The NEWS Letter

May is always an exciting time in our schools as we celebrate student achievements, spring events, concerts, field days, and the many milestones that come with the end of the school year. It’s also a great opportunity to reflect on all the hard work and growth we’ve seen from our students this year.

Thank you for your continued support, partnership, and dedication to our school community. Wishing everyone a strong finish to the school year!

Warm regards,

Dr. González

McKinley Elementary School third grade teacher Nicole Barca

Westfield High School Assistant Head Night Custodian Francesco Dori

Edison Intermediate School language arts teacher Jessica Mikovits

Roosevelt Intermediate School mathematics teacher Linda Morrison

Social studies teacher Jeffrey Knight received the Jeffery Family Above and Beyond Award

English teacher Caitlin Cheddar earned the 2026 Distinguished Teacher of the Year Award

Art teacher Leah Jarvis was honored with the PTSO Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award

Latin teacher James Rowan received the 2026 Robert and Linda Foose Memorial Award

As technology continues to play a bigger role in students’ lives, the district is taking thoughtful steps to create a healthier and more balanced approach to technology use in our schools. Beginning in the 2026–2027 school year, several updates will help ensure that technology remains a meaningful learning tool while also supporting student wellness, focus, and digital safety.

Some of the changes include moving away from take-home 1:1 Chromebooks for students in grades K–3, adding stronger restrictions on non-educational content and apps during the school day, and enhancing digital safety and filtering tools on district devices. The district will also introduce ClassLink to simplify and better manage student access to instructional programs, while strengthening cybersecurity protections and oversight of age-appropriate digital resources.

In addition, the district is partnering with the Secure Data Privacy Consortium and the New Jersey Student Privacy Alliance to further strengthen student data privacy and ensure that all digital tools used in classrooms meet high standards for safety and security.

Together, these updates reflect the district’s commitment to helping students build healthy technology habits while continuing to prepare them for success in an increasingly digital world.

As part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen personalized learning opportunities for students, the Westfield Public School District Gifted & Enrichment Department recently completed a comprehensive review of our Tier 3 gifted programming. Guided by the district’s strategic plan and our Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) framework, this work focused on creating a program that is more responsive to student needs and academically engaging.

Beginning in the 2026–2027 school year, our redesigned elementary gifted program will be known as Compass. Compass reflects an exciting next step in how we support advanced learners across the district. The updated model is designed to provide students with meaningful opportunities to think critically, collaborate creatively, and engage in authentic problem-solving experiences, while also giving us greater flexibility to respond to student growth over time.

What’s Changing?

A New Home for Grades 4 & 5
The current 4th and 5th-grade gifted programming model will continue next year with one important change: the program will move from Edison Intermediate School to Franklin Elementary School beginning in September 2026.

A New 3rd Grade Pilot
We are also excited to launch a new Compass pilot program for eligible rising 3rd graders. This pilot will take place directly within students’ home schools, allowing students to remain connected to their classroom communities while participating in enriched learning experiences.

A More Comprehensive Identification Process
Compass introduces a multi-measure identification model that considers a broader range of student data. In addition to the CogAT, the district will review multiple universal screeners, aptitude measures, and achievement assessments using local norms rather than relying on a single cutoff score. This approach allows us to better identify student potential within the context of our own district community.

Third Grade Compass Pathways Pilot

Under the new model, identified rising third-grade students may qualify for one or both of the following pathways:

Navigate
Navigate is designed for students with a strong, balanced academic profile and emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, communication, research, and real-world problem-solving through discussion and project-based learning.

Axis
Axis is designed for students demonstrating strong mathematical potential and focuses on advanced problem-solving, strategic thinking, mathematical reasoning, and real-world applications through enriched and competition-based experiences.

Screening & Next Steps

Because student growth is dynamic, Compass Coordinators will continue to monitor student progress annually to ensure programming remains aligned with evolving academic needs at every grade level.

• Rising 4th and 5th Graders: The initial screening process has been completed, and families of students moving on to further testing have already been notified.

• Rising 3rd Graders: Screening and data review will continue into the fall. Families of students being considered for services will be contacted by the end of October once all data has been compiled and reviewed.

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We are excited about the future of Compass and deeply appreciate the continued partnership of our families as we work together to support and inspire advanced learners across the district.

Throughout May, Westfield Public Schools recognized Mental Health Awareness Month with activities across all grade levels focused on helping students feel connected, supported, and heard. The goal is simple: reduce stigma, build coping skills, and encourage students to reach out when they need help.

