On a warm, late-summer day, Max Harper’s family, friends and those who wished they had known him bid farewell.
The 18-year-old Staples High School senior died last week, on his dirt bike not far from his home.
All after-school activities were canceled yesterday, so students could attend the poignant service by the Compo Beach cannons.
Max’s dad spoke, as did Staples principal Stafford Thomas, Greens Farms Academy head Bob Whelan (Max’s previous school), and several friends.
Near the end, yarn balls were passed out. Everyone held on, connecting the large group.
Then the crowd made their way to the shore, and placed petals on the water.
Greens Farms Academy head Bob Whelan (right) addresses Max’s friends from 2 schools. Staples principal Stafford Thomas stands nearby (jacket, hands clasped).
(All photos/Luca Caniato, Staples High School Class of 2025)
Hundreds of friends joined Max Harper’s family to say goodbye to the 18-year-old today, at Compo Beach. He died last week, on his dirt bike. After the memorial, they gathered at the shore, to throw petals on the water. (Photo/Katie Phillis)
Posted onSeptember 17, 2024|Comments Off on Scarice Updates Community On School Threats, Police Response
Superintendent of Schools Thomas Scarice says:
Good afternoon,
I would like to provide an update to our school community regarding the reported threats made to Staples High School.
Our School Day Today
Over the course of the day, I visited all 8 WPS schools and spoke with each building principal and faculty members. I observed the additional officers at Staples, and officers patrolling all of our schools today. I have spoken with Westport Police Department Chief Foti Koskinas multiple times today to ensure our systems continue to serve our schools.
In full disclosure, with the exception of some isolated incidents of anxiety, our schools proceeded with their days. We will return tomorrow with the same high standards for safety that we maintain each day.
Two Separate and Unrelated Staples High School Threats
To reiterate from my message last night to the Staples community, there were 2 entirely separate and unrelated events at Staples. One involved language on a bathroom stall threatening the school community. The other involved a social media posting last night from an identified Staples student.
Assessment of Threats and Actions Taken
I have had multiple conversations with the WPD Chief and members of his team. I am very comfortable with their protocols and threat assessment.
The WPD team, in collaboration with the Staples and district administration, determined the threat written on the bathroom stall lacked credibility. However, the social media posting warranted immediate and decisive action.
Found on a bathroom stall.
Bathroom Stall Threat
In order to assess credibility of the bathroom stall threat the WPD team and school administration engaged in a process including the following:
The bathroom where the graffiti was found was secured and closed until the situation was fully assessed.
The Staples School Resource Officer was notified immediately.
The district administration was notified.
The SRO worked with the building administration to conduct an investigation, looking for any potential evidence (i.e. security footage, suspicious activity, etc.) that would identify a suspect.
Surveillance footage near the bathroom was reviewed to identify potential suspects.
Any staff or students who might have information about the threat were interviewed.
The WPD team and school administration monitored social media leads and any student conversations that could provide information to identify a suspect.
WPD Assessment included:
Specificity:
Is the threat detailed or is it vague? Are names associated with the threat? Is it specific enough to speculate there is a plan?
Wording:
The threat’s wording suggests that the threatener has considered how the act will be carried out
Capability:
If there is a suspect, is there any indication that the person has the means or access to carry it out?
History:
Are there any similar threats or incidents in the past that could be connected? Is there a suspected individual responsible and if so, is the individual known for behavioral issues, special needs, mental health, etc.?
Context:
Does this threat coincide with any known tensions, events, or conflicts presently at the school? Is there corroborating evidence that points to other events providing context that a threat is likely to be carried out?
Preparatory steps:
Is there a strong indication that the individual responsible for the threat has taken preparatory steps?
Rationality:
Is it rational to believe that the threat will be carried out? For example, in this instance of the bathroom stall, is there a history of anonymous threats such as this carried out?
Any other evidence:
Is there any other evidence that would point towards a credible threat?
Based on the evidence, the WPD and WPS administration determined that the threat was not credible.
The district administration will continue to work with the WPD to definitively identify any suspects.
Social Media Posting Threat
A review of the social media posting last night warranted immediate intervention and decisive action including:
A house visit from the WPD to the suspected student after 9 p.m. last night
An arrest summons issued by the WPD
A directive to not report to school by the WPD and school administration
The timeline for the evening social media posting was swift:
8:56 p.m.
The high school administration was notified of a threatening social media, and contacted the WPD and me to plan our actions
10:02 p.m.
