White Oak School

07/28/2026

Wow! White Oak’s garden boxes are thriving this summer! Thank you to our summer school students and staff for watching after them. Tomatoes, squash, zucchini and more!

06/09/2026

What’s happening today? School trip to the Starfires baseball game!

05/21/2026

Thank you Westfield Gas & Electric! Our students are so grateful for the opportunity to attend this leadership program through your generosity!

05/09/2026

Our amazing students!

05/09/2026

Prospective families, advocates and related professionals ~ join us this Tuesday to hear about our program, tour our campus, and meet some of our staff!

05/04/2026

We are so grateful to have Mrs. Tara Armstrong on our team. She works tirelessly for the best possible outcomes for all of our students. Her knowledge and dedication are second to none; this award is so well deserved!

Tara Armstrong, SLP, accepts the Albert E. Trieschman Direct Service Award with White Oak Head of School, Jody Michalski and Cameron Rodak, Curriculum Director. The Helix Human Services and Mill Pond School Team accepts the Excellence in Teaching Award on behalf of this year’s winner, Ronald Rutstein, Special Education Teacher. Pictured are Helix CEO Mark Paglia, MAAPS Executive Director Elizabeth Dello Russo Becker, Michelle Tyer, Principal, MAAPS Director of Membership Amanda Kane, and Director of Education Maria Williams.
Rowley, Mass. – The Massachusetts Association of Approved Special Education Schools (MAAPS) celebrated exceptional dedication to special education at its annual meeting and awards ceremony on April 30, recognizing two outstanding professionals for their profound impact on students and school communities.
Richmond resident Ronald Rutstein, a special education teacher at Helix Human Services-Mill Pond School of Richmond, was presented the Excellence in Teaching Award. The award acknowledges superior teaching contributions to special needs students by a classroom teacher whose performance and achievement reflect the high principles of the profession. Over his 20-year career, Rutstein’s trauma-informed approach and integration of hands-on STEM experiences have been instrumental in supporting students with complex social, emotional, and behavioral needs. Rutstein was recognized for consistently designing individualized learning and regulation activities that spark student interest and provide alternative pathways to success. Rutstein regularly participates in local youth-centered programs and collaborative learning communities to continuously strengthen his ability to support neurodiverse learners.
Holyoke resident Tara Armstrong, a speech and language pathologist at White Oak School of Westfield, was presented the Albert E. Trieschman Direct Service Award, acknowledging superior direct service contributions to students by a clinician, specialist or child care worker. Over her 13 years as a direct service practitioner, 6 years at White Oak, Armstrong has embedded herself into the White Oak community, co-teaching alongside faculty and supporting students in natural environments such as hallways and lunch periods. In addition to her clinical role, Armstrong leads neurodiversity-affirming practices, serves as a go-to resource for the use of assistive technology, and actively engages with students beyond the school day, including by leading the after-school fishing club. White Oak School Helix Human Services

05/02/2026

Our group is learning the most amazing leadership skills while growing their personal confidence and group cooperation skills. We are so grateful for the opportunity to partner with Acts of Hesed for this experience!

04/02/2026

Join us for a wonderful performance of fun, candy and "Pure Imagination"!