Chanting “We want Russ back!,” “Fire VJ!” and “I don’t recall!,” over 200 students walked out of class and rallied in front of Staples High School this morning.
They supported Russell Oost-Lievense — the boys soccer head coach whose contract non-renewal was affirmed by the Board of Education on Monday — and opposed those board members, superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice, and Staples principal Stafford Thomas and athletic director VJ Sarullo.
“I don’t recall” referred to Thomas’ answers during testimony on Monday. More than a dozen times he said he did not remember events leading to the decision to not rehire Oost-Lievense, who coached at Staples for nearly a decade and had been a captain there before graduating in 2008.
(Photo/Ryan Allen)
Using megaphones, rising captains Dylan Shackelford and Gabe Hellman addressed the crowd.
Alexis Krenzer, a girls soccer player who is coached by Oost-Lievense on her club team, also spoke.
Calling Oost-Lievense a coach who taught her “the importance of integrity and heart — not just in soccer, but in life,” she said, “We’re not here to cause disruption or disrespect. We’re here to stand up for what’s right. We’re here to support Russell, just as he’s supported every one of his players.
“We’re here because fairness matters. We’re here because those in power should be held to the same standards they ask of us. And we’re here because even though staying quiet might be easier, speaking up is what’s right.”
Alexis Krenzer (Photo/Ryan Allen)
One speaker — referencing Oost-Lievense’s work as a special education teacher, and an opponent of bullying — noted, “Russell had our back. Now it’s time to have his.”
Another said, “This was clearly a biased and flawed process. No one should be treated with disrespect. Accountability starts now.”
Across the street 50 parents, alumni and news media watched the rally. The crowd included BOE member Robert Harrington — the only one to vote against Scarice’s non-renewal recommendation — as well as Representative Town Meeting member Andrew Colabella, attorney Steve Shackelford, and Oost-Lievense’s mother.
Supporters on North Avenue. (Photo/Dan Woog)
The students acknowledged Harrington, with a cheer. They also asked “Where’s the board?”
With police nearby, Thomas watched the proceedings at the entrance to the school.
Staples principal Stafford Thomas. (Photo/Ryan Allen)
The walkout was organized by an ad hoc group called #WreckersforRuss.
On social media, they said:
We’re not just walking out for Russ.
We’re walking out for:
— Every coach and teacher who shows up for us.
— Fairness and transparency in Westport.
— A system that actually listens to its community members.
(Photo/Ryan Allen)
They asked “What really happened to Coach Russ?” Their answers:
It wasn’t about abuse. It wasn’t about harm.
It was about a system that chose silence, blocked witnesses, ignored facts, and punished the wrong person.
We’re sharing this so everyone understands: This wasn’t fair. This wasn’t thorough. This wasn’t right.
Russ stood up for us. Now we stand for him, and every coach and teacher who could be next.
Gabe Hellman (Photo/Ryan Allen)
Organizers also noted the coach’s testimony from Monday, describing his father’s death when Oost-Lievense was a junior at Staples,
He said that some of his father’s last words were: “Look after the ones who look after you.”
“He’s done that,” organizers of the rally said. “But the administration didn’t do the same for him.”
(Photo/Ryan Allen)
(Photo/Dan Woog)
Inside the school, moments before walking out. (Photo/Zach Beebe)
The start of the walkout. (Photo/Ryan Allen)
(Photo/Ryan Allen)
The view from above. (Drone photo/Michael Cammeyer)
One of Westport’s signature events — the Fine Arts Festival — returns for its 52nd year on Memorial Day weekend.
On May 24 and 25 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.), the national Top 20 show draws 165 fine artists from 19 states to Main Street and Elm Street. As always, there are returning faces. This year, 41 artists are new.
The Westport Downtown Association includes plenty of family activities. They include Elmo and friends, facepainting, crafts, games, dancing and photo ops.
Another great tradition — though just a decade old — is the Westport Pops Concert.
