The Town of Westport has filed another 8-24 site plan for the new Long Lots Elementary School.
This one does not include a community garden.
That controversial element caused concern at last month’s Planning & Zoning Commission meeting.
Commissioners liked the plans presented. But the 8-24 (proposal for municipal land use) they were considering had been approved in January of 2024, with a relocated garden at an unspecified site on the 13 Hyde Lane property.
Town officials later decided to move the gardens to another, not-yet-determined location, off school grounds. Because the 8-24 still included a garden, P&Z members asked for a revised 8-24.
That was filed with the Planning & Zoning Department on Friday, and received today.
Most recent architectural plans, submitted to the Planning & Zoning Department.
The new “special permit & site plan” — applied for officially by 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker — calls for “construction of a new 127,945 sf elementary school, a 250 space parking lot, dedicated parent drop off and bus lanes, (2) multipurpose natural turf athletic fields, (2) playgrounds, a basketball court, a paved play area and all associated site and utility construction.”
The parking lot would increase from the current 196 spots.
The initial 8-24 plan — filed over 2 years ago — did not include the garden. It showed a baseball diamond where the garden had been located for 20 years, on the southern edge of the property.
The revised 8-24, submitted in January of 2024, had the garden back, but at an unspecified location. A multipurpose athletic field replaced the baseball diamond.
The Planning & Zoning Commission will discuss the new 8-24 site plan at an upcoming meeting. It has not yet been added to an agenda.
Meanwhile, the Long Lots School Building Committee meets tomorrow (Tuesday, May 20, 6 p.m., Town Hall Room 201/201A).
They’ll hear a project update, review plans with the design team, and hear public comment on agenda items.
Three views of the proposed Long Lots Elementary School.
Staples High teachers Jim Honeycutt and Mike Zito spent many years running the school’s Media Lab.
Jim Honeycutt
They’re retired now, but have followed the radio and TV productions — and more — with great interest. In response to Sunday’s “06880” Opinion piece about the “On the Wreckord” show, they write:
We support Kasey Feeley and her passionate advocacy for “On the Wreckord.”
We started the Staples TV program “Good Morning Staples” around 2011. We had so much support from the Staples administration that our teaching load was reduced to 4 classes, to allow us the time to produce the show twice a week with our TV Production classes.
The 2 TV classes had 4 periods each week to produce a 20-minute “Good Morning Staples” show. We worked frantically, but managed for each class to get a show out each week.
The first “Good Morning Staples” show (including yours truly) …
Jim’s motto for the show was “Building Community Through Communication.” Twice a week during the school’s “Communication Time,” it was shown throughout the school. Everything stopped, in every classroom.
Our last “GMS” aired June 2016, the year we retired.
Unfortunately, the show was not sustained. The media program is still very successful, but went in a different direction.
Years later English instructor Mary Elizabeth Fulco contacted Jim for help. Inklings — the school paper — was interested in broadcasting a show similar to “GMS.”
Both of us helped. We worked with one student, and made some suggestions.
We watched the shows get better and better as time went by. They were well on their way.
Mike Zito, in the Staples Media Lab.
It would be more than a shame for “On the Wreckord” to go the way of “GMS.”
“On the Wreckord” will be a key to many students’ future college and career paths. We have had incredibly talented students over the years grace our TV shows. Eric Gallanty, DJ Sixsmith and Cooper Boardman are 3 who come immediately to mind. They are now broadcast professionals.
Jon Karmen went on to make the hit Netflix movie “Operation Varsity Blues: The College Admission Scandal.” While at Staples, he and Jake Andrews created the RubyDog 189 channel on YouTube. “Mentos: The Fresh Maker” had over 3 million views.
Many other students have gone on to careers, in a variety of media roles.
We told our students that more video is being shot now than ever before in world history. There are many jobs and careers out there.
A 4-part “Good Morning Staples” series starred TV Production student Charlie Greenwald (right) and Spanish teacher Horacio Ballesteros. Greenwald went on to study communications at Emerson College.
I am sure Kasey Feeley will find her place in that world as well. Keeping “On the Wreckord” supported is not only the right thing to do; it is something that should be supported and expanded.
We implore the Staples administration and Board of Education to support the development of media programs like “On the Wreckord” and “Good Morning Staples.” These programs build school community, and allow students to develop media skills that they can continue into college and careers beyond.
(NOTE: All “Good Morning Staples” shows can be found on YouTube.)
(“06880” Opinion pages are open to all. Email 06880blog@gmail.com.)
