Category Archives: Teenagers

Westport Teens, By The Numbers

Posted on November 21, 2024 | 30 comments

When the Board of Education meets tonight (Thursday, November 21, 7 p.m., Staples cafeteria), they’ll receive 2 reports.

One describes what happens in the classroom: standardized testing, college acceptances and more, for Staples High School’s Class of 2024.

The other tells what happens outside of school: the most recent youth survey of students in grades 7-12.

Let’s begin with the seniors, who graduated in June.

The 426 graduates are attending 176 different post-secondary institutions. The overwhelming majority — 93.1% — are in 4-year colleges.

Another 2.1% are in 2-year colleges. Just 0.5% are at post-grad, vocational or other higher education institutions.

1.7% of the Class of ’24 are taking a gap year. 0.9% entered the military. 1.6% went directly into the workforce, or are classified as “other.”

The Top 5 college in terms of attendance are Syracuse University (14 current Staples freshmen), the University of Connecticut (including regional campuses — 12); the University of Colorado (11), and Indiana University and Northeastern University (10 each).

The top 5 college in terms of applicants from last year’s seniors: UConn (152 applications), Indiana (85), Pennsylvania State University (81), the University of Colorado (76) and Elon University (64).

28% of students applied for local or community scholarships. 13% said they intended to play an intercollegiate sport. 7% said they applied to a visual or performing arts program.

40% of students submitted test scores to all colleges. 26% submitted some. 34% did not submit test scores to any college.

The 3 most important factors in the college search and selection process were academic programs, location, and activities/campus life, students said.

In terms of standardized testing, the composite mean ACT score was 29.3. The total mean SAT score was 1229.

Last spring, a total of 577 students (including non-seniors) took a total of 1,338 Advanced Placement exams. The mean score was 4.3.

So what happens outside beyond the school day?

Last February, Westport’s Departmentn of Human Services and Positive Directions sruveyed a random sample of students in grades 7-12. Among the findings:

Use of alcohol, cannabis and vaping has decreased since the 2021 survey. Other substance use (tobacco, misues of prescription drugs) remains minimal, at 1%.

Substance use rates are “particularly low at the middle schoo level, and remain low through 10th grade.”

The “large majority” of high school students do not report any substance use. According to the survey, 75% of Staples students do not drink; 91% do not use cannabis, and 92% do not vape.

Most Westport teenagers 16 and older do not drive under the influence of alcohol or cannabis, the report found. However, 8% report that they have ridden with a driver under the influence. And 12% have texted while driving.

Fewer than 10 Staples students reported using hallucinogens, meth, heroin, fentanyl, MOMA, cocaine, crack or inhalants.

Students with Individualized Education Programs use cannabis at three time the rate of students without IEPs, and vape at twice the non-IEP rate. In 12th grade, 53% of students with IEPs reported using cannabis.

Alcohol use among Westport seniors is 1.6 times the national rate (38% here, versus 24% nationally).

The report says the local rate “may reflect a common parenting misperception that youth should ‘learn’ to drink before college.”

In 2021, 60% of seniors said that they drank.

Though cigarette smoking in 12th grade is low (4%), it is double the 2% reported in 2021. 5% of students use nicotine pouches.

22% of 7th graders do not believe it is harmful to binge drink 5+ drinks once or twice a week.

15% of 7th gaders do not see vaping nicotine or marijuana as risky.

In 12th grade, 51% of students believe that using cannabis once or twice a week is not harmful.

The report also notes that fewer than 2/3 of teenagers say that their parents “takek steps to prevent youth from accessing or using substances at home.”

54% of youth who drink get their alcohol from an adult family member, with permission.

More than half of students who use alcohol or cannabis do so at their own home, or a friend’s home.

39% of youth who drink do so at home, with a parent or guardian present.

Finally, the report says, “gambling is emerging as a popular risky behavior.” 23% of students have gambled on fantasy or real sports, scratch tickets, online, or poker.

