Tag Archives: cell phones

Board Of Ed: Much To Take Pride In

Posted on June 3, 2025 | 4 comments

The Board of Education sends this message to families in the Westport Public Schools:

As we head into the summer months, we would like to acknowledge our community and its unwavering support for our schools. The Westport Public School system continues to deliver excellent outcomes across a wide range of areas.

As a community, we should take great pride in the many impressive accomplishments of our students. They are far too numerous to list completely, but we offer here a small sampling:

Academic achievements

Staples High School sent 4 students to the Connecticut State Science and Engineering Fair. All were named finalists (top 20%). One Staples senior advanced to the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair in Columbus, Ohio, taking 4th place among thousands of entrants from around the world.

The Staples AP Government We the People class placed in the top 10 for the first time in school history at the national competition in Washington.

Staples’ We the People team.

Bedford Middle and Coleytown Middle students earned dozens of medals at the Connecticut State Science Olympiad tournament.

Across all of our elementary schools, the 3rd grade Aimsweb composite reading score is 96% (which means that 96% reached or exceeded reading benchmarks). This is the highest in the state.

Athletic achievements

Staples athletics continues to be a tremendous strength of our district. Our coaches and administrators remain committed to helping our scholar-athletes grow at all skill levels.

In addition to enjoying victories on the field, many of our hard-working athletes find sports at Staples a springboard to future academic success.

We are proud of the dozens of graduating seniors who participated in athletic recruiting and have committed to attend some of the most selective and prestigious colleges and universities in the country, including (just to name a few and in no particular order) Michigan, Duke, U Chicago, Trinity, U.S. Coast Guard Academy, Stanford, Princeton, UNC, Penn State, Washington and Lee, WashU, Swarthmore, Amherst, Tufts, Williams, Wesleyan and Penn.

Music, arts and other extracurriculars

In March, 14 Staples students were selected to participate in the Connecticut All-State Music Festival.

Inklings News was awarded the prestigious Gold Crown Award in the High School Hybrid General Magazine category by the Columbia Scholastic Press Association for the second time in the publication’s history.

The National PTA Award of Excellence was awarded to 2 Staples students for literature and photography.

While we celebrate our achievements and honor the dedication of our students, teachers, administrators and staff who make them all possible, we must not rest on our laurels.

There are many important initiatives underway that occupy the time and attention of the Board of Education and the administration. These include:

Long Lots School Building

We are in the final weeks of town-wide approvals, and anticipate the grand opening of the new school in September 2027.

AI Pilot

Westport was one of 7 Connecticut districts to receive a state grant to participate in an AI pilot program. Secondary teachers in English, math, science and social studies experimented with school-based artificial intelligence programs, and found extraordinary benefits and frustrating drawbacks. We are committed to exploring AI in our schools and curriculum while being mindful about its risks.

Cellphones

Currently, our elementary and middle schools are cellphone-free during the entire school day. Over the summer, a team of faculty will draft an implementation and logistics plan for a cellphone-free high school. A committee of parents, students, and faculty will review and revise that plan to explore a possible phased-in approach, sequestration strategies, and curricular concerns.

As we close out the academic year, we hope all of our families have a great summer. Our heartfelt congratulations to the Staples Class of 2025!

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Posted in Education, Staples HS

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[OPINION] Staples PTA Executive Committee Urges Ban On Cellphone Ban

Posted on April 9, 2025 | 45 comments

The Staples High School PTA Executive Committee wrote a letter regarding superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice’s proposed cell phone ban. It was to be read at last Thursday’s Board of Education meeting.

When the session was canceled, the letter was emailed to all BOE members. A member shared it without consent, and it was published by a local media outlet.

The Staples PTA Executive Committee says: “To ensure transparency, we would greatly appreciate it if ‘06880’ shares this letter in its entirety with the Westport community. Anyone wishing to engage in further discussion should email us at shs_pta@westportps.org.”

Dear Members of the Westport BOE:

We, the members of the Staples High School PTA Executive Board, write to you as a united group concerning Superintendent Scarice’s proposed bell-to-bell cell phone (and personal device) ban at Staples High School.

For context, we are deeply committed to Westport Public Schools. We are the mothers of 25 current Staples students, 10 Staples graduates, and 11 kids rising from elementary and middle school.

