Beloved Staples Teacher Suddenly Passes Away; Staples Opening on 3 Hour Delay Monday
Update
Dear Westport Families and Staff,
I am writing as a follow up to the tragic passing of Mike Sansur. I met with the Staples High School crisis team earlier this evening, and we decided that it's best to operate the high school on a three hour delayed opening for students tomorrow, Monday, October 17, 2022. The school day for students will begin at 11:00 a.m., and buses are expected to begin their runs at 10:10 a.m.
Our staff will arrive at their regular time and use that time to prepare for receiving students. Students will begin their day in the Connections period, and support from our mental health staff will be available at that time and throughout the day. Any student who needs support should speak with a trusted adult in the building; any parent who believes their child needs support should let their child’s counselor or grade-level assistant principal know.
We appreciate everyone’s understanding of this change and the continued support of the entire Westport community during this difficult time.
Respectfully,
Thomas Scarice
Superintendent
First Email
Dear Westport Families and Staff,
I am so sorry to be writing to you today to share some tragic news. Yesterday, we lost Michael Sansur, beloved Technology Education teacher at Staples High School, to a car accident on I-95. His son was also critically injured in the accident. We are devastated by this news and our hearts are with the Sansur family during this difficult time.
Stafford Thomas, principal of Staples High School, will be working with the building’s crisis team, as well as the central office crisis team, to develop plans for supporting students, staff and families, in coping with this tragedy. We will share those plans with the community later today.
Mike was a personal favorite of countless students and staff. His career has been marked by inspirational stories of Mike positively impacting the lives of students at Staples and creating an unparalleled sense of belonging in his classroom.
Further details and support plans will be shared later today.
Respectfully,
Thomas Scarice
Superintendent