This year’s event is June 6. The Staples High School Symphonic Orchestra and Band, Jazz Ensemble, Orphenians, Choralaires and other small group ensembles will perform — and Jim Naughton will host — at the Levitt Pavilion.
Gates open at 6 p.m., with the show starting at 7. Tickets are free, but a suggested donation of $15 helps offset production costs. They’ll be available at Staplesmusic.org beginning 9 a.m. on May 28. They’re first-come, first-served, so be ready. They’re snapped up fast!
This year’s poster was designed by senior Connor Yuan.
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On Tuesday, the Westport Young Woman’s League awarded $65,000 in grants, to a dozen local non-profits making a difference locally.
They include:
• Caroline House ($10,000): Provides ESL education and early childhood support to immigrant and refugee women and children in Bridgeport, promoting literacy and life skills for the whole family.
• Circle of Friends ($10,000): Offers inclusive social experiences, and a sensory-friendly “Quiet Zone” for people with autism and disabilities.
• Filling in the Blanks ($10,000): Delivers weekend meals to food-insecure children, to close the hunger gap when school is not in session.
• Liberation Programs ($10,000): Supports childcare for mothers undergoing substance use treatment at the Families in Recovery Program in Norwalk.
• Westport Farmers’ Market ($5,000): Funds a culinary program where students prepare farm-to-table meals for residents of local homeless shelters.
• VFW Post 399 ($5,000): Launches a veteran lunch and food donation program to connect veterans — especially disabled and underserved — with critical resources.
• Levitt Pavilion ($4,000): Sponsor of a free children’s concert series.
• Staples Tuition Grant ($3,000): Supporting local students’ educational goals.
• LiveGirl ($2,500): Backing youth leadership and confidence-building programs.
• Westport Country Playhouse ($2,000): Offering free and discounted tickets to family-friendly performances based on children’s literature.
• My Team Triumph ($2,000): Covering race registration fees for athletes with disabilities.
• Positive Directions ($1,500): Promoting local mental health awareness initiatives.
VFW quartermaster Phil Delgado (center) with the $5,000 Westport Young Woman’s League grant from Grants Committee chairi Bronwyn Cousins and president Tainara Cruvinel.
As parrt of the Sunrise Rotary Club’s Epic Day of Service this tomorrow (Saturday, May 17, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.), they’re partnering with Big Y to collect food for Homes with Hope.
This is Big Y’s first time working with Sunrise Rotary — and the cause is great — so they hope for a huge turnout.
Bring non-perishable items — and/or pick up some while you shop.
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The Westport Youth Commission’s Student Job Bank is relaunched. And it’s better than ever.
The platform helps local businesses and organizations offer part-time, seasonal and intern positions to high school students. They include retail work, business help, non-profit assistance, lifeguards, camp counselors, and many more.
The previous Job Bank was free for students, but businesses had to pay to post jobs. The Youth Commission donated a percentage of those fees to charity.
When the platform they used went out of business last year, the Commission had to fiind a new solution. Based on student and business feedback, they opened a new platform, without anyone paying. It’s now free.
Youth Commission co-chair Jake Shufro (3rd from left) presents Homes with Hope with a check, from previous Job Bank proceeds.
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May is AAPI Heritage Month. And Westport is celebrating with a wide array of events.
It began with a lunch at the new downtown hot spot, Sushi Jin. AAPI Westport members Vicky Nguyen and Anna Kai about spoke Vicky’s new bookm “Boat Baby,” at the New Canaan Library. Members then enjoyed Japanese treats and sodas while watching Gundam Gquuuuuux at Middle School Anime Night at Toquet Hall.
A conversation with Kevin Nguyen about his new book, “My Documents” (Tuesday, May 20, 7 p.m., Westport Library). It’s been named one of the “Best Books of 2025 (So Far)” by Esquire Magazine.
