Emerging From The Pandemic, Critical Education Issues Discussed At Westport Library Forum
On Saturday a panel of education experts address issues of concern to parents, educators and students at a forum held at the Library and organized by Toni Boucher, candidate for state senate. Boucher, who is in a race with Democrat Ceci Maher to fill the vacancy in the 26th district which includes Westport created by Westport's Will Haskell who is retiring to attend law school at NYU. Ms. Boucher was the former co-Chairman of the CT State House and Senate Education, Higher Education and Children committees among others.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery
A distinguished panel of experts in the field of education discussed what we have learned from the pandemic about teaching, learning, child development and mental health and how that knowledge may help moving forward in education. The panel included Joshua Aronson (Panel Facilitator), PhD, Associate Professor of Applied Psycology, Directs Mindful Education Lab, New York University; Morgaen Donaldson, PhD, Phillip E. Austin Endowed Professor of Education Policy and Leadership and Associate Dean for Research at the Neag School of Education, University of Connecticut; Peter Valentin, PhD, Senior Lecturer and Chairman of the Forensics Department, University of New Haven; Andrea Leonardi, Assistant Superintendent and Head of Special Services, Wilton Public Schools; Bianka Kortlan-Cox, VP-Legislation and Public Policy, Connecticut Association for the Gifted and Jesse Balis-Harris, Achievement First, Interim K-8 Chief of Schools.
The panel discussed issues and took questions from the audience of more than two dozen area parents and several ugh school students for nearly two hours.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery
Morning Weather Report
Today
Patchy drizzle with a chance of showers before 2pm, then a slight chance of showers after 2pm. Patchy fog before 11am. Otherwise, cloudy, with a high near 70. East wind 5 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Tonight
Showers likely, mainly after 2am. Cloudy, with a low around 58. East wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Tomorrow
Showers likely, mainly before 8am. Cloudy, with a high near 69. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Tomorrow Night
A 20 percent chance of showers before 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 54. Calm wind.
Health District Gives Out Warning ahead of Halloween, “colorful pills could be mistaken for candy”
Aspetuck Health DistrictWith Halloween right around the corner, the Aspetuck Health District is encouraging the community to practice the following tips for a safer and fun-filled holiday:
When trick or treating, allow kids to only take candy and treats from trusted neighbors, family, and friends. Don’t eat candy until it has been inspected at home. Check wrapped treats for signs of tampering, such as an unusual appearance or discoloration, tiny pinholes, or tears in wrappers.
Wear bright, reflective costumes or add strips of reflective tape so you’ll be more visible; carry a flashlight. • Make sure your child can see! Masks and large hats or wigs can block vision. All costumes should be fire-resistant.
For older children who may be trick or treating without parental supervision, set a curfew and remind kids to stick with a group and check in with parents periodically.
If you are out driving, remember that kids tend to dart across streets and may not be paying attention to their surroundings. Slow down and keep your eyes peeled.
For general public awareness, the Drug Enforcement Administration recently announced an emerging trend of colorful fentanyl available across the United States. Dubbed “rainbow fentanyl” in the media, these colorful pills could be mistaken for candy by children and young people. It has recently been reported that some fentanyl laced pills that look like candy have also been packaged in bags that look like popular Halloween candy. Authorities in California recently found the dangerous opioid inside boxes of Sweetarts, Skittles, and Whoppers.
Fentanyl is a deadly synthetic opioid that is being pressed into fake pills or cut into heroin, cocaine, and other street drugs to drive addiction. Fentanyl is being seized in multiple forms, including pills, powder, and blocks that resemble sidewalk chalk. Parents and caregivers need to be educated on current drug trends and have conversations with their children, as appropriate. For more information and tips about how to talk with your child about drugs, visit https://www.dea.gov/onepill. Stay alert and make sure there is more treats than tricks this Halloween!
Police Looking for 2 Women in Connection with Downtown Shoplifting
Westport Police Department: The Westport Police are attempting to identify the two pictured females. We would like to speak with them about a shoplifting incident that occurred on Main Street on October 10, 2022, at around 1:40 p.m.
If anyone recognizes either female, please call Det. Jon Lauria at 203-341-6017.