Presentation for Parents Date and time: Wednesday, January 17, 2024 6:30 PM | (UTC-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada) Log in begins at 6:00 pm Register link: (Copy and paste into Chrome browser for best compatibility) https://usao.webex.com/weblink/register/r89884ccf204c605b8e466eb4be8aa854 Please direct questions to USAMA.PSCOutreach@usdoj.gov

Westfield Public School elementary teachers are looking to partner with professionals in the community to enhance our STEM Curriculum. The topics are described below by grade level. We envision your role with students being related to providing feedback to students based on their prototype designs. We will work with you to create a plan that works! If you are interested in Adopting a Classroom focusing on one of the projects above, please send inquiries to: Lindsey Ayers, PK-4 STEM Coach @ l.ayers@schoolsofwestfield.org. Thank you!

Congratulations to our Westfield High School chorus members for their performance in Saturday's Western District concert!

Bram Moreinis, a new computer science teacher at Westfield High School, has brought with him a tech internship program he developed during his teaching career called “Free Web Clinic,” in which students develop websites for small businesses and community-based organizations. The WHS Free Web Clinic is a work-based learning project within the school’s computer science program of studies, where students design and manage individual and group projects. The Web Clinic team will use professional tools and work patterns, learning together and collaborating to build or upgrade websites for clients. https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2024/01/westfield-high-school-class-seeks-clients-for-free-website-design-service.html