At approximately 1:10 pm on Thursday afternoon, a large maple tree fell across the back driveway at Riverside School onto the playground.
There were no students or staff on the playground at the time. First Selectman Peter Tesei and Superintendent of Schools Bill McKersie have called for an immediate review of all school grounds.
Riverside School Principal Christopher Weiss acted swiftly to account for all students and staff in the building.
Greenwich Public Schools Facilities and Safety staff, Greenwich Police Department (GPD), Greenwich Emergency Medical Service (GEMS), Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and the Department of Public Works (DPW) arrived immediately. An assessment at the site was conducted. Dr. McKersie was also at the school through dismissal. All classes were dismissed from the front of the school.
The Department of Public Works is on site cutting up the felled tree. In addition, they will be removing another tree that was heavily damaged by the falling tree.
The EOC and DPW will conduct the review of trees on school grounds, beginning immediately with Riverside School.
