On Wednesday I spoke with an alumna from the 1980s who credits her Westfield education with providing her with the values that form the backstop for her life and work. First introduced to computers at Westfield, she works as a computer programmer in the public service/civic engagement sector. Our current students are a part of the same life-shaping community as this alumna.
From alumni to future families Westfield, Mrs. Rinck has been very busy showing prospective students and their families around school. Just this week she had seven different families walk the campus and peek through windows. Many of these families find us through our existing school families. Thank you to the Carrolls who shared their love for Westfield in a recent video
I can tell that spring is here. Mrs. D’s Kindergarten students hatched ten chicks. We are once again learning the school song. Eighth Grade students are working with Mrs. Parry and Ms. Fielding to select songs for their graduation. Our youngest students will hunt for eggs on the grounds. Wednesday’s recess walk in the rain with First and Second Grade students found students helping Mrs. Rinck and I hunt for signs of buds swelling and tiny and not so tiny flowers blooming. This rainy day exploration ended with a visit to the Preschool playground and an appraisal of the new bamboo teepee. The kids all agreed that having one in their playground would be cool. In the weeks following spring break we will put the tents back up behind the school. We have proven we can safely inhabit our indoor spaces this past winter and now we will be able to stretch out a bit more moving art and music and some of science back outdoors.
In Meeting for Worship, we listened to a medley of Passover songs. Students considered how the season of Lent leading to Easter overlaps with and resembles the weeks-long preparation for Passover. We also contemplated the month-long similarities of Ramadan. Students were asked to consider the ways all religions set aside time and practices to clear away the accumulated clutter of winter and their lives to prepare for the new season and right relationship.
Spring vacation is nearly here. Remember if you and your children travel out of the NJ, NY, CT, PA, DE region you and your children must quarantine after you return home. The quarantine is for seven full days. The first day your child wakes up in your home counts as day one. On day 3-5 have your child tested for COVID-19. If your child’s test is negative, they may return to school on day eight. For children who need to quarantine, they may participate in hybrid learning. Currently, the state has not changed its guidelines for people who have been vaccinated.
Beginning in April the faculty will participate in the NJAIS “Diversity Equity, Inclusion and Belonging in Our Schools” subscription series. We will all attend the session “Supporting the Social and Academic Adjustments of Black Boys.” Each teacher will select two additional sessions. The series description is attached.
I hope you will join us at one of our two virtual A Taste of our Towns events in May. We will gather virtually and enjoy good food and fellowship. If you have an experience or item you would like to contribute to the auction or if you would like to sponsor the event, please let me know.
What I am reading:
Books that made me smile and cry
Outside Inside by LeUyen Pham
Welcoming Elijah: A Passover Tale with a Tail by Leslea Newman
We Dream of Space by Erin Entrada Kelly
