Westport Police responded to 2 stolen vehicle reports yesterday. One was from the very busy CVS parking lot.
In both cases, cars were unlocked — and keys were inside.
There were also reports of another attempted vehicle theft, and of suspicious people running from an open garage, the fleeing in a stolen vehicle.
There’s more, too: a hit and run accident on Easton Road and North Avenue, where one of the stolen cars crashed into another vehicle, and took off. There were no injuries, but many witnesses saw the driver flying down North Avenue, forcing cars in both lanes onto the shoulder.
Westport Police say: “Those responsible for stealing these cars have no regard for your property or your safety.
“Please lock your homes and vehicles, utilize alarm and surveillance systems, and report any suspicious behavior to the Westport Police Department.”
Possible thunderstorms have moved tomorrow’s Pops Concert from outdoors to inside.
The Staples High School Music Department says: “We continue to prioritize the safety of all students, staff and audience members. Doors will open at 6 p.m. for pre-concert acts. The concert will begin at 7. We look forward to sharing an ‘Evening at the Movies’ with you.”
The decision had to be made early, because setting up a concert of the Pops’ scope and scale takes time (and different equipment, dependng on the venue).
The music department and AV tech crew will work until midning tonight setting up the auditorium, to be ready for Friday morning’s run-through with sstudents.
The Staples auditorium’s sound and lighting replacement is long overdue. Without a working system, the school relies on rented equipment.
Despite the challenges, the hundreds of talented students and their remarkable teachers put on an excellent concert — no matter where the music comes from.
Meanwhile, the Staples Music Parents Association has arranged for Romanacci to help feed the hungry audience.
Romanacci is donating a portion of proceeds to the Staples music program. Mangia!
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The Community Gardens have garnered the most publicity from environmentalists, during debates over the new Long Lots Elementary School.
But another casualty is 25 to 30 trees. They’ll be removed, “06880” reader Margaret Freeman says, when the parking lot is reconfigured. She sent this collage:
(Photos/Margaret Freeman)
She says they were planted when the school was built in the mid-1950s, as a junior high.
And “they’re in swales, to collect water.” Each tree absorbs about 750 gallons a year, she says, citing the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection.
“With the water issues well documented to the north and south of the site and the removal of the Community Gardens, this is cause for concern,” Margaret adds.
“This doesn’t have to happen. The lot could be ‘reconfigured’ to save the trees. It’s not too late.”
NOTE: Last night, both the Conservation Commission and Flood & Erosion Control Board gave their okays for the new school plans.
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Tonight’s Board of Education meeting (Thursday, 7 p.m., Staples High School cafeteria) begins with recognition of the PTA co-presidents, Student BOE representatives Souleye Kebe and Calum Madigan, and 19 Westport Public Schools retirees: Valerie Babich, Judy Bachman, Anthony Buono, Peter Caligiure, Shauna Flaherty, James Forgey, Jane Garard, Frances Geraci, Suzanne Levasseur, Susan McCarthy, Karen McCormick, Joyce McNiff, Stephen Rexford, Mary Scaife, Anne Sheffer, Carolyn Siclari, Debra Spath, Maureen Vergato and Humphrey Wong.
After a reception, and public comments on non-agenda items, there are 3 seemingly quick agenda items: the 2025-26 school lunch program, approval of ’25-26 tuition rates, and authorization for the superintendent of schools to sign contracts.
Among this year’s retirees: assistant superintendent Anthony Buono.
Longshore Sailing School takes its maritime responsibilities seriously.
Beyond providing instruction for all ages — and rentals — they help keep the shoreline clean.
As they’ve done for many years, on June 14 they’ll lead a coastal cleanup kayaking event.
From 9:30 to 11 a.m., people can take a kayak for free to clean up the shoreline and Saugatuck River. There is plenty of debris. Longshore Sailing will supply buckets.
Here is the sign-up link. Click through to reserve a single or double kayak on the 14th at 9:30; then enter the code “cleanup” before adding to cart to delete the cost.
Among the debris from last year’s Longshore Sailing School clean-up: golf balls, from the nearby driving range.
