Board of Education Gives Updates ahead of School Start; “They’re so ready for kids” says Superintendent
Board of Education Chair Candice Savin and Westport Public Schools Superintendent Thomas ScariceTonight’s Board of Education meeting covered six agenda items spanning from health and COVID-19 information to updates from the policy committee, with conversations with project managers for upcoming roof projects and a captain of the police department over officer patrols of the schools.
Administrator’s Report
“There is a palpable energy” Superintendent Thomas Scarice said as he described his feeling while walking through schools this week ahead of their opening tomorrow. “They’re so ready for kids” he continued as he spoke about the excitement staff members have for students' returning into the buildings. Although disappointed that the District could not hold the traditional in-person convocation ceremony, Scarice was able to visit each school. “We took a step towards normalcy, but not a complete step” he said when discussing the difference in this year’s visit to educators and their schoolhouses.
Click here to expand full Board of Education meeting report
Health Update
“Nationally, cases are very high, up 153% in the past month” started off Sue Levasseur, Director of Health Services, who then added that the rise in cases are primarily due to an influx in cases in the South. Levasseur said that Westport will be starting school at a higher level of cases than when they began schools last September, adding that they aren’t seeing any spikes and that local cases have seemingly plateaued in the past two weeks.
Local data showed that the average age of positive cases came from those in their 20s and 30s, and that 4 school aged cases were reported this week - with 1 fully vaccinated person reported as COVID-19 positive in each of the weeks so far.
“The good news: our vaccination rates.” She exclaimed, stating that 94.6% of children ages 12-17 were vaccinated at least with one dose, and that 86% are fully vaccinated. “I learned that vaccinations are to prevent hospitalizations and deaths, not to prevent testing positive” Scarice said when discussing the numbers. Levasseur spoke to the current progress with the Pfizer vaccine, which, she says, is moving towards the FDA for approval, adding “we could see vaccination for children optimistically in late fall, early winter - as early as November.”
Masks will continue to be mandated in the buildings through September 30th, while any visitor to the school must provide proof of vaccination - including all parent volunteers. Cover staff members (those who work in the buildings) must provide proof of at least one dose of the vaccination by September 27th, or face weekly testing.
The Department of Health has offered free weekly testing to public schools in the State, added Levasseur, although Scarice commented that they have yet to release any sort of plan yet.
Students who are fully vaccinated will not have to partake in quarantines this year, which are expected to be less frequent due to a now 3 foot radius and other mitigating measures - specifically at the elementary school levels where students are unable to be vaccinated. Cafeteria spaces were given special consideration - with many kids in the same space, unmasked, and talking and eating - large tents have been brought to the buildings to support a less congested indoor space and an option for outdoor eating based on a rotating schedule of classes.
Any students who do require isolation and quarantine will be better served this year, said Scarice, due to the addition of eight tutors - who will be available to support those who miss classroom time. The tutors are former teachers and were secured by Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning Anthony Buono and Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources & General Administration John Bayers, according to Scarice, who applauded their work in the endeavor to better serve students who are sent home.
The State did not provide any legal provision for remote learning for this school year, Scarice said. Any child who is not in school will be counted absent, with no virtual options counted towards the school’s 180 day/900 hour State requirement that was reinstated for this school year.
Any student who has a verifiable medical ailment which would require them to go through the Homeward Bound process, as has been done in previous non-COVID years. The State does have a Remote Learning Standard being created for the 2022/2023 school year that would allow certain instances of remote learning in younger age level settings to be counted as school days; “that seems silly” commented Board of Education Chairperson Candice Savin, saying “hopefully we won’t need it [then]”.
Back to school night: virtual this year. More information will be released, according to Scarice, however live and pre-recorded options are both on the table.
With the State allowing vaccinated teachers to remove their mask to lecture masked students in their classrooms, Scarice said “We are not doing that.” “There was an audible groan from our staff members when I told them” he added.
Staples High School Roof Project
With a price tag of about five million dollars, the Staples High School roof replacement is up against several deadlines for State grant applications and a volatile pandemic construction market. “We’ve never seen anything like this” said Charles Warrington, a project manager with Colliers Project Leaders, as he said that project bids around the region are all subject to change with material costs on the rise.
“As we are aware, reports of 5-to-6-month lead times are currently in effect for roofing materials, specifically roof insulation, fasteners and adhesives.” he said in a report to the Board, continuing to say “There is extremely high demand nationally so your project will be in competition with other projects thus the need to advertise as early as possible.”
