Category Archives: Education

Roundup: Hillandale Home, Restaurant Offers, Public Meetings …

Posted on December 23, 2025 | 1 comment

Westporters have long admired the classic New England home-and-attached-barn on Hillandale Road, just down the hill from Green’s Farms Church.

Now House & Garden readers around the world can enjoy it too.

Anne Hardy — who with her husband Jim transformed the home, linking a former blacksmith’s forge to a 19th-century wagon barn — has written about the project for the magazine (which she once served as decorating editor).

Anne — a Staples High School graduate — describes how her years in London influenced the home’s design (with great help from architect Deirdre O’Farrelly). She details the family’s Christmas (and Boxing Day) preparations in the warm, welcoming space.

Of course, there are plenty of pictures to show every aspect of the property. Click here to read, and take your own tour. (Hat tip: Suzanne Sherman Propp)

Anne Hardy’s living room — with roaring fire — decorated for Christmas. (Photo/Christopher Horwood for House & Garden)

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Basso is closed.

But you can keep a bit of their bar.

You’ll have to act fast, though.

An “Everything Must Go!” sale is set for today (Tuesday, 4 to 7 p.m.).

Champagnes, spirits, and their carefully curated selection of wines will all be sold — at 30% below Basso’s cost.

Stock up for the holidays! (Hat tip: Sal Liccione)

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Speaking of restaurants: Dandelion — the hot new spot in the Delamar Westport — celebrates the season with some big events.

On Christmas Eve, a holiday-inspired à la carte lunch (noon to 2:30 p.m.) is followed by à la carte dinner service (5 to 10 p.m.), highlighting Christmas selections.

Christmas day brings a 3-course prix fixe menu (noon to 6:30 p.m.). Click here for reservations, or call 203-266-3111.

New Year’s Eve features DJ Omary. From 10 p.m. to 1 a.m., he’ll spin Afro-house, traditional rhythms, and familiar favorites. Click here for tickets.

Dandelion restaurant.

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Among the appropriations up for approval on the Board of Finance January 7 meeting (7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium):

  • $330,000 to address an IT storage replacement initiative.
  • $815,000 for Town Hall ADA improvements.
  • $275,000 for an ADA-accessible ramp between the Imperial Avenue parking lot and the Levitt Pavilion lot.
  • $31,500 for emergency elevator repair at Town Hall.
  • $65,027.49 for a 2024 Chevrolet work truck to replace a 2008 model; the same amount for a dump truck, to replace one from 1999.

The Board of Finance will meet in Town Hall, to make the building more accessible.

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That’s a short meeting, compared to what the Board of Education has planned.

They’ll meet at Saugatuck Congregational Church on January 9, starting at 8:30 a.m.

It’s an all-day work session, to review superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice’s fiscal year 2027 budget.

The public is invited. Bring your lunch!

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A few weeks ago, superintendent Scarice participated in a podcast focused on the Westport Public Schools’ strategic plan, specifically its work being “AI-powered and human-centered.”

The podcast is available on Spotify (click here) and YouTube (click here).


Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice. (Photo/Dave Matlow)

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Looking for a kids’ activity over the holiday break?

The Westport Garden Club is partnering with the Westport Arts Advisory Committee, town poet laureate and Westport Library to sponsor a youth poetry contest.

Affiliated with the National Garden Club, it’s open to all in kindergarten through 12th grade: public and private schools, home-schooled, special education and English as a Second Language students.

This is the fourth year the WGC is sponsoring the event. Past winners have advanced to state, regional and national levels.

The theme for the competition is: “Plant America for the next 100 years.” The deadline is January 12. For more information, click here and scroll down.

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Starting yesterday, days will once again get longer. We made it!

On Saturday — the eve of the longest night — Patricia Auber captured this “Westport … Naturally” sunset at Burying Hill Beach:

(Photo/Patricia Auber)

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And finally … speaking of Christmas or New Year’s at Dandelion:

(As you make holiday plans — and plan your year-end giving — please consider “06880.” We’re here for you 24/7/365, but we rely on reader support. Just click here. Thank you!)

