November 2025 Edition

November is one of my favorite times of the school year because it encourages all of us to slow down a little and appreciate what makes our community so special. Over the last two months, our students and staff embraced our shared values of kindness, inclusion, and respect through activities during the Week of Respect, Safe Schools Week, and Red Ribbon Week. These moments show how much our students care for one another and how strongly our schools are committed to nurturing a sense of belonging.

This month, we focus on gratitude. Gratitude shows up in big and small ways. It might be a teacher who offers support, a student who lends a hand, a crossing guard who starts the morning with a smile, or a parent who sends a kind note of encouragement. These seemingly small gestures help create the warm and welcoming schools that our children look forward to every day.

Thank you for helping us create a community where every child feels they belong. As we approach the end of 2025, I invite all of us to pause, look around, and recognize the good in our lives. In the days ahead, I hope you also find time to enjoy moments with family and friends during the Thanksgiving holiday.

Warm wishes,

Dr. G.

Over the past several weeks, our project team has continued its work to keep the multi-year Referendum plan on schedule for state submissions, summer construction, and an on-time reopening next school year. From redesigned media centers to upgraded bathrooms, electrical improvements, and relocated playgrounds, each meeting brings us closer to the exciting changes ahead for our students.

Media Center Renovations

Principals and supervisors met with architects to refine design plans for the Edison and Roosevelt media centers. Both spaces will feature flexible layouts, collaborative zones, quiet study areas, and a centrally located “Genius Bar” to support instruction and technology needs. Final site visits are scheduled for early December, with plans targeted for state submission by mid-December.

Districtwide Electrical Upgrades
Engineers and architects also reviewed electrical service upgrades planned for all nine referendum schools. Most switchboards and transformers will be relocated outdoors to improve safety and accessibility, with site visits underway to confirm locations and coordinate with utility providers. The District is preparing for a January bid release, with work potentially divided into two groups of schools for efficiency.

Additional Project Planning
Design planning continues for the multi-year facilities scope, including bathroom renovations, accessibility improvements, technology integration, and playground upgrades. Bathroom work will begin this summer at Tamaques, Franklin, and Washington, with additional schools scheduled as part of broader renovation phases. Playground planning is progressing at Franklin and Washington, with updated surfacing and new equipment based on anticipated student use.

Next Steps
The Board received a schematic design update at the November meeting, and there is an additional public update planned for January alongside budget discussions. The District remains focused on clear communication, coordinated scheduling, and thoughtful design to ensure successful summer construction and long-term facility improvements for students and staff.

WHS Unified Sports Basketball Clinic

This November, WHS Unified Sports is promoting inclusion and leadership through its “Every Voice Matters” Basketball Clinic. Students build skills, teamwork, and confidence while focusing on encouragement and positivity, ensuring every participant is recognized and supported.

Counseling Department Update

The WHS Counseling Department, in partnership with the World Language Department, continued its First-Generation College Student Program with a visit to William Paterson University. Thirty first-gen students toured campus, learned about the Educational Opportunity Fund, and explored student-support resources—including WPU’s “Support Team” model and wellness lounge.

This fall also marked a strong season of college representative visits, with admissions counselors from across the country meeting individually and in small groups with WHS students. These sessions deepen students’ college knowledge and strengthen the school’s partnerships with higher-education institutions. As of November 1, 83% of the Class of 2026 has applied to college, with 3,636 applications submitted to 332 colleges and universities.

The results of our October Poll are in, with Technology, AI, and Online Safety emerging as the top choice among families at 36% of the vote. Homework Help & Study Tips followed closely at 29%, with interest also shown in Social-Emotional Learning & Wellness and College & Career Readiness. Thank you to everyone who participated. Your feedback helps us plan the presentations and resources that matter most to you.

Help us improve how we share district information. Which day do you prefer to receive updates—Friday afternoons, first thing Monday morning or do you catch up in the middle of the week or on weekends? Your input will help us tailor our delivery of newsletters and social media posts to best meet your needs.

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

School Calendar

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.

Policies 2330 (Homework) and 8210 (School Year)

Additionally, please note the relevant portions of two of our existing Board policies, specifically those related to the school calendar and the list of observances.

• “No new assignments should be given over major religious holidays and observances, school vacations, and holiday weekends and be due immediately upon return. Teachers should plan and announce homework assignments, especially long term assignments, well in advance so that students can adjust their schedules appropriately. ” (Regulation for Policy 2330)

• “Staff members shall avoid, whenever possible, scheduling a test on a religious holiday commonly observed by residents of the district.” (Policy 8210)

• Hanukkah - December 14th-22nd
• Christmas Eve - December 24th
• Christmas Day - December 25th
• Kwanzaa - December 26th - January 1st
• New Year's Eve - December 31st

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 November 18, 2025, Board of Education meeting, Dr. González was honored with the NJASA NJ Superintendent of the Year Award. Dr. González will now represent New Jersey as a candidate for the National Superintendent of the Year, to be announced at the AASA National Conference on Education in February 2026. Congratulations Dr. González!

Additionally, FKA Architects presented the 2025 Referendum Schematic Plans and Project Timeline, providing an update on upcoming district projects.

Members of the Board of Education, our Student Representative, and colleagues from NJASA joined Dr. Gonzalez to celebrate his recognition as the 2026 Superintendent of the Year.

• As part of the Governance agenda, the Board approved the New Jersey Quality Single Accountability Continuum (QSAC) self-evaluation for the submission to the New Jersey Department of Education.

• The Westfield Board of Education also approved a resolution to reduce vehicle idling on all district property and at district-sponsored events. The policy encourages drivers, including school buses, personal vehicles, and delivery trucks, to turn off engines when stationary for more than ten seconds, except for safety or operational needs. To support this endeavor, signage has been posted in pickup/drop-off areas for all school, educational materials will be shared with the community, and district-owned buses have idling reduction technology. The initiative aims to improve air quality, protect health, and support environmental sustainability.

During the Personnel portion of the meeting, the Board accepted the retirements of Kristi Houghtaling, Carolyn Mulewski and Dami Panasis. We thank them for their years of dedicated service and wish them all the very best in retirement.

Under Finance, the Board gracefully accepted the following donations:

• Stephanie Rubenstein donated a Conn Ambassador trombone (estimated value $100) and G. Pruefer Bp clarinet (estimated value $50) to support the TES Band program.

• Richard Eisenberg generously contributed a Conn alto saxophone, model 24M (estimated value $500); a Bach Selmer silver intermediate B♭ trumpet, model Omega 551253 (estimated value $700); two violins (copies of Stradivarius, one made by Tb. Heberlein, Jr. in 1915, estimated value $6,000, and one estimated value $200); an Ibanez RG 120 Series electric guitar (estimated value $400); and a Framus mandolin (estimated value $300) in support of Westfield Public Schools music programs.

• Wilson PTO donated $502 to purchase an indoor American flag and pole with stand for the WIL gymnasium stage.

• The Westfield United Fund contributed $1,475.73 for a Buddy Bench with plaque at the WIL playground.

• The Westfield Rotary Club Foundation, Inc. awarded two grants of $500 each to support the JEF and RIS Early Act Community Programs.

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, December 16, 2025, 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.