Tag Archives: Superintendent of School Thomas Scarice

Scarice Update: Weather, Strategic Plan, AI, Screen Time …

Posted on February 2, 2026 | Leave a comment

Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice sends this update:

We have crossed the mid-point of the school year and our February Recess is just a couple of weeks away.

Winter Weather Decisions

It looks like we dodged a major blizzard this weekend. That said, our consulting meteorologist is predicting a series of storms and continued cold temperatures throughout February. Sorry to be the bearer of that news!

Since this is the time of year when weather decisions tend to come up a lot, I wanted to share a bit about how those calls are made. When conditions require a delay or closure, I do my best to make a final decision by 5:30 a.m. This typically follows an early morning regional call between 4 and 4:30 with area superintendents and our consulting meteorologist (the entire region uses the same service).

Whenever possible I make the decision the night before, though that’s relatively rare as weather has a habit of changing its mind overnight. Many factors go into these decisions, including temperature differences across town, conditions from the northern side of town to southern side, and coordination with the town on road clearing.

February break may spare us at least one winter weather decision, but early forecasts suggest we may still be looking at snow on the ground well into March. Seems like the groundhog and meteorologists are on the same page…and winter is in no hurry to leave.

As always, thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate an old-fashioned New England winter together.

Snow day!

District Strategic Plan

Since the presentation of our AI Strategic Plan in November, several initiatives are now underway. All of this work is grounded in our commitment to being “AI-Powered and Human-Centered,” using technology thoughtfully while keeping students, learning, and well-being at the center.

Our guiding approach is simple: Go slow to go fast. Rather than rushing new tools or expectations into classrooms, we are intentionally establishing ethical guardrails, clear expectations, and thoughtful preparation first. This allows us to support students and faculty responsibly, protect privacy, and maintain high academic standards as technology continues to evolve.

Several important foundations are already in place:

Below are several key areas of work now underway.

AI Literacy for Students

Work has begun to develop a clear, developmentally appropriate K–12 approach to AI literacy for students, along with defined competencies for staff. Expectations and access will vary across elementary, middle and high school levels to ensure appropriate and responsible use at each stage of development.

The goal of this work is to ensure that students understand how AI systems actually work, as well as their benefits and limitations. By building this foundational knowledge, students will be better equipped to think critically about AI, recognize potential challenges, including overreliance or emotional dependence, and use emerging technologies thoughtfully, ethically, and responsibly as part of their learning.

Academic Integrity

As generative AI tools become more common, the district is revisiting its Academic Integrity Policy, particularly for our middle and high school level, to ensure expectations for original thinking, effort, and learning remain clear and meaningful. This work is focused on preserving strong academic standards while helping students navigate new tools responsibly.

Future-Proofing and AI Trends

The district has also begun work to monitor emerging AI trends and engage community expertise. This proactive effort is intended to help us anticipate where technology may be headed and prepare thoughtfully, rather than respond reactively. Our goal is to host our first school/community “AI Trends Group” meeting in late March.

Screen Time Audit

When we developed our Strategic Plan we used a number of “essential questions” to help frame our thinking. One such question was, “How do we maximize the power of AI and minimize screen time?”  That led to the development of an initiative that would audit screen time in our schools.

In support of our student strategic objective, “Preparing Students to Think, Adapt, and Lead with AI,” the district is conducting a screen time audit to better understand how technology use intersects with learning, well-being, and instructional design.

This audit is intentionally being conducted through multiple lenses to ensure a balanced and accurate picture:

  1. Surveys of students, teachers, and families to gather perceptions and  experiences related to screen time (the parent guardian survey will be administered after the February Recess.
  2. A review of curriculum and instructional practices to examine the amount of screen time required by our curriculum and instructional methods.
  3. An analysis of overall network usage patterns at the elementary and middle school levels to help quantify screen time in the aggregate. The district will use network tools, such as GoGuardian, to collect high-level, quantitative information about screen time. Because Staples High School operates under a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) model, this analysis will not be conducted at the high school level.

Importantly, this work is not intended to monitor or evaluate individual students or staff. The purpose of the audit is to inform thoughtful decision-making about instructional balance, technology use, and student well-being.  In addition, this audit will help set a baseline for future studies on the topic of screen time.

Supporting Educators and Responsible Tool Use

Professional learning for educators continues to be aligned with the district’s AI vision and Code of Ethics. This ensures that any use of AI or digital tools in classrooms is intentional, ethical, and focused on supporting, not replacing, strong teaching and learning by our faculty.