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Posted in Children, Education, Local politics, Real estate, Restaurants

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Roundup: Hook’d Contract, Richard Gere, Club20 …

Posted on December 19, 2025 | 9 comments

Two Representative Town Meeting (RTM) committees — Finance, and Parks & Recreation — meet on January 5 (5 p.m., Zoom).

There is one agenda item: consideration of the Board of Finance’s recommendation to approve $275,000 to fund a settlement between the town and Hook’d on the Sound.

If approved by the committees, and then the full RTM, the lease with the food concessionaire at Compo Beach, and the Longshore pavilion and halfway house, would be terminated before the end of the contract.

The door may close on Hook’d. (Photo copyright DinkinESH Fotografix)

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Before Paul Newman began filming “Slap Shot,” he learned to skate at Crystal Ice Rink — the bedraggled but beloved Norwalk rink.

We’re not sure whether Richard Gere is prepping for a skating-related movie. (“Oh, Canada,” released last year, has nothing to do with our neighbor to the north’s national sport.)

But there he was at the Westport PAL Rink at Longshore, learning from the master: Mar Jennings.

Many people probably just skated by those 2 guys, all bundled up and having a ton of fun. (Hat tip: Andrew Colabella)

Mar Jennings and Richard Gere

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Club203’s holiday celebration was filled with joy, laughter and spirit.

Members and friends of Westport’s social group for adults with disabilities filled the Westport Woman’s Club.

They enjoyed snacks from TCC Catering, music by Kasey Clark, gifts (Club203 backpacks, courtesy of the Woman’s Club), and cookie decorating stations with Avery Horne and MoCA\CT.

Logo backpacks, courtesy of the Westport Woman’s Club.

Kevin Christie and his wife Gina were there too. The first selectman offered a  proclamation recognizing the evening, and the spirit of Club203.

Organizers say, “Thank you Westport. What a gift you have given supporting inclusion, and meaningful social opportunities where adults with disabilities can connect, be themselves, and celebrate life together.”

Enjoying the festivities, at the Westport Woman’s Club. (Photos/Stacie Curran)

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Staples High School senior Neha Singh has a strong interest in financial literacy education. It is, she says, “not just a practical tool, but an essential vehicle for sustaining communities.”

She recently spearheaded an effort to bring an original multi-session financial literacy module — which she named “Count On It” — to Coleytown Middle School 6th graders.

As co-president of Mu Alpha Theta — Staples’ Math Honors Society — she organized 16 student volunteers. They led the first session for over 140 CMS students.

The 6th graders explored how to make smart spending and saving choices with money. They learned the difference between needs, wants, and waits (items they can save for over time), and discussed the 20 percent savings rule.

Two more sessions will follow.

This is not Neha’s only effort with middle schoolers. For 3 years she’s volunteered at ASPIRE, a Norwalk non-profit serving under-resourced populations.

She developed a bilingual financial literacy curriculum for them. It helps 75 ASPIRE youngsters build strong financial habits. Lessons focus on smart budgeting, real life careers and costs, and staying safe with digital money.

Neha Singh

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An alert but please-keep-me-anonymous reader writes: “The town has changed the categorization of Greens Farms railroad station parking in a row of Lot 1 (effectively the second row adjacent to the tracks).

“I always thought the entire row was for permit holders. But I got a ticket earlier this week for unknowingly parking in a newly deemed day spot.

“The sign they posted is directly behind a space. It could easily be blocked by a large SUV — especially the lower half that specifies this change.”

Greens Farms railroad station sign. Left unresolved: is the spot directly in front of the sign permit parking, or daily?

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” image shows a bobcat skulking around Ben James’ driveway.

Hey — he does live on “Cat”amount Road.

(Photo/Ben James)

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And finally … Edith Piaf was born on this date, in 1915. The French singer died in 1963, age 47, from liver cancer.

(Please click here to support “06880.” You won’t regret it. Merci!)

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Posted in Beach, Education, Local politics, Transportation

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The Gift Of Giving

Posted on December 1, 2025 | 19 comments

‘Tis the season to be jolly.

And to give.

Despite high egg prices, this was a good one for many Westporters. As we buy presents for loved ones, friends, and people whose good graces we need to keep, we should also think about helping others.

Give what you can.