AAPI Westport gives a Special shoutout to the elementary school librarians and PTAs for inviting Christina Soontornvat as their visiting author this year. Students will meet her next week.
And finally … on this date in 1888, Nikola Tesla delivered a lecture about how to use alternating currents to transmit electric power over long distances.
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There will be a bell-to-bell ban on smartphones next year at Staples High School.
There is no determination yet on when it will begin. It may or may not include seniors. It probably won’t involve Yondr bags.
All those elements — and many more — will be worked out, by an “implementation committee” of administrators, staff, students and parents.
They may be ready by opening day next fall. They may take longer.
What’s most important, said superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice at last night’s Board of Education meeting, is to get it right.
He has championed a “deliberative process” since first introducing the idea of a ban, and waited to see how Wilton High’s process (initiated this year) worked.
Board members — including the two non-voting students, Calum Madigan Souleye Kebe — agreed on the broad outlines of a ban.
Robert Harrington, who disagrees with Scarice on many issues, praised the superintendent for changing Harrington’s mind
“I work in technology,” Harrington said, “and it’s counterintuitive to me to take technology away.
“But I’ve been swayed by (Scarice’s) vision for the culture at Staples. I hope we move with speed to implement it. I don’t think it’s right to ban phones for seniors, and Yondr bags seem to treat students like children. But I favor the superintendent’s recommendation.”
Voices were far louder earlier in the evening, during discussion of the Board of Education’s vote on Monday to affirm Scarice’s non-renewal of boys soccer head coach Russell Oost-Lievense’s contract.
Board of Education members, and their mediator, at Monday’s appeal hearing. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Members Dorie Hordon and Jill Dillon began by explaining their votes, based on their narrow charge to determine whether the superintendent’s decision had been “arbitrary and capricious.”
Hordon called coaching “a privilege, not a right. I understand many people are disappointed. This was a difficult and painful situation. Anyone can reach out to me. I am happy to explain my decision in more detail.”
Olson said, “We followed the policy with the evidence that was presented to us, and the testimony we heard under oath. It was a hard and painful decision, and not made lightly.”
Harrington stressed the importance of all documents and emails — including those that had not been admitted as evidence — being provided to the board. He reiterated his call for the resignation of athletic director VJ Sarullo.
Several members of the public spoke. Steve Shackelford questioned why Sarullo reported a “physical assault” to the Department of Children and Family Services, while testifying under oath that there had not been one.
He added, “This is not going away. This is not a soccer issue. It’s an issue of how all of our coaches and teachers are treated by the administration.
Joan Gillman asked why 8 witnesses — including herself — had not been allowed to testify. “Decisions were made on incomplete evidence. You took away the coach’s right to defend himself,” she told the board. “What were you afraid of?”
There was one surprise during the public comments. Eoghan Scully, whose High Point Road property abuts Staples’ Jinny Parker Field, complained about the sudden locking of a gate through which many students walk to Staples and Bedford Middle School.
Scarice apologized for not answering earlier. He said that, after conversations with the Westport Public School’s risk management personnel, the gates would be locked during the school day.
They will be open, however, at all other times: before and after school, and on weekends.
Jinny Parker Field will be padlocked only during school hours. (Photo/Dave Briggs)
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Toni Simonetti is a longtime advocate for the Westport Community Garden. The other day, she wrote about them on her Substack:
I spotted this drill in the upper field at Long Lots Elementary School on April 30.
Meanwhile, the first selectwoman closed the Westport Community Garden on May 1. It’s now forcibly and shamefully abandoned.
But when will it be bulldozed and otherwise desecrated? I tried to find out when the special permitted land use designation officially changes from “community garden” to construction dumping ground, then to regulation-size soccer pitch.
The garden use at then-11 Hyde Lane (since merged with 13 Hyde Lane) was first established via special permit with unanimous consent of the Planning & Zoning Commission on October 27, 2005 (Resolution #05-071).