(“06880” regularly covers education, youth issues, and Westport life. If you appreciate our work, please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)

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Teens Turn Antisemitism Into Teachable Moment

Posted on November 20, 2024 | 13 comments

A disturbing antisemitic incident has had a very positive outcome.

Late Monday evening, Rabbi Michael Friedman sent this message to his Temple Israel congegants:

Dear Friends,

A few weeks ago, on the day before Kol Nidrei, and just a few days after the first anniversary of October 7, a swastika was etched on the football locker of a Jewish student at Weston High School.

A swastika etched on a Jewish student’s locker is different from a swastika drawn, for example, on a bathroom stall or the seat of a school bus (both of which have also happened locally in recent years), because this is a targeted act.

But the story I want to tell you is not one of persecution and antisemitism. Instead, this is a story of resilience and pride, and about the great faith we should have in the next generation.

The student on whose locker the swastika was etched — who grew up here at Temple Israel — was brave enough to inform coaches and the athletic director.

Weston High School athletics

Then later that very evening another Jewish student on the football team — also a Temple Israel student — recorded a courageous and emotional message to his teammates about the impact this swastika had on him, and posted it on the team’s internal chat.

The school administration and town police swiftly coordinated a thorough investigation, according to the policies and procedures that they have in place. Ultimately the investigation was inconclusive; we don’t know who etched the swastika.

A group of Temple Israel teens had recently formed the Jewish Student Union at Weston High School, and swiftly jumped into action.

They approached the principal and administration, advocating for a schoolwide assembly to address the incident. These teen leaders envisioned, shaped, organized, executed and led that schoolwide assembly on Friday morning. They demonstrated initiative and leadership throughout the process.

The assembly included words from the targeted student, the testimony of a Holocaust survivor which was paired with an engaging video, and a message from Senator Blumenthal that the students them themselves had reached out and obtained.

The students also asked me to speak. I taught about the power of symbols, which not only stand for something concrete but also invoke certain emotions and feelings.

I showed a series of symbols on the screen and asked students to share what that symbol made them feel.

When we got to the swastika, Jewish students were able to share in front of their peers how the etching of a swastika on a Jewish student’s locker made them feel targeted, and how the act reverberated throughout the Jewish community of our town.

Finally a representative from the ADL taught about strategies by which one can oppose hate.

The assembly was an excellent and impactful educational experience for the entire school. I want to underscore that the students themselves envisioned, created, shaped and ran the assembly from start to finish. And I credit the school administration for trusting and supporting them, and for giving them the opportunity to stand up and lead.

I am so very proud of the Temple Israel teens who took action following this antisemitic incident.

When the response to an act of hate could have been fear or silence, what the high school community saw instead was courage and pride. Each of them — starting with the one whose locker was targeted, continuing to his football teammate, and then to the many leaders of the JSU — provide a model for all of us.

Many of them began in our Early Childhood Center. All of them were (or are) students in our Kesher program. They embody what success looks like for all our children: to be knowledgeable and proud Jews, and when the time comes for them to act in the world, they do so with courage and integrity.

Thanks to them, even in these trying times which can often feel very dark, we know that the future is very bright.

L’shalom,
Rabbi Michael S. Friedman

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Posted in Education, religion, Sports, Teenagers, Weston

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Need An Intern? Staples High Program Needs You!

Posted on November 8, 2024 | 2 comments

Staples High School’s Internship Program is a win-win-win.

Every spring, talented and eager seniors leave school 3 weeks before graduation. They spend those final weeks out in the real world.

They work everywhere: retail stores, salons, restaurants, non-profits, medical offices, financial firms, design shops, farms, marketing companies, photography studios, publishers … you name it. If there’s a job to be learned and done, they do it.

(And not just in Westport. Interns head to New York City — even beyond.)

The work and real life experience they gain is invaluable. The energy, creativity — and help — they bring to the workplace is huge. And the internships get them out of high school at a time when senioritis would otherwise kick in (that’s the third “win”).

This is not a 2020 photo. For many years, Staples interns have worked at hospitals, medical clinics and doctors’ offices.