(Of course, helping them can also ease our own tax burdens next spring. This is still a great country!)

But who to give to?

Far be it for “06880” to say. So here is a list of some worthy local organizations. Each one has a clickable link 🙂

I know I’ve missed some. Rather than bite my head off (too un-Christmas-y), please mention them in the “Comments” section. I’ll add them to this list.

And please: Keep your suggestions local (southern Fairfield County). There are way too many very worthy national and international groups to include. Thank you!

Animals

Christine’s Critters: Rehabilitation of big birds
Connecticut Humane Society: Wilton branch
Save Our Strays: Animal rescue
PAWS: No-kill animal shelter
Red Leash Rescue: Provides refuge, love and care to abandoned, homeless, surrendered or discarded dogs
Rising Starr Horse Rescue: Gives at-risk horses a second chance at life
TAILS: Spaying and neutering
Westport Animal Shelter Advocates: Care, shelter and adoption of homeless dogs
Wildlife in Crisis: Preservation and emergency help

Arts and history

Artists Collective of Westport: Creativity, education, shows, forums and more
Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County: Supporting cultural organizations, artists and creative businesses
Levitt Pavilion: More than 50 nights of free entertainment
MoCA Westport: Exhibitions, concerts, education and more
Music on the Hill: Offers opportunities for choral musicians, handbell ringers and instrumentalists to participate in performances, workshops and festivals
Music Theatre of Connecticut: Musical theater education for youngsters ages 4 through high school
Weston History & Culture Center: Discovering, collecting and preserving Weston’s heritage
Westport Community Theatre: Thought-provoking and entertaining productions since 1956
Westport Country Playhouse: 94-year-old cultural institution. They survived a near-death experience this year, and are coming back refreshed and revitalized.
Westport Museum for History & Culture: Exhibits and education
Westport Public Art Collections: Bringing art to schools and public spaces

Community aid

Bridgeport Rescue Mission: Fighting poverty, offering help
Center for Family Justice: Provides services to fight domestic, child and sexual abuse
Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants: Service and advocacy for immigrants, refugees and survivors of human trafficking and torture
Housing Development Fund: Helps facilitate affordable rental and homeownership opportunities
Integrated Immigrant & Refugee Services: Resettlement agency
Lifebridge Community Services: Bridgeport youth development behavioral health and family resources organization
New Neighborhoods: Develops, preserves and manages affordable housing and resident-centered services
Norwalk Hour: Aid to families in need
United Way of Coastal and Western Connecticut: Access to food, shelter, transportation and childcare
VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399: Helping veterans, servicemembers and their families
Westport Department of Human Services “We Care”: Many options, including financial help with school supplies and heating costs
Westport PAL: They do it all: college scholarships, youth sports programs, fireworks, ice rink, etc., etc., etc.
Westport Weston Family YMCA: Help in many ways.
Westport Uniformed Firefighters Charitable Foundation: Philanthropic arm of the Westport Fire Department

Community-building

06880: This blog — now a non-profit — sponsors community-wide events. Projects include the Holiday and Summer Strolls, the Lyman Ukraine sister city project, collaborations with the League of Women Voters, Westport Library and more. “06880” publishes this daily blog, to help create community.

Disabilities

Abilis: Provides vital services and supports for individuals of all ages with special needs and disabilities
Catch a Lift: Westport supports veterans through fitness programs
Circle of Friends: Teens work with children with disabilities
CLASP: Group homes and opportunities
Club203: Provides fun, engaging activities for adults with disabilities
MyTEAM Triumph:  Road race support for children, adults and veterans
New Canaan Mounted Troop: Youth development and therapeutic equestrian center serving children and adults with disabilities, and giving horses a second chance
STAR Lighting the Way: Support for all ages
Sweet P Bakery: Provides jobs for adults with learning disabilities

