Category Archives: Staples HS

Staples Grad: “We’ve Seen Enough”

Posted on March 2, 2018 | 8 comments

Kellie Iannacone is a 2017 Staples High School graduate, now a 1st-year student at the Villanova University School of Business. She writes:

I was walking into a review session with my English professor when I got the text. It was from my younger brother, a sophomore at Staples.

His message read: “I’m freaking out”

Since leaving Westport to attend Villanova as freshman this fall, text conversations between my brother and I normally consist of a meme back and forth, or him looking for advice on what classes to take as a rising junior.

So when I received his message on Tuesday, I knew something was wrong.

Before I even had time to respond, a screen shot of superintendent Palmer’s message to parents surfaced in my hometown group chat. I put 2 and 2 together, and was horrified.

I alerted my teacher. She was extremely understanding, letting me use my phone throughout the session and even offering to reschedule if I could not focus.

During the next few hours I felt a fear I had never experienced before. It’s like watching your worst nightmare play out in real life, and feeling that your heart may beat out of your chest. I could not rest easy until I heard from my brother he had made it through the front door of our house.

Kellie and Zachary Iannacone.

As I write this on my train ride to Westport for spring break, I know I could have been coming home to a completely different outcome. Rather than returning to a full household, I know I could have returned to my household minus one, my neighborhood minus one, my town minus one (or even worse, multiple people).

From hundreds of miles away, I told my brother I didn’t want him to go to school Wednesday morning. From hundreds of miles away I felt the pain, heartache and fear that my hometown was enduring. From hundreds of miles away I felt the need to run home, and shelter my brother and community from any future possible 

As a first year college student, my biggest worries should be trying to combat the freshman 15 and walking into the showers only to find they are all full. My biggest worry should not be that when I go back to school a a little over a week from now that my brother, my friends, and my former educators will possibly be taken from me before I return to Westport again. My biggest fear should not be that when I go back to Villanova I could face the same threats.

I want kindergartners to be able to play on the playground without fear a shooter will enter school grounds. I want middle schoolers to enjoy the new array of options in the cafeterias without fear that an intruder will come after them. I want high schoolers to get excited about going to college and finding themselves, not fearing that they may not even make it there.

Many people refer to us as living in the “Westport bubble.” That means we live in some form of perfected alternative reality, compared to the rest of the world. With the incidents last Tuesday, I believe that we are no different than the rest of the world.

Mass school shootings and gun violence are issues beyond our personal control. We are told “if you see something, say something,” but I think we can all agree we’ve seen enough.

I cannot stress more the need to pop this bubble, and let our voices be heard.

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This Is ABC, Part 5: A Driver, A Tutor, A Friend

Posted on March 2, 2018 | Comments Off on This Is ABC, Part 5: A Driver, A Tutor, A Friend

This week, “06880” introduced a new series. “This Is ABC” is a photo-essay project my sister, Susan Woog Wagner, and I began last fall. The goal is to highlight the many facets of A Better Chance of Westport — the program that provides academically gifted, economically disadvantaged and highly motivated young men of color the opportunity to live in Westport, and study at Staples High School.

Today’s post — the final in the series — features a volunteer driver, a tutor, and a friend of an ABC scholar.

SHERYL LAWRENCE: DRIVER

Hundreds of volunteers make A Better Chance run smoothly.

There are host families, tutors, administrators, Dream Event organizers and many more.

But it’s people like Sheryl Lawrence who — quite literally — go the extra mile.

Sheryl is an ABC driver. Her own children are no longer at Staples. But her daughter Lilly had taken a science course with Dr. Nick Morgan. At the time, he and his wife were resident directors at Glendarcy House. He often talked with his students about his wonderful experience there.

Meanwhile, Lilly shared nearly every class — for all 4 years — with A Better Chance scholar Shamir Clayton. She watched with admiration as he became an important and much-loved member of the school community — and, after graduation, moved on to Emory University.

Sheryl’s son entered Staples. For 3 years, Dr. Morgan was his Authentic Science Research teacher. He was still an ABC house parent — and still spoke often about the program.