Collectively we’ve spent 181 years inside of WPS, and our members have volunteered on 40 WPS executive PTA boards, including 15 turns as president. You’d be hard pressed to find a group more invested, with more historical knowledge, and with more school spirit than the current Staples PTA.

Cell phones are currently allowed, in certain places and times, at Staples High School.

First, we do not support the personal use of cell phones in the classroom. We believe kids should not have unfettered access to their phones, nor should they use phones for any unapproved personal reason inside of the classroom. That said, we unanimously oppose a school-wide cell phone (and personal device) ban, and we unanimously oppose the purchase of Yondr bags.

As you consider the various options on the road ahead, we feel it important to share 3 requests made to Superintendent Scarice at a meeting on March 19th:

  • That separate community conversations be planned between parents — one for K-8, and another for 9-12.
  • That a committee be formed, consisting of teachers, admins, students and parents.
  • That the survey be sent after the community conversation. We are disappointed that none were realized.

You are already aware of our concerns for the replacement of cell phones inside the classroom as integrated by teachers. Many among our Staples staff count on – and expect – phones to be used by students as cameras, video recorders, calculators, scanners, and more. No workaround has been presented for these uses.

We are concerned about the unintended consequences of a cell phone ban, and believe that if kids cannot access phones during their free time, they will instead be more inclined to do personal business on their computers during classroom time, and thereby create a tremendous problem for teachers.

Regarding the wuperintendent’s justification for a ban, we maintain – based on hundreds of conversations with parents, students and even teachers – that there is not a cell phone problem inside of Staples High School.

Further, while there is a policy governing cell phone use, it is rarely enforced, largely up to teacher discretion, and unknown to most students and parents.

Should the WPS BOE deem Staples a candidate for tighter cell phone regulations, then why not just tighten the rules? And have students – and their parents – sign a code of conduct, just like we do for internet use and plagiarism. We are confident this is a prudent place to start.

We believe students should have access to their phones during lunch and free periods. We’ve heard you when you say that the lunchroom is a good place to have a conversation and “just talk.”

But if you were to visit the Staples cafeteria, you’d see that’s exactly what they do: they talk. Even with their phones on their person.

And please understand cell phones are how our students find one another in the lunchroom. It’s a huge space with hundreds of kids on a rotating schedule. They use their cells to find their friends, then sit and talk.

These are not Staples students. But they could be.

Much of this conversation relates to social media usage. The Staples PTA does not believe students should use–or have access to–social media during classroom time.

We are surprised that the Westport Public Schools do not block these sites off of the district networks. That seems like an easy solution. In addition to considering a clearer cell phone policy, we ask that you consider blocking these sites before a bell to bell ban.

Most concerning of the proposed cell phone ban is the cost associated with Yondr bags. Wilton Public Schools spent $80,000 with Yondr (not $1,800 as reported by the Westport Journal) – with a smaller student population (1,200 at Wilton HS versus Staples’ 1,700+), and magnetized the outside of their one school entrance. Staples uses 5 separate student entrances.

That doesn’t even take into account the manpower needed to lock and unlock the Yondr “stations” multiple times during each school day, and the staff needed to maintain the bags themselves. If Yondr bags are to be used, it’s prudent to plan extra head count to the Staples staff for these roles. And they are a recurring cost.

Yondr bags have a limited shelf life. and every freshman class will need new ones, at a cost of $25-30 per unit. That doesn’t account for lost and broken bags (currently at a rate of 2/week reported in Wilton).

Students entering Northbridge High School in Massachusetts present their Yondr pouches — with phones inside — to be locked. (Photo/Allan Jung for Worcester Telegram & Gazette)

Has anyone determined where the Yondr magnets will be mounted? They are affixed to concrete poles outside of Wilton High School; the Staples facade is glass and brick. Are there construction costs associated with bringing Yondr to Staples?

Finally, we know that the Staples population will soar to well over 1,800 in the next few years, and so we ask, what are the actual costs, both for now and into the future?

As an overall question: What is the perceived defined problem, and what is the measurable solution? We believe that a cell phone ban is a movement–applicable to elementary and middle schools–as opposed to an actual Staples problem, and without a clear issue to solve or goal to meet, this is all just symbolic.

We also maintain that our Staples students are bright, motivated, eager to learn, gracious with their time and community support, and overall good citizens. The Staples PTA is profoundly confident that if given structured rules around cell phone usage inside the classroom, our students will rise to occasion, without requiring a punitive, prison-like environment.

