Westwood School Committee previews new website and mobile app, outlines hate‑speech coalition work
June 04, 2026 | Westwood Public Schools, School Boards, Massachusetts
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The Westwood School Committee heard June 4 that the district will launch a redesigned website and a Westwood Public Schools mobile app and is organizing subcommittees to advance a coalition to combat hate speech.
Superintendent (speaking to the committee) said the website mockup emphasizes easier navigation for families, a persistent quick‑link bar for commonly accessed pages (athletics, Aspen, lunch menus, calendar), a dedicated top‑level family tab and integrated live newsfeed elements tied to the district’s social media. The vendor named in the presentation is APOG. The new platform will allow customizable push notifications and filtered contact lists (for example, communications to a single bus route or a single classroom).
The district plans to end its current School Messenger service on June 30, complete design and content migration from July to mid‑August and promote the website and app during the start of school in mid‑August. "We want it to be easier for families to find what they need," the Superintendent said, noting a goal of making emergency notifications easier to send from mobile devices.
The Superintendent also reported that the district has held two public events connected to a newly formed coalition to combat hate speech. That steering committee will now divide work into four subcommittees: education/learning; community partnerships and culture; accountability/reporting/response; and student voice and leadership. The subcommittees are charged with developing actionable items over the summer so the district can implement changes beginning in the fall.
Why it matters: The website and app changes are intended to simplify communications for families and to provide more responsive, mobile‑first emergency messaging. The coalition’s subcommittee structure is designed to move the conversation from planning into practical initiatives and measurable accountability.
What’s next: School Messenger will be retired June 30; the district expects a public launch and promotion of the app and new website in mid‑August, and the coalition subcommittees will meet through the summer to prepare fall work plans.
Superintendent (speaking to the committee) said the website mockup emphasizes easier navigation for families, a persistent quick‑link bar for commonly accessed pages (athletics, Aspen, lunch menus, calendar), a dedicated top‑level family tab and integrated live newsfeed elements tied to the district’s social media. The vendor named in the presentation is APOG. The new platform will allow customizable push notifications and filtered contact lists (for example, communications to a single bus route or a single classroom).
The district plans to end its current School Messenger service on June 30, complete design and content migration from July to mid‑August and promote the website and app during the start of school in mid‑August. "We want it to be easier for families to find what they need," the Superintendent said, noting a goal of making emergency notifications easier to send from mobile devices.
The Superintendent also reported that the district has held two public events connected to a newly formed coalition to combat hate speech. That steering committee will now divide work into four subcommittees: education/learning; community partnerships and culture; accountability/reporting/response; and student voice and leadership. The subcommittees are charged with developing actionable items over the summer so the district can implement changes beginning in the fall.
Why it matters: The website and app changes are intended to simplify communications for families and to provide more responsive, mobile‑first emergency messaging. The coalition’s subcommittee structure is designed to move the conversation from planning into practical initiatives and measurable accountability.
What’s next: School Messenger will be retired June 30; the district expects a public launch and promotion of the app and new website in mid‑August, and the coalition subcommittees will meet through the summer to prepare fall work plans.
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