The NEWS Letter
A monthly e-newsletter from the Westfield Public Schools
Embedded Files
December 2022
Superintendent's Corner
Superintendent's Corner
Each December, as my holiday message, I share with the school community a homework assignment which reflects on the past year and looks forward to the new year. Looking back at 2022 in Westfield and to what I hope for the future, I respectfully request that everyone pause and consider this year's ...
DREAM Team Hot Chocolate Holiday
Holiday Recess Homework Assignment
Holiday Recess Homework Assignment
Take a Deep Breath ... Finding ways to prevent and reduce stress cannot only help you get through the holidays, but can certainly support your success in 2023. Take time out of your day to relax and practice mindful breathing exercises to get your day started or help you prepare for the challenge ahead.
Talk to Those You Love ... And tell them how much they mean to you. Life is too precious and our children are growing up so fast. Take every opportunity to tell them how you really feel.
Carpe Diem ... Seize the day! This centuries-old motto reminds us that tomorrow is not a guarantee, so make the most of today.
On behalf of the Board of Education and all the administrators of the Westfield Public School District, we want to wish you and your family a wonderful holiday season. We look forward to welcoming our students and staff back to school on Monday, January 2, 2023.
Peace and Joy,
Dr. G.
As promised, we will use our monthly community newsletter to update you on the progress we are making toward developing our 5-year Strategic Plan. Here's a summary of some of the highlights that took place over the past month:
The Strategic Planning Council held its second meeting on December 7 and will meet again in January on the 9th and 30th.
Strategic Planning Council members reviewed the District's Mission Statement, adjusting it slightly with updated wording while maintaining the integrity of the message.
Please visit the Strategic Plan website at www.westfieldnjk12.org and use THIS FORM to provide your feedback on the proposed changes to the District Mission Statement.
The Strategic Planning Council also is drafting Value Statements to guide the district's priorities for the next five years. The draft Value Statements will be shared in next month's NEWS Letter for your feedback.
CURRICULUM CORNER
CURRICULUM CORNER
Our curriculum encourages and supports student-driven investigation, collaboration, and problem-based learning. Here are some examples of the quality instruction that took place in December:
Computer Science Education Week was Dec 6-12. Our students participated in the Hour of Code, an introduction to computer coding that uses fun tutorials to show that anybody can learn the basics.
WHS students experienced a powerful immersive exhibit designed to help them better make connections to the history of the Holocaust and to encourage them to work together to fight discrimination and hate.
Pre-K students at Lincoln were immersed in the study of nocturnal animals. They examine real life photos, play with figurines, read books, and create their very own nocturnal animals.
Tamaques students learned how to compare and contrast in Ms. Halloran’s class.
Jefferson 1st graders investigated sound and light during science. Students work cooperatively in small groups to discuss and share their learning.
Scroll through this photo carousel for December snapshots.
Mr. Borchin's third grade scientists at Wilson applied science and engineering principles to build cars, test them, reflect on their data, and revise their designs.
Designing and constructing roller coasters in Mrs. Friar's Technology, Engineering & Design class at Edison. Students worked collaboratively to meet design criteria, including a coaster that will carry a marble for at least 7 seconds.
Online registration for Kindergarten and Grade 1 is open for the 2023-2024 school year. Kindergarten registration is for all children who are residents of Westfield reaching the age of 5 on or before October 1, 2023. First grade registration is for all children who are residents of Westfield reaching the age of 6 on or before October 1, 2023 and have not yet attended the Westfield Public Schools.
Detailed instructions and forms are available under “Student Registration” at www.westfieldnjk12.org. A list of school contacts is available on the Student Registration website for anyone with questions about the registration process.
Online registration for Kindergarten and Grade 1 is open for the 2023-2024 school year. Kindergarten registration is for all children who are residents of Westfield reaching the age of 5 on or before October 1, 2023. First grade registration is for all children who are residents of Westfield reaching the age of 6 on or before October 1, 2023 and have not yet attended the Westfield Public Schools.
Detailed instructions and forms are available under “Student Registration” at www.westfieldnjk12.org. A list of school contacts is available on the Student Registration website for anyone with questions about the registration process.
In case you missed it in your principal's Friday newsletter, we are excited to announce our new app for mobile phones for the Westfield Public School District. Stay up-to-date with access to events, school news, student stories, and more. The 1-minute video explains how you can customize the app by school and sign up to receive push notifications of important alerts in case of inclement weather or other possible emergencies. You can download the app for free on Google Play or the Apple App Store.
Download for Android: https://bit.ly/3jPGpC3
Download for iPhone: https://apple.co/3KWIvMb
DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION
DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION
Heritage, History, and Religious Observances for January 2023
January 1 marks the start of the new year and the last day of Kwanzaa which celebrates African-American heritage.
Eastern Orthodox Christians observe Christmas on January 7 because they follow the Julian calendar rather than the Gregorian version of the Western calendar.
January 16 commemorates the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the recipient of the 1964 Nobel Peace Prize and an activist for nonviolent social change until his assassination in 1968.
The Japanese New Year is celebrated on January 1 while the Lunar New Year, a time of family reunion and celebration in many Asian cultures, begins on January 22 as the Year of the Rabbit.
DID YOU KNOW?
At its December 13 meeting, the Board of Education adopted the 2023-2024 school instructional days calendar, noting the number of days schools are open or closed. A list of federal and state holidays, along with religious and cultural observances, accompanies the school calendar to serve as a resource for planning purposes and to promote awareness. Both documents are posted on the district website under "District Information." Please contact us at info@westfieldnjk12.org with any questions.
2023-2024_School_Calendar_approved_12.13.22.pdf2023-2024 School Calendar
2023-2024 School Calendar
2023-2024_Observances__1_.pdf2023-2024 Observance Resource List
2023-2024 Observance Resource List
BOARD CORNER
BOARD CORNER
The Board of Education held a meeting on December 13, 2022. The next regular public meeting of the Board will be on January 17 in Cafeteria B at Westfield High School.
CSC Thank you! (2022).pdf
A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS
Winter Concerts
Hour of Code
Grade 2 Publishing Party
ACT-SAT Perfect Scorers
GOOD NEWS
Dia de los Muertos, WHS Academic Honors, WHS Marching Blue Devils, New Security Specialist - Westfield Monthly
Shadowlight: Stepping In and Out of Darkness - Hi's Eye
All Eastern Choir - Courier News (Scroll down to Westfield)
Wrestling Season Preview - Hi's Eye Sports
National Letters of Intent - Westfield Monthly
Westfield Education Fund Provides Funding for Important PD for Educators - Courier News (Scroll down to Westfield)
WHS Students Reflect on Back-to-Back School Emergencies - Hi's Eye
Online Registration Open for Kindergarten / Grade 1 - Tap into Westfield
IMPORTANT DATES
January 1: New Year's Day
January 1: Japanese New Year
January 2: Welcome back! Schools are open.
January 7: Eastern Orthodox Christmas
January 9: Strategic Planning Council Meeting
January 10: Special Public Board Meeting re Board Vacancy
January 16: Schools Closed - Dr. MLK Jr Day
January 17: Regular Board of Education Meeting
January 22: Lunar New Year
January 27: International Holocaust Remembrance Day
January 30: Strategic Planning Council Meeting
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.
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