Students Return To School In Westport

WESTPORT, CT — Students returned to school Tuesday for what Superintendent Thomas Scarice referred to as a "very successful" first day back for Westport Public Schools.

According to Scarice, procedures put in place in response to the ongoing coronavirus crisis were successful Tuesday, and students and staff were enthused to be back in the classroom.

"As always," Scarice said in an email, "we will smooth out the operational nuances over the first few days, such as transportation [and] our new outdoor lunch opportunities for students, while tightening up transitions throughout the day for students."

Westport Board of Education Chair Candice Savin said it was a joy to have students back in school this week.

"We are off to a great start," Savin said, "and remain vigilant to ensure that every child reaches their full potential in a safe and healthy environment."

According to Scarice, this year also marked a substantial increase in students riding the bus on the first day of school compared to last year, which made drop off and pickup times at the schools move quicker.

Police Lt. David Wolf said the first day ran smoothly from a police standpoint as well, and there had been no reports of speeding or serious traffic safety issues near any schools in Westport as of Tuesday afternoon.

"The police department is appreciative that drivers appear to be exercising extra caution when moving through school zones," Wolf said in an email. "Further, we are happy to note that there have been no reports of drivers passing a school bus while it is picking up students. We will continue our back to school enforcement activities for the next few weeks."