Tag Archives: Westport Public Schools

[OPINION] Do Westport Schools Need An Ombudsman?

Posted on May 15, 2025 | 25 comments

Terry Brannigan is a 1979 graduate of Staples High School. He wrestled there, then returned to live in Westport. His 3 sons have had great success here on the athletic field, in the classroom and music program, and on the stage.

He has followed the recent controversy over the non-renewal of coaches, and related events, with dismay.

Many others have too. Now it’s time for solutions. Terry may have one. After researching school ombudsmen, he writes:

The events surrounding the non-renewal of athletic coaches have done so much damage, eroded so much trust, and pulled our community so far apart that we have to find some way to reset.

What stands out to me from this event is that there truly is no neutral zone. No authentic transparency, and perhaps most importantly, no place for parents, students, administrators or staff to turn without the risk of exposure.

An ombudsman plays a critical neutral role in fostering trust, fairness and transparency within a school community. As tensions arise between families, staff and administration, an independent, accessible resource like an ombudsman becomes essential to preserving a healthy environment.

An ombudsman promotes transparency and fairness. By helping people understand how decisions are made and what processes are in place to voice concerns, an ombudsman improves communication across all levels of the school system. This reduces frustration, prevents misinformation and encourages collaboration.

Trust is another essential outcome of the role. By providing a safe and confidential space where students, parents and staff can raise issues without fear of retaliation, the ombudsman reinforces the school district’s commitment to listening, accountability and integrity.

An ombudsman supports proactive conflict resolution. By addressing issues early and informally, they help prevent small misunderstandings from escalating into larger disputes or legal action.

Unlike many roles in a school system, an ombudsman can assist even when concerns involve district leadership, including the superintendent. Their role is not to advocate for one side, but to help clarify issues, explore options, and promote fair treatment for all parties involved.

When a concern is raised an ombudsman listens carefully, provides clarity around policies or next steps, and helps individuals assess their options. They may facilitate conversations between parents and teachers, between staff members, or even between families and district leaders to reach informal resolutions.

All discussions are handled confidentially (within legal limits), which creates a safe environment where individuals can speak freely, especially in emotionally charged or high-stakes situations.

Because an ombudsman operates independently, they can support resolution efforts even when the issue involves high-ranking officials. This ensures that every concern is treated with the same level of seriousness and fairness.

In addition to addressing individual cases, an ombudsman has a broader impact. They monitor for recurring issues and trends, providing leaders with feedback that can help improve policy, communication, and district culture.

In today’s educational landscape, where schools are expected to be responsive, inclusive and transparent, an ombudsman provides a critical link between the community and the district. They embody a commitment to fairness, integrity and student success — values that benefit everyone in the school system.

(“06880” Opinion pages are open to all. Email 06880blog@gmail.com).

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Westport Pride: Celebrating Rainbows, Despite National Clouds

Posted on April 18, 2025 | 3 comments

Five years ago, Brian McGunagle wondered: “Where is Westport’s LGBTQ community?”

After 4 years in town, he and his husband Stephen Gustafson were happy. They felt safe and supported. Through a Facebook group for same-gender parents, they had arranged playdates for their nearly 2-year-old son.

But they wanted more than a quiet, open suburb.

Five years later, much has changed.

Westport Pride — the group Brian founded — has thrived. It’s organized 4 large Pride celebrations; the fifth is set for June 22, on Jesup Green. A party will follow.

Staples High students, at the 2024 Pride celebration on Jesup Green.

Under the leadership of Kayla Iannetta, Westport Pride has partnered with Gender Sexuality Alliances at Staples High School, and the 2 middle schools, and helped organize “UBU” days at the elementary level; worked on Westport Library programming; brought a rainbow crosswalk to Jesup Road, and sponsored 3 drags shows.

A number of LGBTQ parents moved to town during COVID. McGunagle estimates there are at least 2 dozen families with same-gender parents here now — and that is probably low.

Plus: Their son now has a younger brother.