But as hard as they work, the program coordinators work equally hard right now arranging 420 or so internships.

So they’re asking the greater “06880” community: Can you help?

Do you need a senior (or two, or three) for daily onsite (or remote) work? Perhaps you’re beefing up your social media presence. Or looking for research help, design work, web content, data entry. Or hundreds of other tasks.

You can be a small, medium or large size firm– or a single proprietor. Maybe you were an intern once yourself, and want to give back.

Internships begin May 19. Students are expected to work 5 hours a day for 3 weeks, onsite, remotely or in a hybrid model. Program leaders provide guidance and oversight.

If interested, or to learn more, email program directors Jessica Larit and Lauren Goldshore: shsinternship@westportps.org.

These students capped their internship at a local kitchen with a delicious party.

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Posted in Local business, Staples HS, Teenagers

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Staples Players’ “Elf”: The Holiday Magic We All Need

Posted on November 7, 2024 | 1 comment

After a bitterly contentious election season, we all need to chill.

And what better way than by welcoming the holiday season early, with the beloved (and wintry) “Elf.”

Staples Players presents their first-ever production of the show this month. The choice was hardly random.

“With the state of the country the way it was, with everyone on edge, we wanted to do something that was just fun,” says Players’ co-director David Roth.

“This is all about positive thoughts. Buddy the Elf is so optimistic. He loves people and Christmas, and wants to spread cheer.”

Seamus Brannigan (double cast as Buddy) and Chloe Carson (double cast as Jovie). (Photo/Kerry Long)

Roth and co-director Kerry Long are not the only ones wanting to put a smile on audience’s faces. “Elf” opens on Broadway the same weekend the Staples curtain rises.

And Pottery Barn is one of several retailers to roll out a special “Elf” line this season.

It’s the right musical at the right time for Westport audiences. And “Elf” comes from the same script, music and lyric writers who created “Prom” — last year’s very popular Players production — and “The Drowsy Chaperone,” one of Roth and Long’s favorite shows.

“It’s a really funny book,” Roth says. “The play has its own humor and personality. It’s different from the movie, for people who are only familiar with that Will Ferrell version.”

Rehearsals have been “a lot of fun,” notes the director. “We laugh a lot. The kids are loving it. There’s a lot of good, positive energy, which they really need in their lives right now.”

Blake Raho (center) as Walter, with dancing castmates. (Photo/Kerry Long)

It is, he admits, “bizarre” to have been in holiday mode since auditions in September. And, though it’s still early November, “backstage looks like Santa’s workshop.”

The auditorium, meanwhile, will look festive too. Players encourages everyone to dress in fun holiday clothes: ugly sweaters, elf costumes, whatever looks festive.

Audience members are encouraged to bring unwrapped toys and/or new winter clothing. They’ll be donated to those in need, through Person to Person.

Just one more reason that everyone will leave “Elf” smiling.

(Performances are Friday and Saturday evenings, November 15, 16, 21, 22 and 23, 7 p.m.; matinees November 16, 17 and 23, 2 p.m. Click here for tickets. Though some shows may be sold out, tickets are often available at the door.)

Sara Stanley and Will McCrea (double cast as Jovie and Buddy). (Photo/Kerry Long)

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Posted in Entertainment, Staples HS, Teenagers

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The Yankees May Not Win The World Series. But Last Night, They Proved They Are World Champs.

Posted on October 30, 2024 | 10 comments

Some people love the New York Yankees. Some hate them.

This story will make even the most rabid Boston Red Sox fan say: “Go Yanks!”

Last Friday, Sara Deren — founder and CEO of Experience Camps, the Westport-based program for youngsters who have lost parents or siblings — got an email from a Fairfield mom.

Her son Declan has spent 4 years at Experience Camps. She wanted to know if anyone, anywhere could give Declan a chance to go to the World Series.

The mom wrote:

Declan and his dad Matt never missed a Yankee game. The Yankees were a humungous part of Declan’s life with Matt. They watched all the games and did everything Yankee together.