“It stuck in my head after my kids were in college,” Sheryl says. “I realized, I have a car, and I have time. Driving seemed simple to me.”

The idea was “a no-brainer.” But, Sheryl adds, “I know it means a lot to kids who need to go somewhere.”

The process is simple. Every weekend, drivers get an email listing rides needed for the coming week. One boy might go to the YMCA at 3 p.m. on Tuesday; another might need a ride from Staples to the Westport library, then back to school for chorus. There are trips to the barber, dentist, skating rink, a classmate’s home to work on a school project, tutoring at Freudigman and Billings — pretty much the same as any other Staples kid without a car. (Even scholars who have a license are not allowed to drive. Nor are they permitted to walk from Staples to Glendarcy House after dark.)

Sheryl looked forward to getting to know the scholars. She says, “I know as a parent, you hear things in the car — from your own and other kids — you wouldn’t hear otherwise.”

Sheryl Lawrence (Photo/Susan Woog Wagner)

But she quickly learned there was far more to driving than just slipping behind the wheel, and keeping quiet.

“Once you start driving, you can’t not do it,” Sheryl insists. “We live in a wonderful area here. These kids are wonderful too. But this is a foreign land to them. The weather is cold, and the neighbors are all white.”

As she drives, Sheryl and her rider chat. They discuss families, pets, backgrounds and goals.

“It’s not delving,” she notes. “It’s a nice conversation with kids I wouldn’t have a chance to know otherwise.”

She got to know Manny Ogutu especially well. He liked to go to Winslow Park to walk. And every Friday, he treated himself to Chipotle.

“That was our thing,” Sheryl says. “I drove him every week. We got really close. We still keep in touch.”

She pauses. “Manny was my dad’s name too.”

Manny Ogutu developed a special relationship with Sheryl Lawrence.

When the scholars return from a college visit — sometimes driven there by board members — Sheryl hears their reactions. “College is a world I’m used to,” she says. “But I appreciate seeing it through other kids’ eyes.”

When they get accepted — sometimes as the first person in their family headed to college — she shares their enthusiasm and joy. She hears their concerns, and answers their questions.

They are always very appreciative of the rides. And the conversation.

“This is the most painless, easiest thing I can do,” Sheryl says. “Every person in the suburbs lives in their car. We go everywhere, all the time. Why wouldn’t I want to share my ride with someone?”

Sheryl downplays her role, with a little joke. “I’m just a cog in the wheel,” she says.

But every teenager needs wheels. Without her — and her many fellow volunteer drivers — our A Better Chance scholars would just be stuck in neutral.

KEVIN GREEN: TUTOR

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to tutor A Better Chance scholars.

But Kevin Green is one.

Literally.

A former financial analyst, University of Chicago researcher, and physics and astronomy professor at the University of Connecticut-Stamford, Kevin now teaches physics at the University of New Haven. He also works part-time as a solar project consultant.

He can talk about quantum theory, black holes and gravitational forces with anyone, any time. But he especially loves talking about them with the young men at Glendarcy House.

Kevin has been a science and math tutor there for 4 years. He volunteers his time and talents 2 nights a week.

Every night is different. Some boys come in with solid backgrounds. Others do not. All, he says, face the “cultural shock” of adapting to a new school, with rigorous academic standards.

Kevin Green works one-on-one with a scholar at Glendarcy House. (Photo/Susan Woog Wagner)

Surprisingly though, freshmen tend to ask the fewest questions. “I got it,” they tell Kevin. Juniors are most active in seeking his aid.

Physics is the hardest subject for many. “It’s always a treat to see when they suddenly grasp a concept,” he says.

Kevin helps with homework. But he avoids giving answers. He teaches the scholars how to learn independently.

His style is Socratic. “I push them toward the solution,” Kevin says. “They need to find it themselves.”

It’s important too to “raise the bar for them. They’re young, bright kids. They need to know how much they can achieve.”

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see how much potential each A Better Chance scholar has.

But being one sure helps.

BEN KLAU: FRIEND

Growing up in Westport, Ben Klau had little exposure to diversity. He met A Better Chance scholar Jarod Ferguson when both were freshmen football players. Ben’s mom was a volunteer driver, and gave Jarod rides home. The 9th graders played basketball together too.

