Superintendent's Updates

Dear Families,

Having spent many years on the receiving end of beginning-of-school messages as a parent, I know how quickly the inbox fills up this time of year. Your child’s teachers and building leaders are rightly your primary sources of information during these opening weeks, so I will do my best to keep this note relatively brief.

With the first few days of the 2026–2027 school year behind us, I hope your children are settling in and coming home with some good stories to share. One of my favorite parts of opening week is simply being in our schools. Amid all of the schedules, buses, logistics, and preparation, it takes only a few minutes in a classroom or hallway to be reminded what this work is really about.

I especially love visiting our elementary classrooms and being introduced to our youngest students, who often try to figure out exactly what a superintendent does. Explaining the role can take some time, but telling them I help make the snow-day decision usually makes it stick.

There are plenty of transitions happening in my own family as well. My youngest graduated from high school in June, and my daughter graduated from college and recently started a job in her field (something we are very excited and relieved about!!). Like many of you, I am reminded that managing family milestones, new routines, and a professional life can sometimes feel like a lot. It also reminds me how quickly these school years pass…it’s like water through your hands.  

Along with the updates below, I’ve attached a document with additional beginning-of-year information, including weather-related protocols, applications for special programs, student handbooks, and information about our Westport PTA Council.

In the weeks and months ahead, you will also hear more about the work shaping our district this year, advancing our strategic priorities, deepening our “AI Powered, Human Centered” approach, strengthening academic integrity and a growth mindset.  You will also be provided with continued updates on various projects and other important district initiatives.

 

Transportation

With the opening days now underway, our Transportation Department and First Student are closely monitoring routes and making adjustments as needed. As is typical at the beginning of a school year, arrival and dismissal times may take several days to settle as drivers become familiar with routes, traffic patterns normalize, and families establish their routines.

We appreciate your patience during these first couple of weeks as routes settle into their rhythm.

Fortunately, the Cross Highway Bridge project has been completed and approved for travel. Expect additional delays there as paving progresses now that the bridge has been repaired.

For more information, visit the Transportation page on our website, and consider downloading our bus-tracking app, FirstView.

 

Communication with Students

As a reminder, WPS employees are expressly prohibited from texting students. ParentSquare  remains our primary platform for sharing important school updates, alerts, PTA newsletters, events, and reminders.

If you haven’t yet signed up—or if your original link has expired—you can easily register by downloading the ParentSquare app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

 

Communication Chain of Command

 

When questions or concerns arise, we encourage you to follow the district’ chain of communication. This chart provides clear guidance on how to have your matters addressed quickly and effectively.

 

 

There is a great deal to look forward to this year, and I am grateful for the partnership of our families as we get underway. I wish you and your children a joyful, healthy, and successful 2026–2027 school year.

Sincerely,

Thomas Scarice
Superintendent of Schools

 

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