Access to AI tools for staff remains controlled and supported, with broader access planned for next year alongside clear expectations, training, and ethical oversight.

I recognize that AI, technology use, and screen time raise important questions for families. My commitment is to continue moving deliberately, communicating transparently, and keeping students’ best interests at the center of every decision. I will continue to provide updates in manageable ways as this work progresses.

Thank you for your trust and partnership as we maneuver this evolving landscape together.

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Roundup: Hillandale Home, Restaurant Offers, Public Meetings …

Posted on December 23, 2025 | 1 comment

Westporters have long admired the classic New England home-and-attached-barn on Hillandale Road, just down the hill from Green’s Farms Church.

Now House & Garden readers around the world can enjoy it too.

Anne Hardy — who with her husband Jim transformed the home, linking a former blacksmith’s forge to a 19th-century wagon barn — has written about the project for the magazine (which she once served as decorating editor).

Anne — a Staples High School graduate — describes how her years in London influenced the home’s design (with great help from architect Deirdre O’Farrelly). She details the family’s Christmas (and Boxing Day) preparations in the warm, welcoming space.

Of course, there are plenty of pictures to show every aspect of the property. Click here to read, and take your own tour. (Hat tip: Suzanne Sherman Propp)

Anne Hardy’s living room — with roaring fire — decorated for Christmas. (Photo/Christopher Horwood for House & Garden)

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Basso is closed.

But you can keep a bit of their bar.

You’ll have to act fast, though.

An “Everything Must Go!” sale is set for today (Tuesday, 4 to 7 p.m.).

Champagnes, spirits, and their carefully curated selection of wines will all be sold — at 30% below Basso’s cost.

Stock up for the holidays! (Hat tip: Sal Liccione)

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Speaking of restaurants: Dandelion — the hot new spot in the Delamar Westport — celebrates the season with some big events.

On Christmas Eve, a holiday-inspired à la carte lunch (noon to 2:30 p.m.) is followed by à la carte dinner service (5 to 10 p.m.), highlighting Christmas selections.

Christmas day brings a 3-course prix fixe menu (noon to 6:30 p.m.). Click here for reservations, or call 203-266-3111.

New Year’s Eve features DJ Omary. From 10 p.m. to 1 a.m., he’ll spin Afro-house, traditional rhythms, and familiar favorites. Click here for tickets.

Dandelion restaurant.

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Among the appropriations up for approval on the Board of Finance January 7 meeting (7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium):

  • $330,000 to address an IT storage replacement initiative.
  • $815,000 for Town Hall ADA improvements.
  • $275,000 for an ADA-accessible ramp between the Imperial Avenue parking lot and the Levitt Pavilion lot.
  • $31,500 for emergency elevator repair at Town Hall.
  • $65,027.49 for a 2024 Chevrolet work truck to replace a 2008 model; the same amount for a dump truck, to replace one from 1999.

The Board of Finance will meet in Town Hall, to make the building more accessible.

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That’s a short meeting, compared to what the Board of Education has planned.

They’ll meet at Saugatuck Congregational Church on January 9, starting at 8:30 a.m.

It’s an all-day work session, to review superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice’s fiscal year 2027 budget.

The public is invited. Bring your lunch!

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A few weeks ago, superintendent Scarice participated in a podcast focused on the Westport Public Schools’ strategic plan, specifically its work being “AI-powered and human-centered.”

The podcast is available on Spotify (click here) and YouTube (click here).


Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice. (Photo/Dave Matlow)

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Looking for a kids’ activity over the holiday break?

The Westport Garden Club is partnering with the Westport Arts Advisory Committee, town poet laureate and Westport Library to sponsor a youth poetry contest.

Affiliated with the National Garden Club, it’s open to all in kindergarten through 12th grade: public and private schools, home-schooled, special education and English as a Second Language students.

This is the fourth year the WGC is sponsoring the event. Past winners have advanced to state, regional and national levels.

The theme for the competition is: “Plant America for the next 100 years.” The deadline is January 12. For more information, click here and scroll down.

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Starting yesterday, days will once again get longer. We made it!

On Saturday — the eve of the longest night — Patricia Auber captured this “Westport … Naturally” sunset at Burying Hill Beach:

(Photo/Patricia Auber)

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And finally … speaking of Christmas or New Year’s at Dandelion:

(As you make holiday plans — and plan your year-end giving — please consider “06880.” We’re here for you 24/7/365, but we rely on reader support. Just click here. Thank you!)