The current Saugatuck Elementary School roof replacement has fell victim to the current construction climate, with delays and possible cost increases all possible.
“The next step involves a review of the project to the Board Monday evening with an action item scheduled for the Board on September 8. Following Board action, the project will then proceed to the Board of Finance for two meetings in October, RTM Education and Finance Committees thereafter, before final approval of the full RTM on November 2. This timeline enables the Board to promptly begin the grant application process with the state Office of School Construction Grants and Review (OSCGR) to apply for any eligible reimbursements.” his report ended, with hope that a head start will also allow the District to obtain materials and begin construction on time - which would be as soon as school ends in June 2022.
Class Size Report
Class sizes were above budget for many of the District elementary schools reported John Bayers, with all schools experiencing a late summer push for new enrollments. “We’ve seen a huge migration from New York over the Summer” Bayers said, saying that many enrollments were received just in the past few weeks - giving a possible explanation that New York schools typically begin after Labor Day, giving parents the allusion of more time to enroll. “We’ll have parents walk in the day before school starts and we’ll get them settled” he said.
With more sections being added for some schools to account for the new student numbers, Westporter Robert Harrington asked the Board about if the buildings were able to handle the student numbers - and if academic support services could still be adequately administered to students, specifically for growing school communities such as Greens Farms School.
Reassignment of Westport Police Department Patrols to Westport
Westport Police Department Captain Ryan Paulsson was on hand to answer questions about the Department’s continued patrols of the schools with uniformed officers. Superintendent Scarice spoke to the opportunity that having officers in the school communities gives students, saying they would “build strong relationships” between the officers and student body - such as the popular School Resource Officer stationed at Staples High School. Paulsson said the officers assigned to the schools will be the same every day, allowing for consistency and continuity from day-to-day to support staff and administrators, adding in “a friendly face who’s always there.”
Board Member Lee Goldstein wasn’t convinced on the application of the officers in the schools, questioning Paulsson and Scarice on why the officers would be going into the buildings at all instead of remaining outside for their patrols. “Everyone in the school has a reason for being there. What is the police department’s reason for being there?” she asked. Goldstein referred to a Board of Education meeting held around three years ago, during which members of the public expressed concern about having uniformed officers in the buildings and interacting with children - with one public commenter tonight reminding the Board that a great concern came from the officer’s firearms being in the building.
The patrols have been a part of the Department’s sectors historically, explained Paulsson, however the designation of the same officer for the schools would allow them to better support the schools while adding no cost to the Police Department of Board of Education budgets through the realignment of priorities.
“Is this a unilateral decision? The Board of Finance and RTM did not want to fund officers in our schools. It feels a little un-transparent and manipulative” Goldstein ended.
“I’m taken aback that the officers were going into schools” said Chairperson Savin when she learned that officers had entered school buildings during the day. “Some clear guidelines on when they enter the schools, maybe at the request of staff or administrators, will be helpful.” Ultimately, “Police will be patrolling our schools” Savin concluded.
2021-2022 Board Goals
Board of Education member onboarding, budgetary items, and committees were the main focus of the Board’s goal discussion - while trying to figure out which items should be made goals, while others may already be covered by strategic planning already in place. Emphasis was put on an effective way to onboard new Board of Education members this upcoming Fall, however the way in which they were onboarded fell both on possible goals to be outlined and on current processes already taking place to assist in the transition to the Board positions.
Policy Committee Update
“This will affect our booster clubs” said Board member Karen Kleine as she shared that the Board’s policy on Gift Giving is being evaluated. “We’ll be asking for information on how often they give, how much they give - going back a few years pre-covid to see if any follow-up may be needed” she continued. “Not a formal audit, more an internal audit” the Board added.
Superintendent: Mandated Vaccines for Public School Staff, Regular Lunch Program Returns, “Much, much more to come”
Westport Public Schools Superintendent Thomas Scarice released an update today describing some changes or continuations for the upcoming school year. Some of the most important updates include a new State mandate for all public school personnel to be vaccinated against COVID-19, or maintain weekly testing - with vaccinated teachers able to remove their mask while teaching from the front of a classroom. The update also said students will be masked at least through the end of September, but that they will not have to wear masks outdoors. Scarice ended the comprehensive update by reminding families that “ you can anticipate additional updates in the coming days. These are some of the more salient district wide updates. Building principals will send further school-specific messages as we approach the first day of school. “
Click here to read the Superintendent’s full update.