When Matt’s life was tragically cut short, Declan found life unbearable. At 9 years old, his grief was so deep it was as if his heart was ripped out of his chest. 

The Yankees’ making it to the World Series has been unexpectedly healing for Declan. I can’t quite explain it. I never realized the tremendous role the Yankees play in Declan’s grief.

Sara contacted some people at the Yankees. She met them in June, when the Yankees honored Experience Camps.

The next day, Declan and his older brother had tickets to Game 4.

Sara went to Declan’s house on Sunday. Pretending to interview him for social about his dad and the Yankees, she surprised him by telling him he was going to the World Series. (Click here for the video.)

Declan discusses his dad, for social media.

On Tuesday, the 14-year-old was at Yankee Stadium. He wore a photo of his dad around his neck — and a smile as wide as the outfield fence (even before the team won).

Declan, with his dad …

What could be better?

Well, he caught a ball during batting practice!

Declan, with his batting practice ball.

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Christian & Kyle: Teens Detail Their Lives

Posted on October 30, 2024 | 5 comments

Christian Rinaldi and Kyle Dulak pay attention to detail.

The Staples High School seniors have all the usual responsibilities: academics, sports, social lives.

But they also run CK Car Detailings. Since the summer they’ve washed, polished the exteriors, and scrubbed the interiors, of over 70 vehicles.

Virtually all of their customers have been delighted. (One was not — even after they returned a second time. But that was her issue. She didn’t even have access to water for them.)

Christian Rinaldi (left) and Kyle Dulak, on the job.

Car detailing is more than a job for the longtime friends. It is their passion.

“It’s almost therapeutic for me,” says Kyle.

“I wake up Saturday morning ready to detail,” Christian adds. “It doesn’t feel like work. I’m happy. And I’m doing it with my best friend.”

(Being a teenager, Kyle once slept through his alarm. Christian drove over and walked into his room to wake him.)

The business was Christian’s idea. His father has a Mustang, and Christian has always been a car guy. “They’re inanimate objects, but they bring me a lot of happiness,” he says.

He bought a Golf, and went to work: modified exhaust, down pipe, window tints, bucket seats. He paid for it all himself.

The money comes from his and Kyle’s hard work. Their interior detailing includes taking out the mats, vacuuming, removing stains, steam cleaning, shampooing carpets and seats, then wiping the steering wheel, dash and windows.

A very clean interior … 

They use a foam cannon and pressure washer — not a hose — on the exterior (including of course the wheels and rims).

Christian and Kyle bought all their equipment themselves. This is very much their business. They have figured it out, all along the way.

They watch “countless” YouTube videos on detailing, and have gone to the library.

… along with one shiny exterior …

In the beginning, they practiced on family cars. They still use those vehicles to test new materials.

The boys guarantee 100% satisfaction. “If you want a touch-up, or we missed a spot, we’ll come back to you,” Christian says.

They’ve learned a lot. For example: Minivans are the toughest vehicles to clean, because they’re used every day to haul kids.

They learned the importance of pleasing their customers, too. Happily, Christian says, “people respect our hustle. We get a lot of tips.”

They do hustle. They work 3 days a week after school — and after Christian’s soccer and Kyle’s basketball practice. They’ve done up to 8 cars on a weekend.

One night this summer, they worked until 11.

… and another.

“I’m a big car guy,” Christian — who is Staples’ varsity goalkeeper, and hopes to open his own garage one day — says. “I want to learn all about them.”

Kyle — a basketball player who also draws and plays guitar — notes, “Making a dirty car spotless, you feel good about yourself.”

“To a lot of people, their car is their second home,” Christian says. “It’s where they spend a lot of time. Our customers give us permission to get inside that home. It’s a big responsibility.”

Tires and rims are looking good.

It’s easy to bash the work ethic of today’s teenagers, or to say “kids don’t know what it’s like to have a real job.”

It’s also easy to excuse them for not working; hey, they’ve got too much on their plate already.

Christian Rinaldi and Kyle Dulak prove otherwise.

Just ask them for details.

