March 2024
Embedded Files
I am always humbled by and grateful for the charitable outreach that takes place in our schools throughout the year. I especially appreciate the time-honored tradition of Community Service Week, organized annually by our PTOs and always well-attended by our students and their families, with a wide variety of activities and charitable causes to support.
Rise Against Hunger at Wilson
Learn more about Community Service Week HERE and read on for important news and updates, including a survey for parents that seeks to understand student access to technology at home as the district works to enhance its technological infrastructure and supports.
In this issue, we also include information about snow day givebacks, along with an update on the 2024-2025 School District Operating Budget and much more.
Thank you for reading.
Dr. González
At the regular public meeting on March 26, the Board of Education approved the final Base Budget for the 2024-2025 academic year. Board members also approved an additional spending proposal that will go before Westfield voters on April 16. Learn more below.
Please visit our Budget Portal at westfieldnjk12.org and attend a community engagement session to ensure that you are informed before going to the polls on April 16.
Budget Infographic.2024-2025.FINAL.pdf2024-2025 BUDGET SNAPSHOT
2024-2025 User Friendly Budget.pdf2024-2025
USER FRIENDLY BUDGET
THOUGHT EXCHANGE
THOUGHT EXCHANGE
As reported previously, our first interactive Thought Exchange survey received tremendous engagement and we are grateful to all who provided their ideas and thoughts on budgetary priorities for 2024-2025 and beyond. Initial results of the Thought Exchange have been provided in the past two issues of The NEWS Letter.
In this edition, we invite you to read the Top 25 Thoughts shared and rated by participants.
Please note that you are able to filter the thoughts based on the participants' role in the Westfield Public Schools community.
School Community Technology Survey
We continue to work to enhance technological services and supports in the Westfield Public Schools. Your participation in this brief survey will help us to understand student access to technology at home. The survey should take no longer than 5-10 minutes. Please submit your response by Friday, April 19.
SUBJECT AREA HIGHLIGHTS
SUBJECT AREA HIGHLIGHTS
As part of our Spotlight on Education Information Series, we feature the work of our Counseling Department, K-12 Director of Counseling Falynn Balassone. School counselors are student advocates who work cooperatively with other individuals and organizations to promote the development of our students. School counselors consult and collaborate with teachers, administrators and families to assist students to be successful academically, vocationally and personally.
Counseling Program Presentation.March 2024.pdfSNAPSHOTS 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 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
Easter is a Christian holy day, celebrated this year on March 31.
April is National Arab American Heritage Month in recognition of the Arab American community's rich culture and contributions.
The Muslim festival of Eid al-Fitr begins at sundown on April 9 and commemorates the end of the fasting month of Ramadan.
Passover is one of the Jewish religion’s most sacred and widely observed holidays. It begins at sundown on April 22 and ends on April 30.
Celebrate Diversity Month each April provides the opportunity to honor and learn more about diverse customs, cultures, and experiences.
Unused Snow Days
Unused Snow Days
The District builds three days into each academic calendar for emergency school closings. One emergency closing day was used in February.
Barring any additional emergency closings, the District will be closed on Friday, May 24, and Tuesday, May 28, 2024, as noted on the 2023-2024 academic calendar.
The district also will be closed on Monday, May 27.
ICYMI
In case you missed it in your principal's Friday newsletter:
Upon return from Spring Break on Monday, April 8 (and weather permitting), the Westfield community will have the opportunity to view a partial solar eclipse. Learn more in this 1+ minute PSA about how to do so safely.
At its March 26 meeting, the Board of Education approved the final Base Budget for the 2024-2025 academic year, along with an additional spending proposal to go before Westfield voters on April 16. View the meeting recording and/or read more in the meeting synopses of the meetings on March 5 and March 26.
There is no Board meeting in April. The next regular public meeting of the Board will be held on Tuesday, May 7, which will be a reorganization meeting.
3.5.24.Synopsis (1).pdfBoard Meeting Synopsis
March 5, 2024
Board Meeting Synopsis
March 5, 2024
2024-2025 Budget Presentation.Parts I, II, III, and IV.pdfFinal Budget Presentation
Final Budget Presentation
3.26.24.Synopsis.pdfBoard Meeting Synopsis
March 26, 2024
Board Meeting Synopsis
March 26, 2024
Gifted PTC STEAM Night.Save the Date .pdfPTC SpEd.Managing Anxiety.April 16.pdfSAC Parent Academy.Drug Trends Flyer.April 11, 2024 (1).pdfWEF-financial-final.pdfOptimist Flyer 2024 (8.5 x 11).pdfProtect Your Kids.pdfMadison Zemsky, Grade 12
Senior Project
Madison Zemsky, Grade 12
Senior Project
SOCIAL MEDIA AND VIDEO GAMES
As their WHS Senior Projects, 12th graders Madison Zemsky and Chris Shinners researched issues of community importance.
Video Games on Social Life.By Chris Shinners.Senior Project.pdfChris Shinners, Grade 12
Senior Project
Chris Shinners, Grade 12
Senior Project
We recognized School Maintenance Worker Appreciation Day on March 1 and expressed our heartfelt gratitude to our maintenance team, the backbone of the district's operational success.
March 4-8 marked National School Social Worker Week. Our social workers bridge gaps, provide support, and advocate for the needs of our students, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive in a nurturing environment.
March is National Athletic Training Month. Our athletic trainers ensure that our athletes receive the highest standard of care, helping them to achieve their goals while maintaining their health. Their role in injury prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation is invaluable.
Westfield Intermediate Students Enjoy STEAM Field Trips - Tap into Westfield
Recognizing WHS Women in STEAM - Hi's Eye
Spring Musicals Kick Off in Westfield Public Schools - Westfield Patch
A Recap of Boys Winter Track - Hi's Eye Sports
Nominations Open for Optimist Club Award - Tap into Westfield
Heathers, the Musical - Hi's Eye
National Merit Finalists - Tap into Westfield
Nominations Welcomed for Philhower/Steengrafe Awards - Tap into Westfield
March 29-April 5 - Schools Closed for Spring Break
April 8 - Return from Spring Break
April 10 - Remote Budget Session @ 12 p.m.
April 11 - Remote Budget Session @ 7:30 p.m.
April 16 - Budget Vote and Board Election
April 16 - PTC SpEd Cmte Roundtable @ 7:30p
April 17 - PTC General Meeting @ 10:30 a.m.
April 26 - Crossing Guard Breakfast @ 9 a.m.
2023-2024 School Calendar2023-2024_Observances__1_.pdf
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