The Westport Board of Education said today it will meet in person on Monday for the first time since March but members of the public will not be allowed to attend.

“Unfortunately, we cannot predict or control the turnout at our meetings, and a large gathering at a public meeting of the board could pose a public health risk,” said members in an email.

Instead, the public will be encouraged to attend by using Googledocs, the email said.

“This method will continue to afford anyone who feels uncomfortable about coming out to a public meeting during a pandemic a voice in our decision-making process,” the members said.

A second staff member at Westport’s Coleytown Elementary School (CES) has tested positive for COVID-19, Superintendent Thomas Scarice told parents today in an email.

As a result of contact tracing, two additional staff members have been notified they will be excluded from school and recommended to quarantine for 14 days, he said.

The new disclosure has prompted a decision to begin remote learning for two additional first grade classrooms, Scarice said.

No additional students require quarantine, he said.

Schools Superintendent Thomas Scarice said today, in an update to this morning’s closure of Coleytown Elementary School, that school will resume Monday but with those in contact with a COVID-19 staff member asked to stay home.

He said it was determined that the students and staff in two CES classrooms spent a significant amount of time in the presence of a positive case. 

“As a result, these individuals will be excluded from school community and have been recommended to quarantine for 14 days from the date of contact, September 10,” Scarice said.

“To be clear, siblings and other family members of these children and staff do not need to quarantine.”

A staff member at Coleytown Elementary School tested positive for COVID-19, forcing closure of the school, Superintendent Thomas Scarice told parents today.

“The Administration learned early this morning that a staff member has tested positive for COVID-19. Given the timing of the notice and our need to follow District protocols with contact tracing, as a precautionary measure, Coleytown Elementary School will be closed today, Friday, September 11, 2020, to students and staff,” he said in an email.

“This closure includes the staff and students of Stepping Stones preschool.”

He added: “(Principal Jenna) Sirowich and the administrative team will be working closely with the central office administrators, the Westport Weston Health District, and our medical advisor to assess the impact of this positive COVID-19 test and begin contact tracing<  We will provide an update to the CES and preschool community later today.

Coleytown Elementary Principal Janna Sirowich (l) oversees today’s morning dismissal. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Jarret Liotta for WestportNow.com

By Jarret Liotta

A six-month odyssey finally reached shore today when Westport students returned to school for the first time since March.

Superintendent of Schools Thomas Scarice visited with different schools throughout the day, including Coleytown Elementary School. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Jarret Liotta for WestportNow.com

Though they were hidden behind masks, the first day of in-person learning featured many smiling faces from kids, parents and staff alike.

“I’m very happy my kids are in school,” said Ana Johnson, who picked up her son Wyatt, 9, from the morning class at Coleytown Elementary School.

“I’m very appreciative of the teachers and the staff for all their hard work to hopefully have a good first day,” she said.

A brother and sister get goodbye waves today from a younger sibling as they board a bus en route to an afternoon session at Coleytown Elementary School.. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Anna-Liisa Nixon for WestportNow.com

Students make their way into Greens Farms Elementary School today on the first day of school. . (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

Class of 2024 Staples High School girls today welcome back fellow students on first day of Westport public school classes.. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com