The Westport Public Schools address antisemitism and other biases in many ways: in and out of the classroom, and during and outside the school day.
But educators know they can do more.
That was one takeaway from last night’s “Addressing Incidents of Antisemitism and Bias in our Schools” forum at Temple Israel.
A large crowd — and more watching the livestream — heard Superintendent of Schools Thomas Scarice, and nearly every member of his leadership team, discuss an array of efforts the district takes to confront a problem that is ongoing, rising, and part of American society as well as its schools.
Some of those efforts are proactive. Others are reactive. All, Scarice and others stressed, rely on the support of parents and the community, as well as educators.
Introducing the evening, Rabbis Michael Friedman of Temple Israel and Jeremy Wiederhorn of TCS told the audience — which included members of the Board of Education, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, Police Chief Foti Koskinas and state legislators — that Scarice and his administrators work as partners with local clergy to address hate incidents.
Rabbi Michael Friedman welcomes forum attendees to Temple Israel.
The presentation was divided into 2 parts. Much of it was devoted to antisemitism, though other types of prejudice, such as racism and homophobia, were mentioned too.
The first part — “Prevention” — described staff training and professional development; curriculum and instruction; social emotional learning; student clubs and activities; special events, and parental outreach.
The second involved schools’ responses to incidents of bias. It includes prioritizing the safety of targeted students; gathering facts; education; communication with stakeholders; consequences and accountability, and restoration and training.
Scarice noted the importance of holding students accountable for their actions, while at the same time helping them understand the meaning and import of what they said or did.
Privacy laws prohibit schools from discussing individual incidents, or revealing specific consequences.
“We don’t behave a certain way because we’re fearful of being sued,” Scarice said. “We’re following the law.”
And, he acknowledged, “We can do more. We will still have bias incidents that are unacceptable. Kids will be kids.” But he committed the Westport Public Schools to continuing to address hate-based words and actions, wherever and whenever they occur.
(From left): Superintendent of Schools Thomas Scarice, Staples High School principal Stafford Thomas, Westport Public Schools Grades 6-12 social studies coordinator Lauren Francese. (Photo/Dan Woog)
One way is through a tightened, clearer Code of Conduct. “It’s squishy now. It needs to change,” the superintendent said.
The code is being revised and reviewed, with Board of Education oversight. Scarice urged residents to provide input, throughout the process.
“Westport is a competitive community,” Scarice noted. “Sometimes this does not bring out the best in people.
One result: students “exclude others, based on things like socioeconomic status, ability, race, religion and ethnicity.”
A new Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging page on the WPS website offers more information on the school district’s efforts to provide education and resources to combat hatred, bias and misunderstanding, in all forms.
A Newsweek “My Turn” column alleging antisemitism in Westport — and charging the school district with a lack of response — has turned a national spotlight on the town.
Andrew Goldberg begins:
I didn’t know what hurt more: The antisemitism directed at our seventh-grade son or our public school administration’s attempts to silence us about what happened to him.
Both seared like a brand.
Goldberg — identified in a bio note as “an Emmy Award-winning documentary producer and director” — says that his son was taunted in 6th grade.
It escalated, Goldberg says, in 7th grade, and progressed to “targeted antisemitism.”
A friend invited him to sign up for “Camp Auschwitz,” with “great showers,” Goldberg writes. The same boy then began saying “We must exterminate the Jews” — a chant he heard watching “South Park” with Goldberg’s son.
Goldberg says the school responded with an “interrogation” of his son, and a safety plan that included sitting at another lunch table. He did not think the school was addressing antisemitism, or using it as a teachable moment for students and faculty.
Goldberg continues, “Word spread in our town. In its retelling, we were villains.”
He says that the bullying of his son continued. Friends dropped away. Feeling out of options, Goldberg and his wife enrolled their son in a private Jewish school.
Goldberg hired an education attorney, who asked the Westport Public Schools to help offset some of the tuition of the new school, and answer questions about training and policies to deal with what had happened to Goldberg’s son.
Their answers, he says, were “far too little, much too late.”
Goldberg and his wife felt the confidentiality clause in a settlement agreement was too prohibitive. They refused to sign,
In the aftermath of Hamas’ attack on Israel, Goldberg writes, “Now, more than ever, speaking out about antisemitism is needed. Remaining silent was simply something we could not do.
