January 26, 2024
Dear Port Washington Community:
It is with great outrage and disappointment that I am writing to inform you that three additional swastikas were found this afternoon in boys’ bathrooms at Weber Middle School. We immediately reported it to the Port Washington Police Department and they are actively supporting us in our investigation. In addition, our custodians have increased the frequency of their bathroom inspections during the school day, and we have an extensive surveillance infrastructure, both of which have helped narrow our investigation and target our assistance to law enforcement. We will pursue this to the fullest extent of the law and our Code of Conduct. This continues to be an active and ongoing investigation.
My disappointment is compounded by the fact that today’s incidents occurred on the very day Ms. Javeline, Detective Guzzello (PWPD) and I convened an assembly which focused on educating our students about the damage caused and the effects of such hateful symbolism. It is clear to me that stronger tactics are necessary with both our students and parent community, so that we can reinforce our stance that antisemitism will not be tolerated and must be rooted out of our schools.
We will continue our efforts to find the perpetrators of these attacks and make sure they are punished for their actions. We will simply not rest until we are assured that every one of our students can walk through our schools without fear.
In partnership,  Michael J. Hynes, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools
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