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Posted in Children, Education, Local politics, Real estate, Restaurants

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Town Officials React To Rise In Teen Parties

Posted on December 23, 2025 | 13 comments

Teenage parties have long been part of Westport — and American — life.

But several recent ones have caused local leaders to take notice.

An email sent yesterday on behalf of 1st selectman Kevin Christie — and signed by Superintendent of Schools Thomas Scarice, Police Chief David Farrell, and 4 other town officials who work with youth — said that since September, Westport Police have responded to 7 “large scale” parties, each with over 100 teenagers.

One had “several hundred teens, including middle school students.”

(Stock photo)

When they were shut down, “many teens walked in the dark to reconvene at other homes and local businesses.”

Several young people were hospitalized for “severe alcohol intoxication.” Arrests were made for assault and “social hosting.”

Police and Christie call this “a troubling rise in large, unsafe gatherings of youth where alcohol and other substances are present.”

Police Captain Jillian Cabana adds, “This is a larger problem than just a year ago. Social media like Snapchat can quickly turn a small gathering into a large, unmanageable event. We encourage residents to call us for assistance when a situation is beyond their control.”

Police cite risks, including driving under the influence, walking in streets in the dark, alcohol poisoning, potential for assault, and risk of property damage.

The Westport Prevention Coalition — whose members include parents and professionals, with representatives from the Aspetuck Health District, Positive Directions, the Police Department, Westport Public Schools, and Westport Human/Youth Services — urges “parents to talk with their teens now, and make clear safety plans together.”

Kevin Godburn, director of Westport Youth Services, recommends teaching children “refusal skills” starting at an early age. “It’s also critical to have an agreed-upon exit strategy for risky situations,” he says.

Parents are also at risk. Connecticut’s Social Host Law holds adults responsible when youngsters consume alcohol or use cannabis on their property – even if the adults were unaware that it was happening.

Social hosting is punishable by up to a year in prison —  with fines of up to $2,000 per youth involved.

However, Positive Directions prevention director Margaret Watt says, “It’s not just about following the law. Research shows that early substance use can damage teens’ brain development, and increase the risk of mental illness and addiction.”

The Police and Westport Prevention Coalition encourage parents to “create their own zero-tolerance policies for underage drinking and cannabis use.” The Coalition offers free resources such as Operation Parent books, lock bags for safe storage of prescription drugs and adult-use marijuana, and liquor stickers to deter access to alcohol at home.

For more information, email Watt (mwatt@positivedirections.org) or Godburn (kgodburn@westportct.gov).

In addition to Christie, Farrell and Scarice, the email was signed by:

  • Elaine Daignault, director, Westport Human Services
  • Kevin Godburn, program director, Westport Youth/Human Services
  • Luci Bango, director of health, Aspetuck Health District
  • Margaret Watt, prevention director, Positive Directions — The Center for Prevention & Counseling

In the 1970s, the legal drinking age in Connecticut was 18. This photo appeared in the 1975 Staples High School yearbook.

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Scarice: Follow Up Info On Coleytown Incident

Posted on November 3, 2025 | 2 comments

A few minutes ago, superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice sent this message to Westport Public Schools parents and guardians:

As we conclude the day, I want to provide a brief follow-up to my earlier message regarding this morning’s reported threat to Coleytown Elementary School.

As shared earlier, at approximately 7:45 a.m., the Fairfield County Regional Dispatch Center received a 911 text message reporting a bomb threat to CES. Shortly thereafter, the Westport Police Department contacted district administration, and our established safety protocols were immediately implemented, no small task during the height of morning transportation.

By 8:15 a.m., families were notified of a 2-hour delayed start while the WPD, joined by the Stamford Police Bomb Squad and explosive detection K9 unit, conducted a comprehensive search of the building.

During this time, staff and students already on site were safely relocated to Coleytown Middle School, and CES buses en route were redirected to the same location.

Coleytown Elementary School. Rear: Coleytown Middle School.

At that point in time, CMS students were already en route to CMS or on campus. As a result, CMS was placed in a brief shelter-in-place as a precaution.

By 9:10 a.m., the WPD and their Stamford partners cleared the building, confirming that no explosive devices were found. CES was deemed safe, CES students returned later that morning between 10:45 and 11 a.m., and the CMS shelter-in-place was lifted.