There is one constant report among Staples graduates: that they leave Staples High School ready for the next level, whether that be college, the work force or the military.

That is a testament to everyone involved in their educational journey, and why Staples is the #1 high school in the state. So let’s treat these students as the young adults they are.

Let’s give them parameters and structure, but most importantly, let’s give them latitude. Let’s trust them with their free time, to make good decisions, and embody the Westport Public Schools’ value system.

Let’s work together to empower them.

Sincerely,
Jodi Harris, Co-President
Stefanie Shackelford, Co-President
Elena Caggiano, VP-Past President
Marie Tyber, VP-Secretary
Lara Willis, VP-Treasurer
Michelle Macris, VP-Treasurer
Aileen Brill, VP-Ways & Means
Jenny Sydor, VP-Ways & Means
Ying Stafford, VP- Communications Sandy Srihari, VP-Volunteers
Tracy Benton, VP-Volunteers
Karina Betfarhad, VP-Graduation
Amie Peck, VP-Graduation
Pamela Bernstein, VP-Community Outreach
Maria Mulvehill, VP-Community Outreach
Caroline Hendley, VP-Member at Large

 

 

45 Comments

Posted in Education, Staples HS, Teenagers

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Roundup: Paul Newman’s Pizza, Cellphone Poll, Susan Fund …

Posted on June 25, 2024 | 8 comments

Last week, Newman’s Own launched a “Pay What You Want” Pizza truck.

All proceeds go to the Newman’s Own Foundation, which gives 100% of its profits to help children facing adversity.

The first stop was New York City. It will travel across the country all summer long, offering several varieties of Newman’s Own pizzas.

Today it’s Westport’s turn.

That’s particularly fitting. The non-profit has been headquartered here since 1982, ever since its founding by our own Paul Newman and his family.

The Pay What You Want Pizza truck will be at Newman’s Own’s office (1 Morningside Drive North, just north of the Post Road) from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. today (Tuesday). From 3 to 6 p.m., it’s on Main Street (close to the Post Road).

Newman’s Own pizza truck.

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Yesterday, “06880” reported on superintendent of schools Tom Scarice’s proposal to ban smartphones from Westport’s schools.

Today, we’ve got an Instagram poll on it. Click here to vote. (If the link does not work, find us on Instagram: @danwoog06880).

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There was plenty of emotion Sunday afternoon, at Saugatuck Congregational Church.

The Susan Fund held its 43rd annual reception — and awarded 18 college grants to Fairfield County residents.

All have been diagnosed with cancer.

“They have, in addition to medical bills, the college bills, which are just enormous,” says Jeff Booth, Susan Fund chair.

“So whatever financial support we can give them is a huge help.”

Some of the Susan Fund recipients honored on Sunday.

Also honored: Ann Lloyd.

The Susan Fund founder and chair emerita was presented with a birthday cake. At 90, she is still actively involved with the non-profit.

The Susan Fund was established in 1980 in memory of her daughter Susan Lloyd, a Staples High School graduate who lost her battle with cancer. Since its founding, the organization has provided over $2 million in scholarships to more than 900 students.

To learn more about the Susan Fund, and to donate, click here.

Ann Lloyd. The podium is covered with photos and letters from Susan Fund recipients. 

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“06880” likes to post good news, whenever we can.

Like us, Jaime Bairaktaris knows there are many young people who do good things that go unnoticed. And that their parents never see.

Yesterday, he wrote on social media:

“Did your son and his friend go to Old Mill Grocery & Deli a bit ago?

“As I ordered my lunch, 2 ‘tweenage’ boys walked in. One went to get Peanut M&Ms, but immediately stopped to ask his friend if he had any allergies. The friend said no, so he grabbed his M&Ms.

“They went to the counter, ordered politely, paid with cash, counted their change, then made sure they both put money into the tip jar — stopping each other to make sure that they tipped.

“No phones, no TikTok dances, no skibidi Ohio rizzing. As often as I see negative posts about local kids doing dumb things, I hope the parents of these kids see this and know their sons did a great job of showing everyone in the deli that Westport’s future is just fine.

“Not to mention how well raised they were (to confirm allergies for their friend, and count change?!). In the words of TikTok-era youth: they were very sigma.

“I can only hope they never roll through a stop sign when they get their licenses.”

Good kids hang out here. (Photo/Dave Dellinger)

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An old favorite — First Folk Sunday — returns next month.

