WPS District Quarterly Newsletter

One of the most exciting areas of growth in Westfield Public Schools continues to be our Early College programming. Through strong partnerships with Westfield State University, Springfield Technical Community College, and Cape Cod Community College, more of our students are gaining access to meaningful college coursework while still in high school.

This year, 306 students are participating in Early College programs across Westfield High School and Westfield Technical Academy, with approximately 30 additional students typically taking dual enrollment courses independently.

At Westfield High School, students are participating in our original Westfield Promise program, as well as Early College pathways in Healthcare and Criminal Justice. Enrollment continues to grow across all three programs. Our Criminal Justice pathway is especially well established, allowing students to earn 18 transferable college credits through coursework that includes Introduction to Criminal Justice, Corrections, Psychology, the American Judicial System, Sociology, and Criminal Procedure.

We are also continuing to develop our Healthcare Early College pathway. Students currently have opportunities to complete college coursework through Westfield State University as part of their Anatomy and Physiology studies, take additional college electives, participate in a Healthcare Careers course, and work toward CNA certification.

At Westfield Technical Academy, students continue to participate in Westfield Promise while we expand Early College opportunities directly connected to technical programs. We are currently developing an agreement with Springfield Technical Community College that will allow Information Technology students to complete college courses and potentially work toward an associate degree while still in high school.

An equally exciting partnership is being developed with Cape Cod Community College for students in WTA's Aviation Maintenance Technology program. Cape Cod Community College has agreed to award our Aviation students 48 transferable college credits for their Airframe and Powerplant coursework. Students would then need only seven additional courses to earn an Associate Degree in Aviation Maintenance Technology. We expect to begin this opportunity with our current sophomore class this spring.

Just as important as expanding enrollment is ensuring that these opportunities are accessible to all students. Our Early College programs include students with IEPs and 504 Plans, as well as English Learners. Staff at both high schools and Westfield State University provide extensive support, including tutoring, assistance navigating college classes, internship opportunities, college applications, the Common Application, FAFSA assistance, and other college and career planning.

Westfield State University has also added two graduate assistants this year to support our growing number of Early College students. Students will have access to Early College scholarships, preferred admission opportunities, and an “Admissions on the Spot” event with Westfield State admissions staff.

Most students participating in Early College are on track to earn at least 13 college credits before high school graduation, while many will earn significantly more.

Our goal is simple: to provide students with more opportunities, reduce barriers to higher education, and allow them to begin college or enter the workforce with valuable credentials, experience, and confidence. The continued growth of Early College throughout Westfield Public Schools is something we can all be proud of, and we look forward to seeing these opportunities expand even further in the years ahead. For additional information regarding our Early College opportunities, please contact our Early College Counselor, Mrs. Tara Bean, at t.bean@schoolsofwestfield.org.

Stefan Czaporowski

Superintendent of Schools

Westfield Public Schools

Tune into WSFD 107.5 FM, westfieldtv.org, or WCPC Channel 15 for “Superintendent’s Spotlight” every Thursday from 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Each week, Superintendent Czaporowski and Christopher Rogers talk with guests about our schools and community. Previous shows can be viewed on the WSKB/WSFD Community Radio YouTube Channel and the Westfield, MA Public Schools Facebook Page.

Upcoming Shows:

October 1 – WPS Early College Opportunities

October 8 – WHS Reed Career Center Students

October 22 – State Senator John Velis

October 29 – WPS Fall Athletes

November 6 – Munger Hill Elementary School

November 12 – WHS Chorus

November 19 – Highland Elementary School

Susan Dargie, Director of Curriculum and Instruction

Lindsey Ayers, Assistant Director

At WPS, we remain committed to student-centered learning opportunities that bring our Portrait of a Graduate to life. We know that skills like communication, critical thinking, and collaboration are just as important as content knowledge for future success. This commitment directly inspired our recent adoption and expansion of the Investigating History curriculum across grades 3–7.

Investigating History (IH) is an inquiry-based history and social studies curriculum developed by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) alongside educators, scholars, and non-profit organizations. Moving away from a more traditional approach, IH presents students with opportunities to engage in authentic historical research.

“Investigating History has transformed the way my students experience social studies. They aren’t just learning about history, they’re asking questions, analyzing evidence, discussing different perspectives, and thinking like historians.” -Grade 3 WPS Teacher

At the heart of Investigating History is active investigation and discovery. Students step directly into the role of researchers as they analyze primary sources and historical artifacts to build evidence-based arguments, empowering them to act as true historians who learn how to think, not what to think. Through this approach, the curriculum highlights diverse cultures, backgrounds, and eras, ensuring all students can see themselves reflected in the stories of our past.

