Acting Superintendent Update

Posted Date: 04/11/2025

April 10, 2025

Dear Weston School Community,

As I finish my second week as Acting Superintendent, I want to thank you for your warm welcome and support.  Here are some updates to share: 

Work to Address Recent Antisemitic Incidents

• I have been meeting with principals, teachers, students, district leadership, PTO leaders, community groups, town leaders, and clergy.  I am speaking individually and in group settings with as many constituents as I can. My goal is to listen and learn.  I look forward to sharing what I have learned and discussing my observations and recommendations at the next BOE meeting April 21.

• The swastika graffiti found in the pool locker room at WMS has been investigated thoroughly by school personnel and the Weston Police Department.  Unfortunately, the investigations did not result in apprehending the person or people involved.  If anyone has additional information, please contact the police department or the school administration. 

• To help prevent future incidents, the District created signs that Principals Conetta (WHS) and Doak (WMS) posted in the hallways, locker room doors, and bathroom doors. The signs state: 
  “Together We Believe Hate Has No Place in Weston Public Schools.Anyone who commits an act of hate, such as drawing a swastika or other hate symbol, will be subject to meaningful consequences, which could include suspension or expulsion. If you see something, tell a trusted adult.” 

The facilities and maintenance staff are examining our buildings to double-check that there are no other existing hate symbols or concerning graffiti currently in our schools.  And of course, the staff will continue regular monitoring. 

• On Wednesday evening at WMS, the PTOs and the district hosted a presentation by Rabbi Michael Friedman to parents about hate symbols. The presentation echoed Rabbi Friedman’s earlier presentations to WHS and WMS students. I was able to attend along with all school principals.  Rabbi Friedman engaged the audience in discussion and questions about a range of topics, concerns, and suggestions. 

• On Thursday, members of the Jewish Student Union at WHS engaged in the Words to Action program from the Anti-Defamation League.  According to the ADL, the program is “designed to empower and equip them with constructive and effective responses to recognize and combat antisemitism.”

NEASC Accreditation

• This week the New England Association of Schools & Colleges concluded its decennial accreditation visit to Weston High School. NEASC accreditation is a nationally and internationally recognized standard of excellence that reflects a school’s high quality according to a set of educational metrics.  Accreditation is a voluntary process consisting of self-reflection and peer review.  Preparing for this visit was a major undertaking, and thanks to the entire WHS faculty and staff for their extraordinary efforts and major accomplishment.

Spring Has Arrived!

• We know spring has arrived when school concerts begin to sprout. Yesterday I attended a delightful, impressive, and adorable third-grade choral performance. Its theme:   “Many Cultures, One World”

Happy Passover and Happy Easter to families who are celebrating and I wish everyone a relaxing spring break. 

Thank you,

Deborah Low

Acting Superintendent