The “Superintendent’s Spotlight” logo was designed by WTA Graphic Arts students. (WNG File Photo)
WESTFIELD – This Thursday, Sept. 12, the Superintendent’s Spotlight will start its new season on WSKB 89.5 radio from 8:45 to 10 a.m. The show is hosted by Westfield Public Schools Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski and Administrator of Student Interventions and Safety Christopher J. Rogers, better known on the show as Czap and Chris.
“This is the fourth year we’ve been doing it. Every week we feature something about the district,” Czaporowski said.
The first show this Thursday will feature Westfield Promise’s Early College Access Coordinator Ryan Meersman from Westfield State University and WPS Career and College Counselor Tara Bean.
An innovative early college experience program, Westfield Promise is a partnership between Westfield State and both Westfield High School and Westfield Technical Academy. Westfield State faculty co-teach what is known as a “stretch year” course with the high school faculty to high school juniors.
Westfield Public Schools Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski (Photo by Amy Porter)
Aimed to benefit underrepresented student populations, including first-generation students, the program provides high school students with an early exposure to the rigor of university-level study and immerses them into the campus environment in their senior year –- enabling them to more clearly visualize themselves completing a four-year degree.
Czaporowski said this year the district has doubled the program’s capacity at WHS, offering up to 50 juniors the opportunity to take the stretch courses in English and History, and earn six college credits upon successful completion. WTA students take the English 101 stretch course, and can earn three college credits. The program at WTA is smaller in part due to scheduling complexities with the career technical programs.
“Westfield State University has done their best to accommodate WTA’s schedule,” Czaporowski said.
In addition to live on-air radio, the Superintendent’s Spotlight, which is taped in the new Studio 120 at WTA, is also live-streamed on Channel 15 community access, and posted the next day to the Westfield, Ma Public Schools Facebook page.
Upcoming programs include a discussion of STEM week activities with Science, Technology and Engineering Supervisor Lauren Figy and Math Supervisor Kate Perez on Sept. 19.
On Sept. 26, Czaporowski and Rogers will be talking with Daisha Serrano of MassHire, coordinator of the Career Center in Westfield High School.
Czaporowski said a couple of times during the year they also schedule shows featuring athletics, the chorus and the band.
“It’s a good show. It keeps people updated on all the great things happening in our district,” Czaporowski said, adding that he hopes people will take the time to tune in and watch the show.