Meet local self-help author (“Unapologetic Success” and business coach Shawniel Chamanlal (June 7, 3 p.m.)
Artist of the month: Erin Nazzaro (reception June 18, 6 p.m.); exhibit up all month.
2 raffles. There’s a prize for kids (4 lessons at the Stewie the Duck Swim School, plus a gift basket), and for adults (a sealed copy of “The New Yorker in Westport,” by Eve Potts and Andrew Bentley. Tickets are available at the store.
Short Story Book Club (June 19, 6 p.m.): Special Juneteenth stories: “King of the Bingo Game” by Ralph Ellison, “Everyday Use” by Alice Walker, “The Last Days of Rodney” by Tracey Rose Peyton. Registration is required: call 203-349-5141, or email RSVP@westportbooksaleventures.org.
Erin Nazzaro
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The Cottage has always featured locally sourced food.
Its 10th-anniversary tasting menu highlights “under-appreciated seafood.” Among the menu’s highlights is a freshly caught eel, sourced locally in collaboration with Hunter Peterson of the Saugatuck Oyster Company.
Peterson’s year-round guided shell fishing tours on Long Island Sound teach participants to identify and safely harvest offerings like eastern oysters, quahogs, surf clams and slipper limpets, while addressing invasive threats such as Asian shore crabs.
Each experience concludes on the beach, where he shucks oysters and transforms slipper limpets into a delicacy with a blowtorch and herb butter.
“Working with overlooked seafood allows us to tell a deeper story about the ocean’s natural rhythms,” says Cottage chef Brian Lewis. “By embracing what’s abundant and underutilized, we create dishes that surprise, delight, and honor the ecosystem that sustains us.”
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Eight members of the Artists Collective of Westport are heading north.
They’re painters, photographers and sculptors. They approach their themes in different ways.
But the women — Janine Brown, Louise Cadoux, Leonor Dao, Susan Fehlinger, Rebecca Fuchs, Fruma Markowitz, Barbara Ryan and Lisa Silberman — have found common threads.
The show — at A Mano Gallery in Torrington — is a testament to their work (and made possible by a Don Long Grant). After an opening reception on June 13 (6 p.m.), the exhibit runs through June 27.
Art by Leonor Dao.
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Westport Police made 5 custodial arrests between May 28 and June 4.
A 26-year-old Fairfield woman and a 28-year-old Bridgeport man were charged with larceny, robbery, and conspiracy to commit those crimes after a robbery at Westport Hardware. After the woman allegedly stole 2 power tools, she told an employee in the parking lot that she had a knife and the man in the car had a gun. She was charged with threatening, too. Both were held on $75,000 bonds.
A 52-year-old Philadelphia woman was charged with larceny, payment card fraud, payment card theft, identify theft, and conspiracy, following an investigation into a 2018 incident in which a wallet was stolen from a patron at Panera Bread. The suspect was transported to Westport from a prison in Allentown, Pennsylvania, after law enforcement information sharing.
A 39-year-old Westport man was charged with possession of a controlled substance and criminal trespass, after being in Terrain in violation of a trespass warning. During the arrest, he admitted to possessing Xanax and Oxycodone.
A 46-year-old West Haven man was charged with larceny, after an investigation into the theft of meat and seafood from Stop & Shop.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Driving while texting: 13 citations
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 11
Traveling unreasonably fast: 9
Failure to obey stop sign: 7
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 2
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 2
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 2
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 2
Failure to grant right of way: 1
Failure to renew registration: 1
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Staples High School Class of 1992 graduate Scott Cussimano died April 28. He was 51, and lived in Seattle.
Scott earned a BA in philosophy from the University of California, Santa Barbara. He pursued an MBA at the University of Washington, blending philosophical insight with business acumen. His business career included positions at Microsoft and Oracle. He recently established his own company, focusing on global quality-of-life initiatives.
Scott loved surfing in California and Mexico, playing frisbee with his dog, and traveling to foreign cities.
He is survived by his father, Patrick, sister Gail Cussimano, brother Erik (Margo Friedman), Cussimano and sister-in-law Margo Friedman, and cousins. He was predeceased by his mother, Sissel Dreyer Cussimano.