The WPD completed a visit to the home of the suspected student and family
An arrest summons was issued
The student and family were informed that they are not to report to school on Tuesday and that the Staples administration will contact the family with next steps.
10:25 p.m.
Notification was sent to the Staples students, families, and faculty
Tuesday 8:27 a.m.
After social media spread, a message was sent to the entire school community, sharing the message sent to the Staples community
Communication to the School Community
My goal is always to balance ensuring the safety of the school community with maintaining calm and minimizing disruption to the school environment. These two incidents were isolated to Staples and both were managed effectively by the building administration in collaboration with the WPD.
In a simple search this afternoon I found 8 Connecticut school districts report threats made and action taken in just the last week. Unfortunately, this continues to happen. Coupled with unspeakable tragedies like the school shooting in Georgia last week, it is very understandable why there is anxiety and an appetite to know more.
That said, I made the decision to have Staples Principal Stafford Thomas communicate to his school community only, along with my follow up at 10:25 p.m. last night.
Yet it became clear to me by morning that social media spread necessitated a message by me to the entire school community. Additionally, it was pointed out that Bedford Middle School and Staples share a campus, providing further justification for a broader message.
Bedford Middle School parents were anxious today. The school is just up the hill from Staples High School.
Beyond the actual acts of violence, the other destructive factor is the paralyzing fear felt across all school communities in the aftermath of another school shooting, or school violence threat. I did not want to disrupt or worry our other schools as no threats were made in their direction.
Our schools were safe today and remain safe everyday. Sadly, that is not a guarantee, as much as I wish I could. If anything, this is yet another example of how our system of response works. Students reported and we acted decisively.
The speed of our communication will never keep pace with social media. Taking the time to sit and write this summary message, a necessary part of my job, took a considerable amount of time after ensuring our schools ran smoothly and without incident.
Vigilant Partnership
I want to reassure the school community that the safety of our students and staff remains our top priority. While we cannot predict or prevent every potential threat, we can and will continue to act swiftly, and in close partnership with the WPD.
I am humbled by this responsibility, and by the trust and confidence you place in us. Please continue to encourage your children to speak up when they see or hear something concerning, and know that we will always take their reports seriously.
Thank you for your continued support.
Comments Off on Scarice Updates Community On School Threats, Police Response
If you think this harvest moon is particularly stirring: You’re not alone.
Saugatuck Church invites the community to “celebrate the harvest and abundance, while drumming to the full moon’s energy and its strong pull of the tide.”
The Harvest Moon Drum Circle is tomorrow (Wednesday, September 18, 7 to 9 p.m., Compo Beach cannons).
Attendees are encouraged to bring a drum or percussion instrument. Tell the gate attendant you are with the church. Rain location: Hoskins Hall, at Saugatuck Church.
Band Central — the CLASP house group, specializing in classic tunes — headlines the non-profit’s “Music Through the Decades” benefit.
The October 18 show (Fairfield Theatre Company) will raise funds to support CLASP’s clients, with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
A 6:30 p.m. pre-party includes light bites from Blue + Berries and Little Pub. The main event kicks off at 7:30.
Guests are encouraged to dress in the fashion of their favorite decade.
Tickets are $45 in person at the FTC office, $54 online or by phone (203-319-1404).
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Wakeman Town Farm is a place for everyone. And that means everybody.
The environmental center has just announced a farmer program for neuro-diverse children.
Designed for youngsters of all abilities, the farm-based program offers a hands-on, sensory-rich experience that encourages exploration, creativity and learning, in a natural setting.
Wakeman Town Farm provides a safe, welcoming environment where kids can connect with animals, engage in gardening activities, and explore the outdoors at their own pace.
The staff is trained to support neuro-diverse learners
There are 2 age groups: 3-10, and 11 and up. Activities like feeding animals, planting seeds and observing nature are outdoors, and tailored to accommodate various sensory, social and communication styles.
The program promotes social interaction, emotional regulation and physical activity, while nurturing a love for nature.
There are 4 Saturday morning sessions, from October 5 through 26. The fee is $180.
Each attendee needs an adult buddy (18+) — a parent, paraprofessional, babysitter, grandparent, or someone else who knows the child well and can support them as an instructor leads the program.
Wakeman Town Farm animal ambassador Judy Panzer and special education professional Leann Duggan helped develop the curriculum and activities for the program.
As CEO of New York Road Runners, Westporter Rob Simmelkjaer is closely associated with the New York Marathon.
