Jonathan Choi, salutatorian of Westport’s Staples High School Class of 2009, addressed tonight’s baccalaureate ceremony and quoted the late film star James Dean who was killed in a car crash in 1955 at the age of 24. “Dream as though you will live forever, live as though you will die tomorrow,” he said.  In his interpretation of that philosophy Choi, referenced the exceptional accomplishments and dreams of particular classmates who excelled in academics, theater, sports, technology and other disciplines. Choi will enter Harvard University in the fall. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Westport’s Staples High School today honored the 134 seniors who participated in the school’s 2009 internship program. They worked at 96 internship sites compared to 2008, the first year of the program, when there were 48 interns at 41 sites. Jacob Sumberg who interned at Bobby Q’s Restaurant, told the audience of his very positive experiences that won him an offer of a full time position for the summer before entering Champlain College in the fall. Sumberg spoke before reporting to Westport EMS where he volunteers. Listening are Joyce Eldh, program administrator, and Principal John Dodig.  (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Elliott Landon: Praised for leadership. Dave Matlow/WN file photoUPDATE The Westport Board of Education voted tonight to extend Schools Superintendent Elliott Landon’s contract until 2012 but not to grant him a pay increase next year.

However, the board did approve up to $15,000 per year incentive payments for Landon in 2010-11 and 2011-12 as well as an additional five days vacation and a $3,000 travel allowance annually beginning July 1.

Last year, the board granted Landon a 5.5 percent pay increase, bringing his current compensation to $276,720.

Chairman Don O’Day said the board met five times to discuss compensation of Landon, Nancy Harris, assistant superintendent for business, and Brian Fagan, assistant superintendent curriculum and professional development. He said all three would not receive salary increases next year.

Mitchell Feinberg has been named the valedictorian of the Westport’s Staples High School Class of 2009 and Jonathan Choi is the salutatorian.
Mitchell Feinberg (l) has been named the valedictorian of the Staples High School Class of 2009 and Jonathan Choi is the salutatorian. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

As valedictorian, Mitchell will deliver an address to his fellow students at Friday’s graduation. On Thursday, at Baccalaureate, Jonathan will serve as master of ceremonies.

Both students are accomplished in academics, athletics, and extra-curricular activities.

Mitchell is a member of the National Honor Society and the cross country, indoor track, and track and field teams. He played alto saxophone in the freshman and sophomore bands, the Symphonic Band, the Staples Pit Orchestra and the Jazz Band.

Westport’s Staples High School recognized 16 students Wednesday night at the annual High Honors Students’ Dinner. Those honored for their high academic achievements represented the top 4 percent of the 2009 graduating class. German teacher Carol Kochefko (l) presented Sarah Gallagher. Kochefko, affectionately known as “Frau,” has been nominated as Teacher of the Year. Sarah will be attending the honors program at Boston College in September. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

Today’s New York Times spotlights the decision by Westport’s Staples High School to jettison math textbooks for some students and instead use a custom-designed online curriculum.

“Math students in this high-performance school district used to rush through their Algebra I textbooks only to spend the first few months of Algebra II relearning everything they forgot or failed to grasp the first time,” the newspaper said.

“So the district’s frustrated math teachers decided to rewrite the algebra curriculum, limiting it to about half of the 90 concepts typically covered in a high school course in hopes of developing a deeper understanding of key topics.”

The Times noted that “Westport school officials say their less-is-more approach has already resulted in less review in math classes, higher standardized test scores and more students taking advance math classes.”

Greens Farms Academy graduated 67 seniors Thursday during a break in the rainy weather. Westport resident Peter Conroy was the class valedictorian. He has distinguished himself as a musician over his high school life and will be attending Columbia University in the fall. The guest commencement speaker was Dr. Chris Henderson from the Motor Neuron Center at Columbia who encouraged students when they get stuck in life to become “like a stem cell and allow themselves to keep all their options open.” (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

By Dave Matlow

Co-Chair Ted Sullivan addresses tonight’s Staples Tuition Grants Committee awards night. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
The economy has contributed to a sharp increase in the number of students at Westport’s Staples High School seeking financial aid from the Staples Tuition Grants program, a program official told the group’s annual awards night tonight.

Ted Sullivan, co-chair of the grants committee, said the difficult economic climate resulted in 106 grant applications this year compared to last year’s 80.

At the meeting, the names were announced of the recipients of the 77 grants awarded this year—to 24 Staples seniors and 53 Staples alumni. 

Despite the endowment funds having decreased by more than 11 percent, there were sufficient funds raised this year to allow the committee to award $195,000 in grants—similar to the amount distributed a year ago, Sullivan said.