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“06880” asked superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice for a comment. He says:
“The Westport Public Schools categorically rejects antisemitism and has no tolerance for antisemitism or any other form of hate. We address each issue and report head-on as they arise. Our response is done in a manner designed to help students feel safe and welcome in our schools.
“It is deeply saddening to know that our community members, specifically members of our Jewish community, have concerns that we do not take these matters seriously, particularly at this point in time. Although our hope is that the words below convey our commitment to no tolerance for any form of hate, we know that it is the actions that we take, proactively and responsively, that matter most.
“Across our schools, the district provides student programming and staff training from reputable institutions such as Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and other organizations to help foster a school climate in which students feel a sense of safety and belonging.
“It is understandable that community members will have serious concerns when they hear stories that paint a very different picture. In full disclosure, this is a challenge because we have a duty and commitment to honor student privacy rights. However, we can assure the community we are absolutely vigilant in addressing discrimination, harassment, and other forms of hate-based conduct.
“When reports are made with us about student interactions, in school or outside of school hours, including allegations of bias or hate-based discriminatory conduct, our schools immediately respond with our Identity-Based Incident’ protocol, established to implement the Board of Education Hate-Based Conduct’ policy (#0525).
“The response is centered on the following steps: (1) thoroughly investigate and ensure student safety, (2) address (i.e. consequences for substantiated acts, learning experiences), (3) restore relationships.
“Our response to these concerns always includes prioritizing the safety of students first, which usually means creating a safety plan, while incorporating parent feedback, for the students involved as we investigate.
Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice.
“We then conduct a thorough investigation and, depending on our findings, address substantiated findings in a variety of ways. This includes disciplinary consequences, longer-term safety measures, interventions to address the school climate, training for staff, and learning opportunities for students. When all parties are ready, we create and facilitate opportunities for the students involved to restore relationships within the school community.
“While our response to concerns of hate-based conduct is critical, a vitally important aspect of our program includes implementing proactive measures for students that foster a school climate in which students feel safe and welcome.
“To that end, we have provided programs to our students to help them understand the impact of their words and actions on others. Some of these programs include the Second Step SEL (Social and Emotional Learning) curriculum (e.g. empathy and kindness lessons, and perspective taking), ADL ‘identity-based’ anti-bullying lessons, the Responsive Classroom model, the Ruler program, heritage month celebrations, using our 6-12 advisory programs (e.g., ‘Connections’) to lead discussions on these topics.
“Staff professional development programs addressing this need have included: ADL scenario-based training (i.e. responding to bias/hate-based incidents), training on microaggressions/subtle acts of exclusion, and school-based DEIB (diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging) committee book clubs. In addition, given our commitment to this work, the district has begun to explore the pathway for a ‘No Place for Hate’ designation by the ADL.
“As always, we invite community members to share any concerns about their experiences in our schools. We are committed to maintaining a school climate that is safe and welcoming to all, and we recognize that there is always more work to be done.
“We look forward to partnering with the community in confronting these difficult issues.”
Click here to read the full Newsweek column by Andrew Goldberg.
All residents are invited to a Westport Board of Education “community conversation” (Tuesday, November 14, noon to 1:30 p.m., Westport Library Komasky Room).
Any topics related to the schools can be raised. Former RTM moderator and educator Velma Heller will facilitate the discussion.
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Adam Vengrow writes:
“Each year after our Veterans Day Town Hall service, VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399 hosts all local veterans and supporters for food and drinks.
“It costs about $25 per veteran. We hope to have 100 people this year.
“We want our great men and women who have served to enjoy the day. Anything ‘06880’ readers can donate is appreciated — via Paypal @vfw399ct, or email me (a.vengrow@ven2port.com) for Venmo and other options. The VFW is a 501(c)3.”
To learn more about VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399, click here.
The Westport Downtown Association’s Instagram was hacked.
To follow them — and get information about upcoming events, promotions, and everything else downtown-related — click on their new Insta: @WestportDowntownOfficial.
Hard to envision this past weekend’s bridge slide?
Check out Sunday’s great drone video from Rick Giunta (sent by Andrew Colabella):
(Drone photo/Rick Giunta)
The view — looking west — shows traffic squeezed into 2 lanes. The bridge has been slid into place on the southbound side, with that entrance/exit ramp closed.
