Pine Hill School

News and Announcements

Staffing Update

Grade 2

We have hired  Olivia Vella for our grade 2 opening (adding a 5th section for grade 2)! She is just as excited as we are to have her join the grade 2 team. This will be her fourth year teaching second grade after graduating from Stonehill College and earning her master’s degree from Lesley University.  Olivia grew up in Westwood and is a WPS graduate who has a strong connection to this community. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Vella enjoys reading, spending time with family and friends, and is an avid soccer fan who is especially excited for the World Cup this summer. 

Upper WABA

We are thrilled to announce that Ms. Marissa Colace will continue to lead our Upper WABA program next year. She earned her master's degree in special education with a focus in ABA in May 2024. For the past six years, Ms. Colace has been a valuable member of Westwood's WABA program. This past summer, she also co-taught Upper WABA during ESY, and led the WABA room from November through the end of the year. Marisa knows our students exceptionally well and is excited for this opportunity. 

End of Year Feedback

My vision for the Pine Hill School is to help foster a community of learners where all students, staff members, and families feel a sense of connectedness and belonging.

Please take a few moments to provide me with feedback on my performance so far this year. This year’s survey focuses on two primary areas: Communication and Problem-Solving. In addition, there is an opportunity to share additional feedback on any aspect of my performance as Pine Hill’s principal, as well as to share your opinion of Pine Hill’s strengths and areas of need.

I look forward to learning from your feedback and using it to improve as your school leader.

PTO Updates

Stay informed by reading the PTO June Newsletter - it includes exciting upcoming events, volunteer opportunities and all the fun happenings this month!

A Message from Westwood Youth & Families

Westwood Youth & Family Services is excited to share four summer opportunities for local youth! Please feel free to forward this to families who may be interested and/or include in an upcoming communication to families. Also if I unintentionally missed a colleague on this email, please share with them too!

Heart & Hands Book Club (Rising Grades 2–5)
A book club that includes both a story read to the group and then a related craft activity. This will be a supportive space where children will build social-emotional skills through stories, crafts, and conversations.

• Thursdays, July 9 – August 6
• 4:00–4:45 PM
• Participants may attend any or all sessions

Dates include:
• Thursday, July 9
• Thursday, July 16
• Thursday, July 23
• Thursday, July 30
• Thursday, August 6

Express & Destress (Rising Grades 6–12)
A creative mindfulness workshop designed for students to unwind, recharge, and express themselves through relaxing art activities in a supportive, low-pressure environment.

• Session 1: Thursday, August 6, 1:00–2:00 PM
• Session 2: Thursday, August 20, 1:00–2:00 PM
• Participants may register for one or both sessions

Summer CREW (Rising Grades 8–12)
Community, Responsibility, and Engagement in Westwood (CREW) is a free three-day volunteer program where teens build leadership skills, connect with peers, and give back through hands-on service projects around town. Lunch is included.

• Tuesday, July 28 – Thursday, July 30
• 10:00 AM–2:30 PM each day
• Participants may sign up for 1–3 days
• Community partner sites include the Westwood Council on Aging, Westwood Public Library, and additional service projects throughout Westwood

Tranquil Trails (Rising Grades 6–12)
Join us on the trails to disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature and yourself. This program blends walking, conversation, and mindfulness activities in a peaceful outdoor setting.

• Session 1: Thursday, July 9, 1:00–2:30 PM at Lowell Woods
• Session 2: Thursday, July 23, 1:00–2:30 PM at Adams Farm
• Participants may sign up for one or both sessions