Writer and cartoonist Marc Tyler Nobleman reads his book “Boys of Steel – The Creators of Superman”  to a sixth grade class. Contributed photoThe School Volunteer Association of Bridgeport (SVA) said today it is seeking Westporters to join the more than 600 volunteers from Bridgeport and surrounding communities for Read Aloud Day 2010 in the city’s public schools on Thursday, Oct. 21.

“Many residents from Westport care deeply about the education of the students in the Bridgeport Public Schools, and this event is a good way for them to become involved to improve their opportunities,” said Anne Gribbon, executive director of the SVA.

The readings will take place from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. in every pre-kindergarten through sixth grade class in the Bridgeport public schools. The SVA said it will provide books for volunteers to read and then donate them to the classroom libraries.

This is the 25th anniversary of SVA’s annual event, which promotes literacy through the participation of volunteers from the greater Bridgeport community. 

Eleven seniors at Westport’s Staples High School have been named semi-finalists in the 2011 National Merit Scholarship Program.  Pictured are (back row l-r)  Yuri Lenskiy, Scott Feder, Jordan Glick, Todd Lubin, and Peter Menz; (front row)  Adele Shenoy, Juliana Lunde, Justin Kleiner, and Timothy Yang. Missing:  Tessa Green and Rachel Myers. All have a chance to earn one of 8,400 National Merit Scholarship awards, together worth more than $36 million. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

By James Lomuscio

Westport Schools Superintendent Elliott Landon called the day wonderful, and Police Chief Al Fiore called it uneventful, which taken together means that today’s opening for the Westport Public Schools went well.
School buses at Coleytown Elementary School today. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

Despite a few late buses due to engines that had difficulty starting, Landon called the start of the 2010-2011 academic year for the town’s 5,800 students a success.

“Every principal said it was a great, great kickoff day, and people were excited to be back,” said Landon.

This year’s student population saw an increase now reported at 90, with official numbers due by early October, according to school officials.

Joe Caruso, who is starting his 14th year as head custodian at Westport’s Coleytown Elementary School, makes sure it’s safe crossing for a student on the first day of school today. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Students arrive for the first day of school today at Westport’s Coleytown Elementary School.  (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Youngsters on Westport’s Sniffen Road posed for a back-to-school picture today as they waited for the school bus. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Julie Rosemarin for WestportNow.com