A monthly e-newsletter from the Westfield Public Schools
Embedded Files
September 2023
It’s great to get out and about in our schools to see our students and teachers in action. They have quickly settled into the rhythm of the new school year, embracing new opportunities for growth and learning. For example, I recently had the opportunity to join a first grade class at Tamaques in their discussion about how different families celebrate birthdays. The conversation was tied to a lesson about data and I was invited to add my birthday to their monthly graph. Educational and fun!
Our Back-to-School Nights have been well-received, as our educators and administrators showcase their schools and classrooms, while giving parents a very real glimpse of their child(ren)'s school experience.
Read on to learn more about what September looked like across the district, with a glance of what to expect in October.
Dr. G.
We are on track to present the 2023-2028 Strategic Plan to the Board of Education for approval at its October 17 meeting. The plan defines the district's priorities and outlines goals, objectives, and actionable items, with clear direction on how to move the Westfield Public School District forward in meaningful ways. We are excited by the many opportunities our Strategic Plan provides to build upon the district's Tradition of Excellence and we look forward to sharing it with the school community soon.
Scroll through the photo carousel for September snapshots.
Social Studies and Business Education
Patriot Day: Seventh grade students learned about 9/11 through the lens of historical thinking, examining primary and secondary sources including photographs, oral histories, speechdes, and songs. As part of 9/11 lessons at the high school, Journalism, Humanities, and Global Perspective classes welcomed WHS alum and 9/11 survivor William Raff who shared his impactful experience.
Constitution Day: Students studied aspects of the U.S. Constitution in their Social Studies classes. For example, 9th grade students contemplated such questions as "What is the purpose of the U.S. Constitution and what does it protect?" Students compared the rights of U.S. citizens to those of people living around the world. Students compared the Bill of Rights to the UN Declaration of Human Rights to lend a global perspective to this discussion.
Subject Area Highlights
Math/Computer Science
Intermediate school computer teachers continued their work from this summer on the development of new curriculum documents to support new course offerings that incorporate more robust opportunities in programming. The educators are currently piloting new materials and projects in the sixth grade computer classes.
The intermediate mathematics department is focusing on high-impact, evidence-based teaching strategies specific to mathematics. Many have already begun to incorporate word walls and spaced homework practice that spreads learning activities out over time to help students learn more and retain the knowledge longer.
The high school mathematics department has identified groups of teachers who will take part in professional development experiences to produce materials to support high-impact instruction for our Algebra 2, Precalculus, and Calculus students.
World Language
Our English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers screened 33 new students; 21 were found eligible for the ESL program. Our new students join us from Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, France, Georgia, Mexico, Russia, and Ukraine.
K-12 World Language teachers began implementing activities to recognize Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 through October 15.
Special Programs and Student Support Services
Teachers prepared for the new school year with professional development focused on a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), curriculum alignment, consistency across grade levels and subject areas, and common expectations and processes.
The guidance team continued to register new students, while balancing courses and preparing programming to increase student supports. As an example, WHS counselors are taking advantage of lunchtime on Thursdays to support and inform our students on diverse topics. Recently, they focused on the college process and essay writing.
The PTC Special Education Committee held an informative Back-to-School Night at which families learned about district initiatives and programming available to special education students.
Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)
During the district's professional development on September 6, teachers across the district received an overview of MTSS - Multi-Tiered System of Supports - as part of our strategic plan's first goal. You will be hearing a lot about MTSS in the months ahead, but here are some key takeaways:
1. MTSS is a framework to provide academic, social-emotional, and behavioral support strategies for students with diverse needs.
2. The MTSS framework has three tiers of support:
Tier 1 is core instruction for all students in the classroom. Teachers use practices responsive to individual needs.
Tier 2 is targeted small group intervention for students with common skill gaps in academics, social-emotional learning, or behavior.
Tier 3 is individualized support for students who need more intensive help in their area of need after Tier 2 intervention.
This year, the district will build its collective understanding of the MTSS framework to better support all students. Professional development sessions on October 9 will provide additional focus on MTSS for our educators.
