Latest news with #WestfieldMiddleSchool
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Westfield Starfires join students for STEM showcase
WESTFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Students at a local middle school mixed education and fun, with a special appearance from the Westfield Starfires. Westfield middle schoolers got to enjoy a baseball game in the sun, but also got to learn the science behind the sport. It was a busy day for Westfield Middle School on Wednesday, as they partnered with Westfield Technical Academy and the Westfield Starfires baseball team for a STEM career showcase. Project Lifesaver launches in Chicopee to help locate wandering individuals The middle school students got the chance to interact with the technical school and see if it's a high school they would want to attend. From aviation and construction, to auto-tech, manufacturing, and electric wiring, the options for industries offered varied. 'A lot of great things to offer here at Westfield,' said Westfield Technical Academy Assistant Principal Kevin Daley. 'For them to see a non-traditional high school in the tech atmosphere, it's great for everybody.' STEM education actually has a lot to do with the sport of baseball. 'Velocity, speed, pitching, fielding, all of the things that go into math and science happen out here,' said Westfield Middle School Assistant Principal Karri Kells. The Westfield Starfires went head-to-head with the Worcester Bravehearts here at the stadium with an audience of over 1,500 people. The Starfires are trying to make a comeback from last season, and getting to speak with students, take photos, and sign autographs made it all the more special. 'It's a great opportunity for these students to see where these players are from, what universities they attend around the country,' Starfires team owner Chris Thompson said. 'And there's just a lot of energy at the ballpark, it's amazing.' Even though the team came up short in the double header, they can redeem themselves on Thursday against the Vermont Lake Monsters. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-01-2025
- Yahoo
Westfield Middle School to raise awareness of antisemitism after swastikas found
WESTFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – A symbol of hate and violence, specifically a swastika, was found drawn on a student's notebook at Westfield Middle School on Monday. In a letter sent to family members of students on Tuesday from Principal Jesse McMillan, several incidents are being investigated concerning swastika drawings. On Monday, a drawing of a swastika was found on a student's notebook. Principal McMillan also reports that swastikas were found earlier this month inside a school-issued device, and on an eraser found on the floor. Nazi flag-bearing man gets 8 years in prison for truck crashing near White House The principal says the school has zero tolerance for hate speech and that they are working to enhance protocols for future incidents, 'While we believe strongly in education as our primary tool to combat prejudice, we will also implement severe disciplinary consequences for any student found creating or promoting hate symbols or engaging in antisemitic behavior.' In response to the incidents, the middle school plans to hold education sessions for all students and with the help of a new partnership with the Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts to develop age-appropriate educational resources. The school is asking family members to have open discussions with their children about hate symbols and their historical content. They will encourage students to report any concerning behavior to a trusted adult. Resources are available on the Anti-Defamation League's website. There has been a 140% increase in antisemitic incidents in 2023 with 8,873 across the U.S. The Anti-Defamation League reports 'Hate symbols of any kind have no place in our school community. Such actions create an unsafe learning environment, inflict real harm on our students and staff, and fundamentally contradict our educational mission. I want to assure you that we take these matters very seriously,' Principal McMillan reiterated in the school community's letter. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
