Posted onFebruary 2, 2026|Comments Off on Scarice Update: Weather, Strategic Plan, AI, Screen Time …
Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice sends this update:
We have crossed the mid-point of the school year and our February Recess is just a couple of weeks away.
Winter Weather Decisions
It looks like we dodged a major blizzard this weekend. That said, our consulting meteorologist is predicting a series of storms and continued cold temperatures throughout February. Sorry to be the bearer of that news!
Since this is the time of year when weather decisions tend to come up a lot, I wanted to share a bit about how those calls are made. When conditions require a delay or closure, I do my best to make a final decision by 5:30 a.m. This typically follows an early morning regional call between 4 and 4:30 with area superintendents and our consulting meteorologist (the entire region uses the same service).
Whenever possible I make the decision the night before, though that’s relatively rare as weather has a habit of changing its mind overnight. Many factors go into these decisions, including temperature differences across town, conditions from the northern side of town to southern side, and coordination with the town on road clearing.
February break may spare us at least one winter weather decision, but early forecasts suggest we may still be looking at snow on the ground well into March. Seems like the groundhog and meteorologists are on the same page…and winter is in no hurry to leave.
As always, thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate an old-fashioned New England winter together.
Snow day!
District Strategic Plan
Since the presentation of our AI Strategic Plan in November, several initiatives are now underway. All of this work is grounded in our commitment to being “AI-Powered and Human-Centered,”using technology thoughtfully while keeping students, learning, and well-being at the center.
Our guiding approach is simple: Go slow to go fast. Rather than rushing new tools or expectations into classrooms, we are intentionally establishing ethical guardrails, clear expectations, and thoughtful preparation first. This allows us to support students and faculty responsibly, protect privacy, and maintain high academic standards as technology continues to evolve.
Several important foundations are already in place:
A District AI Vision Statement, which describes how AI can support teaching, learning, and operations while preserving human connection
An AI Code of Ethics, (currently in draft form) outlining clear principles related to student safety, privacy, accountability, transparency, and responsible use
A comprehensive AI Strategic Plan, guiding work across instruction, operations, and professional learning
Work has begun to develop a clear, developmentally appropriate K–12 approach to AI literacy for students, along with defined competencies for staff. Expectations and access will vary across elementary, middle and high school levels to ensure appropriate and responsible use at each stage of development.
The goal of this work is to ensure that students understand how AI systems actually work, as well as their benefits and limitations. By building this foundational knowledge, students will be better equipped to think critically about AI, recognize potential challenges, including overreliance or emotional dependence, and use emerging technologies thoughtfully, ethically, and responsibly as part of their learning.
Academic Integrity
As generative AI tools become more common, the district is revisiting its Academic Integrity Policy, particularly for our middle and high school level, to ensure expectations for original thinking, effort, and learning remain clear and meaningful. This work is focused on preserving strong academic standards while helping students navigate new tools responsibly.
Future-Proofing and AI Trends
The district has also begun work to monitor emerging AI trends and engage community expertise. This proactive effort is intended to help us anticipate where technology may be headed and prepare thoughtfully, rather than respond reactively. Our goal is to host our first school/community “AI Trends Group” meeting in late March.
Screen Time Audit
When we developed our Strategic Plan we used a number of “essential questions” to help frame our thinking. One such question was, “How do we maximize the power of AI and minimize screen time?” That led to the development of an initiative that would audit screen time in our schools.
In support of our student strategic objective, “Preparing Students to Think, Adapt, and Lead with AI,” the district is conducting a screen time audit to better understand how technology use intersects with learning, well-being, and instructional design.
This audit is intentionally being conducted through multiple lenses to ensure a balanced and accurate picture:
Surveys of students, teachers, and families to gather perceptions and experiences related to screen time (the parent guardian survey will be administered after the February Recess.
A review of curriculum and instructional practices to examine the amount of screen time required by our curriculum and instructional methods.
An analysis of overall network usage patterns at the elementary and middle school levels to help quantify screen time in the aggregate. The district will use network tools, such as GoGuardian, to collect high-level, quantitative information about screen time. Because Staples High School operates under a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) model, this analysis will not be conducted at the high school level.
Importantly, this work is not intended to monitor or evaluate individual students or staff. The purpose of the audit is to inform thoughtful decision-making about instructional balance, technology use, and student well-being. In addition, this audit will help set a baseline for future studies on the topic of screen time.
Supporting Educators and Responsible Tool Use
Professional learning for educators continues to be aligned with the district’s AI vision and Code of Ethics. This ensures that any use of AI or digital tools in classrooms is intentional, ethical, and focused on supporting, not replacing, strong teaching and learning by our faculty.
