January 2024
Embedded Files
With the new year well underway, it's hard to believe that there are just five months left of the 2023-2024 academic year. We've accomplished a lot in the first half of the year, with much more to come. This edition of The NEWS Letter includes:
an update on the development of the 2024-2025 school district operating budget, including our new Budget portal,
a video snapshot of Year 1 activities in progress for Goal 1 of the Strategic Plan,
curriculum and special program overviews, including English Language Arts and International Holocaust Remembrance Day,
an explanation of how we investigate acts of hate at WHS,
a new community engagement platform, and
a refreshed look to the District Logo.
Thanks for reading!
Dr. González
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Stakeholder feedback is critical to ensuring that our work is responsive to the needs of our community. To that end, we are moving forward with a new community engagement platform called ThoughtExchange, which has basic survey functionality as well as a more interactive idea-sharing and rating capability.
On Monday, February 5, we will email our first "exchange" to the community, seeking your thoughts as we develop the 2024-2025 school district operating budget. The email will include a brief instructional video on how to complete the exchange.
We look forward to engaging with the school community in this unique way. Thank you!
Investigating Acts of Hate
Investigating Acts of Hate
In response to recent questions about the investigation into a swastika found drawn in a bathroom stall at Westfield High School last month, we want to explain the process and protocols in place at WHS, which are followed with fidelity. While these measures represent the specific steps taken at the high school, we are committed to addressing any act of antisemitism, bias, and bigotry with the utmost seriousness and diligence at all of our schools.
PROCESS:
All WHS restrooms used by students are monitored and students scan their IDs before entering.
This measure has been in place since January 2022.
Custodians remain vigilant for any signs of defacement during their routine cleaning operations.
Law enforcement is immediately notified after the discovery of hateful graffiti, speech, or actions.
Efforts are made to narrow down, if possible, the window of time the act of hate is thought to have occurred, with students questioned by the WHS administration, if applicable.
If a perpetrator is identified, there are school-related consequences based on the Student Code of Conduct and potential legal consequences.
CHALLENGES
Any hateful defacement is typically small and often located out of immediate sight.
It can be difficult to determine the age of the defacement.
The defilement most often occurs in a private location where no cameras are allowed.
EDUCATION
More than 40 activities and events have been held over the past several years, spearheaded by the WHS “No for Place Hate” Committee, a student-led, anti-bias program created by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). Click here for a comprehensive list of the discussions, assemblies, and other activities.
The Student Code of Conduct is reviewed with students at the beginning of each school year and at various times throughout the academic year.
While matters involving students remain confidential, we can say that a perpetrator has not been identified in the case of the swastika discovered last month. Despite the challenges inherent in this type of investigation, the district remains resolute in its commitment to provide a safe, inclusive and respectful educational environment for all students and staff.
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 recently signed by Governor Murphy, the process will be slightly different this year, with the Board of Education voting on the district's base budget in late March and voters weighing in on an additional spending proposal in April. At the January 23 Board meeting, Dr. González and Business Administrator Patricia Ramos provided the first in a series of presentations to be shared with the public.
That presentation (below) and other important information is available on the Budget Vote Portal on the district and school websites. The presentation also includes a mid-year review of some of the actions taken so far to achieve Year 1 goals and objectives in our 2023-2028 Strategic Plan. Please visit the Budget Portal which will be updated frequently as the budget process develops, including details regarding Community Engagement sessions to be scheduled in March and April.
2024-2025 Budget Presentation.Part I.pdf
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 1, which seeks to deepen the learning experiences of all students to prepare them for their future.
Strategic Plan - Goal 1 Video Snapshot
Strategic Plan - Goal 1 Video Snapshot
SUBJECT AREA HIGHLIGHTS
SUBJECT AREA HIGHLIGHTS
As part of our Spotlight on Education Information Series, we feature the work of our English Language Arts Department, led by K-12 ELA Supervisor Elizabeth Reilly.
ELA Program Presentation.pdfAs noted by Mrs. Reilly in her presentation, the department’s overarching philosophy is guided by the desire to nurture foundational reading skills, comprehension across diverse texts, expressive outputs, collaborative discussions, and proficiency in the conventions of standard English, progressing to the production of sophisticated writing forms, including thesis-driven essays with clear, logical arguments. This philosophy is realized through careful and coherent planning and data-informed tiered instruction.