Today’s tightly coordinated response resulted in a resolution of the incident in less than 90 minutes, while engaging 3 regional police departments (Stamford, Norwalk, and Fairfield, along with the Stamford Police Bomb Squad).

We were also supported on-site by Deputy Chiefs Ryan Paulsson and Dave Wolf of the Westport Police Department. Their professionalism and collaboration were exemplary and deeply appreciated.

Following the all-clear, both Coleytown Elementary and Coleytown Middle Schools convened their crisis response teams to review the morning’s events. Later, each school gathered their full faculties to debrief and reflect on the effectiveness of our response and the well-being of students and staff.

At CMS, Principal Janna Sirowich provided clear and compassionate communication throughout the morning.

At 8:25 a.m., she addressed all students and staff in the cafeteria and auditorium, explaining that while a threat had been made to CES, police determined it was not credible and that these actions were being taken as a precaution.  She reassured everyone that the shelter-in-place was precautionary, encouraged calm, and asked students to refrain from using cell phones and Chromebooks.

She made a follow-up intercom announcement later thanking students and staff for their cooperation and composure, and confirming that the shelter-in-place had been lifted and normal routines could resume. She also reminded students that support was available for anyone feeling uneasy.

As I shared this morning, while any such threat is deeply unsettling, today’s events once again demonstrated the strength of our safety protocols, the professionalism of our law enforcement partners, and the calm leadership of our building administrators, the professionalism of our staff and the maturity of our students.

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to our district and school leaders, the Westport Police Department, and our regional law enforcement partners for their coordinated and effective response. Most of all, I want to thank our students and families for their patience, trust, and support throughout the day.

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Superintendent’s Update: AI, Smartphones, Facilities

Posted on October 11, 2025 | 6 comments

Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice offers this update:

Autumn has arrived! My family woke up this morning to a thermostat reading 58 degrees inside the house, a sure sign the season has officially settled in. With Halloween around the corner and fall activities in full swing, there’s great energy across our schools. The district is off to a strong start, and we continue to build momentum each week.

Below are a few brief updates on important district initiatives.
 
AI in Westport: Human‑Centered, Future‑Ready
With the exception of safety and security, I do not believe there is any topic more urgent, or more defining for the future of education, than artificial intelligence. The questions before us are not if we should engage with AI, but how: How do we use it to reclaim time, elevate performance (of students and educators), and prepare our students to lead in an AI world?

Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice.

On October 23, in partnership with members of our faculty and administration, I will present the District Strategic Plan to the Board of Education. A central feature of this plan is a forward-looking vision for AI, one that embraces its potential while confronting its challenges head-on.

But make no mistake: This is not a plan about technology. It is a plan about humanity, about ensuring that as AI transforms our world (it already has), our schools become the place where what is most human is preserved, strengthened, and celebrated.

Our guiding principle, “AI Powered, Human Centered,” reflects both a commitment and a challenge: to use AI to amplify human potential, not replace it. This is about preparing students not just to live in an AI-driven world, but to lead in it, with creativity, empathy, and ethical purpose.

Over 50 faculty members have participated in the drafting of our plans, while all faculty members, over 500, had opportunities to provide feedback on the district AI vision and Code of Ethics.

I invite all parents and community members to join us for this important presentation on October 23 (7 p.m., Staples High School cafeteria), as we share how our district intends to set the pace for what public education can, and must, be in the age of AI.

Phone Free Schools Update
On Thursday night a team of administrators, faculty and students presented the implementation plan to the Board of Education for the Staples Phone-Free Initiative, which will begin on November 5.

It has been 16 months since my initial recommendation, and during that time the district has engaged in thoughtful discussion and collaboration among faculty, administrators, students and parents to establish a phone- and smart technology-free school day, from the first bell until dismissal.

Smartphones, smartwatches and wireless headphones are all banned on November 5.

As Staples Principal Stafford Thomas emphasized in his remarks, our goal is to foster stronger human connection, greater engagement in learning, and a healthier, more focused school culture.

Beginning November 5, our entire district (K–12) will be fully committed to a phone- and smart technology-free learning environment. As with all district initiatives, we will implement thoughtfully, learn from our experience, and make adjustments where needed.

An implementation update will be provided to the Board of Education later this school year.

District Facilities and Capital Projects
Over the past several years, the district has made a concerted effort to maintain and improve our facilities, as outlined in our Capital Improvement Plan. A top priority has been ensuring the integrity of our buildings, from mechanical systems to exterior envelopes, to create safe, efficient and modern learning environments.