Education and youth

A Better Chance of Westport: Education and support for outstanding minority boys
Achievement First: Schools provide Bridgeport families of color with a high- quality education at no cost
Adam J. Lewis Academy: High-quality experience for Bridgeport youngsters
Big Brothers Big Sisters: Connecticut’s largest volunteer mentoring network
Builders Beyond Borders (B3): Engaging teenagers in work projects that improve local and global communities
Carver Foundation: K-12 pre- and after-school programs in Norwalk
Center for Children’s Advocacy: Legal aid for education, healthcare, housing and the juvenile justice system
Child & Family Guidance Center: Counseling and support for youth and families
Kids in Crisis: 24-hour support, including emergency housing and crisis counseling
Neighborhood Studios: Arts education for Bridgeport youngsters
Piston Foundation: Helping young people acquire the education and hands-on training to build a career in the collector car industry, through trade school scholarships, apprenticeships and advocacy
Ralphola Taylor Community Center: Bridgeport organization offers leadership development, educational workshops, field trips; holiday store rewards youngsters for good behavior — they “buy” gifts (for points) for their families
Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities: Helping fulfill potential; support for parents too
Staples Tuition Grants: Need-based scholarships for Staples High School students and alumni
The Susan Fund: Scholarships for young people affected by cancer
Wakeman Boys & Girls Club: Southport organization serving area youth in a variety of academic, athletic and social ways
Walter Luckett Foundation: Mentorship, test preparation, STEAM, job prep for Bridgeport youth; partner with Westport Library

Environment

Aspetuck Land Trust: Preserving open space; maintaining 45 preserves
Connecticut Audubon Society: Protecting birds, other wildlife, and their habitats through conservation, education and advocacy
Earthplace: Education, wildlife exhibits, and a 62-acre sanctuary
Friends of Sherwood Island: Preserving, maintaining and enhancing our state park
Lachat Town Farm: Offering environmental education and cultural experiences for all ages in Weston
Norwalk River Valley Trail: Maintaining 30 miles of open space 
Save the Sound: Protecting Long Island Sound
Sustainable Westport: Helping our town become Net Zero by 2050
Wakeman Town Farm: Sustainability center, with plenty of programs
Westport Farmers’ Market: Food, education, programs and more

Food and shelter

Filling in the Blanks: Providing weekend meals for children in need
Food Rescue US: Helping volunteers pick up and deliver excess food
Homes with Hope: Supportive housing, food pantry, food distribution and more
Open Doors Shelter: Aiding Norwalkers in need
Person-to-Person: Food, rent help, clothing and more

Grant-giving and foundations

100 Women Who  Care of Fairfield County: Raising funds to give them away!
Fairfield County Foundation: Philanthropy to strengthen communities
Near and Far Aid: Fighting poverty in Fairfield County
Newman’s Own: Okay, they’re global — but they’re headquartered in Westport!
Westport Rotary: Noontime chapter meeting of Rotary International
Westport Sunrise Rotary: 7:30 a.m. chapter meeting of Rotary International
Westport Woman’s Club: Raising funds for charitable, educational, cultural and public health services
Women’s League of Westport: Building community through volunteerism and social activities

Health and Safety

Al’s Angels: Help for children and families battling diseases and hardships
Breast Cancer Emergency Aid Foundation: Funds for non-medical expenses
Domestic Violence Crisis Center: Help for victims and families
Fairfield County House: End-of -life facility, providing hospice and palliative care in a home-like setting
In a Heartbeat: Cardiac screening for youngsters
Mission: Helping survivors create lives after cancer
Pink Aid: Financial aid and services to woman and families facing breast cancer
Rach’s Hope: Addressing the challenges families face during and after a child’s critical illness, requiring an extended stay in intensive care
Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service: Providing staffing, supplies and apparatus to keep the town safe

LGBTQ+

PROUD Academy: New school for LGBTQ+ students and allies, proving a safe, affirming learning community
Triangle Community Center: Providing programs and resources for the LGBTQ+ community
Westport Pride: Our town’s own LGBTQ+ organization — sponsors of the June festival, and much more

Literacy

Mercy Learning Center: Life skills training for low-income women
Read to Grow: Promoting children’s literacy from birth, supporting parents as babies’ first teachers
Westport Book Sales: Providing employment for people with disabilities — and offering books, while providing funds for the Westport Library
Westport Library: They do it all!

