As the first month of classes ends — that was quick! — superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice offers this update:
Civics Hub: The Westport Public Schools recently added a “Civics Hub” page to its website.
The goal is to make civic learning fun and engaging for all. The district’s social studies team developed lessons and resources for the election season.
Scarice says, “The objective in all of our classes is to teach students about civics, and model civic engagement, in order to support their development as informed and engaged citizens.
“While there might be a lot of intense, passionate, and at times divisive conversations outside of our schools, we work hard to foster productive and respectful discourse in classrooms through a nonpartisan teaching approach.
“Our schools and classrooms should always be spaces where students feel a sense of belonging as part of a community of learners.” Click here for the Civics Hub page.
Security: Following security concerns last week, the district has worked closely with the Westport Police Department to provide answers to many questions about school security. Click here for those security Frequently Asked Questions.
Growth Mindset Community/Parent Workshop October 16: The entire school community is reading the book “Grit,” by Angela Duckworth.
In addition to a day of professional development for faculty dedicated to the primary tenets of a “growth mindset” last week, WPS hosts a community/parent workshop on October 16 (11 a.m.-12:15 p.m., and 7-8:15 p.m., Westport Library. Registration is required; click here.
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Speaking of schools: Yesterday was Homecoming at Staples High.
The afternoon pep rally included shout-outs to all fall sports teams.
It sure worked.
Kody Goldman’s bulled in for a touchdown from 1 yard out — his 4th of the night — with just 8 seconds left — gave the Wreckers a thrilling, and well-earned 28-21 victory over Maloney-Meriden at Paul Lane Field last night.
Staples is now 3-0. They host Westhill next Friday, at 7 p.m.
Staples cheerleaders, at yesterday’s pep rally. (Photo/Jonathan Alloy)
Speaking still of sports: 2017 Staples graduate Ben Casparius earned his second MLB win — against no losses — last night.
The Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher struck out 7 Colorado Rockies in 4 2/3 innings at Coors Field, in an 11-4 victory. He gave up 2 runs and 6 hits, and walked 2.
It was only his third big league appearance. Click here for highlights of his game. (Hat tip: Carl Leaman)
And financial help is available for low-income households.
The federally funded Energy Assistance Program is administered through Connecticut’s Department of Social Services, and Westport’s Department of Human Services.
If your household’s gross annual income is at or below 60% of the state median income, you can qualify for assistance.
For a household of one, the maximum income is $45,505. It increases to $59,507 for a household of 2; $73,509 for 3; $87,751 for 4, and $101,513 for a household of 5.
The Y’s Men of Westport and Weston often host interesting speakers.
This week, their guests’ message was music.
Lyricist Barry Kleinbort and musical theater star Kim Maresca discussed and demonstrated their creativity in writing, composing and performing music theater.
During their interview by Y’s Men’s president Bruce Borner, they pulled back the curtain to show what it takes to make lyrics and music come alive on stage.
Click below for their presentation:
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There’s a lot to like about the Senior Center.
A hidden gem — well, to the public maybe, but not to seniors and volunteers — is the garden behind the Imperial Avenue building.
Molly Alger captures its colors, in today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.
Posted onSeptember 20, 2024|Comments Off on Tom Scarice: A Tribute To Max Harper
At the start of last night’s Board of Education meeting, Thomas Scarice offered a heartfelt tribute to Max Harper.
Westport’s superintendent of schools did not know the Staples High School senior, who died last week in a dirt bike accident.
But, Scarice said, he realized the impression the young man made in just 2 years. “He was so well known and loved, in a massive high school. From all accounts — students and faculty — he had a magnetic personality. He made a palpable impact” on the lives of many.
Scarice noted several highlights from 2 gatherings at Compo Beach: Max’s father’s words, the morning after the tragedy; the healing words of Staples principal Stafford Thomas, and the tributes from Max’s friends. Even at his age, the superintendent said, “I could not do what those students did.”
Scarice also lauded the “depth, quality and caring” of Staples’ counselors, and assistant principal Pat Micinilio.
Max made “an indelible impact,” Scarice concluded. “We grieve his loss.”
To see Thomas Scarice’s remarks at the Board of Education meeting, click here.
Max Harper
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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.
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Kids (and staff) have been back in school for over a week.
The Board of Education is back in action too.
They’ve got a full plate this year. (Though I can’t imagine any year when they don’t.)
Among the items to tackle: elementary school redistricting.
Last night, at the BOE meeting in the Staples High School cafeteria, superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice was expected to address that topic.