But on September 29, he’ll be in Germany, running the Berlin Marathon.
Across the ocean though, his heart will be here. He’s running fo NYRR Team for Kids, the premier charity of New York Road Runners and the New York Marathon.
Since its inception in 2002, NYRR Team for Kids has raised more than $110 million, in a variety of races. Rob’s personal goal is $10,000.
The Funds serve nearly 200,000 youngsters locally and nationally, through NYRR’s free youth running programs.
For more information, and to donate to Rob’s team, click here.
Rob Simmelkjaer
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Many Westporters shop at The Pantry, on the Post Road in Fairfield.
There was a fire there yesterday. All food was thrown out or given away, to churches and Operation Hope.
Owners hope to reopen soon. (Hat tip: Mary Condon)
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The Girl-Power Squash program — an introductory program for kids — got off to a rousing start on Sunday.
All 20 spots were taken, at Intensity Squash.
The program continues for the next 11 Sundays.
A similar one is planned for winter.
Westport elementary school girls, with former Staples High School boys squash coach Eddie O’Rourke (top left) and, in the front row (7th-9th from left), Staples players Rhiya Anand, Rebecca Schachter and Sophie Smith.
Longtime Westport resident Tommy Greenwald and his son Charlie’s “Beginning Reader” series for children ages 5-8 began with a hit.
The first book — “The Rescues Finding Home,” about 2 shelter dogs awaiting adoption was named a 2023 School Library Journal Best Book of the Year.
The second in the series — “The Rescues Best Day Ever” — is published today. It’s about 3 new adventures with adopted pet friends Moose, Bear and Tiger. Click here for details.
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Longtime Westport resident Joyce Netherton died peacefully last week at Norwalk Hospital, of natural causes. She was 86.
She graduated as salutatorian of Henry Clay High School in Lexington, Kentucky. At the University of Kentucky she continued to play violin and was in Alpha Xi Delta sorority. She earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics in only 2 1/2 years.
She met Elliott, her husband of 58 years, there. After living in Louisville they moved to Westport in 1973, with their 3 children.
Joyce was an avid tennis player. When her children were older, she became a computer programmer analyst with AC Neilsen and Dun & Bradstreet, rising quickly to management positions.
After retirement she served in numerous local leadership roles, for the Westport Woman’s Club, League of Women Voters, Medical Serve Corps and Staples Tuition Grants. Treasurer was her favorite.
An enthusiastic reader, she was a devoted supporter of the Westport Library.
Joyce was known for her sewing skills. She created clothes and household items for her family, and even made her own wedding gown.
She and Elliott enjoyed trips in their motor home, visiting nearly all 50 states. After retiring, they traveled with friends around the world.
Joyce is survived by daughter Cynthia Lipe (Joe) of Point Blank, Texas; son Hank (Wendy) of Woodland Park, Colorado; grandchildren Kelly (Richard) Deleon, Tracy (Dustin) Bowling, Jonathan Lipe, Miranda (Jerek) Bickford, Mallory (Austin) Nuss, Henry (Candis) Netherton and Wyatt Netherton; and great-grandchildren Lillian and Mason Sarvis, McKenzie, Victoria and Aubrey Deleon, Eleanor, Abigail and Caroline Bowling, Brynley and Emmit Nuss, Conall and Roderick Bickford.
She is also survived by her brother David Beals, and nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Elliott, daughter and son-in-law Paige and Tom Totilo, and brothers Ralph and Philip Beals.
Services will be held outside at the Memorial Garden of Christ & Holy Trinity Church on Friday, September 27 (11 a.m.). Her ashes will be interred in the Memorial Garden during the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Westport Library or Westport Woman’s Club.
Joyce Netherton
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Johanna Keyser Rossi offers today’s “Westport … Naturally” image, taken at the Senior Center, and explains:
“With summer’s end, and fewer and fewer flowers, the bees are looking to stock up for winter. They’re finding the flowers with the most nectar and pollen.”
Last night, superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice sent this message to Staples High School parents and students:
Earlier today (Monday) Staples Principal Stafford Thomas sent a message to the Staples community sharing that the school administration was made aware of language found on a wall in a bathroom stall which would be considered threats to the school.
The team spent the day working with the Westport Police Department, up to the level of the chief of police. This threat was not deemed credible, yet in an effort to reassure the school community, the decision was made to have multiple Westport Police officers stationed on campus tomorrow (Tuesday).
“06880” obtained this image of the message in a bathroom stall.