Recent examples include new roofs at Saugatuck Elementary School and Staples High School, as well as HVAC upgrades across the district.

At a recent meeting, the Board of Education reviewed the updated 5-year Capital Improvement Plan and proposed projects for the 2025–2026 school year. The Board’s Finance and Facilities Committee also examined these projects in detail. Supporting documents, including information on district painting projects, can be found here.

The Staples auditorium — built in 1958, shown above in 1970, and made part of the new building in 2025 — has not been upgraded in 30 years.

Proposed 2025–2026 projects include:

  • Staples auditorium upgrades
  • Installation of wireless access points for Staples athletic fields
  • Concession stand/bathroom for Staples fields
  • Renovation of the Staples girls’ locker room
  • Upgrades to Bedford Middle School science labs
  • Roof replacement at Greens Farms School
  • Replacement of motorized folding partition in the Saugatuck gym

The Board of Education will continue to review these recommendations and advance approved projects to the Board of Finance and Representative Tonw meeting for funding consideration. I will keep the community informed as this process moves forward.

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School Starts: Scarice Salutes Staff, Addresses AI

Posted on August 26, 2025 | 3 comments

Today is the first day of school. Student energy will be high.

Yesterday marked the opening convocation for the 965 educators and support staff in the Westport Public Schools. Their energy — at a welcoming breakfast at Staples High, and the only all-staff meeting of the year — was off the charts.

There were several standing ovations, including for teachers marking milestone anniversaries in the district, and the 11 Teacher of the Year nominees. The winner, Dr. Dan Cortwright, earned special applause.

Another standing ovation: Staples Orphenians, under the direction of Lauren Pine (right), for their rendition of the national anthem.

But the biggest ovation may have been for a group that never gets one: bus drivers.

Near the beginning of his remarks, superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice singled out the work of the 60 First Student employees. He cited several incidents of “above and beyond” service — “small actions that have large impact” — and then invited the drivers to the front.

As they marched proudly down the aisles, hundreds of teachers and administrators rose to their feet, and cheered lustily.

First Student bus drivers enjoy a standing ovation.

There were cheers too for the Teacher of the Year nominees: Emily Boyle, Kim Chu, Erik Dey, Jeff Doornweerd, Jenna Giordano, Erin Hines, Eric Lawrence, Maggie Robinson, Jeremy Royster, Julie Sanzo and Katie Sullivan.

The selection of Dr. Dan Cortwright — an 8th grade science teacher at Bedford Middle School — was an affirmation of what Scarice called all the honorees: “the best of our profession.”

BMS principal Dr. Adam Rosen hailed the University of Michigan biochemistry Ph.D. as “a compassionate innovator and tireless advocate. He regularly includes the mot vulnerable students.”

Rosen said that Cortwright cultivates “creativity, belonging and engagement. He makes science come alive. His classroom is a place of challenge and joy. He inspires everyone. He teaches a master class in our district’s values.”

As head coach of the state champion and national contender Science Olympiad team, Cortwright reached out to a student in the intensive resource program. State judges said it was the first time a special needs youngster participated in the Olympiad.

After an emotional video in which that student spoke lovingly of Cortwright, he took the stage. The Teacher of the Year saluted the BMS students who made the young girl feel part of the team, then described the joy he gets from helping children “see the magic that happens when they figure things out.”

Westport Teacher of the year Dr. Dan Cortwright (right), with (from left) superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice, and assistant superintendent John Bayers.

Scarice, meanwhile, is trying to figure out artificial intelligence. So is everyone else in education.

His keynote address used the collapse of monasteries as a metaphor for colleges today.

Once central to all of European civilization, monasteries fell under the spread of a new technology: the printing press.

An array of forces — economic, demographic, political and technological — now buffet universities, Scarice said.

Combined with AI, the future is very uncertain.

Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice. (All photos/Dan Woog)

“What does this mean for educators?” Scarice asked rhetorically.

His answer: It is an opportunity to “re-humanize” education.

For example, artificial intelligence can “lift the burdens on teachers, so they can spend more time with students. It can help us point our ethical compass to the true north. It can help us stay human-centered, and transparent.

AI is here to stay, he emphasized. The job of educators, Scarice said, is to “be architects, leading the pathway forward.”

He urged the Westport Schools “not to wait for change to happen, but to shape the way forward for students.

“If it can’t happen here in Westport,” he concluded, “it will never happen.”