Scott’s ashes will be scattered along the coastal waters of Santa Barbara, a place he loved.
A celebration of life takes place tomorrow (Friday, June 5, 11 a.m.; Lesko Funeral Home, 1209 Post Road, Fairfield). Friends can greet the family at 10:30 a.m. cClick here to send online condolences. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Sierra Club.
Scott Cussimano
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Another “Westport … Naturally” feature, another coyote.
This one was spotted enjoying Susan Garment’s Pequot Trail garden.
Stay safe out there!
(Photo/Susan Garment)
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And finally … thinking about the first item above:
(It’s hard to keep up with everything happening in town. We hope “06880” helps. And to help us keep solvent, please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here — and thank you!)
As counselors-in-training at Camp Echo Lake nearly 40 years ago, Eric Falkenstein and Ben Frimmer acted in a color war-style drama contest.
This Sunday, they’ll be together at another competition: the Tony Awards.
Both local residents now, they’ve reignited their teenage friendship.
Falkenstein is a producer, and Frimmer a co-producer, of “John Proctor is the Villain” — the smash (and very timely) Broadway play that reimagines “The Crucible” — they’re up for a Tony for “Best New Play.”
If it wins, this will be the 9th award for Falkenstein. Since 2003, his company — Spark Productions — has produced social impact and issue-driven plays, movies and television shows.
It would be the first Tony though for Frimmer, a 1988 Staples High School graduate, and noted longtime Coleytown Middle School theater teacher and director.
Ben Frimmer, directing at Coleytown Middle School. (Photo/January Stuart)
It would be the first too for another co-producer: Ari Benmosche. A commercial real estate investor by day, he also serves on Westport’s Representative Town Meeting (RTM) — and, like Falkenstein and Frimmer, backs projects that speak to his passion for social justice.
Falkenstein’s path to “John Proctor” began after Yale Law School. His practice combined entertainment and human rights cases.
He then worked for Woody Allen’s production firm. In 2003 he founded his own company.
Eric Falkenstein
Falkenstein and his wife Amy moved here in 2009. They were drawn by the “country” vibe, commuting distance to New York, and friends here in town. Reconnecting with Frimmer was an added bonus.
Falkenstein’s producing credits were already impressive. He’d been involved in “Long Day’s Journey Into Night” with Vanessa Redgrave and Brian Dennehy; “All My Sons,” “Frankie and Johnny” and “History Boys,” among others.
Of course, he notes, “I’ve had my share of losers.” Among them: “All Shook Up,” the Elvis Presley show savaged by the New York Times’ Ben Brantley (he was tired of jukebox musicals).
Producing a Broadway show is not for the faint of heart. But, Falkenstein says, when 4 elements come together — critical acclaim, financial success, artistic sensibility and audience excitement — the experience is worth it.
“It’s so rewarding to see an idea that was just a kernel months earlier grow into something that delights or inspires 1,500 people a night. And to hear someone say ‘it changed my life’ is amazing,” the producer says.
A show that epitomizes the power of theater is “The Miracle Worker.” One performance of the 2010 revival stands out. The audience was filled with blind children (who listened to stage directions via earpieces), and hearing impaired youngsters (who viewed the dialogue on small screens).
“They were smiling, crying and signing to each other in ecstasy,” Falkenstein recalls. “For me, it was an absolute frisson of delight.”
Eric Falkenstein at the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama. Congressman John Lewis (left) was helpful for years in research for a sweeping epic play about Martin Lutheer King, now in progress.
In 2001, Falkenstein worked with Arthur Miller on a “Crucible” revival. When Falkenstein heard about early stagings of “John Proctor” — a revisionist take on the play about the Salem witch trials, centering on modern-day high school students and their interpretation of those historical events — he joined an inner circle of producers, hoping to bring it to Broadway.
“It was very much of the moment, and unusually electric,” he says.
Raising funds was not easy. It seldom is. But he brought Frimmer, Benmosche and others on board.