Brian McGunagle (sport coat), his husband Stephen Gustafson and their sons, at the Jesup Road rainbow crosswalk. 

But not all the news is positive. The changing national climate has made young transgender Westporters feel unsafe. Some students who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer or questioning also stand in the shadows.

There is “a lot of fear with parents of LGB — and especially trans — youth,” McGuangle notes.

He says the Supreme Court may take up a case in which parents of trans youngsters could be held criminally responsible for child abuse.

There is “more open bullying” around sexuality issues, he says, in schools and on social media like Westport Back Porch.

Temple Israel had one of the many booths at 2024 Pride.

LGBTQ Westporters without families — singles and seniors — are also looking for a community.

As the father of a 6-year-old and a future Stepping Stones Preschool student, McGunagle continues to search for ways parents like him can connect with each other, and for LGBTQ kids to find others they can identify with.

He has spoken to the Westport PTA Council — the umbrella organization for all 8 PTAs — and with the chairs of their Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Committee.

McGunagle uses the “PTA” letters to describe the groups he wants involved: (P)arents and (T)eachers who identify as LGBTQ, and (A)llies like parents of LGBTQ children.

The DEI Committee has welcomed Westport Pride’s participation, he says. He hopes to find 2 representatives from every school, so that the LGBTQ group can be formalized, much like Special Education is now.

A “playground playdate” for same-gender parents is set for May 4, 3 to 5 p.m. at Saugatuck Elementary School.

“DEI is under fire, at the national level,” McGunagle acknowledges. “But the district seems to be behind it still, in Westport.”

Meanwhile, he says,Westport Pride is always looking for volunteeers: at the board level, and to help with events and fundraising. If interested, email westportctpride@gmail.com.

(“06880” regularly covers every aspect of Westport life. If you enjoy reading about neighbors you know, and those you have yet to meet, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Organizations, Teenagers, Westport life

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Another Shot At Addressing Teen Substance Use

Posted on March 12, 2025 | 2 comments

Most Westport youths make “healthy choices” about drinking.

But students here drink at higher tates than in neighboring communities — both in high school, and in 7th grade. One in 14 7th graders reported drinking alcohol in the previous month — nearly twice the rate in Fairfield, 3 1/2 times higher than Darien, and 7 times the national average.

With statistics like those, the Westport Prevention Coalition has revitalized its parent awareness campaign.

Liquor Stickers are part of an outreach effort with the Aspetuck Health District. In partnership with local liquor stores, the campaign provides parents with information cards, and stickers to seal open, unfinished bottles of liquor.

Liquor Stickers.

The goal is to increase parents’ awareness that most teeangers get alcohol from their own home, or a friend’s house.  And the most common places where they drink are at parties, and in homes.

The Westport Youth Survey found that 54% of Westport students who drink get their alcohol from their parents — with permission.

Liquor Sticker cards emphasize the role of parents – and highlight Connecticut’s “Social Host Law.”

The law holds adults responsible for any underage alcohol or cannabis use that occurs on their property. The penalty is up to $2,000 per minor.

Liquor Stickers are available at 99 Bottles, BevMax, Black Bear, Castle Wine & Spirits, Dan’s Liquors, International Discount Wine & Spirits, Greens Farms Spirits, Kindred Spirits & Wine, The Grapevine, and Westport Wine & Spirits.

Westport stores have joined in the Liquor Stickers campaign.

In addition, Westport Together — a partnership between the schools, Human Services, police and Positive Directions — has arranged 4 educational events. They focus not just on alcohol use, but other substances, and mental health in general.

They include:

  • Suicide Prevention Training (March 28, noon, Positive Directions, 90 Post Road West)
  • Westport’s Relationship with Alcohol (April 7, 7 p.m.; community discussion at Toquet Hall)
  • Overdose Awareness and Free Narcan Givbeaway (April 9, 7 p.m., Town Hall)
  • Teen Awareness Group’s Get Real Day, including evening parent program (May 7-8, Staples High School).