Heritage, History and Religious Observances for October 2023
Sukkot, a seven-day Jewish festival that celebrates the gathering of the fall harvest and commemorates the pilgrimage to the Temple in Jerusalem, began at sundown on Friday, September 29 and ends on Saturday, October 7 at sunset with the festival of Simchat Torah, marking when the reading of Torah is completed and the next cycle is begun.
From September 15 - October 15, we recognize Hispanic Heritage Month to celebrate the rich history and culture of the American Latino community.
October is the designated Heritage Month for Italian Americans, Polish Americans, German Americans, and Filipino Americans, a month-long celebration of their many achievements and successes.
On October 9, Indigenous Peoples' Day, we also honor the history, contributions, and vibrant cultures of Native peoples throughout the United States.
Columbus Day is a federal U.S. holiday commemorating the voyage and landing of Italian explorer Christopher Columbus on October 12, 1492 in what would eventually be known as the Americas. Columbus Day occurs annually on the second Monday in October.
Don't forget to download our mobile app! It's a great tool to keep up-to-date on what's happening in the district and our schools.
This 1-minute video explains how you can customize the app by school and sign up to receive push notifications of school-related news. You can download the app for free on Google Play or the Apple App Store.
The Westfield Public School District recognizes that clear, accurate, and timely communication is essential to establishing trust, cooperation, collaboration, and a sense of community with students, staff, families, and all Westfield residents.
The district's Communication Plan seeks to ensure that the messaging is meaningful, relevant, and consistent with district goals.
Genesis.Absence Reporting.pdfREPORTING YOUR
CHILD'S ABSENCE
Thank you to all who are utilizing the Genesis Parent Portal to report your child's absence or late arrival. As a reminder, here are instructions on how to do so.
The Board of Education last met on Tuesday, September 19 in Cafeteria B at Westfield High School.
The next Regular Public Meeting of the Board will be held on Tuesday, October 17.
From the Town of Westfield
From the Town of Westfield
EDISON FIELDS REFERENDUM INFORMATION
As a reminder, the Edison Fields project will be on the ballot in the November 7 General Election. While this project was approved by a supermajority of the Board of Education and Town Council, a successful petition was subsequently submitted to require a referendum on the November 7 ballot. In simple terms, a YES vote will move the Edison Fields project forward, and a NO vote will stop the project. Please take the time to familiarize yourselves with the details of the project through the following resources provided by the Town, including the fact sheet below, as well as detailed FAQs, background, and analysis on the Town website.
We're Hiring!
Check out our Jobs Portal
Become a Substitute Today!
The Westfield Public School District is seeking Substitute Teachers who hold appropriate credentials. The district accepts candidates with a Standard Certificate, CEAS, CE, or a current County Substitute Certificate. The district also is seeking substitute paraprofessionals and secretaries.
The District also is in need of Substitute Nurses, an ideal position for a stay-at-home parent or grandparent who are registered nurses.
Click HERE to learn more.
Westfield Educators Receive Prestigious Recognition - Tap into Westfield
Westfield Boys Soccer Holds on in Thrilling Victory - Hi's Eye Sports
New Student Representative Sits on Westfield School Board - Tap into Westfield
9/11 Survivor Shares Impactful Experience with WHS Students - Tap into Westfield
Opening Day at Westfield Schools - Westfield Patch
On September 19, we thanked our information and instructional technology professionals for keeping the district's digital world running smoothly and securely.
On September 19, we thanked our information and instructional technology professionals for keeping the district's digital world running smoothly and securely.
Next Up: School Custodian Day on October 2 and National Physical Therapy Month.
Next Up: School Custodian Day on October 2 and National Physical Therapy Month.
October 4 - Walk and Bike to School Day
October 9 - Schools Closed / Staff In-Service
October 17 - Board of Education Meeting
October 18 - PTC General Meeting
October 19 - PTC Special Education Fall Social
October 31 - Halloween
2023-2024 School Calendar2023-2024_Observances__1_.pdfOur Mission
The Westfield Public School District, in partnership with families and community, educates all students to reach their highest potential as productive, well-balanced and responsible citizens who respect individual differences and diversity in an ever changing world.
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