Back tO School Help for high schoolers
Family Time! BTS Fashion Goodbye Summer, Hello Fall!
SCHOOL REPORTS
Parent's Guide AND MORE > A SPECIAL SECTION OF
The Scarsdale Inquirer
AUGUST 21, 2015
COVER PHOTO BY JOHN MEORE
Back to School is a special section of
The Scarsdale Inquirer P.O. Box 418, Scarsdale, NY 10583 914-725-2500 www.scarsdalenews.com PUBLISHER Deborah G. White SECTION EDITOR Todd Sliss ART DIRECTOR Ann Marie Rezen ADVERTISING DESIGN Katherine Potter ADVERTISING SALES Thomas O’Halloran Barbara Yeaker Marilyn Petrosa Francesca Lynch © 2015 S.I. Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is forbidden without the Publisher’s written permission..
Inside Back to School
PAGE 2A | THE SCARSDALE INQUIRER
FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015
– Back to School
Feature Stories
4A
3A
High School Help: Every student is different
4A
Sensory Processing Disorder: Hard to pin down, important to diagnose
6A
The Family Connection: Creating more quality time with your kids
8A
Martial Artists: Empowering kids against bullies
23A
BTS Fashion: Goodbye summer (vacation), hello fall (fashion)!
42A
School Notes 3A 10A
8A
23A
14A
Scarsdale Superintendent: Overcoming the flaws of organizational planning
17A
Scarsdale BOE: Procedural changes to help BOE meet school’s needs
20A
Edgemont Superintendent: Educated and engaged are key
School News & Notes ...13A-29A Early Learning.......... 30A-32A Community ............ 34A-37A College Prep.............. 38A-41A Arts & Enrichment ... 42A-46A
Learning the right answers will get your child through school. Learning how to learn will get your child through life! Open House OPEN at 9:30am
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Hudson Country Montessori School Inspiring curious, curious, creative, creative, and Inspiring and gifted giftedminds. minds.Preschool Toddlersthrough through6th 8thgrade. grade. www.hudsoncountry.org • email: info@hudsoncountry.org 340 Quaker Ridge Road • New Rochelle, NY 10804 • 914-636-6202
Back to School – FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015
THE SCARSDALE INQUIRER | PAGE 3A
High school help: every student is different By Anthony R. Mancini
F
iguring out how to whip a slacking high schooler into shape is a tough job, especially if college is a goal for them (or you). It can be especially frustrating when graduation is inching ever closer and a student seems completely unmotivated to complete coursework and improve their grades. If no improvement has been made, the student and parents alike might begin to wonder if it is too late for a change. One of the first steps parents can take is recognizing if their high schooler has a problem with advancing him or herself. Lisa Rodman, a co-founder and partner at Collegistics LLC, an organization based in Scarsdale that offers personalized help for college applicants, said that the beginning of the academic year is the best time to judge how a student is handling his or her workload. “Certainly by early fall, following teacher-parent conferences, parents should have a good idea of how their children are managing academically,” she said. “Often, if a student is struggling academically, he or she may appear unmotivated, as poor-performance becomes self-fulfilling. Parents should work with their children to break that cycle by havContinued on page 10A
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PAGE 4A | THE SCARSDALE INQUIRER
FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015
– Back to School
Sensory Processing Disorder:
Hard to pin down, important to diagnose By Jackie Lupo
A
s some kids approach nursery school age, parents may notice behavior that’s hard to explain. They may be children whose reactions to everyday stimuli — touch, light, sound, taste, smells, temperature — are out of proportion to the situation. Some overreact to things that typical kids wouldn’t even notice, like the feel of clothing against their skin, the sensation of being in a crowd of people or the aroma of food in a restaurant. Others under-react to stimulation, such as not noticing when the water is too hot or not being able to catch a ball. And some, whose ability to receive normal stimuli is low, may seek out sensation, becoming hyperactive. If these descriptions seem vague or much too general, they still may be symp-
toms of an actual neurological disorder that may affect 1 in 20 children, called Sensory Processing Disorder, or SPD. It’s a malfunction of the nervous system in which sometimes one, sometimes many of the senses send messages, but they don’t get organized into appropriate responses. Children with SPD may act fearful, anxious, uncooper ative, clumsy or out of control. Unfortunately, parents — and often, doctors — can see only their children’s behaviors, which could be symptoms of any number of other problems. That’s why a correct diagnosis is so difficult, but so important. “Sensory Processing Disorder often gets mistaken for a behavioral problem, like Oppositional Defiant Disorder,” said Robbie Levy, an occupational therapist who is the owner and director of Dynamic Kids, an occupational and speech therapy practice in Hartsdale. Levy has been working with kids who have SPD for
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right therapy for the right child, with the right equipment in the right office, they do really, really well.” She explained that with the therapy methods used to treat SPD, it’s necessary to work with therapists who have lots of training and who work in an office with specialized equipment developed for SPD. Levy said a general occupational therapist who makes house calls would probably have limited effectiveness and would not be able to offer the same equipment, because “you really can’t carry it around with you in your car.” Joan Cornacchio, an educational advocate for students with disabilities who lives in Hastings and has a 23-year-old daughter with special needs, said that SPD “is often a highly misunderstood kind of condition, and it can look like so many other things. So the most important thing is for the child to have an occupational
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33 years. She said that SPD is often misdiagnosed as a parenting problem, a general disability, Attention Deficit Disorder or Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). And complicating diagnosis still further is the fact that SPD often coexists with those conditions. It can accompany Autism spectrum conditions and can even affect children who are gifted. “Every child’s different,” said Levy. But in diagnosis, doctors “don’t always look at the sensory processing piece of what’s going on in the behavior, they go to the behavior piece. They may try a quick fix with medication.” She said sometimes, it’s not until after kids are medicated but still show puzzling behavioral differences that a good diagnostician figures out that the solution to the puzzle is SPD. “A lot of our kids are on medication, but they’ll display those kinds of issues,” said Levy. “So that’s why we know it’s more than one thing. With a course of the
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Back to School – FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015 Continued from previous page
THE SCARSDALE INQUIRER | PAGE 5A
WESTCHESTER SKATING ACADEMY with a world that’s often confusing, painful or threatening. “We have kids who have a lot of quick meltdowns,” said Levy. “They’re quick to change their behavior. They’re emotionally volatile; they have problems with self-regulation. They have difficulty with transition from one activity to another. They have difficulty with flexibility. They really like things to be routinized, which is why it sometimes gets mixed up with OCD. With SPD, the more stable your life is, the more stable you can be emotionally.” When SPD involves the motor system, children may have difficulty performing everyday tasks and parents may be surprised when these children can’t learn new motor skills such as riding a bike or tying their shoes on the same timetable as typical children would learn to do these things. “If it’s really severe, things like getting dressed and undressed can be affected,” said Levy, explaining that the child may insist on wearing one specific kind of clothing that they are capable of getting into and out of themselves. Unfortunately, this behavior may also be confused with OCD, when it’s actually the child making decisions about what to wear based on what clothing they know they can handle. Left untreated, SPD can affect every area of a person’s life. “The disorder never really goes away,” said Levy. “A lot of kids end up with behavioral issues and difficulty with friends. It could interfere with learning at school. Certainly they’re less happy. It’s kind of like feeling uncomfortable in your own skin.”
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therapy evaluation and a neurological workup to make sure there are not other things informing that. You can get a lot from an occupational therapist at a very young age.” She also advises parents who are puzzled by a child’s behavior to have the child’s hearing tested “to make sure there’s not an auditory processing issue involved.” She also stressed that when choosing an occupational therapist, the family needs to find one who specializes in sensory integration issues. She noted that an occupational therapist in a school system might be more interested in providing therapy such as improving a child’s pencil grasp or practicing other motor skills directly involved with classroom activities. Therapy for SPD is focused on helping kids cope with their environment rather than avoiding triggers. For kids who are hypersensitive to touch, the therapist would develop a program that involves using different kinds of equipment that would help retrain the child’s nervous system in a way that creates a permanent change. “It’s really incredible, the lives that we’ve changed,” said Levy. With kids on the other end of the SPD spectrum, their neurological systems are under-responsive. “If you give them an average amount of stimulation, they’re not feeling what we would feel,” Levy explained. “So they don’t have good motor output. You have to have good sensory processing for motor output. When children don’t have a neuro-motor disorder and they’re really clumsy, it could be that they have sensory processing problems.” The behavioral patterns that form around SPD are a child’s way of coping
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PAGE 6A | THE SCARSDALE INQUIRER
FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015
– Back to School
The Family Connection
Creating more quality time with your kids By Laurie Sullivan
I
won’t be home for dinner — I have basketball practice tonight. I’ll grab something to eat later.� This refrain m ay sound all too familiar to parents in some form or another. As kids get older it gets harder and harder for families to sit down and enjoy dinner and conversation together. Dinnertime, once considered the cornerstone of traditional quality family time, has been eroded by kids’ schedules — and sometimes our own. In today’s fast-paced world, with our are lives jam packed with work, activities, sports and time spent online and social media, it seems finding quality family time is nearly impossible. But there are ways to create family time, and it doesn’t mean you have to be together 24/7. For years we’ve been hearing about quantity vs. quality time that families should spend together. Research suggests that how families spend time together matters more than the quantity. Even busy working parents can find time to spend with their kids. There are some simple solutions to connecting with your kids. Set aside the first hour after you come home to give your children your undivided attention. Invite them to talk about their day — what was difficult, what was the highlight of the day, anything. If you pick them up after school, stay off your phones and listen to your kids, giving them your full attention, no matter when or where it is. Take advantage of every slice of time you spend together. Set a minimum number of nights the family must have dinner together — screen-free meal for you and your kids! Plan family game nights in which everyone participates. Let your children take turns choosing the game, even if you’d rather be doing something else. For little ones, reading to them is an ideal way to bond and share precious “us� time with them. Let your messages wait. Put your child first as much as you can.
Play with your kids In author Maria Brett’s article on theworkingparent.com site, “Creating Quality Time with the Kids,� she suggests taking family trips together, not necessarily vacations, though those are great, too, for creating family memories. Schedule a family day to explore the city, go on a long bike ride or visit a theme park. It doesn’t matter what you do, as long as you can all do it together. Brett encourages parents to get involved in their children’s hobbies or sports, “be it football, their dance troop or Scouts,� whatever the activity may be. It allows you to spend extra time together and will show you care and are interested in the things they enjoy. Get down on the floor and play a game of their choice with them — blocks, Twister, a board game or pretend to be a superhero or go outside and kick a ball around with them. It’s fun! With an established bedtime routine, Brett said, “It means
you’ll always have the chance to spend a half hour or so together at the end of each day,� which could be spent sharing books and stories or chatting.
Undivided attention Giving your children your undivided attention when you are together is one way to show them that they matter and how much you value them. Turn off your cell phone when you’re together, and if they’re old enough to have their own, insist they turn off theirs. As a parent, you’re the grownup and you have to enforce some boundaries for them — and yourself. In a recent article in The New York Times by Jane Brody she quoted Dr. Catherine Steiner-Adair, a Harvard-affiliated psychologist, who cited two common parental behaviors that can strongly influence a child’s tendency to abuse electronic media. Some parents are perpetually tuned into their own devices, responding to every ping of their cell phones and tablets, receiving and sending message at times that would “enrage Miss Manners.� She suggested that parents text, make phone calls or check email before kids get up, while they are at school or after they go to bed — not when they’re together. It’s easier said than done, but makes sense. Of the 1,000 kids Steiner-Adair interviewed for her book (“The Big Disconnect: Protecting Childhood and Family Relationships in the Digital Age�), one girl said, “ I feel like I’m just boring. I’m boring my dad because he will take any text, any call, any time, even on a ski lift.� A 4-year-old
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called her father’s smartphone a “stupid phone.â€? Quite a wake-up call for parents who are addicted to their phones! Steiner-Adair stressed that school pickup “is a very important transitional time for kids, a time for them to download their day.â€? She advises parents not to be on the phone to avoid having to ask the kids to wait till they are finished talking. Brody noted that parents can be directly or indirectly at fault when children and teenagers “become hooked on electronic media‌ instead of interacting with the real world.â€? And the more time they spend online the less time they can spend with the family. Family therapist Susan Stiffelman, as quoted in The Huffington Post, said today’s parents are unprepared “to deal with the intense pull and highly addictive natures of what the online world has to offer. As parents, we have an opportunity to guide our kids so that they can learn habits that help them make use of the digital world, without being swallowed whole by it.â€?