Subsequently it was enlarged. A special permitted use as a garden was again approved unanimously on February 11, 2010 (Resolution #10-0001).
My question was simple, yet not one town official I asked could (would?) answer.
The Planning & Zoning chair did not understand my question. The town P&Z director said she lacked the expertise to answer. The town attorney on staff recused herself from garden matters, and referred me to Ira Bloom. Mr. Bloom doesn’t respond to my queries, so I did not even try.
I asked an experienced land use consultant, who was absolutely adamant that no other land use is allowed until such time as the existing use is changed.
Westport Community Garden.
To date, only an 8-24 municipal use report (to include a community garden) has been submitted to, and been approved by, P&Z.
However, an 8-24 does not change the existing land use. In addition, this one includes a garden.
The town must apply for special permitted land use as athletic fields, construction staging, parking, whatever. Then the P&Z must approve it. The town has not yet done so.
Furthermore, I anticipate the town will withdraw the present 8-24 report and submit a new one that excludes any mention of a garden, then must go through the 8-24 process all over again before applying for a new special permit. It has not yet done so.
At its last meeting on the matter — a pre-application for a site plan that did not include a garden — the P&Z made it clear it wants to see concrete plans for an alternate garden site underway before it will approve any new 8-24.
I have implored any number of people to do something on this front. I have offered ideas and plans to explore. I have offered sweat equity to get this done.
So far, crickets.
Garden gone. (Photos/Toni Simonetti)
Perhaps some secret dealings are underway, but the Westport Community Garden chair won’t say. It’s no surprise that I may have been blackballed from any progress; I don’t know.
But still, what’s going on? And why isn’t there an expanded group of invested citizens engaged?
Meanwhile, drills are drilling in preparation for construction of geothermal wells. The school year is winding down. The land use on Tier 1 remains on record as that of a community garden. And gardeners are banned from using the property for one last season of gardening.
I’ll be watching this little parcel until such time as the land use is changed. I bet tomatoes will be ripe on the vine before that happens.
Stay tuned.
(“06880” Opinion pages are open to all. Email 06880blog@gmail.com.)
Jackie Robinson is a towering historical figure. Thanks to Major League Baseball’s ongoing efforts, every young fan today knows the story of the first man to break the sport’s Black barrier.
But older Americans have more first-hand knowledge of the Brooklyn Dodgers star. They were youngsters or adolescents when he played, or had recently retired.
Robinson was the subject of the Westport Library Common Ground Initiative‘s first-ever Jackie Robinson Essay Contest.
Modeled on TEAM Westport’s Teen Diversity Essay Contest, it invited area residents age 60 or older to reflect on this prompt: “Jackie Robinson stands as an icon of equality and civil rights. What does that say about the power of his legacy, of the place of sports in our culture, and about our modern-day society?”
The Library, Senior Center and Meryl Moss Media group chose 6 winners.
Tony Sanches won first place — and a Jackie Robinson Baseball Hall of Fame 1962 induction limited edition bat — for his essay, “Life Lessons.” A New York Mets fan who is very familiar with the large Robinson statue outside Citi Field, he wrote about how the player inspired him — a “brown-skinned kid … in an all-white Long Island suburb.” Sanches’ essay is here.
Second place went to Steve Karp. His essay “42 and Me” described the writer’s youth in Stamford — where Robinson lived — and the player’s personal impact on him.
It’s not easy, overseeing all the music and art education in the Westport Public Schools.
But Stephen Zimmerman does it — and does it well.
So well, in fact, that last week our townwide coordinator of music and visual arts was named Administrator of the Year, by the Connecticut Music Educators Association.
He was cited for his “visionary leadership, tireless advocacy for teachers, and unwavering commitment to ensuring high quality music programs for all students… (He) is deeply invested in teacher growth, regularly presenting at state and national conferences and working closely with Connecticut districts, teachers, and music administrators to strengthen instruction, curriculum, and assessment practices.”
