Weston Answer Book – Schools

What does the Board of Education do?

The board is responsible for proposing a budget to run the schools, overseeing spending, setting policies and rules, hiring the superintendent, approving administrators, adopting books and courses, negotiating staff contracts, and hearing citizen appeals.

Regular Board of Education sessions generally take place the third Monday evening of the month (sometimes it’s a Tuesday) at 7:30 p.m. in the Weston Public Library community room. Most meetings there is an executive session at 6:30. Specific information about regular and committee meetings — including dates, agendas, and locations — are posted in the district office, schools, and on the Web site at www.westonk12-ct.org.

Board members are listed under Town Officials here in the Answerbook, and are also listed on the district Web site.

Where is the school district office?

The district office is at 24 School Road. The phone number is 291-1400; fax is 291-1415. The school Web site is www.westonk12-ct.org

The superintendent of schools is Jerome Belair. He may be reached at 291-1401.

What public schools are in town and how many children attend each?

As of Oct. 1, 2008, there are a total of 2,540 students enrolled in the Weston school district. Weston’s four public schools, occupy a 117-acre campus adjacent to town municipal offices and the district office. Enrollment figures are as of October 2008.

The schools are:

Hurlbutt Elementary School, (PreK-2) 9 School Road, 291-1444, fax 291-1452; Joanna Genovese, principal (291-1448). There are 546 students.

Weston Intermediate School, (Grades 3-5) 9 School Road, 291-2700, fax 291-2717; Mark Ribbens, principal (291-2701) Dr. Ribbens is leaving July 1. There are 610 students.

Weston Middle School, 135 School Road, 291-1500, fax 291-1516; Kenneth Craw, principal (291-1515). There are 575 students.

Weston High School, 115 School Road, 291-1600, fax 291-1603; Lisa Wolak, principal. There are 809 students.

What are the average class sizes at each school?

Class sizes at Hurlbutt: 21.3 for kindergarten, 20.7 for first grade, 23.4 for second grade.

Class sizes at Weston Intermediate School average 22.5 for third grade, 23 for fourth grade, and 25.3 for fifth grade.

Average class sizes at Weston Middle School are 22.2 for sixth grade, 19.8 for seventh grade, 19.4 for eighth grade.

What are the hours of operation at the schools?

The regular class schedule is as follows:

Weston High School, 7:25 to 2:10

Weston Middle School, 7:50 to 2:35

Weston Intermediate School, 8:35 to 3:20

Hurlbutt Elementary School, 8:45 to 3:30.

Early dismissal is at 11:25 for the high school, noon for the middle school, 12:40 for the intermediate school, and 12:50 for Hurlbutt.

In the event of bad weather or other conditions, delayed openings are two hours after the regular opening: 9:25 for the high school, 9:50 for the middle school, 10:35 for the intermediate school, and 10:45 for Hurlbutt.

What school holidays are planned?

The school calendar calls for 180 days for students, 187 days for staff. The school board has approved a district calendar through the 2010-11 school year, and they are available on the school Web site, www.westonk12-ct.org, under Annual Calendars.

The first day of school this year was Aug. 28, and graduation is set for June 22. 

For the 2009-10 school year, the first day of school is scheduled for Sept. 3. The holidays and vacations are:

• Sept. 7, Labor Day
• Sept. 28, Yom Kippur
• Oct. 9, Professional Development Day
• Oct. 12, Columbus Day
• Nov. 3, Election Day
• Nov. 26-27, Thanksgiving Recess
• Dec. 24-Jan. 1, Winter Recess
• Jan. 18, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• Feb. 15-19, February Recess
• April 2, Good Friday
• April 19-23, April Recess
• May 31, Memorial Day

June 18 is scheduled as the last day of classes. Extra snow days would be made up in June. 

What is a DRG?

District Reference Groups (DRGs) are the state education department’s way of grouping like school districts based on specific socioeconomic factors. They are most often used to compare test scores within “comparable” school districts.