Their friendship grew through radio. They did shows together on WWPT — Staples’ FM station. After Jarod left the football field for the radio booth, he announced Ben’s games.

They spend a couple of hours prepping for each broadcast — researching teams online, talking to coaches, figuring out what they’ll say and how they’ll say it. They work together setting up the equipment. After each game, they break the equipment down.

“Jarod is a lot of fun to work with,” Ben says. “He’s got a great radio personality. He’s energetic and passionate.”

Jarod Ferguson and Ben Klau in Staples High School’s WWPT-FM studio. (Photo/Susan Woog Wagner)

Their friendship extends beyond radio. They hang out after school, play basketball at the Y, and are in the same fantasy football league.

Thanks to Jarod, Ben understands a lot about ABC. He admires the scholars. “They’re all great kids,” he says. “They take full advantage of the opportunity. They really make the most of it.”

Ben has watched the scholars make friends, join sports and clubs, and adapt to Westport life. He’s learned too about Jarod’s life in Philadelphia. This summer, Ben will visit him there.

“I’ve gotten to hear about life outside the Westport bubble,” Ben says. “It’s given me an eye on how privileged we are. I’ve really gotten to see how special Staples is — the programs, the teachers, the way people care.”

Ben says, “most Staples kids think all the ABC kids come from dangerous places. That’s not always the case. But they do come here to get the best education they can. Maybe at home they don’t have all of Staples’ opportunities.”

A Better Chance, Ben says, “gives these guys a chance to be all they can be. And it gives us a chance to benefit from their perspectives.”

He pauses. “It’s amazing the trust their parents place in us.”

 (For information on A Better Chance of Westport, click here. For information on the Dream Event fundraiser on March 17, click here.)

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Next Generation Steps Up: Will Haskell Throws Hat In State Senate Ring

Posted on March 1, 2018 | 29 comments

In the summer of 2016, Will Haskell worked for the Democratic National Committee. Assigned to the “voter protection team,” he researched states that were making it harder for certain citizens — like young people and minorities — to vote.

The 2014 Staples High School graduate wondered what was happening in his home state. To his surprise, he says, he discovered that his own state senator — Toni Boucher — spent “2 decades making it harder to vote.” For example, he says, she opposed early voting, and tried to block online registration.

Then he dug deeper. He saw she’d opposed paid family leave bills, equal pay for equal work, and said that certain gun restrictions put in place after Sandy Hook went too far. She has previously received an A- rating from the National Rifle Association.

“Actually, I think we haven’t gone far enough on gun regulations,” he says. “Our tough gun laws made Connecticut one of the safest states in the country. But there is so much more we can do, from regulating conceal-carry to cracking down on bad-apple gun suppliers.”

Will Haskell and Darcy Hicks (center), at a Westport rally last year supporting gun legislation.

Haskell wondered who had run against her. He found out she’s had minimal opposition for years.

Which is why today, Will Haskell announces his candidacy for state senate from the 26th District.

He’s only 21. He still has a couple of months before he graduates from Georgetown University. He’s deferred enrollment in law school to run.

But he’s in it to win it.

Will Haskell

Haskell spent last summer working in the state’s public defender office, learning about the criminal justice system and the cost of mass incarceration. At night he traveled throughout the 7-town district, listening and learning about the people and issues.

One of the most important is transportation. Trains run slower today than they did in the 1950s, Haskell says — yet the transportation fund is regularly dipped into, for other uses. He supports a transportation “lockbox,” which he says Boucher opposes.

Another key issue is the number of young people leaving Connecticut. He looks at the current legislature, and sees virtually no one of his generation. He believes their voices must be heard.

“Toni Boucher says GE and Aetna left the state because of high taxes,” Haskell says. “But they’re moving to places with high taxes. There’s something more going on.

“We need to look at tax credits, to keep students from Connecticut’s great schools here after they graduate. We need paid family leave policies too.”

Haskell says the 26th district is “moderate.” Hillary Clinton won it by 23 points. He looks forward to working with anyone, of any party, to achieve his goals.

