As we welcomed students back to classrooms this week, the energy and momentum of the new school year is already in full swing. In the days leading up to the first day, Chicopee Public Schools have been bustling with activity—from our New Educator Orientation, to Convocation at Bellamy Middle School, to districtwide professional development sessions.

Convocation 2025 marked the official launch of the school year for staff, built around our Strategic Plan theme: “A Place to Belong, a Future to Build.” This year’s program opened with inspiring contributions from our students. The CHS AFJROTC Color Guard presented the colors, including members of the same team that made history earlier this month as the first all-female Color Guard to present at Gillette Stadium. Chicopee High junior Sydney Benoit then delivered a stirring performance of the National Anthem, setting the tone for the day. Later in the program, senior Diana Maldonado showcased her talent with a moving rendition of “Once Upon a December” from Anastasia, embodying the creativity and spirit of our school community.

In place of a keynote address, this year’s Convocation featured a community panel discussion that brought together voices from every corner of Chicopee:

Together, panelists explored our district’s five strategic priorities—Caring and Respectful Places to Learn, Empowering and Valuing Students and Staff, Academics that Inspire, Family and Community Connections, and Effective Operations and Equitable Resources—through the lens of our shared values: Respect, Joy, Belonging, and Growth.

Following Convocation, educators engaged in districtwide professional development, collaborating on curriculum, instructional practices, and strategies to ensure strong, supportive learning environments from the very first day.

As we move forward into the school year, our focus is about more than academics—it is about fostering belonging while preparing every student to build a bright future. With the school year now underway, we are excited to carry this vision forward into a year filled with Respect, Joy, Belonging, and Growth.

The first day of school isn’t just for students! This year, we’re excited to welcome Officer James LaFlamme as the new School Resource Officer (SRO) at Bellamy Middle School. In addition to Bellamy, Officer LaFlamme will also support Fairview Elementary and Streiber Elementary.

Officer LaFlamme joined the Chicopee Police Department in 2017, serving as both a patrol officer and in the training division before stepping into his new school role. He’s eager to meet students and families, help keep our schools safe, and build positive connections throughout the year.

And since we know students like to share fun facts about themselves at the start of school, Officer LaFlamme joined in! Here’s a little about him:

If you or your child need to reach Officer LaFlamme, he can be contacted during school hours at 413-594-3527 or by email at bellamysro@cpsge.org.

We’re excited to have Officer LaFlamme as part of our school community — be sure to say hello if you see him around campus!

We are pleased to welcome Mr. Dondre Crump as the new Grade 11 Vice Principal at Chicopee High School. A proud Springfield native, Mr. Crump brings a wealth of experience as an educator, leader, and community advocate dedicated to fostering inclusive, student-centered environments. His career began as a paraprofessional and later as a computer science and technology teacher, where he also served as Lead Technology Coordinator. With a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Worcester State University and a background as Dean of Students, he has developed a strong foundation in student engagement, restorative practices, and leadership. Beyond the classroom, Mr. Crump has been active in athletics as both a player and coach, using sports as a platform for mentorship and growth. Known for his calm presence, commitment to equity, and passion for empowering students, he looks forward to inspiring CHS students to reach their full potential.

We are pleased to welcome Mr. Chris Meffen as the new Vice Principal at Bellamy Middle School. With 15 years of experience in education, he has served as a health and physical education teacher, dean of students, and administrator in Springfield. Mr. Meffen is committed to creating an environment that fosters growth, inclusion, and excellence, and his leadership style is both compassionate and purposeful. His goal at Bellamy is to support students and staff in reaching their full potential, academically and personally.

Outside of school, Mr. Meffen is an avid Boston sports fan, proudly holding New England Patriots season tickets for the past eleven years and spending many fall weekends in Foxboro cheering on the team. In addition, he enjoys umpiring baseball, covering games from middle school to varsity levels throughout the spring and summer.

Bowe Elementary students and families kicked off the new school year with a warm welcome at Pizza with the Principals! This special event gave families the opportunity to meet Mrs. Roman-Davis, Bowe’s new Principal, and Dr. Forward, the Vice Principal.

