May 2024
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Just three weeks left in the 2023-2024 school year and we are busier than ever. We take great pride in the many achievements and honors awarded our students and staff. Our talented students are receiving prestigious academic recognitions, performing in spring concerts, competing with grit on athletic fields, and preparing to further showcase their talent at the District Art Show on June 4 and 5.
We continue to share with you the progress made in Year 1 of the district's Strategic Plan as we begin the work toward Year 2, including planning for a large-scale facilities referendum in April 2025.
We have redesigned our school logos, preserving each school's unique identity while creating a more cohesive brand that connects the schools to the district as a whole.
We have added Diwali, Lunar New Year, and Eid al-Fitr as days when schools will be closed when they fall during a school week in the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 academic years.
And we can't wait to celebrate the Class of 2024 ... all of them! Congratulations to our 12th graders, 8th graders, 5th graders, and kindergartners as they prepare to move up and move on.
Read on for all of this and more!
With warmest regard,
Dr. G.
Mental Health Fair at WHS
As the district prepares for a large-scale facilities referendum in April 2025, we extended an invitation to parents, staff, students in Grades 9-12, and other members of the Westfield community to serve on a Referendum Community Advisory Committee. We had an excellent turnout at our first meeting, with more than 60 community members participating in the two-hour event.
The committee heard from the district architect about a comprehensive facility analysis and provided feedback through a live ThoughtExchange and breakout discussions.
The Referendum Community Advisory Committee will meet again on June 17 and September 9. Once the referendum specifics are finalized, a public-facing Referendum Portal will be shared with the Westfield community.
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 our 5th and final goal.
ICYMI: Please view our video snapshots of Goal 1, Goal 2, and Goals 3/4.
As part of our work to develop a more consistent and professional districtwide brand, and following the rollout of our refreshed district logo, we are excited to share with you our new school logos. The district worked with a graphic designer to preserve each school's distinct identity while connecting the logos to the district as a whole.
SUBJECT AREA HIGHLIGHTS
SUBJECT AREA HIGHLIGHTS
In this month's Spotlight on Education Information Series, we feature an overview of our K-12 Gifted Program from Enrique Pincay, K-12 Supervisor of Gifted Education, Multilingual Learning, and World Languages.
Gifted Program CIP Presentation - May 6, 2024 (1).pdfEducating all students in Westfield Public Schools to reach their highest potential is at the core of Westfield’s mission. We believe that every student possesses unique talents and potential waiting to be unlocked. In the Gifted Program, we embrace a holistic approach that not only identifies giftedness across different areas but also fosters an environment where these abilities can be nurtured and flourish. With this in mind, our schools aim to foster the specific strengths, interests, and academic developmental needs of each student.
Early Reading Grant
The NJTSS Early Reading Grant with Rutgers University continues to be a successful pilot in both Lincoln and Franklin Schools. Next year, this initiative will be rolled out across the district’s remaining elementary schools in Grades K-3. One of the first elements of this initiative was for the district to select a universal screening instrument to more reliably assess our students' early reading skills. Learn more in this video snapshot.
FINAL.NJTSS-ER Video Snapshot.Westfield Public Schools.mp4SNAPSHOTS FROM OUR SCHOOLS
Scroll through this Image Carousel for May snapshots.
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.
Thank you to all who participated in the district's recent survey, which was centered on student use of electronic devices for educational purposes. Participants also shared insights about their overall satisfaction with school-provided tools. Click on this flipbook for an overview of the findings.
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.
RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCES
RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCES
Shavuot, which begins at sundown on June 11 and ends on June 13, combines two major religious observances. First is the grain harvest of the early summer. Second is the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai seven weeks after the exodus from Egypt. (myjewishlearning.com)
Eid al-Adha, or the “Feast of Sacrifice,” is celebrated by millions of Muslims worldwide. The holiday begins on the 10th day of the Muslim calendar lunar month of Dhul-Hijja, at the time of Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca. This year, Eid al-Adha falls on June 16 and 17, beginning at sundown. (History.com)
Pride Month is an annual celebration of the many contributions made by the LGBTQ+ community to history, society, and cultures worldwide. (History.com)
On June 19, 1865, nearly two years after President Abraham Lincoln emancipated enslaved Africans in America, Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas with news of freedom. More than 250,000 African Americans embraced freedom by executive decree in what became known as Juneteenth or Freedom Day. (National Museum of African American History & Culture)
The Board of Education met on May 1 for its reorganization, on May 7, and on May 21. Learn more in the meeting synopses (below) and by viewing the meetings on the district YouTube Channel. The last Regular Public Meetings of the Board for the 2023-2024 school year will be on Tuesday, June 11 and on Tuesday, June 25.
5.1.24.Synopsis.pdfMay 1 Synopsis
May 1 Synopsis
5.7.24.Synopsis.pdfMay 7 Synopsis
May 7 Synopsis
5.21.24.Synopsis.pdfMay 21 Synopsis
May 21 Synopsis
May provided numerous opportunities to honor the exceptional dedication and achievements of our faculty and staff.
May 1 - School Principals and Supervisors Day
School principals are the visionary leaders who set the tone, fostering a culture of excellence and inclusivity within their school communities.
Through their guidance and expertise, supervisors empower our educators to continually grow and refine their craft.
May 6-10 - Teacher Appreciation Week
Our teachers are the true architects of knowledge, igniting a passion for learning and discovery in our classrooms daily.
May 8 - School Nurse Day
Our school nurses' compassionate care safeguards the well-being of our students, ensuring their health remains a top priority.
May 18 - Speech Pathologist Day
Our speech pathologists provide patient guidance that helps unlock the power of communication, enabling every voice to be heard.
Three WHS Students are Merit Scholars - Tap into Westfield
STEAM Trip, Community Service Week, Staff Achievements - Westfield Local
Meet the WHS Crossing Guards - Hi's Eye
Boys Volleyball - Nail Biting Matchup - Hi's Eye Sports
Lift While You Climb Award - Tap into Westfield
Girls Lacrosse - Morgan's Message - Hi's Eye Sports
After the Fire Assembly - Hi's Eye
WHS Theatre Dept Receives 21 Foxy Award Nominations - Westfield Patch
June 4-5 - District Art Show
June 11 - Board of Education Meeting
June 12 - PTC General Meeting
June 19-20 - Early Dismissal (PK-12)
June 20 - WHS Graduation
June 20 - Last Day for Students
June 21 - Last Day for Staff
June 25 - Board of Education Meeting
2024-2025 School Calendar and Observances Resource List.BOE Re-adopted 5.7.24.pdf2025-2026 School Calendar and Observances Resource List.BOE Adopted 5.7.24.pdf2026-2027 School Calendar and Observances Resource List.BOE Adopted 5.7.24.pdf
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