“There are 2 days each year — one in spring, one in fall – when the sun sets directly down the Longshore entrance road.
“I was lucky enough to catch it this afternoon, as I biked through Longshore. Call it ‘LongshoreHenge.'”
(Photo/John Richers)
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DNR — Westport’s favorite almost-all-physician rock band — takes the stage on Saturday, November 18 (7 p.m., Westport Library).
Of course, there’s a medical hook: “Rocking for the Cure” is a benefit for pancreatic cancer research at Nuvance Health. Dr. Richard Frank is chief of cancer research there — and DNR’s sax player.
Tony Award-winning actor and great local friend James Naughton will emcee.
Tickets are $35 each, and include wine, beer, soda and snacks. Click here to reserve, and for more information.
Oh, doctor! The DNR band.
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More entertainment: “Rock, religion and Westport’s homeless shelter” may never have appeared n the same sentence.
But they all come together this Saturday (November 11, 3 p.m.,) when the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport welcomes the Fairfield School of Rock House Band for a family-friendly concert.
It’s free — but donations to Homes with Hope’s Gillespie Center are welcomed. Concert-goers are asked to bring food and toiletries for the Homes with Hope pantry too.
Complimentary refreshments will be available, thanks to merchants like Trader Joe’s.
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Also on stage: Jaden Myles Waldman — one of Westport’s most gifted young performers — plays one of his most important roles this Sunday (November 12, 7 p.m., Symphony Space, New York City).
The Bedford Middle School 8th grader is part of “Lyrics for Life.” The goal is to break the stigma surrounding mental health through the power of music.
Jaden will sing with a star-filled lineup of performers from Broadway, TV and fil. All are between 6 and 25 years old. Hosts are Swayam Bhatia (The Mighty Ducks and Succession) and Devin Trey Campbell (MJ The Musical, Kinky Boots,Single Parents).
Jaden was on Broadway in Caroline, or Change. He recently performed a solo at Carnegie Hall’s “We are Here” concert, honoring Holocaust victims and celebrating Jewish history.
He was the voice of Peter in Pinkalicious and Peteriffic, Kun in Mirai, and TO-B1 Star Wars: Visions. his film and TV credits include The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Give or Take.
Jazz at the Post celebrates Veterans Day 2 days early.
This Thursday (November 9; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 7 p.m.; VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399), the popular series welcomes Tower of Power’s trumpeter Michael Bogart (a 20-year veteran of the US Navy Band), and drummer and US Army Band veteran Joe Corsello.
Also sitting in:pianist Mitch Schecter, bassist Brian Glassman and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall.
There is special Veterans Day pricing. Suggested minimums are $55 for the performance with dinner, $30 for music only. Funds raised will support VFW post 399, the longtime Jazz at the Post host (and a mainstay of the area’s veterans community).
Reservations are highly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.
Roger Kafuman’s “Speaking of Music” series returns to the Westport Library with a special program. Speaking of Jazz: What It Is, is set for this Saturday (November 11; doors open at 7 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m.)
Performers include the Brian Torff Group, the Jones Factor Lite, and the Tim DeHuff Quartet.
A discussion panel includes includes author Bill Milkowski, saxophonist Rabbi Greg Wall; bassist Dave Anderson, and bassist, author and music educator Torff. Kaufman will moderate the discussion, which will include the long evolution of jazz, through multiple genres.
The grandson of ragtime songwriter Mel B. Kaufman, Roger — a 1966 graduate of Staples High School — has spent a lengthy career as a bandleader, bass player, producer, moderator and historian. He founded Old School Music Productions, which puts on the Speaking of Music series as a “cornerstone of musical education” combining narration, expert discussions and live performances.
In 2016 he helped the Smithsonian acquire, archive and exhibit donations by guitarist/composer/producer Steve Cropper (“Midnight Hour,” “Knock on Wood,” “Dock of the Bay”). He has worked closely with Smithsonian curators to archive musicians’ work, including Weston resident Jose Feliciano.
And finally … because we’re previewing so many musical performances today, including rock and jazz:
(“06880” is many things, to many people. Today it’s (mostly) music. If you appreciate these daily Roundups, please support your hyper-local blog. Click here — and thank you!)
Hamas’ terrorist attack on Israel earlier this month is an international event.
But it has local implications.
