February 7, 2024
Dear Port Washington Community,
Today, at Weber Middle School, another swastika was found in a boys’ bathroom. For me, this is frustrating, disappointing, and of great concern, as I am sure it is for so many in our community. That any individual would be so brazen as to draw this hateful symbol on any school property is unthinkable. That this would be done following the recent similar incidents is unconscionable.
As communicated over the past three weeks, the District is investigating these incidents. Since today’s event has now become part of this ongoing investigation, the Port Washington Police Department (PWPD) was called. We are informing you of the incident today in line with our commitment and practice of keeping the community informed whenever a situation occurs that requires the involvement of local law enforcement.
We condemn this behavior without hesitation and in the strongest terms. There will be severe consequences – in line with our Code of Conduct - for those found responsible for this behavior. There is absolutely no explanation or rationale that could in any way justify an act such as this.
What these recurring incidents make clear is that there needs to be a stronger partnership with parents and guardians. We need your help in communicating to our students that this type of behavior is unacceptable, dangerous, hurtful and will result in consequences that could potentially hurt their future academic careers and opportunities. In an effort to provide parents and guardians with tools, information and strategies to facilitate conversations with their children around current events, we have engaged the Anti-Defamation League to present a virtual workshop entitled “Engaging Young People in Difficult Conversations.” The workshop will be presented virtually on two evenings - Monday, March 18 and Wednesday, March 20 at 6:30PM. The workshops are being presented in partnership with our PW Parents’ Council. You need only sign up for one of the two sessions; the same material will be covered on both dates.
In partnership,
Michael J. Hynes, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
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