The timeline he planned to propose includes:
September 19: First presentation of options by demographer Mike Zuba, for public discussion
October: Continued public discussion
Winter/spring: Review
Summer/fall 2025: Phase I implementation (for Bedford Middle School feeder schools).
Planning would then continue in 2025-27 for Phase II (for Coleytown Middle feeder schools). That phase is predicated on the opening of a new Long Lots Elementary School for the 2026-27 school year.
Scarice was expected to note that redistricting is driven by resources, not finances.
While there is no “crisis,” there is a need to “modestly rebalance” the elementary schools, due to enrollment influxes seen since the pandemic. Officials also expect an enrollment spike at Long Lots, following construction of a new building.
Among the criteria Scarice listed in prepared remarks:
Adherence to natural boundaries; keeping neighborhoods together “to the greatest extent possible.”
Prioritizing proximity (minimizing travel distances, where possible)
Minimizing student disruption “to the greatest extent possible.”
In addition, Scarice was expected to say, no student will be redistricted more than once (unless the family moves).
“Grandfathering” 5th graders will be considered, based on capacity and “operational considerations.
A new Long Lots Elementary School is expected to drive enrollment in that district. (Drone photo/Brandon Malin)
Enrollment figures prepared for last night’s meeting show that as of August 30, the Westport Public Schools had 5,210 students in grades K-12. That’s 73 fewer than called for in budget projections.
That number will change. A second report will be provided after the October 1 to present numbers to the state Department of Education.
At the elementary schools, Coleytown had 37 fewer students than projected, meaning one less kindergarten section than budgeted for.
Greens Farms has 8 fewer students than projected, with one less 1st grade section.
Kings Highway also has 8 fewer students than projected, but no changes in the number of sections (24).
Long Lots has 13 fewer students than projected, but maintains 29 sections.
Saugatuck has 1 more student than projected. Based on disbursement of students, additional sections have been added at grades 3 and 4.
Saugatuck is the only elementary school to see an increase in enrollment this year. (Photo/John Videler for Videler Photography)
The 2 middle schools saw a total decrease of 16 students, while Staples High has 8 more students than projected. The largest classes are freshman and junior.
As of August 30, assistant superintendent John Bayers was to report to the BOE, Westport Public Schools have hired nearly 60 new staff members. Interviews were continuing, to fill remaining vacancies.
The new hires include 27 certified staff members, 3 of whom are administrators.
That’s a decrease of 21 certified staff from last year, though 5 vacancies remained.
The 30-plus non-certified staff include paraprofessionals, secretaries, custodians, and building and long-term substitutes.
The district also welcomes 5 interns, and 19 student teachers.
Scarice was expected to make a presentation to the Board of Education on the “No Place for Hate” program.
Run in partnership with the Anti-Defamation League, it’s a district-wide effort to address bias, bullying and hate speech.
Coleytown Middle School faculty member Faith Sweeney will serve as the district’s program coordinator.
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The first day of a new school year is always exciting, fresh and fun.
The building sparkles. People greet friends they haven’t seen in months. Anticipation is high; anything is possible.
That’s as true for staff members as it is for kids.
Nearly 1,000 teachers, administrators, paraprofessionals and Board of Education members filled the Staples High School auditorium yesterday, for the district’s opening convocation.
Director Lauren Pine leads the Staples choir in the national anthem. Some singers have been in the Westport Public Schools since kindergarten.
Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice gave his fifth welcome. The Staples choir sang the national anthem; cheerleaders cheered the educators. Performance coach Sebastian Little pumped up the crowd.
And everyone honored Westport’s Teacher of the Year: Staples media specialist Jen Cirino.
In his opening remarks, Scarice reminded the audience of his first convocation. Just a few months into the pandemic, he had stood alone in the auditorium, speaking via Zoom to educators about to begin an excruciatingly difficult year.
Out of that tough time has come a renewed emphasis on “humanity,” the superintendent said. The district has redoubled its focus on social and emotional learning, and its recognition of the impact every staff member has on every student.
Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice.
Scarice emphasized his point by telling the stories of 2 June graduates, who went all the way through the Westport system. One was a multi-talented girl, now at Harvard; the other was the son of a single mother who, despite many challenges, was the kind of young man whom every teacher wanted in class.
Scarice also singled out every employee — including secretaries, nurses, mental health professionals and central office staff — who impact every child.
