Updated: Washington Students to Run in Circles, Plus Birthday Wishes

It's all Washington school, all the time today in About Town. With the school opening its new track during a ceremony after school today, we've been running around to find items for this morning's column that are dedicated to the St. Mark's school. Anything else got you and your friends and neighbors talking? Give us a shout-out from other parts of town and we'll work them in to this afternoon's About Town column. Talk to you later!

BUT FIRST SOME BIRTHDAY WISHES

I know I just said today was for Washington School but I am going to take a quick point of personal privlege to start the column off. Happy Birthday to my daughter, Lily, who is turning eight today! And Happy Birthday to my brother, Marc Koslowsky, of Westfield! Imagine my third child and my mother's third child sharing the same birthday!

LAST PIECE OF WASHINGTON PUZZLE

Washington School students and parents are gathering at 3:05 this afternoon to celebrate the final piece of the puzzle at the school….the dedication of the school's new track. According to Liza Luzzi, the PTO's playground chairwoman, the track is the last part of a two year overhaul of the outdoor space for the students. Other parts of the puzzle include the new story book garden, new basketball hoops and upgraded playground equipment. The project was funded by the school's legendary show, which brings in $25,000 a year to use on projects.

Luzzi said the new track is the centerpiece of the outdoor space, leading to a new track club for students and a newly written track and field curriculum. She said neighborhood residents have gotten into the act, constantly walking and running around the track.

"This track is now a tremendous asset to the students," Luzzi said. "It can best be explained by the physical education teacher, Mr. Michael Bukowsky's remarks to the committee, he said, 'There are so many kids running around the track during recess. I am not telling them to run, they just are.'"

IT TAKES A VILLAGE

Putting in the new track took a village over at Washington. Lisa Luzzi, playground committee chair, said a group of people assisted the playground committee in working to raise the funds over the past two years for the installation today. The group includes Bobi Sgro and Stephanie Campanello, the former PTO presidents; Lani Lipkind and Dorothy Norris, the current PTO presidents; principal Andrew Perry; Byron Mendez from BMC Construction; Monica Bergin and Nicki McAuliffe, the co-chairs of the playground committee; Bob Berman, Rich Mattessich, Mike Morris and Rich Solomon from the BOE; Matt Costello from MC Construction and Keith Davis from GameTime.

Luzzi also thanked the ExxonMobil Foundation which matched her volunteer time with dollars. Luzzi's husband works for ExxonMobil.

Congratulations on a job well done!

SPEAKING OF THAT SCHOOL SHOW

If there is one thing Washington parents are passionate about it's the annual school show, a 63-year-old cultural institution in Westfield. The show has been going on since 1947— a highlight of which is always the alumni choral numbers — and it will be be staged on Feb. 4 and 5, 2011. All Westfielders (and non-Westfielders) are invited to attend. The show started as part of Grant School before moving to Washington and led our town's other elementary schools to stage their own revues.

WILSON'S IN ON THE PLAYGROUND ACTION TOOWashington doesn't have the monopoly on playground improvements in this town. Wilson School recently upgraded the playground with new equipment and the elimination of the outdoor trailer. Congratulations to principal Joseph Malanga and the Wilson community.

A NOTE FOR WHS SENIOR PARENTS

Are you the parent of a Westfield High senior? If so, remember to go over to the high school tonight for senior parent night, starting at 7 p.m. in the school auditorium. The night will showcase the various things that senior parents need to know for the year. Enjoy.