A new school year begins, with excitement sky-high.
And not just for students.
Hundreds of teachers, administrators and support staff packed the newly renovated Staples High School auditorium this morning, for the Westport Public Schools’ annual opening convocation.
There were several highlights, like the announcement of the district Teacher of the Year (Saugatuck Elementary School literacy coach Jessica Carey), and superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice’s keynote address (including a video appearance by comedian Colin Mochrie).
But the most rousing applause — and a prolonged standing ovation — came near the beginning, when Scarice invited the facilities team and security officers to the front of the room.
Scarice offered anecdotes of the work the often-unheralded work performed every day by custodians, maintenance staff, and security officers. Their value to the district was recognized long and loudly, by the men and women they work with.
A standing ovation for custodians and maintenance staff …
Scarice also hailed the educators, administrators, nurses, counselors, paraprofessionals and others who make the district successful. He said that in his 30 years in education, “this is the most incredible faculty, from pre-K through high school.”
He thanked the 3 Board of Education members — Jill Dillon, Lee Goldstein and Stephen Shackelford — in attendance too, along with all staff members with 20 or more years of service.
There are 31 new teachers this year, plus another 31 support staff and 15 interns.
Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice congratulates Westport Teacher of the year Jessica Carey.
Introducing Carey as Teacher of the Year, Saugatuck principal Beth Messler cited her work helping students become “readers, writers, communicators and kind human beings.”
Carey — a Westport teacher since 2005, and No Place for Hate co-leader — also “influences colleagues and administrators,” Messler said. “And she makes sure that real, authentic books stay in kids’ hands.”
(Click here for an “06880” story on Carey’s annual project that encourages SES adults to write about their lives, passions, accomplishments, joys, challenges and more.)
This year, there were 23 other nominees for Teacher of the Year: Philip Abraham, Louise D’Amore, Caroline Davis, Sandra Decembre, Kelly Falcone, Deirdre Flores, Ben Frimmer, Kristen Gerner, Erin Hines, Amy Howland, Alyssa Improglou, Matty Jacowleff, Gretchen Jankura, Eric Lawrence, Carla Magnano, Ursula Malizia, Ashley Namnum, Suzanne Propp, Kelly Shamus, Meghan Stewart, Liuba Ulianova, Lisa Weand and Sarah White.
Teacher of the Year nominees, on stage.
Nominations come from the staff. The final selection is made by former Teachers of the Year, with assistant superintendent of schools John Bayers.
Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice
Scarice’s keynote included 3 pieces of advice he has offered his 3 children — Where is your focus? What does it mean? What are you going to do? — and 4 premises he hopes all Westport Public Schools employees will think about:
- The world has changed.
- We have a moral imperative to prepare students for that world.
- AI is a force multiplier.
- Technology must serve humanity — not the other way around.
The convocation began with performances by the Staples High Jazz Band and cheerleaders, and the national anthem sung by choral students.
Lauren Pine (right) leads choral students in the national anthem.
Jazz band director Kevin Mazzarella (right) and his musicians, in the foyer outside the auditorium.
Staples cheerleaders perform in the courtyard, during the pre-convocation breakfast.
Security officers receive recognition. (All photos/Dan Woog)
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