Greetings WPS Families:

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on the blessings in our lives and to show appreciation for the people who enrich them. I want to express my heartfelt thanks to all our WPS families for their steadfast support and commitment. November is a special time when our students exemplify the true meaning of gratitude through their actions and kindness. They honor our veterans collecting items for Homes of the Brave. They support our community with food drives stocking our local pantry. HES and WIS are filled with vibrant decorations that beautifully capture the spirit of the season. I am incredibly proud of our students’ compassion and thoughtfulness toward others. They serve as models for us all. I wish you a Thanksgiving filled with warmth, joy, and togetherness.

This month, we held two important Board of Education (BOE) meetings that I strongly encourage everyone to watch. On November 11, we hosted a special meeting focused on the infrastructure needs of our campus, offering a detailed analysis of current conditions and future requirements. On November 18, we presented our annual enrollment projections, highlighting anticipated student enrollment trends and their implications for district planning. Both presentations provide valuable insights into the future of our district, and I encourage you to stay informed by viewing these sessions online.

I want to take this opportunity to address an area of utmost importance: the safety and security of our students and staff. During the most recent BOE meeting, HR Director Juli Givoni provided an update on our search for a new Director of Safety and Security. While we were initially prepared to move forward with an outstanding candidate in the end, he withdrew his candidacy. The vacancy has been reposted, applications have been reviewed, and we are scheduled to conduct the second round of interviews in early December. This new pool of candidates is very promising. Rest assured, we are committed to finding the right individual to lead this critical role.

At the December BOE meeting, I will present on the safety and security state of our schools providing a review of the district’s initiatives beginning in 2011 through 2024 followed by next steps. Police Chief Henion will attend, which will give BOE members an opportunity to ask questions. There will be ample time dedicated to this agenda item. As soon as our new Director of Safety and Security is in place, I will collaborate with the Director to set a date and time for parents to meet him and engage in Weston Public Schools District Update - November 2024 Lisa Barbiero • Superintendent of Schools 24 School Road • Weston, Connecticut 06883 2 a discussion about their concerns. This is tentatively planned for January. I will communicate the date and time when it is finalized. This will be an avenue for the community to be heard. Additionally, Board of Education Chairman Steve Ezzes will announce the formation of a special Safety and Security Subcommittee at our December meeting. This subcommittee, chaired by BOE member Michael Guido, will operate similarly to other BOE committees, holding monthly videotaped meetings that will be made available to the public on the district website. The subcommittee will officially begin its work in January.

Finally, many of you are aware that we invited Max Stossel, an award-winning storyteller, filmmaker, and founder of Social Awakening to the district on Thursday November 21. Max's work focuses on the intersection of technology, human well-being and connectedness. His presentations are designed to spark meaningful conversations about how we can support students in navigating the challenges of the digital world. I would like to thank the four PTOs for supporting this event. Max addressed our secondary students, grades 7-12, during the school day and our parents that evening. If you were not able to attend the parent program, you may watch the recording that is available free on his website for the next month. It offers valuable insights into the challenges our students face with technology and provides strategies for fostering healthier relationships with it. After you register on the website, you will be able to access the recording. Click here to be directed to the Max Stossel Parent Presentation.

Sincerely,

Lisa R. Barbiero

Superintendent of Schools