The former Westport resident and FBI director is being investigated by the Secret Service. His new book, “FDR Drive” — a legal thriller and exploration of political extremism — will be published tomorrow.
Meanwhile, 2 other Westporters — TV journalists Alisyn Camerota and Dave Briggs — taped a fascinating interview with him, for their “Sanity” podcast.
They talked about Comey’s viral “86-47 post,” the Trump administration, right wing outrage, extremism, the FBI, the Supreme Court, the 2016 election, and much more.
Including Westport.
Comey reveals what he’d say to Hillary Clinton, if they bumped into each other at Viva Zapata (one of his favorite restaurants). And he adds that his next book will include a scene there.
As the world focuses on Gaza and Ukraine, another humanitarian crisis continues — with much less attention — in Sudan and Chad.
New York Times Pulitzer Prize, MacArthur “genius grant” recipient (and 1991 Staples High School graduate) Lynsey Addario is making sure it’s not completely forgotten.
Her photo essay in The Atlantic — “The Crisis of American Leadership Reaches an Empty Desert” — shines a heart-wrenching light on this other humanitarian disaster.
The Westport Library Spring Book Sale would not be possible without the help of dozens of volunteers.
Among them on Saturday: 2 Jenns (below):
(Photo/John Karrel)
The Book Sale continues today (Monday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; fill the Library logo bag for $10, or your own equivalent bag for $8; individual books half price).
Westport PAL president Craig Bergamo (far left), with scholarship honorees.
=================================================
More awards: On Friday, the Sunrise Rotary Club gave Paul Harris Awards — one of the highest honors the international service organization can give — to 16 people.
Recipients included Charlie Adams, Daniel Ambruso, Brien Cartagena, Sister Maureen Fleming, William R. Harris Jr., Jay B. Paretzky, Vincent Penna Sr., Anna Rycenga, Frankie Smith, Anne Lowrie, Ines SaCouto Curwen, Tomas SaCouto Curwen, Susan Hawley, Jonathan Hendrickson, Matthew Hendrickson and Robert Rubenstein.
================================================
Meanwhile, both Sunrise Rotary and the Westport Rotary Club participated in Saturday’s international Epic Day of Service.
Among the projects: Sunrise Rotarians helped out at the Open Doors shelter in Norwalk. “What a great feeling to give back,” says volunteer Alma Sarelli.
Yesterday’s “Day of Champions” raised $175,000 for Westport-based Experience Camps — the non-profit that runs summer camps and year-round programs for children and teens grieving the loss of a parent, sibling or caregiver.
There’s plenty of great fresh produce at the Westport Farmer’s Market.
And plenty that if not sold, would be wasted.
Food Rescue rescues food. They work with restaurants, supermarkets and grocery stores, to pick up unused, perishable meat, fruit, vegetables and more, and deliver it to food pantries and homeless shelters.
Every week, Farmers’ Market vendors donate food that is still fresh, delicious and healthy but unsold. It would go to compost or into the waste stream — but instead it is distributed it neighbors in need, including the Gillespie Center (around the corner from the WFM), and Fridegeport in Bridgeport.
He’s now launched Endeavor Communications. The agency provides media guidance to clients in financial and professional services, fintech, real estate, advertising, adtech, and climate services.
Already they’ve held Qualitative Brokers, a fintech firm that creates algorithms for advanced execution trading, leading to Deutsche Borse scquiring a majority stake. And 427, a tech company that analyzes and predicts climate risk for governments and private businesses, which led to an acquisition by Moody’s.
Matt Yemma
===============================================
Longtime Westport resident Esther Brodie died peacefully in her home of 71 years on Thursday. She was 98.
She and her husband Richard built their Burr Farms Road home largely by hand, in 1954 and ’55.
A Bronx native, her parents were recent immigrants. Born during Purim, she was named for the holiday’s heroine queen.
After graduating from Hunter College, where she competed on the diving team, she taught physical education at Taft High School in the Bronx. She met her future husband at Camp Berkshire.
Their son Scott was in the first kindergarten class at Burr Farms Elementary, a few yards from their home. In 1962 Esther returned to teaching phys. ed., in New Canaan. She earned a master’s degree and 6th-year certificate in counseling. She taught for 3 decades, including some children of former students.
Esther served as president of the local chapter of Hadassah, and was active in the Temple Israel sisterhood. Her avocations included modern dance, tennis and meditation. She attended concerts in the area, and enjoyed Broadway shows.