Fortunately, he says, running for office in Connecticut is not expensive. If he raises qualifying funds, he’ll have the same amount of money as his opponent. He’s already organized a series of fundraisers.

Haskell is not a political neophyte. In past years he’s worked on the successful campaigns of Senator Chris Murphy and Congressman Jim Himes, as well as with Hillary for America.

Will Haskell with Hillary Clinton.

Reaction to his candidacy has been positive, Haskell says. “I know I look more like 12 than 21. Most state senators don’t look like me. But that’s why I’m running. I, and people like me, have a stake in our future.”

He’s not apologizing for his age. Far from it.

One of his inspirations came from Barack Obama. In his farewell speech, the outgoing president urged anyone dissatisfied with the current political climate to “grab a clipboard, get some signatures and run for office yourself.” Haskell calls himself “a stakeholder in the future.”

Besides his age, Haskell faces the challenge of running against a well-known and respected incumbent. “I have to make sure people know her voting record,” Haskell says. “She’s opposed to voter accessibility, and criminal justice reform.”

As he travels through the district he hopes to represent — all of Westport, Wilton, Ridgefield and Redding, and parts of Weston, Bethel and New Canaan — Haskell will make his case.

“My platform emphasizes long-term investments in infrastructure, reliable funding for our schools, more robust cooperation between our towns and cities, addressing widespread opioid addiction as the public health crisis it is, and policies that will draw other young people to live and work in Connecticut.”

He’ll be helped by his years at Staples, where he talked about politics with social studies, English, even chemistry teachers. He was aided too by his years in the Players drama troupe. As a senior, he was elected Players president.  Being on stage, he says, “gave me the confidence to stand up and talk in front of others.” (He also became a noted voice speaking against cyber-bullying.)

Staples Players president Will Haskell, in “Avenue Q.” (Photo/Kerry Long)

Harking back to his summer with the DNC voter protection team, Haskell says, “Republicans don’t want my generation near the ballot.” This fall, he promises, “my generation will be on the ballot.”

 

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Posted in Arts, Economy, Local politics, Organizations, People, Politics, Staples HS

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PTA Thanks Cops

Posted on February 28, 2018 | 16 comments

In a show of appreciation, the Staples High School PTA and Westport PTA Council treated the Westport Police Department to lunch today.

The card below says it all:

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[OPINION] Staples Student: “I Shouldn’t Be Scared At School”

Posted on February 28, 2018 | 33 comments

A Staples High School student writes:

“You’re just a kid, you don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Except I do. I’m taught well and I follow the news. People, children, are dying because we have access to assault rifles.

When you want to make a point about how something is wrong, you say “think of the children.” But now the children are speaking out and all you can say is “you’re just kids.”

We are just kids, but even kids have opinions. Our opinion is that we shouldn’t fear being shot while we’re at school. You want us in school so we can gain knowledge and make our nation better.

You have the power to make our nation better right now by making it safer. In a population of 326 million, 73 million people are under 18. That’s around 8.5 times the population of New York City.

The founders of our nation believed in fighting for what you believe in. You’ll say those were different times. If those were different times, then why do you insist on committing to the 2nd Amendment? It was written in 1787.

Sophisticated assault weapons, when the 2nd Amendment was passed.

This is 2018. We’re a more advanced society now, and we need more advanced laws to fit. After 9/11, we said never again. We changed laws to make society safer. How many kids have to die at school before we change the laws to prevent those deaths? We are the future, and you’re letting us die.

I wrote that 2 days ago. Yesterday my school was evacuated because of a potential shooter threat. It’s a new feeling.

Whenever there is a shooting far away, I’m sad for everyone there. Whenever it’s nearby, I’m scared that it was so close.

This feeling was different. I was so utterly terrified of what could’ve happened. I shouldn’t have to text my family to let them know I’m safe, because I should be safe at school.

I shouldn’t be getting concerned messages from my family all over the world. I shouldn’t be scared at school.

This has to stop. We need to be safe. You’re letting us die because you want to keep your precious guns. Guns should not have more rights than the children of our nation. We need to stand up and fight back before we’re all gone.

