Superintendent's Updates

Greetings and Happy New Year!

As you settle back into routines following our winter break, I would like to flag an important event for all parents on Wednesday, January 29th at 7:00 PM in the Bedford Middle School Auditorium. 

I am excited to invite all parents and families to “Social Media and Your Kids” with Max Stossel, a special event hosted by Westport Together and the Westport Public Schools.

This engaging and insightful conversation will explore the impact of social media on our children’s mental health and well-being while offering practical strategies for creating healthier digital habits. All families are encouraged to attend this important event to better understand the influence of social media and how we can work together to support our youth.

Who is Max Stossel?
Max Stossel is an award-winning artist, and the founder of Social Awakening: an organization dedicated to helping young people survive and thrive in the modern world. Before working in this field, Max was a media strategist with an extensive background in social media. He ran social media for big brands, and later worked for a social media company. He has spent the past 10 years speaking with over a million students, parents, and educators around the world about social media's impact on our lives, and creating resources to help manage that impact.

Registration is quick and easy: Click here to register.

In addition to this invitation, I would like to provide an update on the steps the district has taken, and will be taking, to further consider my recommendation to restrict access to smartphones and wearable technology across all grade levels during the school day.

Staples High School Department Faculty Meetings
On September 20, 2024, I personally met with all Staples faculty members in small groups to discuss my recommendation and to solicit their feedback. My recommendation was widely supported by faculty, provided that the district supply the necessary tech tools for implementation of the curriculum where smartphones and related technology have been used.

Student Assemblies: Dr. Delaney Ruston, Producer, Screenagers Documentaries
On September 22, 2024, all Staples students attended grade level assemblies to hear Dr. Delaney Ruston’s presentation discussing the rising addiction to social media in youth.

WPS Parent Event: “Parenting Screenagers: Tips for Success”
On the evening of September 23, 2024, Dr. Delaney Ruston discussed ways that parents can address screen-time issues with their children in a parent workshop at the BMS auditorium.

In the Coming Weeks:

• Student Assemblies CMS and BMS

  • On January 28 and 29, Max Stossel will lead grade level student assemblies at both middle schools sharing his insights.  I attended Max’s keynote address to New Canaan High School students and have complete confidence that he will deliver a powerful and engaging message to our middle school students. 

• Town Hall Event for Parents and Students

  • An opportunity for parents to share their feedback on this recommendation will be scheduled in a “town hall” style setting.  In addition, a similar event will be scheduled for students.

• Wilton High School Site Visit

  • As mentioned in my December 18 school community update, a site visit will be scheduled to Wilton High School for a team of faculty, students and administrators.  Wilton High School implemented a smartphone ban in early November during the school day and there is a great deal that we can learn from their experience. 

We are moving deliberately through this process so that the school community can learn about the impact of smartphones and wearable technology on student well-being and academic performance. This event with Max Stossel is a vital part of that effort, offering valuable insights and practical strategies to help our community understand the risks and challenges posed by these technologies.

We are committed to making informed, thoughtful decisions that prioritize the health, well-being, and educational success of our students.

I encourage all parents to join us on January 29th as we continue this important journey together.

Respectfully,

Thomas Scarice
Superintendent of Schools