(Christian and Kyle charge $65 for a sedan or coupe, $85 for an SUV or minivan, and $100 for a truck or commercial van. They also offer add-ons, like headlight and black trim restoration, ceramic coating with 2-year protection, engine bay renewal, odor removal, and shampooing seats and carpets.

(You can email them at ckcardetailings@gmail.com, call 203-725-4695, and follow them on Instagram: @c_kdetailing.)

Engine bay renewal is one of my great options.

(“06880” often highlights impressive teenagers, and local businesses. Sometimes they intersect. Please click here, to help us continue this important coverage. Thank you!)

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Posted in Local business, Staples HS, Teenagers, Transportation

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A Better Chance: Offering Life (And Life-Changing) Experiences

Posted on October 1, 2024 | 1 comment

For over 20 years, A Better Chance of Westport has provided academically gifted and highly motivated young men of color the opportunity for an education at Staples High School.

Several dozen teenagers have seized that chance. They’ve taken full advantage of the school’s many academic, arts, athletic and other offerings.

They’ve also taken part in enrichment activities throughout town, and nearby. Westport has opened its arms to the ABC scholars, who come from New York City and New Jersey. They’ve rewarded us with their hard work, inspiring personalities, and post-college successes.

This year, those scholars have an even better chance of achieving their dreams.

Thanks to a generous grant from the Westport Young Woman’s League — and the creativity and passion of executive directors of student life Daniele Dickerson and Dale Mauldin — there is a renewed focus on the 7 teenagers’ intellectual, artistic and cultural exposure and enrichment.

Through visits to museums, restaurants and Wakeman Town Farm, plus experiences like kayaking, in Westport, New York and beyond, the husband-and-wife directors hope to fill the scholars’ lives with the kinds of experiences many Westport youths take for granted.

ABC has always had a budget for outings and events. But, Dickerson says, the WYWL grant “completely changed the scope of our activities. Using the muscle of trying new things can be life-changing. We’re super grateful.”

Kayaking on the Saugatuck River was one of the first activities this year. Most of the scholars had never done anything like that. The Sea Kayak Connecticut guides were “knowledgeable and great,” Dickerson says. “The kids had so much fun — and learned a lot.”

Everyone onto the water! 

Hungry Pot — the Korean BBQ restaurant — welcomed the scholars recently. In addition to a tasty meal, they learned about culture.

A discussion about K-pop music elicited many different perspectives. “It was really interesting,” Dickerson says. “They were so smart and insightful.”

The directors plan to introduce the scholars to many more cuisines and cultures, via food.

“Restaurants are the gateway to being global citizens,” Dickerson says. “It’s such a joy to see these young people try something for the first time. They picked out different meats, sides and sauces, and did the grilling.”

Similarly, Wakeman Town Farm offered a “farm to table” cooking class.

The scholars toured the farm, learned how the food they would eat is grown, met the animals, had fun — and were introduced to “a life skill,” Dickerson says.

“Farm to Table” day at Wakeman Town Farm.

A trip to the HBCU Classic — the Howard University vs. Morehouse College football game at MetLife Stadium, complete with a battle of the bands — mesmerized the young men.

The HBCU Classic, at MetLife Stadium. 

The scholars prepared for the new school year with a book club. During the summer they read “Ready Player One,” a science fiction novel involving technology, simulation and gaming.

Over dinner, the teens discussed it with ABC board members.

There will be more book club meetings ahead.

Clean plates and open minds, at the Glendarcy House Book Club meeting.

As the weather cools, the excursions will move indoors. Trips to New York museums, art classes and other experiences are planned for the fall and winter.

“So many people are scared of what they don’t know, or of meeting different people,” Dickerson says.

“We want to expose the scholars to as many experiences and people as we can.”

The Westport Young Woman’s League grant is helping them do that. So are Dickerson and Mauldin’s creativity at finding those experiences and people, and connecting the scholars with them.

It’s all part of the many important life experiences 7 great young men are enjoying, through A Better Chance of Westport.

And through the generosity, and genuine interest, of many others in town too.