At the beginning of last night’s Board of Education meeting, Superintendent of Schools Thomas Scarice spoke heartfully about what the incident means, for our students — and for him.
I can speak on behalf of the Board when I reiterate that our hearts are broken for the unspeakable acts of violence and terror that occurred in Israel the weekend of October 7, and now the continued violence that is sure to engulf the region, and world, for the foreseeable future.
Together with the community, the Westport Public Schools stand against all forms of hate and violence, including of course the desecration of human life, the murder and the kidnappings of innocent citizens in Israel.
With the Board, we stand in solidarity in condemnation of these acts, and ready to support all those impacted by these atrocities.
This week I had the fortune of meeting with 4 of our local rabbis: Rabbi Wiederhorn, Rabbi Friedman, Rabbi Kantor and Rabbi Wall. This will be followed by a subsequent meeting with the Interfaith Clergy Association of Westport and Weston
I asked for this meeting in search of wisdom and knowledge … but also in search of thought partners in how to best support our Jewish students, and the Jewish community of Westport.
As Rabbi Kantor pointed out to me, there are 15 million Jews in the world, and 7 million live in Israel.
It is not just a high likelihood … it is a fact that many of our Jewish students have a direct connection to family, friends and loved ones in Israel.
That puts our schools in a position where we must provide necessary school- based supports
As Rabbi Wiederhorn pointed out to me, Israel is at war with the terror group Hamas. Collectively our local rabbis want, and pray for, peace with all neighbors, here, and internationally.
I also had the opportunity to connect with former executive director of the Connecticut ADL, Steve Ginsburg.
I had the chance to work with Steve in confronting a very public issue a couple of years ago. We became friends. And as a friend, Steve shared some wisdom with me that I would like to share with the community.
As the local rabbis cautioned me about historical increases in antisemitism following international incidents such as October 7, they noted concern for all students.
Steve also wisely advised that we remain on high alert for incidents of Islamaphobia. He indicated that historically, incidents of Islamaphobia rise following international incidents such as October 7.
We are a public education system. We have a lane. Although I am comfortable expressing my moral clarity on violence directed towards innocent children, elderly, families, etc. anywhere, I am mindful of my professional lane when speaking publicly on these matters. And I am quite confident that my comments will not be received with unanimous support.
That said, in my lane, I am the same exact superintendent for each and every one of our approximately 5,400 students.
Our job as public educators is to support the growth and development of our students.
That work is optimized in an environment marked by physical and emotional well-being, one in which students feel safe, and an abiding sense of belonging and affiliation. This is the foundation of all learning.
As I said in my message to the community, as much as we try, the chaos and evils of the outside world penetrate the walls of our schools. When this happens, we respond to the best of our abilities.
Rather than divide and scatter, as chaos and evil can do, we work to pull closer together as a wider Westport school community to serve our students.
This means every student. We won’t be perfect, but it will not be due to a lack of caring.
The first day of school was yesterday. But Staples math teacher Maggie Gomez already has a Westport Public Schools nomination for “06880” Unsung Heroes. She writes:
The whole Westport Public Schools IT (Informational Technology) crew are unsung heroes.
I can’t testify to what goes on in other buildings. But at Staples on Monday, all sorts of computers needed updating. Printers were not connecting. If things were not up and running, opening day would be a mess.
The whole IT department was more than helpful. They individually helped teachers endlessly, all day long. And they did it with smiles on their faces.
After helping one teacher, instead of ducking out they went around and asked if anyone else had issues.
They even helped unlock my own son’s account. because he had entered a wrong password too many times.
The IT staff is very deserving Unsung Heroes. They keep us running all year long, totally behind the scenes — especially before school starts. We would be lost without them.
Staples High School math teacher Maggie Gomez — at her computer. (File photo/Susan Woog Wagner)
(Do you know an Unsung Hero? Emil 06880blog@gmail.com)
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The Westport Public Schools employ nearly 1,000 people.
And every one — teachers, administrators, paraprofessionals, nurses, psychologists, social workers, cafeteria workers, custodians, secretaries, security guards — impacts every one of its 5,300-plus students.
Every adult impacts every other one, too.
That was superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice’s message yesterday, at the opening convocation of the 2023-24 year.
The high-energy event in the Staples High auditorium marked the only time all year the entire staff gathers together.