International Holocaust Remembrance Day - January 27
Through a partnership with the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ, and in connection with the Keeping the Stories Alive program, students in our elementary schools (Grade 5), intermediate schools (Grade 6 & 7), and high school levels have had the incredible opportunity to interact with Holocaust survivors.
Through the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the pre-recording of Holocaust survivors, our students and teachers are now able to virtually interact with a generation of survivors that they would have previously never been able to. The memories shared through these virtual interactions enhance our students’ understanding of the Holocaust. Click on the following link to experience a Storyfile like the ones our students used to learn from a Holocaust Survivor.
Scroll through this image carousel for January snapshots of our classrooms and schools.
Spotlight on Education tells the district's story in words, pictures, video, and an information series.
MTSS in Focus
As outlined in the September issue of The NEWS Letter, the district is committed to a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) as part of Goal 1 of the 2023-2028 Strategic Plan. MTSS, which consists of three tiers of support, is a framework to provide academic, social-emotional, and behavioral support strategies for students with diverse needs.
We will continue to provide examples of MTSS in action. Recently, Franklin Elementary School teachers Valerie Neuhaus and Ramona Dunning worked together to create a buddy lesson for students in Grades 1 and 5, highlighting important Social Studies and ELA skills. Students used the book ‘Drawn Together’ by Minh Le, illustrated by Dan Santat to learn about similarities and differences. In the book, a Thai-speaking grandfather and his American grandson figure out how to bridge language and cultural differences through the joy of sharing the creative process. Both teachers used Tier 1 strategies, like a Venn Diagram, video support, and small group peer instruction to reinforce the importance of understanding and celebrating differences.
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. We look forward to recognizing heritage, historical, and cultural observances, including:
HERITAGE, HISTORICAL, AND CULTURAL OBSERVANCES
HERITAGE, HISTORICAL, AND CULTURAL OBSERVANCES
Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month. Other countries around the world, including Canada and the United Kingdom, also devote a month to celebrating Black history. (History.com)
Lunar New Year is one of the most important celebrations of the year among East and Southeast Asian cultures, including Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean communities, among others. The New Year celebration is usually celebrated for multiple days—not just one day as in the Gregorian calendar’s New Year. (History.com)
Presidents' Day is a federal holiday celebrated on the third Monday in February; Presidents' Day 2023 will occur on February 20. Originally established in 1885 in recognition of President George Washington, the holiday became popularly known as Presidents' Day after it was moved as part of 1971’s Uniform Monday Holiday Act, an attempt to create more three-day weekends for the nation’s workers. Presidents' Day is now popularly viewed as a day to celebrate all U.S. presidents, past and present..(History.com)
DISTRICT LOGO REFRESH
DISTRICT LOGO REFRESH
Our district logo has a fresh new look! Stay tuned for a refresh of our school logos, too, as we work to develop a more consistent and professional districtwide brand.
A HOMEBUYER'S DIGITAL GUIDE TO OUR "TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE"
A HOMEBUYER'S DIGITAL GUIDE TO OUR "TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE"
Do you know someone who is considering moving to Westfield and wants to know more about our school district? Newly posted under “Family and Community” on the district website is the “Thinking of Moving to Westfield?” portal with all of the key information in one easy-to-navigate space. Please share!
The Board of Education last met on Tuesday, January 23 in Cafeteria B at Westfield High School.
The next Regular Public Meeting of the Board will be held on Tuesday, February 13.
1.23.24.Synopsis.pdfSynopsis - previously emailed to subscribers, now included here - summarizes actions taken by the Board of Education at its most recent meeting.
3 WHS Students Honored with Lift While You Climb Award - Tap into Westfield
2024 Swimming UCT Championship - Hi's Eye Sports
15 WHS Students Earn Perfect ACT/SAT Scores - Tap into Westfield
Dr. Ruggieri Spins for a Chance to Win Big on Wheel of Fortune - Hi's Eye
MLK Contest Winners - Tap into Westfield
Westfield School Board Candidacy Petitions Being Accepted - Westfield Patch
Franklin Elementary Enjoys 'Snow Globes' - Westfield Patch
February 13 - Board Meeting
February 16 & 19 - Schools Closed / Presidents' Day
February 21 - PTC General Meeting
February 29 - PTC SpEd Committee Round Table
March 1 - Youth Art Month
2023-2024 School Calendar2023-2024_Observances__1_.pdfOur Mission
The Westfield Public School District, in partnership with families and the community, educates all students to reach their highest potential as productive, well-rounded, and engaged citizens who value individual differences and embrace diversity.
Page updated
Report abuse