Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice sends this update to all families of the school community:
Although the weather does not quite feel like it, we are rapidly approaching the end of the school year. My house is now full again with 2 returning college students joining their little brother, a high school junior, for summer break. The fridge is emptying faster, the laundry pile is growing taller, and the Wi-Fi is under more pressure than ever — but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I’d like to provide the school community with some updates as we begin to close out the school year.
Last Student Day/Graduation
Our last student day will be an early dismissal on June 13. The Staples High School Class of 2025 graduation is scheduled for June 11, at 6:00 p.m. on the football field.
We are almost there! With longer days (when it’s actually sunny!), spring sports and activities, and our collective attention span pointing towards summer, it can be challenging for our kids to stay engaged. In the spirit of a strong finish, we ask for your partnership in keeping our students engaged over the final couple of weeks.
Field Days
Field days are a cherished tradition in our elementary schools. We have worked to provide access for parent spectators this year, quite a challenge with parking constraints.
In addition, Staples will hold the first annual Staples Field Day (“Wrecker Fest ‘25″). Even with less than ideal weather conditions forecasted, these days will provide lasting memories for our students, staff and families.
Celebrating Our Commitment: All WPS Schools Designated as “No Place for Hate”
This year, our district deepened our decades-long partnership with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) by committing each of our 8 schools to earn the “No Place for Hate” designation, a national, student-led initiative aimed at combating bias and bullying.
I am thrilled to share that every one of our schools has met the criteria to be officially recognized as a “No Place for Hate” school.
This milestone reflects the hard work of our students, faculty, and staff who have led meaningful, school-specific activities that promote empathy, respect, and understanding. The program empowers school communities to stand against all forms of prejudice and build a culture of inclusion.
The “No Place for Hate” initiative aligns with our district’s long-standing belief that a safe and supportive learning environment is foundational to student success. As we celebrate this achievement, we reaffirm our commitment to nurturing schools where every student feels a strong sense of belonging.
Phone-Free Schools Update
Last June, I recommended restricting access to smartphones and wearable technology during the school day across all grade levels.
Since then, our phone-free initiative has been successfully implemented across all elementary and middle schools. Students at these levels now benefit from a learning environment free from the distractions of personal devices.
Throughout this year, we have continued to study and discuss extending this approach to Staples High School, culminating in my final recommendation to the Board of Education on May 15 (see pages 14-36) to establish a bell-to-bell phone-free school day.
The Board expressed support for this direction, while requesting that a detailed implementation plan be developed before final approval.
We are now taking the next step.
This summer, the administrative team will draft a comprehensive implementation plan. This will address key considerations, including:
- Operational logistics and containment mechanisms
- Implications for classroom instruction
- Potential phased-in approaches and flexibility for upperclassmen
- Strategies to ensure clarity and consistency
Once the draft is complete, it will be reviewed and refined with input from a working group composed of faculty, students, and parents.
Importantly, the charge of this group is not to determine whether to move forward with a phone-free day, but to guide how we implement it effectively.
We look forward to working in partnership with our school community as we take this important step toward enhancing focus, well-being, and authentic engagement at Staples. We will continue to share updates as this work progresses.
A Bold Strategic Vision for AI in Westport Public Schools
As I’ve shared throughout the year, I made a bold recommendation to the Board of Education: to position Westport Public Schools as a national leader in public education’s artificial intelligence (AI) revolution.
This vision began to take shape in real time. This year, Westport was honored to be one of only seven districts in Connecticut selected to participate in a statewide AI pilot program. The pilot was a resounding success—allowing us to explore where AI can meaningfully enhance teaching and learning, and just as importantly, where it may not yet be appropriate or effective.
Guided by our unwavering commitment to maintaining the humanity of our schools, and to augment—not replace—the work of our educators, we are taking the next step.
This summer, we will be developing a set of strategic objectives for AI that clearly define Westport’s vision for the thoughtful integration of this powerful tool. These objectives will address four key areas:
- AI and the Student
- AI and the Teacher
- Ethical Considerations
- Operational Efficiencies
- “Future-Proofing” Our Schools
Our work will be framed by a set of essential questions that guide inquiry, reflection, and innovation, each embedding our values. The resulting draft plan will be shared with the Board of Education, culminating in a final presentation when we reconvene in September.
Westport’s leadership in this space is not just about technology—it’s about ensuring our students and teachers are prepared, protected, and empowered in a rapidly changing world.
My best to you and your family.
Bold‼️
Just think of what Mr. Ready would have done if Cell Phones were around in 1953 when he was Principal of Greens Farms School. You wouldn’t dare disobey him! I actually started at Greens Farms when Dorothy Leary was in her last year as Principal. Her last year was the 1952-53 school year.
Mr. Ready wouldn’t last five minutes in today’s Westport.
Please resign.
Bold and cutting edge initiatives and programs taking shape “off- season”. Interestingly, one initiative, supposedly already in the works, isn’t on the list…..the “Staples Coaches Handbook”. I’m sure that was unintentional. By now we must be pretty close. How about an update? Thanks!