Access to AI tools for staff remains controlled and supported, with broader access planned for next year alongside clear expectations, training, and ethical oversight.
I recognize that AI, technology use, and screen time raise important questions for families. My commitment is to continue moving deliberately, communicating transparently, and keeping students’ best interests at the center of every decision. I will continue to provide updates in manageable ways as this work progresses.
Thank you for your trust and partnership as we maneuver this evolving landscape together.
Comments Off on Scarice Update: Weather, Strategic Plan, AI, Screen Time …
Tonight (Friday, 6:30 p.m), a candlelight “solidarity vigil” is planned, by Saugatuck Congregational Church.
Everyone — all towns, all religions — is invited to join, on the front stops. Bring candles, if possible.
The vigil will last half an hour. The church will be open, for attendees who wish to place candles in the windows.
Saugatuck Congregational Church (Photo/Jonathan Prager)
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The Flowerfall — the beloved Post Road East shop that for years has provided Westporters with beautiful floral arrangements for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, funerals, and many other occasions (plus countless boutonnieres and wrist corsages for proms) — has closed.
Stacy Bass sends along this announcement, posted on social media: “Cyrus & Julie have retired. Thank you for your patronage, and for choosing us. It has been a pleasure. The shop is closed.”
A dozen years ago, “06880” gave a shout-out to Cyrus. In the Comments section, Kim Crowther Manning described her first encounter with him:
“What a wonderful, kind, generous and talented man Cyrus is! I will never go to any other florist ever again…. He is a true artist.
“He was hard at work, surrounded by bits of stems, leaves and heads of flowers, scissors, hot glue and wire. He told me at first that he wouldn’t have the time to create a corsage for me, but then had his son (I think it’s his son?) show me an extra one he had made that was in a box in the refrigerated room behind is workstation which was stacked with probably 30 other boxes of corsages and boutonnières waiting for pick-up. Even that room was like a museum full of his beautiful work.
“I joked that if I bought this corsage it would be the most expensive corsage ever, considering that I had already spent $30 on another one elsewhere. With that Cyrus said “oh, I can’t let you do that” and took $5 off his price.
“I was ready to buy it as is and leave him to his work, but he took it out of the box and began walking around the shop looking for flowers he could add to match my son’s prom date’s dress. He brought the corsage and the other flowers he chose back to his workstation and began to recreate the corsage, turning what was already a work of art into a masterpiece!
“While he worked we chatted about his shop and his clients. It was very easy to see his passion for his work. He told me he hadn’t slept the night before because he was worrying about how he would get everything done – he puts so much care into each piece he creates that it takes time and he gets overwhelmed sometimes.
“But he wasn’t complaining. He said, ‘this is how I know things are good – when I can’t sleep I know I’m doing well.'”
Speaking yet again of the weather: This igloo on Tamarac Road caught several “06880” readers’ eyes:
(Photo/Tom Cook)
At first glance, it looks like a clever, creative use of time and energy.
But we also wonder about its adherence to town regulations.
Is it a legal ADU, or some other type of structure? Does it have the required building permits? Is it within the proper setback? Was a wetlands study conducted? Has the fire marshal checked it for exits? Is it ADA-compliant? Might it be considered a blight property?
So many questions … so few answers …
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Speaking (still!) of the weather: With daytime temperatures far below freezing, last Sunday’s snow ain’t going anywhere, anytime soon.
(Nor will they. Today’s high is predicted to be 20. Tonight’s low will be … are you ready? … 1 degree.)
Readers continue to sent photo of their (least) favorite piles. This one’s at Saugatuck Elementary School:
“06880” has been snowed under, by residents writing about the aftermath of Sunday’s weather.
Longtime Westport resident Jamie Walsh says:
Driving down Main Street this morning, free of parked cars and people, I could not believe the condition of sidewalks, crosswalks, and parking spaces downtown and elsewhere throughout town.
Many pedestrian areas remain uncleared or inadequately treated, creating hazardous conditions for residents, visitors, seniors, and anyone with mobility challenges.
Slippery crosswalks and snow-covered curb cuts force pedestrians into the street, while icy parking spaces increase the risk of falls the moment someone exits their vehicle.
Beyond the obvious safety risks, this represents a significant liability issue. When commonly used public walkways are not properly maintained, injuries become far more likely — and with them, potential claims against both property owners and the Town.
A single preventable fall can result in serious injury, costly medical bills, and legal exposure that far outweighs the effort required to clear these areas promptly.
Westport prides itself on being a walkable, welcoming downtown. That reputation depends on basic winter maintenance being treated as a priority, not an afterthought.
Timely snow removal and proper ice mitigation are not just matters of convenience — they are essential public safety responsibilities. Addressing these conditions promptly protects pedestrians, supports local businesses, and reduces unnecessary risk for everyone.
