Dr. Suzanne Scallion
The new school year is underway! The shiny floors will soon proudly bear the scuffmarks of a new generation of students who arrive with the same enthusiasm and trepidation as their parents and grandparents. The books will be distributed and routines will get underway.
Families can support student success through active involvement in developing habits that contribute to academic achievement. These habits include adequate rest including a bedtime routine that includes reading, an area for supplies and quiet work, supervision of electronic use and daily conversations about the school day. Instead of asking, “Did you have a good day?” try asking, “what was the best thing about today?” or “what was the hardest thing about today?” Avoid asking questions that can be answered in a single word!
What’s new this year for Westfield Public Schools? We will expand our Literacy Partnership with Bay State Reading Institute to include Grades Kindergarten through 3rd grade. Early indicators demonstrate that our students are experiencing great success with this comprehensive reading approach. In our Middle Schools, a much needed math program aligned with the state standards will get underway. And, all elementary schools will initiate schoolwide positive behavior initiatives.
There are some new faces on our Leadership Team. These are not new positions but are new hires as a result of retirements, relocation and movement within the system. Jonathan Carter is the new Principal at the High School, Dennis Duquette leads South Middle School, Christopher Manfredi is at the helm of Paper Mill Elementary School, Marcia Estelle is the Principal at Munger Hill and Joanne Hentnick is the new Coordinator at the Fort Meadow Early Childhood Center.
Without any doubt, this generation has more opportunity and yet, faces more challenges than any before. We must work together to slow down the magical window of life called childhood. The electronics are exciting but their use must be monitored. Our students must learn the skills of negotiating with others in real life and real time. All of the adults in the life of a child are teachers of social norms, high expectations and the importance of education.
As educators, we have committed to positive school climates as we recognize the powerful impact it has on student success. Beyond feeling safe, we want our students to feel challenged, supported and connected. More than any other factor in schools, a positive environment contributes to academic success.
We are excited to greet our students and urge our citizens to drive with great care around bus stops and schools. We are grateful for the support of the city and its pride in our work. We look forward to a year of great success for Westfield Public Schools.
