Responsible for the food at the Convocation were Westfield Tech chef Eric Rogers, WTA culinary assistant Stacy Boisseau, WPS Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski, WTA culinary arts senior Paulina Urbanet (rear), Chef Philip Mucciarone, and WHS chef Margaret Toomey. (Photo by Amy Porter)
WESTFIELD – The annual convocation welcoming teachers and staff back to school held at Bullens Field on Monday began with a delicious barbeque of chicken, corn on the cub, baked potato, ziti and cookies prepared by the culinary staff and students of Westfield Technical Academy and Westfield High School, along with barbequed ribs donated by Gary Cloutier from Cloot’s Auto Body. School Committee members and district administrators could be seen behind the grill and serving under the tent, making sure that everyone got their fill. But it was the students who served as the special guest speakers who stole the show.
School Committee member Diane Mayhew and WTA Principal Joseph Langone dodge smoke while barbecuing chiken. (Photo by Amy Porter)
Westfield Mayor Brian P. Sullivan opened the program, welcoming the new teachers, administrators and veterans back for another year. School Committee vice-chair Cynthia Sullivan thanked members Diane Mayhew and Kevin Sullivan for their help, along with City Councilors Brent B. Bean, II, William Onyski and Matthew VanHeynigen. Sullivan also said the School Committee was there to support the teachers in any way that they could. Westfield Public Schools Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski thanked the Mayor, City Councilors and School Committee members for their ongoing support, and briefly shared his goals for the new academic year, ending by saying “great things are happening in the Westfield schools.”
Highland Elementary fifth grader Ali Isam with principal Mary Claire Manning. (Photo by Amy Porter)
Before introducing the students, Czaporowski explained why he invited them. “Last year, our key note speakers included an elementary and high school staff members from the district. Our guest speakers today are students. I thought it would be very beneficial to hear from them. They are going to talk a little about their experiences in our schools. To me, student voice is important…I hope that you agree,” he said.
First to speak was Highland Elementary fifth grader Ali Isam. “During my five years at Highland, I was lucky to have such great teachers,” he said. Ali went on to say that the teachers were always kind, and always gave him self-confidence. “You’re doing a great job,” he told them, saying the things his teachers say always motivated him, and they make him feel welcome by smiling at him.
Ali then listed all of the teachers by name he had since kindergarten. “All of my teachers care for my growth as a student at Highland,” he said. He ended by thanking them for creating “a beautiful and safe learning environment,” and said he was looking forward to meeting his new teacher, and seeing his friends and former teachers when he starts school.
South Middle School eighth grader Charles Darling. (Photo by Amy Porter)
South Middle School eighth grader Charles Darling also thanked his teachers, saying “they surround us with a positive and encouraging learning environment.” He said teachers encouraged him to be involved in the school community. He then admonished teachers to encourage all students, “not just those who are excelling.”
Charles continued to press the point, doing a turn on Yoda from Star Wars. “Student neglect leads to anger, anger to hate, hate to the dark side,” he said.
Finally, he encouraged the teachers to be positive and welcoming in class. “If you want to keep your students engaged, you must be engaged yourself,” he said.
North Middle School eighth grade student speaker Madison Byers. (Photo by Amy Porter)
Incoming North Middle School eighth grader Madison Byers noted “how fast the past two years have gone by.” She said teachers seem dedicated to wanting the students to feel welcome, especially when they are greeted by name, and asked if they are okay.
Madison recalled activities that she really enjoyed, such as the scavenger hunt in math class, and group work in reading. She said she would like more choices for projects, and more access to technology and group time. “I personally enjoy school, especially the drama club,” Madison said.
When Czaporowski introduced Westfield Tech culinary arts senior Emily White, he said she was one of the students who helped to prepare the food they had enjoyed.
Emily also went back through her school years, mentioning teachers and events that had been important to her. She said now that she is in high school and about to graduate, “I know what I want to do with my life.” She said Westfield Tech has been hands-on, and offered her a lot of opportunities, including being class president for four years, in the National Honor Society, a member of SkillsUSA and a captain in sports.
Westfield Tech culinary arts senior Emily White. (Photo by Amy Porter)
Emily said she hopes to go to Johnson & Wales University next year to study culinary arts and business management, with a goal of owning her own restaurant one day. “These years have flown by. I’m so blessed. Nothing I have accomplished would be possible without all of you,” she said. She thanked both of her chef instructors, Eric Rogers and Philip Mucciarone. “It’s so unbelievable the amount of support I get from them. Thank you for pushing me and others as individuals,” she added.
Westfield High School senior Fiona Cioch. (Photo by Amy Porter)
Westfield High School senior Fiona Cioch, who also served as her class president the last three years, was the final student speaker. Cioch said her grandmother had been a teacher in the Ludlow Public Schools, and she well remembered the end of year parties filled with joy, and the dreaded preparations for the new school year. But she also said that teaching was her grandmother’s passion.
Cioch also shared memories from throughout her school year, including the kindergarten teacher that held her hand every day the first month of school until she felt comfortable. She thanked her middle school teachers for their patience. She also mentioned “exuberant music teacher” Patrick Kennedy.
“You and countless others all made a difference,” Cioch said, adding, “Westfield Public Schools should be extremely proud to have educators and staff who are so passionate about their work.”
Some of the teachers listened to the speakers under the shade tent. (Photo by Amy Porter)
Following the students’ remarks, Czaporowski thanked the student speakers. He then shared a quote from Super Bowl and college championship-winning coach Pete Carroll: “Each person holds so much power within themselves that needs to be let out. Sometimes they just need a little nudge, a little direction, a little support, a little coaching, and the greatest things can happen.”
Czaporowski said this is not just true in sports but also in “our roles as educators. Our influence and leadership has a significant impact on not only the students, but also our colleagues that we work with every day. Let’s maximize this opportunity,” he said, adding “See you tomorrow.”
Tuesday will be the first full day in school for teachers and staff. Classes for students in first through twelfth grades begin on Thursday, August 31. Kindergarten and Preschool begins one week later, on Thursday, September 7.
