Superintendent's Updates

Good afternoon,

Last evening the Westport Police Department was informed of the potential of an international group planning to send swatting calls nationwide to schools reporting that a shooter was in the school building. The information was shared with chiefs of police statewide and the Connecticut State Police command staff was also notified.  The information was described as very vague.

Given the holiday, the WPD shared the information and we remained on standby in the event Westport received this potential swatting call. The WPD confirmed that a call was received identifying Staples High School with information similar to the warning last night.

As a precaution, a number of WPD officers were dispatched to Staples and they walked the building, particularly the bathrooms, the place identified in the swatting call.  The entire facility was cleared by the WPD.  

I have been in communication with the WPD Chief, Foti Koskinsas, and we agreed that an additional presence will be on, and near, our campuses tomorrow, all arriving well before school starts.  Fortunately, our effective partnership with the WPD enabled us to prepare well in advance for this potential report.  Although the holiday made it easier with our schools largely empty, we did not soften our preparation and the WPD communicated an assertive response once the actual call was received.  

Again, a swatting call is a false report to emergency services to prompt a strong police response to a specific address. The goal is to frighten, harass, or cause problems for the target.  

I can assure the community that our strong safety protocols and continued partnership with the WPD provide a safe school environment for all of our students and staff. 

Sincerely,

Thomas Scarice
Superintendent