AFTER THE BELL: Teacher of the Year Dr. Cortright is entering his 15th year as a WEstport teacher. Previously, he spent nearly 15 years in science research, contributing to advancements that help patients manage conditions like multiple myeloma …

The Westport Public Schools welcome 27 new teachers this year. There are also nearly 30 newly hired non-certified staff members, and 10 interns and student teachers. Combined with coaches, other extracurricular and stipend positions, and substitutes, there are nearly 1,200 WPS employees …

Scarice began the convocation with a moment of silence for Kristen Ryan Beirne. The popular and talented Bedford Middle School physical education teacher — a former star athlete at Staples — died earlier this month, after a long illness.

(“06880” reports regularly on education in Westport. If you appreciate stories like this, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Roundup: Education, Politics, Gelato …

Posted on June 7, 2025 | 11 comments

An attendee at Thursday’s Board of Education meeting, which heard comments from 3 Staples High School soccer players about the non-renewal of the contract of coach Russell Oost-Lievense, writes (and asks for anonymity, out of concern for retribution): “You’re right about how well the boys spoke, and how respectful they were.

“But do you know who was not respectful? Superintendent Scarice.

“This photo (below) is how he responded as the boys spoke … scrolling his iPad.

“It turns out Tom’s correct … there is a device problem at Staples High School. But it’s the adults who are addicted.”

Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice (far left), as Staples High School incoming boys soccer captain Dylan Shackelford addressed the Board of Education.

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The first 5 items on the agenda for next Wednesday’s Board of Selectwomen meeting (June 11, 9 a.m., Town Hall auditorium) are fairly straightforward.

The final item may cause a bit more discussion. It’s a “request for recommendations for proposed traffic modifications submitted to the Board of Selectwomen acting in its capacity as the Local Traffic Authority,” submitted by the developers of The Hamlet at Saugatuck.

The next day (June 12, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium) the Representative Town Meeting has 2 other big items.

One is a request from the Long Lots School Building Committee to approve $101,920,000 for construction of the new elementary school.

The other is to approve an application by the town — approved already by the Conservation Commission and Flood & Erosion Control Board — to construct that school, along with “parking lot, athletic fields, playgrounds, and associated site and utility work.”

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“06880” is overseen by a dedicated board of directors.

Because we are strong supporters of Staples High School’s award-winning news magazine and website — and we want to encourage the next generation of journalists — one of the board’s 7 seats is reserved for an Inklings staff member.

Rising senior Will Enquist will fill that seat in the coming school year.

As a managing editor, he oversees one of the 2 staffs responsible for producing the school’s monthly newsmagazine. He also writes on subjects including sports, politics and international affairs.

Beyond journalism, Will has a strong passion for social studies. He was a member of Staples’ 2025 “We the People” team that placed 8th nationally. He interned for State Senator Ceci Maher’s 2024 reelection campaign, and earned recognition at the 2024 Connecticut History Day competition for a collaborative research project on the Yalta Conference.

Will is also involved with the Westport Youth Commission. In his free time he enjoys reading historical nonfiction, weightlifting and watching Mets baseball.

Welcome aboard, Will!

Will Enquist

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There is one less gelato store in Westport.

La Fenice — which opened a little less than 4 years ago — has closed its doors.

Fortunately, Cold Fusion is still serving just a short ways away, across Main Street.

(Hat tip and photo/Sal Liccione)

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The Westport Country Playhouse keeps adding to its already great summer schedule.

They just announced 3 new shows:

Script in Hand Jr.: “Charlotte’s Web” (June 29, 4 p.m.). This staged reading in the Barn — a timeless tale of friendship, loyalty and the power of words — is tailored to kids and families. Middle and high school students will bring the barnyard to life through their voices and imagination. Tickets $20; click here to purchase, and for more information.

“Broadway Scores at the Playhouse: From Broadway to Hollywood, a Concert Celebration of the Great Musicals of Stage and Screen” (July 24, 25, 26 at 8 p.m.; July 26 at 3 p.m.).Songs — and stories behind the musicals that made the leap from the stage to movies. Among them: “Singin’ in the Rain,” “West Side Story, “The King and I,”” Chicago,” “The Color Purple,” Wicked and more. Click here for tickets, and more information.

“Ana Gasteyer” (August 8, 8 p.m.). The “Saturday Night Live” veteran brings her wit and vocals to the Playhouse stage. She’ll perform jazz standards, Broadway classics and more. Click here for tickets, and more information.