This evening (Monday), a social media posting (a separate incident from what was reported this afternoon) was shared widely from a number of students and parents.
An immediate response from the district administration and WPD initiated a visit this evening by the WPD to the home of the suspected source of the posting.
I was just informed that the WPD definitively identified the source of the posting and took enforcement action.
We will continue with our plans to have multiple WPD officers at Staples tomorrow (Tuesday).
Additionally, I can assure the school community that the individual who was identified as the source of the social media posting will not be in school tomorrow (Tuesday).
As an aside, I truly appreciate the calls and emails notifying the school district and WPD of this posting. We jumped into action immediately.
That said, we cannot, and will not be able to, keep up with the speed of social media, nor can we respond to emails during our response to an incident.
This message is intended to inform the community of the online threat, our assertive response in coordination with the WPD, and to respond to those email inquiries.
Staples High School will be well protected by Westport Police today.
There’s been a lot of talk recently about the need to have civil conversations about politics.
To lower the temperature.
To listen to those who disagree with us, and not just yell back and forth.
Yesterday on social media, a resident posted this photo of a sign across from his Maple Avenue North home.
It’s around the corner from Long Lots Elementary School.
And, he says, this is not the first time. Other signs there included profanity, and comparisons of political opponents to animals.
“Several families said that their children have come home repeating the words on the signs, and invoked this as giving them permission to speak likewise,” he says.
There are exactly 7 weeks until Election Day.
Support the candidate of your choice. Offer solid reasons why. Rebut opponents with calm reasons and actual facts.
And for the sake of our kids: Be the adults in the room.
PS: If you comment on this story, please keep it civil, clean, and on point. And of course, use your full, real name.
Peter Frampton joined a long list of musical legends — from Willie Nelson and Cyndi Lauper to Smokey Robinson and Buckwheat Zydeco — when he headlined last night’s Levitt Pavilion annual fundraiser.
(Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)
The guitarist/singer’s show came alive, with — among other things — great graphics and a light show.
Peter Frampton (far right). He has inclusion body myositis, which prevents him from standing while performing. (Photo/Susan Garment)
(Photo/Susan Garment)
The pre-party, at Don Memo and Walrus Alley, drew a large crowd of fans and town officials.
Westport singer/songwriter Drew Angus — a popular Levitt Pavilion performer himself — was at the Peter Frampton pre-party. (Photo/Dan Woog)
The party and concert capped off a jam-packed weekend of Westport fundraisers, including Kristin Chenoweth at the Westport Country Playhouse, HarvestFest at Wakeman Town Farm, the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce’s Slice of Saugatuck, and Band Aid for the Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Services at Cedar Point Yacht Club.
Next week brings the Westport Rotary Club’s LobsterFest at Compo Beach, and the Westport Downtown Association’s annual Westoberfest.
Part of the Walrus Alley spread. (Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)
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Kristin Schneeman and Liz Milwe — backers of Westport’s leaf blower regulations — have put up lawn signs reminding residents that gas blowers restrictions run through October 15.
“While this summer wasn’t perfect,” Kristin says, she perceived “significantly less gas leaf blower usage, which has been amazing.
“But after Labor Day it’s ticking up a bit. We want to remind folks that it’s electric-only for a few more weeks.”
Westporters will soon have another dining spot on Church Lane.
Coming soon to Bedford Square, near The Blondinit: Crêpes Choupette.
(Photo and hat tip/Sal Liccione)
This is their third location. There are Choupettes already in Darien and New Haven.
The “fabrication traditonelle” (which means “small-scale production” crêperie) joins — in addition to the Israeli restaurant — Mrs. London’s Bakery, Spotted Horse, Pink Sumo and Emmy Squared.
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Next Sunday (September 22, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.), Blau House & Gardens hosts a special children’s event, with author/illustrator Guy Billout.
He’ll read and sign copies of “The Frog Who Wanted to See the Sea.” There’s also a garden scavenger hunt (recommended for ages 3-8).
Tickets ($25 per family) include a signed book and scavenger hunt. Additional copies can be reserved. Click here for tickets, and more information.
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The spectacular moon drew plenty of photographers this weekend.
Jay Babina — a freshman at Manhattanville College — took these shots on Friday and Saturday nights, from his Westport yard. He then created this collage.
He took both without a telescope. He used a 20-year-oldl Nikon D200, with a zoom lens.
Jay says, “I think it’s impressive how such an old camera can still take such quality photos. It’s also very Star Wars-looking.”