Pay attention In the same article, Dr. Jenny S. Radesky, a pediatrician at Boston Medical Center, along with two colleagues, observed 55 groups of parents and children at fast-food restaurants, noting that 40 of the adults immediately took out mobile devices and used them throughout most of the Continued on next page
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meal. Often more attention was paid to the devices than to the kids. And the more parents were absorbed with their devices, the more likely children were to act out, in an attempt to get their parents’ attention. And from Steiner-Adair’s perspective, “The art of dining and the connection between delicious food and nourishing conversation is being lost, not just in restaurants, but at home as well.”
Setting boundaries Setting boundaries can also extend to deciding whether your child is engaged in so many activities they take too big a chunk out of family time. Let your child decide which one(s) to drop. By letting him or her choose, it shows you value their judgment and gives them control. To help establish a deeper relationship with your child, be fully present when you are together, suggests author David Klassen in an article on FamilyLife.com. Klassen said parents should really listen to their kids and ask questions about their daily lives, their friends, their fears and their triumphs. Listen and ask them about his or her dreams and aspirations. According to the author, it just might give you surprising insight into what makes them tick. Klassen asks his kids individually (he has five!) what would they do if they had a million dollars. Also, if they could choose to have any superpower, what would they choose and of all the sports they play, what is their favorite and why? Klassen notes that parents can learn a lot about their child’s values, their dreams, their desires and aspirations by asking question like these. He suggests on the weekend to take out
THE SCARSDALE INQUIRER | PAGE 7A
one child at a time, just the two of you, to do errands or have a lunch date. Let your child pick the place (within reason). If you’re available on a weekday, pick one of your kids up from school (getting permission first from the school) and take him or her to lunch. If their selection is within your parameters, don’t complain if you don’t like their choice. The point of the lunch date is to spend one-on-one time and connecting. And allowing them to choose helps to build confidence and independence. Lunch dates with one child at a time makes them feel special and lets you focus solely on him or her.
Priorities and family rituals Author Ansley Roan in an article on Parents.com, “9 Ways to Maximize Family Time,” suggests that parents make a list of what absolutely must get done in the house and what can wait. But most importantly, find ways how you can involve your kids in doing “the musts” and take the burden off you, which also can create bonding time. Even little ones can help you clean up. Have them put toys away in a basket, find their shoes and put them together, ready to wear. Older kids can help set the table and help you cook, even help with laundry. Folding doesn’t have to be perfect — the point is teaching them new skills and spending time together! Look at things that can be delegated, freeing up time to spend with your family. Ask your babysitter to prep dinner, pick up toys or restock the diaper bag. Find out if your dry cleaner picks up and delivers. Schedule that family game night or dining out with the kids on the same night each week or Sunday breakfast every week and stick to it. Together.
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PAGE 8A | THE SCARSDALE INQUIRER
FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015
– Back to School
Martial artists empowering kids against bullies By Todd Sliss
clear. Abuse is the threat to use. They need to know that. Then we teach them what bullying is. If you humiliate or intimidate or use physical force it’s bullying. We clearly define it for them. It’s important for them to know that.” Physical defense is a last resort, but an important one for youngsters. The first solution for Chillemi’s students is to tell an adult about a bully situation. However, sometimes a child will need to get out of that situation first. “Self-defense in the way we teach it is never to hurt or to harm,” Chillemi said. “Any of the techniques you would use physically in a bully situation — which is what we’re trying to avoid — is to escape. You need to escape the situation so you can go tell someone and get some help. That’s most important. We don’t teach to hurt someone.” Other key skills for Chillemi are the ability to look a bully in the eye and speak firmly in standing up for oneself. For older kids he gets into judging the state of mind of the bully and knowing when it’s best to avoid that person altogether. Being a witness to bullying can also be intimidating for a youngster. “What if you are a bystander? What are your responsibilities?” Chillemi said. “We try to clearly define these for children so they have more tools in their toolbox.” Those responsibilities are: 1) If you know the victim, get the victim out of there and 2) if you know the bully, get the bully out of there. If you know both bully and victim, Chillemi hopes the choice is clear to side with the victim and not be entertained by the bully. Chillemi, who refers to himself as a “child advocate,” sees a breakdown in how some public schools handle bullying from educating to eradicating — as in not enough is being done. “In the public schools alone, where most of this occurs, why aren’t they told they need to tell someone?” Chillemi said. “Why don’t adults in the public school system take
B
ullying has no limits — it can happen from preschool to the nursing home, involve males and females and have serious repercussions for victims. When taught properly, martial arts have proven to help children with things like discipline, respect, hard work and even schoolwork, but bullying has also been a big focus. In addition to teaching martial arts since 1991 in Hastings-on-Hudson, Shihan Jim Chillemi of New York Goju Karate Association has been educating both victims and bystanders on the ins and outs of dealing with bullies at a young age, something he, too, experienced. “There’s nothing more empowering than to empower a child to learn to stand up,” Chillemi said. “Is there anything more important than standing up for yourself? For what you believe in? And believing in yourself is what it’s all about. And if you have that ability as a child, do you know how successful you will be? Standing up for yourself is worthwhile at any cause. That’s how I coach kids and that’s why I’ve been around for 25 years.” It’s never too early to start educating kids about the four types of bullying: physical, verbal, cyber and the more hidden bullying which, according to Australia’s National Centre Against Bullying (NCAB), includes things like “lying and spreading rumors,” “mimicking unkindly,” exclusion and “damaging someone’s social reputation.” The importance of talking to kids in preschool and kindergarten early is because 1) they may be currently in a bully situation and 2) if it hasn’t happened yet, it could soon. Chillemi’s Mission Bullyproof starts with words. “The first thing we do is we teach them what violence and abuse is,” Chillemi said. “If someone threatens to use or does use physical force, that’s violence. We make that
Continued on next page
French-American School of New York Academic Excellence in Westchester County 3 years old through Grade 12
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Back to School – FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015
THE SCARSDALE INQUIRER | PAGE 9A
Continued from previous page
some responsibility and not allow it, to tell people it’s a bullyproof zone and you need to tell us so we can help you? That kind of frustrates me, that more is not being done for these children. It’s controversial, but it needs to be said.” According to a report on stopbullying.gov from 2014, 49 percent in grades 4-12 reported being bullied in the previous month. Overall, 28 percent of students in grades 6-12 have been bullied, while that number drops to 20 percent for high school. “We’ve heard all the horror stories,” Chillemi said. “We introduce kids to soccer balls, to t-ball, to all these other skills that we’d like our children to have, so why wouldn’t we want them to know as soon as possible that there are some people out there that maybe are not so nice? We need to know how to handle that when it happens.” At Steve Sohn’s Krav Maga Muay Thai & Fitness Training Center in Scarsdale, bully prevention is also a major focus. Instructor Erika Beintrexler said that she’s seen bullying in the facility and it gets addressed right away. It’s easy when she and the other mentors are there to address the topic. When it happens outside of the center’s reach it becomes a much tougher situation. “We have a child involved with us who is getting bullied in daycare,” Beintrexler said. “The parent picked him up with a black eye. He’s 4.” An experience at such a young age can have a lasting negative impact, so starting anti-bully work with the kids at a young age can have a positive impact through general martial arts classes and a special booklet the center has put together. “Our No. 1 go-to is we really try to teach the kids to go to their parents,” Beintrexler said. “Every parent has a different rule and I wouldn’t want to say something to the child and it’s against what the parent teaches them. Our personal belief is if feel like you are in harm’s way and you can’t get an adult’s attention, you should defend yourself the way we teach here. “No parent would want their kid to come home with a black eye or being pushed or shoved. When your words aren’t enough and when you can’t get the attention of an
Is your child being bullied? Emotional and behavioral signs • Changes in sleep patterns • Changes in eating patterns • Frequent tears or anger • Mood swings • Feels ill in the morning • Becomes withdrawn or starts stammering • Becomes aggressive and unreasonable • Refuses to talk about what is wrong • Begins to target siblings • Continually “loses” money or starts stealing.
Physical signs • Has unexplained bruises, cuts, scratches • Comes home with missing or damaged belongings or clothes • Comes home hungry.
School signs • Doesn’t want to go to school • Changes their route to school or are frightened of walking to school • Doesn’t want to go to school on the bus • School grades begin to fall.
Other signs Sometimes bullying can be far more hidden. The signs include: • Often alone or excluded from friendship groups at school • A frequent target for teasing, mimicking or ridicule at school • Unable to speak up in class and appears insecure or frightened. — National Centre Against Bullying website
adult, you have to defend yourself when you feel it’s necessary. There shouldn’t be any gray area with kids. Kids should have a black and white situation and that’s where the parents come in.” There are five things a parent can do to help a bullied child, according to NCAB: 1) Listen to your child’s story 2) Have a conversation about what happened 3) Make a record of events 4) Work with your child’s school to find a solution 5) Find other ways to support your child. “Really the most important part of bullying is creating a relationship between the parent and the child and the teacher and the child and dealing with it in an age-appropriate manner,” Beintrexler said. Beintrexler understands the struggle some parents have with whether to allow their children to defend themselves against a physical bully or not. After all, sometimes this gets the child being bullied in more trouble than the bully, which she also knows is wrong. But she has great respect for the parents who allow their children to take control of the situation. “A lot of people turn to martial arts because their kids are getting physically picked on,” Beintrexler said. “It’s not just verbal abuse. They want their kids to have more confidence, to feel that they can take care of themselves if the situation ever arose. Sometimes it’s preemptive. Sometimes if they are being bullied it can be too late. “Bullying creates of vicious cycle of losing self-confidence. Once you have the dips in self-confidence they start to bully you more. Because of that sometimes here it will take us so much longer to bring a kid up to their normal personality that it could even take a year or so. It’s not a quick fix.” At Steve Sohn’s Krav Maga Muay Thai & Fitness Training Center, it’s a team approach to making the world better for kids. “We’ll work with parents and kids individually,” Beintrexler said. “For the majority of our students it really isn’t an issue because they do a lot of anti-bullying at schools. On top of that I think they get this innate confidence from coming here.”
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PAGE 10A | THE SCARSDALE INQUIRER
FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015
– Back to School
High school help Continued from page 3A
ing honest conversations with teachers and guidance counselors at school.” Collegistics helps students one-onone with the college application process, working with them to ease the burden of applying. The organization focuses on the topic, such as effective college essay writing and seeking the best school to attend. Greg Quirolo, the director of school counseling at Iona Preparatory School, a Catholic, all-boys’ school founded in 1916 and based in New Rochelle that shares a history with the college of the same name, said that sometimes it is obvious to parents if a student has been underperforming. “I think their gut can tell them a lot of that if they think their student is lacking motivation,” he said. The prospect of becoming accepted into a choice college might become a sudden motivating factor for some students who have not been so serious about academics as a freshman or a sophomore. Quirolo said that Iona Prep uses Naviance, a data platform created by Cincinnati-based technology company Hobsons, which specializes in college enrollment software. Naviance allows students to see which schools Iona Prep students applied to around the country and see which students were accepted. He said the platform allows students to compare their grade point average to the grade point averages of students who were accepted to a particular college to compare how they might be seen in the eyes of college admissions staff.
Quirolo said that if a student’s grade point average is far off from the average accepted by a particular school and they still want to apply, then the student has his or her work cut out for them. Rodman said there are multiple ways for students to bolster their résumés, which would give them more leverage during the application process. “Students mature at different rates and once they do will take ownership of their
precollege process,” she said. “Perhaps this will manifest as an upward trend in their grades in the latter half of junior year, or being elected to a leadership position in a club. Students test scores may not match up with their GPAs, but there are many available options when applying to college.” It is important for parents to steer their high schooler toward a college that he or she can reasonably expect to become
accepted to if they work hard enough for it, according to Rodman. “Seeing schools that feel right, from a social point of view, whose academic requirements are just slightly above that student’s statistics, can be incredibly motivating because they are within reach,” Rodman said. “Parents should be cognizant that the college landscape has Continued on next page
A car broke his bones, but not his spirit. Sean Hughes Car accident survivor / High school sophomore
A mother’s worst fear — your boy has been hit by a car. Sean suffered from a traumatic brain injury, broken legs and a spine fracture. But thanks to the advanced care and support the Hughes family received from Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, a mom’s worst fear turned into her greatest appreciation, for saving the life of her son.
