(Westfield News- Amy Porter) Starting in the new innovation lab in a former woodshop on the ground floor of Westfield High School, and proceeding to the science classrooms on the second and third floors, Mayor Michael McCabe, state Sen. John Velis, City Councilor Ralph Figy, Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski, WHS Principal Charles Jendrysik, Science Technology and Engineering Supervisor Lauren Cadigan and others toured the school’s newly refurbished science labs on March 10.
The renovations were kickstarted by a $1 million earmark in the 2023 state budget by Velis, who was the hero of the hour. McCabe thanked him as he introduced him before the tour, and Velis responded, saying long after the earmark has passed, the student and science teachers will be the ones making the difference. “One thing that’s not lost on me — this was an easy job. This is really important,” the Westfield Democrat said.
During the tour, freshmen in Eileen Lynch’s science class were working with outside tech Evan Warnock on applications for the 30 new Prism virtual reality goggles that came in three weeks ago. Warnock was also explaining how teachers can monitor progress as students are working.
“I’m 100% excited,” said Lynch, who added that the new technology is a nice way for students to engage in hands-on activities.
Several of the freshmen in the class said they have used virtual reality goggles at home for games and activities like golf lessons. They said in the classroom, they traveled inside blood vessels using the goggles.
Veteran physics and “Project Lead the Way” teacher Renee Sweeney was excited to show off her new classroom on the tour. “Since everything is on wheels, my classroom adjusts to what I am doing,” she said, transforming easily from lecture setup into small groups
In the certified nurse assistant classroom for the biomedical pathway, tables had been secured, new blinds put up, new storage space added, and all new hospital beds installed for work on mannequins. The classroom is also used for a new after school phlebotomy certification class.
Cadigan said the CNA students will go onto internships in Baystate Noble, Holyoke Medical Center and with other area health providers.
“I don’t know how many schools have this type of equipment to this extent. It’s very exciting and opens up so many opportunities for students,” said Christine Shea, director of assessment for the district.
Cadigan said she graduated WHS in 2008, and at that time the science labs and materials were outdated. She said as they worked through the renovations, they found equipment that predated the building.
Cadigan said the renovations represent 400 hours of work outside of the school days, filling twelve dumpsters with debris, and completely revitalizing the STE spaces to better serve students and educators.
Highlights Cadigan listed included 16 classrooms that were repainted; a complete overhaul of the innovation lab, “transforming it into a cutting-edge space where students can design, build and create;” and the addition of phlebotomy and computer integrated manufacturing materials.
“This is a space that reflects the future and not the past,” Cadigan said about the innovation lab, which will be a space for teachers to sign out to do maker’s projects with their students. In the room were several new 3-D printers and the new Intelitek BenchMill 6100 computer numerical control machining center, purchased for a manufacturing class that will start next year.
The district invested over $300,000 in state-of-the-art lab equipment, including new refrigerators, ice makers, goggles, microscopes, incubators and all new glassware; 30 virtual reality goggles and a charging cart; 30 brand-new engineering laptops, eight new touchview screens, brand new furniture in all 16 science classrooms, white boards replacing 21 chalkboards, and repair of all classroom plumbing and cabinets.
“This project is more than just renovations and new equipment — it’s an investment in our students’ futures. It’s about ensuring they have the best possible environment to explore, experiment and innovate,” Cadigan said.
She thanked Velis for securing the essential funding that brought the project to life; Czaporowski “for always dreaming big and embracing our ambitious goals”; Shannon Barry from the business office for her tireless work ordering, vetting and managing bids Bill Bancroft and “the dedicated maintenant team and the Tech Center, for answering every call, question and ticket “with prompt enthusiasm.
Cadigan also credited the STEM team, teachers and staff without whose dedication she said none of the upgrades would have been possible.
‘Every single science, technology and engineering teacher packed up their entire classroom at the end of last year, trusting that when they returned, their spaces would be completely transformed,” she said.
Most importantly, Cadigant thanked the students. “You are the reason we do this. Your passion for discovery and learning drives us to keep improving, and we cannot wait to see how you take full advantage of these incredible new spaces.”
Cadigan said as they see the strength build in the district’s preK to 12 STEM program, they have started to see positive results.
“This has been so awesome,” Velis said after the tour, reflecting back everyone’s excitement over the renovations.