WESTFIELD – The School Committee Monday night began with a presentation by the Highland Elementary School Student Council, who themselves began by singing “Happy Birthday” to Mayor Brian P. Sullivan, chair of the committee.
Highland Elementary fifth grader Ali Isam told the School Committee about the school’s newly formed student council. Assistant Principal Jill Phelan, one of the advisors, is in the background.(Photo by Amy Porter)
“The fourth and fifth graders formed a student council because they wanted a voice,” said fifth grader Ali Isam at the start of the presentation.
Mary Claire Manning, principal of Highland said the student council came from a survey that students took last year about their perceptions of school. Students reported that they liked coming to school, knew the teachers cared about them, and felt safe. They also reported that they wanted to get more involved and have more of a “voice” in the happenings at Highland. Advisors for the student council are Manning, Assistant Principal Jill Phelan, and Paraprofessionals Jamie Barnes and Roberta Ninotti. The student council meets at 8 a.m. about every three weeks, Manning said.
During the meeting, students took turns talking about some of their school projects, including collecting more than 1000 cans for their food pantry to celebrate the “Souper Bowl.” Students said they went into every classroom and spoke.
“It was a fun experience for us as a student council,” said one student.
They also held a Valentine’s Day event, making hearts that said “Why I love Highland School.” The student council also raised $1,133.65 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and held fun days, like a Pajama Day and Dr. Seuss Week.
School Committee member Diane Mayhew asked whether other elementary schools had student councils. Manning said she wasn’t sure, but it was the first at Highland Elementary to her knowledge. The students were congratulated by the committee on their leadership.
Highland Elementary Student Council members. Grade 4: Tim Bennett-Cyr, Teagan Chisholm-Godshalk, Gia Curran, Izaya Frazier-Vargas, Morgan Harlin, Julia Kubik. Grade 5: Andrea Albee, Jillian Battles, Alina Chhetri, Rielynn Cigal, Devon Fillion, Ali Isam, Elina Lisyanaya, Viktoria Livchin, Bianca Malancha. (Photo submitted)
Also congratulated, were Laura Taylor, Lindsay Panis and Mary Zajdel, officers of the Westfield Foundation for Education (WFE), who announced that their fall fundraiser, “Pocketbook Bingo,” netted $15,500 for 15 different projects in the schools.
“Educators are striving to meet the demands of the 21st century,” said Taylor. She said they want to expand annual funding for teachers’ projects, and announced a first ever “Comedy for a Cause” with Rafi Gonzales (WHS ’04) at the Tin Bridge Brewing Company on May 9.
“I want to thank you, as a parent and School Committee member. We appreciate what you do,” said School Committee member Ramon Diaz, Jr.
“Bingo was amazing. These ladies have really stepped up for our schools,” added School Committee member Cindy Sullivan.
In other business, Czaporowski announced that the combined high school career fair will be held on April 11 at Woodward Center at Westfield State University. He said 45 businesses will be participating, along with juniors from Westfield High School and Westfield Technical Academy. He thanked WSU for offering the Woodward Center at no cost, and to Westfield Gas & Electric for busing the students to the career fair.
Czaporowski also announced that the Westfield High School “As Schools Match Wits’ team won their recent match, outscoring Ware by 275 to 85. He said the game qualified the team, which is now in fourth place, to compete for the playoffs and the championship cup.
A special School Committee meeting and sub-committee meeting will be held on Monday, April 9 at times to be determined. The sub-committee will consider new names for North and South Middle Schools, and the School Committee will begin the budget process for the 2018-2019 school year.