But the venue is different.

The series — afternoons of music in a relaxed, mellow atmosphere — kicks off July 7 (12:30 to 2:30 p.m.) at its new home: the Saugatuck Rowing Club.

Suzanne Sheridan (vocals, rhythm guitar), Tim DeHuff (lead guitar) and Bob Cooper (keyboard) offer a Bob Dylan retrospective.

The season continues with rising folk star singer-songwriter Lisa Bastoni (August 4), a Joni Mitchell tribute with Suzanne Sheridan (September 1), the return of The Flying Fingers Jug Band (October 6(, a Woody Guthrie homage featuring many performers and an audience sing along (November 3), and a special event December 3.

The music cover charge is $15; click here for tickets. An a la carte menu and open bar is available for audience members. For more information, click here or call 203-984-7562.

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The Parks & Recreation Department guest services team at Compo Beach hears just about every story imaginable.

But they keep smiling, and serving.

Here was yesterday’s crew. As always, they welcomed visitors, answered questions, solved problems, and put a happy face on Westport’s happy place.

(Photo/Ed Simek)

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Meanwhile, a reminder: Westport’s streets don’t clean themselves.

This machine was out yesterday on Bayberry Lane, sweeping up debris.

There’s not a lot of room to walk, jog, bike, skateboard or do anything else.

But thanks to our Public Works Department, it’s a lot less dangerous today than yesterday.

(Photo/Jonathan Alloy)

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The first heat wave of the summer has ended. It may be cool enough for Harbor Road residents to venture outside, and sit in these chairs looking out toward Longshore.

It’s an idyllic summer scene. And the reeds make it a great candidate for our  “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Pam Docters)

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And finally … in honor of Paul Newman’s “Pay What You Want” pizza truck, we remember the actor/philanthropist:

(Whether you lived here when Paul Newman did, or you just came yesterday, “06880” is your hyper-local blog. We rely on support from all our readers. Please click here to help. Thank you!)

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Posted in Beach, Education, Entertainment, Local business, Staples HS

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Roundup: Car Thieves, Badass Bagels, Kids’ Cell Phones …

Posted on May 2, 2024 | 6 comments

Once again, there’s been an increase is auto theft and break-in attempts.

At 10:38 p.m. Tuesday night, Representative Town Meeting member Andrew Colabella saw a black Toyota with 5 occupants — wearing masks — make their way down a neighbor’s driveway in the Hillspoint area.

They got into her unlocked vehicle, and opened her garage door. Her keys were not in the car; otherwise they might have used them to steal it, or enter the house.

The owner was home alone. Andrew called the Westport Police. Officer Melissa Bike was on scene within 2 minutes.

Andrew says, “Her professionalism, detailed questions, care, and unique comfort ability brought ease to a terrifying incident.”

Officer Kevin Smith patrolled the entire area, and looked to see if any other properties were entered.

Andrew was impressed too by Detective John Lauria’s “assertive persistence to dust, fingerprint, photograph, and methodically capture any evidence with care.”

The incident serves as another reminder to always remove keys and fobs from vehicles — and, if possible, park them in a locked garage.

Police add: “Keep exterior lights on, and utilize surveillance and/or alarm systems. Call the police immediately to report any suspicious activity. The department strongly advises against confronting any suspects if you observe them on your property. There have been a number of incidents throughout the state where these individuals have resorted to violence when confronted.”

Officer Melissa Bike and Detective John Lauria dust for fingerprints. (Photo/Andrew Colabella)

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Badass Bagels is a badass — and very popular — purveyor.

And “How I Built This” with Guy Raz is a badass — and very popular podcast.

Today, the latest episode dropped. The first segment features Westporter Jennifer Balin, and her badass baking and branding. (She works just over the border, on Lois Street in Norwalk.)

As always, Guy does a great job getting to the heart of what people do, and how they do it.

And the experience gave Jennifer a chance to connect with Pete Maldonado, the Chomps grass-fed beef stick founder. (His brand is in Trader Joe’s.)

“The world of entrepreneurs is just amazing,” Jennifer says.

“I have made great relationships with people right here in town as well. Our customer base is flooded with entrepreneurs who want to help me grow. We are expanding, and we love slinging bagels!”

Click here to listen to how Jennifer built this.

Those are some Badass bagels.