Back to School – FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015 Continued from previous page
changed dramatically in the years since they applied to college, but Harvard is still Harvard. Using schools in the elite upper band of selectivity as a motivating tool can backfire, given the overwhelming odds against admission.” Once parents decide to intervene on behalf of their student to try to motivate their child toward academic success, they must find an appropriate way to attempt to reach their child. Tutoring a student in a particular subject is one method of trying to boost grades and have the child engaged in learning. Quirolo said Iona Prep has its own afterschool study center and tutoring teachers are required to open their classroom doors for extra help sessions regularly. Quirolo said that students could possibly benefit from being tutored in one particular subject such as chemistry or math, but that it could also help to use a tutor who works with a student to improve his or her performance overall. He said a good place to start within a school is with the school’s guidance counselor. “There is an academic intervention out there for every kid, but you need a savvy school counselor or adult to have the parent or the student find what that intervention is,” he said. Rodman said that clubs and other extracurricular activities could also help to motivate a student and that it works best to communicate this to the student earlier rather than later. “As college advisors, we at Collegistics think it’s helpful to begin this discussion early, before students begin high school,” she said. “Parents should encourage their
THE SCARSDALE INQUIRER | PAGE 11A
children to get involved in activities. This is a great way to make new friends and explore new horizons. This can bring a sense of connection to a new environment, and with that an excitement for a new academic year. Joining clubs early on also gives a student a chance to build relationships with faculty outside the classroom. Parents should also encourage their children to meet with their teachers regularly.” Rodman said part of intervening on a student’s behalf means getting him or her involved in searching for colleges on the early side of high school as well, so that the student will continue to have a reason to score high marks in high school. “Do a little research and make visiting colleges, especially in the early high school years, just a part of the process,” she said. “Take an hour and visit nearby schools if you are on vacation or even those in your own backyard. Getting a sense of what college is and what it will take to get there may be all the motivation a student needs.” Quirolo said behavioral-based methods of parenting students such as rewarding them with gifts or an allowance when they succeed and grounding them and taking away television and video games when they are slacking might work for some students, but not everyone. He said that he prefers to reach a child on the mental We level. are expanding “It totally depends on the student,” our already popular Quirolo said. “That type of parenting Dance programming is very behavioral and sometimes it can for all ages with work wonders. I’m a big believer in trying
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PAGE 12A | THE SCARSDALE INQUIRER
High school help Continued from page 11A
to reach the kid cognitively and trying to address their belief systems. Sometimes all the grounding doesn’t accomplish the outcome.” Quirolo said he believes in a method where a parent or educator works with a student to try to connect with them on a values-based level to see if studying behavior can improve, rather that using extreme methods such as sending a student to a therapeutic school or military school. He said a student might realize by himself that he has to improve if he has put himself in a negative situation due to a lack of focus on schoolwork. “I think true change and motivation really comes from cognitive change,” Quirolo said. “The student has to cognitively break from old belief systems and embrace new belief systems. That takes weeks and months for that student to have that moment. Sometimes it doesn’t happen until the kid wakes up in summer school and says ‘Oh my God, I can’t believe I’m here.’ Hopefully it doesn’t come to that, but it’s usually a change in the student’s belief system that gradually happens over time.” Rodman said determining how a student is not fully participating in her coursework is an important factor, such as whether she is having trouble learning or is growing weary of a high school environment. “First and foremost, it’s important to assess a student’s performance in the context of his or her potential,” she said. “For the student who does not seem intrinsically motivated to learn, or for
FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015
whom high school is proving difficult to navigate academically, the prospect of college may seem intimidating. For students who are bored or otherwise have one foot out the door, college can be the carrot at the end of the stick. The former group of students needs to know that there is a college for everyone who wants to attend college, each with its own personality, academically and otherwise.” Quirolo said he does not believe that a lack of motivation is what is hurting underachieving students. Instead, he said every student is motivated to do something within the scope of their life. The driving force that motivates some students might not involve schoolwork, so he said these students in particular need the most intervention to straighten their priorities. “I think every kid is motivated,” Quirolo said. “I absolutely believe that sometimes they are motivated to succeed in school, sometimes they’re motivated to avoid it. Every kid is complex. To help a kid is complicated. That’s why you need school counselors and support staff.” Quirolo recommends parents read a book, “The Shut-Down Learner: Helping Your Academically Discouraged Child,” written by graduate professor and child psychologist Dr. Richard Selznick, if they are dealing with a student who might be underperforming in school. The book details subsets of students who are “spatial thinkers,” meaning that they tend to learn and think visually. Selznick argues that spatial thinkers, the so-called shut-down learners, are able to excel in hands-on careers later in life such as architecture, engineering, computer programming, dentistry, interior decorating
and business to name a few examples. Selznick says the spatial thinkers often face problems with reading, writing and spelling, which causes low self-esteem. He said they might seem shut down in the sense of being increasingly disconnected, discouraged and unmotivated. Spatial thinkers might seem to dislike reading, hate writing, avoid homework and find little to no gratification with school and maybe feel angry toward it. Selznick thinks that this might lead to parents becoming frustrated with their children for not being up to speed academically, which can lead to children feeling worse about their experiences with school. Quirolo said “The Shut-Down Learner” provides a great example of students who learn differently that what academic standards usually expect and what is motivating these students. “It’s a refreshing look at what’s going on with kids who shut down academically and what’s underneath that,” Quirolo said. “It really paints a picture of the academically discouraged child and gives parents a new way to look at them. I don’t really believe that there is any such thing as an unmotivated kid, I just think it’s trying to find the right intervention for the right kid.” All in all, Rodman and Quirolo stressed that for students who might seem unmotivated or slacking in school, it is important to try to understand what is driving them in everyday life so it can be applied to how they are learning in school, and that early intervention methods are often a great way to help a student thrive academically, change negative opinions about school and help them pursue their goals, no matter what they are.
– Back to School
Sensory processing disorder Continued from page 5A
Parents who suspect their child may have SPD should talk to their pediatrician, but if the doctor refers them to an occupational therapist, it’s important to ask whether the therapist works with a large number of kids with SPD in their practice. Levy said it’s important to begin therapy for SPD when kids are young because it can make a big difference in just a few years, preparing kids with SPD for the new sensory challenges of school. Levy said she has worked with most of the directors of special education programs in local school systems to educate them about the special needs of students with SPD. Although SPD is not considered a learning disability, it can be a highly disabling condition, and it’s important for parents to advocate for their kids with both the classroom teacher and with any specialists that may work with their child in school, and to coordinate information between outside therapists and the school. SPD can be managed with a team approach. There are also excellent resources out there, including the Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation (www. spdfoundation.net) and an increasing number of useful guides to the condition. Cornacchio recommends that parents read “The Out-Of-Sync Child: Recognizing and Coping with Sensory Processing Disorder” (Perigee, 2005). “This was one of those books that I went to time and time again, because it breaks down all these sensory issues into different categories, the different systems of the body,” she said.
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THE SCARSDALE INQUIRER | PAGE 13A
Athletics booster club supports Raiders Maroon & White is Scarsdale High School’s parent athletic association supporting interscholastic athletics and the physical education department. Maroon & White provides funds to purchase equipment for athletic teams and the physical education department not covered by the school budget. This year Maroon & White donated approximately $35,000 for equipment to the middle and high school physical education departments and various athletic teams. A few examples of what Maroon and White has donated over the past few years include AAI Elite uneven bars for gymnastics, Nevco scoreboard with shot clocks, baseball dugout benches, volleyball skill machine, indoor lacrosse goals with net, wrestling mats, 20 track hurdles, softball indoor batting cage, ski team drill, tred sled and boys’ swim stopwatches, training fins and pace clock. Entering its 48th year this fall, Maroon & White also promotes and honors student participation in sports. This year’s event calendar includes fall awards dinner, Tuesday, Nov. 10; winter awards ice cream social/desert tasting extravaganza, Tuesday, March 1, 2016; and spring awards picnic, Tuesday, June 7, 2016. On average, over 750 athletes and their parents attend each event. Other activities supported by Maroon & White are Raider Pride, the Kari Pizzitola Holiday Basketball Tournament (Dec. 3-4), the Raider of the Week award and con-
tributions to the following tournaments (volleyball, wrestling, cheerleading and ice hockey). Maroon & White also sponsors several athletic scholarships for graduating seniors. These awards and events are made possible by the continued support of families and community members. Those new to the high school are encouraged to join Maroon & White. Membership contributions may be made in five categories: Honorable Mention ($50), All-League ($75), All-Section ($125), All-State ($175) and Most Valuable Patron ($250 or more). Join online by visiting www.maroonandwhite.org. Maroon and White’s other major fundraiser, the sports journal, is accepting ads for this year’s publication. This journal consists of booster ads from families and businesses, as well as a photo montage of this year’s athletic teams. Parents of incoming freshmen should note that the beginning of the school year would be their only opportunity to submit a family booster ad for the year. Families and businesses may contact Kate Conlan at 725-9535 for more information or go to www.maroonandwhite.org/mwjournal.htm. Finally, Scarsdale Raiders merchandise, such as blankets, folding chairs, umbrellas, baseball caps, knit hats, apparel and car magnets, can be purchased online or can be ordered by contacting Beth and Lorenzo Patrizio at merchandise@maroonandwhite.org.
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PAGE 14A | THE SCARSDALE INQUIRER
FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015
– Back to School
School Reports
Overcoming the flaws of organizational planning By Dr. Thomas Hagerman Scarsdale Schools Superintendent
O
ver the past year, there was a lot of time spent on my transition into the district: numerous introductory, individual and group meetings; a formal Entry Plan; presentations on my key learnings; and the like. This was a critical part of my onboarding process, not only personally and professionally, to learn more about this place and its people, but also necessary to formulate a vision for the future. After a year in process, this past spring I formally rolled this out to the board of education and school community as my Transition Plan, a blueprint that will guide our work over the next three years. Even as I was engaged in this work over the year, I knew there would be some skepticism, and it is not unfounded. According to the Harvard Business Review, the success of traditional, organizational planning is at 34 percent or less in terms of overall effectiveness. In fact, a survey of top executives reveals that only 19 percent of strategic objectives are achieved and, even more concerning, only 25 percent of the same executives reported that they were motivated by their own plans! The research on organizational planning efficacy is shockingly dismal:
• 85 percent of management teams time and energy to this endeavor? And, spend less than one hour a month on strat- more specifically, why have I made my egy; Transition Plan such a priority for Scarsdale • Many organizations don’t have a con- schools? sistent way to even describe their focus; The answer is, quite simply, that when • Only 27 percent of a typical company’s plans are effective, they provide clear oremployees have access to its organization- ganizational alignment, direction for indial plan; vidual and collective work, and measures • 92 percent of organizations do not re- of progress and accountability. All of these port on lead performance indicators; are important aims for our district’s com• 90 percent of well-formulated strate- mitment to excellence and demonstrated gies fail due to poor execution; success. • 60 percent of typical organizations do Why our plan won’t fail not link their strategic priorities to their Effective planning should and does probudget; vide a blueprint that starts with the es• Two-thirds of HR and IT departments develop plans that are not linked to the or- sential question, “What are we trying to accomplish?” It is supported by “the how” ganization’s strategic aims; and • 95 percent of employees do not under- we achieve this goal given the established stand their organization’s strategy, work or values and priorities of the organization. In Scarsdale, our core values are grounded in goals. makingFARM decisions based on the best interEducational planning doesn’t fare much TWIN LAKES better in research journals. School admin- est of our students and working in a colistrators and leaders are often criticized for laborative manner with staff, parents and planning that is based on historical prec- community members. But, beyond these edent, rather than forward-looking insights. aspirational priorities, effective planning Many plans developed by educational insti- must also necessarily include a clear plan tutions lack meaningful data and metrics. for what is to be accomplished. This reMoreover, areas frequently cited as defi- quires disciplined and measurable goals cient in school planning include intention- with clear targets and with performance ally ambiguous or broad goals, and little or indicators. In order to be effective, there Farm is Westchester’s and most should belargest alignment of thediverse goals toward a no accountability Twin aroundLakes implementation. equestrian center, offering both boarding and a robust common purpose. Even theriding best of goals, If organizational planning has so many academy. The riding academy starts at age 6 with private lessons shortcomings and is doomed to fail, why in isolation, do not help to create unity of before moving up to groups; adults ride daily and take advantage do so many organizations devote so much work or purpose, and they are easily deof the 8pm adults-only classes. For the more serious equestrian Twin Lakes TWIN Farm offers Drill Teams, Interscholastic Teams, LAKES FARM Horseshowing and Summer Leasing while also offering yearround boarding. Camp is coeducational and runs 8:30am to 4:30pm all summer and includes riding, camp activities and the very popular camp horseshow.