Steve Zimmerman
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The 9th annual Westport Dog Festival is this Sunday (May 18, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Winslow Park).
This week, TAILS volunteers have been working like — you know — filling 1,000 doggie bags, given to attendees.
Sponsors provide an item to promote themselves. They include things like dog food, a doggie poop bag holder (with bags), dog bandannas, bubbles, refrigerator magnets and discount coupons.
This is one doggie bag you’re not embarrassed to ask for.
Westport Sunrise Rotary is collaborating with Open Doors Homeless Shelter in Norwalk for Epic Day of Service.
They’re looking for volunteers to help paint bed frames, and the front entrance of the facility.
Two shifts are avaiable this Saturday (May 17; 9 to 11 a.m., and 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.). Please PM me if you are available and willing to give back. If interested, email asarelli@yahoo.com.
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To celebrate its decade, The Cottage has unveiled a Ten Year Tasting Menu.
The multi-course offering was designed by chef/owner Brian Lewis, 2025 James Beard Award nominee for Best Chef: Northeast. The limited-time menu pays homage to “the restaurant’s roots in seasonality, storytelling, and enduring partnerships with New England’s finest farmers, fishermen, and foragers.
“This menu is a tribute to the ingredients, people, and moments that have shaped our story over the past 10 years,” says Lewis.
“We pushed ourselves to dig deeper — reconnecting with our local purveyors, reimagining time-honored techniques, and creating dishes that carry real meaning. Each course reflects a memory, a partnership, or a turning point.”
The Westport Weston Family YMCA’s Extra Special Spring Bash is truly special.
The lively, inclusive event for teens and young adults with disabilities (May 23, 6:30 to 8 p.m.) is open to youth ages 12 to 18 with physical or neuro-diverse needs, and their families.
The Y will transform its fitness studio into a spring-themed festival, with music, dancing, games, food, a photo booth, gift bags, and plenty of joy. A live DJ will keep the energy high, in a safe, welcoming space made just for arrwnswwa.
.Ken Runkel’s digital artwork is a highlight of nearly every “06880” Saturday online art gallery.
But today’s post has nothing to do with art.
Ten years ago Ken’s daughter Lindsey — a 2009 Staples High School graduate — fractured her spine in a mountain biking accident. She was paralyzed from the chest down.
But she earned 2 degrees, including a BSN in nursing from the University of Connecticut. In fact, Lindsey broke new ground, as the first paraplegic nursing student at UConn.
Soon after graduation she was hired by Yale New Haven Hospital, as the only paraplegic registered nurse in the liver and kidney transplant unit. In 2021 she became a critical care nurse, in the ICU at Yale New Haven Hospital.
She has fought tirelessly to live fully, and refuses to let paralysis define or limit her. Yet she has faced harsh challenges, both medical and financial.
Lindsey was recently diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. She has encountered ongoing obstacles to find effective pharmaceutical and treatment solutions.
Her daily medical needs already carry significant costs, and the treatment for ulcerative colitis has further increased her financial burden.
A 37-year-old Darien women was charged with larceny, following an investigation into a March incident at Mitchells. The woman allegedly removed security bags from clothes worth more than $9,000 in a dressing room. She was released after posting a $50,000 bond.
Westport Police also issues these citations, between May 7 and 14:
Driving while texting: 7 citations
Traveling unreasonably fast: 4
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 4
And finally … in honor of Joe Vallone’s latest affordable housing project (story above):
(Another day, another Roundup filled with news about events, restaurants, and everything else that makes this town pop. If you enjoy this daily potpourri, please click here to support us. Thanks!)
Terry Brannigan is a 1979 graduate of Staples High School. He wrestled there, then returned to live in Westport. His 3 sons have had great success here on the athletic field, in the classroom and music program, and on the stage.
He has followed the recent controversy over the non-renewal of coaches, and related events, with dismay.