Held on August 15th in the Bowe School playground, the afternoon was filled with community connection, conversations, and of course—delicious pizza. Families also received free backpacks to help students start the year prepared and excited for learning.

Events like these highlight the strong sense of community at Bowe and across Chicopee Public Schools, where building relationships and supporting one another are always at the heart of what we do.

Fairview Elementary recently “hit the road” to connect with families and celebrate the start of a new school year! On Monday, August 25th, staff gathered at Rivers Park to welcome students and families back.

The event featured free backpacks for those in need and a raffle for gift cards, adding some extra excitement for the first day of school. Most importantly, it was a chance for Fairview staff to reconnect with families, share smiles, and build community spirit before the school year kicked off.

Thank you to Mrs. Pete, Ms. Sullivan, and the Fairview team for bringing families together and starting the year on such a positive note!

The Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Department, in collaboration with the Hampden County District Attorney’s Office, is hosting an important Family Academy session for families of middle and high school students.

📍 Dupont Middle School, 650 Front St

📅 Tuesday, September 23rd at 6:30 PM

This event will cover:

The District Attorney’s Youth Advisory Board will join as panelists, sharing their experiences, perspectives, and answering questions.

We encourage families to join us for this valuable opportunity to learn strategies for keeping students safe and responsible in today’s digital world.

Dear Chicopee Public Schools Community,

I'm excited to share Chicopee's new strategic plan with you — the first we've had in recent memory. This plan comes straight from what our community told us matters most, and now my job, and our collective job, is to put this plan into action, turning what we believe into a daily reality for every student.

Respect, Joy, Belonging, and Growth are the values that anchor this plan, and they aren't just poster words. They are how we will make sure every single student in Chicopee gets what they deserve: schools where they feel valued, where learning is exciting, and where they build the confidence to tackle whatever comes next. That's the work I'm honored to lead alongside all of you.

What makes me most proud about this plan is that it's truly yours. We didn't write this in a conference room somewhere – we built it from over 100 hours of real conversations with thousands of you. Students told us what would make school better. Parents shared their hopes and worries. Teachers and staff brought their experience from the front lines. More than 2,000 people took our survey, and dozens of community members rolled up their sleeves to serve on our steering committee. With this foundation of community wisdom guiding us, we can create the kind of schools every child deserves.

Thanks for being our partners in this work. I can't wait to see what we build together.

Dr. Marcus Ware

Superintendent of Schools

Camp Elevate has been well underway this July, bringing energy, learning, and connection to middle school students across the district. Designed for incoming 6th–9th graders enrolled in Chicopee Public Schools, Camp Elevate is a four-week, full-day summer program that blends academics, athletics, and real-world learning.

Hosted at Chicopee High School and Chicopee Comprehensive High School, the camp immerses students in engaging activities—from English, math, and science lessons to career pathway exploration, field trips, and community outreach. Campers also participate in daily sports, including swimming, while building teamwork, leadership, and confidence.

To see the impact Camp Elevate is having on our students, check out this recent coverage by Western Mass News:

National Night Out 2025

Date: August 6th, 2025

Rain Date: August 7th, 2025

Location: Sarah Jane Park- 21 Vivian Street (off Chicopee Street)

Time: 5PM-8:30

Chicopee Leads the Way!

We’re proud to share that the Chicopee Police Department and The city of Chicopee are the only ones in Massachusetts to be nationally recognized by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW) for hosting one of the best NNO events in the country, ranked #13 in 2024 and #22 in 2023 in the 50,000–100,000 population category.

See the full rankings here: https://natw.org/awards/

What is National Night Out (NNO)?

National Night Out is a nationwide community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. The goal is to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live by raising awareness about safety, drug prevention, and community engagement.

Why It Matters:

NNO strengthens the bond between residents and first responders, fostering trust, collaboration, and a shared commitment to a better community.

This achievement reflects the strong partnerships and support from our resource agencies, community organizations, and stakeholder sponsors — thank you for making this possible!