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Yesterday’s “06880” lead story described a movement at Greens Farms Elementary School, urging parents not to allow smartphone until their children are out of middle school.

Coincidentally, the Washington Post ran a long story yesterday, about a middle school in Manchester, Connecticut that prohibits cell phone use during the school day. All phones are locked in individual pouches at arrival, then unlocked as students leave.

Interestingly, many youngsters find that not having access to phones during the school day is not all bad.

How did parents react? Click here to read. (Hat tips: Jack Backiel, Chris Grimm)

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Speaking of kids: A large crowd enjoyed Bedford Middle School’s annual art show Tuesday night.

The event also included classical and choral music, and great food. (Hat tip: Dayle Brownstein)

Bedford Middle School art teachers (from left): Dineen Farley, Cecily Anderson, Paula Morgan.

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Speaking still of kids: This Saturday (May 4, 9 a.m. to noon, Kings Highway Elementary School), KHS 5th graders host a car wash.

The cost is $10 per car. Of course, additional donations are welcome.

They’re raising money for their class gift to the school. They’ll donate funds for the Outdoor Learning Center, which will be completed soon.

Additional funding comes from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), and parent donations.

Every little bit helps — and the soon-to-move-up Kings Highway students are doing their share.

(Interestingly, 8 members of KHS’ 5th grade class had at least 1 parent who graduated from Staples. And one has a grandmother who did!)

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Westporters can breathe easy again.

AEDs are back at town athletic fields, and other outdoor places.

The devices — Automated External Defibrillators, which are easy to use but crucial life-saving devices during cardiac emergencies — are taken in during cold weather.

But now they’re fully charged, and ready to be used.

We hope they never have to be. But just in case: Know where they are.

And be ready to use them

AED at Winslow Park, near the Westport Country Playhouse parking lot. (Hat tip and photo/Mark Mathias)

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If you missed Tuesday’s great Startup Westport Innovator of the Year event — featuring ESPN CEO Jimmy Pitaro chatting with ESPN host (and fellow Westporter) Mike Greenberg: You’re in luck.

The Westport Library recorded the event. Click below to hear some great stories about career paths, innovation, the media and sports landscapes — and Westport.

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Speaking of sports: Jenny Bradshaw is a world champion cheerleader!

The 2023 Staples High graduate — a 4-year Wrecker cheer member and senior captain, now a student at the University of Miami — cheers for the Lady Jags team.

Last week, her Top Gun All Stars won the Senior Medium L6 division title over 8 other teams at the Cheerleading World Championships in Orlando,

This is not Jenny’s first big Worlds award. As a member of the Xtreme Cheer All Stars gym in Danbury, her team Inferno captured a bronze medal in 2022.

Click below for the Lady Jags’ winning routine:

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Joseph Davis and Danielle Leblanc are traveling from their Maine home, on the Canadian border, to teach the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport about how the Anishinabe People were given a framework to guide their lives spiritually, physically, mentally and emotionally. They will also share a blessing with the Sacred Pipe.

The event is this Saturday (May 4, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.) at the UU Meeting House.

Grandmother Nancy Andry — a UU Westport member — says, “These are incredible teachings by two revered elders. This is a rare opportunity.”

The public is welcome.

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Longtime Westport firefighter Edmund Duffy Jr. died April 25, in Minneapolis. He was at 82.

He began his service as a volunteer firefighter in 1959, at 18. In 1964 he transitioned to a full-time firefighter, dedicating another 32 years to the profession. Even after retirement, he remained committed to helping others.

Ed proudly served in the Army Reserve from 1964 to 1969.

His family says, “Ed valued the simple joys in life, cherished his blue-collar origins, and treated everyone with respect and kindness, regardless of their background.”

When not working at the firehouse, Ed was a landscaper. He enjoyed baseball, softball, bowling, fishing, and collecting model trains.

Ed is survived by his daughter Elizabeth (Matthew), brothers Charlie (Rose) and Denis (Mary), sisters Anne-Carol and Donna, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was predeceased by his wife Susan and daughter Deborah.

A visitation will be held on May 9 (4 to 7 p.m., Harding Funeral Home). A burial ceremony will follow on May 10 (11 a.m., Assumption Cemetery).

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Westport Animal Shelter Advocates.

Edmund Duffy

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Most people call it “the Longshore exit road.” The official name is Herbert Baldwin Road (in honor of the first selectman who, in 1960, pushed for the purchase of a failing country club — destined to be an 180-home development — for $1.9 million).

