Superintendent of Schools Thomas Scarice offers updates on a recommendation to move the last day of school, phone-free school environments, security plans, and a strategic vision for AI.
Last Student Day
With 1 snow day this winter, and snow season likely behind us, our last student day is scheduled for June 16.
Given that the district schedules 182 student days, while the state mandates only 180, I recommend that the Board of Education reduce the student calendar by 1 day (to 181), and make Monday, June 16 a faculty-only work day, ending the student school year on Friday, June 13. The Board is asked to take action to approve this recommendation at their April 3 meeting.
Smartphone/Wearable Technology Update
Last June, I recommended restricting access to smartphones and wearable technology during the school day, across all grade levels.
While this approach is solidly in place for grades K-8, we have maintained the current system at Staples High School (allowing limited access during non-instructional periods), as we evaluate our next steps.
This fall, I engaged with all Staples faculty in small group department meetings to gather their input. While some opinions varied, a strong majority supported moving toward greater restrictions on smartphone use, including a full ban during the school day.
Classroom smartphone holder.
In November, Wilton High School implemented a full smartphone ban. At that point, I slowed down our process so that we could observe and learn. Their experience, and a site visit by our team in February, has provided us with valuable insights to consider before finalizing any changes in our district.
This morning, I provided the Board of Education with a comprehensive update. In this update I outline a series of feedback mechanisms for the Staples community (i.e., anonymous online survey for Staples parents, students and faculty from April 7-25), and for the entire K-12 school community (i.e.m moderated community conversation on May 6 at 7:30 p.m., location TBD).
These opportunities, along with Staples student feedback sessions facilitated by principal Stafford Thomas, and a comprehensive summary of the research on the impacts of student cell phone use and cell phone restriction policies on student outcomes, will be provided to the Board of Education before any final recommendations are approved.
All Staples parents/guardians are encouraged to participate in the survey between April 7 and 225. All WPS parents are encouraged to attend the Board of Ed community conversation on May 6. It will be moderated by former Westport educator and former RTM moderator Velma Heller.
It is anticipated that the Board of Education will contemplate this recommendation at a meeting in May or June.
The newest release from the popular “Screenagers” documentary film series, it addresses issues that elementary school kids, parents and educators face, i.e., smartwatches in class, disconnecting from and monitoring video gaming, social media pressures, exposure too young, and what research shows is a healthy amount of screen time. The film offers many solutions to these and other challenges. Register at: bit.ly/screenagerswestport
Updates to District Security Plans
Following the unspeakable tragedy of Sandy Hook, the district undertook a comprehensive evaluation of security plans for our schools in.
An update was warranted. The evaluation was completed this school year. Recommendations will be presented to the Board of Education later this spring in executive session, which is confidential and not live streamed.
It is critically important that the security plans and discussions remain confidential to avoid compromising the safety of our schools. I share this information so that our school community can be confident that this continues to be a priority of our school district, and is regularly reviewed to ensure the highest levels of safety and security for our students and staff.
A Bold Strategic Vision for AI in the WPS
A couple of months ago I presented a bold recommendation to the Board of Education: to position the Westport Public Schools as a national leader in public education’s artificial intelligence revolution.
Since that time, the Westport Public Schools was selected to be one of only 7 districts in the states to participate in an AI pilot program this year. A number of parents and community members have reached out to my office to offer their expertise and support in advancing this vision, and a team of 30+ WPS educators have offered their time to develop a district-wide plan for AI in our schools.
With the priority of maintaining the humanity in our schools, and augmenting, not replacing, the work of our educators, we continue to move forward with plans that clearly articulate a vision that addresses AI and the student, AI and the teacher, ethical considerations, and an effort to “future-proof” our schools.
I look forward to returning with more information and updates.
News anchors smoked on TV. Doctors recommended their favorite brands, in ads.
There were “smoking sections” on planes.
And everywhere, there were matches. After all, those cigarettes didn’t light themselves.
You picked them up at restaurants, stores and banks. They were free — and free marketing for businesses.
Some people collected matchbook covers. Most are long gone.
But not Peggy Lehn’s.
She kept them, all these years. They’re from all over the world.
Recently, she shared them with me. The matchbooks from Daytona, San Francisco and Hong Kong were interesting.
The ones from Westport were much more intriguing.
Some advertised memorable restaurants. There’s a hometown bank, a drugstore — and 3 places that are still around.
Do these memories “light up” your day? Click “Comments” below.
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Yesterday’s Roundup reported that the Planning & Zoning Commission would review The Hamlet at Saugatuck on March 31. That agenda item has been canceled.