railed when other issues arise. Throughout our strategic planning over this past year, we have utilized a thoughtful process that has resulted in a representative, well-articulated and comprehensive plan. Lee Maude, board of education president, has outlined the plan in some detail in her concurrent article. For me, the most important aspect of this plan is that it was developed specifically to address the most pressing issues of the board of education, staff, parents, students and community members. To be clear, it does not cover every possible concern or issue, but it does address all the major recurring themes that have been raised over the past year. Special consideration was given to the following areas to ensure fidelity, transparency, and efficacy: • Focus: Although our goals represent an array of programs and services across the district, they primarily address the issues that have been raised as the most significant by community members, parents, staff, and students: communications; curriculum, instruction, and assessment; human resources; finances; and technology. • Integration of people, departments, and systems: As indicated in the research on organizational planning, much of the failure around this work occurs when major stakeholders are not included in the Continued on next page
Set on two campuses each has its own indoor arena, 55 stalls each, lighted outdoor arenas, paddocks with hay feeders, heated tack rooms and wash stalls. The North Barn is home to the Riding Academy, Drill Team and Therapeutic Riding Program while also hosting the interscholastic (IEA) shows and schooling Twin Lakes Farm is Farm Westchester’s largest most win Lakes istheWestchester’s largest and shows. The South Barn houses boarders andand show teamdiverse whilemost diverse equestrian center, offering both equestrian center, offering both and a robust riding boarding andeach a robust riding academy. The riding academy starts at age 6 with private leshosting nine USEF shows year.boarding academy.sons The riding academy starts at age 6 with private lessons before moving up to groups; adults ride daily and take advantage of the 8pm adults-only before moving up to groups; adults ride daily and take advantage Whether it's children's lessons, adults lessons, riding teams, classes. For the moreclasses. serious equestrian Twin Lakes Farm offers Drill Teams, Interscholastic Teams, of the 8pm adults-only For the more serious equestrian showing competitively orSummer recreational riding there is something for Horseshowing and Leasing while also offering Twin Lakes Farm offers Drill Teams, Interscholastic Teams, year-round boarding. Camp is coeducational everyone at 8:30am Twin Lakes Farm which is why we areincludes "Where riding, camp activities and the very popular and runs to 4:30pm all while summer Horseshowing and Summer Leasing also and offering yearWestchester Learns To Ride!"® round Camp is coeducational and runs 8:30am to campboarding. horseshow. 4:30pm and includes riding, camp activities and the 55 stalls each, lighted outdoor arenas, padSet all onsummer two campuses each has its own indoor arena, very popular docks withcamp hayhorseshow. feeders, heated tack rooms and wash stalls. The North Barn is home to the Riding
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Back to School – FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015 Continued from previous page
process, both in terms of having an active voice in the process and when work is not done in a collaborative fashion. Throughout the planning process, stakeholders were given the opportunity to be included via active participation along with being a part of affirmation, reflection and refinement processes. Moreover, the administrative team has worked together extensively to understand the discrete work of each department, and how this intersects, influences and impacts all other departments and areas. • Clear targets, metrics and reporting: During the process of my Entry Plan, it was clear that the next iteration would include goals that were clear, attainable and measurable. As a result, the 2015-18 Transition Plan was developed with major goals, with supporting sub-goals, details, metrics, timelines and owners. This information will be available in both print and on the district’s webpage. Goal updates will be provided at regular board meetings each month, as a standing agenda item so that everyone will be able to track our work and progress. • Curvaceous planning: At this risk of this sounding like one of those “fuzzy” educational terms, much of organizational planning assumes a very linear pathway. We set a goal. We follow steps one through three. We measure the goal. We claim success (or go back to the drawing board). Wash, rinse, repeat. However, as much comfort as the scientific method may give us in terms of longterm planning, it simply doesn’t account for the human element, changes in market factors and the general high degree of unpredictability, randomness and chaos in the world. Effective organizational leaders
THE SCARSDALE INQUIRER | PAGE 15A
understand that there is always a degree of fluidity and flexibility that must be incorporated into organizational forecasting. The planning efforts that most often fail attempt to impose a rigid linear methodology that only allows a single outcome. When it doesn’t work, the plan crashes and burns. Unfortunately, this does not reflect the world we operate in, or the dynamics of a high-achieving, high-expectations educational environment. Let’s be clear: this is not a proverbial “escape hatch” that will serve as an excuse for poorly executed planning. However, we must recognize that, while all of our goals will be completed, there may be some variations in timing, scope or sequence. It is impossible to predict all of our needs, resources, and limitations for the next five years in a single plan. What we can control, however, are our expectations and how we will respond to those situations. So, what is the formula for our success? Clearly, this includes careful attention given to each of these elements outlined above. But, it is also dependent on the many people who comprise and contribute to the ongoing success of our district, including dedicated and dynamic school board members; exceptionally skilled, passionate faculty and staff members; inspirational and hard-working Foundation and PTA leaders; and involved and supportive parents and community members. With these elements in place, there is no doubt that we are poised not only to meet the goals of our Transition Plan over the next three years, but, in fact, to exceed expectations in a myriad of ways that will only continue to prove to benefit our most important asset: our students! I am looking forward to the remarkable year ahead.
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youR destination FoR classical and contempoRaRy ballet tRaining ages 3 to adult
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PAGE 16A | THE SCARSDALE INQUIRER
FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015
– Back to School
PTA Scholarship fund benefits college-bound students
Open House: October 14
9:30 am – 12:30 pm Montessori Toddler Classes 3-5 year old Classes l
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½ & full day classes (extended day schedules for 3-5’s) Enriched, multicultural environment with a focus on language development, experimentation, and learning through manipulatives. Specials at Alcott include: Music The Nature Of Things, Spanish Yoga, Art and more! Both sites have playgrounds and an indoor gym. After school enrichment activities from 3 to 4 pm are available.
Scarsdale 27 Crane Road | 472-4404
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For over 65 years, the Scarsdale High School PTA Scholarship Fund for College has provided grants to graduating SHS seniors for their freshman year of college. The fund is a source of vital financial assistance for a dozen or more applicants each year. The loss of a job, a divorce or unexpected illness or death may have devastating effects on a family’s ability to pay for a son’s or daughter’s college education. In addition, the increasing costs of college tuition, as well as the decrease in available government loans, could make attending college next fall an unattainable goal for some students. The Scholarship Fund provides grants for freshman year, typically ranging in amount from $1,000-$7,500, directly to institutions of higher education for those SHS seniors who demonstrate need and who will receive a Scarsdale diploma and matriculate at a college or university in the fall. The fund is administered under strict rules of confidentiality. The Scarsdale High School deans make grant applications available to all Scarsdale seniors. Applications may also be downloaded online at www. scarsdaleschools.org/scholarshipfund. The deadline to apply for a grant is the first week of May 2016. The scholarships are funded solely by donations from the Scarsdale community. Each fall, an appeal is sent to every household, business and educa-
tor in Scarsdale. In addition to the community-wide mailing, funds are raised through the sale of Gift of Education cards in honor of graduating seniors or in honor or memory of teachers, administrators or as a holiday gift to teachers. Every dollar raised goes directly toward funding the grants. This past year, the Scholarship Fund raised just over $86,000 from contributions made by residents, businesses, organizations, alumni and educators, as well as generous donations from district PTAs and the class of 2014. As a result, the Scholarship Fund was able to award 18 grants to graduating seniors. Without these grants, many of those students might not have been able to attend college this fall. Scarsdale is a community that has consistently demonstrated its commitment to young people and their education. By contributing to the Scholarship Fund for College, the community can attempt to ensure that all students who wish to pursue higher education have the means to do so. Donations, which are tax deductible, are accepted throughout the year. They may be mailed to SHS PTA Scholarship Fund for College, P.O. Box 147H or made online, via PayPal at www. scarsdaleschools.org/scholarshipfund. Questions may be directed to chairman Suzanne Glaser at 722-1019 or suzanneglaser@gmail.com.
Back to School – FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015
THE SCARSDALE INQUIRER | PAGE 17A
School Reports Procedural changes to help BOE meet school’s needs By Lee Maude
ScarSdale boe preSident
A
s we approach the latter part of summer, many of us turn our thoughts to family vacations, outdoor activities, finishing camp and beating the heat. Meanwhile, we, your board of education, are turning our thoughts to the upcoming school year. With fall rapidly approaching we look forward to welcoming your family back to school with excitement and great expectations. We are very excited about the many changes underway in our school district under the direction of our second-year superintendent, Dr. Thomas Hagerman. Dr. Hagerman spent his first year at Scarsdale meeting with many community groups, including teachers, administrators, students and parents. He gave us feedback on what he heard and presented his three-year Transition Plan to the Scarsdale community on June 22. It is also available on our website. This plan, crafted in substantial part based upon comments and goals identified during Dr. Hagerman’s extensive community dialogues, addresses a broad array of goals and opportunities in our district and gives us a framework for the work ahead over the next three years. We look forward to working with his team in
achieving these goals. We are a relatively young board with most of us in our first three years of service. Our focus this year will be to listen to our constituencies, which include Scarsdale students, faculty and administration, and members of the Scarsdale community. Our primary goal for the coming year is to collaborate with Dr. Hagerman’s team and focus on the successful implementation of his ambitious Transition Plan. We plan to work as a cohesive and informed board and want to hear your voice on issues that are important to you. We encourage all of you to write to us at boardofed@scarsdaleschools.org. By writing directly to all board members you allow all of us to hear your voice directly. We also invite you to speak during our public meetings. In either venue, if you have a specific request for action, please state that explicitly. If you have not already done so, we also invite all of you to opt in to our email blasts so that you can receive summaries of our board meetings from Dr. Hagerman. Please go to http://www. scarsdaleschools.org/Page/16238. Summer is a busy time for all school districts. In July and August we welcomed 21 new teachers and four new administrators to our district; we began renovation on the Fox Meadow office;
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we had several development meetings with Dr. Hagerman and the assistant superintendents to outline goals for the coming year; and completed minor renovations in the district office to allow for a more efficient working environment. We also continued work on the Building Condition Survey that is submitted every five years to the New York State Education Department. Summer is also the time when our faculty and staff develop and roll out new or revised curricula. This summer our teachers focused on the Teachers College reading and writing program for k-5, extending project-based, studentcentered curriculum for the middle school, continuing to develop STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) coursework for the high school and revising the k-12 Technology Expectations to prepare for the new District Technology Plan. Indeed, over 260 curriculum improvement projects were completed by teachers and administrators over the summer. In July, the central administration reorganized responsibilities and we welcomed three new members to Dr. Hagerman’s team. Stuart Mattey is our new assistant superintendent for business and facilities. Dr. Bernard Josefsberg is our interim assistant superintendent for human resources and leadership devel-
opment. Ray Pappalardi is our new district director for health, physical education and athletics. Rachel Moseley, who had been chief information officer, will now take over administrative technology. Jerry Crisci, who had been director of technology, will now head educational/instructional technology and lead our initiative to develop and deliver STEAM curriculum to our schools. Dr. Hagerman will review these changes and appointments in a separate letter which is part of this Back to School issue. We look forward to working with the new members of the team along with the rest of Dr. Hagerman’s cabinet. Our schools’ primary mission is to sponsor each student’s full development, enabling our youth to be self-reliant as well as effective and independent contributors in a democratic society and an interdependent world. To this end, we endeavor to help them to think and express themselves clearly, critically and creatively; to understand themselves and others within the broad fabric of human experience and the natural universe; to appreciate their rights and responsibilities as citizens; and to become people of integrity, maturity and generous spirit. A measure of our success is the degree to which they fulfill their potential for the Continued on page 18A
PAGE 18A | THE SCARSDALE INQUIRER
Scarsdale BOE Continued from page 17A
common good, non sibi — not for oneself alone. As community members, you will notice a number changes in the structure of our board meetings. We have made these changes to have deeper conversations and listen to the community. These changes provide us with time to work with the administration on important changes to our educational programs. Let’s review these changes. One Wednesday morning each month we will meet to review any pending board business. To the extent you have been or are unable to attend evening board meetings, these morning meetings will give you the opportunity to attend and participate through the public comment opportunities. After pending board business, the board will work on various aspects of Dr. Hagerman’s Transition Plan. The plan is divided into eight important areas of focus which we are calling “portfolios.” We are excited about these areas of focus for the district and community for the next three years: 1) Curriculum assessment and 21st century learning 2) Construction and facilities 3) Communications, community involvement and political outreach 4) Budget and finance and negotiations 5) Human capital and leadership development 6) Instructional and informational technology 7) Special education and pupil services
FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015
Our primary goal for the coming year is to collaborate with Dr. Hagerman’s team and focus on the successful implementation of his ambitious Transition Plan. 8) BOE development, leadership, succession planning and staff relationships. During each Wednesday meeting, we will review our progress on the Transition Plan. Following this review we will have an in-depth presentation and discussion about one or two of the eight portfolios. The discussion will be led by a member of Dr. Hagerman’s cabinet along with one or two board members who have been assigned to these portfolios. The purpose of these meetings is to present information to the board and the public and for the board to assess and monitor the changes taking place at our schools. As members of the community we invite you to watch these meetings at the high school in Room 170-172 , on cable TV or on our website. Another change you will see in our board meetings is that the three assistant superintendents will join us for discussion at the board table. This will allow us to have meaningful, authentic and collaborative conversation and reach consensus among the board and the cabinet. One of our goals this year is to provide a more meaningful dialogue about teaching and learning outside of the budget process. Therefore, new education initiatives will be highlighted before
the budget is presented. We believe this will give the board and community more time to reflect on any proposed changes in our educational program. The board began to discuss financial guidelines with the administration last year. With these guidelines, we hope to make the budget discussion more constructive and meaningful. We don’t think it is a good use of time and resources for the administration to present a budget that was developed in isolation and then have the board and community respond to it. Instead, the board will work closely with the administration to align values, clarify expectations and develop guidelines prior to constructing the budget. Finally, at the end of each board meeting, we will have a recap and review the required follow-up for the next meeting. We are making these changes with the goal of creating meaningful and positive changes for all our students. Under Dr. Hagerman’s Transition Plan, we believe we will set ourselves on a course for excellence and continuous improvement. As always, we welcome the input of parents and other community members. We will also be addressing the facility needs of our district. Although there are many needs across the district, Greenacres is at the focal point of this work.