Artwork by Elizabeth DeVoll, exhibited recently at the Westport Arts Center.

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Youth Concert Excites, Inspires And Awes

Posted on February 28, 2018 | Comments Off on Youth Concert Excites, Inspires And Awes

For decades, the Youth Concert has been a wintertime highlight — for performers and audiences alike.

Over 200 Staples High School students present a multimedia, interdisciplinary thematic show for every Westport 3rd through 6th grader.

Elementary and middle school music teachers prepare their students well. Their kids are engaged and excited.

Many of the Staples musicians on stage remember well their own excitement, sitting in the audience a few years earlier. For some, it sparked their passion for music and the arts.

This year’s theme was “Global Cultures.” And — for the first time ever — there was an encore performance at night, for parents.

Jim Honeycutt — who retired 2 years ago as a Media Lab video production teacher — loves the Youth Concert. He came back this year to tape the evening show.

He produced 2 videos. One includes the multimedia video shown above the performing musicians, on a screen. The other is without it.

Enjoy either (or both). You’ll be amazed at the talents of our high school students.

And — like their young audiences — inspired by the power of music.

(Staples’ Youth Concert musicians were led by Adele Valovich [orchestra], Nick Mariconda [band] and Luke Rosenberg [vocal].)

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Unsung Heroes #37

Posted on February 28, 2018 | 25 comments

In the aftermath of yesterday’s threatened shooting at Staples High School, there are a host of heroes.

Among them:

  • Superintendent of schools Colleen Palmer, and her central office staff
  • Staples High School administrators and counselors, who acted quickly and decisively, after receiving information about the threat from…
  • …A student who knew exactly what to do — and had the courage to do it — upon hearing of a potential threat
  • Staples teachers, paraprofessionals, support staff, cafeteria workers — you name it — who had never practiced a “shelter in place” drill, but showed calm, caring professionalism all day
  • Staples students themselves. Though worried, they listened to directions, followed them, helped each other — friends and strangers — and made a difficult day as okay as it could be
  • Westport police, who raced to Staples, worked seamlessly with educators, and helped create a sense of order, security and safety. Police also…
  • … worked with Staples’ custodial staff, to ensure that the entire sprawling building was safe

  • The school system’s transportation coordinator, and everyone at Dattco. Drivers — most of whom live out of town — came in quickly from wherever they were, and helped coordinate an orderly early dismissal
  • First selectman Jim Marpe, who worked with Palmer and Police Chief Foti Koskinas to coordinate town efforts
  • The Board of Education, who were in the loop and supportive too.

There may be others I have missed. Everyone above will probably say, “I was just doing my job.”

Of course, that’s easier said than done. All did their jobs wonderfully. They did them together, as a team — with people they’ve worked with for years, and those they’d never met.

Westport averted a tragedy yesterday. It didn’t happen by accident.

It happened because we have an amazing town.

One filled with Unsung Heroes.

 

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This Is ABC, Part 3: A Host Family, And An Advisor

Posted on February 28, 2018 | 3 comments

On Monday, “06880” introduced a new series. “This Is ABC” is a photo-essay project my sister, Susan Woog Wagner, and I began last fall. The goal is to highlight the many facets of A Better Chance of Westport — the program that provides academically gifted, economically disadvantaged and highly motivated young men of color the opportunity to live in Westport, and study at Staples High School.

Today’s post features an ABC host family, and a Staples High School teacher.

——————————————

THE PROPPS: HOST FAMILY

Suzanne Sherman Propp grew up in Westport with 3 siblings, in a close-knit family. She and her husband Peter have 2 children, Rose and Bennett. As a music teacher at Greens Farms Elementary School, her life is filled with kids.

So when a friend suggested she and her husband would make a great A Better Chance host family, they considered it. But the timing was not right.

Then 6 years ago, Eric Seidman became president of ABC’s Westport board. He and Suzanne had been classmates at Colgate University. The Propps got to know the organization well.

One day, Suzanne saw Rose at a Staples High School football game. She was hanging out with Khaliq Sanda, an ABC scholar. “He was like a magnet,” she says of his outgoing personality.

She and Peter thought again about being a host parent. Rose and Bennett were all in.