For over 3 decades, Esther was a senior staff member at Camp Berkshire. When it closed in the 1980s, she and Richard built a vacation home on the lake. They spent every summer and frequent Thanksgivings there.
After retiring Esther studied piano, participated in a labyrinth project for women in prison, and volunteered for the census. She joined the Y’s Women investment club, and greeted new residents to her road with welcome gifts.
Esther is survived by her sons Scott (Susan) and Bruce Marie), grandchildren Joshua, Emma, Melissa, Clara and Ben, and their respective spouses and companions Hilary, Kevin, David, Mariah and Claudia.
Forced to give birth without loved ones present, then home alone — isolated, sometimes with no mothers or mothers-in-law to help — those first weeks and months affected many women’s mental health.
Abby Dixon vowed to do something. A reproductive and perinatal mental health therapist, the Westport mother of 3 young children created Joywell. Its online courses, group coaching and “concierge services” help guide women through worries and stresses, and into the joys of pregnancy and motherhood.
Abby Dixon
New mothers found comfort and care through Joywell. But Abby wanted to do more.
New Mom School fit her like a onesie.
Founded in California in 2012 by a new mother who felt “overwhelmed, joy-depleted, almost held captive by the new tiny boss” in her life, it offers classes ranging from the basics of newborn care and lactation to handling a second child.
Abby found a central and welcoming location: 25 Sylvan Road South (opposite Sylvan Tennis Club). Westport’s New Mom School opened last month.
It offers much more than advice on feeding schedules and sleep training. It provides tools to overcome isolation, rediscover joy (and perhaps save sanity and preserve marriages).
It also delivers something that Abby believes is essential for new moms: community.
Mothers are matched by due dates and their baby’s age. That’s crucial, she says, because “post-partum struggles are very different from a mom with a 6-month-old.”
There is plenty of practical advice, of course. A feeding expert recently spoke on how to start solids, and the difference between gagging and choking.
Another discussed pediatric play; a third, pelvic floor exercises. There are Pilates classes too.
Learning to play …
But it’s creating a community of new moms that drives Abby’s New Mom School.
After just a few days, women in one infant class created a What’sApp group, and met up at Bartaco.
Through Instagram or word of mouth, a few dozen women have found New Mom School.
They come from Westport, Weston, Wilton, Black Rock, New Canaan, Stamford and Newtown. All share similar concerns and questions. All have found answers — and kindred spirits — at Abby’s school.
In the works for the fall: monthly hobby nights, for crocheting, mah jongg and more. New mothers can get together over “more than just food and wine,” Abby notes.
… and creating a community.
What about dads? Abby plans free monthly meetings — with donuts — for fathers to come, with their newborns. The first session is May 17, 9:30 to 11 a.m.
There are New Mom Schools in 12 states. Abby’s is the only one in Connecticut.
A grand opening is set for June 1 (1 to 4 p.m., 25 Sylvan Road South, Suite U). Click here for more information on New Mom School — including their free breastfeeding support group.
(“06880 covers every aspect of education — from kindergarten and high school, to new moms. If you learn something from our stories, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Posted onMay 18, 2025|Comments Off on Dog Day Experience
Hundreds of dogs are bringing their owners to Winslow Park today.
Westport’s 9th annual Dog Festival features games, an obstacle course, a police K-9 demonstration, pet-related vendors, food trucks — and all the pawing, sniffing and more you’d expect at a field filled with poodles, greyhounds, and every breed in between.
The event — sponsored by the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce — runs through 4 p.m. today (Sunday).
Westport has 3 K-9 dogs. They search for illegal drugs, track suspects, look for missing people, and do much more. Their handlers demonstrat their talents, discuss their training, and answer questions about the K-9 division.
Chasing a very elusive ball.
TAILS (The Alliance in Limiting Strays) is an all-volunteer, non-profit Westport-based organization. They’re one of the many vendors at today’s Dog Festival.
A couple of hours earlier, 500 kids, parents and volunteers thronged PJ Romano Field, for the 7th annual “Day of Champions.”
The fundraiser for Experience Camps — the Westport-based non-profit that provides summer camps and year-round programs for youngsters grieving the loss of a parent, sibling or caregiver — was just a few dollars short of its $175,000 goal when the event began.
“Day of Champions” included fun competitions, crazy costumes, and community support.
There were 20 teams. And every one was a winner.
This team is ready for the competition …
… and so is this one.
The opening ceremony included a dinosaur.