For more information, email Margaret Watt (mwatt@positivedirections.org) or Kevin Godburn (kdgoburn@westportct.gov), co-chairs of the Westport Prevention Coalition.

Meanwhile — addressing another substance — several days ago elected officials, school administrators, community leaders, law enforcement chiefs and others from Westport, Weston, Wilton, Norwalk and New Canaan met at Westport Town Hall.

They announced the launch of a new Mid-Fairifeld Youth Cannabis Prevention Project.

It’s one of 10 pilot programs in Connecticut, using cannabix tax revenues. The grant from the Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services is $57,000.

Aimed at addressing underage cannabis use, it will fund a coordinated awareness campaign aimed primarily at parents, using social media and streaming media; create and train a regional youth team to provide peer education, and disseminate information and resources, including cannabis lock bags, among other initiatives.

Westport has no recreational cannabis dispensaries; the closest is in Norwalk. There is one medical marijuana dispensary here.

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Posted in Local business, Teenagers

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Scarice Update: Smartphones, No Place For Hate, AI

Posted on February 8, 2025 | 15 comments

Superintendent of Schools Thomas Scarice says:

As we get ready to hunker down for the Saturday night snow, I’d like to share some district updates:

Smartphone/Wearable Technology Update

As I shared in my update to the community last month, we will continue to take the time to learn, listen and thoughtfully plan as the school community considers my recommendation to restrict access to smartphones and wearable technology during the school day across all grade levels.

This approach is solidly in place for grades K-8. We have maintained the current system at Staples High School, which allows limited access during non-instructional periods, as we evaluate our next steps and consider interventions that fully restrict access during the school day.

Last week over 300 parents attended an outstanding community session on the topic of social media, smartphones, and other related issues in a keynote presentation/Q & A by Max Stossel. The feedback was incredibly positive.

When I learned that Wilton High School was implementing a full smartphone ban, I decided to slow our process down so that we can learn from our peers’ experience.

Today I would like to recap the efforts taken so far, what is on the horizon, and what I anticipate as culminating steps.

Efforts taken so far:

  • Last June I provided the Board of Education with my recommendation and supporting rationale
  • In September, I worked to personally engage all Staples faculty in small groups to gather their input and feedback. While some opinions varied, a strong majority supported moving toward greater restrictions on smartphone use, including a full ban during the school day.
  • Staples High School hosted filmmaker and primary care physician Dr. Delaney Ruston in grade level student assemblies, along with a parent evening event.
  • Last week, the district hosted former social media strategist Max Stossel at both middle schools for grade level assemblies and an evening parent event.
  • A comprehensive research review has been conducted to accurately identify the latest findings on the impact of smartphones and wearable technology on student learning and well-being. This will be part of any final presentation and action steps.

Next Steps:

  • In November, Wilton High School implemented a full smartphone ban. Their experience has provided us with an opportunity to learn before finalizing any changes in our district. Our site visit is February 13. A team of Staples faculty and administrators will attend, along with a parent representative and 2 reporters from the Staples student newspaper, Inklings.
  • A town hall event for parent input/feedback, as well as one for students will be held after the site visit.

Culminating Steps:

  • Following the site visit and town hall events, I will bring this topic back to the Board of Education to share my recommendations for next steps.  I suspect this will be in the early spring.

Stay tuned as we continue this deliberate process to ensure we make the best decisions regarding the presence of smartphones and wearable technology in our schools.

No Place For Hate Gallery on District Website: 

The district is committed to implementing the No Place for Hate program. We have developed a microsite on our website with the overview. In addition, we have added a photo gallery.  You can stay up to date on the activities by following the postings on the microsite.

AI Pilot:  

In December I recommended to the Board of Education that the district pursue a bold strategic vision to position the Westport Public Schools as a national leader in public education’s artificial intelligence revolution. I will return to the Board of Education in the spring with a clear strategic plan to these ends.

In the interim, I am enthused to share that Westport has been selected as one of 7 districts to participate in an AI Pilot through the State Department of Education.