The rewards are worth it. “John Proctor” is drawing young, non-regular theatergoers; they’re talking about it with their parents and other adults.
“John Proctor is the Villain,” on the Broadway stage.
The 3 Westporters will be at Radio City Music Hall on Sunday, for the 78th annual Tonys. They’ve received pins and certificates, as co-producers of the “Best New Play” nominee. If they win, they get statues.
It won’t be easy.
“There are some excellent and outstanding plays this season,” Falkenstein says. The competition includes “English,” “The Hills of California,” “Oh, Mary!” and “Purpose.”
In years past, every time Falkenstein has gone to the ceremony as a nominee, he’s won. When he’s had to skip the event, he’s lost.
This year, he says, that streak has “a solid chance of ending.”
Win or lose, he is excited to have brought an important piece of theater to Broadway audiences, who have been educated, inspired and provoked by it.
The official Tony nomination.
Meanwhile, Falkenstein is involved in several new projects. As with this, he’s tapping local talent.
“Satisfied” is a film about Renée Elise Goldsberry, the “Hamilton” star (and Weston resident) who grappled simultaneously with fertility issues and her growing career.
Westporters Kelli O’Hara, Wendy Morgan-Hunter and Katy Bolan joined Falkenstein as executive producers. Chris Bolan directed it.
Up next: a film about the Potsdam Conference (with Bryan Cranston), and the first Broadway revival in 40 years of “Ceremonies in Dark Old Men.” The New York Times ranked it with great mid-20th century plays like “Death of a Salesman” and “A Raisin in the Sun.”
Will it too go on to a Tony nomination?
“I’m not always lucky,” Falkenstein says. “I’ve had plenty of heartache.”
That’s the life of a Broadway producer.
But so too are important, impactful successes like “John Proctor is the Villain.”
Just ask Ben Frimmer, Ari Benmosche, or anyone else who has produced — or seen — the Tony-nominated show.
(The 2025 Tony Awards, hosted by Cynthia Erivo, will be broadcast live on Sunday, June 8, at 8 p.m. on CBS, and streamed on Paramount+. Erivo won a Tony for “The Color Purple” — another play which Falkenstein co-produced.)
(“06880” is where Westport meets the world — and, often, Broadway. If you enjoy our arts and entertainment coverage, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Samantha Owades has made a great nomination for this week’s Unsung Hero. Alex Kogstad writes:
She was always kind to children.
Those words may seem simple, but they say everything about Eileen Ward.
She retires this month, after 44 years (!) as director of the Children’s Community Development Center.
Over nearly half a century, Eileen’s leadership, compassion, and deep commitment to the kids and families in our community have left a lasting impact. And it is one that will be felt for generations.
Eileen first joined CCDC in 1981, bringing a passion for early childhood education and a dedication to making a difference in young lives.
After several years as a teacher, Eileen was uniquely qualified to become the center’s director.
Eileen Ward
But what truly set her apart was her heart. It’s clear to anyone who’s worked with her that Eileen has always seen each child as an individual with endless potential. And she did everything she could to help them grow and succeed.
Nothing shows the true impact of her work more than the many CCDC alumni who have come back as parents, enrolling their own children in the very same program that shaped their early years.
These alumni share stories about their own time at CCDC — and Eileen, with her incredible memory, always has a special story or memory to share about each of them.
Her connection to the children she’s worked with has always been personal, and that’s why so many families feel like CCDC is truly part of their family.
Throughout her career, Eileen also played a key role in shaping early childhood education on a larger scale. She served on local and regional advisory councils, and worked with public and private organizations to improve the lives of children and families.
She was a member of the Advisory Board for Fairfield University’s Graduate School of Education and Human Development. She was appointed to the Connecticut Early Childhood Education Cabinet in 2010, serving until 2021.
In 2016 Eileen received the Elizabeth Roberts Award from the United Way, which recognized her as “an invaluable asset” in the field of early childhood education.
Eileen Ward, engaging with a child …
Her expertise has shaped policies and helped drive positive change for children throughout Connecticut. As the United Way put it, “A conversation about what is needed to help kids succeed is not complete without the input of Eileen.”
