Hello Everyone,
June marks Pride month here in the Commonwealth! To kick it off, this week my team and I went to both the Pride flag raising here in Westfield and at the State House. I am looking forward to joining community members at festivities all across the district this month in celebration!
I started off my week by visiting two of our schools here in Westfield on Monday. In the morning, I attended Career Week at the Franklin Ave Elementary School where I spoke to students about my work previously as a lawyer, my service in the military, and the honor that I have as serving as your State Senator. Later that afternoon, I paid a visit to Westfield High School where I had the pleasure of speaking to Mr. Dargie’s Current Issues class. It was great speaking with these students who have demonstrated such a strong interest in civics engagement. Thank you, Mr. Dargie, for having me back in your class and I’m already looking forward to a visit next school year!
On Tuesday I was over at Highland Elementary to discuss with teachers, educational experts, and representatives from the Massachusetts Business Alliance for Education about how the Commonwealth can address the literacy skills gaps that is affecting so many students across our state. Highland Elementary school has been participating in pilot program this school year to help those students who have fallen behind on these critical skills by providing one-on-one tutoring. As someone who knows what it is like to struggle in school at a young age, I truly appreciate all that is being done to support all of our students.
Graduation season is in full swing, both Westfield High School and the Westfield Technical Academy held their graduations this week. I was honored to have been able to join both senior classes during their celebrations. I hope all the students graduating this week across the district are able to enjoy this momentous occasion for which they have all worked so hard to achieve. Congratulations!
Congratulations are also in order for the Holyoke High School’s Women’s 4×100 Relay Team for having been invited to the Nike Nationals Track and Field invitational all the way out in Oregon. Go Purple Knights!
This week my team hosted office hours at the Agawam COA on Monday. Next week, we will be at the Chicopee COA from on Tuesday June 11th from 10:00am to 11:00am and at the West Springfield COA on Wednesday June 12th from 11:00am to 12:00pm. If you can’t make office hours, I can always be reached by email, john.velis@masenate.gov, by phone, (413) 572-3920, and you can find me online at senatorjohnvelis.com.
Sincerely,
John Velis