After an introduction of 49 new staff members, assistant superintendent John Bayers announced the finalists for Teacher of the Year: Michele Anderson (music, Bedford Middle School), Nicole Comerford (health, Staples), Colleen Cooney (music, Saugatuck Elementary), Victoria Davis (special education, Greens Farms Elementary), Joseph Del Gobbo (English, Staples), Kelly Falcone (academic support, Staples), and Joanne Klouda (physics, Staples).
The winner — Cirino — is multi-talented, highly respected, and a hometown girl. A 5th generation Westporter, she went through the entire school system, and won a state championship on the Staples basketball team. Her children now attend Coleytown Elementary School.
Teacher of the Year Jen Cirino. Behind her is Staples assistant principal Jim Farnen; to the right is Board of Education member Kevin Christie.
Cirino makes the high school library an accessible, welcoming, enriching and exciting space for hundreds of students at a time.
The library was her haven as a youngster, Cirino said. Her goal is to make the Staples library “a powerful place for everyone, so they can accomplish all that they want.”
Through her “Friday Fun Days,” she involves students in activities ranging from breast cancer awareness keychains, Juneteenth bracelets and Pride buttons, to mini-golf, Legos and bird feeders.
Her reach extends far beyond its walls though, through her work on environmental and sustainable issues, her advocacy for student rights, and her collaboration with teenagers and teachers throughout the building.
The final speaker, Sebastian Little, has worked with the Westport Public Schools for several years, as well as high level athletes and leading business professionals.
Sebastian Little (All photos/Dan Woog)
A former football player at Yale, he tied the recent Olympics in with the work of educators.
“Own your greatness,” he encouraged the Westport staff.
The convocation was an energetic kickoff to the coming school year.
Now: Let the games begin.
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Posted onJuly 15, 2024|Comments Off on “06880” Podcast: Tom Scarice
I always enjoy chatting with Tom Scarice.
Westport’s superintendent of schools is straightforward, insightful, articulate and on-target.
He does not shy away from controversy. He understands there are many sides to every story. He backs up what he says with facts, along with relatable stories and anecdotes.
Scarice’s recent visit to “06880: The Podcast” did not disappoint.
He tackled an important, contentious topic — cellphones in schools — with clarity and honesty. He offered plenty of ideas, from a wide variety of angles, while acknowledging the complexity of the issue.
Scarice knows that many discussions lie ahead: in schools and district offices; at Board of Education and PTA meetings, and on this blog.
Our conversation at the Westport Library is a great start. Click below to listen, and learn:
Westporters often go out of their way to thank teachers. We know how hard they work, how much they care, and the impact they have on our kids.
School administrators go out of their way to thank paraprofessionals, secretaries, custodians — the men and women who also make our schools shine.
But what about bus drivers, and their support staff? Twice a day, every day, they play a key role, all across town.
Last Friday, Superintendent of Schools Thomas Scarice and several administrators hosted a breakfast to celebrate First Student, the district’s transportation provider.
By all indications, First Student’s first year has been a very positive one.
Friday’s event included rivers, monitors, dispatchers, managers, and First Student’s safety division.
Enjoying the appreciation breakfast, back row (from left): Ebelin, spare driver; Marilyn, Bus 18; Gladys, Van 61 monitor; Widmaier, Van 66; Luz, Bus 16. Front: Stephanie, Van 55; Sonia, Van 58; Magali, Van 54.
Scarice says, “Whether they have been driving for Westport for years or if this is their first year, the team at First Student is dedicated to Westport and the safety of our student community.
“The breakfast was a chance to show appreciation for the Westport drivers, and a great way to welcome First Student to our town.”
He promises it will be a yearly tradition.
Camelya, Bus 3 driver (left) with Jame’el Lawrence, Kings Highway Elementary School assistant principal.
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With more than $400 million in capital spending looming in our budget forecast, what can taxpayers expect?
Town officials say: We’re preparing.
And: We’ve been there before.
Common Ground — the Westport Library’s project to bring civility back to civic discourse — and the League of Women Voters collaborated last night on an educational forum.
Nearly 100 residents heard 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, Superintendent of Schools Thomas Scarice, Finance Department director Gary Conrad and others discuss a variety of projects and timelines, and their implications for mill rates, bond ratings and more.
Acknowledging the costs associated with — among other things — a new police/fire/EMS facility, the renovation of Longshore and downtown parking lots, and a new Long Lots Elementary School, Tooker said twice that her goal is for the Westport’s mill rate to remain “stable, consistent and competitive.”
