Westfield Middle School leadership team: Assistant Principal/Special Education Supervisor Karoline Kells, Assistant Principal Peter Lurgio, Assistant Principal Jessica Kennedy and Principal Paul Newton. (WNG photo)
WESTFIELD – The Westfield Middle School gave a high energy presentation on its many activities to the School Committee on Monday, which began with WMS Principal Paul Newton introducing his three assistant principals, Jessica Kennedy, Karoline Kells and Peter Lurgio.
Kennedy spoke about the WMS Spotlight School designation from the New England League of Middle Schools. “We are beyond thrilled,” Kennedy said. She said in filling out the arduous application, the school was looking to become an emerging spotlight school, but NELMS expedited their application. The process involved a full day tour, and meetings with parents and students.
The school received a 14-point commendation from NELMS, which included positive remarks on school culture. Kennedy said there are only 30 spotlight middle schools in New England, and only six in Massachusetts.
Kennedy also congratulated the three teachers who were honored with Harold Grinspoon awards at WMS: Kaitlyn Palmer, Crystal Hollister and Katarina Sherrick.
Newton acknowledged a new partnership with Westover Air Base. He said ten soldiers recently spent the day at the school and in classrooms, and will be returning in April. Another new program is the Firtion-Adams Creativity and Innovation Award, which recognizes two teachers monthly for innovative programs, who receive a $50 gift card to a Westfield restaurant.
Newton also talked about the first Career Symposium, organized by the three assistant principals, which will bring in community leaders Tuesday morning to speak to students about career strands. Newton said his daughter, an Aerospace Engineer, will be among the speakers.
Other new programs Newton mentioned included the US First Robotics program, a nationwide program in which students construct robots from Legos, program them and download the programs for the robots to perform projects. He said 50 students are participating in the program.
He also talked about Generation Leadership, run by Eileen Lynch, is another “phenomenal” program encouraging students to get involved in leadership projects. He said on the three Fridays before Christmas, the students held free daycare at the school from 4 to 8 p.m., to allow parents time for holiday preparations.
Kells, who is also the Special Education supervisor, gave an update on the inclusion model at the school. She said there are SPED inclusion teachers on every team, and students are spending 75% of their time in regular classrooms. She added that there are still pullouts for the students if they need a separate learning environment.
Kells said the SPED students are being exposed to grade level curriculum with supports offered from the inclusion teachers. The school is part of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education inclusive network, and will be making a presentation at the next conference.
Westfield Middle School’s mascot is the Wolf.
Lurgio spoke about how smoothly the transition to the new district model went. He said the team gave tours on Wednesday nights over the summer, and were available to answer parent and student concerns. “After the first day, we didn’t hear anything else about it. It went so smooth,” Lurgio said. He said the students had input into the new school colors of red, white and gold, and mascot, “The Wolves.” He said t-shirts with the logo designed by Westfield Tech Graphic Arts shop were made available for every student. He said parents also volunteered over the summer to paint the halls the new colors.
“Don’t cut yourself short on the transition piece over the summer,” said School Committee member Cindy Sullivan, adding, “You’re doing a wonderful job, your energy is fantastic, and your commitment to the kids has been huge.”
Lurgio also spoke about the successful Youth Vote, in which 36% of the students participated, beating adult participation with 824 students voting. Newton said this year the program was open to grades 7 to 12, but they hope to expand it to grade 3 in the future. Students were also taught related civics lessons leading up to the vote.
Another new offering for eighth graders this year is Spanish 1, which has full classes. Lurgio said students will be able to go on to Spanish II in high school.
The WMS administration has also been meeting with the high schools about the next transition for their students, and how some of the programs they’ve started, including inclusion practices and the robotics, may continue.