Meanwhile, the Board of Education meets April 3 (7 p.m., Staples cafeteria; livestreamed on www.westportct.gov).
The agenda includes the proposed new master schedule for Staples High School; the 2025-26 and 2026-27 district calendars, and a second reading of board policies regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Wednesday’s New York Times’ front-page photo of a sick child in Ukraine — and nearly a dozen more, over a 2-page spread — were shot by Lynsey Addario.
The Pulitzer Prize and MacArthur “genius grant” winner — and 1991 Staples graduate — also supplied the text and interviews accompanying each photo.
Addario has traveled to Ukraine many times from her London base. She has reported from hot spots around the world, and written a memoir called “It’s What I Do: A Photographer’s Life of Love and War.” (Hat tip: Stacie Curran)
Lynsey Addario’s photo, on page 1 of Wednesday’s New York Times.
Ben Casparius picked up yesterday where he left off last fall.
The 2017 Staples High School grad — who became only the second pitcher in baseball history to make his first-ever MLB start in a World Series — pitched 1 inning of relief, int he Los Angeles Dodgers’ 5-4 win over the Detroit Tigers.
Casparius — who was picked 5th in the 2021 draft, out of the University of Connecticut — allowed 1 hit, struck out 1, and walked 1.
It was the season opener, at home, for the reigning champs.
Ben Casparius
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The Levitt Pavilion has just announced 2 new summer shows.
Michael Franti & Sprearhead — with opening act Allen Stone — are set for July 13 (5 p.m.).
Franti — also an activist, hotel owner (Soulshine Bali) and award-winning filmmaker — is renowned for his high-energy live shows, inspiring music, devotion to health and wellness, worldwide philanthropic efforts and the power of optimism. Click here for tickets, and more information.
Dogs in a Pile — the funk/jazz/rock/psychedelic quintet from Asbury Park, New Jersey — perform free on June 20 (7:30 p.m.). Click here to reserve a ticket.
Meanwhile, tickets are on sale for previously announced shows, including Pigeons Playing Ping Pong & the Infamous Stringdusters with Melt (June 1), Umphrey’s McGee (July 11) and I’m With Her, with Ken Pomeroy. Click here for tickets, and more information.
Westport firefighters responded yesterday afternoon to a motor vehicle crash on I-95 southbound near Exit 19.
Both a tractor trailer and pick-up truck were located down an embankment. The truck was heavily damaged, and partially underneath the tractor trailer, on its roof.
Firefighters from Westport and Fairfield brought the injured occupant up the embankment, using a basket and rope.
The kudos keep coming for the Staples High School boys basketball team.
The FCIAC champions have just won something else: the Harold Swaffield Award.
It’s voted on by the Fairfield County Board of Approved Baksetball Officials, and is presented to a team that demonstrated a consistent level of good sportsmanship.
In addition, 2 Wreckers — junior Sam Clachko and senior Adam Udell– have been named to the All-State 1st and 2nd teams, respectively.
Congrats to all!
Good sportsmanship is not just for “losers.” The best team in the FCIAC also won a sportsmanship trophy.
Front Row Seating $65 | Preferred Adult $55 and General Admission Adult $45 | General Children (18 and under) $20. Tickets available via our QR code. Tickets may be purchased at the door on the day subject to availability. Doors open at 4.30pm.
The Sorelle Gallery’s next show, featuring landscape paintings by Bri Custer, opens April 5. Light refreshments will be available.
The plein air painter explores perception, memory and color through the New England landscape. Her works will be displayed through April 26.
Bri Custer, with her work.
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In late March, these tree branches on Rayfield Road are bare.
Soon — like so many other “Westport … Naturally” scenes — they will look dramatically different.
Any day now …
(Photo/Jerry Kuyper)
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And, speaking of “any day now” (item above):
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It takes a leap of faith — and courage many 14-year-olds lack — to join A Better Chance.
The local chapter of a national program brings 8 boys of color from underserved schools around the country, to Glendarcy House in Westport.
They live together, attend Staples, and enjoy many opportunities the town and school offer.
But it’s not easy. They leave their families. They’re thrust into a new environment, in an unfamiliar suburb where most people do not look like them. They face inordinate, constant pressure and challenges.
Yoel Hooper-Antunez was one of several dozen young men who, over the past two-plus decades, took that brave step.
He left Santa Ana, California. He adapted to his new community. He had a successful 4 years, playing music and taking part in other Staples activities.
Five years ago, Yoel was ready for his reward: graduation, and a chance to speak at the Dream Event, A Better Chance of Westport’s annual fundraising gala. Like so many before him, he would address a room full of adults, very successful in their professional and personal lives, about his journey over the past 4 years.