This pilot will occur in March, April and early May in the 6th grade at Bedford Middle School (language arts, math,sScience and social studies), and across a small number of science electives at Staples.

Parents of students in this pilot will receive additional information before the pilot begins. The curriculum units will not change, but the use of the tool SchoolAI will be employed by faculty. This tool has been approved by the state Department of Education and aligns with the Connecticut Data Privacy Act.

Results of the pilot will be shared widely, and help inform long term efforts in the district. This pilot will serve as one effort to consider the role of AI in our schools. Much, much more to come on this topic in the coming months.

 

(“06880” regularly covers Westport schools: achievements, trends, issues and more. If you appreciate our hyper-local coverage, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Education, Staples HS, technology

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Unsung Heroes #368

Posted on January 29, 2025 | 18 comments

On Monday, Superintendent of Schools Thomas Scarice issued a statement affirming the right of Westport youngsters to attend public school here regardless of their immigration status.

Citing legal counsel, he added that ICE agents cannot enter the inside of schools here without a valid wrrant, consent from school officials, or an extreme emergency.

“Our priority remains providing a safe learning enviornment for every student,” the superintendent concluded.

That’s an astonishingly low bar for heroism.

But at a time when the state of Oklahoma has moved to request proof of citizenship or immigration status from families when they enroll their children in public schools — and on the heels of an email from an “06880” reader whose daughter teaches 2nd grade in South Carolina, describing the fear her primarily Hispanic students have for themselves and their families — we will honor a stand for compassion and humanity wherever we can fine it.

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Posted in Education, Politics, Unsung Heroes

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[OPINION] City And Suburbs: Examining Educational Inequity

Posted on December 30, 2024 | 28 comments

Sherry Takahashi is a Weston resident. She spent 22 years as a Bridgeport teacher, first in special education and then as a district-wide literacy coach.

The other day, a friend sent her an “06880” story on our town’s proposed 2025-26 Board of Education budget. Sherry writes:

Did you know that Bridgeport’s Board of Education began the year with a $36 million deficit?

They had to cut 40 positions — reading and math coordinators included. They are also missing teachers for 28 classroom positions, and filling them with temps.

Sherry Takahashi

Also, the superintendent said that any special needs student who had been out- placed would be brought back into the district. That is every teacher’s favorite cost-saving strategy: having a severely disabled child placed into an already crowded classroom.

I went to help a friend set up her classroom in a local suburban town. She is a newly hired 4th grade teacher. I was taken aback by all of the new materials that arrived, clean and shrink-wrapped, that we unpacked.

She has 17 students,compared to the 29 that is Bridgeport’s max.

The disparity was eye-opening. I remember as a teacher scouring basements of old school buildings for displaced materials, and writing multiple grants for
essential items like pocket charts, whiteboards and manipulatives.

Every teacher in Bridgeport looks forward to the annual Pequot Library sale, where they were entitled to a $100 voucher to purchase used books for their classroom.

My friends who are still teaching and I are on a thread, so I get up-to-date information on life in urban education.

Our bond outlasts our time together, teaching under tough circumstances but
confident we had each other’s backs.

One time I forgot to bring a student to a district spelling bee. My colleague seamlessly covered for me. She told the parent her child wasn’t dressed
appropriately, and that was the end of it.

If it had happened in another setting, it probably would have gone viral.

Thinking back, I believe our strongest resource in Bridgeport was each other.

Westport teachers have every material resource. The community expects a blue ribbon education, and Westport’s Board of Education delivers.

As a result real estate values stay high, property taxes respond accordingly, the schools are fully funded and everyone is happy.

Bridgeport relies heavily on state and federal subsidies. Those have steadily eroded over the years.

I can’t really compare the systems dollar for dollar. I’m glad my kids had the benefit of suburban education, so the money the town sinks into the budget is worth it.

For equity’s sake I wish there were county budgets rather than town budgets. I don’t find de facto segregation that democratic.