If you were to step into an IH classroom, you’d see learning in motion: students gathered around desks highlighting evidence in primary sources, jotting questions on colorful sticky notes to add to the room's central inquiry board, and circling up to share different perspectives with peers. All of this work anchors back to the unit’s Essential Question, an overarching concept that students continuously revisit and refine as their understanding deepens.

Supported by a grant from the One8 Foundation, Westfield introduced Investigating History to grades 5–7 during the 2025–26 school year, providing teachers with the professional learning, materials, and support needed to launch the curriculum successfully. Building on this momentum, our elementary schools are expanding the program to grades 3 and 4 this school year.

Together, we are empowering our students to rise to the challenge of complex historical inquiry, helping the next generation of thinkers analyze the past to better understand their world today.

Christine Shea, Director of Assessment and Accountability

Spring 2026 MCAS results have been released by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). MCAS results provide educators and families with a snapshot of student achievement and growth in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science/Technology/Engineering and Grade 8 Civics.

Westfield’s results show areas of progress as well as areas where we will continue to focus our efforts. Across grades three to eight, 31% of students met or exceeded expectations in ELA, 35% in Mathematics, and 35% in Science/Technology/Engineering. In Grade 8 Civics, 36% of students met or exceeded expectations. At the high school level, 42% met or exceeded expectations in ELA, 32% in Mathematics and 28% in Science.

There were several areas of growth within this year’s results. Grade 6 Mathematics was a particular area of growth, with 40% of students meeting or exceeding expectations and student growth above the state median, with an SGP of 55. Grade 5 Science was also comparable with the state achievement level, with 42% of Westfield students meeting or exceeding expectations compared with 43% statewide.

MCAS results are only one part of Massachusetts' accountability system. The state also considers student growth, attendance, English language proficiency, graduation and dropout rates, and advanced coursework. Westfield is classified by DESE as not requiring assistance or intervention and made moderate progress toward its improvement targets in 2026. We are especially pleased with continued improvement in attendance, an increase in our graduation rate, a decrease in our dropout rate and progress among our English Learners, including increases in English language proficiency. These improvements are reflected in our schools’ accountability results, with the majority of our schools improving their overall rankings, both in their state rankings and annual progress toward state improvement targets.

As we review this year's data, we will continue to identify areas of strength that can be expanded across classrooms and schools, while closely examining areas where additional support and instructional improvement are needed. This work will help guide our district instructional priorities and ensure that all Westfield students have access to high-quality instruction and opportunities for continued academic growth.

Individual student reports will be sent home to students in Grades 4 through 11. Families with questions about individual results are encouraged to contact their child’s school office.

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has introduced the MCAS Family Portal, an online resource for families to access their child’s MCAS scores. All families with students in Grades 4 through 12 were sent an email on September 23rd with instructions for accessing the portal. Please contact the Office of Assessment and Accountability with any questions at (413) 642-9320.

Christopher J. Rogers, Director of Operations and Safety

The appearance and condition of our schools send an important message to students, staff, families, and visitors. Clean, safe, attractive, and well-maintained campuses not only create a more welcoming environment—they also reflect the pride we share in our schools and the Westfield community.

This year, Westfield Public Schools is making the care and improvement of our school grounds a district-wide priority. As part of our 2026–2027 District Improvement Plan, we have established a goal to enhance the appearance, safety, and overall maintenance of every school campus.

By June 2027, our goal is for all district school grounds to achieve a minimum 90% “Satisfactory” rating on a standardized Campus Grounds Audit. More importantly, this initiative is about establishing consistent expectations and ensuring that our school grounds receive attention throughout the entire year.

To support this work, two Outdoor Seasonal Caretakers will assist our Maintenance Department with grounds maintenance and seasonal beautification projects across the district. A comprehensive seasonal maintenance schedule will also guide work throughout the year, including fall cleanup, winter debris removal, spring preparation, mowing, edging, weed control, mulching, and litter removal.

We have also developed a standardized Campus Grounds Audit to evaluate the appearance, cleanliness, safety, and maintenance of each school property. District and school administrators, along with the Director and Assistant Director of Operations, will conduct seasonal audits to monitor progress, celebrate improvements, and identify areas requiring additional attention.

Improving our school grounds is about more than maintenance. It is also an opportunity to strengthen community pride and create outdoor spaces where students and families feel welcomed and valued.

Throughout the school year, we will explore partnerships with local businesses, community organizations, Westfield Technical Academy students, volunteers, and other community partners to support landscaping and beautification projects. These efforts may include planting, mulching, painting, landscaping, entrance enhancements, and other projects that improve the appearance and functionality of our campuses.

