Greetings,

With just a couple of weeks before the holiday break I would like to provide a couple of updates to our school community.  

December 23 Early Dismissal
Thursday December 23 will be an early dismissal for all schools.  This is not noted on the calendar and is a change.  However, historically, when December 23 falls on a weekday, our district has scheduled an early dismissal for students and staff.  I suspect this tradition was intended to accommodate families and staff who might be traveling for the holidays.  Last year, December 23 fell on a Wednesday and each Wednesday was an early release as part of our modified Covid schedule.  Prior to that, the last times December 23 fell on a weekday were 2015 and 2016 and they were early dismissal days. Early dismissal school hours can be found here:  https://www.westportps.org/district/closing

Safety and Security Threats in the Region
In the wake of the unspeakable tragedy at Oxford High School in Michigan, a series of reported threats were made on schools in our region prompting lockdowns and school cancellations in a number of districts.  While many of these threats were determined to not be credible, the consequential impact on our collective school communities remains.

We are fortunate to have avoided such threats, but I want to assure our community that we continue to work closely with the Westport Police Department when events such as these transpire in the region.  The Westport PD provides immediate information to our schools so that we can be proactive when a threat is identified in our region.  If responsive action is necessary, communication flows rapidly from the Westport PD to our schools.   If a threat is directed towards our schools, immediate action is taken internally with the support of local law enforcement and security experts.

It is heartbreaking to have to revisit this topic regularly, but it is an unfortunate snapshot of our childrens’ world.  Yet, I always maintain confidence that we can collectively work to keep our kids safe, physically and emotionally, through effective communication, proactive safeguards, and responsive actions.   

Season of Performances
It’s the time of year for school performances and concerts.  Although we have made some changes in response to the increase in infection rates, we will continue to host these performances and celebrate as a community.  Please be aware of any changes to our protective measures that might be made along the way.  Each building principal will communicate any changes, along with the necessary precautions so that we can continue to successfully host school performances and concerts.  Although all four shows of the 81st Candlelight Concert have sold out, but a pre-recorded live-streamed performance of the concert will be broadcast December 23 at 8:00pm.  Stay tuned for more live-streaming information.

Respectfully,
Thomas Scarice
Superintendent of Schools