James Bairaktaris 12/20/22 James Bairaktaris 12/20/22

Westport Superintendent: “ students became ill after ingesting what appeared to be candy”

Press Release

Dear Westport Families,

Last week, there was a school-related incident in which students became ill after ingesting what appeared to be candy. This is a terrifying sign of the times and a traumatic experience for the students and families involved. Last night at the Board of Education meeting, I made a statement on this matter.

I am not at liberty to share additional information and details about this specific incident due to federal laws that protect student privacy. Additionally, I cannot compromise the outcomes of ongoing investigations regarding this issue. However, I can take this as an opportunity to advance parent education on this topic, and to implore those who care for children to be vigilant about candy, chocolate, and other foods that could contain substances that may pose a health and safety risk to our children.

On January 10, 2023, retail cannabis sales will become legal in Connecticut. As a result, we expect cannabis to be more accessible in the community, making the necessity of our awareness and vigilance even more important.

As members of the Westport Prevention Coalition, the Westport Public Schools is collaborating with community agencies to raise awareness about the risks associated with the legalization of cannabis and its potential impact on children and adolescents.

In light of this recent incident, I want to emphasize to families that it is especially important for those caring for our youngest students to remind their children not to consume candy, chocolate, or other food from unknown sources. Children could become very ill, sometimes with fatal consequences, from consuming foods containing drugs or other potentially harmful substances.

In addition, all families should remind their children of the dangers of drugs and alcohol, and that there can be serious school-related and criminal consequences for possessing, selling, or distributing drugs and alcohol on school grounds or at school-sponsored events. To be sure, the school district strictly prohibits the possession, sale, distribution, use, and consumption of drugs, alcohol, tobacco, vapor products, and certain other substances on school grounds, on school buses, at school-sponsored activities, and at certain times outside of school. However, the reality is that these substances still exist in our community, and we must continue to educate our children about the dangers of drugs and alcohol.

This education must now include ensuring that our youngest children understand the importance of avoiding candy, chocolate, and other foods that they find at school, on a school bus, or somewhere else in the community, or that is offered to them by someone they do not know or do not know well.

Please click this link for additional information on this topic from the Westport Prevention Coalition and WPS Supervisor of Health Services, Sue Levasseur.

I encourage you to discuss this important topic with your children. To assist you in these conversations, I am attaching factsheets prepared by the Westport Prevention Coalition (www.westporttogether.org/prevention-coalition). More information on this important topic can be found at https://beintheknowct.org/parents/.

If you have any questions or would like support from school staff around this issue, please reach out to your child’s building principal who can share appropriate school resources.

Sincerely,

Thomas Scarice
Superintendent
Westport Public Schools

James Bairaktaris 12/20/22 James Bairaktaris 12/20/22

Morning Weather Report

Today

Sunny, with a high near 39. Wind chill values between 15 and 25. Northwest wind 8 to 11 mph.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 23. North wind 5 to 7 mph.

Tomorrow

Mostly sunny, with a high near 40. Wind chill values between 15 and 25. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the morning.

Tomorrow Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 26. Calm wind.

James Bairaktaris 12/19/22 James Bairaktaris 12/19/22

Judge Wexler Sworn in for another Four Year Term

Court Clerk and Justice of the Peace Lisa Hayes (left) swore in Probate Judge Lisa Wexler to another four year term for the Westport - Weston District during a small ceremony at Town Hall this evening. Included in the ceremonies was Shaina, who comfortably occupied the judge’s left hand as her right hand remained raised for the occasion. Contributed photo

J.C. Martin 12/19/22 J.C. Martin 12/19/22

Staples High School Candlelight Concert Again Delights Sellout Crowds

One of Westport's most cherished holiday traditions, the Staples High Music program's Candlelight Concert took place on Friday and Saturday to the usual sell-out crowd for all three shows.

Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.

The annual Staples Candlelight concerts, a tradition spanning 82 years, showcased the exceptional musical talent of Westport's high school students, led by conductors Luke Rosenberg, Carrie Mascaro, Jeri Hockensmith, and Philip Giampietro pictured above.

The performances began with the recitation of the "Winter Song," a newly composed piece by Westport's Poet Laureate, Jessica Noyes McEntee. The Staples Symphonic Orchestra, Symphonic Band, and Choral Ensembles then took to the stage to perform a variety of Candlelight favorites, including the opening "Sing We Noel" and the grand finale, Handel's "Hallelujah Chorus," which featured the participation of over 50 music department alumni. The program also included Leroy Anderson's "Sleigh Ride," Tchaikovsky's "Nutcracker Suite" ("Trepak" and "Waltz of the Flowers"), music from the film "Home Alone" by John Williams, and the showcase piece "Jubilate Deo" by Dan Forrest. In addition, the chorus sang the unaccompanied "Shalom!," junior and senior choral members presented a comedic production directed by Don Rickenback, and small student ensembles performed self-arranged holiday hits, including a jazz sextet and a vocal duet accompanied by guitar on "Winter Wonderland."

Stephen Zimmerman, Music and Visual Arts Coordinator for the Westport Public Schools system said, "Following last year's concert, which introduced a new element of collaboration, this year's performance was carefully planned by the teachers over the course of nearly a year, showcasing their extraordinary effort, exemplary musicianship, and creativity. The collaboration brought together students from different musical groups and ensembles to create a cohesive show, adding an exciting new dimension to the already highly anticipated annual event. As a witness to the hard work and talent of the students and teachers, I am extremely proud of their efforts and have received an amazing response from parents and community members."