Westfield Teachers Deliver Surprises For Seniors At Their Homes

WESTFIELD, NJ — Distance learning in Westfield became not as distant on Wednesday. The high school seniors were surprised to find that the teachers they have only seen during virtual lessons over the past two months had a special gift for them.

The teachers began arriving at students' homes on May 27 to deliver lawn signs.

“The seniors are still waiting to find out when they will be able to have a ‘live’ graduation, so we wanted to do something to make them feel special," said Westfield High PTSO Co-President Monica Bergin about the PTSO-organized event. “It epitomizes the spirit of Westfield to have the teachers, the Westfield Police Department, the Board of Education, and the Department of Public Works all come together to celebrate these kids."

She added, "The teachers were excited to help out, and more than 60 volunteered to be part of the six delivery teams.”

The PTSO sells the senior lawn signs each year to raise money to provide items not included in the school’s budget. Financial assistance is offered to ensure every student is able to have a sign to celebrate his/her graduation.

"It was a wonderful surprise to see my teachers and I loved seeing all the decorated cars,” said 12th grader Madeline Stack. “It made me and all the other students feel really special."

"It is great seeing how supportive the WHS teachers and community as a whole are during this difficult time,” said senior Aiden Kilbourn.

Parent Beata Krowinska called the lawn sign delivery “an amazing moment for many WHS students.”

She wrote in an email to WHS Principal Mary Asfendis, “I didn’t see that much excitement in my daughter’s face for a long time. Marcelina felt so special when she saw two of her favorite teachers standing and clapping for her. This experience will last forever.”

Asfendis thanked the PTSO for “initiating and planning this amazing community event,” the Westfield Police Department for the “hours coordinating and leading our routes,” and the Westfield Department of Public Works for providing vehicles for the delivery caravans.

“I can speak for all of the the Westfield staff in saying it was a highlight of our year to celebrate this amazing class,” Asfendis said. “We were so excited to see our students and share in the joy of their graduation from Westfield High School.”

“The smiles on the faces of our seniors says it all,” said Superintendent Dr. Margaret Dolan. “It is gratifying to see the Westfield community come together to create special experiences for the Class of 2020, even as we continue to adhere to social distancing rules during this extraordinary time.”

Westfield and other school districts have been trying to find a safe way for students to celebrate high school graduation amid coronavirus.

"As you’ve probably heard by now," wrote Mayor Shelley Brindle in an email last Tuesday, "this morning the governor also announced that outdoor graduation ceremonies will be permitted after July 6 ... We have been in touch with the Board of Education throughout the last several weeks regarding potential graduation alternatives, and continue to extend an offer to provide any necessary assistance they need to honor the Westfield High School Class of 2020."

One Westfield senior had asked the governor's office to allow students to graduate in person rather than virtually. She and other graduating seniors in New Jersey have suggested a ceremony on a football field.

The governor's office last week said in-person ceremonies can be held starting July 6, but only with groups of 25 or fewer people together. However, that number may climb. READ MORE: NJ In-Person Graduations: Here Are The New Rules.

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