Among many other changes this school year, Principal Mary Asfendis announced that she would be on medical leave and temporarily replaced by Science Supervisor Tom Paterson. With generational ties to Westfield and eight years in the district, Paterson is excited to get to work in his temporary position.
Paterson’s main goal during this period is to give a fresh pair of eyes to WHS. “I’ve been in charge of the science department for eight years, and I’m always telling people to point out anything that doesn’t look right,” Paterson said. “A fresh perspective is helpful.”
As the science supervisor, Paterson spends a lot of time bouncing around between schools. He is looking forward to spending more time at WHS.
“I’m really excited to spend more face time with the students,” Paterson said. “I’m just trying to figure out what everyone wants, and also be a resource for the kids.”
Getting involved with the community is important to Paterson, as Westfield is a familiar town for him. “My family is from Westfield; my grandparents came here in the ‘40s, and my parents, aunts and uncles all graduated from here,” Paterson said.
Although he graduated from Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School, Paterson has maintained a bond with Westfield. “My grandmother worked in Westfield, so I was always around here,” he noted. “When the opportunity came up eight years ago to come work here, I knew Westfield was where I wanted to be.”
For Paterson, there is no question as to what makes WHS such a great place to work. “When you’ve got great students and great staff, it makes it enjoyable to come to work,” Paterson said.
With an optimistic outlook, Paterson is looking forward to leading the high school during his time as acting principal. “There’s one non-negotiable that I have, and that’s that the students have a great year,” Paterson said. “If we can do that, that means everything else is working.”