The list continues to build itself.

We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

Chicopee Public Schools Family Movie Night at Szot Park! 🎬🍿🍦

Our Family & Community Engagement team invites you to a Family Movie Night on Friday, August 8th at Szot Park (100 Bemis Ave, Chicopee)!

Bring your chairs and blankets and enjoy a free outdoor showing of Sonic 3 starting at 8 PM. There will be complimentary popcorn and ice cream, while supplies last—thanks to a special visit from the Chicopee Police Department and their ice cream truck!

This is a great chance to relax under the stars, catch up with friends, and make memories with your family before the school year begins.

Mark your calendars—you won’t want to miss it!

Date: August 24th

Location: Rivers Park, 40 Meadow St, Chicopee, MA

Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

✅ FREE haircuts, braids, manicures, and facials for kids

✅ FREE backpacks and school supplies

✅ Confidence boosters on deck

PLUS:

🎶 Music

🍔 Food

🎈 Kids’ activities

🤝 Community resources

🎁 Giveaways

& SO MUCH MORE!

Calling all families, neighbors, and friends – bring the kids and come vibe with us! Let’s send our youth back to school fresh, focused, and feeling their best!

It’s more than an event – it’s a movement. It’s love. It’s community. It’s FADED.

Spread the word, tag your crew, and let’s make this year the BEST ONE YET!

As we close out the school year, we’re proud to highlight the recent National Junior Honor Society induction ceremonies at both Dupont and Bellamy Middle Schools. These events honored students who exemplify the five pillars of NJHS—Scholarship, Service, Leadership, Character, and Citizenship—not just as ideals, but as values they demonstrate every day.

Both ceremonies were filled with pride, celebration, and strong support from families, friends, and school staff as students were recognized for their commitment to academic achievement and community values.

Congratulations to all of our newest NJHS members!

Chicopee Public Schools was proudly represented by two student groups at the Regional Civics Project Showcase, held at the MassMutual Center and sponsored by DESE and Generation Citizen. As part of the state requirement for 8th and 10th graders to participate in civics projects, these students presented their class-based action research to peers and community leaders.

From Chicopee Academy, middle school students Ivy Orozco and Audrianna Mendenhall presented their project on Improving School Lunches. Their work received high praise and earned three awards: Most Compelling Research, You Moved Me to Act, and Powerful Message. They also had the opportunity to speak with State Representative Shirley Arriaga, who encouraged them to take their project to the next level.

Representing Chicopee High School, students Austin Breton, Cameron Burton, Lucas Carreira, Talia Scibelli, and Nyshawn William presented their project on Improving School Belonging, aimed at increasing school spirit and inclusion. Their presentation was both professional and inspiring, and they too had a meaningful conversation with Representative Arriaga, who offered her support and commended their civic engagement.

Both groups earned a commendation from the Governor for their contributions. We are proud of all the students involved for their leadership, initiative, and commitment to making a positive impact in their school communities. Special thanks to teachers Ms. Leda Jaquin (Chicopee Academy) and Ms. O’Hanlon (Chicopee High School) for guiding and supporting these projects.

Congratulations to Chicopee High School’s Head Girls Lacrosse Coach, Ashley Ziemba, on being named the 2025 USLacrosse Western Massachusetts Coach of the Year!

Under Coach Ziemba’s leadership, the team made history—finishing the season as undefeated league champions and reclaiming the coveted city stick in their match-up against Chicopee Comp. Her dedication, mentorship, and unwavering belief in her players helped shape a season defined not only by wins, but by heart, teamwork, and pride.

The district is proud to celebrate Coach Ziemba’s outstanding achievement and the remarkable success of the CHS Girls Lacrosse team.

Chicopee Public Schools proudly recognizes the students from Bowe and Streiber Elementary Schools who participated in the 2025 AMVETS Americanism Program—a national civics-based initiative that encourages students to explore American heritage, patriotism, and citizenship through creative expression. The program includes contests in flag drawing, posters, and essays, with winners honored at both the local and state levels.