– Back to School
The school is turning 100 years old this year and major renovations or rebuilding of the school will be necessary. The board is very aware of the concerns of those that live around the existing fields in Greenacres and will consider all options. Please know we will hold many public forums this school year to allow all community members to talk to us. We promise that we will listen to you. In addition to the need to improve and expand the Greenacres School, we will be looking at the facility needs for the entire district with the goal of holding a bond referendum by June 2017 to replace debt that is maturing. We understand that there are a lot of competing interests relative to work that must and should be done, and we are committed to a comprehensive process with ample community input. Another important area that will require much time and attention is with our teachers. Their contract expires in June of 2016. We intend to begin contract negotiations this fall with the goal of reaching consensus on major issues (while being responsible to the community) by early spring. Several other bargaining units will also be negotiating this and next year. These relationships, both at the group and personal levels, are important components of our district’s and children’s success, and we want to continue these strong and mutually beneficial connections. Finally, we want to wish each of you the best in the coming year with your children, your grandchildren and your families. Our wonderful teachers, principals and staff are looking forward to meeting all of our wonderful students.
Back to School – FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015
Scarsdale Foundation helps grads in need
THE SCARSDALE INQUIRER | PAGE 19A
Scarsdale Parent Teacher Council serves schools
The Scarsdale Parent Teacher The Scarsdale Foundation awarded Council (PT Council), the umbrella $110,000 in scholarship monies for the organization of the seven Scarsdale 2015-16 academic year. These needPTA units, looks forward to the 2015based grants, awarded annually to college students who have graduated from 16 school year and the council’s anScarsdale High School or were Scarsdale nual events. residents during their high school years, Each year, the PT Council sponare intended to offset some of the college sors a variety of speakers and proexpenses of students who are going into grams on parenting, education and their sophomore, junior and senior years. current issues, in addition to several In the face of spiraling tuition costs, community events. Three general paying for college is becoming more of meetings followed by speaker prea struggle for many Scarsdale families sentations are planned for October, with special circumstances. A signifiJanuary and April. cant number of scholarship applications The PT Council is also excited come from single parent families facing to offer for the first time a districteconomic setbacks, while others are wide STEAM Day. The event will be from students whose parents have lost held on Nov. 14 at Scarsdale Middle jobs or whose savings for college have School for students in fourth, fifth been eroded or wiped out by business and sixth grades. STEAM Day 2015 losses or devastating health care setwill be similar in style to the PT backs. Council’s Young Writers’ Workshop In order to meet the growing need for (YWW), but will focus on workshops scholarship assistance in the commuinvolving science, technology, ennity, the foundation accepts specially gineering, art and math. Organizers earmarked donations in addition to doare busy working to make this event nations that can be made to its general enjoyable and rewarding. If you endowment fund. Foundation trustees would like to help, email scarsdaencourage philanthropic Scarsdale famleptcouncil@gmail.com. ilies to make a tax-deductible donation Planning is also under way for the for student scholarships, the general PT Council’s highly regarded annual fund or even a bequest directly to the Young Writers’ Workshop, which will foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, by be run in late winter and is open to contacting Scarsdale Foundation, PO third-, fourthand fifth-grade stuBox 542, or by contacting president Evdents. Now in its 21st year, YWW elyn Stock at em.stock87@gmail.com. celebrates the art of writing and feaYou may learn more about the foundation at www.scarsdalefoundation.org. RCS_Spring 2014_9.833x6.667_Layout 1 7/16/14 11:19 AM Page 1
tures sessions led by talented professionals. The PT Council’s annual Sports Swap will take place shortly after YWW in the early spring. Donated gently used sports equipment, bicycles, musical instruments and formal wear are collected and then sold with proceeds used to help support the PT Council’s programs and events. Of course, planning community events like these is much easier because of the PT Council-coordinated Scarsdale community calendar, which is sponsored by Houlihan Lawrence, Platinum Drive Realty and Scarsdale Security Systems. The community calendar is mailed to residents in August and is also available online at http://www.scarsdaleschools.org/Page/12996. The online calendar will be updated throughout the year. In addition to these annual events, the PT Council encourages and facilitates the sharing of information, ideas and common concerns among PTA leaders and the schools. The PT Council executive committee meets monthly with the Scarsdale schools superintendent and sends representatives to Scarsdale Board of Education meetings and budget discussions. It stays closely involved with the budget process and its legislation committee is constantly at
work examining current issues on a county and statewide level and advocating for change where needed. PT Council committee volunteers also support PTA initiatives and programs ranging from sustainability and health to after-school clubs and multicultural programming. Finally, the PT Council will continue its involvement with administrators and the Scarsdale Teachers Association in clarifying communication pathways and supporting constructive conversations between parents and teachers. The 2015-16 PT Council executive committee includes four officers, as well as the PTA presidents: Karen Ceske, president; Kathleen Campbell, vice president; Tracy McCarthy, secretary; Seema Jaggi, treasurer; Margaret Smith, Scarsdale High School; Diane Baylor, Scarsdale Middle School; Liz Massey and Katie Rich, Edgewood; Dalya Khan, Fox Meadow; Lynn Marvin, Greenacres; Kerry Hayes, Heathcote; and Leah Dembitzer, Quaker Ridge. For more information about the Scarsdale PT Council, visit http:// www.scarsdaleschools.k12.ny.us/ page/392 or email scarsdaleptcouncil@gmail.com.
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Rippowam Cisqua School is a coeducational, independent country day school for students in Grades PreK through Nine.
PAGE 20A | THE SCARSDALE INQUIRER
FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015
– Back to School
School Reports
Educated and engaged are key in Edgemont By Dr. Victoria S. Kniewel Edgemont Schools Superintendent
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hose of us who were living in the tri-state area during the 1970s will probably remember television commercials for Syms clothing store. They featured the store’s proprietor, Sy Syms, who inevitably ended each spot by telling the viewer, “An educated consumer is our best customer.” His meaning was clear: the more you know about what constitutes quality and value in clothing, the more likely you would be to be enthusiastic about our store and to shop with us. The term “engagement” is heard frequently in educational circles. We say we want students to be engaged in their learning. But what does that mean? What does “engagement” look like in the classroom? Most of us can probably remember some class in high school or college where the teacher droned on, reading from a pad of yellowing note pages, rarely looking up at his or her students. The students, in turn, would sit attentively, eyes on the front of the room, perhaps nodding in agreement from time to time and jotting a few notes — all the while their minds some place far, far away from the classroom and the subject. In contrast, most of us probably also
remember a different class, one where we were disappointed when the bell rang and the class ended. The teacher seemed interested in what we had to say and every fact or answer led to two or three new questions. It was a class of conversations — conversations between teacher and students, among students, and, perhaps most importantly, within ourselves. Those conversations continued long after the bell and may have even kept us up at night. This, more than the professor with the yellowing legal pad, represents our vision for engagement in Edgemont — not just student engagement, but the way that we seek to engage with the community at large. We believe that educated consumers — parents, community members and students who are connected with Edgemont and know what’s going on — will indeed be the best “customers” as we enter into the 2015-16 school year. An engaged student and an engaged community member should be able to answer the three questions I like to pose to students and teachers when I visit their classrooms: “What are we doing? Why are we doing it? How will you know we’re doing a good job?” As you may be aware, Edgemont is in the process of launching its strategic plan for 2015-18. This plan was created through a process of engagement
with all stakeholders in the community. I spent time hearing people’s concerns at neighborhood association meetings. We surveyed teachers, parents and students to understand their feelings and hopes for Edgemont. A broad-based committee of teachers, administrators, parents, board members and students spent two days drafting the broad goals of the plan, which include: 1) Provide infrastructure, equitable access, professional learning and technical support for the integration of technology to promote creativity, collaboration, communication and critical thinking. 2) Create authentic opportunities to foster students’ understanding of their roles as local and global citizens. 3) Develop purposeful structures and allocate time to link collaborative professional development to student needs. All three goals speak to the broader vision of deep student engagement and are embedded in a lens which perhaps embodies our definition of engagement — the lens through which we view all work is to systemically provide a culture of learning that reflects each student’s needs, interests, abilities and voice for the academic and social-emotional development of the whole child. Since those goals were adopted, three teams have been working to create action plans for achieving each goal. Ap-
propriately, it has been a process of “adult” engagement. We have shared, debated, reflected and brainstormed together through a process of dialogue that has been simultaneously challenging and exciting. We will be spending the first half of the 2015-16 school year bringing these action plans into sharper focus. It is important to differentiate the community engagement we seek from the type of whoever-speaks-loudest involvement we sometimes read about in the regional news. Words like “partnership,” “dialogue” and “collaboration” describe the interaction we seek with Edgemont families. We all want to do what is best for Edgemont students, even if we don’t always agree on exactly what that is. Reaching consensus on “the right way forward” requires learning together, listening to one another and being supportive. We strive every day to spark engagement with our students. In 2015-16, our focus on engaging with the community will take a number of forms: • Improving communication: Last year we opened the Infinite Campus Parent Portal for EHS parents and began to make greater use of blast emails to keep parents informed about events and news Continued on next page
Back to School – FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015 Continued from previous page
in the schools. In 2015-16, we will continue to look at ways to use technology to help all Edgemont stakeholders remain abreast of what is going on. Look for new articles and resources on the district and school websites, follow us on Twitter (@edgemontsupt) and look for regular email blasts to parents with news items and important school information. • Parent engagement: Parents, teachers and administrators are partners in educating Edgemont students. We have always tried to use parent nights and other forums to provide information on effective parenting strategies and to keep parents in the loop about what is happening in the schools and current trends in education. We are working with the PTA and PTSA to develop additional programming for 2015-16 to support greater collaboration with parents. Of course, engagement is a two-way street. As we will work to provide additional opportunities for Edgemont community members to get involved, we hope you will take advantage of them by attending, listening, learning, reading and speaking: • Attend events: Listen and learn at board of education meetings, parent nights, open houses, classroom events, celebrations like E-Day and events sponsored by the PTA, PTSA, Edgemont School Foundation and Edgemont Scholarship Council. • Read and respond to emails and other resources: As we try to make more information available via blast e-mails, the school and district websites and Twitter, we ask that parents and community
THE SCARSDALE INQUIRER | PAGE 21A
members take time to read them and educate themselves about our evolving strategic plan and the many exciting things that are happening in the schools. As importantly, we want you to know that our “electronic door” is always open and we encourage you to ask questions, offer feedback and make suggestions. • Respond to surveys: We frequently send electronic surveys to community members and parents. Some recent examples include surveys connected to the strategic plan, a technology survey and surveys to assist in the hiring of a new director of pupil personnel services and athletic director. Surveys like these become more valuable and credible as the response rate increases. We review these survey data carefully and take the information they provide very seriously. Please take the time to make your voice heard when we send out similar requests during the 2015-16 school year. Community involvement has been a hallmark of the Edgemont culture for a long time. I appreciate the many voices over the last two years that have contributed to our decision-making around issuing the bond, exceeding the tax cap and crafting our strategic plan. I trust that 2015-16 will be a year of deep, meaningful learning for our students and our “educated consumers” as well, one that leads to growth for members of the community individually and for the school district as a whole. We look forward to expanding our engagement with the community in 2015-16 in order to keep Edgemont moving forward and growing forward during these challenging times for public education.
