NEWS RELEASE

Public Information Office

Lorre Korecky (908)789-4463

For release: IMMEDIATE

Weather-related School Closings will be Announced

In the event of unexpected school closings or delayed openings in the Westfield Public Schools, information will be available through the following sources:

Radio: New Jersey 101.5 FM

TV: Cable TV Channel 36

Internet: www.westfieldnj.com

In addition to the above notifications, elementary school students’ homes will be telephoned by PTA and PTO parents to advise them of closings or delayed openings.

If a delayed opening of school is announced, the same notification procedure will be followed. Schools begin at the following times during a delayed opening:

Westfield High School - 9:30 a.m.

Intermediate Schools - 9:45 a.m.

Elementary Schools - 10:00 a.m.

Kindgergarten AM - 10:00 a.m.

Kindergarten PM – 12:35 p.m.


Westfield High School Ranked #5 in State

Westfield High School ranks fifth in the top 75 public high schools in New Jersey, according to New Jersey Monthly magazine's September issue. This is the highest placement Westfield High School has received since the magazine started publishing the ranking, which appears in alternate years. Of the top five schools on the list, Westfield has the largest student body. There are 273 four-year public high schools in New Jersey.

The ranking is based on student achievement in standardized tests like the SAT and the High School Proficiency Assessment (HSPA), as well as high scores and participation in Advanced Placement tests. Westfield High School's average SAT score was 1150 in 2002-03 and 98 percent of the students passed the HSPA. Other factors in the ranking include percentage of graduates attending college (94 percent), daily instruction time (6hrs., 28 min.) and faculty attendance rate (98 percent).

In commenting on the New Jersey Monthly ranking, Westfield High School Principal Robert Petix said, "Although it is gratifying to know that the scores measured to determine Westfield High School's ranking by New Jersey Monthly have improved, the real measure of a school is its ability to nurture students' desire to learn, to develop students' academic and social potential, to help them become good citizens and to encourage them to live life fully."

"Westfield High School's success is a reflection both of a community that values education and students who are motivated to learn," stated Dr. Petix. "The excellent teachers throughout the Westfield Public School system, however, play the most significant role in ensuring educational excellence for our students. Our teachers' profound knowledge of their subject matter, their dedication to students and their enthusiasm for teaching inspire children to achieve."

Dr. Petix added, "This ranking is testimony to an educational system in which parents, educators and students have always worked cooperatively together for the benefit of our students - a tradition to be continued."


NEWS RELEASE

Public Information Office

Lorre Korecky (908)789-4463

Sullivan Appointed Westfield High School Assistant Principal

The Westfield Board of Education unanimously appointed Joan Sullivan as the new assistant principal of Westfield High School, effective July 1. Ms. Sullivan comes to Westfield from Lacey Township High School in Lanoka Harbor, NJ, which has an enrollment of 1600 students, similar to that of Westfield High School.

Her most recent role at Lacey Township High School, where she began her career in 1999, was as an administrative intern and Social Studies teacher. Ms. Sullivan received a Masters in Educational Administration from Rutgers University, and has completed classroom observations, conducted workshops for her colleagues, assisted in new staff training and student discipline.

Ms. Sullivan has served as a mentor for a new teacher, was a teacher of the handicapped, and also has taught gifted and talented students. Her interest in students on a co-curricular level included her role as an advisor for the school yearbook committee and the freshman class.

In addition to her Masters degree in educational administration, Ms. Sullivan received special education certification from the Georgian Court College in Lakewood and a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and American Studies from Rutgers College.

In accepting her position, Ms. Sullivan commented, "I am extremely excited to be a part of the Westfield Public Schools. I look forward to getting to know the staff, students, parents and community members of Westfield."

Dr. Robert Petix, principal of Westfield High School, noted that the district received more than 70 applications for the position. "Miss Sullivan comes to Westfield High School with excellent credentials and recommendations," stated

Dr. Petix. "She has great potential as an administrator, and we are pleased to have her on our staff," he added.


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