Whatever you know it by: It’s a very pretty spot.

Especially in spring, as today’s “Westport … Naturally” image shows:

(Photo/Claudia Sherwood Servidio)

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And finally … on this date in 1536, England’s Queen Anne Boleyn was arrested and imprisoned on charges of adultery, incest, treason and witchcraft.

(Police, education, sports, business news — “06880” covers it all. It’s all in today’s Roundup — as it is every day, 24/7/366. Please click here to help support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Education, Local business, Obituaries, Police, religion

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Cell Phone Etiquette (Red Light Edition)

Posted on August 2, 2015 | 22 comments

Great minds think alike.

Alert “06880” reader Scott Smith sent this story idea along. But I’ve thought of it often. So, I’m sure, have you. 

Scott says:

Like most alert “06880” followers, I’ve enjoyed your postings about sloppy or selfish parking jobs.

And like any modern motorist, I’m aware of the dangers of distracted driving. I try to keep my best to keep my cell phone in my pocket when I’m on the road.

But I haven’t noticed any attention paid to a peeve that’s getting worse: The habit of some drivers to wait until they’re at a light to check their phone.

I’m sort of fine with that — except when the light turns green, and the driver in the car ahead of me still has his or her head down.

Cell phone use at traffic light

The car in front of theirs moves — but they don’t. The worst is when you’re in a quick left-hand turn lane. The driver in front of me usually notices the green arrow just in time to speed up and be the last car through.

This strikes me as a frustrating and growing trend. I wonder what the policy to counter such behavior should be. Do we give the cell phone driver a light tap on the horn?

Or do we just accept that traffic lights are a moment in time when you check your texts (or Google Map or Mapquest) for directions?

Either way, it’s driving me crazy.

“06880” readers: What’s the solution? Be creative — but not profane. Click “Comments” below to weigh in on this First World problem.

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Posted in Transportation

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Westport Students: BYOD

Posted on November 3, 2014 | 27 comments

New York City is finally ending its long ban on cellphones in schools.

At Brien McMahon High School, a student said recently, anyone who brings a laptop to class is considered weird.

Westport, meanwhile, plows ahead with its “Bring Your Own Device” initiative. Beginning next year, students will be required to provide their own technology during the school day.

Technology 1 - NBC News

Students use their own devices — which tie in to classroom technology like Smart Boards. (Photo/NBC News)

According to Inklings, the Staples newspaper — accessible online, of course — the Board of Education heard a BYOD progress report last month.

A PowerPoint presentation (natch) noted that this month, parents will be advised of specifications for “devices that may be purchased.” The months ahead brings parent information sessions, student input and “boot camps” for students and teachers.

Inklings reported that the Westport School District will provide “refurbished devices” for elementary and middle schoolers who are financially unable to purchase their own; Staples students will get new Chromebooks. Funding comes from a $30,000 line item for new technology purchases this year.

Electronic devices don't necessarily lead to isolation. In fact, they can increase collaboration.

Electronic devices don’t necessarily lead to isolation. In fact, they can increase collaboration. (Photo/HerffJones)

According to Inklings, townwide director of technology Natalie Carrignan said that 60% of students already bring their own devices to school.

At Staples, that percentage seems low. Laptops, tablets and cellphones are everywhere. They’re used constantly — often for schoolwork, occasionally not.

Each month, it seems, fewer and fewer students sit at the desktop computers that fill the library and learning centers. And the laptops that teachers can sign out for class use are often slow, unreliable and out of date.

Sure, Staples students use laptops to play games or watch videos. But even in the cafeteria, the amount of schoolwork that gets done is compelling.

Sure, Staples students use laptops to play games or watch videos. But even in the cafeteria, the amount of schoolwork that gets done is compelling. (Photo/www.District196.org)

If you think there should still be a debate about using technological devices in school, you might have argued a century ago that cars may not be the best replacement for horses.

Westport students live their lives online. So do most teachers.

Our school district’s job is to prepare young people for life through the end of this century. Administrators and the Board of Ed are figuring out how to harness technology, to best serve education in the sciences, humanities and arts. They recognize reality in many forms (including financial).

But if you’d like to offer your own insights, click “Comments.” On whatever electronic device you’re using right now.

27 Comments

Posted in Children, Education, Media, Staples HS, technology, Teenagers

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