This year, several Chicopee students stood out among their peers, earning top honors and awards for their thoughtful and imaginative submissions. All participants demonstrated a strong understanding of civic values and national pride.

From Bowe Elementary, first-grade students showcased their talents in the Flag Drawing category:

Streiber Elementary had strong representation across multiple grade levels and categories:

Grade 5 – Poster Contest

Grade 1 – Flag Drawing Contest

The AMVETS Americanism Program is a valuable opportunity for students to reflect on what it means to be a responsible and engaged citizen. Chicopee Public Schools extends congratulations to all the participants and winners for their hard work and creativity, and appreciation to the educators and families who supported them along the way.

We are one step closer to finalizing a shared vision for the future of our district. Since our last update, the Strategic Planning Steering Committee and Working Group have continued refining the draft plan based on feedback gathered from staff, students, families, and community members.

On Thursday, May 29th, district and school leaders came together for a full-day retreat to engage deeply with the plan, reflect on our shared priorities, and begin shaping the actions that will bring this vision to life.

We’re now approaching the final stages of this important work, with a nearly complete draft taking shape. A great deal of care, collaboration, and community voice has gone into this process—and we’re excited to share it soon.

Stay tuned—the release of the final plan is just around the corner!

We’re thrilled to announce that our district and school websites are getting a fresh new look starting this Monday. These updates are designed to enhance usability, accessibility, and overall visual appeal.

As we make this transition, you may notice some changes in how content is organized or displayed. We appreciate your patience and support as we continue refining the sites to better serve our school community.

Thank you for your understanding as we work to create a more user-friendly and engaging online experience for everyone!

We are thrilled to announce that two exceptionally talented students from Chicopee Comprehensive High School, Rafi Salman and Jisung Chang, earned top honors at the Young Artist Piano Competition held this past Saturday at Westfield State University.

This prestigious event attracts serious classical pianists from across New England, and we are proud to share that:

Their remarkable achievement is a testament to their dedication, hard work, and musical excellence. It also highlights the strength and growing reputation of the CCHS Music Program.

Please join us in congratulating Rafi and Jisung on their outstanding performances and well-deserved success!

The Pacers Unified Track and Field team recently competed in the Western Mass Sectionals, setting many personal bests. Their 4 x 100m relay team came in second place overall!

The Chicopee High Girls Lacrosse Team made history this season, going undefeated in the Suburban League to secure their first-ever league championship! The Pacers capped off their remarkable run with a 14-9 win on their home turf in the final regular season game, cementing their place at the top and celebrating a milestone moment in front of their enthusiastic home crowd.

Since our last update, the Strategic Planning Steering Committee and Working Group have continued their important work. The teams met virtually to review and revise a near-final draft of the plan, incorporating further feedback gathered from the community and refining key priorities.

Next, on May 29, school and district leaders will come together for a full-day retreat. During this session, they will review the work of the Steering Committee, reflect on the shared priorities developed through community engagement, and begin identifying strategic actions to bring those priorities to life.

We are excited about the progress being made and grateful for the ongoing input and support of our community. Stay tuned—more updates are coming soon as we move closer to finalizing a shared vision for the future of Chicopee Public Schools!

Special Education Director Dr. Andrea Stolar and 18–22 Transitional Program Teacher Mr. Dahl are excited to share that the Crossroads 18–22 Program has received a brand-new van. This important addition will significantly expand opportunities for community-based learning, enrichment activities, and real-world experiences.

The new van supports the program’s mission to foster greater independence by enabling students to access a wider range of community settings. From job site visits to educational outings, this vehicle will play a key role in preparing students for life beyond the classroom.

This development marks a meaningful step forward for the Crossroads community and reflects the district’s continued commitment to inclusive, real-world education.

We’re thrilled to announce this year’s student participation in the Seal of Biliteracy testing. Over the span of three days earlier this month, a total of 78 juniors and seniors took part in the assessment, demonstrating proficiency in both English and another language.

At Chicopee High School, 44 students tested in a range of languages including Arabic, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swahili, Turkish, and Ukrainian.