Mental health and addiction 

Laurel House: Mental health and recovery resources
Positive Directions: Treatment and prevention for addictive behaviors

Seniors

Friends of the Westport Center for Senior Activities: Support for the Senior Center (below)
Mozaic Senior Life: Skilled nursing and other care

Sister City

Ukraine Aid International: Founded by Westporters Brian and Marshall Mayer, UAI ensures that donations go directly to Westport’s sister city of Lyman, Ukraine. Click the “I want to support” box; then select “Support for the City of Lyman.” Scroll down on that page for other donation options (mail, wire transfer and Venmo.)

Women and girls

AWARE: “Assisting Women through Action, Resources and Education”
Dress for Success Mid-Fairfield County: Empowering women by providing professional clothes and other support
LiveGirl: Leadership development and mentoring for females, grades 5 through college
Malta House: Shelter and programs for young pregnant women and their babies

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Posted in Education, Environment, Organizations, Westport Country Playhouse

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Pic Of The Day #3143

Posted on November 26, 2025 | Leave a comment

School days (Photo/Dayle Brownstein)

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Remembering Patsie Bonardi

Posted on November 15, 2025 | 11 comments

Patricia (Patsie) Bonardi — a longtime and much-loved Westport teacher — died peacefully, surrounded by her family on November 4. She was 94.

A longtime resident of Westport and Bethlehem, New Hampsire, “she left a legacy as a dedicated, inspiring educator and civic activist,” her obituary says.

The Littleton, New Hampshire native graduated from Keene State Teachers College in 1953, with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. Her obituary says, “she was infamous in college for her activism and her involvement in numerous student organizations. She was included in Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities in 1953.”

Patsie earned her master’s from the University of Bridgeport in 1985.

She taught in elementary schools in Nashua and Littleton, New Hampshire immediately following graduation.

Patsie Bonardi

In Westport, where she taught 2nd grade for 39 years, she was recognized for her outstanding and creative teaching skills.

In 1989, the town recognized her with a Most Committed Citizen Award. In 1995 she was nominated by her former students, and was featured in “Who’s Who Among American Teachers.”

After her retirement and return to Bethlehem in 1996, she worked as a real estate broker. She was also very active in local organizations, including the Bethlehem Public Library which she served as a trustee. She was instrumental in realizing the dream of a new library.

She also served on the boards of WREN and the North Country Home Health Agency.

“She was often seen, and heard, at Bethlehem Select Board meetings where she was a vigilant citizen advocate,” her obituary says.

Her only sibling, Bevalie Bouchard, predeceased her in 2019. Her longtime companion, Paul Babbet, predeceased her in 1997.She is survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A celebration of life will be held May 30, 2026 (1 p.m.,Mulburn Inn, Bethlehem, New Hampshire).

Donations in Patsie Bonardi’s memory may be made to the Bethlehem Public Library, PO Box 250, Bethlehem NH 03574 and the Colonial Theatre, PO Box 204, Bethlehem, NH 03574.

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Patsie’s death drew many tributes on social media.

Mariana Lynn Castelli called her “an extraordinary teacher. I struggled with dyslexia (unknown in those days) and due to her patient, diligent, faithful efforts I learned to read and write.

“To me, Chuck Boisseau, Peter Mogren and many others, no doubt, Patsie Bonardi became a lifelong point of light.

“Several years ago we and our spouses gathered for brunch in New Hampshire in the town near where Peter and Patsie both lived.

“It was an extraordinary reunion. At my request Patsie read the opening paragraph to ‘The Box Car Children,’ a book she’d read to us decades before.

“I’d brought along my ancient copy, which she personalized with a message to me. I consider it a treasure.”

Katie Abelow Ruoff added, “Miss Bonardi remains my favorite teacher to this day. Among the many wonderful things she did in her classroom was recognize our birthdays by drawing a birthday cake on the blackboard and letting us tell her how we wanted it ‘frosted.’ Miss Bonardi would draw elaborate iced cakes in the colors we requested.”

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In 2021, “06880” saluted Patsie Bonardi. We wrote:

It took a while for this news to make it here. But it was worth waiting for.

After a long and legendary teaching career in Westport, beloved elementary school icon Patsie Bonardi returned to her hometown of Bethlehem, New Hampshire.

For her 90th birthday in June, the town gathered along Main Street. They celebrated her with a surprise “reverse parade.” Residents gathered outside the theater, post office and library, holding signs and cheering as she rode by in her convertible — with a police and fire truck escort.