She, Conrad and a pair of independent bond advisors said that Westport’s finances have been well managed. Though debt will rise substantially through the mid-2030s, they expressed confidence that prudent, proactive planning will position the town well for the future.
To provide historical perspective, former 1st Selectman Jim Marpe and former RTM moderator Velma Heller began the event — titled “Preparing Westport for Major Capital Spending” — by citing previous large expenses.
In 1960 for example, the town purchased the failing Longshore Country Club for $1.9 million ($20 million, in today’s dollars). The decision — in the face of a 180-home residential development on the property — showed remarkable foresight, Marpe said.
(It also was done “around a dinner table” by 1st Selectman Herb Baldwin, the Board of Finance and other officials — not in open, transparent meetings — Marpe noted wryly.)
In 1959, a developer wanted to buy the failing Longshore Country Club, and built 180 homes on the land. In just 19 days, the town bought it as a municipal club.
Other major expenditures included new schools in the 1950s and ’60s, Baron’s South, and the Senior Center.
The public debt burden ballooned to $200 million. But Westport kept its AAA bond rating — and paid it off with one of the lowest mill rates in Fairfield County.
Tooker noted that in the private sector — where she worked before entering local politics — leaders are rewarded for being “ahead of the curve.” In government, she said, the key is to be neither too early or too late.
It is not an easy needle to thread. Officials constantly ask what a variety of stakeholders want, and if the town can afford it.
She described the 3 major expenses. The $90 million combined first responder facility would replace the 1980s fire headquarters and 1950s police/EMS building.
1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, with photos of the Saugatuck firehouse, and police headquarters.
Renovations to Longshore — an asset that attracts newcomers, and serves nearly all residents — would involve racquet sports, the pools, a new golf clubhouse and more, and cost about $40 million. It includes a private partnership with Delamar, which begins renovating the Inn at Longshore next year.
The downtown plan addresses more open space, pedestrian and vehicular safety, and flood mitigation, so that residents and visitors will be encouraged to spend more time shopping, dining and enjoying the Saugatuck River.
Other projects in the 10-year capital plan include sidewalks, bridges, culverts, and equipment like police cars, fire trucks and Public Works vehicles.
The Board of Finance is the first body to approve spending requests. The Representative Town Meeting gives the final okay.
From left: Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, Finance director Gary Conrad, and bond advisors Matt Spoerndle, Mike Andreana, and assistant superintendent of schools John Bayers settle in at last night’s forum. Behind them is a list of expected major capital projects.
Scarice noted that when he arrived in the early days of the 2020 pandemic, Coleytown Middle School had recently closed due to mold. The town wanted “no more surprises” with building maintenance.
Studies showed that Long Lots was at the end of its 70-year-old life. Coleytown Elementary School is getting there, though its condition is not as dire.
Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice, with a photo of Long Lots Elementary School.
During COVID, meanwhile, Westport’s school enrollment skyrocketed. Our figures far outpaced those of neighboring suburbs, which have remained stagnant or even decreased. That impacts our schools — along with recreational facilities, emergency services and more.
Private bond counselor Mike Andreana said that many towns rely only on 5-year capital forecasts. That is “more reactive,” he said. “Thinking 10 years out is fantastic.”
The panel, with a chart showing Westport’s past and projected debt, from 2001 through 2037. (Photos/Dan Woog)
So what does it all mean for the mill rate?
That is set after looking at the town’s budget, borrowing, reserves, grand list and non-taxable revenues, Tooker said.
It is a rigorous process, done in conjunction with the Board of Finance.
And despite the capital forecast of up to $470 million — a figure, she emphasized, that is not set in stone — the 1st Selectwoman declared, “I am so bullish on our future as a community. There are so many exciting, positive changes.
“I’m not worried,” she continued. “But I take my fiscal responsibility very seriously. It is critical for the mill rate to remain stable, consistent and competitive.
“Westport,” she concluded, “is on fire.”
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This afternoon, superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice sent this message to the Westport community:
When I arrived almost 4 years ago as superintendent, Westport’s decades-long commitment to diversity and inclusion could be seen across the community and within the schools.
Over these 4 years, the school district has continued to build on the work of the community in many ways, including our Equity Study, our district Strategic Plan, curriculum revisions, and advanced teacher training to name just a few initiatives.
In a recent conversation with our district-wide PTA presidents, it became clear to me that I have more work to do to keep the school community informed about our progress by actively sharing our work.
