Westfield Middle School

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Paving is set to begin on the Westfield Middle School parking lot this week as part of a complete redesign made possible by a climate resilience grant of $810,200 from the state Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness program and an additional $70,000 from the Westfield River Watershed Association.

The redesigned lot will feature bioretention basins that help manage stormwater and improve environmental sustainability. The renovations will also provide safer traffic flow, improved parking, and a better overall experience for students, families, staff and visitors, said WMS Principal Jesse McMillan.

Tighe & Bond is the project manager, and Caracas Construction Corp. out of Ludlow is the contractor. Various departments in the city of Westfield, including engineering, the city planner and Public Works are also involved. “It’s been a great partnership working with the city of Westfield. We received a tremendous amount of support,” McMillan said.

The project includes demolition of existing parking areas, removal of two trees, construction of new parking facilities with one-way circulation, eight new trees, bioretention basins and a reduction in overall impervious surface area. The new parking area will improve traffic safety, especially during peak school hours, while reducing localized and regional flooding impacts and mitigating heat stress.

The work being done is also serving as a real-world resiliency demonstration for students by incorporating sustainable infrastructure elements both during and after construction. McMillan said students had the opportunity to review the overall plans, and after they return in the fall, they will have lessons on stormwater improvements and bioretention basins as part of the educational component.

Despite ongoing work, Band Camp will still be held in the school this summer on the weeks of July 27 and Aug. 7. The transition program for new students will also take place on Aug. 11 and 12.

In addition to the work being done outside, McMillan was thrilled to announce that the Hampden County Sheriff’s Office selected WMS to have the entire first-floor hallway repainted over the summer through its community service outreach. “They’re 75% of the way done, from the main entrance and bus loop all the way around the seventh-grade classrooms and back hall,” he said, adding that all the school had to do was supply the paint, for which they got some help from the district.

“One of the things I wanted to highlight was partnerships with the Sheriff’s office, the City of Westfield and students that made this possible. The fresh new look has completely transformed the feel of our building and will create a brighter, more welcoming environment for everyone who walks through our doors,” he added. “These projects represent a significant investment in our school and community, and we can’t wait to share the finished results. A heartfelt thank you to everyone whose hard work, dedication and partnership are making these improvements possible.”

Paving to begin this week at Westfield Middle School parking lot Extensive work over the summer at Westfield Middle School includes a complete redesign of the parking area thanks to an $800,000 MVP grant and repainting of the first floor hallway in the school by the Hampden County Sheriff's Dept.

There is a lot of exciting work happening this summer at Westfield Middle School!

One of our biggest projects is the complete redesign of our parking lot. Thanks to a collaborative partnership with the City of Westfield, we were awarded an MVP (Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness) Grant to support green infrastructure improvements. The redesigned lot will feature bioretention basins that help manage stormwater and improve environmental sustainability, while also providing safer traffic flow, improved parking, and a better overall experience for our students, families, staff, and visitors.

We’re also incredibly grateful to the Hampden County Sheriff’s Office for selecting Westfield Middle School to have the entire first-floor hallway repainted. HCSO provides the labor and we provide the paint. The fresh new look has completely transformed the feel of our building and will create a brighter, more welcoming environment for everyone who walks through our doors.

These projects represent a significant investment in our school and community, and we can’t wait to share the finished results. More photos are coming soon as the work is completed!

A heartfelt thank you to everyone whose hard work, dedication, and partnership are making these improvements possible!

Check out the locations below to access free lunches through August 26th! Happy summer!

We had the honor of celebrating Mrs. Lilia Guerrette as she concludes an incredible career spanning more than 30 years in Westfield.

To recognize her years of dedication and service, students and staff lined the second-floor hallway for a heartfelt clap out as Mrs. Guerrette made her way through the building one final time. The celebration became even more special when members of her family joined us to surprise her and share in the moment. Additionally, Principal McMillan had the honor of recognizing her at the most recent school committee meeting.

For more than three decades, Mrs. Guerrette has made a lasting impact on generations of students through her compassion, commitment, and love of teaching.

Thank you, Mrs. Guerrette, for everything you have given to Westfield Middle School. We wish you a retirement filled with joy, relaxation, and adventure!

Families, tag…you’re it! Have a relaxing and safe summer!☀️🏖️😎

Earlier last week, Mrs. Scott hosted a coding workshop in the WMS library for students in Grades 7 & 8. This workshop was taught by terrific instructors from Tech Foundry, Jessica and Leon. The students did a great job creating a video game (grade 7) and a chatbot (grade 8). Everyone was very engaged in their projects and had a lot of fun learning to code!

After a day that included multiple schedule changes due to a tornado warning and heavy rain, we were incredibly grateful to be able to hold our 8th Grade Recognition Ceremony this evening.

As students arrived, the skies cleared, the temperatures were comfortable, and a beautiful sunset provided the perfect backdrop for celebrating the accomplishments. Most importantly, our students were able to share this special milestone with their families and loved ones.

We are thankful for everyone’s flexibility and patience throughout the day, and we couldn’t have asked for a better ending. Congratulations to all of our 8th grade students! We are proud of all you have accomplished and wish you the very best as you begin your high school journey.

Mother Nature has been keeping us guessing! I am writing to inform you that we're moving the 8th Grade Recognition Ceremony to 6:00 p.m. tonight (instead of 5 p.m.), which lets us keep the celebration right where it belongs - outside, under the open sky, where our students deserve to be celebrated. Students should arrive to the back field by 5:30 p.m.

After much weather-watching (and maybe a little weather-app-refreshing every five minutes), it looks like the later time frame is shaping up to be our golden window. We know how many of you - parents, grandparents, siblings, and family friends - want to be there to cheer on our 8th graders, and an indoor venue just doesn't have room for everyone who wants to celebrate. Staying outside means everyone who wants to be there, can be there.

So grab your lawn chairs, perhaps your sunglasses, and maybe a light jacket just in case there is a lingering shower. We'll see you at 6:00 p.m.!

-Principal McMillan