Tag Archives: Thomas Scarice

Roundup: Tom Scarice, Ben Frimmer, Haberstrohs …

Posted on June 12, 2026 | 7 comments

The superintendent of schools has long been the town of Westport’s highest paid employee.

Next year, Thomas Scarice will make 3% more.

Last night, the Board of Education voted unanimously to raise his base salary to $344,563. His rolling 3-year contract has been extended every year since he took the Westport Public Schools’ top job in 2020.

The action came after the Board offered similar 3% raises to 4 top district officials.

Chief financial officer Elio Longo will make $281,949. The 3 assistant superintendents are: pupil services Mike Rizzo ($260,205), human resources John Bayers ($251,070), and teaching and planning Anna Mahon ($247,200).

Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Speaking of schools: The Coleytown Company curtain is closing on the directing career of Ben Frimmer.

After more than 30 years of leading the middle school drama troupe, the program’s founder is stepping off stage.

Frimmer says, “This program has been one of the greatest joys of my life. It has been an honor to work with so many talented students and supportive families over the years, and I am incredibly proud of the community we have built together.”

His work as a Broadway and West End producer has grown significantly, he says. With “The Hunger Games: On Stage,” “John Proctor is the Villain” and “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” — plus other projects in development — he must “devote more time to this exciting chapter of my career.”

Katie Bloom will take over as Coleytown Company director.

“Katie brings tremendous experience, having spent more than 20 years as a Westport educator while also running her own successful theatre company in Newtown,” Frimmer says.

“She is an outstanding teacher, director and leader, and I know the program will flourish under her guidance. She will also be supported by our experienced Coleytown Company staff, who know the program and its traditions well.”

Frimmer will continue to teach at CMS. And, he says, he will watch “with great excitement as Katie leads the next chapter of this remarkable program.”

Ben Frimmer

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As the thermometer soars past 90, severe thunderstorms threaten and air quality deteriorates, Westport preparing for the next 3 days.

These cooling centers will be open:

  • Senior Center: Friday only, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Westport Library: Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday 1 to 5 p.m.
  • Westport Weston Family YMCA (14 Allen Raymond Lane): Friday, 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Westport Museum for History & Culture: Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For help or transportation, call 211 or click here.

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The moment Patty Haberstroh was diagnosed with ALS, her family leaped to help her. And to raise funds for every other person battling the disease, and their families.

Her son Steve is gearing up for his 3rd 100 Holes to Defeat ALS golf event.

In just 4 years, it’s grown from 2 golfers to 32. This year alone, they’ve raised $650,000 — and, Steve says, “we haven’t even teed it up yet.”

The corporate sponsor outing at The Country Club of New Canaan this Monday is already sold out.

The next day (Tuesday, June 16) Steve plays the “100 holes” at Keney Park in Windsor. (Hey, someone’s gotta do it!)

That evening Steve’s brother Chuck and ESPN’s (and Westport’s) Dan Orlovsky emcee a gala, with a live auction. They hope to raise $100,000.

There are Westport connections to the events, besides the Haberstrohs and Orlovsky.

Experience Camps –headquartered here — is one of 3 fundraising recipients.  “100 Holes” co-founder Cory Sullivan attended a camp — for children who have lost parents — years ago, after his father died from ALS. It was so impactful, he later spent years as a counselor.

Several Westport families are now battling ALS. “We won’t stop fighting until there are cures,” Haberstroh says.

For more info on the events, and to contribute, click here.

The Haberstrohs remember their mom.

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Greensky Bluegrass brought their special magic to the Levitt Pavilion last night. The skies cleared just in time for a well-received show.

The Disco Biscuits play 2 ticketed shows, tonight (Friday) and tomorrow.

Sunday’s free show is “Seth Sikes: Everything’s Coming Up Rainbows – A Broadway Pride Concert,” with special guest Rose Levine.

Click here for a full Levitt Pavilion calendar, and ticket information.

Greensky Bluegrass (Photo/Lou Weinberg)

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For the 47th year, the Point to Point Swim takes place this summer. Save the date: Saturday, July 25.

And — as it has for nearly 5 decades — the Compo Beach event brings together swimmers of all levels. First-time open water participants join seasoned competitors, for a fun and meaningful morning.

Funds raised help children and families access camp, swim lessons, water safety, and youth development programs.

Registrants by June 15 get a race t-shirt. Click here for details.

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A good crowd turned out yesterday for the Westport Farmers’ Market.

Held every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through November, at the Imperial Avenue parking lot, it’s a true community event.

Live music and lunchtime food stalls complement more than 2 dozen vendors. Fresh produce, breads, herbs, flowers, juices, honey, coffee … it’s all there, and more.

Plus knife sharpening!

Click here for details, including a full vendors’ list.

A tent keeps everyone cool. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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It’s a big month for Owen Daniel.