Many others have too. Now it’s time for solutions. Terry may have one. After researching school ombudsmen, he writes:
The events surrounding the non-renewal of athletic coaches have done so much damage, eroded so much trust, and pulled our community so far apart that we have to find some way to reset.
What stands out to me from this event is that there truly is no neutral zone. No authentic transparency, and perhaps most importantly, no place for parents, students, administrators or staff to turn without the risk of exposure.
An ombudsman plays a critical neutral role in fostering trust, fairness and transparency within a school community. As tensions arise between families, staff and administration, an independent, accessible resource like an ombudsman becomes essential to preserving a healthy environment.
An ombudsman promotes transparency and fairness. By helping people understand how decisions are made and what processes are in place to voice concerns, an ombudsman improves communication across all levels of the school system. This reduces frustration, prevents misinformation and encourages collaboration.
Trust is another essential outcome of the role. By providing a safe and confidential space where students, parents and staff can raise issues without fear of retaliation, the ombudsman reinforces the school district’s commitment to listening, accountability and integrity.
An ombudsman supports proactive conflict resolution. By addressing issues early and informally, they help prevent small misunderstandings from escalating into larger disputes or legal action.
Unlike many roles in a school system, an ombudsman can assist even when concerns involve district leadership, including the superintendent. Their role is not to advocate for one side, but to help clarify issues, explore options, and promote fair treatment for all parties involved.
When a concern is raised an ombudsman listens carefully, provides clarity around policies or next steps, and helps individuals assess their options. They may facilitate conversations between parents and teachers, between staff members, or even between families and district leaders to reach informal resolutions.
All discussions are handled confidentially (within legal limits), which creates a safe environment where individuals can speak freely, especially in emotionally charged or high-stakes situations.
Because an ombudsman operates independently, they can support resolution efforts even when the issue involves high-ranking officials. This ensures that every concern is treated with the same level of seriousness and fairness.
In addition to addressing individual cases, an ombudsman has a broader impact. They monitor for recurring issues and trends, providing leaders with feedback that can help improve policy, communication, and district culture.
In today’s educational landscape, where schools are expected to be responsive, inclusive and transparent, an ombudsman provides a critical link between the community and the district. They embody a commitment to fairness, integrity and student success — values that benefit everyone in the school system.
(“06880” Opinion pages are open to all. Email 06880blog@gmail.com).
Matthew Gatto attended Westport schools from kindergarten through Staples High graduation, in 2023.
He worked as a Parks & Recreation Department tennis instructor, and offered private lessons too. That experience sparked his interest in education.
He did his senior internship at Blackham Elementary School in Bridgeport, where his mother volunteers with the Book Buddies literacy program.
Matthew is a rising junior at Fordham University’s Lincoln Center campus, in the accelerated master’s program for education. He continues to teach tennis through the Johnny Mac Project — John McEnroe’s non-profit organization, which provides free after-school programs to underserved children. Matthew writes:
As a future educator and recent graduate of the Westport public school system, I’ve experienced firsthand how much students benefit from well-resourced classrooms and fully supported teachers.
Just a few miles away in Bridgeport, students face a different reality. It should concern us all, as Fairfield County residents.
Matthew Gatto, with Blackham students.
My connection to the Bridgeport public school system began as a Staples senior, when I interned at Blackham Elementary School.
There, I had the opportunity to work alongside 4 incredibly dedicated and caring teachers. These educators were deeply invested in their students’ success, both in and outside of the classroom. They worked tirelessly to build a community where each student felt valued and excited to learn.
The students at Blackham solidified my passion for teaching. They welcomed me into their school with warmth and enthusiasm. They were bright, motivated, and eager to learn. But, as with many of their peers in Bridgeport, they face unique challenges that should concern us all.
Last month, the Bridgeport Board of Education voted to eliminate 20 teaching positions, all 15 school librarians, and 5 assistant principals across the district. These cuts come on top of 45 positions already eliminated in December.