While my focus recently has been on offering purposeful updates on timely topics, I have been remiss in not sharing some of our proactive and preventive student programs, ongoing teacher training/professional development initiatives, and curriculum efforts, all of which enable and inform our continuous evolution as a place founded in academic excellence and belonging.
Last Wednesday night, about 1/3 of the district’s administrators and I joined local clergy and community leaders at Temple Israel to share details about our framework for preventing and responding to identity-based bullying in our schools.
Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice, Staples High School principal Stafford Thomas and grades 6-12 social studies coordinator Lauren Francese, at last week’s Temple Israel forum. (Photo/Dan Woog)
The information we shared demonstrated how our programs follow every Westport learner’s journey from pre-k through graduation, and we hope, beyond.
The presentation’s content was guided by the questions and feedback we’ve received from the community over the last few weeks. A copy of the presentation is attached to this message and the recording is available here.
Even with a broad prevention strategy, there is the likelihood that we will experience bias incidents. For this reason, we have also worked to develop an effective response protocol across all of our schools.
Over the past 2 months the district has worked to engage with the community, educators and students to update our student “Code of Conduct.”
A critical and unique input to this work has been the solicitation of ongoing feedback from the community, including multiple public readings of the student discipline policy at Board of Education meetings over the past few months.
This work will lay the foundation for transparency, common language, mutual understanding, and consistent processes. But it’s only the beginning, and it requires a collaborative partnership with the community, including a continuous flow of information.
To that end, I’m pleased to share that we launched the district’s DEIB website (westportdeib.org) last week as the source of truth regarding the work, progress, and dialogue happening in, and for, our schools. Here you’ll find sample learning experiences, curriculum highlights, school policies and protocols, and current news and events. In the coming weeks, answers to frequently asked questions will be added.
I always appreciate the community’s candor, dialogue, and shared vision for our schools. Together, we can continue to exemplify the values of the town where we live or work, grounded in caring and understanding.
Click here for a PDF of the Temple Israel Community Forum.
Speaking of education: Westport Superintendent of Schools Thomas Scarice gave an insightful talk Tuesday, at the Westport Rotary Club lunch meeting.
After briefly mentioning increased school enrollment and capital improvement projects, he pivoted to a topic he spent most of his time on: “outside pressures” that impinge on students and schools more than ever before.
Scarice said the internet has “a debilitating impact on kids,” and that “the innocence of childhood is being violated.”
The role of schools is now critical in dealing with the issues of hate speech and bigotries that are fostered online, Scarice noted. But he said that parents must be the front line of defense for their children.
Superintendent of Schools Thomas Scarice. (Photo/Dave Matlow)
The Westport Center for Senior Activities needed a new logo. Director Wendy Petty and Department of Human Services director Elaine Daignault wanted it to be identifiable as the Senior Center — but close to the town of Westport’s logo too.
Designer Shari Barnhart is a former Westport teacher and media specialist, who designed the Friends of the WCSA logo.
Her creation highlights the warm, welcoming building, with its recognizable windows and front entry arch.
She incorporated Westport’s blue and orange colors and the Westport font, to tie things together.
The new logo was rolled out recently. Coming next month: a new website.
Both the logo and website are funded through a state ARPA grant dedicated to senior centers.
Yesterday’s Roundup contained confusing information about Weston residents’ applications for Westport Parks & Recreation beach emblems.
The correct information is this: Beach parking emblems go on sale online, and in the Westport Parks & Recreation Department office, at 9 a.m. next Monday (March 11) for Westport and Weston residents. The number of sales to Westport and Weston residents is not limited, and they are not required until May 1.
Sales of emblems to people not living in Westport or Weston began online, and in the Parks & Rec office, at 9 a.m. today (Wednesday, March 13). A limit of 450 will be sold.
If you have purchased emblems or registered for Parks & Rec programs in prior seasons, you already have an online account established. Click here to log into your account. Then choose memberships; in the search box, type “Resident.” This brings all Westport resident vehicle packages to the top page. Weston residents should type “Weston” in search box.
After verification (Parks & Rec may request a copy of your current registration, or updated proof of residency), online purchases will be mailed to you. It may take 14-21 days.
Speaking of Compo Beach: 29 Danbury Avenue may not be a teardown after all.
Though a demolition sign hangs prominently outside the home with the famed “Beach House” sign, sources say it is a formality the owners must go through to sell, as it “could be” an option for a future homeowner.
“You won’t see a bulldozer any time soon,” we are told. Fingers crossed …
(Photo/Jimmy Izzo)
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Have you ever wanted a peek behind the Westport Country Playhouse curtain?