He’s graduating from Weston High School. And the singer/songwriter just released his second single, “Hundreds of Miles.”

The track captures the emotional experience of entering a new chapter of life. It’s available on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify and Apple Music.

Produced in collaboration with Factory Underground Studio in Norwalk, the song reflects on distance, growth and connection, at a time of life transitions.

While strongly resonating with the Class of 2026 — and called “the graduation song of the year” — “Hundreds of Miles” is relatable to anyone navigating change or separation. The song balances nostalgia with optimism, offering reassurance that meaningful relationships can endure even as people move in different directions.

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On Tuesday — after, no doubt, thinking about it for a while — someone decided it was “time” to take this piece from home to the transfer station.

(Photo/John McKinney)

No word on whether it was recycled, or someone (wisely) decided to reuse it.

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Jillian Elder’s Westport-themed designs are always popular.

Her new collection includes 6 designs that she’s been thinking about for years, and finally brought to life. Inspiration came from Robert Indiana’s “LOVE” statue, and the classic I ❤️ New York logo.

The pieces blend bold, nostalgic pop art with a modern, wearable twist.

Click here for designs, and to order. PS: Saugatuck, Greens Farms and Compo Beach options are available too.

3 of Jillian Elder’s new designs.

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Congratulations to Westport’s 4 newest Eagle Scouts.

Evie Bory, Lucas Gomez, Harrison Sydor and Charles Beckwith — members of Troops 39 and 139 — were recognized at a Court of Honor recently, at Green’s Farms Church.

From left: Evie Bory, Lucas Gomez, Harrison Sydor, Charles Beckwith.

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Lior Raz — co-creator and star of Netflix’s hit series “Fauda,” is coming to Westport.

Hosted by Chabad of Westport, the July 21 event is a chance to hear from one of Israel’s most recognized actors and storytellers. He will discuss his service in an elite IDF unit, the creation and global success of “Fauda,” and his perspective on current events in the Middle East.

A VIP reception begins at 6:30 p.m., followed by the main program at 7:30 p.m. The location will be provided upon registration. Proceeds from the event support Magen David Adom, Israel’s national emergency medical service.

For event details and tickets, visit click here. or click here.

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This is the season when Westport is both its bluest, and its greenest.

John Richers captured the contrast, for our daily “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/John Richers)

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And finally … in honor of a beautiful grandfather clock (item above):

(Thanks for taking the time to read today’s Roundup. We hope you learned something, were inspired, or at least entertained. Now, please take time to click here, and support “06880.” Thank you!)

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Posted in Arts, Beach, Education, Entertainment, Politics, YMCA

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Scarice Responds To “Swatting” Posts

Posted on September 19, 2024 | Comments Off on Scarice Responds To “Swatting” Posts

Superintendent of Schools Thomas Scarice says:

Last night the district received a number of “swatting” posts that were shared from social media. These messages were either shared from neighboring towns, or were messages of violent threats with no specificity, but shared among our students on social media.

We have worked with the Westport Police Department since last night and determined that there is no threat to our schools.  I can assure you that our students will be safe today, and they continue to be safe in our schools. 

School districts and police departments continue to be inundated with messages such as these.  I ask all parents and guardians to monitor their children’s social media. 

If messages such as these are received after school hours, please forward the message to the Westport Police Department.  Any threatening messages received during the school day should be directed to the school administration or School Resource Officer (if at Staples).   

There is no value in peer to peer forwarding of these messages.  Please discourage that with your children. 

Thank you for your support as we manage these matters and vigilantly work to maintain the highest levels of safety in our schools.  We will continue to provide additional police presence on our campuses today. 

Superintendent of Schools Thomas Scarice

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Thomas Scarice: New Schools Superintendent, In His Own Words

Posted on April 3, 2020 | 7 comments

Last month — just days before Connecticut’s public schools were closed due to the coronavirus — Madison superintendent Thomas Scarice sent this note to all families in town. 

Last night, the Board of Education approved his appointment as Westport’s new superintendent of schools. It’s too early for “06880” to interview him. But this note — posted to Facebook’s “Westport Front Porch” page by Maria Vailakis-Wippick — offers great insight into our new education chief. 

In announcing his hiring, the Board of Ed called him “a great communicator,” “intelligent,” “driven,” “innovative,” “warm” and “engaging.” Based on the message below, they nailed it.

We are about to embark on a radical departure from the normal teaching and learning process that our professionals have been trained in, and employed in our classrooms for years. This is being done over a couple of weeks in March during a global pandemic in which we are largely forbidden to connect in person. This has never been done before, nor has any educator been prepared for this moment. The conditions are almost impossible and that is not lost on me. However, there is profound focus and energy among our teachers in launching this once, and doing it right. That said, there will be obstacles and challenges. We ask that all families patiently work with us and remain flexible.