(“06880″‘s Opinion pages are open to all. Email submissions to 06880blog@gmail.com. To help support this hyper-local blog, please click here. Thank you!)
Four days after Sunday’s snowfall, a massive pile remains downtown.
(Photo/Jay Petrow)
Two narrow — and difficult-to-see-past — lanes feed into Main Street from Post Road East, from the west and east.
It’s one of several hazards posed by plowed banks.
Another especially treacherous one: Compo Road North, at the Evergreen Avenue hill.
Be careful out there!
The good news: A nor’easter that forecasters were watching for this weekend seems to have disssipated.
The bad news: It will be 5 degrees again tonight. Run a little stream of water to keep pipes from freezing!
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The Westport Fire Department battled a house fire on Weathervane Hill. off Wilton Road, last night.
When firefighters arrived around 11 p.m., they saw heavy smoke. All occupants had safely left the house.
The Norwalk, Fairfield and Wilton departments assisted. Emergency Medical Service provided medical support; Westport Poliee and firefighters directed traffic, while the Department of Public Works helped mitigate icy conditions.
The last unit left at 4 a.m. The fire marshal’s office is investigating the cause.
Firefighters at Weathervane Hill. (Photo/Ryan Blake)
The next Westport Country Playhouse Script in Hand play reading is “The Goldsmith.”
Based on a family’s true stories of their gold jewelry passing across borders, cultures and generations, it’s set for February 9 (7 p.m). The play — written and performed by Broadway actor Sharone Sayegh — won Theatre Aspen’s 2025 Solo Flight Festival.
VersoFest ’26 has announced plenty of attractions: Ani DiFranco, Wyclef Jean, and much more.
Now we know the closer, at the Westport Library on March 28 (7:30 p.m.). Musician/writer/playwright/poet/visual artist/alt-rock legend David J, of Bauhaus and Love & Rockets) fame’s special storytellers event is the final event this year.
He’ll read selections from his new poetry book Rhapsody, Threnody & Prayer, accompanied by original music. The reading will be followed by an interview featuring author Douglas Rushkoff (“one of the world’s 10 most influential intellectuals,” says MIT), and concludes with a short set of acoustic songs.
Every Thursday this winter, the Westport Farmers’ Market offers nutritious food.
Next Thursday (February 5, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center), there’s another way to nourish your body and mind.
“A Day of Care & Connection on Thursday” features Kiin Sauna (a wood-fired experience), Dharma Massage (chair massages), Whole Health Thermography (educational talk) and Abbey Chase Yoga (bowl healing).
Westport Police made 6 custodial arrests between January 21 and 27.
A 36-year-old Hamden man was charged with larceny, and conspiracy to commit larceny, following a report that 2 Brooks Brothers employees were processing fraudulent merchandise returns. He is alleged to have profited over $20,000. He was unable to post $50,000 bond.
A 64-year-old Fairfield woman was charged with larceny and possession of a shoplifting device, following an investigation into a December incident. Though the complainant wished only to have the stolen goods returned, merchandise from other downtown businesses were located.
A 45-year-old Stratford woman was charged with disorderly conduct, assault and strangulation, following an investigation into an August disturbance at a Westport home that she initiated. The victim alleged being punched and choked.
A 63-year-old Westport man was charged with evading responsibility and operating under the influence, after a vehicle with heavy damage was blocking part of Post Road West. The damage was caused by striking a mailbox, sign, shrubbery and a utility pole on Kings Highway North properties.
A 20-year-old Bridgeport man was charged with violation of a protective order, operating a motor vehicle without a license, and defective headlamp, following a motor vehicle stop near Maple Avenue for that headlamp. It was learned that a passenger was protected by a court order, stipulating no contact between the 2 parties. She was released on a $25,000 bond.
A 20-yera-old Norwalk woman was charged with violation of a protective order.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Failure to obey stop sign: 7 citations
Texting while driving: 6
Failure to renew registration: 6
Traveling unreasonably fast: 4
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 3
Failure to remove snow and ice from a vehicle roof: 2
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 2
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 2
Following too closely: 2
Evading responsibility: 1
Speeding: 1
Traveling too fast for conditions: 1
Unsafe passing: 1
Parking a motor vehicle on a sidewalk: 1
Breach of peace: 1
Improper use of markers: 1
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 1
Not a parking spot! (Also not Westport, but you get the idea.)
And finally … on this date in 1861, Kansas became the 34th state in the US.
(January seems like it’s been 392 days already. Fortunately, “06880” is here for you, 24/7/365. If you appreciate our work, please support us by clicking here. Thank you!)
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