Patsie Bonardi, during her parade. (Photo/Angel Larcom)

Elementary school students held handmade signs.

Bonardi was a longtime supporter of the Colonial Theater, and served as a library trustee and Home Health Care Board member. As part of her birthday celebration, residents raised $1,300 in her name for the theater.

(Hat tips: John and Carol Waxman)

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Posted in Education, Obituaries

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Staples Class Of 2025: By The Numbers

Posted on November 10, 2025 | 1 comment

The vast majority of Staples High School’s Class of 2025 graduates — 93.4% — headed to 4-year colleges.

Another 2.0% are in 2-year colleges. 1.4% took a gap year; 0.6% went to a college prep school; 1.0% are employed; 0.7% are engaged in career education, transition or other higher education; 0.4% entered the military. Just 0.4% were undecided, or had no reported plans.

The 5 most popular colleges for Class of 2025 graduates were the University of Connecticut (21 students, including Storrs and branches), Tulane University (11) and the Universities of Maryland, Michigan and Vermont (10 each).

Nearly 1 in 3 intended to study business or economics.

Those are some of the many takeaways from a 26-page report, presented Thursday to the Board of Education by director of school counseling William Plunkett. He was assisted by Sandra Zeigler, Staples’ college and career center coordinator,

The Class of 2025 graduated 6 months ago. Where are they now? (Photo/Ryan Allen)

While Westport-centric, the report noted national trends toward “increased pressures on colleges and scrutiny over holistic review practices, a growing emphasis on career readiness and fit to major, shifting values around higher education, the proliferation of AI, and further changes to standardized testing policies.”

Of the 93.4% enrolled in 4-year colleges, students applied to 369 different institutions — from nearby Fairfield University, to faraway Western Australia University. This fall, they enrolled in 153 of them.

June grads applied to an average of 8.12 colleges each. The overall acceptance rate of 61.5% was, the report says — Staples’ highest in over a decade.

Plunkett’s report says that “while national acceptance rates at the most selective colleges remain low, Staples students continue, by and large, to be accepted at rates at or above the national average.”

While the school counseling department encourages students to “broaden their thinking around fit and selectivity,” over half of “highly regarded colleges with favorable acceptance rates for students” appear in the best-selling book “Dream School.”

The report adds, “we remain mindful of the intense pressure many of our students and families face within the context of an ever-evolving, complex landscape of college admissions and highly competitive school and community.”

Other statistics:

  • The colleges with the most applications: UConn (140), Indiana (83), Penn State (73), Wisconsin (66) and Colorado (62).
  • 54% of ’25 grads are attending private schools; 43% are at public institutions. 3% study internationally.
  • The mean composite ACT score was 29.1. The SAT mean total was 1239. The mean Advanced Placement score as 4.3, with 97% scoring 3 (out of 5) or higher.
  • A total of 607 students — 84% of all those enrolled in AP courses — took the AP exam.
  • Staples is among the top 10 schools in the state for participation in University of Connecticut Early College Experience courses.
  • 54% of seniors completed the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). 28% applied for local or community scholarships.

  • Intended areas of study include business and economics (32%), social sciences (20%), STEM (16%), undecided (15%), health and life sciences (10%), and humanities and the arts (7%).
  • The top 5 individual majors are business, undecided, psychology, communications and political science.
  • 14% of students in the Class of ’25 said they intended to play an intercollegiate sport. 6% said they applied to a visual or performing arts program.
  • 43% of students submitted test scores to all college. 26% submitted to some colleges. 31% did not submit test scores to any college.

The report also included quotes from graduates, about the college process. Students said:

Try not to get caught up in competing with other people when applying to schools. It adds so much stress and at the end of the day the decision is only meant to satisfy yourself.

Work on college applications a little at a time and don’t get overwhelmed with trying to make it “perfect,” just make sure it sounds like you.

Self-care! Take a bath, listen to music, do things that make you happy in between moments of hard work and stress.

Just try to remember your grades and test scores don’t define who you are and at the end of the day everything turns out good for you as long as you show up and put your best work in with effort.