Sara Deren, a Westporter and CEO of Experience Camps, with Zoe. The Norwalk girl — who turned 15 last week — spoke eloquently about the impact of the camps on her life. She has gone each summer since 2018, when her father died following an asthma attack. (All photos/Dan Woog)
The wooden owl sat atop Little Barn restaurant — not, as some readers guessed, Sherwood Diner, Minute Man Yacht Club, Rive Bistro or Riversside Avenue.(See the photo here.)
If we gave prizes, free meals would go to Andrew Colabella, Rachel Sara Halperin, Arthur Hayes, Amy Schneider and Orlando Lehnerd-Reilly.
We go back on the roof for thsi week’s Photo Challenge.
If you know where in Westport you’d see this, click “Comments” below.
(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)
(Every Sunday, “06880” hosts this Photo Challenge. We challenge you too to support your hyper-local blog. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)
The 9th annual Dog Festival is today (Sunday), from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Winslow Park.
Crazy competitions, vendors, an obstacle course, K-9 demos, food trucks, photos, adoptables, Gilbert the Party Pig — your dog is already tugging at his leash to go.
It’s $10 per person, $30 for a family of 4. Dogs are free!
=================================================
The first Y’s Men of Westport & Weston media panel discussion, featuring Senator Richard Blumenthal — about coverage of the 2024 election — riveted a Westport Library audience earlier this year.
The next one — June 1 (2 p.m.) should be just as compelling.
The focus is on how well print, electronic and social media covered the first 100 days of the Trump administration.
Panelists include: Congressman Jim Himes; Alisyn Camerota, author, blogger and veteran of CNN and Fox News; Rebecca Surran, the longtime face and voice for local news at News 12; Jim Marpe, former Westport 1st selectman, and Aaron Weinstein of Fairfield University’s media department.
The Westport Downtown Association adds some fun facts about their 52nd annual Fine Arts Festival, set for next weekend (May 24-25) on Main and Elm Streets, and Church Lane:
261 artists applied for 167 spots, in 14 categories. They come from 19 states.
Seven are from Westport: Mikhail Zakhalov (jewelry), Mary Ann Neilson (painting), Gali Katz (printmaking), and photographers Nancy Breakstone, Tom Kretsch, Ron Lake and John Videler.
42 artists — the most ever — will make their debut festival appearance.
Photographer Nancy Breakstone returns to the Fine Arts Festival.
=================================================
AWARE is one of my favorite organizations.
The acronym stands for Assisting Women through Action, Resources and Education, and that’s exactly what these Westport women do.
Each year, they choose one very worthy local nonprofit. They raise funds — but do much, much more.
All year long, they offer hands-on involvement. They dive deep into each organization’s work, get their hands dirty with volunteer work, and form deep friendships with leaders and participants.
This year’s beneficiary is Bridgeport’s Center for Family Justice. They do crucial work helping people who have experienced physical and mental abuse.
AWARE’s partnership this year has included workshops for their clients, including budgeting, yoga, nutrition and makeovers, along with events for children in their programs.
A “Justice in Bloom” fundraiser is set for May 29 (6 to 8 p.m.). It includes cocktails, light bites, and a chance to meet Center for Family Justice representatives.
Like many readers, Aimee Monroy Smith was moved by Matthew Gotto’s recent “06880” Opinion piece about drastic cuts proposed for the Bridgeport school system.
She writes: “I am a member of the Sunrise Rotary Club. Twice a year we read at Luis Muñoz Marin Elementary School. It is an amazing school, and always an enjoyable experience.
“This year, a fellow Rotarian recommended taking the next step to support the classrooms, by giving through DonorChoose.org. It supports teachers who request specific items for their classrooms.
“Following up this idea, I noticed that the Dalio Foundation is matching all contributions.”
Click on DonorChoose here; then select “See Classroom Projects,” and select “Bridgeport, CT” from the map.
Matthew Gatto, with Blackham Elementary School students.
================================================
A Westport woman wanted to give back to the community she loves.
She posted on social media that she’d be giving away dozens of tomatoes and dahlia bulbs, at the foot of her driveway.
They were gone quickly.
Because one person took them all — every plant. Plus the table they were sitting on, which the woman’s daughter had made (and had great sentimental value).
The selfish thief even took the broken crate the dahlias were in. And a dirty towel.
The woman had been planning her next giveaway to the community: 40 pepper plants.
But no longer. She figures one person does not deserve all of them, too.
Plants, table and crate, before they were all taken.
Wakeman Town Farm tells all local chefs, caterers and foodie friends that their farmer expects a big haul of 100 heads of freshly grown organic lettuces, and 70 pounds of garlic scapes in early June.
