Westport Community Schools Closure Extended Through End of Academic Year

Gov. Baker Announced Extends Statewide School Closure Through End of School Year

WESTPORT —  Westport Community Schools announces that, in accordance with a new order from Gov. Charlie Baker and the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, the Westport Community Schools shall remain closed through the end of the 2019-2020 academic year as a precaution against the COVID-19 pandemic.

The statewide closure of schools, originally set to end on April 7 and previously extended to May 4, has been further extended through the end of the school year.

The closure of schools is an unprecedented step by the state that is seen as vital to limit the potential spread of COVID-19 and to continue the practice of social distancing as more positive cases and deaths are announced in the state each day.

The extended closure of schools is an unprecedented step in limiting the potential spread of COVID-19 and continuing the practice of social distancing as more positive cases and deaths are announced in the state each day.

Westport Community Schools will offer food service pickup beginning Tuesday, April 28. The program will be distributing five days worth of breakfast and lunch items per child once a week, every Tuesday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Pickups will take place at the Westport High School, 19 Main Rd., and vehicles are asked to drive in the “EXIT” area closest to the cemetery to form a line near the loading dock. Individuals should wipe down all items once they arrive at home.

Anyone who can’t pickup their food but are in need should contact Michelle Rapoza, Business Manager at mrapoza@westportschools.org or via a text message to 774-930-1223.

All athletic programs, events and after school activities will remain suspended and fields, playgrounds and play areas will remain closed until further notice.

Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education Jeffrey Riley canceled MCAS for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year across grades 3-10. The Commissioner has not yet made a decision regarding competency determination for high school graduation.

Decisions about events like graduation, prom and academic awards ceremonies will be discussed in the coming days and weeks and further information will be shared as it becomes available.

“We are saddened to see our school year cut short in the midst of this pandemic, but we believe it is the best step to take at this time,” said Superintendent Reese. “We are disappointed, like I’m sure all of our students are, to not be able to partake in the end-of-year school traditions. We would like to reiterate that we are here for our students if they need anything. We would also like to say we are so proud of everyone for their hard work and perseverance during these uncertain times. To our seniors, we wish you all the best in your future endeavors, and remember, once a wildcat, always a wildcat.”

Remote Learning

Remote learning will continue through the end of the school year and new content will continue to be introduced to students by their teachers.

Commissioner Riley will be releasing additional guidance and recommendations to school districts statewide within the coming days.   

Teachers and administrators have worked since the initial school closure to support students’ connections to their school community and classwork.

During the school closure, teachers have remained vigilant and mindful of their individual students’ needs and have made adjustments according to those needs. Teachers will continue to reach out to students and families on a regular basis throughout the remainder of the school closure.

For more information, visit the district’s website at https://www.westportschools.org/.

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