Plan ahead, get started over the summer, and set boundaries about when you talk about plans, be willing to tell people you don’t want to discuss them at this time.

Click here for a video of student voices.

Click here for the full report.

(Photo/Ryan Allen)

(“06880” regularly covers education in Westport — at all levels, and from all angles. If you enjoy stories like this, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Scarice: Follow Up Info On Coleytown Incident

Posted on November 3, 2025 | 2 comments

A few minutes ago, superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice sent this message to Westport Public Schools parents and guardians:

As we conclude the day, I want to provide a brief follow-up to my earlier message regarding this morning’s reported threat to Coleytown Elementary School.

As shared earlier, at approximately 7:45 a.m., the Fairfield County Regional Dispatch Center received a 911 text message reporting a bomb threat to CES. Shortly thereafter, the Westport Police Department contacted district administration, and our established safety protocols were immediately implemented, no small task during the height of morning transportation.

By 8:15 a.m., families were notified of a 2-hour delayed start while the WPD, joined by the Stamford Police Bomb Squad and explosive detection K9 unit, conducted a comprehensive search of the building.

During this time, staff and students already on site were safely relocated to Coleytown Middle School, and CES buses en route were redirected to the same location.

Coleytown Elementary School. Rear: Coleytown Middle School.

At that point in time, CMS students were already en route to CMS or on campus. As a result, CMS was placed in a brief shelter-in-place as a precaution.

By 9:10 a.m., the WPD and their Stamford partners cleared the building, confirming that no explosive devices were found. CES was deemed safe, CES students returned later that morning between 10:45 and 11 a.m., and the CMS shelter-in-place was lifted.

Today’s tightly coordinated response resulted in a resolution of the incident in less than 90 minutes, while engaging 3 regional police departments (Stamford, Norwalk, and Fairfield, along with the Stamford Police Bomb Squad).

We were also supported on-site by Deputy Chiefs Ryan Paulsson and Dave Wolf of the Westport Police Department. Their professionalism and collaboration were exemplary and deeply appreciated.

Following the all-clear, both Coleytown Elementary and Coleytown Middle Schools convened their crisis response teams to review the morning’s events. Later, each school gathered their full faculties to debrief and reflect on the effectiveness of our response and the well-being of students and staff.

At CMS, Principal Janna Sirowich provided clear and compassionate communication throughout the morning.

At 8:25 a.m., she addressed all students and staff in the cafeteria and auditorium, explaining that while a threat had been made to CES, police determined it was not credible and that these actions were being taken as a precaution.  She reassured everyone that the shelter-in-place was precautionary, encouraged calm, and asked students to refrain from using cell phones and Chromebooks.

She made a follow-up intercom announcement later thanking students and staff for their cooperation and composure, and confirming that the shelter-in-place had been lifted and normal routines could resume. She also reminded students that support was available for anyone feeling uneasy.

As I shared this morning, while any such threat is deeply unsettling, today’s events once again demonstrated the strength of our safety protocols, the professionalism of our law enforcement partners, and the calm leadership of our building administrators, the professionalism of our staff and the maturity of our students.

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to our district and school leaders, the Westport Police Department, and our regional law enforcement partners for their coordinated and effective response. Most of all, I want to thank our students and families for their patience, trust, and support throughout the day.

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Posted in Education, Police

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Scarice: Update On Coleytown Elementary Incident

Posted on November 3, 2025 | 4 comments

Superintendent of Schools Thomas Scarice offers this update on today’s incident, involving a reported threat at Coleytown Elementary  School:

At approximately 7:45 a.m., the Fairfield County Regional Dispatch Center received a 911 text message reporting a bomb threat to Coleytown Elementary School.

Shortly thereafter, the Westport Police Department contacted district administration. We immediately implemented our established safety protocols, which is particularly challenging during morning transportation runs.

By 8:15 a.m., a message was sent to Coleytown Elementary families notifying them of a 2-hour delayed start while the WPD, supported by the Stamford Police Bomb Squad and their explosive detection K9 unit, conducted a search of the building.

During this time, staff and students who were already on site were safely relocated to Coleytown Middle School, in addition to any buses in route.  As a precaution, Coleytown Middle School was briefly placed under a shelter-in-place directive while the investigation was underway.