Weston is in DRG-A. This group is considered by the state education department to be the “most affluent and least needy” group of school districts in the state. Other school districts in DRG-A are Darien, Easton, Redding, Region 9 (Joel Barlow High School, shared by Easton and Redding), Ridgefield, New Canaan, Westport, and Wilton.

What tests do students take?

Students in third through eighth grade take the Connecticut Mastery Test, a state assessment whose results are reported under No Child Left Behind.

The Connecticut Academic Performance Test is given to 10th graders.

How have students performed on the Connecticut Mastery Tests?

Since March 2006, reporting reqirements of the federal No Child Left Behind Act require the Connecticut Mastery Test (CMT) to be given annually to students in grades three through eight.

For the test taken in 2008, the percentage of Weston students achieving at or above goal level are as follows:

Third grade — Math: 80.9%; reading: 80.9%; writing: 81.3%

Fourth grade — Math: 86.7%; reading: 81%; writing: 82.9%

Fifth grade — Math: 91.8%; reading: 86%; writing: 87.7%; science: 83%

Sixth grade — Math: 92.9%; reading: 89.1%; writing: 86.4%

Seventh grade — Math: 91.2%; reading: 93.2%; writing: 89.3%

Eighth grade — Math: 85.9%; reading: 93.8%; writing: 94.3%; science: 88%

How have students performed on the CAPTs?

The Connecticut Academic Performance Tests, known as CAPTs, test proficiency in math, science, reading, and writing.

Taken in early spring 2008 by the Weston High School sophomore class, the percentage of students who performed at or above state goal was as follows:

Math - 82.3% 

Science - 83.8%

Reading - 82.9%

Writing - 88.4%

What is the SAT?

The SAT is a standardized test that the College Board administers nationally seven times a year. The SAT tests students in mathematics, critical reading and, beginning in 2005, writing. Test results are reported on a scale of 200 to 800 for each category. The Class of 2006 was the first class to take the three-part SAT. 

Most colleges request student applicants to submit scores from either the SAT or the standardized ACT test.

What are the average SAT scores for seniors at the high school?

Weston High School’s Class of 2008 had among the highest average SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Tests) scores of any school district in the state. With a combined average score of 1,787 out of a possible score of 2,400, within DRG-A Weston ranked first in reading, second in math, and third highest in writing. The average scores for Weston students were: Math, 598; reading, 590; and writing, 599.

Does the school offer SAT preparation?

The PTO offers afterschool PSAT and SAT review courses. They are open to all students. A fee is established each year. The PSAT review is offered in the beginning of October and the SAT review is held in April. For information, call the Weston High School guidance department or PTO.

The Weston Public Library also offers free 24/7 SAT study help to anyone with a Weston library card through prepme.com. Visit www.biblio.org/weston for details.

How have students performed on the National Merit Scholarship program?

This year, Weston High School had two semi-finalists and 18 commended scholars.

What percentage of students go on to college?

For the Class of 2007, 97% of students went on to higher education.

When can my child enter kindergarten?

Any child who turns five before Jan. 1 during a given calendar year may enter kindergarten that fall; otherwise they enroll the next year.

How do I register my child for school?

To register a child for kindergarten through grade two, call or visit Hurlbutt Elementary School (291-1446) and ask for a registraiton packet. For grades three, four, and five, call the intermediate school (291-2700). For grades six through eight, call Betty Mezzo, middle school registrar, at 291-1525; and for high school, call 291-1600.

Information that will be needed includes a copy of your child’s birth certificate, previous academic records, health records, including immunizations, and verification of address.

What interscholastic sports are offered at the high school?

More than 70% of Weston High School students participate in school sports. Weston High School offers the following:

Fall/Boys: Cross Country, Football, Soccer

Winter/Boys: Basketball, Ice Hockey, Indoor Track, Skiing, Swimming/Diving, Wrestling

Spring/Boys: Baseball, Golf, Lacrosse, Outdoor Track, Tennis

Fall/Girls: Cheerleading, Cross Country, Field Hockey, Soccer, Swimming/Diving, Volleyball

Winter/Girls: Basketball, Cheerleading, Gymnastics, Indoor Track, Skiing

Spring/Girls: Golf, Lacrosse, Outdoor Track, Softball, Tennis

What extracurricular activities are at the high school?