The application process included questions about how the family spends typical weekends. Hiking, concerts, movies, hanging out, occasional trips to New York, they wrote. They were approved, and looked excitedly toward meeting Manny Ogutu.

“It was love at first sight,” Suzanne recalls of that first day at Glendarcy House. “He gave us the warmest, nicest hug!”

He spent his first weekend — Labor Day — at their house. That’s when she discovered he loves apples. A lot. Little things like stocking the kitchen counter with apples went a long way.

Manny Ogutu, with an apple.

For 4 years, Manny spent 3 Sundays a month — from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. — with the Propps. One weekend a month, they shared the entire weekend. (A second family hosted Manny whenever the Propps could not.)

Manny and the Propps developed comfortable routines. Peter and Manny bonded over a shared love of superhero films. They also plowed through the original “Star Trek” series.

Manny is “a good kid with a great heart,” Suzanne says. Time together included “eating, crashing, homework, hanging out.” Peter taught Manny how to ride a bike, and make a bacon egg and cheese sandwich. They took him to Six Flags, and “Kinky Boots.” When Manny went to the prom, they took photos.

But Manny was more than a member of the Propp family. He joined the extended Sherman clan too. Suzanne’s siblings, nieces, nephews and parents get together often. Manny was embraced by all. He returned the love.

Manny Ogutu (rear), with the extended Propp and Sherman families.

Manny called Suzanne’s parents by their nicknames: Papa and Savta. He wrestled with the cousins, and did a Final Four bracket with everyone. “He’s like a mensch!” Suzanne marvels.

Manny developed a special relationship with Suzanne’s father, Larry (“Savta”).

In the same way, she and Peter became part of Manny’s family. They spoke every week with Manny’s father Nash, and his mother Stephanie. Suzanne sent photos galore.

During the college process, the Propps took Manny to schools like Colgate and (with Nash) Union. Nash came from Bayonne, New Jersey to join Manny and the Propps for special events like Passover, Shabbat dinner and bat mitzvahs.

Over their 4 years together, the relationship evolved. In the beginning, Peter says, “we didn’t know if we were there for support and kindness, or if we should insert ourselves more in his life.”

They struck a balance. When Manny mentioned difficulty seeing a clock, the Propps worked with ABC to make sure he saw an eye doctor, and got new glasses.

Manny enjoys Halloween with the Propps.

Sometimes they followed his lead. When Manny was interested in doing the AIDS Walk in New York, they joined him.

“Manny is naturally happy and content,” Suzanne says. “I’m not sure how much we really did for him. I think he knows a lot of people in our family care for him, and he felt very comfortable with us. And he got a lot of support from many other people in Westport too.”

As for the hosts, Suzanne says, “I got another kid to love like crazy.”

Suzanne Sherman Propp, and Manny Ogutu.

“We love this area. But there’s not a lot of diversity,” Peter notes. “We believe it’s important to get to know a ton of people. You have to get involved personally to affect change. Getting to know Manny helped us. He inspired me to do more entrepreneurial work in Norwalk. And Manny showed me the importance of embracing opportunities and relationships.”

Being a host family is satisfying. But it takes work.

“You can’t be passive,” Peter explains. “You have to be willing to get involved. When your kid is around, he should be a priority — just like with your own child. You have to make sure he gets discipline, quiet, sleep, transportation and food.”

“You can’t project your own image onto him,” Suzanne explains. “You have to find out what makes him happy. And then support him as much as you can, no matter what the challenges.”

Peter Propp helped Manny learn to ride a bike.

Manny is now a freshman at Carleton College in Minnesota. He and the Propps text and call often.

Suzanne says, “Manny was a gift. He was the perfect addition to our family. I cry every time I think about it.

And, she adds, “There’s always a bed for him here.”

Manny with part of the Propp and Sherman extended family, at the holidays.

MAGGIE GOMEZ:  TEACHER/ADVISOR

In 2004, A Better Chance was a new organization. Board member Mary Lou Huisking — a Staples High School staff member — asked newly hired math teacher Maggie Gomez to serve as a one of the first ABC “mentors.”

