Chairperson’s Corner

Minority Achievement Committee Closes Another Successful Year
     As we come to the close of another school year, it is time to reflect on the accomplishments of the Minority Achievement Committee. I first want to thank all of the committee members and volunteers who spent countless hours working with students, teachers, administrators and parents to develop new methods and programs to close the achievement gap at Westfield. I also want to applaud Ms. Hilda Ventura and Ms. Carmen Danies for their successful efforts in increasing parental involvement among our Hispanic and Latino families. The number of Hispanic and Latino parents attending our Parent Coffees this year increased dramatically, thanks to their hard work. The Hispanos al Progreso program was a great success as well, welcoming Hispanic and Latino parents into the building and providing very important information to assist them in adapting to Westfield high school and the local community.
     We held three parent coffees and heard from both parents and students on what their thoughts were on what causes the achievement gap at Westfield and offer solutions for solving this problem. This was a first for the committee and we need to continue to hear from our school’s population.
     The state of minority achievement was presented, and the data shows that we are making progress in some areas, while digressing in others. We must continue to work in partnership with Westfield faculty and administrators as well as reach back to our feeder middle schools to make a difference. Programs are in place, but more work is needed to follow up and implement new programs based upon what the committee heard this year.
     Our Holiday meeting was full of spirit and fun. We sampled food from around the country and were entertained by both school and community based groups. It indeed was a festive occasion. We are closing the year with our annual MAC barbeque. We will relax and say thank you to all of our volunteers while feasting on favorite summer barbeque food items. All are welcomed and encouraged to come out and enjoy the occasion. Please bring your favorite side dish. The main dishes, (meat and fish) are being provided by the committee and Principal Thomas. The date is Wednesday June 3rd. We will start at 5:00 p.m. and continue until 9:00 p.m. so there is time to get through the traffic. Music, food, door prizes and great company awaits you.
     I have chaired this committee for eight years. Over these eight years I have witnessed progress and have encountered roadblocks. However, I have remained steadfast in support of the mission of this committee which is to close and ultimately eliminate the achievement gap at Westfield high school. With the pending graduation of my daughter this June, I will no longer have students at Westfield. While I remain committed to the mission of this committee, it is time for another person to step up and take the reins and lead this committee. I will be resigning as committee chair, effective this summer, but will remain active as a volunteer serving on the committee. If you believe in the mission of the Minority Achievement Committee and have students attending Westfield, I urge you to consider signing up to chair this committee. You have a great committee to assist you in continuing building upon the foundation set over the past eight years. I thank each of you for your patience and precious time. I look forward to seeing many of you at the MAC barbeque on June 3rd and continuing to working with the committee and school, while at a reduced role.

Please mark these other important dates on your calendar.

• June 3 5-9 Cafeteria: End of Year MAC Barbeque

 

Minority Achievement Committee,
Mark Richardson, Committee Chair

 

If you would like to know more about the Minority Achievement Committee, or would like to join our committee, please contact Mark Richardson at mac@westfieldhs.org or complete the online member form. We would love to have your participation.