Clubs and activities available at Weston High School include:

• American Cancer Club
• Company/Theater Arts
• Dance Club
• Debate Club
• Diversity Club
• Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)
• Heliotrope (yearbook)
• HOW (Help Our World environmental club)
• Inlook (literary magazine)
• Instrumental Music
• Intramurals
• Junior Engineering-Technical Society (JETS)
• Key Club
• Leadership Council
• National Honor Society
• Pep Band
• Risk Club
• Student Government
• The WHS Journal (school newspaper)
• Young Democrats Club
• Young Republicans Club

What about the middle school?

• Clubs and activities at the middle school include:
• Chamber Singers
• Chamber Orchestra
• Community Connector (mentorship program)
• Environmental Club
• Intramurals and After School Sports
• Jazz Ensemble
• Math Team
• Newspaper; Short Wharf (theater)
• Spanish Club
• String Ensemble
• Student Association
• Writing Club/Literary Magazine
• Yearbook

Does anyone offer before- or after-school care?

HillTop Child Care at Norfield Children’s Center (227-7047), 64 Norfield Road, offers before and after school child care services from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. for ages 3 to 10.

The Westport/Weston YMCA, 59 Post Road East, offers child care programs for children 2 to 12. Transportation is provided for children in Weston schools. For details, call 226-4221.

How can I find out if school is canceled?

There is a link at the top of The Weston Forum’s home page, www.theWestonForum.com, that takes you directly to any school cnacelation or delay notices. Many local radio and television stations announce school delays and cancellations due to weather or other causes. You may also visit the school district Web site, www.westonk12-ct.org, and click on “Delays & Cancellations.” Another helpful Web site is www.ctweather.com.

What is the district’s transportation policy?

The school district employs Laidlaw Bus Company (203-454-1984) to handle its transportation services. Bus routes are posted on the school district Web site, www.westonk12-ct.org.

What is the Weston Education Foundation?

The Weston Education Foundation is a non-profit, community organization that promotes excellence and innovation in education through grants for teacher and curriculum development, technology initiatives, and community education. For information, including a list of the board members, visit www.westoneducationfoundation.org.

What is the current school budget?

The Board of Education budget is $43,975,602 million for the 2008-09 school year. The approved school budget for 2009-10 is exactly the same.

What is special education? Who does it help?

Special education offers services for physically handicapped and learning disabled children. In Connecticut, special education and related services are available to eligible children by age three and are provided by local and regional school districts.

How can I find out if my child needs special education?

The Early Learning Center is a district program that will evaluate any child from two years nine months to five years old. Children from three to five who exhibit mild to moderate delays are recommended for placement in a preschool special education program. For information, call the director of pupil services at 291-1405.

Are there any special education resources?

Weston SEPTA (Special Education Parent Teacher Association) offers information and support to parents with children receiving special education services in Weston or through the Connecticut Birth to Three System. For information, contact Jean Barnes at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

SPED*NET is the Special Education Network, a monthly forum for discussing special education and section 405 issues. It is an independent nonprofit and often offers workshops and talks for parents and interested community members. Information is available on the Web at www.spednet.org. You may e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The Connecticut Birth to Three System helps families meet the developmental and health-related needs of their infants and toddlers who have delays or disabilities. For information, call the Child Development Infoline at 800-505-7000 or visit online at www.birth23.org.

Is there a PTO?

Each school has a parent teacher organization, which raises money for teacher appreciation, school enrichment, and student activities. For information, visit the PTOs’ Web sites:

Hurlbutt Elementary School PTO (hurlbutt-pto.org.)