Sometimes I run into former students working in service industry jobs, which is about the best they can expect given their level of education.

When Governor Lamont tried to suggest that smaller towns combine to save on administrative costs, the towns vehemently resisted because everyone is happy with the status quo.

So the class system is maintained. And now Elon Musk sits next to our next
president.

(Hat tip: Mark Yurkiw)

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Scarice Update: Swatting, Smartphones, Strategic Vision

Posted on December 21, 2024 | 3 comments

Superintendent of Schools Thomas Scarice says:

As we prepare to close out 2024 and head into winter break, I want to take a moment to wish everyone a joyful holiday season and a happy new year.

My wife Kerry has taught kindergarten for many years. Every December I hear stories about the boundless excitement her 5-year-olds bring to the classroom.

Teachers across our district face the unique challenge of channeling this energy while maintaining focus during this time of year. Please join me in extending extra patience and appreciation to our incredible faculty and staff as they guide our students through this exciting final week of the year.

Below are a few important updates from around the district:

Greens Farms Elementary School Swatting Incident Last Week
Greens Farms Elementary School experienced a “swatting” incident last week, when a false report of a potential threat was made.

While such situations are deeply unsettling, I want to commend the extraordinary response from the GFS administration (Principal Brian Byrne and Assistant Principals Adelia Eddy and Chris Breyan), the faculty, staff, and our invaluable partners at the Westport Police Department.

In moments like these, it’s crucial to treat every situation as real until proven otherwise. Our emergency response system was put into practice, and the collaboration between GFS and WPD demonstrated exceptional coordination and professionalism.

Greens Farms Elementary School

I also want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the parents who were waiting in the parking lot for holiday events during the incident. Your patience and cooperation set a remarkable example for our entire community.

Unfortunately, these types of challenges are a reality of our time. However, through careful preparation and strong partnerships, I remain confident in the safety measures we have in place to protect our students and staff.

Smartphone/Wearable Technology Update
Last spring, I recommended restricting access to smartphones and wearable technology during the school day across all grade levels. While this approach is solidly in place for grades K-8, we have maintained the current system at Staples High School, which allows limited access during non-instructional periods, as we evaluate our next steps.

This fall, I engaged with all Staples faculty in small groups to gather their input. While some opinions varied, a strong majority supported moving toward greater restrictions on smartphone use, including a full ban during the school day.

I had intended to host a couple of “town hall” events for parents and students on this matter, but there was a change in a nearby district and it gave me pause.

In November, Wilton High School implemented a full smartphone ban. Their experience has provided us with an opportunity to learn before finalizing any changes in our district.

Wilton High School has generously offered to host a site visit for a team of Staples faculty, administrators and students.  This visit will likely take place in late January.  After that, I will host the town hall events for Staples parents, and for students, that was originally planned for October/November.

I have also reached out to the Inklings faculty advisors (the Staples student newspaper), and asked that they send a student reporter to chronicle the site visit to Wilton High School.

We will take the time to learn, listen, and thoughtfully plan for the best path forward.

A Bold Strategic Vision for AI in the WPS
Last night, I presented a bold recommendation to the Board of Education: to position the Westport Public Schools as a national leader in public education’s artificial intelligence revolution.

AI tools are rapidly transforming how we live, work, and learn. These tools are here. In just a few years, they have moved from futuristic novelty to mainstream necessity. As educators, we cannot afford to remain on the sidelines.

This was delivered as part of an update on the district strategic plan.  I recommended that the district adjust priorities, and make the appropriate use of AI a focal point of district innovation.

We must ensure that AI augments — not replaces — the fundamental aspects of education and cognitive development.

My charge is to return to the Board of Education in the coming months with a clear strategic vision for teaching and learning in the era of the AI revolution.  I enthusiastically welcome that challenge!!

I will return to the school community with updates.  Additionally, I will seek community partnerships, in search of expertise among community members and educational consultants on developing a bold vision and action plan for our students and schools.

My best to you and your family this holiday season.

