October 2025 Edition
October has been a month filled with moments that remind us who we are and what we stand for. Across our schools, students and staff have embraced our shared values of kindness, inclusion, respect, and belonging through meaningful activities during the Week of Respect, Safe Schools Week, and Red Ribbon Week. These experiences go beyond lessons—they strengthen the heart of our school community and remind us that our schools are more than classrooms; they’re communities built on compassion, understanding, and care.
As we turn the page to November, we carry that same spirit forward with gratitude and connection at the center of it all. This month, we will take time to honor those who have served our country on Veterans Day, deepen our home-school partnerships during parent-teacher conferences at the elementary level, and reflect on all we have to be thankful for as we approach the Thanksgiving season.
Let’s continue celebrating the many ways our students learn, lead, and lift each other up every day. As we move ahead, let’s continue to nurture learning environments where every student feels seen, valued, and inspired to reach their full potential.
Referendum Project Updates
Progress continues as we move from planning to action on our voter-approved Referendum projects! This month, our implementation team reviewed updated timelines and began preparing for the first phase of work slated for Summer 2026 including electric service upgrades, bathroom renovations, playground improvements at Franklin and Washington, media center transformations at both Intermediate Schools, and the new Franklin School drop-off loop.
On October 6, principals and supervisors provided input on detailed design elements such as media centers, music and art spaces, nurse and main office suites, and fabrication and design lab updates.
The Board's Finance and Facilities Committee met with Legacy Construction Management and FKA Architects on October 10 to review the potential use of a Project Labor Agreement (PLA) for select projects. A PLA ensures consistent work quality, labor stability, and adherence to schedules. The committee agreed this option merits further exploration, and Legacy will return in November with draft parameters and a sample resolution for Board consideration.
In November, the updated schematic designs will be presented to the Finance and Facilities Committee and at the November 18 public Board of Education meeting. This presentation will confirm space allocations for state submission and outline a preliminary phased project timeline highlighting those scheduled to begin next summer.
AI EdCamp PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The Westfield Public School District hosted a fully virtual AI EdCamp in October, offering teachers and administrators hands-on professional development focused on the effective use of artificial intelligence in education. More than 30 workshops were facilitated by district staff, with sessions centered on:
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Integrating AI tools to support teaching and learning
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Lesson design and curriculum planning with AI
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Differentiation to meet the needs of diverse learners
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Ethical and responsible student use of AI
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AI for assessment, feedback, and data analysis
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Enhancing educator workflow and productivity
The success of AI EdCamp underscores the district’s ongoing commitment to innovative professional learning that advances instructional practices, strengthens engagement, and equips educators to support every learner effectively in a rapidly evolving educational landscape.
Check out the NotebookLM-generated video overview of the day's learning.
STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
DISTRICTWIDE ENGAGEMENT
Westfield Public Schools recognized the Week of Respect, Safe Schools of America Week, Red Ribbon Week and Fire Prevention Week with spirit days, activities, and assemblies.
WESTFIELD HIGH SCHOOL
- Student Assistance Counselors visited 11th grade Health classes to reinforce available support services.
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Counselors are actively assisting seniors with postsecondary planning.
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Nearly 50 percent of seniors have already applied to college.
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College & Career Jumpstart Night for families of grades 9–11 offered guidance on academic success, college readiness, and career exploration.
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Students participated in the inaugural N.E.X.T. Expo, a regional college, career, military, and gap year fair:
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Approximately 1,740 attendees, including 176 WHS students.
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Westfield is expected to host next year’s event.
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New student groups launched during lunch periods to support peer connection and belonging.
INTERMEDIATE SCHOOLS
Roosevelt Peer Leaders completed a full-day training in teamwork and leadership development.
Student lunch groups established to help students build friendships and strengthen school community.
LINCOLN EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER
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Counselors supported a PBIS assembly reinforcing positive behavior.
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Students participated in mindful breathing activities to encourage self-regulation.
These collaborative efforts demonstrate a sustained focus on student wellness, continuous improvement, and meeting the needs of every learner.
RED RIBBON WEEK
SAFE SCHOOLS OF AMERICA WEEK
WEEK OF RESPECT
FIRE PREVENTION WEEK
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)
October 14, 2025: Regular Public Meeting Highlights
At the October 14, 2025, Board of Education meeting, the Deputy Superintendent, Dr. Matt Bolton, shared the 2025 Annual Statewide Assessments Report. Science Supervisor, Tom Paterson, English Language Arts Supervisor, Elizabeth Reilly and Mathematics Supervisor, Liz Delasandro also contributed to the presentation.
Superintendent, Dr. Gonzalez and Board President, Robert Benacchio were proud to recognize and present a certificate to Westfield High School Senior, Grace Matus for her achievement as a National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist.
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.
Westfield Public Schools will be closed or have early dismissal on the following dates:
- November 3rd and 4th: Early Dismissal (PK-5) Parent Teacher Conferences
- November 5th: Early Dismissal (PK-12) Staff In-Services
- November 6th & 7th: Schools Closed for NJEA Teachers Convention
- November 26th: Early Dismissal (PK-12)
- November 27th and 28th: Schools & District Closed for Thanksgiving