Eileen’s retirement marks the end of an era — not just for CCDC, but for the hundreds of families whose lives have been touched by her wisdom, kindness and tireless dedication. While her presence at CCDC will certainly be missed, the legacy she’s built will continue to inspire and guide us all.
… encouraging curiosity …
Eileen, thank you for all the love, care and energy you’ve poured into this community over the years. You’ve shaped so many lives in ways that words can’t fully capture.
Enjoy your next chapter. It’s well-deserved, and we know you’ll bring to it the same warmth and care to everything you do.
The Eileen Ward Dedication Fund has been established to honor Eileen’s 44 years of service to our community.
(“06880” is proud to honor Unsung Heroes — and tell many other tales of town too. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog.)
Now the Downtown Plan Implementation Committee wants to hear yours.
A 30-question survey is live. It covers respondents’ use and knowledge of parking options, metered parking, a deck and more.
Several questions have the opportunity to expand on answers.
The aim of the survey is to vet the recommendations already developed by consultants and DPIC. Final recommendations will be presented by DPIC to the Board of Selectwomen next month.
Some of the parking survey questions cover a parking meter app.
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It’s not easy to pass a bill in Hartford.
But for months, Zander Bauer and Elijah Falkenstein plugged away.
The Staples High School juniors — founders and co-presidents of the local Make Our Schools Safe chapter — pushed for a law to authorize the purchase of emergency response communications systems and personal emergency communication devices for school personnel.
Yesterday, their efforts were rewarded. The state House of Representatives voted unanimously — 145 to 0 — to pass the legislation.
Passed earlier by the Senate, it now goes to Governor Lamont for his signature.
Congratulations to Zander, Elijah, the entire Staples MOSS club, and our own Senator Ceci Maher, its sponsor.
Elijah Falkenstein and Zander Bauer, with “stop the bleed” kits — another Make Our Schools Safe project.
The Planning & Zoning Commission continues its dizzying round of meetings, on a series of controversial projects, next Monday (June 9, remote).
This time, it’s the Long Lots Elementary School project. Commissioners will consider a new 8-24 request from the town, and a new special permit/site plan.
Last night’s bash honored the 2025 women: Mary Dobson, Arvia Few, Sharon Finkel, Bridget Flynn, Ashley Freeman, Kira Greenfield, Joanna Manfro, Liz McKay, Rachel Mila, Tara Welch, Ambar Zaatar and Becca Zipkin.
Congratulations to all. Women of Westport rock!
A few men joined the Women of Westport, at the Westport Lifestyle party. “06880” founder Dan Woog and Monique Hodges enjoyed one of the Vespas on display. (Photo/Jerri Graham)
Rich Dean and Nas Dean are known for their great work, training people of all ages at Rich Dean Boxing & Fitness on Post Road East across from the Saugatuck Church.
Now they’re known as philanthropists, too. The pair just donated $6,000 to Westport PAL’s scholarship fund.
Thank you both!
Nasir and Rich Dean.
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What does 50 Cent have to do with Westport?
About $1 million.
According to The Source — a hip hop site — the rapper/actor/producer/ entrepreneur recently won a legal victory. He can now seize the Main Street home belong to Mitchell Green, a former executive with 50 Cent’s Sire Spirits Champagne and cognac company.
Green reportedly owes the firm more than $7 million, following an alleged kickback scheme. Read more details here.(Hat tip: John McCarthy)
50 Cent may soon own a Westport home.
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Speaking of entertainment: Steely Dan comes to Weston on Sunday.
Well, at least Logical Pretzel — a cover band — does.
They’ll kick off the 10th season of the Weston History & Culture Center’s “Music at the Barn” series (June 8, 5:30 p.m.).
The 2nd annual Pickleball To Slam Alzheimer’s event is set for June 20 (6 to 8 p.m., Intensity Racquet Club, Norwalk).
All proceeds from $100 tickets go toward the October 26 Walk to End Alzheimer’s at Sherwood Island State Park.
The pickleball event is hosted by Westporters Mary Sue Teplitz, Dina Upton and Lori Snow. Mary Sue’s mother died from the disease in 2012. Dina’s partner, Gary Cosgrave, passed away from it this year.