They heard the 4th-year superintendent speak in intensely personal terms about his family, his life, and his vision for the district.
It’s ranked 17th nationally, out of all 13,452 school districts, by Niche.
Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice, at yesterday’s district-wide convocation.
“I dismiss the value of rankings, and their methodology,” Scarice said. “But they mean something to a community.”
More important than rankings, he noted, is that the school experience be valuable and meaningful to every single student.
For that to happen, Scarice said, every staff member, at every level and position in the district, must understand that every interaction with every student matters.
He illustrated his point by mentioning 2 recent graduates. Both had uneven paths during school; both are now successful and happy.
Scarice asked anyone in the auditorium who ever had any interaction with those students — no matter how small — to stand.
Dozens did.
Scarice expanded on that idea by describing his family’s summer trip to the Grand Canyon. As majestic as it is, it was formed very slowly — changing only the depth of a single piece of paper, a year at a time.
“Everyone should see the Grand Canyon,” superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice said, to appreciate both its grandeur and the importance of change.
“Change is inevitable,” he said. “But it’s important that as we change, we also progress.”
Scarice quoted Jacob Riis: “Look at a stone cutter hammering away at his rock, perhaps 100 times without as much as a crack showing in it. Yet at the 101st blow it will split in 2, and I know it was not the last blow that did it, but all that had gone before.”
He related that quote to his own family — particularly the experiences of his father, who grew up in a New Haven divided strictly by race and ethnicity.
It was big news when Scarice was 9, and a Black family moved next door in their suburban neighborhood.
His father’s relationship with Calvin — the man next door — grew slowly over the years. When Calvin died of cancer in 2003, Tom’s family attended the evangelical church service.
Scarice will never forget his father’s words about Calvin: “He was a good man. He was one of the best friends I ever had.”
That was only the third time in his life that Scarice saw his father cry.
“That is how we change over time,” he said, tying the story back to his earlier comments.
Scarice challenged every district employee to change and grow. The way to do that, he added, is to listen to every student and colleague’s stories.
Every day, he said, “is an opportunity to strike at that stonecutter’s stone.” Every interaction — no matter how seemingly small or unseen — matters.
Soon, the convocation was over. The nearly 1,000 attendees headed back to meetings, planning and preparation.
A new school year — filled, as always, with excitement, anticipation, and countless chances for growth — begins Tuesday.
(The opening convocation also included the announcement of Westport’s Teacher of the Year: Bedford Middle School social studies instructor and team leader Lou DeFichy. A full story will appear later on “06880.”)
(Education is important to “06880” — this blog, and this community. Please click here to help us continue covering all our schools. Thank you!)
By an overwhelming majority last night, the Representative Town Meeting affirmed the Planning & Zoning Commission’s recent decisions to allow text and map amendments in Saugatuck.
There were 33 RTM members in favor, 1 against (Sal Liccione) and 1 abstention (Matthew Mandell). The vote — following similar margins in the RTM’s Transit and Planning & Zoning Committees — means that planning can proceed for the Hamlet at Saugatuck.
That project could bring new retail, restaurants, residences, and a hotel and marina to the area near the train station.
The RTM vote was required, based on a petition from voters. Twenty-four members had to vote to overturn the P&Z decision — but only 1 did.
Next up: A site plan for the Hamlet project, and approval from the P&Z.
Artists’ rendering of an interior courtyard of The Hamlet at Saugatuck.
What’s the newest hot place in town for teenagers?
The Westport Library.
It’s been filled all week long, with Staples High School students studying for midterms.
The Trefz Forum — and the rest of the building — has been a place where friends can work together, but where others can find space to be alone. It’s serious, but also social — perfect for teens’ needs.
The other night, library officials surprised the students with 25 pizzas.
They were gone quicker than you could say “good luck with exams!”
Where do Westport teenagers head at night? The Westport Library. (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)
Speaking of the Westport Library: The Trefz Forum will be packed tomorrow morning too (Thursday, January 19, 10 a.m.).
Local attorney (and Staples High graduate) Josh Koskoff will discuss his latest victory: the largest verdict in history in a defamation suit. Koskoff led the case against Alex Jones, who used his Infowars website and daily radio show to present counter-factual information about issues including the Sandy Hook school shooting.
Koskoff’s talk will also be livestreamed. Click here for the link.