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E Club set for homecoming, sports banquets and more The E Club is the parent-run athletics booster club for the Edgemont Junior/Senior High School. E Club enhances the experience of Edgemont athletes by providing many of the resources they need to compete. What does the E Club do? Here are just some of the things: • Supports athletics, grades 7-12 • Purchases new team uniforms • Provides ongoing fitness center updates • Renovated new team locker rooms • Sells Panther gear spirit wear and refreshments • Organizes and staffs E Day for grades k-6 • Provides homecoming lights, decorations and spirit wear • Updated athletic trainer room • Pays for indoor court practice time • Purchased new wrestling mats • Organizes and subsidizes Senior Athletes’ Banquet • Supports Dave Kintzing Basketball Tournament and other special athletic events • Purchased scoreboards, scorer’s table and team chairs. The E Club meets the first Wednesday of every month from Sept. 2
through June 1, from 7:30-8:30 p.m. at the team meeting room. Volunteers and donations help provide the student-athletes with the best experience possible. Contact E Club president Marianne Chao at mariannelchao@gmail.com.
Key dates for this year include: Homecoming: Sept. 10, 4:30 p.m., girls’ swimming vs. Bronxville at Marymount College; Sept. 11, 7 p.m., football vs. Ardsley; Sept. 12, 7 p.m., field hockey vs. Irvington; Sept. 16, 4:30 p.m., cross-country vs. Sleepy Hollow; Sept. 17 or 18, 7 p.m., boys’ soccer vs. Irvington; Sept. 18, 4:15 p.m., girls’ tennis vs. Bronxville; Sept. 18, 6 p.m., volleyball vs. Palisade Prep; and Sept. 19, 7 p.m., girls’ soccer vs. Scarsdale B. Sports Awards/Banquet: Nov. 5, 6 p.m., fall varsity sports awards at EHS; Feb. 25, 2016, 6 p.m. winter varsity sports awards at EHS; June 2, 2016, 6 p.m., spring varsity sports awards at EHS; and June 14, 2016, 6:30 p.m., Senior Athletes’ Banquet at Scarsdale Golf Club. E Day: June 4, 2016, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at EHS.
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PAGE 22A | THE SCARSDALE INQUIRER
FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015
Edgemont PTSA: an exciting year ahead The Edgemont PTSA is an active volunteer organization that brings parents, teachers and students together to support and enrich the Edgemont Jr.-Sr. High School community. The PTSA is excited to have funded a new student area in the guidance department. It will provide seating for group and individual work plus areas to recharge electronics. The area was designed by Edgemont student Luke Pottenger. For the upcoming year the PTSA has a new program happening in the spring called College Student Experts. The PTSA, in conjunction with the Edgemont High School guidance department, will invite back Edgemont graduates who have completed at least one year of college to share their experiences with students. This insider’s guide will hopefully help students make informed choices and feel more prepared when headed off to college. The Edgemont PTSA will be hosting for the second time a Halloween Pooch Parade. This fundraiser for the PTSA also includes a costume contest for our furry friends, so dress up your dogs and join in the fun. The event will take place on Oct. 25 at 2 p.m. at Crane’s Pond in Old Edgemont. In addition to the above new items, the PTSA continues to provide valuable programming. There will be two parent forums in the upcoming school year, Oct. 6 and April 27. The spring parent forum will focus on safe driving
and will be mandatory attendance for all juniors seeking a parking pass the following year and their parents. This important forum, Hang Up and Drive, led by Jacy Good and Steve Johnson, advocates for cell-free roads, and will be open to all Edgemont community members as well. Partnership for Learning Differences will also host several forums. These forums will focus on support for parents of children with special education services and accommodations, but will also provide valuable information for all interested. The dates will be Nov. 19, Feb. 25 and May 26 in the EHS library. The PTSA also keeps the EHS community informed by sending out weekly email blasts, posting on the Edgemont Jr.-Sr. High School PTSA Facebook page and updating the EdgemontPTSA.org website. Edgemont’s PTSA recognizes and appreciates the efforts of the Edgemont faculty, staff and administration. To that end, the PTSA holds a welcome back breakfast and appreciation lunches. The Edgemont PTSA continues to provide funding for student education, teacher education, supplies, communication and community traditions. The community is asked to support those efforts by joining, making a donation or volunteering. The PTSA conducts several fundraising initiatives throughout the year. In addition
to membership dues, the biggest fundraiser is the Spring Fete, held in conjunction with the Edgemont PTA. This year, the fete will be held on April 30. There are also fundraising efforts online and through local merchants. Mention the Edgemont PTSA when making purchases at DeCicco’s in Scarsdale and check the website for additional opportunities to support the PTSA through local merchants. Be sure to start your Amazon searches and make your purchases through the PTSA/Amazon links. ACE, Arts and Cultural Enrichment in Edgemont, a subcommittee of the PTSA, continues to provide funding for the arts. Among other things, ACE has provided much needed supplies for the art department and has helped with funding for the theatrical performances and field trips. This subcommittee is comprised of people with an interest in the arts and all who wish to join. Their meetings are listed in the Blue Book. For the month of September, the PTSA will host the following events: Sept. 10 at 7:30 p.m.: Seventh Grade Parent Welcome Night; Sept. 17, at 6:30 p.m.: PTSA Reception for Back to School Night; and Sept. 24, during student lunch periods: PTSA Activities Fair. Find out more about the Edgemont PTSA by visiting EdgemontPTSA. org and liking Edgemont Jr.-Sr. High School PTSA on Facebook.
– Back to School
Center for local teens and more The Center @ 862, Scarsdale’s center for teens, has a fantastic year ahead, full of new and different programs, kicking off the year with a back-to-school celebration in September. Center @ 862 has a number of after-school programs planned: a film-making academy for budding movie-makers, bab ysitter training courses and a new, exciting event where students meet and greet some of their favorite online celebs, as well as the Citizens Ambulance Corp Academy, Citizens Police Academy and Citizens Firefighter Academy. Center @ 862 continues to offer entrepreneurial hosting and promoting opportunities for teens looking to organize and run special events and parties at the center. Plans are in the works for another communitywide Halloween event. The center and its new outdoor deck are open for lounge hours Monday-Thursday, 3-6 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 2-11 p.m. Space is also available to rent for private events. For more information, call 7228358 or email info@scarsdaleteencenter.com. Visit www.thecenter862.com.
Explore Our 21st Century Approach To Jewish Values And Tradition
Scarsdale Synagogue is an inclusive Reform Jewish congregation that respects Tradition and looks to the future. We welcome all who seek to journey with the Jewish People Here’s why our synagogue may be just what you are looking for:
COME VISIT We would love to welcome you
• Building relationships is at the core of our mission • A variety of dynamic worship opportunities • Our inspiring clergy—Rabbi Jeffrey C. Brown and Cantor Chanin Becker • Innovative Religious education for children and adults • Mazel Tots Pre-School Programs—Jody Glassman, Director
2 Ogden Road, Scarsdale, NY 10583 Call or email Executive Director, Roberta Aronovitch 914-725-5175 or roberta@sstte.org
• Come see our beautiful new state of the art playground
www.sstte.org
• Meet our new Director of Religious Education, Rabbi Ilyse Glickman
• Youth engagement programs for all ages—Sarah Metzger, Director • Commitment to Lifelong Learning and Tikkun Olam (Social Action)
Hineinu—We Are Here, Creating a Covenant Community of Shared Lives And Real Relationships
Back to School – FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015
THE SCARSDALE INQUIRER | PAGE 23A
Back-to-School
Goodbye summer (vacation), hello fall (fashion)! By Mary Legrand
At Indigo Chic in Hartsdale, Taylor, left, wearing a sweater from Nally & Millie, jeans by My Tribe and Steve Madden Boots. Madison, right, sporting a top by Chaser, sweater jacket by Nally & Millie and shoes by Ashe.
Continued on page 24A
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T
he phrase “Back to School” means many things to parents and their kids. For some, it means a return to regular routines, like going to bed earlier in the evening and getting up earlier in the morning. For others, it means needing to get into the habit of wearing something other than a variety of summertime tees, shorts and bathing suits. Merchants throughout Westchester are more than happy to help outfit kids of all ages so they look their best in the classroom and on the playground. And the coolest trends for back-to-school fashion are first and foremost on the minds of merchants. Phyllis Samuels of Neil’s, which has locations in Mount Kisco and Scarsdale, says comfort is important these days. “Everything is super-soft, with brushed stretch fabrics that feel unbelievable when they’re being worn,” she said. “Kids are tactile crazy these days — if a seam doesn’t feel good they don’t want to wear it.” Using that basic advice as a jumping off point, SamuAnnabelle looks great in Gap overalls and a Jacadi top from the Preppy Turtle in Bedford Hills.
PAGE 24A | THE SCARSDALE INQUIRER
FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015
– Back to School
BTS Fashion
Hello Fall!
➊ At Lester’s in Rye Brook, boys look stellar in a Quiksilver plaid shirt and logo tee, and Hudson Slim Jeans. For the girls, a Rebel Yell sienna rainbow zip-up, track and field madison raglan and rainbow zoe sweatpant, plus a Butter emoji tote.
➋ ➋ Juliette, left, wearing a plaid cardigan from Cozy Casual, rip skinny jeans from Kan Can and a cami tank from Zenana Outfitters and Caroline, right, is rocking a thermal hoodie from Vintage Havana and black leggings from PopShop Style at PopShop Style in Dobbs Ferry.
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els added that the “hot statement print for girls is the emoji — anything with an emoji is hot right now; they’re everywhere.” Leggings are being offered in lots of prints — denim, snake and space-dyed, even striated. The high-low silhouette in tops is back again, stronger than ever, Samuels said, and a perfect match with leggings, mostly because the longer back “covers the tush.” Boys still prefer wearing sports-related clothing. “It’s all about the players, and everyone wants dry-fit,” Samuels said, adding that bright colors — orange, teal and bright blue — are popular for late summer and early fall. Zip-front hoodies complete the look when boys are wearing sweatpants. Jon Shapiro, founder of Mixology Clothing, headquartered in New York City and with a shop in Rye Brook, said high school and college girls are his business’s most loyal and vibrant customers. He’s seeing “lots of sued, fringe and flare denim for this season’s students,” adding, “Color palettes range from olives to burgundies, but black is always essential.” Once again, comfort is key. “The hand of the garment must speak to the customer and be stylish and easy to wear and style,” Shapiro said. “We are launching a full and dynamic ‘athleisure’ collection in all our locations and have an exciting partnership with Rebecca Minkoff to launch their athletic collection.” As for trends, Mixology’s Shapiro says that “boho chic is still hot. Hats are unconstructed and wide, and jewelry is trending towards spirituality. Dainty rings adorn hands this season.” Returning fashion trends include denim, with dresses, overalls and skirts all being shown. “The ’70s inspiration is being felt at retail,” Shapiro said. At LF Scarsdale, stylist and store manager Allison Batty said she is seeing a lot of the soft bell bottoms as “a big trend for the summer continuing through the fall. There are cool patterns, also a lot of new fabrics, different ribs and textures.” Crop tops “are coming back,” according to Batty, being paired with lowerand higher-rise pants, “making for two different looks — showing more skin or covering up more.” What Batty calls “border prints” are “almost a pattern within a pattern, emphasize animal prints, florals and paisleys amid thick stripes.” Favorite colors are deeper for the late summer and early fall, including maroon, olive and burnt orange. New trends include dressing rompers in different patterns and shapes, Batty said. For the colder weather the rompers could be paired with leggings for additional warmth, but in the transitional season when the weather can still be warm, rompers are perfect with knee socks. Accessories making fashion statements this season are layered bracelets and “rings on every finger,” Batty said,
COURTESY OF LESTER'S
Continued from page 23A
➌ At the Preppy Turtle in Bedford Hills, Caitlin is ready for school in a Chaps plaid top and Gap jean skirt. ➍ Elenore is wearing a dress from Mini Boden at the Preppy Turtle in Bedford Hills.