Westport Rotary Club, the Sunrise Rotary and Westport Police Department joined together yesterday, on a food drive for Homes with Hope.
It was their first-ever at Big Y. As they always do — wherever volunteers collect for a pantry, or any other good cause — Westporters came through.
Community service, at Big Y.
Quickly, the donations were delivered to the Gillespie Center:
But that was not the only service rendered by Rotarians, on their worldwide day of community work.
They also gardened at the men’s and women’s shelters on Jesup Green … among many other activities.
=================================================
Yesterday’s Roundup noted that the Independence Day fireworks are set for July 2. We should add that the rain date is July 3.
And although the press release said that tickets would be available at the Parks & Recreation Department office in Longshore starting May 26, that’s Memorial Day. They’ll be closed. They’ll be open May 27, of course.
And the police station never closes, so they’ll have tickets on May 26.
Getting ready for Westport’s biggest party. (Drone photo/Charlie Scott)
=================================================
Speaking of Compo Beach: the Parks & Recreation Department has partnered with the Westport Arts Advisory Committee to launch a brand-new initiative: the Compo Mural Art Competition.
Residents are invited to design a mural that will bring “color, creativity and connection to the spirit of Compo Beach…. This can include sea life, beaches, marine landscapes, water activities, or the general beauty and vibe of the coastal area.” The site is the long white wall on the side of the Hook’d concession building.
All ages and levels of ability can enter. Submissions can be emailed to pkoskinas@westportct.gov, or dropped off at the Parks & Rec office in Longshore. The deadline is July 7. Full competition details can be found here. (Hat tip: Britt Steel)
Who was that on the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival Friday night?
Cameron Mann.
Cameron Mann (far left) at Cannes.
The 2024 Staples graduate — known for, among other things, his role in “Mare of Easttown” (spoiler alert: He was the killler) — is part of the cast of “Eddington.”
The film — starring Austin Butler, Emma Stone, Pedro Pascal and Joaquin Phoenix — debuted at the 78th annual French event. According to Variety, it earned a 5-minute standing ovation.
A commentary on American social discourse, it follows “a standoff between a small-town sheriff (Phoenix) and mayor (Pascal)” that “sparks a powder keg as neighbor is pitted against neighbor in Eddington, New Mexico.”
=================================================
Westport’s longtime information technology director Eileen Zhang is retiring.
She joined the town 30 years ago, when IT infrastucture was just beginning. She helped build Westport’s information systems and digital services across all departments.
When a successor is named this summer, he or she will be our first new information technology director of the millennium.
==============================================
Westporters have many reasons to be grateful for Miggs Burroughs.
The Staples High School graduate and Artists Collective of Westport co-founder has contributed many works to town, from his lenticular art at the train station and Main Street “Tunnel of Love,” to the 150th-anniversary flag he designed in 1986.
Now he’s done it again.
The Senior Center is presenting “Gratitude,” a series of his photos. They show 9 people, each expressing a letter from the word “gratitude,” in American Sign Language.
Through his lenticular technique, their hands appear to move. A simple gesture transforms into a powerful tribute to appreciation and connection.
The models — all associated with the Senior Center — are Prill Boyle, Penny Pearlman, Janet Turansky, George Kleros, Ruth Taranto, Janice Burke, Leslie markus, Molly Algera and Lee Walther.
Miggs Burroughs, with his “Gratitude” exhibit at the Senior Center.
Today’s brilliant “Westport … Naturally” image comes from Thursday’s Westport Farmers’ Market. Amy Schneider saw — at photographed — it at the Muddy Feet Flower Farm stand.
And finally … Charles Strouse — the Tony, Grammy and Emmy Award-winning Broadway composer of hits like “Annie” and “Bye Bye Birdie” — died Thursday in Manhattan. He was 96. A full obituary is here.
(Sure, you can support “06880” tomorrow. The sun will still come out. But why not today? Please click here, to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)
Kasey Feeley is a junior at Staples High School. She’s an executive producer for “On the Wreckord,” the very creative, extremely well crafted, and highly entertaining TV interview/news/entertainment show produced by Inklings, the school news source.
However, she says, the show may be in jeopardy.
Journalism teachers Joseph DelGobbo and Mary Elizabeth Fulco have dedicated dozens of hours of personal time to stay after school, and supervise filming in the TV studio.
Both have young children. They have decided — reluctantly — to step down, unless funding can be found.