At Chicopee Comprehensive High School, 34 students completed testing in Albanian, Arabic, Khmer, Korean, Polish, Russian, Spanish, Somali Maax, and Turkish.

These students should be extremely proud of their efforts and accomplishments. Their commitment to bilingualism not only reflects personal dedication but also celebrates the rich cultural and linguistic diversity within our school community. This achievement is a testament to the excellence we strive for in our district.

During a recent visit to Chicopee Comprehensive High School, Superintendent Ware stopped by the Carpentry shop and recognized freshmen students who were proudly receiving acceptance into the program—displayed in certificate frames they built themselves. The visit highlighted the students' craftsmanship and enthusiasm for hands-on learning in CTE.

On April 17, members of our Strategic Planning Steering Committee gathered for a spring retreat at the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. Together, they reviewed and refined the first draft of the plan and brainstormed strategies for the future.

We are now incorporating the valuable feedback we received and working on a revised draft. We look forward to sharing more updates soon as we continue building a strong, shared vision for the future of Chicopee Public Schools!

Once again, thank you to everyone who completed the Chicopee Public Schools Strategic Planning Survey and helped guide our draft. 

Stay tuned for more to come!

At Dupont Middle School, safety isn’t just about enforcing rules—it’s about creating an environment where students feel secure, supported, and heard. One person who exemplifies this every day is Roberto Jimenez, a Safety and Security Monitor whose impact goes far beyond his job description.

As one colleague shared in a nomination letter, “Mr. Jimenez is AMAZING with the students. When he speaks with them, he does so with compassion, understanding, and humor. He truly cares for our students, and it is evident in his daily interactions. He is always the first to offer help, whether it’s assisting with translations or stepping in when needed. We are very lucky to have him here at Dupont.”

With a background as a federal police officer for the Department of Veterans Affairs and an Army infantryman who served two tours overseas in Kosovo and Afghanistan, Roberto brings a wealth of experience to his role. At Dupont, he focuses on keeping hallways clear, enforcing appropriate ID protocols, ensuring doors are locked, monitoring student behavior, and mentoring students who need extra support. But what truly sets him apart is the trust and relationships he builds with students.

Unlike administrators or teachers, Roberto exists in a unique space between authority and mentorship, allowing students to confide in him in ways they might not feel comfortable doing with others. He understands that for some students, the hallway isn’t just a place to pass between classes—it’s sometimes a safe zone to get away, where they seek guidance and reassurance. By maintaining a balance between security and approachability, he ensures that students feel safe not just physically, but emotionally as well.

For Roberto, the most rewarding part of his job is making a difference in students’ lives. He sees every interaction as an opportunity to offer guidance and encouragement. One student even shared that on days Roberto wasn’t at school, she didn’t feel motivated to attend—highlighting the profound impact he has on the students he mentors. He aims to positively impact at least one or two students a day, knowing that small moments of support can lead to lasting change.

His motto is simple: "See something, say something. I trust you, you trust me." He believes that trust is the foundation of school safety—when students feel comfortable sharing concerns with him, he can help prevent conflicts before they escalate. This ability to connect on a personal level has made him not only an essential part of the school’s security team but also a trusted figure among students.

Since joining the school, Roberto has seen significant improvements in safety and student behavior. Initiatives like random metal detector screenings and smart bathroom passes have helped reinforce a culture of accountability. But more than policies and procedures, it’s the relationships he builds that make the biggest difference.

The Chicopee Comprehensive High School Bowling Team delivered an extraordinary performance at the State Tournament, setting new records for the program in both the Team and Individual competitions!

CCHS achieved an impressive 4th place finish—the highest in program history! Their incredible 1007 scratch game also placed 17th in Massachusetts state history, solidifying their standing among the best.

Adding to this remarkable achievement, Gianni Renaud has qualified for Nationals, becoming one of only four bowlers from Massachusetts to reach this level. His dedication and skill continue to raise the bar for CCHS bowling.

Congratulations to the entire team on their success!

