February 2024
Embedded Files
Thank you to all who participated in our first Thought Exchange, an interactive platform that goes beyond the traditional survey to involve participants more thoroughly. There was tremendous engagement with over 1500 participants in the Exchange sharing 967 thoughts and contributing over 52,000 ratings. The ideas and thoughts on areas of priority in the 2024-2025 school district operating budget were insightful and will greatly assist us in the budget process. Here's a snapshot that I presented at the February 20 Board meeting as part of our series of budget presentations, and I will include additional details at the Board meeting on March 5 when the preliminary budget is voted on.
In the meantime, read on to learn more about the budget, as it stands now, along with upcoming community engagement sessions. In this issue of The NEWS Letter, we also share a video snapshot of Goal 2 as we continue to make progress in Year 1 of the 2023-2028 Strategic Plan. There are curriculum overviews of our Computer Science and Technology Education programs, an update on digital security measures, and much more information that I hope you will find helpful.
Sincerely,
Dr. González
Westfield residents will go to the polls on April 16, 2024 to vote on the 2024-2025 School District Operating Budget. Due to a new law signed last month by Governor Murphy, the process will be slightly different this year, with the Board of Education voting on the district's base budget on March 26 and voters weighing in on an additional spending proposal on April 16.
We encourage you to attend one of our community engagement sessions to ensure that your questions are answered before going to the polls.
Please visit our Budget Portal at westfieldnjk12.org.
Each month, we will provide progress updates on Year 1 activities toward achieving the goals and objectives of the 2023-2028 Strategic Plan. The video snapshot below takes a look at Goal 2, which seeks to promote school culture, programs, and practices that prioritize wellness.
SUBJECT AREA HIGHLIGHTS
SUBJECT AREA HIGHLIGHTS
As part of our Spotlight on Education Information Series, we feature the work of our Mathematics and Science Departments, led by K-12 Math Supervisor Elizabeth Delasandro and K-12 Science Supervisor Tom Paterson. These presentations focus on the district's Computer Science and Technology Education Programs.
K-12 Computer Science Overview
K-12 Computer Science Overview
Computer Science Program Presentation .pdfOur Computer Science program aims to nurture a mindset of computational thinking and problem-solving that goes beyond technology. We begin by introducing foundational concepts through playful activities and progress to hands-on tasks, collaborative problem-solving, and complex coding as the students mature. Encouraging experimentation, we aim to build students' capacity to learn from failure and persevere through challenges.
K-12 Technology Education Program Overview
K-12 Technology Education Program Overview
Technology Presentation to CIP.pdfOur Technology Education program is committed to fostering innovation, ethical problem-solving, and continuous learning for all students. Through teamwork in hands-on, project-based learning, we will equip student with essential technological and design thinking skills for a rapidly evolving world. Our goal is to develop independent thinkers who are adaptable, resilient, creative, and prepared for the challenges of the future.
Scroll through this image carousel to view February snapshots of the dynamic learning taking place in our classrooms and schools.
In addition to showcasing our Information Series, Spotlight on Education tells the district's story in words, pictures, and video.
Black History Month
Throughout the month of February, students across the Westfield Public Schools honored and learned about the history and contributions of African Americans. Last year, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Association of Westfield curated an African American History of Westfield Museum at the Rialto Theater.
This year, MLK Westfield continued to support our students’ understanding of the African American experience in Westfield through the creation of pop-up museums at Edison and Roosevelt Intermediate Schools and at the Westfield Memorial Library. The expansion of these museums increased the level of access for our students to both sides of town.
Scroll through this photo carousel for snapshots of our students visiting the MLK Pop Up Museums.
We are grateful for our partnership with the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Association of Westfield. In addition to all of the support they have provided us to ensure equitable access to the pop-up museums, the organization also provided our students in Grades 4-8 with access to an excellent resource that provides insight into the rich history of African Americans in Westfield.
As part of Goal 3 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.
