Education
safety course bikes etc depot 2025

Blue Wave Golf’s Winning Streak, Soccer Glory, Safety Guides — All in the School Superintendent’s Newsletter

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Interim Schools Superintendent Eric Byrnes’ Friday newsletter highlighted the student Unified Soccer Team, the recent concert by the DHS Band, Chorus and Orchestra and the 12 straight wins by the Blue Wave Boys Golf Team. “This very impressive start is our best since 2016,” Byrnes said of the golf team’s success. Byrnes also included reminders about emergency information guides, particularly for parents; reminded students and parents about e-bike and scooter safety rules and a 90-minute safety course for middle schoolers “including safety skills for pedestrians, bikers, e-bikers, and e-scooters.” He said a survey about the superintendent search has a deadline of Oct. 3 (next Friday) and more information about the search is available on the district website.

Talking Transportation 2025
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Parents: New E-Bike Safety Laws Coming Oct 1 in CT (But Will They Be Enforced?)

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As if our roads weren’t dangerous enough already, there’s a new generation of “micro-mobility” silently swishing around our streets for us to worry about:  electric scooters and skateboards. The scooters (at a cost of about $1,400) can go 30 mph. The skateboards (about $700) top out at 32 mph. But following simple instructions on the web, the speed governor can be disabled allowing even faster speeds — up to 60 mph. That modification is illegal in Connecticut.

Darien Depot
Bike and Scooter Safety Course The Depot

Register Now: The Depot Offers 90-Minute Bike and Scooter Safety Course for Middle Schoolers

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The Depot youth center is offering a 90-minute safety course for middle school students. It includes both classroom learning and an outdoor obstacle course where students can practice what they’ve learned. — an announcement from The Depot

The class teaches essentials for sharing the road, including safety skills for pedestrians, bikers, e-bikers, and e-scooters, through both classroom learning and an outdoor obstacle course where students can practice what they’ve learned. If You’re Signing Up … Cost: $50 per student — includes bike helmet (for the first 100 attendees), bike reflectors, and other safety gear to keep your child visible and protected on the road.

Darien Police Department 2025
Darien Police Open House top of poster

100-Year-Old Darien Police Dept Holds Open House Saturday Including K-9 Demo, SWAT Demo, Safety Clinics

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Celebrating its 100th anniversary, Darien Police Department is holding an open house for adults and children, including a K-9 demo, SWAT demo, tours of the department and bicycle safety clinic. There’s also a child safety seat clinic, a look into patrol cars and pizza from Antonio’s Italian Bistro, “and so much more FUN!” according to an announcement from the department. If You’re Going … The event takes place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., this Saturday, Sept.

Healthy Living
Technology AI A.I. and teens SQUARE

Presentation: When Teens Turn to AI for Advice — What Parents and Other Adults Need to Know

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A therapy center in Cos Cob will host a free seminar next week on hidden risks and potential benefits of adolescents and young adults turning to AI companions and chatbots for emotional support. — an announcement from the Growth & Resilience Group

The Growth & Resilience Group seminar, “When Teens Turn to AI for Advice: What Parents Need to Know,” is an hour-long interactive session to help attendees:
• Understand why teens are drawn to AI companions and what needs these tools appear to meet. • Explore the hidden risks: misinformation, unhealthy attachments, privacy concerns, and distorted development. • Hear about the possible benefits of AI for learning, creativity, and safe exploration — and how to encourage healthy use. • Learn practical questions and conversation starters to use with your child.

Education
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Back-to-School Health and Safety Checklist from Darien Health Department

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As students across our community prepare to return to school, the Darien Health Department would like to share these important health and safety reminders to help ensure a smooth and healthy start to the school year:

— an announcement (slightly edited) from Darien Health Department (in the latest Town of Darien newsletter)
Stay Up to Date on Vaccinations
Routine immunizations protect children from serious but preventable diseases. Please check with your child’s healthcare provider to ensure all required vaccines are current before the first day of school. Schedule Health Checkups
Annual physicals, vision, and hearing screenings are all key components of a child’s overall well-being and academic success. Don’t forget dental visits — oral health plays a major role in overall health. Practice Healthy Habits
Good hygiene practices, such as frequent handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when sick, help reduce the spread of illness in schools
Support Mental and Emotional Wellness
Back-to-school transitions can bring anxiety or stress for some students.

Education
Darien High School DHS 9-13-16

Racist Graffiti Found in Two School Bathrooms, This Time at Darien High School

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Graffiti described as “discriminatory, racial and hateful language” was found Wednesday in two Darien High School bathrooms, school district officials said. “We are confident that this was the act of a small group of students, and it is being thoroughly investigated,” DHS Principal Ellen Dunn said in an announcement to students Thursday morning. “Serious consequences will follow for those involved.” Schools Superintendent Alan Addley excerpted Dunn’s comments in his own announcement to families and staff Thursday evening, adding, “The administration, along with the Darien Police Department, are actively investigating the matter, and appropriate consequences will be applied.” The incidents have occurred much more often at Middlesex Middle School.

