Notes from the Head of School

Happy Friday!

Can you believe this is my last email of 2025? The beginning of the school year has gone by so quickly!

*Last week, Mrs. Benjamin and her PE classes tried out some Dance, Dance Revolution in the cafeteria- so fun!

*Did you know that Amanda Spear-Purchase, Event and Venue Director for Springfield Symphony Hall, is a White Oak Alumni? I caught her on WWLP's In Focus TV show showing off her OE skills!

*If you follow the Hampden County DA on social media, you'll see our senior Ainsley as part of the Youth Advisory Board leading her group focused on Disabilities Awareness.

*Congratulations to Lucia who made All Western Mass, Class A, Team 2 for soccer! Way to go!

*On Wednesday, Ms. Daley treated us to a fun holiday video skit written and produced by her ELA and OE classes. Santa Vs The Grinch made us giggle and cheer as the students played out an epic battle on screen!

*We had 2 special visitors this week- Mark and Paulina - Class of 2025- stopped by to bring us a holiday card and fill us in on how well they are doing in the Westfield transition program! Everyone was so happy to see them back on campus!

*This week, Senior Domenic attended a very special Westfield School Committee meeting to honor his mother who stepped down after many, many years of service. Domenic spoke in front of the crowd and was quoted on MassLive. We are so proud of him and thankful to his mom who has been an important voice for students and teachers across the community!

*A festive spirit was rampant yesterday for Ugly Sweater day! Who were the contest winners? Lochlin won Ugliest (but who could really think Elf is ugly?!?), Mark won funniest with his Sonic the Hedgehog sweater, Charlie won Most Festive for his reindeer and lights ensemble and Jo won most creative with her homemade tree dress, complete with lights and jingling ornaments!

*Our chorus made their debut with a concert at Armbrook Village yesterday afternoon. They performed 5 holiday songs, including We Wish You a Merry Christmas and Hanukkah, O Hanukkah. In between songs, the students told jokes and read a short history of each tune. At the end of the concert, Alena passed out Origami creations she had prepared for the residents. It was a wonderful event and we look forward to collaborating with Armbrook Village more in the new year! Great job Chorus Director Mrs. Williams and members!

*The Junior class sold and delivered Candy Grams this week. It was a great way to wrap up the week - with deliveries of kindness and smiles!

*We celebrated with a little holiday karaoke today!

*The vocabulary word of the week was ecstatic, as in "We are ecstatic to have 16 days off for break!"

*The Senior Class is having a Gift Card Tree Fundraiser. There are 2 chances to win a collection of gift cards valued at over $200! Tickets are 1 for $5.00 or 5 for $20. Use this link to order your tickets today! The drawing will be at the end of January.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdn9XoIMApobJaz5tPG2qfSba72XrhqX1_rYzHrco7ccmkzug/viewform?usp=preview

*Don't forget to order your Springfield Thunderbirds tickets for the Monday, January 19th matchup! Bring family and friends to watch our chorus take the ice to sing God Bless America. 10 lucky students will get to ride on the Fanboni too! The link to order tickets is attached to this email.

Reminder: School Reopens on Monday, January 5th, 2026!

Finally, to wrap up, I think the new bulletin board created by Mrs. Mercier and helpers says it all - "It's Snow Secret- We're A Great School." Wishing you all a happy, healthy holiday season and a joyous New Year! We will see you in 2026!

Very Best,

Jody

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