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The annual Special Olympics Torch Run passed through Westport yesterday.

Liz Kaner was at Whole Foods, when she saw the “beautiful and moving” relay. With a police escort, they’re on their way to New Haven.

(Photo/Liz Kaner)

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo shows 2 “birds” flying low over Long Island Sound yesterday.

Click “Comments” if you can identify both by name.

(Photo/Tammy Barry)

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And finally … happy 85th birthday to Tom Jones!

(What’s new? Well, maybe not new, but another day, another reminder that “06880” relies on support from readers like you. Please click here to support our work.Thank you!)

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Posted in Children, Local business, Local politics, Staples HS, Westport Country Playhouse

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Board Of Ed: Staples Smartphone Ban Moves Forward; Coach’s Discussion Continues; Padlock Problem Solved

Posted on May 16, 2025 | 7 comments

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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Board Of Ed Stuns Crowd; Votes Against Soccer Coach

Posted on May 13, 2025 | 80 comments

For 12 hours, 150 students and parents sat patiently in Town Hall. Staples High School boys soccer head coach Russell Oost-Lievense was appealing to the Board of Education the decision by superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice to not renew his contract.

At 11:15 p.m. — after 90 more minutes with the board cloistered in executive session — the BOE returned.

The 75 teens and adults still remaining sat in stunned silence, as the board voted 5-1 to affirm Scarice’s decision. Robert Harrington was the lone vote against. Kevin Christie recused himself, for reasons he did not explain.

Town Hall auditorium was filled, waiting for the hearing to begin.

The long day had featured extensive questioning of Scarice, principal Stafford Thomas, athletic direvctor VJ Sarullo, Oost-Lievense and freshman coach Chris O’Dell.

The major issues were a verbal argument — not physical, as erroneously reported — between a player and assistant coach Harry Ocampo at a preseason retreat, and Oost-Lievense’s alleged failure to report it to Sarullo; a subsequent conversation between the player and Ocampo in a golf cart near the players, and Oost-Lievense’s attendance at the post-season banquet.

From left: Staples principal Stafford Thomas, athletic director VJ Sarullo, superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice.

Much of the discussion involved policies, procedures, training — and the lack of them.

Other discussion involved the investigation conducted by Sarullo and Thomas. Despite repeated claims of a “thorough” investigation by school officials between October 25 and December 8, not one student at the retreat was interviewed.

The coach’s attorney, Beatrice Franklin, objected strenuously to the exclusion of testimony and emails by several coaches and others, which she said would point to the lack of clear guidelines on reporting, and other issues at hand.

The mediator — appointed by the board — overruled virtually all of Franklin’s objections. He also refused to allow testimony about actions by coaches in other sports that did not result in discipline, which she said would have shown that Scarice’s action was “arbitrary and capricious” (the threshold for the board to overturn the superintendent’s decision).

Mediator Fred Dorsey (4th from left), with Board of Education members Dorie Hordon, Neil Phillips, Lee Goldstein, Abby Tolan and Jill Dillon.

Sarullo was questioned about why his evaluation of Oost-Lievense changed from “gifted head coach taking the program to new heights” in 2023, to all negative in 2024.

He said it was because of a “negative environment” on the team. That drew surprised looks from the more than 2 dozen returning players at Town Hall supporting their coach, throughout the long day.

Under extensive questioning, principal Thomas repeated often that he could not recall many of the events surrounding the investigation, and related matters.

There was discussion too of a 2022 incident, when Oost-Lievense reacted angrily to bullying incidents on the freshman and junior varsity teams. The coach — a special education teacher at Darien High — emotionally described his reactions to reports of bullying of a special education student, citing his long work in special ed.

That 2022 incident led to a Department of Children and Family Services investigation. No evidence of wrongdoing was found, and Oost-Lievense said a DCFS official apologized to him.

The complaint about this fall’s incident at the retreat also was sent to DCFS. Within a day, they declined to investigate.

Scarice explained that Westport holds its employees to “a higher standard.”

From left: Board of Education member Robert Harrington, attorney Beatrice Franklin, coaches Russell Oost-Lievense and Chris O’Dell.

One of the most emotional moments of the long day came when Franklin asked Oost-Lievense why — after all he’s been through — he still wanted his job back.

“I can never give back what this soccer program, the players and families, have done for me, as a player and coach,” he said, his voice breaking. “This is my alma mater, and I love it more than anything.”