Dear Westport Families,
I truly hope that this summer provided you and your family with much needed rest and relaxation. As the first day approaches on August 31 I want to inform families that there will be multiple updates to keep you apprised of our reopening plans. You can expect regular updates from my office, or from your child's building principal, in the coming days. Additionally, the reopening resource on our newly designed website (more on that next week!!) will be fully updated as the most recent guidance from the CT Department of Public Health (DPH) continues to unfold.
Although the outlook with regards to the pandemic is not as positive as it was in June, we will continue to work towards providing as much normalcy as possible for your child as they return to school. Like last year, we will approach matters in 4-6 week increments, while thoughtfully considering layers of mitigating measures.
We have learned a lot since we opened schools last year. While we have hoped that we would begin the year back to pre-pandemic practices, it is clear that we are not quite there yet. With high vaccination rates in our community, and a prudent approach, we can successfully begin the school year, and in consultation with our medical advisor, and our local and state health departments, we can roll back mitigating measures as the conditions permit.
The following are the most current practices in place for the first day of school:
Universal Masks/Face Coverings:
Masks will be required for all students and staff while in the school building and on the school bus. This continues to be an executive order, (Executive Order A13, Protection of Public Health and Safety During COVID-19), until 9-30-21 and is consistent with recommendations from both the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
Mask breaks will continue to be provided optimally when outside or students are spaced greater than 6 ft.
No masks will be required outside for recess or other outside activities.
Fully vaccinated teachers will have the opportunity to remove their masks during active instruction at the front of the classroom per DPH guidance.
Vaccines:
Governor Lamont issued Executive Order 13D on August 19, 2021. In short, all Pre-K-12 staff are required to have the Covid-19 vaccine. Any employees eligible for medical or religious waivers will be subject to routine testing.
Social Distancing:
Social distancing of 3 ft. will be implemented to the extent possible in the classrooms and other settings.
Lunch:
Return to pre-pandemic provision of school lunch services.
Additional seating will be made available at all levels (i.e. elementary, middle, high) during lunch in order to allow for extra spacing, including outside seating for students during lunch waves.
Visitors:
Visitors in the buildings will be limited to educational or school business needs. School visits need to be approved by the building administration.
Given the Governor's mandatory vaccination announcement Thursday, it is possible that visitors will be required to be vaccinated.
After School Activities:
After school activities will continue but will follow the spacing and masking guidelines.
Building Cleaning:
Routine and standard cleaning protocols will be in place. Surface transmission has been found to be minimal.
Hand Washing:
Hand washing will continue to be encouraged throughout the day and the extra sanitizer will be available throughout the buildings.
Quarantine Practices:
Quarantine practices will continue based on the guideline of being within 6 ft. for 15 minutes over a 24 hour period to a person who is positive for COVID-19.
Due to limited transmission in classrooms last year, the CDC has made an important exception for students in the classroom setting only. Students in the classroom where everyone is wearing a mask will only be quarantined if they were within 3 ft. of another student positive for COVID-19.
Vaccinated students and staff will not need to quarantine but will be asked to obtain a test within 3-5 days
Quarantine length will be continued as it was at the end of the school year and consist of a PCR or antigen test at day 5 or later and return on day 8 if the test is negative and the person is experiencing no symptoms. If no test is obtained the student or staff member will be able to return on day 10 if they are symptom free.
Students or staff positive for COVID-19 will need to isolate for 10 days from the start of symptoms or the date of the positive test and may return after the 10 days if they are symptom free.
Travel:
We will continue to recommend CDC guidance for travel both interstate and international.
Ventilation:
Ventilation includes HVAC systems that optimize the most air to be taken into the building. Merv 10-13 filters are used.
Supports for Students in Quarantine or Isolation:
Students needing to quarantine or isolate as a result of COVID-19 will receive certain educational supports while in quarantine.
At the elementary level, these supports will consist of access to essential assignments through Google Classroom, twice weekly scheduled contact with the classroom teacher, and twice weekly contact with support staff to assist in work completion.
At the secondary level, this will consist of access to posted assignments and communication with teachers via email as needed and, for quarantine periods extending beyond 5 school days, scheduled time with staff to support students during and after quarantine.
For students who are medically unable to attend school for a verified medical reason, the district will continue to implement its Homebound Instruction Policy 6173. Individuals with questions about this policy or procedure should contact Mr. Rizzo, Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Services.
These supports will be revisited periodically, likely every 4-6 weeks, to determine if additional interventions are warranted based on the number of students requiring these services.
District COVID-19 Dashboard:
Our on-line COVID-19 dashboard will continue to be updated daily and available on our website.