Seen on Facebook yesterday, in the Marketplace section under the “Casket & Casket Trailer” tab:
The description says: “Selling a couple caskets that were used in haunted houses. Casket trailer has some dents and rot and the inside is stripped – $300 Blue casket is in great condition overall on the outside but has some scratches and the inside is stripped – $600 Pick up in Westport, CT.”
There’s always a back story. If you know this one, click “Comments” below. (Hat tip: Frank Rosen)
We’ve showcased lots of interesting animals in our “Westport … Naturally” feature.
But we’re hard pressed to find any as intriguing as barred owls.
This one posed willingly for Lee Bollert. In fact, she says, it stared right at her — through a window — for 10 minutes.
(Photo/Lee Bollert)
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And finally … in honor of the items currently for sale on Facebook, from right here in Westport (story above):
(From downtown parking to caskets, and barred owls to 50 Cent: If there’s a Westport connection, we’ll find it. If you enjoy this hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
For Staples High School’s Class of 2025, graduation is just days away.
“06880” intern Katherine Phelps takes time from her work — and a whirlwind of activities — to reflect on her past 4 years.
Since freshman year, I’ve dreamed of hearing the words: “Turn your tassel to the left. Congratulations, Class of 2025!”
But now, with graduation so near, that dream feels surreal. I can’t help but feel reflective and nostalgic on the topic, even though there were moments where high school seemed like a war zone.
One of my earliest memories at Staples was cheerleading at my first football game. I felt like a tiny fish in a giant sea of people who were more mature, polished and confident.
Katherine Phelps, as a freshman cheerleader.
I looked up at the senior section, and realized the time between now and when I was a Bedford 6th grader was the same. I felt as though I had an infinite amount of time before graduating.
I was so incorrect.
Freshman year is hazy now — maybe because I spent much of it behind a mask.
But one moment stands out: my first Global Themes Honors test. No one warned me how different high school would be.
I had studied hard, reviewed every slide, and still found myself staring at the exam in confusion. I looked around the room, hoping the posters on the wall about propaganda would call out an answer to me.
No surprise: I got a D.
I was crushed. I sobbed to my mother, convinced that this test was the final hurdle to college.
Of course, it wasn’t. I bounced back, figured out how to study for Global and my other classes, nailed the Pythagorean theorem, and discovered a love for Spanish — all within the same year.
Katherine Phelps
Sophomore year came with confidence. I took more honors classes, and mostly thrived — except Algebra 2A.
The quadratic formula felt like my mortal enemy. I worked harder than ever, haunted by z’s and y’s even while writing research papers and studying for chemistry.
I prayed to the math gods the night before my final — yes, really — and somehow, it worked.
A 94 on the final. A final grade of 89.6. An A-. All was beautiful in the world.
But junior year was far from beautiful. It was instead something sent from the devil.
I had always put pressure on myself to do well. Taking 3 AP classes was no easy task. In fact, it was rather horrible.
I was not even close to being the smartest in the room. After getting a D on an AP Language test, my 14-year-old panic flooded back.
Between Lang, Government and Pre-calculus tests, I not only developed severe imposter syndrome — feeling like I did not belong in those courses — but I was also diagnosed with anxiety.
I began seeing a therapist, with whom I could talk about my stress. I was not ashamed; I was grateful somebody could listen and relate to me.
Despite receiving advice to drop one of my AP classes, I chose not to comply. I knew the first quarter of junior year was supposed to be rough. It definitely was.
However, I persisted through the year, and ended up succeeding. I just needed a minute to figure everything out.
Junior year drained me. I spent 4 hours a day either doing homework or studying — in addition to cheerleading, running Service Leauge of Girls, and being an editor for Inklings.
While my friends joked around and called me a “try-hard,” or made fun of me for studying at football games, I knew it would all pay off.
Senior year brought relief. I had tackled most of my college essays during the summer, and while my APs were still tough, I had learned how to handle them.
But college decisions? That was a new kind of stress.
