Celebrating Graduation: Staples High School Class of 2021
Members of the Staples High School Class of 2021 walk with their newly received diplomas during Thursday evening’s graduation ceremony at the Staples High School football field. Photo by J.C. Martin for The Westport Local Press.
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
Superintendent: “We were informed of the untimely and tragic loss of one of our parents and her beloved daughter.”
Press Release, Superintendent Thomas Scarice
Dear Westport Families and Staff,
It is with great sadness that I write this message to the school community this evening. Late this afternoon, we were informed of the untimely and tragic loss of one of our parents and her beloved daughter. There are no words that could console the sense of sorrow we feel by this unspeakable tragedy. We want to express our deepest condolences to all those impacted by this heartbreaking loss.
At times like this, children, like adults, begin to think of their own experiences with death and many feelings surface. These feelings may focus on the person who has died, another person who has died in the past, an impending death, or anxiety about death in general. As a school staff, we encourage you to listen carefully to your child and answer questions openly and honestly should they occur. Accepting your child’s feelings and validating them is beneficial. During the days ahead, your child may find it helpful to discuss his/her feelings with you or another adult.
The school district has begun to mobilize all of our resources to provide the necessary support to our students and faculty. More information will be forthcoming regarding emotional supports for members of our school community. If your child has questions or needs support, please reach out to a building administrator, school psychologist, counselor, or social worker. In the interim, we have provided the following resources for families.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CkZBC-G1A83mRD8G_bk83dhyMwkVp9IE/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CvixUoR9lRDTeI5IHVZDtHQRBrk1Vkcy/view?usp=sharing
Coleytown Elementary School and Stepping Stones Preschool will be closed for students tomorrow but will be open for parents and students to access mental health services between 11:00am-1:00pm. More information will be provided to the Coleytown Elementary School and Stepping Stones Preschool communities.
Respectfully,
Thomas Scarice
Superintendent of Schools