(Education is a regular “06880” beat. If you enjoy our coverage of Westport schools — grades K-12, public and private — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Education, Police, technology

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OPINION: Scratching Heads Over Schools’ Lice Response

Posted on December 5, 2024 | 15 comments

Clarence Hayes, who represents RTM District 4, is very engaged in local issues. He recently retired from a career in information technology. He is an avid amateur naturalist, gardener and walker, and enjoys hanging out with his 5 grandkids.

He writes:

“The lice problem is “out of control.”

This was stated in letters and in person, by several parents at the Board of Education meeting last month.

This is not being exaggerated by a couple of annoyed parents. I have grandkids in elementary school, and am part of the parent gossip grapevine. It’s everywhere, in all the elementary schools.

Head lice: a familiar sight.

What should be done? At the BOE meeting parents were told “the district follows state regulation. Lice has been a persistent issue for many years in many schools.”

What are these “state regulations”? Information posted on the Westport Public Schools website states the school should do nothing, and rely entirely on parents to inspect their children at least weekly, then treat appropriately.

The “Head Lice Management in Schools” section states:

  • There should be no screening of students at school
  • No child should be excluded from school due to the presence of nits or live lice
  • If lice are discovered by a nurse, no one is to be notified other than the parent.

It adds that school nurses should educate parents on how to identify and treat lice.

Why do nothing? The WPS website says:

  • “A head lice infestation is not a communicable disease and no health risks have been associated with head lice … It is merely a nuisance, not a health issue.”
  • “Exclusion from school can adversely affect students emotionally, socially and academically.”
  • “Decrease stigmatism of these children”

11% of the total population of Westport (elementary age students), residing in perhaps 25% or more of the housing of Westport, goes to an environment every day, where they are mixed together.

Being active children they tussle and roughhouse, and share hats. brushes, helmets, masks, hair bands, play outfits, etc.

To sum up: Lice are rampant. Kids like to play. Parents don’t tell the schools or other parents when their kids have lice, so others cannot act in response. This cycle cannot be broken without common shared intervention. It will go on forever. The BOE says as much, stating it’s been a problem for years.

School is the only institution in a position to do anything substantial enough to resolve this problem. That is where transmission happens, and that is the only place where all transmission vectors are gathered.

My proposal: Bring back school lice inspection, but do not exclude students from school if lice are found.

The district can periodically hire inspectors who will work with school nurses, to inspect students. This might need to be done annually, at the start of the school year.

If it is too expensive, a GoFundMe campaign could collect sufficient funds from parents. Initially everyone must be screened multiple times, over at least 9-12 weeks.

Confidentiality and effectiveness can be combined. Every child will be inspected by a professional, one at a time. If nits or live lice are present, that information would be provided only to that student’s parents. The child would still attend school. Any concerned parent will treat their child immediately.

However, that student will have to be inspected again to determine if treatment was actually done, and was effective. To mask this, there could be a random lottery of “re-inspection,” and those with nits would be included.

Or we could not worry about the supposed stigma, and just re-test as needed those initially found to have lice. If they are still going to school they will not lose academic time, nor will parents need to take off work to watch them at home.

This is common sense. I think the CDC and others have gone overboard in their attempt to “avoid stigma.” Their documents focus primarily on what not to do, due to concern about exclusion, rather than outlining ways that public institutions can solve the problem.

I call on the Westport schools to play a more active role in solving a problem only they are positioned to solve, instead of pushing it off solely on parents (who cannot solve it independently), in an effort to avoid any appearance of “stigmatizing.”

(“06880” is your hyper-local blog. Opinion pieces of all kinds are always welcome. So are tax-deductible contributions, to help us continue our work. Please click here — and thank you!)

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Posted in Children, Education

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Redistricting: The Debate Begins

Posted on September 5, 2024 | 8 comments

Redistricting is on tonight’s Board of Education agenda (Thursday, 7 p.m., Staples High School cafeteria).

It’s a discussion item only. Many more steps and meetings lie ahead, before any decisions are made.

