Westport Elementary Field Day Policy Keeps Parents From Participating

One of the fondest memories I have as a kid, and one that I’m sure many share, is Field Day at school.

Growing up in the Westport school system, from Macomber Elementary all the way through high school, Field Day was always a highlight. What made it truly special, though, was when my mom or dad got to join in. I still remember laughing through three-legged races and cheering during tug o’ war with my mom.

It’s a core memory I’ll always hold onto.

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That’s why the latest buzz around town has struck a nostalgic chord with many. On Thursday, June 12, Westport Elementary held its Field Day, but without parent participation – and naturally, some parents weren’t thrilled.

Curious about the reasoning behind this decision, I reached out to the school and received a response from Lori Melo, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent and School:

“Thank you for reaching out—and it’s great to hear from a Westport alum! We appreciate the positive coverage you’ve given to our schools over the years and your interest in Field Day.

Regarding your inquiry, we understand the concerns from some families, and we’re happy to provide some clarification. Field Day at our elementary and primary schools is a short, structured event—typically lasting about two hours—with students rotating through organized 10-minute activity stations. Due to several ongoing concerns, including existing restraining orders and general safety protocols, we are unable to accommodate visitors during this time.

Additionally, in keeping with privacy expectations and state regulations, we must be mindful that not all children can be photographed or appear in public media. Allowing open access would make it difficult to ensure we are honoring those protections.

This is not a new policy; we’ve followed this format for the past few years to maintain a safe and inclusive environment for all students. We always appreciate our families’ engagement and support, and we hope this provides some helpful context for your upcoming article.”

— Lori Melo, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent and School

While it’s easy to understand, the disappointment from families eager to share in those classic schoolyard moments, it’s also hard to ignore the reasoning behind the policy.

As a parent myself, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t feel a bit of the sting, but I’d also be uncomfortable knowing someone snapped a photo of my child and posted it online without my permission. With today’s digital world, even the most innocent moments can turn into privacy concerns for other students caught in the background.

Sorry for sounding "soft," it's simply my personal preference.

Lastly, it’s worth noting that Westport isn’t alone. Similar policies are now reportedly being seen in nearby school districts like Fall River as well.

So yes, I’m a little bummed the next generation of Westport kids won’t get to race alongside their parents the way I did, but times have changed. When it comes to safety and privacy, schools are making the call they feel is best for all students.

Rules are rules.