October 23, 2025

Dear WMS Families,

Yesterday morning, three students noticed and brought to a teacher’s attention a marking that looked like a swastika and a crossed-out Jewish star on the rim of a recessed light bulb canister in the ceiling of one of the girls’ bathrooms. It was immediately reported to me by a staff member, and in collaboration with our security team, we have initiated a thorough investigation that includes interviewing students, reviewing bathroom sign-in/sign-out books, and examining camera footage. The investigation is ongoing, and as of now, we have not yet determined who is responsible. 

We have been clear in past communication that this is antisemitism and has no place in our school community. Any member of our school community who engages in this type of conduct will face significant consequences, which could include suspension or expulsion. 

Our work nurturing a school environment rooted in acceptance and mutual respect will continue. We have reported this incident to our partners at ADL Connecticut and are in conversation with them about appropriate responsive actions. Additionally, we have begun planning and preparing for our November No Place for Hate activity. 

Ultimately, we are highly focused on teaching students what it means to be an “upstander”. An upstander is someone who sees something wrong and stands up for what’s right. We will continue to remind students that our online anonymous reporting system, Say Something, is now available and serves as an additional option for students to share important information anonymously. 

In the coming weeks, we will be implementing SmartPass technology, a digital hall pass platform, to enhance student accountability and installing additional security cameras for enhanced hallway and corridor coverage.  

Parents, we strongly encourage you to continue talking with your children about what it means to be an upstander. When confronted with a situation where providing the truth is not easy, we need WMS students to demonstrate integrity and courage by reporting it. If we are truly a No Place for Hate community, then we need to live those words through our actions.

We continue to partner with resources and experts at the district level to help support our school. A special thank you to the Mothers in BLUE and the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), all of whom support us in this work. Together, we continue to work towards building a stronger school community grounded in acceptance, respect, and resilience. 

Sincerely,

Jason Bluestein

Principal