Katonah - Lewisboro School District

Dear KLSD Community,

Most unfortunately, we are writing to inform you that in the last 24 hours, two swastikas have been found in our schools - one at John Jay High School and one at John Jay Middle School. In both cases, the symbols were small and in locations that were not easily seen or found. We are most grateful to the students who discovered them and notified staff immediately. This allowed us to notify the police. They visited both schools and have commenced an investigation.

These hateful symbols will never be tolerated in our schools. As a District, we are always working to help our students be sensitive, respectful, and compassionate. Since last year, we have increased those efforts.

Our high school has been working with the Anti-Defamation League, through its program called No Place for Hate. Staff in the middle and high school have also been working with an organization called Facing History and Ourselves. In addition, K-12 staff have had training with the anti-bias organization GLSEN (the Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network). These organizations are all committed to the ideals of acceptance of our common humanity. This work must and will continue.

In these moments, we face a dilemma as school leaders. We are committed to being transparent with our community and to condemning publicly acts of hatred. At the same time, the police advise us to consider when and how frequently we communicate, recognizing that sometimes the communication itself spurs further unwanted behavior. We ask our community, therefore, to understand that we must be judicious with the quantity of our communication. We are sending this letter so that you can be aware that while we’re making every effort to grow as a community, there is progress to be made. As always, we encourage you to have conversation at home, as we will in school.

Finally, law enforcement is aware that we are sending this message and they ask that if anyone has any pertinent information, please be in touch with either the Lewisboro Police (763-8903) or State Police (in Somers, 769-2600).

We share your frustration at even a single occurrence of such behavior, but we continue to believe that through partnership and education, progress will continue.

Sincerely,

Andrew Selesnick       Steven Siciliano          Rich Leprine

Superintendent          JJHS Principal              JJMS Principal