Weston Intermediate School PTO (wis-pto.org)

Weston Middle School PTO (wms-pto.org)

Weston High School PTO (whs-pto.org)

Weston SEPTA is a support, education, and networking group for parents of children receiving services or accommodations from the Weston School District or the Connecticut Birth-to-Three system.

What nursery schools are in town?

Emmanuel Nursery School, 285 Lyons Plains Road (226-4432), Norfield Nursery School, 64 Norfield Road (227-7047), and Saint Francis of Assisi Preschool, 35 Norfield Road (454-8646), are in Weston. The Westport-Weston Cooperative Nursery School (227-9318) in the Unitarian church at 10 Lyons Plain Road, is just over the town line in Westport. There are many nursery schools in neighboring towns.

What private schools are in the area?

Greens Farms Academy at 33 Beachside Avenue, Greens Farms (256-0717 or www.gfacademy.org), is an independent coeducational day school from kindergarten through 12th grade.

In Wilton, there is Connecticut Friends School on Route 106 (762-9860 or www.ctfriendsschool.org), a Quaker school that offers kindergarten through eighth grade; Our Lady of Fatima, 225 Danbury Road (762-8100 or www.olfrs.org), a Catholic school for pre-school through eighth grade; and Montessori School, 34 Whipple Road (834-0440), which offers preschool through sixth grade.

In Ridgefield, St. Mary’s Regional Catholic School (438-7288 or www.stmaryschoolridgefield.org) on High Ridge offers kindergarten (full-day) through eighth grade; and Ridgefield Academy (894-1800 or www.ridgefieldacademy.com) offers preschool through eighth grade at 223 West Mountain Road.

Fairfield Prep (254-4000 or www.prep.fairfield.edu), a boys-only Catholic high school in Fairfield is run by Jesuits. Immaculate High School (744- or www.immaculatehs.org) is a co-ed Catholic high school in Danbury.

Is there adult education?

Weston Open Learning is a community education program sponsored by the Weston Education Foundation and Weston Public Schools. Winter and spring sessions are offered with courses covering a wide variety of topics. For information, visit www.westoneducationfoundation.org.

What colleges are nearby?

Norwalk Community College (857-7000/www.nctc.commnet.edu) in Norwalk offers a degree program. Western Connecticut State University (837-8200/www.wcsu.edu) in Danbury has both graduate and undergraduate courses as does the University of Connecticut, Stamford (251-8400/stamford.uconn.edu), Fairfield University (254-4000/www.fairfield.edu), and Sacred Heart University (371-7999/www.sacredheart.edu).

Is there an art school?

The Silvermine School of Art (966-6668) in New Canaan offers courses for all ages and levels of expertise. The Ridgefield Guild of Artists (438-8863) in Ridgefield offers instruction for beginners and advanced students, as well as many children’s programs. There’s also the Wooster Community Art Center (743-6311) in Danbury.

What dance schools are here?

The Young People’s Creative Dance Group, 239 Newtown Turnpike, offers classes in creative dance and ballet for girls and boys ages 3 and up. For information, call Margaret Bisceglie at 227-8893.

There is also the Academy of Dance, 345 Post Road West, Westport (226-9987 or westportdance.com). 

In Georgetown, there is The Conservatory of Dance (544-8455 or www.conservatory-of-dance.com), The Art of Dance (544-9821 or www.artofdancegtown.com), which is also home to the Western Connecticut Youth Ballet, and The Millenium School of Irish Dance (544-9868 or millenium-school.com).

Where is the nearest vocational school?

Henry Abbott Regional Vocational and Technical School (797-4460) on Hayestown Road in Danbury offers an academic curriculum along with programs in auto repair, auto body, electrical, electronics, manufacturing technology, machine drafting, HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning), graphic communications, plumbing, hairdressing, culinary arts, and off-site LPN (licensed practical nurse) training. An eighth grade transcript is required. Post graduates and adults interested in a program may call 797-4460, ext. 4427, for information or visit www.cttech.org/abbott/.

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