HERITAGE, HISTORICAL, AND RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCES
HERITAGE, HISTORICAL, AND RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCES
Ramadan, which begins this year at sundown on Sunday, March 10, is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, during which most Muslims observe religious fasting from dawn to sunset. Ramadan also is a period when Muslims increase their focus on personal restraint, proper conduct, and empathy with the less fortunate through giving to charity and engagement in local projects. Muslims break their daily fasts by sharing meals with family and friends, and the end of Ramadan is celebrated with a festival known as Eid al-Fitr, one of Islam’s major holidays. (From cair-nj.org and history.com)
Every year, March is designated Women’s History Month by presidential proclamation. The month is set aside to honor women’s contributions in American history. (From womenshistory.org)
In 1987, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed March “Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.” The deinstitutionalization movement of the seventies and early eighties had laid the foundation for significant social change, and the presidential proclamation called upon Americans to provide the “encouragement and opportunities” necessary for people with developmental disabilities to reach their potential. (From Special Needs Alliance)
DIGITAL SAFEGUARDS
The Westfield Public School District has implemented a comprehensive set of digital safeguards to ensure the safety and appropriate use of the internet and digital resources by students when using devices on our network. These safeguards are designed to create a secure digital environment that supports educational goals while protecting students from harmful or inappropriate content and interactions online. Here's a sampling of what we have in place.
Application Filtering: Certain applications are blocked across the district to maintain a secure and focused learning environment. This includes filtering out access to torrent sites, cryptomining services, and VPN applications that could bypass security measures.
Website URL Filtering: The district employs a URL filtering system, using both allow lists and block lists universally for all students. This approach ensures that students can only access appropriate and educational content online.
Email Restrictions: Students are restricted in their email communications to prevent inappropriate exchanges and ensure safety. They cannot email each other but can communicate with district staff. Moreover, students can only send or receive emails to and from a vetted list of domains, primarily for college testing and placement purposes (e.g., College Board).
YouTube Restrictions: To control the content accessible through YouTube, the district utilizes three levels of restriction:
Strict restrictions for Kindergarten (K) students,
Moderate restriction for Grades 1-5, allowing teachers to access necessary resources,
Unrestricted access for Grades 6-12, recognizing the need for older students to access a broader range of content for educational purposes.
These restrictions are based on the categories selected by video uploaders, which may sometimes be miscategorized. Additionally, while parents can access Family Settings in YouTube on their devices, the district's filtering capabilities are more limited.
Google Safe Search: Activated for all students to filter out explicit content from search results and ensure a safer browsing experience.
Gaggle: This monitoring tool oversees the content within students' Google Drive and Chat, looking for signs of self-harm, bullying, or other concerning behaviors. This allows for timely intervention and support for students in distress.
Chromebook Policy Outside District: Chromebooks issued by the district adhere to these digital safeguard policies even when used outside the district's physical locations, ensuring consistent student protection regardless of where they are accessing their school-issued devices.
The Board of Education last met on Tuesday, February 20 in Cafeteria B at Westfield High School. During the meeting, there were presentations regarding a Demographic Study for the Westfield Public Schools and another update on developing the 2024-2025 school district operating budget. View the meeting recording and/or read more in the meeting synopsis.
The next Regular Public Meeting of the Board will be held on Tuesday, March 5, at which the Board will vote on the preliminary 2024-2025 school district operating budget.
2.20.24.Synopsis.pdfBoard Meeting Synopsis
Board Meeting Synopsis
Westfield Demographic Study.Feb 20, 2024.pdfDemographic Study
Demographic Study
2024-2025 Budget Presentation.Parts I and II.pdfBudget Update
Budget Update
Celebrate the Arts!
Celebrate the Arts!
The SpongeBob Musical
The SpongeBob Musical
Save the Date!
Save the Date!
February 5-9 marked National School Counseling Week. Thank you to our School Counselors, Student Assistance Coordinators (SACs), and K-12 Director of Counseling Falynn Balassone, who together help to shape the bright futures of our students every day.
National School Resource Officer Day was celebrated on February 15 as we extended our deepest thanks to Officers Nicholas Calello (WHS), Michael DiBella (RIS), and Ricardo Johnson (EIS) for their commitment and positive impact.
Westfield Student Musicians to perform with State, Regional Ensembles - Tap into Westfield
WHS Introduces New Elective: Holocaust and Genocide Studies - Hi's Eye
Lift While You Climb Award & MLK Award Recipients - Westfield + Cranford Local
Girls Track and Field Dominate the STCA Invitational - Hi's Eye Sports
Westfield Students Recognized at 37th Annual MLK Interfaith Service - Westfield Monthly
Franklin Elementary School Enjoys "Snow Globes" - Westfield Monthly
March 1 - Youth Art Month / Music in Our Schools Month
March 5 - Board Meeting
March 8 - Early Dismissal (All Schools)
March 20 - PTC General Meeting
March 26 - Board Meeting
2023-2024 School Calendar2023-2024_Observances__1_.pdf
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