Education
Middlesex Middle School wikipedia 5-25-16

Schools Superintendent: ‘Written Racial Slur’ Number Three at Middlesex Middle School

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For the third time in a week, a written racial slur was found at Middlesex Middle School, schools Superintendent Alan Addley said Friday afternoon in an email sent to staff and families of students. Addley’s announcement didn’t say where the writing was found, what the racial slur is or even whether it was in the form of graffiti. Addley mentioned the slur only in the first paragraph of a five-paragraph message that also discussed other topics. Darienite.com’s coverage of the other two incidents:
• Schools Superintendent: Another Racial Slur Found at Middlesex Middle School (Wednesday, May 21)
• More Racial Slur Graffiti Found in Middlesex Bathroom: Superintendent Urges Parents to Talk to Their Kids (Friday, May 16)

Full Text of the Message
Dear Families and Staff,
In the span of a week, Middlesex Middle School has experienced three incidents involving written racial slurs, two previously reported and another discovered yesterday. While these repeated acts are deeply disconcerting, they only strengthen our determination to confront hate and to continue fostering a school environment rooted in respect, empathy, and inclusion.

Education
Middlesex Middle School wikipedia 5-25-16

Schools Superintendent: Another Racial Slur Found at Middlesex Middle School

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About a week after graffiti with a a racial slur was found in a Middlesex Middle School boys bathroom, another was found on a student’s desk, schools Superintendent Alan Addley said in an email to parents and staff. “As with prior incidents, both school administration and local authorities are investigating this matter,” Addley wrote. Addley’s announcement didn’t say what day the latest graffiti was found (the previous incident was found Thursday, May 15). As with the previous announcement, Addley didn’t say what racial slur was found (or whether it was the same one). “This repeated behavior is disheartening, and once again, I want to reaffirm that our commitment to confronting hate, promoting inclusion, and ensuring every student feels safe remains steadfast,” he said.

Education
Middlesex Middle School wikipedia 5-25-16

More Racial Slur Graffiti Found in Middlesex Bathroom: Superintendent Urges Parents to Talk to Their Kids

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Yet again, a slur was found written in a bathroom at Middlesex Middle School, schools Superintendent Alan Addley said in an email to student’s families and school staff. The latest of several similar incidents at Middlesex in recent years was found Thursday. “Sadly, this is not the first time we have had to confront such acts of hatred that are unacceptable in our school community,” Addley wrote. Other than calling it an “instance of hate speech,” he didn’t indicate which slur it was. Other incidents of racial or antisemitic graffiti were found at the school in late January (the “N” word), in early February, (same slur).

Parents & Kids
Childrens Library Darien Library

Programs for Parents and Children Coming to Darien Library in April

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These are some of the events Darien Library is offering for children in April:

— an announcement from Darien Library
Registration opens two weeks before any scheduled event requiring registration. If you need help registering for a program, email us or call us at 203-669-5235. NOTE: The Library will be closed on Sunday, April 20, in observance of Easter, and on Friday, April 25, for staff training. Parenting with Intention: For Parents of Little Kids: 4th to 7th Grade
Thursday, April 3, 7 p.m.
Do you sometimes feel overwhelmed by your child’s outbursts and emotions? Does fear of judgment or making mistakes keep you second-guessing your parenting? Are you tired of reacting impulsively instead of responding with calm and clarity?

Charity Events and Opportunities
Smart Kids With Learning Disabilities Minds in Bloom gala logo

Smart Kids With Learning Disabilities Now Selling Tickets for It’s Benefit Gala, ‘Minds in Bloom’

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Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities, recently announced that tickets are on sale for its annual benefit gala, “Minds in Bloom: Cultivating Growth for Kids with Learning Differences.” The event will start at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, April 10, at Woodway Country Club, 540 Hoyt St. The organization will be celebrating 25 years of helping children with learning differences. — an announcement from Smart Kids With Learning Disabilities Inc.

“Minds in Bloom” will feature a cocktail reception with music from Norwalk guitarist Glenn Roth, dinner, and silent and live auctions. Christopher Bogart, Ph.D., executive director of Sasco River Center (and former Smart Kids with LD board president), will be the master of ceremonies and Sherry Truhlar of Red Apple Auctions will serve as auctioneer.

Beyond Darien

First Selectman Zagrodzky on a Scam That Has Many Elderly Victims and a Problem Affecting Many Young People

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Editor’s note: While First Selectman Jon Zagrodzky’s biweekly column in Friday’s the Town of Darien Newsetter (you can subscribe here) isn’t specifically about Darien, Darienites can experience these problems — and it’s interesting enough to republish. Here it is:
Two stories for you this week. […]
First story. I got a call Wednesday from an old friend. He reported that his mother-in-law received an email notification that her LifeLock subscription was up for renewal.

Darien Library
Mini Golf Darien Library 2025

Darien Library’s Mini Golf Fundraiser Takes Place Saturday and Sunday, February 8 and 9

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Darien Library has announced the return of its 10th Annual Mini Golf Fundraiser, happening on Saturday, February 8, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, February 9, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

— an announcement from Darien Library

Mini Golf at the Library has been a community favorite for the past decade, bringing families and friends together for a day of fun. Players of all ages can enjoy putting their way through a unique 18-hole miniature golf course set up throughout the Library. After completing the course, all golfers can warm up with a complimentary hot chocolate, generously provided by Michael Joseph’s Catering. To learn more and register in advance, visit darienlibrary.org/minigolf, or contact the Darien Library Administrative Office at 203-669-5220. Early bird pricing will be available until January 26th for just $8 a person, after that tickets will be $10 per player.