One note to Matthew from a grateful student …
Unfortunately, they are just the beginning of a series of concerning reductions.
For the teachers who remain in the district, class sizes will expand, making it much more difficult to provide individualized support for students with diverse needs and learning styles. With fewer resources, these dedicated educators are being asked to do more with less.
Equally concerning, special education programs face major reductions. Cutting back on essential services for students who need it the most is a grave disservice to an already vulnerable population.
… and another.
Also being eliminated is the district’s performing and visual arts programs, including the popular FAME After-school Arts Academy. This decision deprives students of creative outlets that have been proven to support emotional development and academic achievement.
The proposed cuts also include terminating bus transportation for over 2,000 students. This concerning action will hinder many children’s ability to attend school. Many students in Bridgeport, especially those from working families, rely on the bus system to get to school. Removing this will have devastating consequences.
In my opinion, one of the most heartbreaking cuts is the elimination of all 15 school librarians. Blackham librarian Aimee Guerrero has been instrumental in promoting a new generation of lifelong readers.
Aimee has transformed the library into a sanctuary where students have the opportunity to expand their vocabulary and gain critical thinking skills.
I fear that eliminating this position will be a devastating setback for a school where many students are English language learners, and already face significant challenges with reading proficiency.
These cuts are detrimental for a district that already struggles with limited resources. Eliminating staff, programs and transportation only deepens the barriers students already face.
The fight for funding is now in the hands of State Legislators and Governor Ned Lamont. We are in the final stages of negotiating the state budget, with a deadline of June 4.
This is a critical moment to make our voices heard and demand better for Bridgeport’s children. I urge all readers to write to Governor Lamont. Tell him that these cuts are unacceptable. Tell him that every child, regardless of ZIP code, deserves access to a quality education.
Because when one of our neighboring school districts struggles, the strength of our entire community is put at risk.
(Our “06880” Opinion pages are open to all readers. To learn more, email 06880blog@gmail.com.)
On Saturday night Laurie Schneider’s family was downstairs, deciding where to go to dinner.
They heard a giant crash, glass shattering, then a loud thud from above.
They raced upstairs to see what had collapsed: a light fixture? Shelving? Laurie imagined the treadmill had crashed through the ceiling.
Her oldest daughter screamed, “There’s a turkey in my room!”
That’s right: a 35-pound turkey had flown in and exploded through her second floor bedroom window, covering the floor with shattered glass.
Turkey in the bedroom.
The Schneiders called the non-emergency police line (and were told it was in fact a legitimate emergency).
An officer arrived quickly. They all knew that when threatened, wild turkeys can attack humans, so they had to be thoughtful.
The bedroom lights were off and the shades closed when the large bird crashed in, so there was no obvious exit. Glass all over her floor was an added concern.
As they waited for Animal Control, more officers arrived. The last one was part of the K-9 unit. He bravely went in with a lasso (with no intention of hurting the turkey), and a towel.
Officers on the scene.
For nearly 5 minutes, it was officer vs. turkey.
The turkey flew around the bedroom. The scene was chaotic.
Finally, the officer opened the shade. The turkey flew out.
The Schneiders hope it will never return.
At least, not until it’s on a Thanksgiving platter.
Congratulations to Sgt. David Librandi, and Officers Greg Gunter, Devonte Savage and David Scinto, who helped the Schneiders. You are this week’s Unsung — but very appreciated — Heroes.
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What’s most important, said superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice at last night’s Board of Education meeting, is to get it right.
Harrington stressed the importance of all documents and emails — including those that had not been admitted as evidence — being provided to the board. He reiterated his call for the resignation of athletic director VJ Sarullo.
An ombudsman plays a critical neutral role in fostering trust, fairness and transparency within a school community. As tensions arise between families, staff and administration, an independent, accessible resource like an ombudsman becomes essential to preserving a healthy environment.