The event is co-sponsored by the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston.
It was packed in November, for the Board of Education’s first “Community Conversation.”
Plenty of topics were discussed — but others, like challenges to books in the high school library, and diversity, equity and inclusion planning — did not have time for exploration.
A second open discussion — picking up where last fall’s left off — is set for next Tuesday (January 24, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Westport Library). All residents are invited, for a “back-and-forth exchange) with Board of Education members, and school administrators.
Speaking of Saugatuck: Mackenzie Winner Berman has a question that’s on the minds of many other Westporters. She writes:
“On Saugatuck Avenue, roughly across the street from the old Westport Chinese/ new Lomito restaurant, is a home with a small storefront on street level.
“The home is being renovated. I assumed the storefront would go, but recently it has been improved with new windows, among other things.
“Does anyone know the plans for that space? It has always interested me. Every time I drive by, I try to imagine what sort of activity used to take to place there.”
Sacred Heart University’s beautiful new Martire Family Arena is drawing raves. And fans.
Those spectators are helping the Pioneers’ men’s ice hockey program raise funds for great causes.
The January 21 game (7 p.m., vs. Holy Cross) will benefit the Chad Jacobs Hockey Foundation — run by Westporter Karen Jacobs — and the CT Hockey Foundation. The Jacobs fund was a major supporter of education for Charlie and Will Capalbo, grandsons of Westport writer Ina Chadwick. Charlie fought a long, courageous battle against several cancers.
A February 4 game (7 p.m., vs. American International) for CapalboStrong will benefit Dana Farber Cancer Institute, specifically pediatric research. That date is the anniversary of Charlie’s life-saving bone marrow transplant from his brother Will, in 2019.
“Surface Alchemy” — a new exhibition featuring Donald Martiny and Stuart Disston — opens this Saturday (January 21; reception from 5 to 7 p.m.) at Amy Simon Fine Art (123 Post Road East).
The exhibit runs through February 25.
“The Picnic” — Acrylics, encaustic and photo transfer on canvas mounted on panel (Stuart Disston)
And finally … today is the birthday of David Ruffin.
One of the lead singers of the Temptations from 1964-68, and later a solo star, was born on this date in 1941. He died in 1991, from an accidental overdose of crack cocaine.
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Phone calls from a demented human being to police departments around the state — while many were honoring 2 slain officers at a Rentschler Field ceremony — forced high-level security measures.
At Staples High School, nearly 2,000 students and scores of staff members went into lockdown. At nearby Bedford Middle School, a “shelter in place” order was given.
Nearly an hour after Staples High School went into lockdown Friday morning, an ambulance and police car sat outside the building. (Photo/Jim Honeycutt)
Officials — rightly — erred on the side of caution. Before the lockdown was lifted, armed officers checked every room.
With police weapons visible to students and staff, superintendent of school Thomas Scarice asked teachers were to focus the rest of the day on the social/emotional needs of students. Emotional support was available for anyone who needed it.
Welcome to America, 2022.
That afternoon, longtime Westporter (and Staples High School graduate) Stacie Curran wrote:
“Once again (and sadly), please publicly recognize all of our teachers, staff, administrators, and our incredible police force for their attention, their dedication, their care and brave protection our children through this lockdown.”
Stacie is right. Scarice, his staff, and administrators at Staples and Bedford acted swiftly and decisively. Police officers were on the scene quickly. Working with Staples’ school resource officer, they believed soon that the call was a hoax.
Still, they made absolutely certain that the school was safe. Meanwhile, Westport’s Emergency Medical Services were on hand, standing by if needed.
The response and collaboration of all involved was impressive. As Stacie notes, we owe thanks to all of Friday’s Unsung Heroes, for keeping our community secure.
(To nominate an Unsung Hero, email 06880blog@gmail.com)
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Westport superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice says:
“This morning, a call was made to the Westport Police Department 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.”
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Goldberg says the school responded with an “interrogation” of his son, and a safety plan that included sitting at another lunch table. He did not think the school was addressing antisemitism, or using it as a teachable moment for students and faculty.
As Rabbi Wiederhorn pointed out to me, Israel is at war with the terror group Hamas. Collectively our local rabbis want, and pray for, peace with all neighbors, here, and internationally.
Our job as public educators is to support the growth and development of our students.