Our families and community members also have an important role to play. We will provide opportunities for feedback through school grounds surveys so that we can learn what is working well and where additional attention may be needed. Your observations and suggestions will help guide our continued improvement efforts.

Our objective is straightforward: safer, cleaner, better-maintained, and more welcoming school grounds for everyone.

By investing in our campuses, establishing consistent standards, monitoring our progress, and working together as a community, Westfield Public Schools is committed to making visible and meaningful improvements throughout the 2026–2027 school year.

We look forward to seeing these improvements take shape across every Westfield Public Schools campus—and to creating school environments that reflect the pride we have in our students, our schools, and our community.

Greg Rosenthal, Director of Special Education

As we begin the 2026–2027 school year, we are excited to share several important updates and initiatives within our Special Education Department. From the opening of a new program space to expanded professional development opportunities for staff, we are continuing to focus on creating meaningful opportunities and strong supports for all students.

We are excited to announce the opening of our new 390 Southampton Road site for our 18–22-year-old transition program!

Our students have been settling into their new environment and adjusting very well to their new location. The new space provides an excellent opportunity to expand our focus on transition services, independence, community-based skills, employment readiness, and preparation for life beyond high school.

One exciting feature of the new location is the opportunity for students to utilize the kitchen as part of their educational programming. Students will receive hands-on training and support from our WTA Culinary Department, providing authentic opportunities to develop cooking, food preparation, kitchen safety, teamwork, and other valuable independent living skills.

We are looking forward to seeing our students continue to grow in confidence and independence as they make the most of all that this new setting has to offer!

The district has also begun professional development focused on inclusionary practices. This work is designed to strengthen our ability to provide all students with meaningful access to the general education environment and ensure that students are provided with appropriate support to participate, learn, and succeed alongside their peers.

Our professional learning will focus on building staff capacity, strengthening collaboration, and identifying effective strategies for supporting students within inclusive settings. We recognize that successful inclusion requires a team effort, and we are committed to providing staff with the tools and resources needed to make inclusion successful for students.

In addition to our work around inclusion, the district is beginning a comprehensive professional development effort focused on special education compliance.

This training will support educators, administrators, and special education staff in understanding and consistently implementing the requirements associated with special education services. Topics will include IEP implementation, evaluation and eligibility timelines, documentation, procedural requirements, communication with families, and other areas that are essential to ensuring that students receive the services and protections to which they are entitled.

Our goal is not simply compliance; it is to ensure that strong systems and practices are in place so that every student receives the right support at the right time.

There is a great deal of positive work happening across our Special Education Department as we begin this school year. Opening the 390 Southampton Road program, expanding professional learning around inclusion, and our renewed focus on compliance all represent important steps toward strengthening opportunities and outcomes for our students. We are grateful to our dedicated educators, administrators, related service providers, families, and community partners who continue to work collaboratively on behalf of our students.

Michael Morris, Director of Human Resources

Our New Teacher Orientation in August was an excellent kickoff to the year. We hosted over 30 new teachers the day before our returning staff came back. It is a great group! We are thrilled to welcome such talented educators to the district; the unique backgrounds, experiences, energy, and fresh ideas they bring to our schools are exactly what we look for. Beyond this core group of teachers, our HR team has had an incredibly busy summer onboarding over 50 additional staff members across the district, including paraprofessionals, mentors, and administrative staff members.

All of this hiring connects directly back to our primary mission in HR: supporting our leadership team to find, select, and onboard the best staff for the children of Westfield. We know that while there are many variables that impact the student experience, nothing is more important than the adults working with our students throughout the year. As part of that mission, the Human Resources department is leading a multi-district consortium that received a state grant to explore alternative pathways to support paraprofessional staff members in collaboration with UMass-Amherst to achieve licensure. We will be sharing more soon as that project is developed over the course of this year.

We hope your children are having a great start to the 2026-2027 school year!

Dr. Michael Morris

Human Resources Director

SEPAC Meeting 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

School Committee Meeting 7:00 p.m.

Southampton Road Elementary School Open House 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Munger Hill Elementary School Open House 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Highland Elementary School Open House 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

No School - Columbus Day Holiday

Westfield River Elementary School Open House 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

School Committee Meeting 7:00 p.m.

WPS STEM Week

🧬💻🚀📐

Early Release Day

Early Release Day for Elementary Schools

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Westfield Technical Academy Open House 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Daylight Savings Time Ends ⏰

School Committee Meeting 7:00 p.m.

Election Day - No School for Students/Staff Development Day

SEPAC Meeting 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

No School - Veteran's Day Holiday

School Committee Meeting 7:00 p.m.

No School - Thanksgiving Recess

SEPAC Meeting 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

School Committee Meeting 7:00 p.m.

Early Release Day

School Committee Meeting 7:00 p.m.