Those heartfelt, honest, painful, powerful and ultimately uplifting stories are always the highlight of the Dream Event.
Yoel Hooper-Antunez (front row, 2nd from right), with fellow A Better Chance scholars, and returning alumni, at a Dream Event when he was at Staples.
Just 3 months before graduation, COVID struck. The 6 underclass scholars were sent home. Yoel and the one other senior in Glendarcy House remained, with the resident directors.
The Dream Event was canceled. Yoel never gave his speech.
Five years later, he’ll get his chance.
Yoel — now a Grinnell College graduate, and finishing his first year at his first job — is the featured speaker at this year’s Dream Event (April 28, 6:30 p.m., Westport Library).
He’s coming from his home in Las Vegas for the event. That says a lot about the kind of man Yoel is. And about what ABC means to its scholars.
Yoel Hooper-Antunez as a Staples freshman …
Yoel’s introduction to the program came from a guest speaker in 7th grade. He spent the next 2 years getting his grades up, and preparating for tests and interviews.
On a visit to Westport he toured Glendarcy House; met the scholars, volunteers and then-president Eric Seidman, and spent a day at Staples.
He had been unsure about moving all across the country. But seeing the Westport program in action sealed the deal. When he was accepted, he quickly said yes.
Yoel thought he would be known only as “that ABC kid.” To his surprise, many students did not know about the program.
“It was somethng so big in my life. But it didn’t mean anything to other people. It was nice to be able to just be part of the crowd,” he says.
Yet Yoel stood out in other ways. He played in the jazz band (and got a saxophone he still plays every day). He joined the yearbook, wrestled, and studied film.
“The person I entered as is not the person I left,” Yoel says.
… and senior.
“That’s true for a lot of 14- to 18-year-olds,” he notes. “But I had so many resources at my disposal.
“I had a great roommate. Great tutors. A great school. Experiences I never would have had otherwise.”
ABC scholars spend weekends with host families. He was embraced by his, and traveled with them to Belize. On another trip, to Cuba, he met some of his relatives.
Being an ABC scholar is not easy. “There are a lot of expectations,” Yoel explains. “You’re an ambassador for the program, at all times. If you mess up, it reflects on the program.”
Scholars cannot drive. There are strict rules about parties and social events.
Yoel rose to the challenges. Between his academics, and navigating living 3,000 miles from home, he felt well prepared for college.
As he got ready for Grinnell — a school he heard about through volunteer college counselor Kim Freudingman — the pandemic hit. He finished his classes online, went on walks and rode his bike.
He had begun writing his speech for the Dream Event. But like so much else in town, it was canceled. He never got to descibe his 4-year metamorphosis.
His first year of college was also fully remote. But once Yoel got to the Iowa campus, he immersed himself in political science, statistics and music.
Yoel Hooper-Antunez, at Grinnell College. (Photo/Isabel Torrence for The Scarlet & Black)
He’s now a financial analyst with a gaming company. He plans to earn a CFA or CPA degree. He’s enjoying Las Vegas, and is saving money to buy a house.
And now, Yoel is planning that Dream Event speech he never gave 5 years ago.
“I want to give back to the program that gave so much to me,” he says.
“I got a scholarship to college. I have a good job. Everything I do every day, I trace back to moving to Westport when I was 14 years old.
“The experiences in Westport and Grinnell — I never would have had them without the program. It was transformative. I hope I can come back every year.”
That first trip comes soon. When Yoel Hooper-Antunez speaks next month, it will be — for a couple of hundred attendees, and especially for him — truly a “dream” event.
The A Better Chance Dream Event is April 26 (6:30 p.m., Westport Library). Click here for tickets, and more information.
We all know the internet is awash in misinformation, disinformation and lies.
But still, we watch videos filled with outlandish content, and nod along.
Yup, we say. Weird. Who knew?
But when that content hits close to home — say, our very own town — we sit up and say, Hey! That’s BS! What a crock!
Still, plenty of people outside, say, 06880 might believe it.
An Instagram Reel from the Sad Money podcast (tagline: “Money Never Weeps,” by Stephen Sihelnik and Alex Payne), is making the cyber rounds.
Alex Payne and Stephen Sihelnik.
It’s a mishmash of the fantastic and the bizarre, with just enough threads of reality to make it believable.
And because Stephen sounds so sure of himself — and Alex throws in a few affirming “Wow”s — you would think that:
Westport only exists because up until the 1960s, the “constitution” in Greenwich — “the rich town you really want to live in” — said that “you could not sell your home to Jews.”
