WESTFIELD-While Southampton Road Elementary School principal Kathleen O’Donnell was busy reviewing desk counts with teachers
Joanne Hewins, a third grade teacher at the Southampton Road Elementary School in Westfield, starts organizing the myriad of books she has for students.
and lending a hand with a paint brush on Monday morning, several teachers were busy putting the finishing touches on their classrooms before students walk through the doors on Sept. 1.
In room 44, Joanne Hewins was organizing tables and desks and putting charts on the walls for her estimated 22 incoming third grade students.
“I just love kids and enjoy putting a positive spin on everything we talk about in class,” said Hewins who is beginning her 17th year at the school. “Most of my teaching is done at interactive work stations as well as on our front carpet. I like the kids to move around and they like it too.”
One of her colorful wall boards asks – “What’s on your bucket list?”
“Each student receives a beach pail and is asked what they hope to accomplish this year,” said Hewins. “Most students say they want to learn multiplication, division, and cursive.”
Hewins added that some students are nervous about taking the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) tests.
Lisa Korzenecki, a fourth grade teacher at the Southampton Road Elementary School in Westfield, dusts off the computers in her classroom.
“Some students come in a bit nervous about the MCAS but I tell them not to listen to their brothers and sisters and I remind them they will be fine,” said Hewins.
For Lisa Korzenecki, a fourth grade teacher who is starting her 23rd year here, connecting with the children on the first day is especially important.
“I like my classroom to be kid friendly and welcoming,” said Korzenecki. “I want them to get excited about learning immediately.”
Korzenecki expects 25 students in her classroom this year and looks forward to sharing her joy of learning with each one.
“I like to create areas of learning as well as relaxing spots,” said Korzenecki, noting she will soon have a “campground area” nestled in one of the classroom corners, complete with enormous paper trees on the walls and a couple of outdoor chairs.
“On their first day, I want students to get excited about being back in school,” she added.
Tammy Ward, also a fourth grade teacher who is beginning her 21st year at the school, echoed those sentiments.
Terry Mason’s first grade class is all set for students arriving Sept. 1 at the Southampton Road Elementary School in Westfield.
“I enjoy fostering a love of learning with my students,” said Ward in her classroom, as she was being assisted with organizing some reading materials by Jennifer Smidy who works with students in the QUEST Program.
“We have 180 days to help kids grow socially, emotionally and academically,” said Ward, adding she also expects to have 25 students to start the year. “On our first day it is important to create a classroom community which allows students to get to know each other.”
For Smidy, who will have 14 students in grades 3-5 to oversee in the QUEST Program, her classroom is already set up for smaller group settings. Smidy is starting her third year with the QUEST program at the school.
“The program’s goal is full inclusion,” said Smidy, noting some students may need assistance with social skills and core academics. “During the year I enjoy watching the kids realize their potential and their uniqueness.”
Special education teacher Janice Daggett finished decorating her resource room on Monday morning at the Southampton Road Elementary School in Westfield.
Down the hallway, tucked in a small classroom just outside of the library, special education teacher Janice Daggett was also putting the finishing touches on her resource room. Daggett will work with nine groups of students each day who have individual educational plans (IEP’s) designed by their teachers.
“The plans are a team effort,” said Daggett, noting instruction includes zeroing in on math and reading. “Small individual instruction sessions can provide a good support system for students.”
Daggett added her greatest joy is seeing the progress students make throughout the year.
“We want to make specialized instruction new and exciting each year,” she added.
While teachers noted that the first six weeks of classes tend to be a review for students, there is always something new to learn on the horizon.
“I especially love to see the moment when the student has an Aha! moment and everything clicks,” said Hewins. “Children are so impressionable and willing to learn.”
On a related note, the Westfield School Committee is hosting a second “Meet and Greet” on Sept. 19 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at City Hall, Room 201, to introduce parents and members of the community to Stefan Czaporowski, superintendent of schools. Light refreshments will be served.