(In addition to a stipend for the staff members, funds would also pay for recording technology for remote segments. Kasey has spent her own money on microphones, and brought equipment from home for others to ensure quality.)
The Board of Education Finance & Facilities Committee is in charge of stipends. Yet, Kasey says, it has not met since January.
“On the Wreckord” has not been recognized as a program, Kasey says, despite providing content for the student boyd and staff or years.
“The only way for us to advocate for ourselves is a committee that seemingly is in hibernation,” she adds.
“But I have never felt more driven to be civically engaged, and advocate for something.
Kasey sent this to assistant principal Christine Cincotta, and the Westport Board of Education:
Video editing has been a passion of mine since I was 8 or 9, meaning I’ve been filming and editing my own content as a dedicated hobby for almost 10 years.
After seeing “On the Wreckord” for the first time freshman year, I decided I wanted to become involved. This year I finally joined Inklings, taking Introduction to Journalism and Advanced Journalism for the chance of joining On the Wreckord.
Through dedication and showing my passion for media production, I was able to land the role of executive producer alongside sophomore Brooke Kirkham for 2025.
Kasey Feeley’s On the Wreckord graphic.
However, due to a lack of funding, it is highly likely the program will not continue next year. Not only is this devastating for me and Brooke, who share a passion for filmmaking, but it’s also disappointing for the Connections classes and teachers who enjoy watching once a month.
Through “On the Wreckord,” Staples students get a chance to look into the lives of their fellow students and see perspectives they might not otherwise see, whether that’s finding the best water fountain or hearing an interview from a teacher or student you haven’t met before.
It effectively turns Staples into an environment full of familiar faces, not just passing peers.
In the few weeks I have been in this role since I was appointed in April, and through preparing for this Thursday’s edition, I have seen the extent to which OTW connects our Staples community.
I watched people in and outside of Inklings show upfor each other, each segment creator dedicating time from their personal and school lives to make quality segments.
While our program is not perfect, it is the heart of student broadcasting: connecting community.
The loss of this program would be detrimental to the Inklings community, as Brooke and I would lose our jobs, and our fellow Inklings staff members would lose a creative outlet unlike any other offered at Staples.
I am someone who has always done performing arts. I understand how terrifying putting yourself out there can be for anyone who didn’t grow up in a theatrical or musical environment.
But in my time at “On the Wreckord,” I have watched students take that leap and put themselves out there.
This program brings out a confidence in young adults unlike any other, as they present their passion for journalism to the entire student body and staff.
These are students who may otherwise not get the valuable performing experience that others get from Staples Players, rhetoric class, music classes, etc.
It also teaches segment creators how to use video editing software, an increasingly important skill in our rapidly developing technologically centered world.
The ending of “On the Wreckord” would be the end of one of Staples’ most valuable assets for student expression. I waited 3 years to be a part of this unique, dedicated community, and I’m not ready to give up on it just yet.
Kasey Feeley — shown here in the hallway outside Staples’ TV studio — has gained skills and confidence through On the Wreckord.
As someone who has taken classes like Radio 1 & 2, Theater, and Narrative Film Production, where you spend hours creating media that doesn’t typically leave your classroom, I have grown to appreciate the platform that On the Wreckord gives student producers, directors, broadcast hosts, etc.
Outside of “On the Wreckord,” there aren’t any programs at Staples that enable students to produce content that is published and shown to their peers outside of video editing or film classes.
I also see “On the Wreckord” as an opportunity to encourage other students. If Brooke or I can spend hours editing and filming to present something authentic with confidence, they can have confidence in their work as well.
Seeing “On the Wreckord” freshman year inspired me to pursue my passion for media production. I want to be that inspiration for any other students who want to find that confidence in themselves, who want to be involved in the Staples community, and connect with others over a shared passion for journalism and media.
Board of Education chair Lee Goldstein replied to Kasey: “I will ask our superintendent for information about this program/budget and get back to you.”
(“06880″‘s Opinion pages are open to all. We especially welcome student submissions. Email 06880blog@gmail.com.)
Click here to help support “06880” via credit card or PayPal. Any amount is welcome, appreciated — and tax-deductible! Reader contributions keep this blog going. (Alternate methods: Please send a check to “06880”: PO Box 744, Westport, CT 06881. Or use Venmo: @blog06880. Or Zelle: dwoog@optonline.net. Thanks!)
GET THE “06880” APP
The “06880” app (search for it on the Apple or Android store) is the easiest way to get “06880.” Choose notifications: whenever a new post is published, or once or twice a day. Click here for details.