But because so many New York Jews wanted to live in the suburbs, they bought a “farm town” and made their own “Jewish town.”
Which is why Westport is now 90% Jewish.
And how about our Chabad? The host — who has been there “a couple of times” — describes it: 4 stories, “palatial,” with a garden and a “mile-long driveway.”
The actual Chabad of Westport: the former 3 Bears Inn.
Posted 3 days ago, it’s already amassed over 21,000 “likes.”
The nearly 600 comments — about religion, economics, farmland and more — are just as fascinating.
One woman — calling herself a 4th generation Westporter — says that her great-grandmother was respoonsible for making sure an antisemitic “gentleman’s agreement” was not established here, during a secret real estate meeting.
Another writes: “A girl I went to elementary school with would have birthday parties at her grandparents huge house, with an amazing pool, tennis court, etc, and they were, in fact, Jewish!”
We all know not to go down internet rabbit holes. But if you insist, click here or below to see the Instagram reel.
On the first Thursday of every month, StartUp Westport sponsors a casual get-together.
The next one is April 3 (6 to 8 p.m., VFW Post 399; click here to register).
Call it what you want — meet-and-greet, networking, whatever — it’s an opportunity for our town’s tech entrepreneurs, innovators and investors to get together.
There’s no fee. Everyone is responsible for their own drinks and (if they wish) food.
But if a billion-dollar idea or deal comes out of one of these, maybe the men and women behind it can buy a round at the next one.
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Drugs, alcohol, suicide — those heavy topics, and more, are addressed regularly in Westport.
Free QPR suicide prevention training (Friday, March 28, 12 to 1:30 p.m., Positive Directions, 90 Post Road West). For the general public, 16+. RSVP: positivedirections.org/events
Exploring Westport’s Relationship with Alcohol. (April 7, 7 p.m., Toquet Hall). A community discussion, including a panel and breakout discussion groups to kick off Alcohol Awareness Month. Panelists include a parent, person in recovery, mental health counselor, substance counselor, LGBTQ community member and teen. RSVP: positivedirections.org/events
Save a Life Day. (April 9, 7 p.m., Town Hall). Positive Directions and Aspetuck Health District provide an overdose awareness event, sigh free Narcan and other supplies to participants. RSVP: positivedirections.org/events
Drug Take-Back Day (April 26, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Senior Center). Bring medications, for safe collection and disposal.
TOPSoccer — a national soccer program for youngsters with disabilities — flourished her for several years.
Now Eric Serotta and his daughter Blake, a Bedford Middle School 8th grader, are relaunching it.
The Westport Soccer Association and Weston Soccer Club are collaborating, to offer skill development and physical participation, to children in grades K-8 with physical and/or learning differences.
TOPSoccer will run on 5 Saturdays (11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) beginning April 26, at Morehouse Farm Park in Weston.
To register as a player — or volunteer — click here.
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An incorrect date was given in yesterday’s Roundup for the Earth Animal/Fetch Rescue puppy adoption event at Earth Animal.
The correct day is this Sunday (March 30, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.).
One of many puppies up for adoption this Sunday, at Earth Animal.
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Content Studio — the Saugatuck Avenue event space — hosts several exciting April events.
Mixology Mixer, with Ed Hernandez of Mixxed by Ed (April 10; 6 to 8 p.m.). Ticket includes 2 drinks, supplies, light bites, and a screening of the 1988 film “Cocktail.” “Perfect for date night, girls’ night out, or corporate team-building.” Click here for tickets.
Westport Downtown Association“town hall” (April 24), for members and those interested in learning more. Wine, beer and light bites, plus information on upcoming town and beautification events. For more information, email beth@contentstudio.com.
Mother’s Day Mini-Portrait Sessions (April 26; sessions available 8 to 5:30 p.m.). For mothers and their children, or children and grandchildren at any age. Click here to book a session.
The prolific author, longtime Westporter and Staples High School graduate just published his second book in 2 weeks.
Swanson — a Vietnam veteran — is now focused on vets’ issues.
“Thank You For Your Service” — published last week — is about a Marine who, despite 2 tours in Iraq, was not a US citizen (though here legally), as he awaits his asylum hearing. Click here to order from Amazon.
“A Fart in a Hurricane” — another Hush McCormick novelette — deals with 3 Marines who were fired from their jobs at the Veterans Administration, without due cause. They want their jobs back, and resort to any means — including blackmail. Click here to order from Amazon.
In April of 1777, British soldiers landed at Compo Beach, and marched to Danbury.
