Dear Wilton High School Students, Staff, and Families,

I am writing to share information about a matter that the Wilton Police Department investigated early this morning.  While this information may cause some alarm, I want to reassure you that the Wilton Police Department responded immediately and determined that at no time were the safety and well-being of our school community at risk.    

At approximately 5:45 a.m. this morning, the Wilton Police Department became aware of a social media post involving a possible threat to Wilton High School.  Specifically, the post contained a photo of a male wearing a Wilton Warriors shirt holding a firearm with the caption, “Don’t come to school Monday.” The Wilton Police Department immediately commenced an investigation that engaged the efforts of the New Canaan Police Department and the Facebook Law Enforcement Response Team.   By 6:30 a.m., a police officer had communicated with the superintendent of schools to apprise him of the situation. By 6:50 a.m., the Wilton Police Department had made contact with the student pictured in the photo and the student’s parent, and deemed that there was no credible threat to the school community. The photo is believed to have been taken two weeks ago, was reposted over the weekend using a fake Instagram account, and was not accessed by a large number of people.  Officers seized a BB gun and believe that was the gun shown in the post. The Wilton Police Department continues to investigate the matter, but they have determined that there is no active threat to the school community. Rest assured that our school district will follow its protocols and procedures as we respond to this disturbing incident.

This incident serves as a reminder that all members of our community should remain aware and vigilant in our common effort to promote the safety and security of our community.  As part of that effort, we remind all members of our community that if they, “see something, [they should] say something.” Doing so can have a profound positive impact on the lives of all members of our school community.

I would like to extend my gratitude to the Wilton Police Department, the New Canaan Police Department, and the Facebook Law Enforcement Response Team for their responsiveness in this matter.  As always, if you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Robert William O’Donnell, Ed.D.
Principal
Wilton High School

As we look toward the end of the first semester, we will be making a slight modification to the midterm exam schedule.  The current schedule lists 1/18 as an "M" day.  Martin Luther King Day is 1/21.  Midterms would then start on 1/22.

Our of respect for the Martin Luther King holiday we will modify the exam schedule as follows:  1/18 will be a typical day C.  1/22 will be an "M" day.  Midterms will run from 1/23-1/28.

Please understand this could change if we have snow days.  In the event of weather related closings, we will likely add one day for each day missed.  We will formally revise the schedule and re-publish it when we get closer to the event.  Thank you for your support.

Robert William O'Donnell, Ed.D.

Principal

Wilton High School

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Students are encouraged to raise concerns about classmates or school safety with an administrator, teacher or other trusted adult at their school. We recognize that sometimes students are reluctant to speak directly to an adult. SpeakUp allows a student to use email as a way to communicate their concerns.  Emails are monitored at all times by trained Gaggle Safety Representatives who evaluate SpeakUp tips and send an email regarding non-life-threatening items to designated school staff. They will also call school officials or local law enforcement if an emergency situation arises.  Read more here.    

The annual Middlebrook bake sale is underway.  It is an important tradition for the students and staff.  Working in close collaboration with the Department of Children and Families (DCF), Middlebrook is spreading holiday joy to the local foster care children. The money the students raise will be turned into gift cards that are given to DCF. Last year over $5,000 was raised and that is our goal again this year. 

As well as organizing the bake sale, teacher Mrs. Leonard has been collecting extra Halloween candy to create individual holiday candy treat bags that will be handed out to the children over the holiday season.

A group of our 7th and 8th graders will be taking an all-day field trip in December to wrap presents for the DCF case managers.   "It is truly a day of giving back as we busily wrap presents for the younger children.  It's my favorite day of the year" said Mrs. Leonard "We work together to do something special for our surrounding community."  

The sale runs each day until the Thanksgiving break.
 

Students are encouraged to raise concerns about classmates or school safety with an administrator, teacher or other trusted adult at their school. We recognize that sometimes students are reluctant to speak directly to an adult. SpeakUp allows a student to use email as a way to communicate their concerns.  Emails are monitored at all times by trained Gaggle Safety Representatives who evaluate SpeakUp tips and send an email regarding non-life-threatening items to designated school staff. They will also call school officials or local law enforcement if an emergency situation arises.  Read more here.    

Although school doesn't officially start for another week. Middlebrook welcomed around 300 incoming 6th Graders today through a new program called Where Everyone Belongs (WEB).  The children enjoyed a morning of team building activities and games culminating in a tour of the school. Each WEB group is a small group of eight 6th graders with two 8th Grade WEB leaders. Each group will meet and connect  throughout the school year to help 6th graders feel attached and at home in their new school.

We are pleased to announce that our some of our third grade students will be presenting their transdisciplinary learning on Native Americans to the Board of Education this Thursday night at 6:30p.m.   

Click on the following link to view the school wide "Reading Rocks" presentation. 

For more than 25 years, Cider Mill School has worked with Wilton Social Services during the holiday season, with the help of Parks and Recreation and the Cider Mill PTA, to help several local families that receive assistance from the town. For more information on specific donations for this year, see the attached handout.