January 2022
Embedded Files
Superintendent's Corner
January is National School Board Recognition Month. Our Board members devote countless volunteer hours to the oversight of school district operations, including finance, policies, curriculum, and staffing. They attend many meetings, liaison with the community, research issues affecting the school district, and make difficult decisions… again, all as volunteers. Their work as school board members, and that of their predecessors, has had a direct impact on the classroom, ensuring that Westfield’s students have a solid education to prepare them for a successful and meaningful future.
Please remember to thank our Board members for their dedicated service.
Board President Brendan Galligan & Vice President Sahar Aziz
Board President Brendan Galligan & Vice President Sahar Aziz
Swearing in New Board Members
Swearing in New Board Members
Welcome to Robert Benacchio, Kristen Sonnek-Schmelz, & Mary Wickens
Welcome to Robert Benacchio, Kristen Sonnek-Schmelz, & Mary Wickens
Board of Education: Role & Responsibilities
Board of Education: Role & Responsibilities
During the January meetings, the Board of Education took part in training to continue to strengthen their roles as trustees of the school district. According to the New Jersey School Boards Association (NJSBA), the role of a Board of Education member is not to administer the day-to-day operations of the district, but to see that the school district is well run. The written policies of the Board provide guidance and direction to the Superintendent for making decisions and taking action. Well-crafted policies minimize ambiguity between the Board and its Chief School Administrator and promote the smooth operation of the school system. To find out more about the role and responsibilities of the Board of Education, click on the following link: Who Does What in Public School Governance
COVID-19 UPDATE
The unprecedented surge of activity that started the new year was extremely challenging for us all. Once again, through the cooperation of our entire school community, we have made it through to the other side of the peak. We are pleased to report that, since our return to full day in-person learning earlier in the month, our COVID activity continues to decrease with fewer reports of staff and students who have tested positive and with the state-wide COVID-19 Activity Level Index (CALI) transitioning to orange (High) from red (Very High) last week. As we move forward, we shall proceed with caution in order to keep our students and staff safe, while responding to the latest updates from the NJ Department of Health (NJDOH) and the Governor.
QUARANTINE UPDATE
Per the latest NJDOH Guidelines, revisions were made to require boosters (for those who are eligible) in order to be excluded from quarantine if they are deemed to be a "close contact" to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. Therefore, exposed close contacts who have no COVID-19 symptoms in the following groups do not need to be excluded from school:
Age 12 or older and have received all recommended vaccine doses, including boosters and additional primary shots for some immunocompromised people
Age 5-11 years and completed the primary series of COVID-19 vaccines
Had confirmed COVID-19 within the last 90 days (tested positive using a viral test)
Given that this is a change in practice for our district, Westfield Public Schools will phase in the implementation of the "booster" revision to begin Monday, February 14 in order to allow time for staff and families who wish to receive the booster to schedule appointments. Here's a list of resources for vaccinations and boosters:
New Jersey vaccination sites (including Union County)
MASKS
Per Governor Murphy's January 10, 2022, extended Executive Orders, masks remain required indoors for all schools for the time being. Anticipating the eventual lifting of the mask mandate, the district is in communication with our public health professionals to contemplate the next steps while we await any guidance from the NJDOH on the matter. While no final determination has been made, we will be taking into account immunization rates, booster rates, COVID case activity and infection rates in the decision-making.
This has been a long road for everyone and we thank everyone for their patience and cooperation. Together, we have kept our schools open and together we will keep our schools safe.
YOU'RE INVITED
Superintendent Dr. González , Director of Counseling Maureen Mazzarese, and Social Studies Teacher/No Place for Hate Committee Advisor Kimberly Leegan are among the panelists at the Community Discussion on Accountability & Action Against Hate on Thursday, February 3 from 7-9 p.m. at Westfield High School & via livestream. The event is hosted by the Westfield Human Relations Advisory Commission & the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Association of Westfield. Preregistration is encouraged.
Communication Survey
Communication Survey
The District is seeking input on ways to improve communication to the school community, as part of its District Goals for 2021-2022. Please take a moment to complete a brief family/community survey to help inform our efforts.
Surveys for staff and students are forthcoming.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
To advance the common and collective knowledge of issues pertinent to the school community, the District has created an FAQ based on frequent inquiries we receive via email and at public Board meetings.
Board Corner
Board Corner
DID YOU KNOW?
DID YOU KNOW?
A synopsis of each Board of Education meeting is emailed to subscribers and posted under the Board tab at www.westfieldnjk12.org, generally no later than the Friday following the Board meeting.
NEXT BOARD MEETINGS
NEXT BOARD MEETINGS
Tuesday, February 8 at 7 p.m.
Tuesday, February 22 at 7 p.m.
WHS Cafeteria B
Board meetings are live streamed via the district's YouTube Channel.
BOARD POLICIES
BOARD POLICIES
No new policies were approved at the January Board meetings.
Community
Corner
Community
Corner
The next general meeting of the Parent Teacher Council (PTC) will be held on February 16 at 10:15 a.m. in the Board Room at 302 Elm Street.
Online registration continues for Kindergarten and Grade 1.
Online registration continues for Kindergarten and Grade 1.
Detailed instructions and forms are available under "Student Registration" at www.westfieldnjk12.org.
A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS
WHS Legal Eagles
Honoring MLK
Holocaust Survivor Speaks to 7th Graders
Salad Harvest
January 9 was School Resource Officer Day (also known as National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day).
We are grateful to the dedicated SROs at each of our secondary schools and the Westfield police officers who make regular visits to our elementary schools for their commitment to making our schools a safe place to teach and learn.
January 9 was School Resource Officer Day (also known as National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day).
We are grateful to the dedicated SROs at each of our secondary schools and the Westfield police officers who make regular visits to our elementary schools for their commitment to making our schools a safe place to teach and learn.
Next up: School Counseling Week
IN THE NEWS...
Just Keep Swimming - Hi's Eye
Wilson Students Write Letters to Famous Alumnus - Westfield Monthly
Superintendent Reports COVID Numbers Subsiding in Schools - Westfield Leader
WHS Legal Eagles Conduct Mock Trial - nj.com/Suburban News
4th Graders Sell Handmade Bracelets to Benefit Cancer Fund - Tap into Westfield
IMPORTANT DATES
IMPORTANT DATES
February 3: Community Discussion on Accountability & Action Against Hate
February 8: Board of Education Meeting
February 16: PTC Meeting
February 18 & 21: Schools Closed (Pres Day)
February 22: Board of Education Meeting
Don't forget to LIKE us on Facebook @westfieldpublicschoolsnj, FOLLOW us on Twitter @westfieldnjk12, and SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channel @ Westfield NJ Public Schools.
Our Mission
The Westfield Public School District, in partnership with families and community, educates all students to reach their highest potential as productive, well-balanced and responsible citizens who respect individual differences and diversity in an ever changing world.
Page updated
Report abuse