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