But parental anxiety is already high.

On social media and in conversations, there is concern about leaving friends, adapting to new schools, and more.

“NIMBY” might become “NIMSD”: Not in my school district!

The current Westport school district map. Hover over, or click on, to enlarge.

This would not, of course, be the first time some Westport youngsters would change schools.

It occurs every so often, over the years. Populations shift. Adjustments are needed. Stuff happens.

“Change is hard,” one parent wrote online.

Actually, kids are pretty resilient.

That was the point a Westport resident made to me recently.

He’d been redistricted when he was in elementary school. (And, he said, some kids changed schools twice during those years.)

He said he made friends quickly. (Some new classmates were already familiar, from outside activities.)

By the time everyone got together in Staples, he knew more people than he otherwise would have.

In fact, he said, he adjusted better to middle school and high school, because he’d already had the experience of change.

A sample size of one proves nothing, of course.

But I wonder: What the redistricting experience was like for others?

Was it stressful? Stress-free? Something in between?

Were your parents more worried than you were?

What helped you adjust to your new school? What hindered a quick adjustment?

If you changed schools during your youth in Westport — or anywhere else — click “Comments” below.

Fire away. As a new school year — with redistricting on the table — your stories are important.

(“06880” will cover the redistricting story regularly — along with the rest of the education beat, and everything else in town. If you appreciate our work, please support it by clicking here. Thank you!)

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Roundup: Cellphones, Comedy, Childcare …

Posted on August 15, 2024 | 8 comments

Greens Farms Academy’s new cellphone ban — the subject of this morning’s “06880” post — parallels a discussion underway among Westport’s public school administrators and parents.

Last month, superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice was a guest on my “06880” podcast. For half an hour, he spoke strongly and directly about his reasons for proposing a ban in Westport schools — and acknowledging the challenges.

Click below for the fascinating discussion.

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Homelessness is no laughing matter.

But “Stand Up for Homes with Hope” sure is.

The great non-profit — which does so much to fight homelessness and hunger in Westport — hosts an annual fundraiser, with some of America’s best comics. It’s an evening of laughs, for a fantastic cause.

This year’s featured comedian is Dustin Nickerson. His “Overwhelmed” debut in 2020 is one of the highest rated special on Amazon Prime Video.

He’s been featured on Comedy Central, Netflix, the Late Show with James Carden, Fox and Hulu, and is heard regularly on Sirius Radio XM.

Mark the date: Saturday, September 28 (Quick Center, Fairfield University). Tickets are $175 (including cocktails and a light supper, 6:30 p.m.) and $75 (performance only, 8:30 p.m.). Click here to purchase, and for more information.

Dustin Nickerson

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After-school childcare is one of the toughest juggling acts for working parents.

Once again this year, the Westport Public Schools and Westport Weston Family YMCA are coordinating care for children in grades K-5.

The program offers a variety of educational and physical activities, including STEM, art, outdoor play, social-emotional learning, and more.

It runs until 6 p.m., and includes transportation to the Y. Click here for details.

Westport YMCA after-school childcare.

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For many shoppers, CraftWestport marks the start of the holiday season.

This year’s event is November 2-3, in the Staples High School fieldhouse. Over 175 vendors will participate, showcasing ceramics, textiles, woodworking, jewelry, glass art, skincare products, food and more. The event is a benefit for the Westport Young Woman’s League.

All-weekend admission is $11; seniors 62+ are $10; children 12-18 are $5; those under 12 are free. Click here for more details.

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“Script in Hand” is one of the Westport Country Playhouse most popular features.

The 2024 season returns with a special twist. “Satchel Paige and the Kansas City Swing” was directed and co-written by Trey Ellis — the noted Westport novelist/ screenwriter/playwriter/essayist/director.

In 1947, Satchel Paige was a charismatic pitcher, and Negro Leagues legend.

But as Jackie Robinson embarked upon a historic first season in the majors, Paige’s fame was eclipsed, and his desire for greater respect increasingly frustrated.

