Superintendent of Schools Colleen Palmer tonight sent an email to all Westport school parents about today’s events at Staples High School. Here is the text:
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Superintendent of Schools Colleen Palmer with Police Chief Foti Koskinas at today’s Westport Police Headquarters news conference. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
“Dear Families of Westport Students,
“This morning, a student at Staples High School reported to administration that they had overheard some threatening statements by another student targeted at a staff member within the school. We commend this student for the courage to come forward to share this critical information about our safety.
“Within minutes of this knowledge, a Staples administrator had the student of concern supervised in the main office, called the police, and called my office. From that point on, our Central Office administrative team, the Staples High School administrative team, the Westport Police Department, and our First Selectman worked hand-in-hand to address the presenting issues throughout the day.
“As a precautionary measure, police officers were assigned to our high school. It was only several hours later that information emerged that prompted us to shift to our strategy to shelter in place and to dismiss early.
“The events of today unfolded dynamically and rapidly. Since this is an ongoing police investigation, there is a need to collaborate with the Westport Police Department in sharing further information so as not to impede their work.
“I would expect that the events at Staples today impacted you in some way, stirring up many emotions. I can only imagine the level of worry that some of you experienced. The idea that we have to even think about the wave of violence that has hit our schools in these times is unfathomable.
“Before Staples reopens for a regular day of school tomorrow, I will meet with its staff to debrief and to commend their exceptional service to our students today. As caring professionals, they remained calm, implemented well-practiced safety protocols, and made every effort to assure our students were comforted and made to feel safe during the events of the day.
“To support a conversation with your student regarding these matters, I again attach the helpful guide from the National Association of School Psychologists which provides useful strategies with this communication.
“Tomorrow, our professionals will work with our students in developmentally appropriate ways based upon their questions and needs. With our youngest learners, we expect to address individual needs as they emerge. At Staples, support staff will offer small group discussion opportunities, as well as individual support, if needed.
“As a community committed to safeguarding its children, we are very fortunate that we were able to work together to keep our students safe and sound today.
“Sincerely,
“Colleen Palmer”
Attached to email was a primer from the National Association of School Psychologists with tips to parents and teachers on how to talk to children about violence. Click HERE to download the document.