How about a chance to see the scene shop and wardroom room? What about the dressing rooms and green rooms, where every star from Henry Fonda and Olivia de Havilland to James Earl Jones and Paul Newman hung out?
“From the Page to the Stage” guided tours are available now by reservation, on select Friday and Saturday mornings.
Tours are scheduled for March 29 and 30, April 20 and 26, May 17 and 18, June 28 and 29, and July 26 and 27, from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Each tour is limited to 25 people.
The tour guide is special: Bruce Miller, Playhouse archivist. He is familiar with every nook of the historic theater. And boy, does he have stories.
The tours are free, though donations are encouraged.
To reserve a group tour, click here. For a private group tour, email krichards@westportplayhouse.org.
The Westport Country Playhouse green room has hosted nearly every stage star. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Westport Police made 4 custodial arrests between February 28 and March 6.
A man was charged with burglary, conspiracy to commit burglary, criminal mischief, conspiracy to commit criminal mischief, larceny and conspiracy to commit larceny, following break-ins at Westport Cigar & Vape, and Mohegan Smoke Shop. During the first burglary, the suspect also fled after an attempted traffic stop.
A man was arrested for burglary and criminal mischief, based on DNA evidence, following an investigation into an attempted residential burglary in November 2021.
A woman was charged with larceny and identity theft after 2 checks were stolen from the mailbox outside the Westport post office, then altered and deposited.
A woman was charged with failure to appear to answer a previous arrest.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 5 citations
Traveling unreasonably fast: 4
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 3
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 2
Failure to obey stop sign: 2
Unsafe movement of a stopped vehicle: 2
Texting while driving: 1
Improper turn: 1
Improper use of markers: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without proper instructor: 1
Littering on public property: 1
Don’t litter!
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A few tickets remain for next Wednesday’s evening with Geno Auriemma at Mitchells of Westport.
The legendary University of Connecticut women’s basketball coach will bring his current team to the Post Road store.
Tickets to the benefit for Bleeding Blue for Good — the organization that provides name, image and likeness opportunities for UConn student athletes (and Connecticut charities) — are $100 each. Children under 12 (maximum of 2 per adult) are free. Click here to purchase.
Light appetizers, wine and beer will be available.
Speaking of sports: The Staples-Westhill-Stamford co-op girls ice hockey team’s bid for a state championship was derailed last night.
New Canaan captured the title with a 3-0 win. But it was a remarkable season for the Westport/Stamford squad. Big props to coach John Fay, and his girls!
The Staples-Westhill-Stamford girls ice hockey team celebrates their state quarterfinal victory.
To celebrate, Office Evolution — the bright, airy co-working space in the Post Road office building opposite Westport Fire Department headquarters — invites all freelancers to enjoy an (of course) free week in their shared workspace.
Click here to register. For more information on the Westport location, click here.
The Joggers Club is stretching out, getting ready for an active spring.
Among the offerings:
Connecticut’s Biggest Kids Running Camp: Sundays, April 21- June 2 (4-5:15 p.m., Staples High School track). Learn the basics of good running, in a fun environment. Kindergarten-8th grade; $125.
The Joggers Club “Race Of The Year”: The Minute Man 5K & 10K, April 28 (Compo Beach). All proceeds benefit local charities, through the Westport Young Woman’s League. Click here to register.
Free Joggers Club Track Night: Run with friends at Thursday night workouts (Norwalk High School track).
Fun Running is The Best Running: Every Saturday at Compo Beach. All paces and levels; all are welcome. No rules, no judgments, all smiles.
Join the Joggers Club for $50 a year (it works out to $4.16 a month — plus a free Lululemon shirt for all new members).
This month’s Westport Book Shop Drew Friedman Art Place exhibit features 2 local artists: Veronica Hauresz and Karen Kallins.
The women collaborated on a series of photographic artworks called “Immiscible.” They are striking images based on simple elements like oil, water, and colorful backgrounds.
A reception is set for March 13 (6 to 7:30 p.m.). Their work will be on display at the Jesup Road store throughout the month.
Veronica Hauresz and Karen Kallins, with their works.
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Alert “06880” reader Chris Grimm sends this photo from the Sherwood Island Connector …
(Photo/Chris Grimm)
… and adds: “I have as much holiday spirit as anyone. But it is March!”
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Planning would then continue in 2025-27 for Phase II (for Coleytown Middle feeder schools). That phase is predicated on the opening of a new Long Lots Elementary School for the 2026-27 school year.
