Act of Vandalism

Posted Date: 01/31/2025

January 31, 2025

Dear Weston Families,

This morning, Weston Middle School administrators were made aware of an act of vandalism in the seventh-grade boys’ restroom, where a swastika symbol was discovered. Principal Daniel Doak has already communicated with middle school families, reinforcing that such hateful anti-Semitic symbols and behaviors have no place in our school community. The administration is taking this matter extremely seriously and is actively investigating in collaboration with the school resource officer.

As a district, we remain steadfast in our dedication to maintaining a learning environment that is safe, respectful, and welcoming for all students. Any form of hate or intolerance is entirely unacceptable.  We remain committed to taking firm action in response to incidents of this nature and to educating our students about the harm these symbols can inflict.

We appreciate your collaboration in reinforcing the principles of respect, inclusion, and kindness that are at the heart of our schools.

Lisa Barbiero

Superintendent of Schools

Weston Middle School

January 31, 2025

Dear Weston Middle School Families,

This morning, students alerted us to an act of vandalism in the seventh-grade boys’ restroom, where a swastika symbol was discovered. As we recently discussed during our school-wide recognition of International Holocaust Remembrance Day, this anti semitic symbol represents hatred and intolerance—values that are completely contrary to the culture of respect and inclusion we uphold at Weston Middle School.

We take this incident very seriously and have launched an investigation in collaboration with our school resource officer. This behavior will not be tolerated. Today, Mr. Walters and I met with the entire seventh grade to reinforce our school’s unwavering stance against hateful symbols and behaviors. We also emphasized the importance of responsible communication—encouraging students to report any information directly to a trusted adult rather than engaging in rumors or speculation.

Beyond addressing this specific incident, we remain deeply committed to fostering an environment where all students feel safe, valued, and respected. Our ongoing efforts will continue to include meaningful discussions and educational initiatives that promote kindness, inclusivity, and understanding.  Many of you may be aware that Rabbi Friedman from Temple Israel was scheduled to speak with our seventh graders last Monday as part of our Holocaust Remembrance Day but was unable to attend.  I have reached out to him about this incident.

Thank you for your support. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly.

Sincerely,

Daniel Doak

Principal