Parent Information
Close cooperation between the home and the school is desirable for the maximum development of our students and is enhanced by:
Addressing Concerns and Problems through Appropriate Procedures
Individuals seeking answers to specific questions or concerns, are urged to contact the person involved. Thus, if a parent has a question or concern about the classroom, they should contact the teacher involved first, then the school principal or department head, and then, if there is still no satisfaction, an administrator at the Central Office, 302 Elm Street. Finally, if necessary, the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction, and Testing may be called upon to clarify or help bring about a solution before these very specific problems are brought to the attention of the Board of Education whose main function is to set district wide policy for the Westfield Public Schools. Answers to questions of a system wide nature can be obtained by telephoning the Office of the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction, and Testing at (908) 789-4400 x 4415.
Fundraising
Fundraising by students should be limited to non-instructional time. Activities that are an integral part of the curriculum such as book fairs are permitted during instructional time if the school principal determines that they have significant educational benefits. School-related organizations, such as PTO’s, PTSO’s, student clubs, booster groups, and faculty groups should consult with the school principal about their fundraising efforts.
Parent Conferences
Parents/guardians who wish to confer with teachers, principals or counselors, may contact the school to schedule an appointment. It is also helpful if parents/guardians share why they are seeking a conference so that necessary assessment data or other relevant materials are made available for the conference.
Parent Involvement
Parents/guardians are involved in their children's education in Westfield. Westfield Public Schools believe this is one of the reasons student achievement is so outstanding. Parents/guardians can get involved in school and non-school organizations and activities in the community in the following ways:
The Parent-Teacher Council represents each of the town's ten schools.
All schools have active Parent-Teacher Organizations.
A representative from the Board of Education serves as a liaison with each school.
Parents attend Parent-Teacher meetings, parent education meetings and school programs, athletic events, and assemblies.
Parent-Teacher conferences are held for each early childhood and elementary student. Conferences for secondary students may be requested at any time during the year by parents.
Secondary level group meetings and individual conferences are scheduled for each student about course selection and graduation requirements, etc.
Parent education and information sessions are scheduled throughout the school year.
“Back-to-School Nights” attract the largest numbers of parents.
The District and our schools publish a Calendar of Events, which lists ALL School, and Parent-Teacher events that can be accessed via the district website.
Parents are involved in school planning teams to develop school plans and goals.
Registration
Each December/January, the schools hold Kindergarten Registration to help determine the number of children eligible to enter kindergarten in September. Student registration is an online process; all information, forms, and school contacts can be found on the “Student Registration” quick link at www.westfieldnjk12.org.
Students who are not 6 years of age by October 1 and have satisfactorily completed a regular Kindergarten program in a public, private or parochial school may be admitted to first grade by decision of the Superintendent of Schools.
Pupils failing to comply with state-mandated immunization requirements outlined on the Student Registration website shall be excluded from school unless a physician certifies that immunization is medically contraindicated for a period and the reason for the medical contraindication.
Pupils shall be exempt from these provisions if the parent/guardian provides a written signed statement to the principal stating that the proposed immunization interferes with the free exercise of his/her religious principles. Forms are available from each school if parents/guardians wish to exercise either the medical or religious exemption.
Student records
are available for parents and guardians to view — simply telephone the school office for an appointment.
Volunteering
Parents/guardians and other citizens are encouraged to volunteer in the schools. Parents/guardians may arrange this through the classroom teacher; community members are invited to contact the school principal.
Withdrawing a Student from School
Parents/guardians who wish to withdraw their children from school should notify the school and sign the necessary forms to permit the Westfield Public Schools to send transcripts to the student’s new school. Schools may not send transcripts to other schools unless there is written permission from the parent/guardian.