November 1, 2024

Greetings WPS Families,

I want to update you on recent efforts and actions in response to the concerning anti-Semitic incident in our community. The safety and well-being of everyone is our priority, and we are committed to ensuring a secure and respectful environment for all.

As Principal Conetta stated in her October 25 communication to WHS families, after a thorough investigation conducted in collaboration with the Weston Police Department, we have unfortunately been unable to identify the person or persons responsible for this hateful act. However, our commitment to educating our students and building a culture of inclusivity and respect remains unwavering.

To address this incident directly, Weston High School will host a school-wide assembly on November 15, led by members of the Jewish Student Union in partnership with the Anti-Defamation League. This assembly will offer a space for thoughtful reflection, education, and dialogue, with input from community members who share our commitment to a safe and welcoming school environment.

While this assembly is an important next step, it represents only the beginning of our long-term efforts to support a culture free from hate, bias, and harmful conduct. As we move forward, we will continue to develop sustained educational programs, engaging students, staff, and the larger community in this essential work.

In addition, in my October 18 letter I shared our district improvement plan that speaks to a review of our current programs.   We are committed to this process starting with grades 6-12 to ensure that they effectively promote respect and inclusivity.  This work has begun with our school teams. We will provide an update and report on our progress in January and June at our BOE meetings.
 

We thank you for your partnership in making our community safe and welcoming for everyone.

Sincerely,

Lisa Barbiero