WESTFIELD – The School Committee meeting which followed the Finance sub-committee opened with the North Middle School 8th grade chorus singing two selections from their upcoming March 16 concert, including “Colors on the Wind.
The North Middle Middle School 8th grade Chorus performed for the School Committee Monday evening.
North Middle School Principal Katherine Bourque and South Middle School Principal Justin Baker also teamed up to give a joint State of the School report for the Middle Schools. Both principals said that while there are differences in the student populations of the two schools, there are also many similarities.
The principals said that in both schools the high needs students are struggling with the MCAS scores. Baker said the MCAS numbers for both sixth grades line up almost exactly. In response to a question from the School Committee, Baker said students with high needs are those who are English language learners, students with disabilities and who are economically disadvantaged at the same time.
Baker also said because South Middle School is a Title I school, they are able to hold two Saturday School MCAS prep sessions in April and May.
Cindy Sullivan asked which students will be called to take the prep classes.
Baker said they are looking for students on the bubble, within 2 or 3 points of getting to the next level across the spectrum, including students that scored as proficient and could move to advanced.
Bourque reported on some of the new technology in the middle schools, and some that will be arriving soon. Both principals said more technology is important, because all 8th graders will be taking online MCAS exams this year.
She also reported on an effective after school STEM program at Westfield Technical Academy for North Middle School students, which involves hands-on project learning. She said this year the program doubled in size, and has involved Automotive Tech and Graphic Arts, and working with an adjustment counselor on the social-emotional piece, which both principals said is an area of growing need.
Both middle schools are involved in PBIS, promoting a positive school climate, and both offer “Spirit Weeks.” Bourque said this year North Middle School will be holding a “March Madness” event, when they will open the school at night for a combination of a movie in the auditorium, basketball in the gym and music in the cafeteria, to try to draw students in.
Members of the North Middle School 8th grade chorus.
School Committee member Ramon Diaz, Jr. asked the principals how often they collaborate to make sure that the district is providing the same education in both schools.
Bourque said that last year they met monthly, and plan to start again now that she is back from maternity leave.
Czaporowski followed the middle school presentation with his final Entry Plan piece, based on surveys to all of the district staff. He said the surveys show that communication has improved overall in the district.
“We want to continue to have an open door policy at the Central Office,” he said.
Czaporowski said that updating of school websites will be completed this week, and they will be kept current in order for stakeholders to get the information they need. He has a new technology committee, and wants to start one on expanding alternative education in the district. He is also putting together a Parent Advisory Committee.
One of the superintendent’s goals is forming community relationships. “I feel our collaboration and presence within the community is growing stronger every day,” he said. He also wants to develop ways to increase parent and family involvement in the schools, and optimize the district’s relationship with fellow city departments.
Diaz thanked Czaporowski for the series of presentations. “Now that you’ve been through all of it, what’s your number one priority,” he asked.
“We have to enhance our instruction. Make sure our students are constantly engaged in school. Make it so our students are interested in coming. I don’t want one student dropping out,” Czaporowski responded. He said that Westfield has an excellent teaching staff, and it’s all about getting them the tools they need.