What Can Families Do?
Obtain a vaccine for all those eligible 12 years of age and older.
Continue to complete a daily home screening to monitor students each morning for any signs of illness and anyone with signs of illness should stay home from school and contact your school nurse.
Please report any COVID-19 cases to our COVID -19 hotline at 203-341-1016 or email PositiveCovidReport@westportps.org
If a student has had close contact with a person with COVID-19 they should contact their school nurse.
Again, you can anticipate additional updates in the coming days. These are some of the more salient district wide updates. Building principals will send further school-specific messages as we approach the first day of school.
Much, much more to come,
Tom Scarice
Westport Public Schools Announces that Fully Vaccinated Students, Staff will Forgo Quarantines in Fall
Westport public Schools ReleaseDear Families of Westport Students,
As we anticipate a return to full in person learning in the fall, we would like to remind everyone that Covid-19 vaccination is the number one prevention strategy available to our community and our schools. Covid-19 vaccination is presently available to everyone 12 years old and above. Students and staff who are fully vaccinated will not be required to quarantine and will be able to remain in school, sports, and extracurricular activities, even if they come into contact with an individual who has contracted Covid-19. Vaccinations started now will allow students to be considered fully vaccinated at the start of the school year.
Vaccination sites can be found at CT.GOV and clicking on "Find a COVID-19 vaccinator near you". We ask that if your child has been vaccinated that you share that information with the school health office.
We anticipate that we will soon have more information to share regarding specifics of our mitigating measures in the fall. The CT Department of Public Health and the CT Department of Education are working on final guidance for schools, which we anticipate to receive at some point in August. With high community and school vaccination rates, and low virus transmission rates, we anticipate a great start to the 2021-22 school year.
Respectfully,
Thomas Scarice, Superintendent of Schools
Suzanne Levasseur, Supervisor of Health Services
Westport Public Schools ESY and Continuing Education Activities Cancelled for Friday
ReleaseDear Families of Westport Families and Staff,
Tropical Storm Elsa is forecast to bring substantial precipitation to the region tomorrow morning. Westport could potentially receive 4-6 inches of rain in a short span of time. This amount of water, combined with precipitation from this evening’s thunderstorms could cause flash flooding throughout the community. As a result of the storm’s potential impact and out of an abundance of caution, all Westport Public Schools Extended School Year programs and all Westport Continuing Education programs scheduled to take place in our schools on Friday, July 9, 2021, are canceled. Further information will follow as to any possible rescheduling of tomorrow’s activities.
Please stay safe during the storm and avoid travelling through any areas of standing water after the storm’s exit.
Respectfully,
Thomas Scarice
Superintendent of Schools
Community Gallery: Newest Staples Graduates
Click to enlarge photos. All photos by J.C. Martin for The Westport Local Press.
Coleytown Elementary and Stepping Stones Preschool Closed Monday; Students will be Given a Time to Collect Belongings
Press Release, Westport Public Schools Superintendent Thomas Scarice Dear Westport Families,
As our community mourns the tragic loss of one of our beloved students and her mother, I want to provide assurance that the school district is actively working to support those closest to this unspeakable loss. A plan for mental health and grief counselors is being developed for those most impacted.
In order to appropriately end the school year, while simultaneously addressing the profound grief in the Coleytown Elementary School community, Monday June 21 will not be a student day. Coleytown Elementary School and Stepping Stones Preschool students will not report to school Monday June 21 as a scheduled school day.
However, parents can expect to be provided information by CES Principal, Janna Sirowich, and SSP Director, Lynda Codeghini, on an opportunity for students to visit their classrooms and teachers on Monday June 21 for one last time, and to collect their belongings as they depart for summer.
Details of this opportunity will be shared later today by building administration, yet I can share that there will be a defined window of time for visits. I want to assure parents that there will be no discussion of the recent tragedy while students visit their teachers and collect their belongings. We will have staff staged across the entire school to help facilitate this opportunity for your child. This will be a drop off event and should take no longer than approximately 30 minutes. Again, details will be forthcoming from building administration.
Finally, parents will be provided additional resources on how to speak with your child, and whether or not it is age-appropriate to do so. Members of our team are ready to support our families, faculty and staff.
I want to thank the school community for the respect given to our faculty, staff and all first responders as we heal and support each other, and move to support all of those most impacted by this tragedy.
