Greetings WPS Families:

As the Superintendent of Schools, I must address an issue of safety and security across our campus faciliites. Specifically, I would like to stress that our campus facilities must be closed to the public during school hours, between 7 AM to 4 PM.

Weston residents enjoy walking through our campus. It is a beautiful setting. However with all of the schools situated along one single road this also presents certain challenges. Our playgrounds and outdoor recess areas, track, tennis courts and fields must be closed to the public when schools are in session. These outdoor spaces are integral parts of our school facilities, and at any given time , classes are held outside—not just for physical education, but for a variety of subjects. Staff and students feel uneasy when they see strangers on school grounds.

To ensure their safety, I must also emphasize that the sidewalks are closed during the day to pedestrians. It is very disconcerting when staff members see people walking around the schools outside of their classrooms. The auxiliary road between the high school and intermediate school is closed to cars, with the exception of arrival and dismissal times. Having had the privilege to be a part of this district for 40-years, I appreciate the small close knit feel of Weston. However, the safety of our students and staff must come first and foremost. Thank you for your understanding and support. Our schools hosted 8 Back to School nights this month, which were well attended at every grade level and school. It was wonderful to see so many parents as it speaks to their commitment and support to our staff. I would like to thank our PTO volunteers who sold spirit wear that not only promotes a great sense of community and pride and also supports their generous contributions to our schools.I’d like to thank the PTOs for their generosity in support of our schools.

I am so pleased to announce that Weston High School Athletic Director Mark Berkowitz has been appointed as the President of Connecticut Association of Athletic Directors (CAAD) Board of Control. Mr. Berkowiz was selected from over 200 athletic directors across our state. Having worked with him for the past 26 years I have witnessed his unwavering commitment to Weston’s students and our community and am confident that he will make a positive difference for all student athletes across the state in this new role. Mr. Berkowitz joined our district in 1999 first as a health and physical education teacher, and for the past 19 years as Athletic Director. Please join me in congratulating him on this wonderful honor. I hope that you enjoy reading about teaching and learning across our schools this month.

Sincerely,

Lisa Barbiero

Superintendent of Schools