We are thrilled to announce that the Litwin School Counseling Program has been honored with the Excellence in School Counseling Program Award (ESCPA) by the Massachusetts School Counselors Association.

The award criteria include:

Congratulations to the Litwin School Counseling team for this well-deserved recognition!

The Student Athlete Spring Seminar, hosted by the CPS Athletic Department on March 12th at the Chicopee High School Auditorium, was a tremendous success! Student-athletes and families gained valuable insights from a panel of distinguished guest speakers, including Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni, Westfield State University Men’s Soccer Coach Chris Streeter, and members of the D.A.’s Community Safety & Outreach Unit.

Attendees engaged in discussions on leadership, responsible social media use, and the college recruiting process, leaving with a greater understanding of how to navigate both their athletic and academic futures. The seminar provided an inspiring and informative experience, reinforcing the importance of strong decision-making, digital awareness, and preparation for college athletics.

A huge thank you to Mr. Mackin for organizing this impactful event, and to our guest speakers and attendees for making the evening so engaging and meaningful.

We look forward to continuing these opportunities for our student-athletes!

For those who missed it, Chicopee High School was featured on NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt on 22News, highlighting the impact of recent federal funding cuts on our school lunch program.

Last year, our district received $72,000 through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Local Food for Schools grant, which allowed us to source fresh, local ingredients from farms in Chicopee, Hadley, and Belchertown. However, this grant has been cut nationwide, resulting in a loss of approximately $100,000 in aid, which will affect the variety and availability of locally sourced meals in our schools.

For the past 10 years, our schools have proudly partnered with local farms to serve healthy, nutritious meals to students, with an average of $2 per student lunch allocated to this effort. Without this crucial funding, school districts across Massachusetts—including ours—are facing challenges in maintaining these high-quality meal options.

We remain committed to advocating for sustainable, locally sourced meals and ensuring our students continue to receive the nutrition they need to thrive.

Watch the full story here: https://www.nbcnews.com/nightly-news/video/millions-of-school-lunches-impacted-by-usda-cuts-234639941723

Thank you to everyone who has already participated in our Chicopee Public Schools Strategic Planning Survey! We’ve received great feedback so far, but we want to ensure that as many voices as possible are heard as we set the district’s priorities for the future.

To give more community members the opportunity to share their thoughts, we are extending the survey deadline to April 6th at midnight.

If you haven’t yet completed the survey, now is your chance! Your input is invaluable in shaping the direction of our schools.

Thank you for helping us build a stronger future for Chicopee Public Schools!

The Chicopee Public Schools Family & Community Engagement team is excited to offer a series of free workshops designed for families! These engaging events provide a chance to learn, have fun, and enjoy a night out with free childcare, games for kids, and pizza. Plus, all attendees will be entered into a gift basket giveaway!

❤️ American Red Cross Hands-Only CPR

📍 Fairview Elementary School

Wednesday, April 9th | ⏰ 6:00-6:45 PM

A 30-minute session where you'll learn lifesaving CPR chest compressions—no medical experience needed, just a willingness to help in an emergency!

🥦 UMass Nutritional Program

📍 Fairview Elementary School

Thursday, May 1st | ⏰ 5:00-6:00 PM

This introductory nutrition class will provide families with valuable knowledge on healthy eating. Fresh fruit will also be available to take home!

We look forward to seeing you there!

Get ready for a thrilling theatrical experience as the CHS Drama Club presents Ride the Cyclone! This darkly comedic musical follows the gripping story of six teenagers who find themselves on a mysterious journey after a tragic roller coaster accident.

April 11 – 7:00 PM

April 12 – 7:00 PM

April 13 – 2:00 PM

Location: CHS Auditorium

General Admission: $10

Students: $5

Content Warning: Ride the Cyclone contains strong language, mature themes, and references to sex, drugs, and violence. It is recommended for audiences PG-13 and up.

Don't miss this unique and unforgettable performance by our talented CHS Drama Club students. Mark your calendars and join us for an evening of laughter, emotion, and powerful storytelling!