(To learn more about A Better Chance of Westport — including how to volunteer and donate — click here.)

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Westport Says Goodbye To Max

Posted on September 18, 2024 | 2 comments

On a warm, late-summer day, Max Harper’s family, friends and those who wished they had known him bid farewell.

The 18-year-old Staples High School senior died last week, on his dirt bike not far from his home.

All after-school activities were canceled yesterday, so students could attend the poignant service by the Compo Beach cannons.

Max’s dad spoke, as did Staples principal Stafford Thomas, Greens Farms Academy head Bob Whelan (Max’s previous school), and several friends.

Near the end, yarn balls were passed out. Everyone held on, connecting the large group.

Then the crowd made their way to the shore, and placed petals on the water.

Greens Farms Academy head Bob Whelan (right) addresses Max’s friends from 2 schools. Staples principal Stafford Thomas stands nearby (jacket, hands clasped).

(All photos/Luca Caniato, Staples High School Class of 2025)

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Staples Administrator: “We Have Lost Someone Special”

Posted on September 12, 2024 | 6 comments

Pat Micinilio is Staples High School’s assistant principal for the Class of 2025.

That’s the senior class Max Harper was part of.

In the aftermath of his tragic death yesterday, in a dirt bike accident, the assistant principal offers these thoughts. He incorporates some insights from Max’s counselor, Mattie Sokoloski.

Max was a beloved student at Staples High School.

I know this is said too often, but Max truly did have a larger-than-life personality.

He had only been at Staples for a little over a year, but he made his presence known from the moment he stepped onto campus.

Max Harper

He had an engaging and warm personality, filled with enthusiasm and happiness. Because of his genuine warmth, he quickly made friends here, and had so many of them.

Students were drawn to him, as evidenced by all of the kids who sat with him at lunch, walked with him in the hallways, or worked out with him in the fitness center after school.

He was such a bright spot in so many people’s day. And he had, perhaps, the best manners of any teenager with whom I have ever worked.

He was a “please” and “thank you” kid. No matter what kind of conversation we had in my office, he ended every one of those conversations with “I appreciate you.”

In fact, those were the last words he said to me.

Max loved to chat it up with many of us about his future plans. He had so many dreams and ambitions.

He often talked of wanting to start up new and unique businesses. From a clothing line to a construction business to working on automobiles, he had his sights high.

With Max’s personality, there was no doubt he would have had an amazing future in whatever avenue he decided to explore.

Max truly discovered his true self here at Staples, and flourished. He helped to make our school a brighter place by his sheer presence.

Staples assistant principal Pat Micinilio (right), speaking about Max Harper at this morning’s Compo Beach memorial. (Photo courtesy of Inklings)

Max was strong-willed and passionate about the people and things that were important to him. His ability to connect with others, no matter who they were, was unmatched.

He never shied away from a conversation or meeting someone new.

Even if you only met Max once, he was a friend for life. He greeted everyone in the hallway, no matter if he knew them or not.

His kind, laid back and fun-spirited nature made his peers gravitate to him. To know Max was to love Max.

His love for life and his big dreams were an inspiration to all. His impact on our school and our community is a true testament to how special a person Max is. He was one of a kind.

The loss we are feeling now is because of how special Max was, and how much he meant to so many at Staples.

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Staples Community Honors Max Harper

Posted on September 12, 2024 | 10 comments

Hundreds of Staples High School students gathered this morning at Compo Beach, for an emotional memorial to senior Max Harper.

The 18-year-old was killed yesterday on his dirt bike, in a collision with a truck near his Old Hill Road home.

The event — organized by students, and held an hour before a delayed school opening — included words from Max’s father, several friends of Max’s, and family friends; Ed Wooldridge, Staples’ school resource officer; and Pat Micinilio, assistant principal for the Class of 2025.

Many students brought flowers. Somberly, they placed them in the water, then watched them bob gently in the quiet tide.

Max Halper’s father embraces a memorial attendee. (All photos/Luca Caniato)

(Photo/Andrew Colabella)

 

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