Back to School – FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015
adding that coin necklaces and jewelry with “really big stones including chunky quartz” are very hot. Jessica Harris, owner of & James in Katonah, offers fashionable and comfortable clothing for the younger students. One trend she’s seeing is for “bright and bold colors, vivid graphic prints,” while on the other hand there is still strong demand for natural fabrics and earth tones. “It seems like companies are either going one way or the other,” Harris said. “Our shop is mostly traditional, but we also add the fashion pieces. Children have such a point of view, especially the girls, and they want to mix and match.” Harris says she emphasizes clothing that’s age-appropriate at & James, knowing that’s what parents want for their kids. “We don’t offer things that are too short or too tight,” she said, and her shop is very popular as a result. “Never in a million years did I think it would be as busy as it is. I’m satiating a need that’s out there. Parents and grandparents are hungry for good products at the right price.” Julie Zegras, owner of Bubble & Tweet in Bedford Village, offers infant sizes all the way up to size 14. She also carries women’s clothing. “Fall fashion trends are cozy sweaters, jeans, plaid shirts and casual tees for the 7 to 14 age group,” she said. “For the younger sizes 2T to 6X there are leggings with fun tunics and dresses.” Once again, comfort is at the top of everyone’s fashion wish list. “For example, I carry Vintage Havana, which has a lot of fleece sweatshirts and sweatpants with fun prints or solids,” Zegras said. “I don’t carry a lot of accessories for kids other than tights — fun printed tights are always a big hit.” As far as trends go, “Bubble & Tweet doesn’t get too trendy,” Zegras said. “I try to have a nice balance of classic pieces that can work with a few trendy pieces. I find I have to keep a balance to make moms and kids happy. Kids these days have such an opinion on what they want to wear, so I find moms and kids making a lot of compromises.” Maisha Stephens-Teacher, owner of Yummy Yummie Goodness in Hastings-on-Hudson, carries clothing for newborns to size 14. She’s seeing a lot of prints and vibrant colors, along with hipster harem pants and furry outerwear. “Most of our designers use 100 percent cotton and
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THE SCARSDALE INQUIRER | PAGE 25A
➑
➎ Ready to read, Ava models a Gap skirt and a les Parrotinez top from the Preppy Turtle in Bedford Hills.
➏ At the Preppy Turtle in Bedford Hills, Nyla, left, is wearing a Gymboree dress, Erin, right, a Bon Point jumper and a Gap jacket.
➏ ➐ Taylor sports Blank Jeans, a James Perse tank, BB Dakota jacket and Edelman boots at Indigo Chic in Hartsdale.
➐ ➑ Caroline, left, is wearing a PopShop Style hoodie and Celebrity Pink jeans, while Juliette goes with the striped sweater from Tea n Rose and Celebrity Pink jeans from PopShop Style in Dobbs Ferry.
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Continued on page 26A
PAGE 26A | THE SCARSDALE INQUIRER
FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015
– Back to School
BTS Fashion
Hello Fall!
➒ At the Preppy Turtle in Bedford Hills, Zoey is wearing a Tea dress and William looks great in a shirt from the Gap and shorts by Charlie Rocket.
➓ ➓ Caroline struts in a burgundy dress by Poetry from PopShop Style in Dobbs Ferry.
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are really big on quality fabrics where the color is maintained and the garments retain their shape,” Stephens-Teacher said. “The hipster harem trend is a comfy look hitting the fashion scene heavy this fall.” Designers are having fun with accessories Stephens-Teacher said: “The colors are vibrant for tights, and look for hats that look like masks, plus fun headphone-like earmuffs. Shoes are beautiful in colored leathers — no more boring basic browns, blacks and blues!” Returning fashions are hooded, oversized capes and hooded vests, which “are continually being made unisex, which is great if you have multiple kids to pass along items to. The jeans are also unisex.” Clearly there will be no problem getting children outfitted and looking their best for school. All would be perfect if the merchants could also help parents figure out how to wake their kids up extra-early and get them to the bus stop on time — that would solve a lot of family issues during the first few weeks of classes!
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Continued from page 25A
Madison is happy in a Lola & Sophie top, J. Brand jeans, Dolce Vita boots and a bag by Brave from Indigo Chic in Hartsdale.
Come For an Hour or Stay for the Day!
Enrollment for 2016-17 begins in November
• Nursery School Classes for Toddlers, 2s, 3s & 4s • Extended Day Lunch and Enrichment Options for 3s & 4s • Mini-Camp and Summer Play Place • Free Weekly Babies & Bagels Play Group • PJ Library Susan Tolchin, Director WRT Early Childhood Center, 255 Mamaroneck Road, Scarsdale 914-723-5493 • www.wrtemple.org • sue.tolchin@wrtemple.org
• Weekly Pre-school Programs • Seasonal & special events for all ages • Nature’s Discovery Playground • Live animal museum open daily (Closed Fridays) • Birthday parties, camps, and classes year around
99 Dromore Road, Scarsdale, NY 10583 914.723.3470 • www.greenburghnaturecenter.org A nature preserve and so much more!
Back to School – FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015
THE SCARSDALE INQUIRER | PAGE 27A
Lifelong learners attend Scarsdale Adult School Scarsdale Forum Scarsdale Adult School is a proven source of quality adult education. Nourishing the mind, body and soul, SAS boasts a wide array of humanities courses as well as computer, photography, personal finance, arts and crafts, fitness, card and board games, cooking, health/wellness and selfimprovement classes. Registration for the fall semester is already under way, with staggered start dates throughout the semester for fun and enrichment all season long. Class locations, days and times vary by course, but all are housed in venues in or convenient to Scarsdale. Classes are open to all, regardless of residency, and courses fill on a first-come, first-served basis. The fall semester promises an opportunity to: explore the history of food fads, indulge your passion for “Porgy and Bess” or “Fiddler on the Roof,” study music theory, learn about the Northern Renaissance, compare surrealists Salvador Dali and René Magritte or improve your foreign language skills with French, Italian, Spanish or Mandarin. Book discussion groups abound with a focus on the newly published “Go Set a Watchman” by Harper Lee, “The Nightingale” by Kristin Hannah, three works by Kent Haruf and specially crafted courses devoted to Shakespeare, Rousseau and Dickens. Art appreciation instructors will lead guided walking tours through the Bushwick Collective in Brooklyn and the art galleries of Chelsea and Soho. Noteworthy hot topics this term include: • Dixie Rising: Old Times There Are Not Forgotten with Alfred Hunt • A Tudor Court with Lorella Brocklesby
• Shattering Stereotypes: Renaissance Jewish Women with Andrée Aelion Brooks • Present Day China with Marjorie C. Miller • Comparative Religion: Jewish and Christian Readings from the Same Scripture with Michael Malina • Movie Matinees: Going Behind the Scenes with Marilyn DeRight. In its growing technology department, SAS offers courses specific to iPads, iPhones, iPods and apps. Make the most of your next job search and maintain connections to family and friends with new courses on LinkedIn and social media. Photoshop, digital photography and storage of digital photos appeal to those with a passion for cameras. Personal finance courses cover longterm care planning, ever-changing estate
THERE’S MORE TO
tax laws, maximizing Social Security, fixed income securities and making the most of your charitable giving. Learn from the experts how to research your family tree, keep your home clutter-free and plan your activities in retirement. Aspiring performers can be swept up by the joy of singing or learning to play guitar. Become a better writer, master the art of poetry or illustrate children’s books. Arts and crafts opportunities include drawing, knitting and painting. New this semester will be lessons in calligraphy, crochet and needlepoint. Fitness and dance classes run the gamut from A (aerobic fit blast) to Z (zumba), including ballet, ballroom, Latin dancing, body sculpting, intense body conditioning, walk live, pilates and yoga. Hone your bridge game or take up canasta or mah-jongg. Learn to relax through meditation. Delve into sports psychology or learn how to coach a young athlete. Join the new Moms’ Morning to Mingle discussion group or learn to talk so your teens will listen. All these classes and many more will be starting before the leaves begin to turn. With both day and evening classes, SAS has something to fit everyone’s schedule. The new fall catalog should have arrived in your mail already and is posted on the adult school website. Extra printed catalogs are available at the Scarsdale Public Library and village hall. Visit www.ScarsdaleAdultSchool.org to register, to sign up for the monthly electronic newsletter or for additional information about the dynamic fall lineup. Call 723-2325 with questions.
provides a voice The Scarsdale Forum plays a unique role in Scarsdale Village. Staffed entirely by dedicated volunteers, the forum truly is “Our Community Voice.” The forum offers a wide variety of programs to the entire community, including family-friendly events, sustainability programs and a great community lecture series. Those interested in village government can join one or more committees such as Village Fiscal Affairs, Scarsdale Schools, Tax Revaluation, County Fiscal Affairs, Sustainability, Neighborhood Character, or Historic Preservation. The website www.scarsdaleforum. com contains current reports produced and approved by forum membership, as well as archived reports from past years. It also lists the schedule of upcoming meetings and events. Membership meetings are open to the community. The popular Sunday Speaker Series will feature nationally renowned leaders from a variety of areas such as medicine, the arts and politics. We especially wish to invite students and their families to these informative and enlightening events. Mark your calendar for the eighth annual membership party on Feb. 6, 2016 (snow date Feb. 7). Join the Scarsdale Forum: get involved, make new friends, be informed, express your views and help shape your village, county and schools.
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at Woodlands Community Temple GAN HAYELED
For 3 and 4 year olds, parents, grandparents, and/or caregivers, one Saturday morning each month, starting in October
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PAGE 28A | THE SCARSDALE INQUIRER
FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015
Scarsdale § Edgemont Family Counseling
STEP:
Checking in vs. checking off
Summer joining us this fall
By Lauren Pomerantz, LCSW
that parents need to be silent — in fact, “Checking in” with teens can someactive participation helps teens know times be shocking. Teens may reveal you are engaged, but parents need to parts of their lives that parents were exercise restraint and not share their unaware of or indicates involvement in he world is full of distractions point of view too quickly. Doing so typi- risky behavior. If this occurs, try and stay and parents and teens lead busy cally signals the end of the discussion. calm and engaged and obtain as much lives. Conversations with high Active listening is the act of showing information as possible. A suggested school age teens can easily be- your teen that they have your undivided response may be, “I didn’t know that come content driven and revolve around attention. Reflecting back parts of the about you. How long have you been schedules, deadlines, grades and study conversation and asking clarifying ques- involved?” The more emotionally manhabits. While the “Who? What? Where?” tions are all ways to show you are acaged a parent can remain, the longer questions and their answers are impor- tively listening. “You mean Sue and Sara the conversation is likely to continue. tant, parents can miss some important are not friends anymore? How do you If an emotional reaction occurs, revisit opportunities to connect if those are the feel about that?” Try not to be distracted the conversation when calmer. Parents only questions being asked. It’s impor- by your phones, texts and emails. can use their conversations to establish tant for parents to “check in” emotionally Emotional validation is recognizing boundaries, discuss values, offer opinwith their teens and be cautious to not and verbalizing the emotional impact ions and restate their expectations. get lost in the high school “checklist.” what your teen is telling you may have We are expanding So this year, enjoy the time with your Research shows that parental direc- upon them. Validating a teen’s emotions our already popular teen and remember to “check in” regution has a powerful effect on the re- Dance programminghelps teens feel underor experiences larly. Time moves fast and before you for all ages with duction of risk behavior in adolescents. stood. “That must have been hard for additional studio Because of a limited ability for abstract you. How will you handle that?” If you know it they will be graduating. reasoning during adolescence, teens did not reflect accurately, don’t worry, Scarsdale § Edgemont Family Counbenefit from clear preventive guidance your teen will know you’re trying. seling Service’s (SFCS) youth outreach by parents and a strong effort to continQuestions are allowed — just try to workers are available to middle and high ue communication in the child-parent avoid questions that can for be answered Great Programs the Whole Family school age teens and their families durrelationship. with “yes” or “no” orJCC “fine.” it like at the of “What’s Mid-Westchester ing the school year and summer months. Parents can avoid the checklist trap by for you to be around alcohol?” is differIn addition, youth outreach workers lead spending a few un-interrupted minutes ent than “Was there alcohol at the parparent support groups for parents of each day with their teen and practicing ty?” “What makes you happy?” or “What being emotionally present. Active listen- makes you feel good about yourself?” is children in grades 6-12. If you are interested in joining a group or would like to ing, emotional validation and posing different than “How was school?” Try not thoughtful open-ended questions can to accept “I don’t know” as an answer. If learn more about SFCS, contact Lauren ARTS and ask FITNESS help conversations with teens go be- EDUCATION it occurs, rephraseCULTURAL the question Pomerantz at 721-2468 or at lpomer• Art Nursery School including • Sports & Fitness Center • Dance swim and • Pool yond the one word responses. It’s not weekly antz@sfcsinc.org. again. Scarsdale § Edgemont Family Counseling Service
Scarsdale welcomes Summer Montileaux as its newest Scarsdale STEP (Student Transfer Education Plan) scholar. Drs. Elissa and Scott Bookner and their family will welcome Montileaux, from Porcupine, S.D., into their home for the next two years as she joins Scarsdale High School’s junior class as its newest STEP scholar. Montileaux, a member of the Lakota Oglala Sioux tribe from the Pine Ridge Reservation, joins Dontavius Holmes of Memphis, who is STEP’s rising senior. Holmes resides with Bettina and Michael Klein. STEP’s 2015 graduate, Robert Lee, also of Memphis, lived with Nan and Lee Berke and their sons. Lee will attend Vanderbilt University as a recipient of the prestigious Ingram Scholarship. The scholarship program supports students who demonstrate a willingness and ability to combine a successful business or professional career with a lifelong commitment to finding solutions to critical problems facing modern society. STEP is an independent community program that identifies promising students of color and/or Native American heritage, and enables them to attend Scarsdale High School for their junior and senior years. The program offers qualified students access to Scarsdale High School’s strong college preparatory program and extensive
T
gymnastics, early drop off/late pick up, extended day enrichment and more… Special Education, Pre-School and After-School/Weekend Enrichment programs
• Theatre • Bendheim Performing Arts Center • Jewish Culture and Learning
Register Today!
