Weekly Message from the Superintendent

Dear Families and Staff, 

It is hard to believe that we made it through the first week of school.  It was nice to see all of our students enjoying meeting new teachers, staff, and friends.  I had the distinct pleasure of joining Ms. Roberts’ band class at Westhill and I must say I was impressed by the talent that surrounded me.

First View Bus Tracking App 

We are excited to continue to provide the ability for parents to track students' buses via the First View app!  Please note that tracking may be unavailable or unreliable during the first few weeks of school due to changes to bus routes that occur during that time. 

For information on how to access and use the app, please visit the SPS Transportation page: Transportation - Stamford Public Schools.

Free meals for all students!

Stamford Public Schools has been approved to provide free healthy breakfast and lunch at school to all students during the 2022-23 school year! 

●        You do not need to do anything.

●        You do not have to pay any money or fill out any forms.

●        You do not need to send your child to school early for breakfast. Breakfast will be part of the school day.

Excessive Heat Days

As we communicated in a letter to staff this week, we appreciate all that was done to welcome our students back to school.  We also acknowledged and recognized to our staff the discomfort the higher temperatures caused throughout the first week.

We are often asked what the rules are for schools in Connecticut during times of extreme heat. The Connecticut State Department of Public Health notes the following:

It is important to know that there are no laws or public health codes regarding excessive heat in school buildings resulting from elevated outdoor temperatures.  In addition, the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will not take calls regarding residences, office environments, or schools where the only heat source is from weather conditions, like a heat wave.

There are no specific recommendations for when to close a school during excessive heat. This decision is made at the local school district level.  In the past, some school officials have chosen to shorten the school day to limit exposure to extreme heat.   Click this link for complete DPH document information related to health and extreme heat recommendations.  

Currently in Stamford buildings without central air conditioning, cooling stations have been identified that are available to visit throughout the day.

We also noted in the letter sent to staff this week that we are going to work with the CORE Health and Safety committee to develop recommendations and guidance for Excessive Heat days.

Until the weather breaks for the year, please review some of the DPH Heat recommendations: 

●        Allow frequent breaks for drinks.  Do not wait to get thirsty to drink.  Drink fluids low in sugar as drinks with a lot of sugar make you lose more body fluid.

●        Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.  If you know hot weather is coming your way, recommend ahead of time to parents that they dress their children appropriately.

●        Limit outdoor activity.  Try to keep children indoors and somewhere cool in extreme heat.

●        Limit physical activity.

●        Turn off unnecessary electronics.  Electronic equipment can give off heat.

●        Know the signs of heat-related illness.

●        Call your local health department for advice.

Safe School Reopening Plan

Please click here to review the safe school reopening plan that provides health and safety measures in place and other pertinent information for teachers, staff, and families.  Please contact your building administrator to answer and clarify any questions you may have.

Stay Safe and Healthy!

Dr. Tamu Lucero

Superintendent of Schools

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