He recounted his experience as a player, when his father was dying, and the soccer team was his safe haven. Among his father’s last words to him: “Look after the ones who look to you.”

The audience rose, in a standing ovation.

During a break in the action, Russell Oost-Lievense (back row, 3rd from left) poses with current and returning Staples soccer players.

In closing statements, board attorney Thomas Mooney said, “this is not a popularity contest. The Board of Education has delegated decisions like this to the superintendent. You must apply that policy. There is no evidence that this was ‘arbitrary and capricious.'”

Franklin countered, “‘Arbitrary and capricious’ does not mean you rubber stamp the administration. Did they make their decision supported by evidence, and a thorough investigation?”

She cited many examples: the lack of an investigation, the pattern of not allowing evidence and witnesses, and more.

“How could Staples be better off without Russ?” she asked. “All I want for my kids is to have a coach like him.”

For 90 minutes — until 11:15 p.m. — Staples players waited for the Board of Education to exit executive session. (Photos/Dan Woog)

When — 90 minutes later — the board rendered their decision, the large crowd (including dozens of boys and girls soccer players, and alumni) who had stayed for 14 hours were stunned.

They wondered how a supposedly neutral “mediator” had ruled against Oost-Lievense dozens of times, before and during the hearing.

They asked how he could have excluded wide swaths of evidence, directly relevant to coaching, training, procedures, and discipline.

They were puzzled that the “arbitrary and capricious” discussion did not include information about the lack of disciplinary action against coaches in other sports, for sometimes more egregious offenses.

“It seemed pretty clear the board had no interest in doing actual justice,” one said. “Russell could have shown a murder weapon and a body. They still would have ruled against him.”

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Fencegate: No Answers To Staples’ New Padlocks

Posted on May 4, 2025 | 22 comments

In the 1960s I walked across the street from my house on High Point Road, up a hill, and onto the back fields at Staples High School.

My friends and I strolled through, on our way to Burr Farms Elementary. It was our time to be free, and talk about life through our 11-year-0ld eyes.

After school, we raced back up to play touch football and baseball on the Staples field.

When I became a high school student, it was my route to school. After soccer practice, it took me 2 minutes to walk home. That proximity was one of the joys of my childhood.

Generations of kids followed me — literally — to and from Staples.

At some point, a chain link fence was erected. Two gate doors — one at the corner of Jinny Parker Field, the other near left field of the baseball diamond — kept access open.

Suddenly — right after spring break last month — those gates were padlocked.

Padlock at the edge of Jinny Parker Field. 

There was no warning. No explanation.

And definitely, no entrance.

For nearly 20 years, Dave Briggs has lived a few yards behind Jinny Parker Field. His daughter — now in college — walked to Staples that way. His son, a junior, did too.

Now he — and many other High Point and nearby students — drive.

Others throw their backpacks over, and hop the fence. One may have rolled his ankle doing so.

Dave is furious. He says that neighbors — many of whom bought homes in part because it was so close to Staples (and Bedford Middle School, where High Point kids walked also) — are too.

High Point Road path, with fence at right. Brush and rocks on both sides shows the difficulty and danger of hopping the fence. (Photos/Dave Briggs)

Homeowners whose properties abut Staples have always allowed walkers to cut through their property. It’s a decades-old High Point Road tradition.

“Kids today don’t do enough independently,” Briggs says. “We should celebrate that they walk to school. And environmentally, we’re adding all these cars to the road.”

(Many students have after-school activities, so buses are impractical. Like I did decades ago, athletes who could walk 2 minutes home after practice now must drive, or be picked up.)

This aerial photo from 1965 shows the several buildings that comprised Staples High School; the athletic fields in back, and High Point Road behind it. The arrow marks where I grew up.

People are also angry that they were not warned about the padlocks. And their requests for explanation, Briggs says, have not been answered.

No one knows who made and approved the decision, or why. Staples administrators? The superintendent of schools?

“06880” asked superintendent Thomas Scarice: “Can you provide any info on who made the decision, and why they’ve been put in place?”

He replied quickly on Wednesday: “Not at this time. I am trying to learn about the purpose of these gates, the fence itself, who’s responsible for the land behind the fence, the history, etc. I walked the area today with facilities and our school security office from the Westport Police Department, also I’m meeting with the Conservation Dept as one area is specifically monitored by their department.  Working on it.”

In the meantime, the padlocks remain in place.

And — for the first time since Staples High School was built on North Avenue, in 1958 — students living nearby are fenced out.

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