April 2024
April 2024
Let me again express my heartfelt gratitude for voter approval of the additional funding for the 2024-2025 school district operating budget. This approval is not only a win for our students but a resounding vote of confidence in the district's collective future.
As I mentioned in my April 17 email to the community, we are greatly looking forward to the exciting opportunities outlined in our Strategic Plan, as we prepare for a public referendum in April 2025 focused on facility improvements and expansion of programs, notably the introduction of Full Day Kindergarten. If you haven't done so already, please use this application form to indicate your interest in joining our Referendum Community Advisory Committee. The deadline to submit an application is Friday, May 3.
Lastly, before you read on for the latest news, please remember that the district will be closed on Friday, May 24 and Tuesday, May 28 for unused snow days, along with Monday, May 27 for Memorial Day.
Onward and upward!
Dr. G.
Enjoy this video showcase of the
Westfield Public Schools!
We continue to make significant progress on Year 1 activities toward achieving the goals and objectives of the 2023-2028 Strategic Plan. The video snapshot below takes a look at progress made toward Goals 3 and 4. ICYMI: Please view our video snapshots of Goal 1 and Goal 2.
In this month's Spotlight on Education Information Series, we feature the work of our Mathematics Department, led by K-12 Math Supervisor Elizabeth Delasandro.
The mission of our Mathematics Program is to empower every student with mathematical and computational proficiency, preparing them for a future where quantitative methods, data analysis, and technology play integral roles. We are committed to providing high-quality, captivating instruction in mathematics tailored to meet the diverse needs of all learners.
Our program focuses on building conceptual foundations, nurturing strong computational skills, and fostering the development of critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. We aim to instill in students a deep appreciation for mathematics, cultivating their confidence in their mathematical capabilities and inspiring a lifelong love for the subject.
We uphold high expectations for academic excellence while offering appropriate support and rigor to ensure every student reaches their highest potential.
EARTH DAY POSTER CONTEST
Kudos to the student artists whose work has been selected in the district's Earth Day Poster contest. Thank you to all who submitted an entry. The featured posters, along with all of the submissions, are available on the website portal of the Westfield Public Schools Green Team.
SNAPSHOTS FROM OUR SCHOOLS
Scroll through this Image Carousel
TELLING THE DISTRICT'S STORY
In addition to showcasing our Information Series, Spotlight on Education tells the district's story in words, pictures, and video.
As part of Goals 3 and 4 of the district's 2023-2028 Strategic Plan, we will continue our efforts to celebrate and raise awareness of the diverse backgrounds of our school community.
The internationally recognized date for Holocaust Remembrance Day corresponds to the 27th day of Nisan on the Hebrew calendar. This year, the remembrance falls on May 6. It marks the anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising. (U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum)
Jewish American Heritage Month pays tribute to the generations of Jewish Americans who helped form the fabric of American history, culture and society. (jewishheritagemonth.gov)
Mental Health Awareness Month raises awareness of trauma and the impact it can have on the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of children, families, and communities. (youth.gov)
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is an annual celebration that recognizes the historical and cultural contributions of individuals and groups of Asian and Pacific Islander descent to the United States. (history.com)
Earlier this year, the district launched the Gaggle Safety Management System, which monitors students' Google accounts, including email and drive, for any signs of self-harm, cyberbullying, or other potentially harmful behaviors. Soon thereafter, we launched Speak Up for Safety, a safety feature that provides an easy way for students in grades 6-12 to anonymously share concerns about school safety and the well-being of their peers. Now, we have added an additional measure to identify students in crisis. This new feature monitors student web searches and browser inputs while the student is logged onto district accounts or devices. In all cases, any concerning content is flagged and forwarded to the administration for timely support and intervention, where necessary. As always, student privacy remains a top priority; all monitoring is carried out with the utmost discretion and sensitivity.
The Board of Education did not meet in April. The next Regular Public Meeting of the Board will be a reorganization meeting on Wednesday, May 1, followed by meetings on May 7 and May 21.
April brings with it a special opportunity to recognize and appreciate the diverse roles within our district that significantly contribute to our shared success.
Assistant Principals Week (April 1-5) celebrates these amazing administrators, whose leadership and dedication are vital to nurturing a positive school culture and supporting our students and educators in countless ways.
Paraprofessional Appreciation Day (April 3) honors our paraprofessionals, whose commitment to our students' education is truly invaluable. Thank you for your tireless support.
School Librarian Day (April 4) recognizes our librarians, who ignite a love for reading and learning in our students. Your role is essential in fostering academic curiosity.
Administrative Professionals Day (April 24) is a day to express our gratitude to the administrative professionals who keep our schools running smoothly and who play a pivotal role in creating an environment where learning and growth can flourish.
WHS Awarded Grant to Fund Innovative Sustainability Project - Tap into Westfield
Girls Golf: A Growing, Changing Game - Hi's Eye Sports
Westfield Superintendent Extends 'Heartfelt Thanks' to Voters - Westfield Patch
WHS Introduces Three New Science Courses - Hi's Eye
Letter to the Editor regarding 2024-2025 Budget - Tap into Westfield
Boys Lacrosse Bounces Back and Defeats Rival on Senior Day - Hi's Eye Sports
National Merit Finalists - Westfield Monthly
May 1 - Board Reorganization Meeting
May 7 - Board Meeting
May 15 - PTC General Meeting
May 21 - Board Meeting
May 24 - District Closed (Snow Day GiveBack)
May 27 - District Closed (Memorial Day)
May 28 - District Closed (Snow Day GiveBack)
May 31 - PTC Special Education Social