At the elementary level, students engaged in social-emotional learning activities like small group counseling, friendship and communication skill-building, mindfulness, and wellness experiences such as yoga, art, movement, and visits with therapy dogs. Fifth graders also took part in transition groups to help them prepare for middle school.

Across the district, schools are continuing to highlight kindness and positive character through programs and activities that build empathy, inclusion, and a strong sense of belonging.

At Edison and Roosevelt Intermediate Schools, students participated in Mental Health Awareness Week activities, advisory lessons, and daily challenges that encourage open conversations about mental health. Students also engaged in health lessons focused on decision-making and healthy choices.

At Westfield High School, students attended a Mental Health Fair connecting them with local organizations and resources, helping them better understand where and how to access support.

The message across all schools is consistent: it’s okay to talk about mental health, help is always available, and every student deserves to feel valued and supported.

Westfield Public Schools continues its work to strengthen inclusion through professional learning and collaboration with the All In initiative, with a focus on co-teaching, differentiated instruction, and increasing access to general education settings for all students.

Planning continues on referendum projects aimed at improving learning spaces for students with diverse needs, including small group instruction areas, therapy rooms, sensory-friendly spaces, and accessibility upgrades.

This month, families joined a Special Education Parent Roundtable at Lincoln Early Learning Center, where district leaders shared updates and gathered feedback on inclusion, services, and program development.

Finally, the district shared that it will be transitioning to InSite Health as its new therapeutic services provider beginning July 1, 2026, expanding access to school-based mental health supports and strengthening coordination with families and staff. More details will be shared soon to support a smooth transition.

The feedback we receive through our monthly polls plays an important role in shaping how we communicate with our community. Thanks to your participation, we are working towards communicating end of year activities so you do not miss out on any of the fun!

Each month, we will continue to share updates on the changes and enhancements we’ve made based on your valuable input. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts, it truly makes a difference!

Please take a moment to share your thoughts in this month’s quick poll below!

The results of our April poll showed two clear favorites. We asked what updates you would like before the end of the school year. Families voiced a strong preference for End of Year Activities at 38%, closely followed by Testing and Exam Schedules at 34%, and School Events & Summer Programs both at 14%.

Thank you to everyone who participated. Your feedback is invaluable and helps us understand what information is most helpful to you.

Our schools are enriched by the many cultures, traditions, and experiences represented in our community. Each month, we highlight cultural, religious, and historical observances alongside key dates on our school calendar. By recognizing and learning about these observances, we strengthen our shared commitment to respect, inclusion, and ensuring every member of our district feels valued and connected.

The Board of Education approved school calendar notes the instructional days that the district and schools are closed, along with an explanation of the three days that are built into the calendar for emergency closings.

For planning purposes and to promote awareness, an Observances Resource List is included with the school calendar with some of the federal and state holidays and religious and cultural observances for the school year. Both of these documents are posted under “District Information” on the district website.

Here are the Observances and Recognitions for June:

• June 19th: Juneteenth
• LGBTQIA+ Pride Month
• Caribbean American Heritage Month

Want to keep up with everything happening in our schools? The Westfield Public Schools mobile app puts the latest district news, upcoming events, student stories, weather alerts, and important notifications right at your fingertips.

Whether you’re at home or on the go, staying informed has never been easier. With just a few taps, you can access school calendars, the parent portal, and real-time updates—all in one convenient place.

Search “Westfield Public Schools” in the App Store or Google Play and stay connected to our school community every day.

At the May 5, 2026 Board of Education meeting, new board members were sworn in by Business Administrator and Board Secretary Patty Ramos, followed by the Board’s reorganization for the 2026–2027 school year.

At the May 12, 2026 Board of Education Meeting, the Board honored the 2026 Staff Recognition Award recipients.

Under Finance, the Board accepted the following donations:

• American Heart Association generously donated $100 towards FES Kids Heart Challenge and two $100 gift cards towards the purchase of recreational equipment at FES.

• An anonymous donation of $500; $250 towards the music classes of EIS music teacher Ms. Gant and $250 towards the music classes of WHS music teacher Mr. Stanton.

We are grateful to our donors for supporting programs that enrich the learning experience for all students.

Looking Ahead: The next Regular Public Meeting of the Board will be held on Tuesday, June 16, 2026 in Cafeteria B at Westfield High School.

We value our community partnerships who support our students and schools throughout the year. Please take a look at the What's New in our Community section of the District website to learn about local organizations and learn how you can become involved this year.