On April 6 of 2025, Westport art historian drives north to the Keeler Tavern Museum. There, at 3 p.m., she’ll discuss “Art, War, and Identity” — an exploration of how the persuasive power of artists during the Revolutionary Era helped sway public opinion, and forge our national identity.
Tickets are $15 ($10 members and students). Click here to purchase, and for more information.
Westport Police made one custodial arrest between March 19 and 26.
A 60-year-old New York City man was charged with criminal attempt to commit larceny, illegal possession of personal ID information device, and identity theft, following the attempted theft of funds from a bank account. He was held on $150,000 bond.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 12 citations
And finally … happy 56th birthday to Mariah Carey!
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Last year at Adam J. Lewis Academy‘s annual fundraiser, I met the teachers who work their magic at the Bridgeport school.
Their talent, energy, passion and pride blew me away.
This year, the stars of the spring party will be the students themselves.
Adam J. Lewis’s founders promise the kids will be even more remarkable than the adults.
The school — named for a local man killed on 9/11, and nurtured ever since by his wife and friends — has changed the lives of hundreds of Bridgeport youngsters and their families.
Adam J. Lewis grew up poor, in the Bronx. But he seized the educational opportunities he was given — scholarships to Dalton and Hamilton College — and made a great, successful and fulfilling life for himself.
Adam J. Lewis and his wife Patty.
His death at his World Trade Center desk sparked a superbly fitting tribute.
His wife Patty Lewis and Westporter Julie Mombello — friends from their days working together at Greens Farms Academy — knew the importance of pre-school education.
In Westport, pre-school — where children explore the world using all their senses, and learn letters, numbers, scientific observation, music, art, language, problem-solving, cooperation, coordination and many other skills — is a given. That’s far less true in Bridgeport, where the cost of preschool can be daunting.
Patty and Julie vowed to do what they could to give little children just a few miles from Westport the same advantages their own kids had.
After reading “Balloons Over Broadway,” students created their own balloons. A parade followed.
The goal was to provide youngsters from every background with an intellectually, socially and personally transformative educational experience. Students would leave empowered, ready to make a difference in the world.
The Adam J. Lewis Pre-School was born. And — despite daunting obstacles including fundraising, site selection and city bureaucracy — it has thrived since opening in 2013.
From its start — with just 12 children — it has grown steadily. In 2018 the school relocated to a downtown Bridgeport campus. Realizing there is more to education than just pre-K, they’ve added one grade each year.
The faculty/student ratio is 8:1. 90% of the teachers have advanced degrees. 100% of students receive financial aid.
Now, as a pre-K through 8th grade independent school of more than 160 youngsters, AJLA is ready to graduate its first middle school class.
Those boys and girls have been there since the day the academy opened. They’ve moved from a small building into a large, better-equipped one.
They’ve impressed their teachers, and surprised their parents. Now they’re ready to inspire all who attend the May 3 event.
Adam J. Lewis teachers offer a warm welcome on opening day.
The school is a true community. Families are embraced, and supported. A scholarship program at Housatonic Community College enables parents to take certification classes at no cost to them, often leading to high-demand, higher-paying jobs and careers.
A staff psychologist bridges the gap between home and school — just like a private boarding school.
From the start, Westporters have supported Adam J. Lewis Academy, with donations, board service and sweat equity.
And from the start, Patty Lewis and Julie Mombello have been AJLA’s heart and soul.
The other day, they talked about some of the independent projects the students will show in May.
Every grade has a year-long theme. This year, every middle schooler has worked on an independent “sustainability” project. They’ve conducted interviews, written papers, created models.
“They become little experts in areas they feel excited about,” Julie says. Among them: solar cars, osprey nests, and the the dangers of plastics in oceans.
Guests at the fundraiser will tour the new STEAM (Science, Technology, Enigneering, Arts, Math) room.
From its small beginning, Adam J. Lewis has grown substantially.
The event will also honor 5 families who believed in AJLA’s mission from the start, and gave generously for many years. Among them: Elwood and Catherine Davis. and Jim and Roberta Conroy. Both couples live in Westport.
“At the beginning we were just 2 women who wanted to open up a school,” Patty says.
“We had no data, nothing. But they believed in us. Without them, we would not be where we are today.”
And without them, that first 8th grade class would not be where they are today: ready to awe their guests with proof of what any child can achieve, as long as someone gives them a chance.
(The Adam J. Lewis Academy spring party is May 3, 6 p.m., at the school: 500 State Street, Bridgeport. Click here for tickets, and more information. To learn more about Adam J. Lewis Academy, click here.)
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