Program Schedule

August 13, 2026 – Welcome to Shamrock Academy
Location: WWS Central Office
Welcome: Dr. John Atha, Superintendent, Dr. Ryan Hoover, Assistant Superintendent

What to Expect: 

Shamrock Academy begins with an introduction to Westfield Washington Schools, district leadership, and the year ahead. Participants will meet members of the WWS leadership team and learn more about the district’s priorities, goals, continued growth, and commitment to ensuring high levels of learning and growth for every student.

The session will also provide a deeper look at Curriculum and Instruction and how teaching and learning are supported across WWS. Participants can expect opportunities to connect with one another, ask questions, and begin building a stronger understanding of how the many parts of the district work together to prepare every Rock to be Life Ready.

• Meet the leadership team and share the plan for the year
• Connect with attendees, gather feedback, and participate in welcome activities
• Overview of 2026–2027 initiatives, goals, and district growth plans
• Deep dive into Curriculum & Instruction

September 10, 2026 – The Business of Schools
Location: Shamrock Station
Presenters: Dr. Greg Hunt (Assistant Superintendent of Business and Operations), Brian Kelly (Director of Construction), WWS Board of Trustees

What to Expect: 

A lot happens behind the scenes to operate a growing school district. September’s session explores the business side of WWS, including school finance, budgeting, governance, construction, and strategic planning.

Participants will learn how resources are allocated to support students and staff while also planning for Westfield’s continued growth. The session will also provide insight into current and future construction projects, the district’s Master Plan, and the role of the Board of Trustees in governance, policy, and long-term decision-making.

• Understand school funding, budgeting, and strategic resource allocation
  Governance, policy development, and community engagement
• Construction and the District Master Plan
  Board of Trustees: Rebecca Ogle & Bill Anderson

October 8, 2026 – Safety, Communication, and Student Support
Location: Midland Crossing
Presenters: Kyle Miller (Counseling), Mike Hall (Safety), Craig Tierney (Communications)

What to Expect:

Participants will explore the systems WWS has in place to support students academically, socially, and emotionally, as well as in their thinking about future college and career opportunities.

The session will also provide an inside look at school safety and district communication. Participants will learn how WWS works to protect students and staff while keeping families and the community informed, connected, and engaged.

• Academic, career, and wellness support for students (Kyle)
• How WWS prioritizes student safety (Mike)
• Communication strategies to keep families informed and engaged (Craig)
  Board of Trustees: Bill Anderson & Mike Steele

November 12, 2026 – Operations and Daily Logistics
Location: Transportation Center
Presenters: Dr. Greg Hunt(Operations), Michael Reinhardt (Transportation), Paul Sherrer (Food Service), Luke Hildebrand (Facilities), Bobby Daniel (Custodial)

What to Expect:

What does it take to keep a school district serving thousands of students running every day? November takes participants behind the scenes of WWS operations to see the people, systems, and logistics that make each school day possible.

Participants will learn about transportation, food service, facilities, custodial services, and district operations. From getting students safely to school and serving thousands of meals to maintaining buildings and preparing learning spaces, this session highlights the teams whose work supports teaching and learning every day.

• How WWS keeps schools running efficiently, including facilities, food service, transportation, and custodial operations

December 10, 2026 – Exceptional Learners, EL Services, and High Ability
Location: Carey Ridge Elementary
Presenters: Dr. Lindsay Tomamichel, Dr. Krystal Thompson

What to Expect:

Every student comes to WWS with unique strengths, needs, and opportunities for growth. December focuses on the programs, resources, and instructional strategies that help WWS meet students where they are and help them reach their full potential.

Participants will learn more about services for Exceptional Learners, Multilingual Learners, and High Ability students. The session will highlight how educators and support teams work together to provide meaningful learning experiences and ensure every student has access to the support and challenge they need to grow.

• Explore resources and instructional strategies for Exceptional Learners, Multilingual Learners, and High Ability students

January 14, 2027 – Hiring Great People and the Westfield Education Foundation
Location: Oak Trace Elementary
Presenters: Chris Baldwin (HR), Ashley Knott (WEF & Board Members)

• Recruiting, hiring, and professional development strategies
• We hire the best and help them get better – Supporting educators’ growth
• Westfield Education Foundation – Fueling student success through scholarships, teacher grants, and innovative programs

February 11, 2027 – Extracurriculars and the Arts
Location: WHS LGI
Presenters: Andy Tebbe (WHS Athletic Director), Ginny Smith, Doug Luce (WMS Athletic Director), Lance Grubb, Andrew Muth

What to Expect:

Learning at WWS extends well beyond the classroom. February celebrates the athletic, extracurricular, and arts opportunities that help students discover their interests, build relationships, develop leadership skills, and find a place to belong.

Participants will learn more about athletics and activities across the district, as well as the many performing and visual arts experiences available to students. The session will highlight how these opportunities support the whole child and contribute to the Shamrock Experience.

• Athletics and fitness programs for all students
  Arts programs that enhance student development and creativity  

March 11, 2027 – Data and Technology
Location: Maple Glen Elementary
Presenters: Dr. Carmen Carnes (Data & Assessment), Dan Brita (Technology)

What to Expect:

Data and technology play an important role in supporting student learning and helping educators make informed decisions. March gives participants a closer look at how WWS uses information, assessment, and technology to understand student progress and continuously improve teaching and learning.

Participants will also explore how technology is integrated throughout the district to support instruction, communication, operations, and student success. The session will help connect the numbers and systems behind the scenes to what ultimately matters most: helping every student learn and grow.

• How data informs student success and supports seamless technology integration

April 15, 2027 – All Rocks Are Life Ready ☘️
Location: WHS Auditorium
Presenters: John Moore, Nikki Heflin, Jason Hemmerling, John Oestreich, Kurt Frederick, Sarah Gibbs, Traci Selig, Michelle Goudy, Michael Marley, Tracy Miller

What to Expect:

April brings the WWS vision, All Rocks Are Life Ready, to life. Participants will experience firsthand the many ways students are preparing for college, careers, and life beyond graduation.

Through visits and hands-on experiences at Westfield High School, participants will explore career pathways and real-world learning opportunities such as Idea Farm, Rock Shop, culinary programs, construction, and more. The session will showcase how classroom learning, career exploration, leadership, teamwork, and practical experiences come together to prepare students for their next step.

• Hands-on experiences preparing students for real-world success
• Career pathways, workforce development, and experiential programs (Idea Farm, Rock Shop, culinary, construction, and more)
• Short visits throughout WHS to explore opportunities

May 13, 2027 – Shamrock Academy Capstone
Location: LGI, WMS
Presenter: Dr. John Atha, Superintendent

What to Expect:

The final Shamrock Academy session is an opportunity to reflect, connect, and celebrate. After spending the year exploring WWS from classrooms and curriculum to operations, technology, extracurriculars, and career readiness, participants will have the opportunity to consider how all of those pieces work together.

Participants will share key takeaways, provide feedback, and reflect on what they have discovered about Westfield Washington Schools throughout the year. The program will conclude by recognizing the Shamrock Academy class and celebrating a year of learning, connection, and deeper engagement with WWS.

• Reflect on learning – What participants discovered about the district
• Share key takeaways – Insights, feedback, and growth from the program
• Celebrate completion – Recognizing participants and the year’s achievements

The Shamrock Academy offers a unique opportunity to get an in-depth look at how WWS ensures high levels of growth and learning for every student while staying true to our commitment that All Rocks Are Life Ready. We are excited to share our journey in shaping our students' future and preparing them for success in all areas of life.