It was an inspired choice. After graduating from Greenwich High School and Union College, Maggie taught in Barbados, then served in Malawi with the Peace Corps. She was used to helping in any way she could.

Maggie was matched with Charles Winslow. He was also one of her 9th grade students. “We were both new to Staples,” she recalls. “We figured things out together.”

They ate lunch once a week, in the math office, throughout his 4 years at Staples. Steadily, their relationship grew.

“He gave me great insight into A Better Chance,” Maggie says. “The boys make it seem easy, but I got to understand their struggles. What they do is really, really hard. They’re always under the microscope. Not many teenagers would leave their friends, and go to a foreign environment where they’re always scrutinized. I give them lots of credit.”

Their bonds remained strong, long after Charles graduated. When he got married in Florida, Maggie was there.

So were the scholars he had shared Glendarcy House with, and his host parents. The connections forged in Westport reinforced for Maggie the importance of A Better Chance, for everyone involved.

“I was so flattered to be invited,” she said. “This is what it’s all about: a great support system, and seeing how it continues.”

Maggie Gomez meets with an ABC scholar. (Photo/Susan Woog Wagner)

The program gradually phased out teacher mentors. But Maggie remains involved. She’s now the “faculty academic liaison,” serving as a bridge between Staples and the ABC board.

Part of her role is speaking with the scholars’ teachers, especially before ABC’s academic standards committee quarterly meetings.

Almost always, she says, teachers compliment the students. “They’re so well-spoken and reflective,” teachers tell Maggie.

“Even the freshmen,” she marvels. “And even with the less-than-stellar stuff. These kids are held to really high standards. I’m astounded how well they do — and in hard classes. Then they run track, or play in the band. Their time management skills are really impressive.”

She checks in with the scholars too, asking about classes and making sure seniors are on track with college application processes.

Maggie is also involved in the selection process for new scholars. She helps organize tours of the school, making sure to pair Student Ambassadors with prospective students who share their interests and personalities.

But she’ll always have a soft spot in her heart for Charles. Maggie’s first mentee spent a Semester at Sea while attending Cornell University. He gave Maggie a picture of himself, standing in front of the Taj Mahal.

“I see it every day,” Maggie notes. “It reminds me of the amazing things he’s doing, and how important this program is for so many people.”

 (More “This Is ABC” stories will be posted tomorrow. For information on A Better Chance of Westport, click here. For information on the Dream Event fundraiser on March 17, click here.)

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Westport Parent Explains “Grateful Tears”

Posted on February 28, 2018 | 5 comments

A Westport mother writes:

My kids are in middle school and elementary school. Yesterday, I kept thinking of my son who is right next door to Staples, at Bedford.

Like many parents I’m so worried about our kids, going back to Newtown. Thankfully, yesterday’s outcome was as positive as it could be. I do feel for the kid who made the threat. It’s sad to see someone so troubled that they felt that this was a possible option.

I just brought my son to Bedford. I became teary, seeing a police officer out front and camera crews at the end of the Staples driveway.

They were grateful tears. Tears of relief seeing the officer. I was thinking about superintendent of schools Colleen Palmer, and the police caring about our kids so much. In that moment I felt so proud.

Trying to hide my own emotions, I asked my son if he wanted me to walk him in. With a shrug he said, “I’m fine Mom.”

He gave our dog a pat on the head through the back seat window, and off he went. Just like it was any other day.

Back to school, feeling safe and proud.

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Posted in Children, Education, Police, Staples HS

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Staples Ski Team Has A Special Fan

Posted on February 28, 2018 | 11 comments

For everyone associated with Staples High School — students, staff and parents — yesterday was tough. An overheard threat led to a lockdown, early dismissal, and plenty of fear.

But life goes on. Today, the boys ski team has its state meet.

Last night, they got together at Angelina’s for pre-race pasta. One of the main topics of conversation was the day’s events.

When it came time to pay, they found the bill had already been settled.

In its place was this note:

The team is grateful to its anonymous, Staples alumnus fan.

They’ll do their best today to make us proud.

Just as — every day — the school’s students, staff and administrators try to do.

(Hat tip: Susan Steele)

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