By 9:10 a.m., the WPD and their Stamford partners cleared the building, confirming that no explosive devices were found. Coleytown Elementary was deemed safe, and normal operations will resume, with students expected to arrive between 10:45 and 11:00 a.m. The CMS shelter-in-place was lifted.

The incident remains under investigation by the Westport Police Detective Bureau.

I want to express my deep appreciation for the professionalism and swift coordination of the WPD, the leadership of our building administrators, and the dedication of our faculty and support staff, whose actions ensured the safety of everyone involved.

I also want to commend our students, who responded calmly, respectfully, and with great maturity, reflecting the care and preparedness that define our school community.

While deeply troubling, our prior experiences, such as previous “swatting” incidents, have made us well-prepared to respond quickly and effectively, as was demonstrated this morning.

While any such threat is unsettling, today’s events clearly demonstrated the effectiveness of our emergency response protocols, the strength of our partnership with the WPD, and the remarkable composure of our staff, students, and building administrators.

Thank you for your continued trust, cooperation, and support.

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Coleytown El Delayed By “Non-Credible” Threat; Students Shelter In Place At CMS

Posted on November 3, 2025 | 2 comments

Coleytown Elementary School is operating on a  2-hour delay today, and Stepping Stones Preschool is closed, following a threat made concerning CES.

Students at nearby Coleytown Middle School were sheltering in place, in areas like the auditorium and cafeteria.

School officials told parents that while they do not believe the threat is credible, they are conducting a thorough review of CES. Students en route to Coleytown El were delivered to Coleytown Middle, where staff received and took care of them.

Coleytown Elementary School; in the background is Coleytown Middle School.

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[OPINION] Special Ed Parent Says: “Thank You, Westport!”

Posted on November 2, 2025 | 11 comments

Raising a child today is challenging. It is especially so when that youngster has special needs.

Ali Wachtel moved to Westport nearly 8 years ago. Today, she shares an inspiring story about her son Nate, and the Westport Public Schools. She writes:

When I moved here in December of 2017, I did not know how lucky I was. My son Nate was 18 months old.

I knew in my bones that he was autistic. What I did not know was that I had just moved to a town that could, and would, support him.

On Nate’s 3rd birthday, he had his very first day at Stepping Stones Preschool.

Nate’s first year at Stepping Stones.

Nate was not just mildly affected. He was non-verbal.

I was not sure he would ever be able to communicate with us in the way every parent dreams. As I was new to the world of special education, the team at Stepping Stones walked me through every step of the IEP (Individualized Education Plan) process.

Together we crafted a strategy for Nate to develop the necessary skills to access the academic curriculum.

Nate and his mother, Ali Wachtel, as she read to his Stepping Stones class …

Three years later, Nate graduated and moved on to Long Lots Elementary. To my delight, he matriculated into the general ed classroom. A dream of mine had come to fruition.

Nate still required a great deal of support. He is in the IR (Intensive Resource) program, which means he has 1-to-1 paraprofessional support. He is pulled out for reading, writing and math support to this day, in addition to participating in social skill building groups.

There is not a single area in which Nate does not require support. But it is all given to him.

I am writing this not solely as a co-chair of the Westport Special Education PTA, nor as an advocate for children who receive SpEd services, but as a proud parent.

Like so many I navigated this process, armed with little if any information or insight, and terrified that this outcome would never be an option for my child.

Yet 5 years later, on October 17, my incredible young boy was invited to return to Stepping Stones preschool to read aloud in his former teacher’s class.

… and Nate in October, reading to another Stepping Stones class. (Photos/Andy Fleischman)

This has, in no small way, been made possible by Westport’s dedicated educators.

My son who walked into Stepping Stones 7 years ago without the ability to speak, returned a confident 4th grade reader who shared his experiences in the Westport school system with a group of 5-year-old pre-school students.

To say this moment was the honor of my life is an understatement. It is all thanks to our good fortune in having moved to the town of Westport.

So thank you Westport, for granting me my annual birthday wish and prayer that one day my child would be able to express himself.

(Our “06880” Opinion pages are open to all. Please send submissions to 06880blog@gmail.com)

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Posted in Children, Education

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