Next week, there will be further information about the scope of our distance/online learning program, set to launch March 30, at the conclusion of this short-term closure window. Our goal is to successfully launch this program while encouraging direct contact with your child’s teacher along the way. Please continue to use our optional interim learning experiences on our website in the meantime. Stay tuned for detailed information next week.

Thomas Scarice (Photo courtesy of Zip06.com)

Some Final Thoughts
In February of 2016 something magical took place in the scorched arid region of California known as Death Valley. Following years of drought and unrelenting heat, one of the hottest and driest places on the planet experienced a breathtaking phenomenon. Millions of seeds lying dormant buried under the dusty desert soil collectively burst to life, carpeting the floor of this barren stretch with over 20 species of magnificent wildflowers for miles and miles in what is now called a “super bloom.” These flowers have laid dormant for years, silently waiting for the conditions to call them back to life.

As our connections and sense of purpose begin to escape us during this global crisis, nerves fray and a sobering reality settles in. It is becoming increasingly likely that school, the place of connections and purpose for our children, and the soul of any community, will be closed for the remainder of the year. For now, it will be replaced by a virtual facsimile that could never replicate the warmth of a teacher’s words, the sense of belonging our children crave. Sadly, it is also likely that we will all eventually know someone who contracts this virus, and perhaps, we will all know someone who we may lose to this virus. It is precisely in times like this where we can see the very worst and the very best in each other.

The generation we serve in our schools today was born under the shadow of 9/11, raised in terror of Sandy Hook, seduced by the perverted temptations of social media and dopamine hits, and now finds itself facing a generational crisis, all the while aching for the adults in their lives to show them their very best, in the most challenging of times. Their childhood innocence, a natural endowment, has been violently stripped. They are looking for the very best in us right now. They are counting on us.

We tend to find exactly what we are looking for in life. If you want to see the best in each other, now is the time to look for it. It is there. Perhaps it is dormant, like the millions of wildflowers below the surface of Death Valley. Right now, the conditions are right. The conditions all around us summon the very best in us, even if it lays dormant, back to life.

There are acts of kindness happening all around us, big and small. There are people subordinating their comforts for the welfare of others. If we fasten our attention to these people, and to their examples, perhaps our measure of humane kindness can outpace the spread of this contagion. The very best in us is there if we look for it. If you look around, you’ll see countless young eyes watching us, counting on us.

I want to assure you that those who care for your children every day in our schools accept the responsibility to help our community through this crisis. It is time to see our very best. If we can find a way to meet the needs of your child, perhaps it will then cascade some semblance of normalcy and solace to your family, and then perhaps throughout our entire community.

The very best in us may be out in the open, or, like the millions of wildflowers beneath the floor of the desert, it may lie dormant. Now is the time for our best to come out. Perhaps they have never counted on us any more than right now.

 

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Madison Educator Is Westport’s New Schools Superintendent

Posted on April 2, 2020 | 1 comment

Proclaiming himself fully aware of Westport’s challenges — and eager to get started — Thomas Scarice was named tonight as Westport’s new superintendent of schools.

For the last 8 years, Scarice has served as superintendent in Madison — an affluent and high-achieving New Haven suburb.

But he’s no stranger to Fairfield County education. Prior to that post, Scarice was assistant superintendent of the Weston public schools.

Thomas Scarice (Photo courtesy of Zip06.com)

Before their unanimous (and socially distant) online vote, the 7 Board of Education members praised the new schools’ head with enthusiasm and passion.

He was hailed as “a great communicator,” “intelligent,” “driven,” “innovative,” “a strategic thinker,” “warm” and “engaging.”

Interim superintendent David Abbey — who also was warmly praised for his leadership over the past year — called him a “thought leader.” In fact, Abbey said, “I follow him on Twitter.”

The board noted that even among a “truly exceptional pool” of candidates, Scarice stood out.

In his remarks, the new education leader acknowledged both the coronavirus crisis, and the difficulties Westport public schools have endured. (In the past two years, Coleytown Middle School was closed due to mold, and former superintendent Colleen Palmer resigned after a tumultuous 3-year tenure.)

But our recent national crisis, he said, underscore the crucial role that public schools play. Referencing both 9/11 and Sandy Hook, he noted that helping students in times like these are “part of my calling as an educator.”

Scarice thanked search consultant Joe Erardi, the Board of Education, Dr. Abbey (“an educational giant — a Yoda”), and praised the Westport staff he will soon lead.

Scarice — whose Twitter profile reads “Husband of Kerry, Father of Ella, Owen, and Gavin. Superintendent of schools. Mission driven to transform schooling. Child-centered is the only way I roll” — begins officially on July 1.

Thomas Scarice tonight on the Board of Education livestream, moments after being Westport’s new superintendent of schools.

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