Set in Kansas City during a barnstorming tour, this jazz-infused tale portrays an America on the brink of change, capturing the struggle for equality on and off the field. “Satchel Paige and the Kansas City Swing” is a powerful story of resilience and transformation, at a defining moment in the nation’s history.

All tickets are $30. Click here to purchase, and for more details.

Trey Ellis

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The Peter Thorp House — one of Weston’s oldest and most intriguing homes — is open to the public next month.

The Weston History & Culture Center offers guided tours — plus a rose garden cocktail party, music performance and raffle — on September 29 (4 to 7 p.m.).

Proceeds support the Weston History & Culture Center’s upcoming permanent exhibit in the Coley Barn, “Weston at Work.” It explores the town’s industrial past through manufacturing, agriculture and textile production, highlighting the overlooked contributions of enslaved, free Black, immigrant, women and child laborers from the 18th to early 20th centuries.

Early bird tickets are $125, and include 5 complimentary raffle tickets.

Click here to purchase, and for more information.

Peter Thorp House rose garden, circa 1945, when it was owned by opera star James Melton. (Photo/Margo Melton Nutt)

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Westport Police made 1 custodial arrest between August 7 and 14.

A 67-year-old Westport man was charged with criminal violation of a civil protection order, and criminal mischief, following a complaint that, despite an order barring him from assaulting, threatening, abusing, harassing, following, interfering with or stalking the protected person, he placed a bible on a table outside of the residence, opened to a specific verse and with a knife stabbed through the pages.

Six days later, Westport police officers and firefighters responded to his residence after a report of a fire. He was in the back yard, near recently burned grass. It was determined he had been performing a “ritual” when he set the grass on diew.

He posted a $50,000 bond, and will appear August 22 in Stamford Superior Court.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

Driving while texting: 12 citations

  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 11
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 7
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 5
  • Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 5
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 4
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 3
  • Failure to renew registration: 3
  • Failure to drive in the proper lane: 2
  • Failure to insure a motor vehicle: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance 2
  • Simple trespass: 1
  • Reckless driving: 1
  • Passing in no-passing zone: 1
  • Following too closely: 1
  • Improper stop: 1
  • Falsified marker, license or registration: 1
  • improper use of marker: 1
  • Failure to carry insurance card: 1
  • Failure to return license: 1
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without tint inspection: 1
  • Illegal operation by a motor carrier: 1.

Tinted windows must be inspected!

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Every day, kids hang out at Wakeman Field.

Is this some kind of strange ball they kicked through the goalpost?

(Photo/Cathy Utz)

Nope.

Just the sun doing what it does every day: setting.

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Longtime Westport Rotary Club member Lyla Steenbergen addressed the organization at its Tuesday lunch meeting.

As chair of the International Giving Committee, she presented an overview of the local group’s current projects.

For several years, she has helped equip and enlarge a hospital in Uganda. This year, the Rotarians will add a vision and dental clinic.

Other projects include NicaPhoto, which creates after-school programs in Nicaragua; Gift of Life, which funds pediatric heart surgeries, and M-Lisada, which brings education programs and scholarships to 2,100 youngsters Uganda.

Westport Rotary is also involved in water, irrigation and sanitation projects in Nepal and Kenya. 

Lyla Steenbergen (Photo/Dave Matlow)

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The weather the past few days has been spectacular.

It’s that time of year when summer is ending, but the craziness of a new school year has not yet begun.

Everyone is chill.

Including this guy, who is relaxing just like the rest of us.

Ben Meyer spotted him at Owenoke near Gray’s Creek, posing for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature photo.

(Photo/Ben Meyer)

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And finally … in honor of Trey Ellis’ Script in Hand show at the Westport Country Playhouse, “Satchel Paige and the Kansas City Swing”:

(As summer fades, “06880” helps you get ready for the “new year.” Thanks for sending us the news we need — and for supporting us with a few bucks, too. Please click here. Thank you!) 

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