I had applied early decision to Boston College, and I tried my hardest to stay calm.
On December 3 — the night before my 18th birthday — I received news from BC: I was deferred.
Tears ran down my face, and I felt like the walls would cave in.
It sounds dramatic, because it was.
I did not want to celebrate my birthday; I just wanted to be sad. Going to school the next day, my best friends hugged me and wished me a happy birthday, but I felt so ashamed. Everybody knew I wanted BC, and I didn’t get in.
The waiting game dragged on. More deferrals. More uncertainty.
Then, on March 14, I got into Bucknell. I was thrilled.
Wearing Bucknell merch on decision day, with Katie Hannon.
Three days later — on my last night with Inklings — BC’s final decision came out. I waited until I got home to find out.
I was waitlisted. Another heartbreak.
I committed to Bucknell, wore my logo shirt proudly on decision day, and started getting excited.
Five days later, I got an email: I was off the BC waitlist.
I screamed. I cried happy tears this time. All those letters of continued interest, late nights and stressful days finally paid off.
The day Katherine got into BC.
On the night I was accepted into BC and made my commitment, I became extremely reflective. I could not believe I was going to my dream school.
I went through photos on my phone, scrolling back to the first day of high school. I found images of myself crying by being exhausted from studying, and of crying from doing poorly on a test.
But I also found photos of myself smiling with my friends, cheering, and making memories.
If I could go back in time, I’d tell my freshman self to relax and have more fun. I’d tell my sophomore self not to stress so much. I’d tell my junior self to breathe, ask for help, and trust that things will fall into place.
And I’d tell myself on December 3 that this terrible and heartbreaking decision would turn out to be something awesome. I just needed to wait 5 more months.
Now, with graduation so close, I know that there is so much I still do not know.
However, I thank Staples for teaching me to persevere in times of difficulty, for giving me lifelong friends, and for allowing me to better understand myself.
I am ready and excited to navigate this next chapter of my life.
Senior Day for cheer! Katherine Phelps (right) with Ava Bakaleinik.
Peter Bennett — one of Staples High School’s most legendary teachers, who shaped thousands of lives during a 33-year career as a social studies teacher — died May 19, in Virginia. He was 88, and had suffered a short period of declining health.
Fittingly for a lover of history, he was born on July 4, 1936, in Providence. His father was The Right Rev. Granville Gaylord Bennett, the 8th Episcopal bishop of Rhode Island.
He graduated from Amherst College in 1958, then earned graduate certification in secondary education at Wesleyan University.
He served 2 terms in the Connecticut National Guard, as a corporal.
Peter married Ellen Duckworth in 1958. They enjoyed more than 66 years of teaching and exploring the world together.
At Staples, Peter was an early proponent, and elected member, of the Staples Governing Board, That innovative group — comprised of administrators, teachers and students — made nearly all decisions for the school in the 1970s, except for personnel and funding.
Former colleague Phil Woodruff — himself a legendary social studies teacher — called Peter “scholarly, thoughtful and precise — an artist of the blackboard. He truly cared about kids, and they knew it. He had the same high standards for himself and the youngsters.”
Peter Bennett
In addition to teaching, Peter wrote a 57-page teachers’ manual for the US Department of Health, Education and Welfare, called “What Happened on Lexington Green.” He continued to lecture and speak on many topics throughout his retirement.
A particular focus of his teaching was about India, Asia, China and Japan. He was associated with the Asia Society in New York City. As ambassadors for Air India, he and Ellen gave workshops for travel agents, sharing their first-hand experiences and enthusiasm for the country.
Peter took his family to New Delhi for his sabbatical year in 1977-78. He and Ellen returned several times, to visit friends made there.
After retiring from teaching, he lived Virginia for almost 30 years — first in Williamsburg, then in a retirement community in Irvington.
Peter and Ellen continued to travel in retirement. They saw the Great Wall of China, and visited Tibet, France, England, New Zealand and the Panama Canal.
A former baseball, football and basketball player, he was also an accomplished golfer, with single-digit handicap. In Virginia he enjoyed lawn bowling, and played in competitive tournaments.