Respectfully,
Thomas Scarice
Superintendent of Schools
Coleytown Elementary, Stepping Stones Preschool Closed for Classes Tomorrow; Open from 11-1 for Mental Health Support
Press Release, Superintendent Thomas ScariceDear Families and Staff of Coleytown Elementary School and Stepping Stones Preschool,
As you are aware from my earlier message, our community is dealing with the tragic loss of a mother and her beloved daughter. This tragedy has particular significance to both Coleytown Elementary School and Stepping Stones Preschool. In order to support the members of these school communities, both schools with be closed for students on Friday, June 18, 2021. Parents and students from both schools can access school-based mental health services and resources between 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at Coleytown Elementary School.
It is times like these that a community is drawn together to support each other. I ask that everyone in our community take a moment to reflect how we can help each other through this tragic loss.
Respectfully,
Thomas Scarice
Superintendent of Schools
Three Staples Students Chosen to Represent USA at Hwa Chong Institution International Summit
Press Release, Westport Public SchoolsNatalie Bandura, Erin Durkin and Allison Schwartz will represent Staples High School at the Virtual HCI-APYLS 2021 event.
As one of the premier schools in Singapore, Hwa Chong Institution is eager to share its success with other high performing schools and to learn from others. For that reason, HCI has organized the Hwa Chong Asia-Pacific Young Leaders Summit which takes place virtually this year in July. HCI invites only the top student leaders from some of the best schools around the world to the Summit. In previous years, student participants came from Australia, China, France, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Oman, Philippines, South Africa, South Korea, United Kingdom, US and Singapore.
For the past eight years, Westport has been invited to send three juniors who are both high performing students AND interested in world affairs with a special interest in Asia. The criteria used by HCI are: a) you must be between 16 and 17 years of age; b) you must possess good oral and written proficiency; c) you must have substantial leadership experience and potential; d) you must be academically able and among the top performers in the school; e) you must possess enthusiasm and strong interest in forging ties with fellow students from around the world. The 80 student delegation invited to HCI is selective.
Congratulations to the delegates who will join students from Scarsdale High School (New York) and Dominion High School (Virginia) as representatives from the United States.
Staples Softball Beats Darien, Celebrates Seniors, in Last Regular Game of Season
The Staples High School Varsity Softball Team (L-R, Back): Assistant Coach Dana Seymour, Jill Backus, Gabby Lantier, Caroline Coffey, Ally Schwartz, Tash Taubenhiem, Jen Westphal, Coach Bob Olah; (L-R, Front) Kate McDonald, Grace Alfero, Oliva Bernard, Ava Vincini and Miranda RodriguezUnder the bright lights of the Greens Farm School field, the Staples Varsity Softball Team beat Darien 5-4, bringing their season to an exciting 14-3 record.
Photos and story by Colleen Coffey for The Westport Local Press. Last night’s game was the last regular game of their season, with families, friends, and community members in attendance to cheer on the team while celebrating the outgoing seniors. The warm Spring evening welcomed the small crowds to the school’s ball field, with some attending the game on Facetime.
Members of the Staples Wreckers Softball team high five seniors Jill Backus.The graduating teammates were able to finish their high school softball career on a high note after losing last year’s season. Class of 2021 members include Jill Backus, Olivia Bernard, and Miranda Rodriguez
A close score marks a hard-fought win for the Wreckers. Backus and Junior Ava Vincini scored big by hitting two triples during the game, while Junior Pitcher Tasha Taubenhiem threw nine strikeouts against the Blue Wave.
The team will begin their FCIAC matches (Fairfield County Interscholastic Athletic Conference) tomorrow at 4:00 PM at the Wakeman Field on Cross Highway.
Celebrating the Class of 2021
Staples High School Announces May Students of the Month
Press ReleasePrincipal Thomas has announced Staples High School's recipient’s for May Student of the Month:
Yersultan Zhakupov Gr. 12
Jasper Cahn- Gr. 11
Wyatt Resnick- Gr. 12
Amelia Galin- Gr. 11
Spencer Yim – Gr. 10
William Fitch- Gr. 10
The Students of the Month award program recognizes students who help make Staples High School a welcoming place for their peers and teachers alike. They are the “glue” of the Staples community: the type of kind, cheerful, hard-working, trustworthy students that keep the high school together, making it the special place that it is.
Students of the month are nominated by their teachers, who are asked to think of those students who come to school regularly, are friendly to the staff and to fellow students, and make positive contributions in class as well as the Staples community. In short, these students are all-around good citizens of our school. Students of the Month are not necessarily star athletes, high honor students, or lead performers, and even if they are, this award recognizes the positive attitude they bring to school every day in making Staples High School a genial place in which to learn and teach.