As the first month of classes ends — that was quick! — superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice offers this update:
Civics Hub: The Westport Public Schools recently added a “Civics Hub” page to its website.
The goal is to make civic learning fun and engaging for all. The district’s social studies team developed lessons and resources for the election season.
Scarice says, “The objective in all of our classes is to teach students about civics, and model civic engagement, in order to support their development as informed and engaged citizens.
“While there might be a lot of intense, passionate, and at times divisive conversations outside of our schools, we work hard to foster productive and respectful discourse in classrooms through a nonpartisan teaching approach.
“Our schools and classrooms should always be spaces where students feel a sense of belonging as part of a community of learners.” Click here for the Civics Hub page.
Security: Following security concerns last week, the district has worked closely with the Westport Police Department to provide answers to many questions about school security. Click here for those security Frequently Asked Questions.
Growth Mindset Community/Parent Workshop October 16: The entire school community is reading the book “Grit,” by Angela Duckworth.
In addition to a day of professional development for faculty dedicated to the primary tenets of a “growth mindset” last week, WPS hosts a community/parent workshop on October 16 (11 a.m.-12:15 p.m., and 7-8:15 p.m., Westport Library. Registration is required; click here.
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Speaking of schools: Yesterday was Homecoming at Staples High.
The afternoon pep rally included shout-outs to all fall sports teams.
It sure worked.
Kody Goldman’s bulled in for a touchdown from 1 yard out — his 4th of the night — with just 8 seconds left — gave the Wreckers a thrilling, and well-earned 28-21 victory over Maloney-Meriden at Paul Lane Field last night.
Staples is now 3-0. They host Westhill next Friday, at 7 p.m.
Staples cheerleaders, at yesterday’s pep rally. (Photo/Jonathan Alloy)
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Speaking still of sports: 2017 Staples graduate Ben Casparius earned his second MLB win — against no losses — last night.
The Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher struck out 7 Colorado Rockies in 4 2/3 innings at Coors Field, in an 11-4 victory. He gave up 2 runs and 6 hits, and walked 2.
It was only his third big league appearance. Click here for highlights of his game. (Hat tip: Carl Leaman)
Ben Casparius, last night.
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Home heating season is here.
And financial help is available for low-income households.
The federally funded Energy Assistance Program is administered through Connecticut’s Department of Social Services, and Westport’s Department of Human Services.
If your household’s gross annual income is at or below 60% of the state median income, you can qualify for assistance.
For a household of one, the maximum income is $45,505. It increases to $59,507 for a household of 2; $73,509 for 3; $87,751 for 4, and $101,513 for a household of 5.
Email http://www.westportct.gov/humanservices for more information.
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The Y’s Men of Westport and Weston often host interesting speakers.
This week, their guests’ message was music.
Lyricist Barry Kleinbort and musical theater star Kim Maresca discussed and demonstrated their creativity in writing, composing and performing music theater.
During their interview by Y’s Men’s president Bruce Borner, they pulled back the curtain to show what it takes to make lyrics and music come alive on stage.
Click below for their presentation:
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There’s a lot to like about the Senior Center.
A hidden gem — well, to the public maybe, but not to seniors and volunteers — is the garden behind the Imperial Avenue building.
Molly Alger captures its colors, in today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.
(Photo/Molly Alger)
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And finally … in honor of Staples’ Homecoming (story above):
(Be true to your school — AND “06880.” Please show your Westport spirit by clicking here to support your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)
Ben would look great in Pinstripes and a nice interlocking NY on his cap.