When Johanna Keyser Rossi saw today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature — milkweed pods shedding their seeds at Sherwood Island State Park’s West Beach — she thought, “usually I see only a few at a time. This is so good for the future of our monarch butterflies.”
And finally … Tito Jackson, an original member with his siblings of the Jackson 5 who then went on to a solo career, died yesterday. He was 70, and suffered a heart attack.
(From the Jackson 5 and Michael Frampton to gas-powered leaf blowers and restaurant news, “06880” entertains and informs readers every day. Please click here to support our work. Thanks!)
Since its inception a dozen year ago, LobsterFest has become one of the biggest, most beloved and fun parties in town.
This Saturday, 1,500 folks of all ages will celebrate at Compo Beach. (Don’t have a ticket? You’re out of luck. They sold out in hours, in July.)
LobsterFesters will eat lobster and steak (plus a lot more). They’ll drink beer and soda. They’ll dance to a great band. They’ll rock the town.
They’ll also generate tons — literally — of waste.
All those people will leave behind lots of lobster tails, food scraps, beer cups, cutlery, napkins, even peppermint patty wrappers.
Lots of food at LobsterFest. (Photo/Dan Woog)
But it won’t be left for long. The Westport Rotary Club — sponsors of the bash, which raises hundreds of thousands of dollars for worthy organizations here and around the world — puts as much effort into cleaning up as they do to organizing LobsterFest, and handing out grants.
Which is to say: a lot.
Yet for all its trash, LobsterFest might be the most sustainable big event in Westport.
For several years the Rotary Club has partnered with Sustainable Westport to reduce waste, protect natural resources, and encourage environmental practices at the party, and long after.
Last year, for example, the groups worked with Curbside Compost to divert 1.5 tons — yes, tons — of waste.
Recycling, at the 2023 LobsterFest. (Photo/Dan Woog)
They’ll do the same this Saturday — but even better. They’ll put 300 bins everywhere, to collect small items like the rubber bands from lobsters, candy wrappers, empty butter tubs, cole slaw containers and the rest, ensuring it’s separated from compost scraps.
That’s huge. In the past, any lobsters put in compost with rubber bands still attached contaminated the entire bin.
Look for — and use — these 300 bins.
Also new: compostable utensils and cutlery. All those knives, forks and more will be accepted by Curbside Compost, along with food.
And for the first time, LobsterFest will have on-site recycling, for aluminum cans and bottles. They’ll be redeemed by Scout Troops 39 and 139, who as reward for their work will receive 10 cents each.
But none of those ideas will work without our help.
Westport Rotary and Sustainable Westport advise LobsterFest-goers:
Take only what you truly need. If you know you won’t eat 2 lobsters, don’t take 2!
Use proper receptacles for your waste. Food, paper napkins and cardboard trays can all be composted. Separate them correctly! (Put cans and bottles in the right ones too.)
If you get another beer, bring the same cup back for a refill. Better yet, bring your own from home.
And what about all that leftover food?
It does not go to waste. Extra lobster and steak is sold by the Rotary Club at the end of the day (7 p.m.). Anyone is welcome to purchase dinner for the week.
Lobsters for all.
The green initiative started several years ago, with Tony McDowell. The executive director of Earthplace and a Rotarian, he was also a member of the Green Task Force — the predecessor of Sustainable Westport.
Alex Cohen is the Westport Rotary Club’s LobsterFest chair. “I have 2 little kids,” he says. “My goal is help Westport be as green and nice as it can be. This is a great way to help.”
Pippa Bell Ader and Alex Cohen, with their reusable mugs. (Photo/Dan Woog)
He is always looking for new ideas.
For example, they’d love to get rid of their generators. Last year, McMahon Ford lent a Lightning electric truck, to power the band.
Sustainable Westport co-leader Pippa Bell Ader adds, “A lot of events in town don’t recycle. They just throw their garbage out. Westport Rotary really takes this to heart.”
She hopes LobsterFest can be a model for other organizations. To help compost, Sustainable Westport lends out zero-waste composting stations.
This Saturday afternoon will be another great LobsterFest.
And on Sunday morning, you won’t see a stray lobster claw, tray or peppermint patty anywhere on Compo Beach.
NOTE: All of that recycling — and every other element of LobsterFest — takes work. Volunteers are still needed. To help, click here.
(To learn more about composting, recycling, and how to make your at-home event even more sustainable, click here.
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!)
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