September 16, 2024

 

Dear Families,

 

As we embark on a new school year, I want to take this opportunity to reassure you of our unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and families. Safety encompasses both physical security and the social-emotional environment in which our children learn and grow. Our approach is multi-faceted, aiming not only to protect our students and staff but also to create a nurturing atmosphere where everyone feels valued and connected. 

 

The following information explains new updates and current practices in the area of physical safety and security. 

 

This summer our security camera system was upgraded with new servers and additional cameras in key locations. Our goal was to enhance our monitoring capabilities both inside and outside of our schools, and we are grateful for the funding to support this project that was part of Weston’s capital improvement plan. Additional signage was posted around our school campus reminding the public that our playgrounds and outdoor recess areas are not open during the school day.  

 

Fitted window shades were ordered for all classroom doors. These shades are used during our lockdown drills and are more user-friendly, replacing the current coverings.  Additional fencing around the HES playground will also be addressed this fall.  

 

All central office and school administrators completed FEMA courses focused on emergency preparedness and management prior to our August retreat. We engaged in a workshop with our two School Resource Officers, Captain Brodacki and Chief Henion as well on August 13 

 

We hired a new security specialist after a member of our WHS security team resigned in late spring, Mr.  Ralph  DeLuca was hired this summer joining our WMS team. Mr. Dauber, formerly at WMS, is now assigned to Weston High School.   

 

The three new employees who serve as secretaries in the main office of HES, WIS, and WHS were trained on how to appropriately respond to swatting calls. With an increase in swatting across the country, it is important that staff responsible for answering the phones understand what to do and are provided with written guidance that is kept right by their phones.  Director of Safety and Security Mr. Rios reviewed with all main office staff these procedures.   To clarify, swatting is an illegal prank when someone calls in a fake report of imminent threat or danger in our schools designed to scare and get a response from emergency services.  

 

This fall we will prioritize additional training with the activation and notification protocols for our mass notification system to achieve optimal emergency readiness. Monthly drills continue as a key component of our continued practice. 

 

For our new families, I would like to take the opportunity to review some of the district’s safety features:

• A team of seven security specialists on our school campus and a Director of Safety and Security whose office is located at Hurlbutt Elementary School

• Two School Resource Officers whose offices are located at WMS and WHS. SRO Kim works at WMS and is assigned to also support WIS at key times during the day. SRO Marsili works at WHS and is assigned to support HES. 

• A Mile of Safety Officer who patrols our campus daily

• A comprehensive visitor management system that helps us manage and monitor those coming onto our campuses.

• A mass notification system that alerts staff and the police of emergencies.

• Exterior doors and windows hardened with protective film 

• District radios and cell phones to enhance communication amongst key staff

• Emergency drills practiced throughout the school year 

• Specific protocols for secure school, lockdown, shelter in place and evacuation 

• Secured doors with key or fob access only

 

Together with the Weston Police, we are committed to staying at the forefront of security strategies that will protect our students while providing peace of mind to our families.

 

With regard to social-emotional well-being, our focus is to enhance existing social-emotional initiatives and analyze these programs to better address the needs of disengaged students.  Every student must develop meaningful connections with peers and staff. As part of ongoing efforts to monitor our progress in this area, we have a new survey tool and will conduct school climate surveys in both the fall and spring.  Previously the district conducted a survey only in the late spring. Having a fall baseline for our work is important.  This week you will receive information on how to complete this survey. 

 

Beginning this school year, Weston Middle School has banned the use of cell phones implementing the Yonder bag system to ensure that students are not distracted by their smartphones during the school day. Upon arrival at school, students put their cell phones and earbuds into a Yonder bag that they leave in their lockers until the end of the school day.  Staff now observe students conversing with each other before reporting to their first class.  They no longer check their phones for text messages or social media posts. This shift supports their social emotional well-being and positive school climate.  Hurlbutt Elementary School and Weston Intermediate School continue to prohibit students from bringing cell phones or smartwatches to school.  At Weston High School, students are not allowed to use cell phones during class. 

 

In my Superintendent’s Update for the first week of school, I shared that our staff participated in a workshop by Educational Consultant Dr. Jo Ann Freiberg on August 26. Dr. Freiberg spoke to us about the importance of schools Creating Supportive and Healing Environments for children.  We will continue this work with her on the November 5 professional development day.  

 

Many staff members are reading The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt, which Dr. Freibeg recommended at our convocation. Multiple copies are in our school libraries, and WHS has begun a book group focused on this text. The PTOs are spreading the word about this powerful read to our community.  

 

As part of our commitment to work with parents, Max Stossel, the founder of Social Awakening, will present to our parents the evening of November 21.   Social Awakening is an organization dedicated to helping young adults and parents survive and thrive in the complicated digital world. I would like to thank our PTOs who funded both the parent and student presentations.  

 

All students must feel that they are an integral part of our schools.  Our district commitment goes beyond protecting our children. We strive to make them feel cared for and supported by all adults in our schools.  We believe that safety is deeply intertwined with a sense of belonging and emotional wellness and we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive atmosphere where every student feels seen, heard, and appreciated.

 

Thank you for your continued partnership and trust as we work together to create a safe and supportive learning environment. 

 

Warm regards,

 

Lisa Barbiero

Superintendent of Schools