A self-taught guitar player, Peter also enjoyed the banjo, and tried the sitar. He spent many retirement years in barbershop groups. He and Ellen also sang together in the Chesapeake Chorale.
The Episcopal church was a constant in Peter’s life. In Connecticut, he served on the Southport Trinity Church vestry.
Peter’s is survived by his wife Ellen; children: Jennifer Richard Ruth), Jonathan (Susanna Breese) and Joshua Corrette-Bennett (Stephanie Corrette-Bennett); grandchildren Madeline and Dove Corrette-Bennett; nephew, Robert Gwin III and family, and the families of his half-sister, Virginia-Moulds. He was predeceased by his half sisters Elizabeth Gwin and Virginia Moulds.
A service was held at Grace Episcopal Church in Kilmarnock, Virginia. He was held in the Grace Episcopal Church cemetery.
The Board of Education sends this message to families in the Westport Public Schools:
As we head into the summer months, we would like to acknowledge our community and its unwavering support for our schools. The Westport Public School system continues to deliver excellent outcomes across a wide range of areas.
As a community, we should take great pride in the many impressive accomplishments of our students. They are far too numerous to list completely, but we offer here a small sampling:
Academic achievements
Staples High School sent 4 students to the Connecticut State Science and Engineering Fair. All were named finalists (top 20%). One Staples senior advanced to the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair in Columbus, Ohio, taking 4th place among thousands of entrants from around the world.
The Staples AP Government We the People class placed in the top 10 for the first time in school history at the national competition in Washington.
Staples’ We the People team.
Bedford Middle and Coleytown Middle students earned dozens of medals at the Connecticut State Science Olympiad tournament.
Across all of our elementary schools, the 3rd grade Aimsweb composite reading score is 96% (which means that 96% reached or exceeded reading benchmarks). This is the highest in the state.
Athletic achievements
Staples athletics continues to be a tremendous strength of our district. Our coaches and administrators remain committed to helping our scholar-athletes grow at all skill levels.
In addition to enjoying victories on the field, many of our hard-working athletes find sports at Staples a springboard to future academic success.
We are proud of the dozens of graduating seniors who participated in athletic recruiting and have committed to attend some of the most selective and prestigious colleges and universities in the country, including (just to name a few and in no particular order) Michigan, Duke, U Chicago, Trinity, U.S. Coast Guard Academy, Stanford, Princeton, UNC, Penn State, Washington and Lee, WashU, Swarthmore, Amherst, Tufts, Williams, Wesleyan and Penn.
Music, arts and other extracurriculars
In March, 14 Staples students were selected to participate in the Connecticut All-State Music Festival.
Inklings News was awarded the prestigious Gold Crown Award in the High School Hybrid General Magazine category by the Columbia Scholastic Press Association for the second time in the publication’s history.
The National PTA Award of Excellence was awarded to 2 Staples students for literature and photography.
While we celebrate our achievements and honor the dedication of our students, teachers, administrators and staff who make them all possible, we must not rest on our laurels.
There are many important initiatives underway that occupy the time and attention of the Board of Education and the administration. These include:
Long Lots School Building
We are in the final weeks of town-wide approvals, and anticipate the grand opening of the new school in September 2027.
AI Pilot
Westport was one of 7 Connecticut districts to receive a state grant to participate in an AI pilot program. Secondary teachers in English, math, science and social studies experimented with school-based artificial intelligence programs, and found extraordinary benefits and frustrating drawbacks. We are committed to exploring AI in our schools and curriculum while being mindful about its risks.
Cellphones
Currently, our elementary and middle schools are cellphone-free during the entire school day. Over the summer, a team of faculty will draft an implementation and logistics plan for a cellphone-free high school. A committee of parents, students, and faculty will review and revise that plan to explore a possible phased-in approach, sequestration strategies, and curricular concerns.
As we close out the academic year, we hope all of our families have a great summer. Our heartfelt congratulations to the Staples Class of 2025!
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Despite receiving advice to drop one of my AP classes, I chose not to comply. I knew the first quarter of junior year was supposed to be rough. It definitely was. 
