Program Schedule

During our first session, we will take some time to get acquainted with the program, district leadership and with each other. We'll get a high-level view of the district, our goals, our latest initiatives and we'll set the stage for the remainder of your Academy experience. You'll get to know some of our leadership and we'll spend some time learning about you and what you would like to get from this exclusive experience!

Location: Carey Ridge Elementary community room
Date: Thursday, August 25
Time: 8:30-10:30am

Speakers:

• Director of Communications Joshua Andrews

• Superintendent Dr. Paul Kaiser

• Principal of Carey Ridge Elementary Andy Hilton

In September, we're going to give you the 10,000 foot view of Westfield Washington Schools. We want you to see lots of the moving parts at a high level, so when you hear about the logistics and minutiae of the departments, you'll have a bit of context to the conversation. You will also receive a presentation on the business of school, how our district is funded and how we spend money to create an excellent educational environment.

Location: Washington Woods Elementary School community room
Date: Thursday September 8
Time: 8-10am

Speakers: 

• Superintendent Dr. Paul Kaiser

• Assistant Superintendent for Business Brian Tomamichel

The safety of our students and staff is our number one priority. During this session, you will hear from our head of safety and the Westfield Police Department about some of the safety measures at play every day throughout our district. You will also hear from the Director of Student Support Programs about how we are providing a nurturing and academic environment at an early age.

Location: Virginia F. Wood Early Learning Center
Date: Thursday, October 13
Time: 8-10am

Speakers:

• Assistant Superintendent for Safety and Human Resources Chris Baldwin

• Officer Tyler Dougherty

• Director of Student Support Programs Marci Derado

This month, our participants will learn about learning! They will hear from our district leaders on the science behind learning, teaching pedagogy and how our teachers are continuous learners. After listening to our speakers, we’ll form breakout groups that can visit classrooms to see teaching and learning in action. 

Location: Shamrock Springs Elementary School
Date: Thursday, November 10 
Time: 8-10am

Speakers: 

• Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Dr. John Atha

• Director of Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Ryan Hoover

The WWS vision is to be an exemplary learning organization focused on collaboration, innovation and continuous growth for all. And, for us, all means ALL. During this session, participants will learn about the different programs and resources available to our students to aid them on their academic journey. They will hear from district leaders in special education, mental health, the AVID program, AP classes and our school nurse program.

You will also get a tour of the middle school culinary facilities and hear from our foodservice provider about how much care goes into providing our students delicious and fulfilling meals.

Location: Westfield Middle School
Date: Thursday, December 8
Time: 8-10am

Speakers: 

• Director of Special Education and Student Services Chase Stinson

• Exploring Careers and College Teacher Johnny Payne

• Instructional Coach Heather Kirkley

Our first responsibility, each day, is to get students from home and to school. A lot goes into that operation and we want you to see behind the curtain of transportation. Take a ride in a district school bus as the director of transportation discusses what goes into plotting and planning routes that service the entire district. You will also learn about two of the biggest resources to our school and local community, the Westfield Education Foundation and Parent University

Location: Monon Trail Elementary School
Date: Thursday, January 12
Time: 8-10am

Speakers:

• Director of Transportation Larry Johnson

• Coordinator of Family & Community Engagement & Executive Director, Westfield Education Foundation Ashley Knott

In addition to nationally recognized academics, Westfield Washington Schools offers outstanding sports, clubs and performance art organizations to help form well-rounded students. During this session, our participants will hear from leaders in our extracurricular activities to see how we take academic and personal development beyond the classroom.

Location: Westfield High School
Date: Thursday, February 9
Time: 8-10am

Speakers:

• High School Athletic Director Andy Tebbe

• Middle School Athletic Director Doug Luce

• Dean of Wellness/Head Football Coach Jake Gilbert

• High School Assistant Principal Kurt Frederick

• Director of Student Activities Sarah Gibbs

• High School Band Director Andrew Muth

If you listen close enough, you'll hear our data speaking. Our district listens very closely, and it tells us the best ways to support students, assist teachers, improve curriculums, understand students' behavior to improve teaching process.

Location: Westfield Intermediate School
Date: Thursday, March 16
Time: 8-10am

Speakers:

• Data Specialist and Assessment Coordinator Carmen Carnes

• Director of Student Support and Counseling Services Kyle Miller

At Westfield Washington Schools, we always say it is our people who make us great. So, during this session, you'll get a look at exactly how we hire, retain and develop the best teachers around! Experience the interview process, learn about how we attract new staff and get a glimpse into our New Educator Orientation.

Location: Westfield Intermediate School
Date: Thursday, April 20
Time: 8-10am

Speakers:

• Assistant Superintendent for Safety and Human Resources Chris Baldwin

• Assistant Director of Human Resources Stacy McGuire

WWS prides itself on preparing students for the real world. With the changing economic and business environment, the real world is looking different everyday. In this session, participants will learn our teachers are preparing our students to be successful the moment they walk across the graduation stage. With our Idea Farm, Rock Shop, culinary program, construction program and other amazing opportunities, our students can get real-world experience before they even leave our schools. This can give them a leg up on others as they vie for the competitive job and college market.

Location: Westfield High School
Date: Thursday, May 11 
Time: 8-10am

Speakers:

• Innovation Specialist Joel Bruns

• Entrepreneur Teacher John Moore

• Mass Media Teacher John Oestreich

• Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher Nikki Heflin