Greeted by a rousing performance by members of the Westfield High School Marching Band, Westfield Public Schools staff gathered for an Opening Day ceremony on Tuesday, September 3, followed by a full schedule of professional development sessions, as they prepare for the return of students on Thursday, September 5.
Superintendent Dr. Raymond González welcomed teachers, paraprofessionals, secretaries, custodians, administrators, and other staff members, including 30 new educators who have joined the school district.
“I always look forward to the start of a new school year,” says Dr. González. “There’s something special about seeing the energy on that first day, as our teachers, paraprofessionals and the entire staff come together, excited and prepared to welcome our students back.”
Dr. González expressed his appreciation for the hard work that took place over the summer to prepare for the new school year and for the important work still to come, including Year 2 of the district’s five-year Strategic Plan and a large-scale facilities referendum in April 2025. District administrators provided department updates in the areas of curriculum and instruction, student support services, human resources, community relations and communication, and budget and finance.
Also on hand to welcome the staff on opening day were Board of Education President Robert Benacchio and Westfield Education Association President Kim Pentangelo.
On August 27 and 28, the 30 newly hired educators attended a two-day, in-house orientation as part of the New Staff Institute (NSI). The NSI is a two-year program designed to support first-time educators and those who are new to the district.
