Morning Weather Report [03/23/21] Fog to Start, End Day

Today

Patchy fog before 9am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 59. Light and variable wind becoming east around 6 mph in the morning.

Tonight

Patchy fog after 9pm. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 39. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Tomorrow

A 40 percent chance of rain after 10am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 57. East wind 5 to 9 mph.

Tomorrow Night

A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45. East wind 5 to 7 mph becoming calm after midnight.

Evening Reflections

Tonights calm and clear twilight sky allowed National Hall to reflect back from the Saugatuck just after twilight.

Superintendent Moved to Share Comments on Racist Acts ahead of Board of Education Meeting

Press Release

Like many of you, I felt great sorrow over the tragic events in Atlanta last week.  I made a prepared statement for the Board of Education meeting this evening.  However, after receiving a number of heartfelt emails over the weekend, I was moved to share my comments with the school community prior to the meeting this evening.  

The unspeakable act of violence in Atlanta last week was yet another reminder of the chasm between our world today, and the ideal of the world we envision.  The violent loss of life, of any life, is destructive to what we aspire to be as a nation, and to what we aim to build as neighbors.

The Westport Public Schools stands with all communities in denouncing all forms of violence, racism, and xenophobia.  The commitment of our district is to embrace and respect all people, while creating inclusive school environments where all students and adults feel a strong sense of belonging, affiliation, and connection.  This work takes commitment from all levels of the school community.  On behalf of the Board of Education, and the faculty and staff, I want to affirm that as we stand beside all members of our community, that we particularly show support for our brothers and sisters in the Asian American community, which has experienced a tragic increase in acts of violence and hatred. 

Our district has made a strong commitment to ensuring that each and every student and adult is treated with dignity and feels an abiding sense of belonging.  We continue this work as we engage in an equity study, pushing us to confront our practices and to ensure that we are doing our part to make this a more equitable and peaceful world.  By collaborating with community groups, initiating school based equity teams, and working with our curriculum coordinators to incorporate the appropriate discussion of these topics in our classrooms, the Westport Public Schools can successfully make all those in our schools feel welcome, while preparing our students for the diversity of the modern world. 

Although our flags fly at half mast in remembrance of those lost in an horrific act of violence, let us not forget that it is in the day to day work of our schools, the incremental steps we take, that we see the most profound change and progress over time.

Sincerely,

Thomas Scarice
Superintendent of Schools

First Selectman: “I am heartbroken.”; Requests to Condemn Racist Acts at Wednesdays Board of Selectmen Meeting

Press Release

First Selectman Jim Marpe today issued the following statement regarding the recent escalation of violence and racism against the Asian American and Pacific Island community:

“I am heartbroken by the recent surge in the despicable acts that are targeting members of the Asian American and Pacific Island community. An attack on any is an attack on all that we hold dear as a community that embraces inclusiveness in how we govern, and in how we interact with our neighbors. I wholeheartedly condemn such violence.

We celebrate diversity in this community, and we do all that we are able to insure everyone, residents and workforce alike, feels safe, secure, and welcome in Westport.

Together, we must support and encourage programs and policies that include frank discussions on race and inclusivity. By doing so, we will come to a better understanding and open acceptance of our unique personal qualities. We accept and honor every aspect of the human experience that makes us members of a civil society.

To that end, I will request that the Board of Selectmen approve a resolution condemning the hate and violence against Asian-Pacific Americans at its regular meeting scheduled for Wednesday, March 24.”

For more information and resources please go to the Anti-Defamation League’s website: https://www.adl.org