Westfield Starts School Wednesday With More Security

WESTFIELD, NJ — Wednesday is the first day of school for Westfield students where they will be met by not only teachers but increased security for the 2018-19 school year.

Westfield Public School District held a public safety presentation in February to inform parents of its more than $6 million investment in implementing and enhancing safety measures with StoneGate in the 10 school buildings.

All buildings are equipped with security cameras, intercom systems and panic alarms as well as updated fire alarms and public address systems.

Additionally the district budgeted to hire two new school resource officers for $100,000 total that are assigned to the middle and elementary schools. This brings the district up to three SROs. A previous SRO was assigned to the high school.

An SRO works in conjunction with the Westfield Police Department and is an armed officer that patrols the schools.

These changes came in light of the increased number of school shootings across the country including the Parkland, Florida shooting that resulted in the deaths of 17 students and faculty members.

Here is a look at Westfield's first day of school schedule:

ELEMENTARY AND EARLY CHILDHOOD SCHOOL HOURS

• Grades 1 -5: 8:40 a.m. - 3:05 p.m.
• Kindergarten AM Session: 9:05 - 11:40 a.m. (Door opens at 8:55 am)
• Kindergarten PM Session: 12:45 - 3:20 p.m. (Door opens at 12:35 pm)
• Kindergarten WRAP Program AM: 9:05 - 11:40 a.m.
• Kindergarten WRAP Program PM: 12:45 - 3:20 p.m.
• Transitional Kindergarten: 8:45 a.m. - 3 p.m.
• ABA Kindergarten: 9:05 a.m. - 3:20 p.m.
• Pre-K AM: 8:45 - 11:15 a.m.
• Pre-K PM: 12:30 - 3 p.m.
• ABA Pre-K: 8:45 a.m. - 3 p.m.

INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL HOURS

• 8:07 a.m. to 2:47 p.m.

HIGH SCHOOL HOURS

• First Day Bell Schedule (Click link to pull up First Day Bell Schedule)
• Regular bell schedule will begin on Thursday. Students assigned to First Period must report in time for a 7:30 a.m. start.

(Image via Shutterstock)

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