Superintendent Gives Update after Staples Lockdown
Dear Westport Families and Staff,
This morning the Westport Police received a phone call indicating a potential threat at Staples High School. Although we have since learned that multiple schools across the state received the same threat, at the time, the response protocol warranted a thorough onsite evaluation of Staples, including an armed room by room threat assessment.
To be clear, police weapons were in sight of students and staff and as a result, we are changing our focus for the remainder of the school day. Schools will follow the normal schedule and students will be provided emotional support as needed. However, teachers have been asked to focus on the social/emotional needs of their students for the remainder of the day. Students will remain in school as it is appropriate to remain together as a school community at this time.
While this evaluation was conducted, all of the other schools in Westport were supported with an onsite police presence and put into place appropriate safety protocols.
Upon completion of the extensive analysis by the Westport Police Department, the building was deemed safe and the threat was determined to lack credibility.
We are grateful for the swift response of our police department and the communication between the schools and WPD in handling this matter.
Sincerely,
Thomas Scarice
Superintendent
Superintendent: Lockdown Lifted; Campus Safe, Secure
“We have just been informed that the lockdown has been lifted, and the campus has been cleared and safe. Additional information will be forthcoming for the community.”
Superintendent Thomas Scarice
Westport Schools: Investigation Continues; No Active Threat Reported
Dear Families,
This morning a call was made to the Westport Police Department WPD) that warranted a lockdown at Staples High School. As a precaution, Bedford Middle School was placed in a “shelter in place”. The WPD is on scene at this moment investigating and the building is secure. When a school is in a lockdown or “shelter in place”, no visitors are allowed on campus. All district schools have implemented safety procedures until this matter is resolved.
Thomas Scarice
Superintendent of Schools
Morning Weather Report
Today
Sunny, with a high near 63. Calm wind becoming southwest 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon.
Tonight
Clear, with a low around 46. South wind around 6 mph.
Tomorrow
Sunny, with a high near 67. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Tomorrow Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 48. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph after midnight.