Early Childhood Our school provides a language-intensive, child-centered environment to promote learning • • • • •
17 months - 5 years Half & full day options Weekly swim instruction Afternoon enrichments Early morning drop-
• Gymnastics • Lunch Bunch • Chaperone children to other JCC programs
For more information and to schedule a tour, contact Julie Dorfman 914-472-7095 | dorfmanj@jccmw.org
WESTCHESTER MAGAZINE
Winner ~ 2010 • 2011 • 2012 • 2013 ~ “Best Place To Throw a Party”
• Swim Lessons • Swim Teams • Gymnastics • Youth Soccer • Baseball Clinic • Karate • Basketball League • Pilates • Zumba • Yoga • Personal Training
– Back to School
Continued on next page
One of Westchester’s most respected dance schools is growing! All levels of training offered for preschool through adults. NEW: classes in Modern, Contemporary, Ballet, Tap, Hip-Hop, plus Hip-Hop for boys. Most ballet classes feature live piano accompaniment.
PLUS • Summer Camps • Summer Center WeArts are expanding our alreadyGames popular • JCC Maccabi Dance programming • Triathlon Clinics/Club
JCC DanCe SChool
for all ages with additional studio
SAT/ACT www.jccmw.org prep courses Great Programs for the Whole Family 914-472-3300, x320 & seminars at the JCC of Mid-Westchester
Jayne Santoro, Dance Director JCC of Mid-Westchester
999 Wilmot Road • Scarsdale, NY 10583 Call today for a program guide or visit www.jccmw.org
999 Wilmot Road, Scarsdale • 914.472.3300
EDUCATION
CULTURAL ARTS
Special Education, Pre-School and After-School/Weekend Enrichment programs
Register Today!
Nursery School including weekly swim and gymnastics, early drop off/late pick up, extended day enrichment and more…
• • • •
Art Dance Theatre Bendheim Performing Arts Center • Jewish Culture and Learning
Early Childhood
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Our Parties are ALL INCLUSIVE !!! WWW.LIFETHEPLACETOBE.COM
914.591.4400 2 LAWRENCE STREET, ARDSLEY, NY 10502
Our school provides a language-intensive, child-centered environment to promote learning • • • • •
17 months - 5 years Half & full day options Weekly swim instruction Afternoon enrichments Early morning drop-
• Gymnastics • Lunch Bunch • Chaperone children to other JCC programs
For more information and to schedule a tour, contact Julie Dorfman 914-472-7095 | dorfmanj@jccmw.org
FITNESS
• Sports & Fitness Center • Pool • Swim Lessons • Swim Teams • Gymnastics • Youth Soccer • Baseball Clinic • Karate • Basketball League • Pilates • Zumba • Yoga • Personal Training
Kavita Kohli, DDS
PLUS • Summer Camps • Summer Arts Center • JCC Maccabi Games • Triathlon Clinics/Club
SAT/ACT prep courses & seminars
Board Certified Pediatric Dentist
Call today for a program guide or visit www.jccmw.org 999 Wilmot Road, Scarsdale • 914.472.3300
495 Central Park Avenue Suite 208 Scarsdale, NY 10583 www.rivertownspediatricdentistry.com 914-725-9620
Back to School – FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015 Continued from previous page
extracurricular activities, as well as the cultural and recreational resources of the New York metropolitan area. While in Scarsdale, each visiting student lives with a host family and is encouraged to become an integral part of the Scarsdale community. By offering students exposure to a different and challenging environment, STEP prepares them to take positions of leadership and responsibility in a multicultural society. Scarsdale’s STEP program was founded in 1966 by Scarsdale High School social studies teacher and resident historian Eric Rothschild, who continues to be active with STEP as a board member. Its original goal was to share the educational opportunities at Scarsdale High School with students from segregated Southern schools of limited resources. STEP’s most recent graduates attend Vanderbilt and Villanova Universities. Others have graduated from Lehigh, Carnegie Mellon, Emory, Fisk, Harvard, University of Pennsylvania, Ithaca, George Washington, Williams, Washington University and Yale. Former STEP students have continued their education at the graduate level, pursuing law, medical, business and Ph.D. degrees. Montileaux has received accolades for actions she has taken to promote issues of health and wellness in her Native American community. She is vice chairman of the Lakota Childrens Enrichment’s (LCE) Youth Council, which was founded by Scarsdale’s Maggie Dunne (class of 2009) while she was a sophomore at SHS. Montileaux was a 2014 Summer of Service Award winner by Youth Service America, an award that is funded by Disney ABC Television Group in collaboration with Disney Friends
THE SCARSDALE INQUIRER | PAGE 29A
for Change. She was 1 of 16 winners of a high school letter-writing competition in The New York Times in May 2015, in which she wrote about sexual abuse on the reservation. In July and August, she has been busy, attending an academic program at Bowdoin College, a science program in Los Angeles and notably, as a participant in the inaugural Tribal Youth Gathering in Washington, D.C., where she may have an opportunity to meet President and Mrs. Obama. Holmes was busy over the summer break as well. A three-season athlete with aspirations to earn degrees in engineering and law, he worked on the re-election campaign of Memphis Mayor A.C. Wharton Jr., for whose office he worked last summer. Holmes will continue his math studies independently and return to Scarsdale in mid-August to join the Raiders’ varsity football team. The Scarsdale community benefits from exchanges with these hard working individuals. STEP is a unique, nonprofit program supported solely by donations which are used for student-related expenses, and the pro bono services of professional tutors, coaches, mentors, doctors and dentists who assist the students and may inspire and guide them. As STEP approaches its 50th anniversary, it is encouraged by Scarsdale’s continuing support. By contributing generously, residents help Scarsdale invest in the future of these capable students. STEP accepts and appreciates any and all donations. Those interested in learning more about STEP, donating funds or services or becoming a host family, should contact STEP at info@ scarsdalestep.org or visit www.scarsdalestep.org.
Classes are filling up. Reserve your spot now.
Give Your Child a Great Start at the GHC Early Childhood Center We offer flexible program options for children age 2 or older by December 31st. Don't miss the opportunity to secure a spot for your child in one of the most sought after toddler programs around! Welcome to the GHC ECC, where your child will be nurtured, taught and valued by licensed, seasoned, skilled and caring teaching staff. Where the secular and Judaic play-based, hands-on curriculum will respond to your child's natural curiosity of learning and incorporates various learning styles.
Ask us about these special programs and more: • Differentiated instruction for 2s, 3s and 4s conducted by educators • Rabbi and Cantor led school events. • Afternoon enrichment of project-based learning through literacy, art, math, science, music and movement for threes and fours. • Mommy and Me classes offering pre-school preparation.
Contact us with any questions or to arrange a tour Amy Kessler, Director | 914-479-1421 eccdirector@g-h-c.org | www.g-h-c.org/ECC GHC Early Childhood Center • 515 Broadway • Dobbs Ferry, NY
At Soundview Prep, we’ll find your child’s road to success.
(Front): Christine Colonna, MSPT and Julliana Fernandez. (Back): Lynn Voeste, Barbara Schulz, Abigail Morgan and Ben Giampaglia, PT, MTC
OrthoCare Physical Therapy & Sports Rehabilitation is a well-equipped, outpatient orthopedic physical therapy facility, conveniently located on Saw Mill River Road in Ardsley. All therapists are licensed by New York State and continually update their manual therapy skills and knowledge base to provide their patients with proven and reliable treatment strategies. Patients are assigned to a primary physical therapist to assure continuity of care, and treatment plans are individually designed to meet each patient’s specific needs. We provide physical therapy for treatment of overuse and traumatic injuries including, but not limited to: tendonitis, bursitis, sprains and strains, fractures, cervical and lumbar dysfunctions and pre- and post-surgical care. We participate in most major insurance plans including Medicare, workers’ compensation and no-fault. Ample parking is available. At OrthoCare Physical Therapy & Sports Rehabilitation, we take great pride in the fact that our No. 1 priority has always been providing patients with superior physical therapy care. Hours: Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon.
OrthoCare
Physical Therapy & Sports Rehabilitation
www.orthocarept.net
1053 Saw Mill River Road, Ardsley • 693-2350
Families choose Soundview Prep because of its rigorous college preparatory curriculum, its strong music and art program, and its personalized learning community.
Soundview Preparatory School
370 Underhill Avenue, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 914 962-2780 • soundviewprep.org
You’re invited!
October Open Houses
Sunday, October 4 • 1 - 3 pm Thursday, October 15 • 9 - 11 am Sunday, October 25 • 1 - 3 pm
PAGE 30A | THE SCARSDALE INQUIRER
Back to School
FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015
– Back to School
Q Early Learning
Dynamic Kids, moves to dynamic space
Scarsdale’s valuable resource for little ones
Robbie Levy and the staff of Dynamic Kids are pleased, proud and excited to announce the opening of a new, larger location starting this month in Hartsdale at 210 N. Central Ave., Suite 340A. The new location, with ample parking, offers more space to better meet the needs of children and their families: additional gyms, additional private treatment rooms and more office space. In addition to occupational, physical and speech therapy Dynamic Kids will also offer new services and classes beginning this fall as part of a multidisciplinary approach. New services include music groups, infant massage, Reiki, parent support groups, tutoring and more. Stay tuned for continued updates. Call 428-5151, email admin@dynamickidsny.com or visit dynamickidsny.com
Kids’ BASE and the Little School continues to be a valuable resource for Scarsdale families. This not-for-profit community organization encompasses two programs, Kids’ BASE, a before-and-after school program for school-age children, and The Little School, a preschool program for 2-, 3- and 4-year-old children. Since 1982, Kids’ BASE has provided quality programming for children from kindergarten through fifth grade. The Breakfast Club begins at 7 a.m., and children can return to Kids’ BASE after school and remain until 6:30 p.m. Enrichment programs such as musical theater, Kids R Cooking, Mad Science and Applause Broadway Babies are also offered. Sports clinics and Chess Chums, under the guidance of coach Steve Stone and master chess champion Adnan Kobas, respectively, continue to be popular after-school activities. The Little School is accredited by National Association for the Education of Young Children and meets the rigorous standards for high quality curriculum, program development, teacher qualifications, health and safety, ongoing staff training and excellence in early childhood education. This is a nurturing, safe and developmentally appropriate preschool program. Music, gym, creative movement and The
St. James the Less nursery has more The nursery school at St. James the Less in Scarsdale has been in the forefront of providing high quality early childhood education since 1968. St James the Less Nursery School emphasizes the development of the whole child intellectually, socially, emotionally and physically and knows that children learn best through play. The school’s mission is to help children feel comfortable in their first school experience as they become
Art is important at St. James the Less Nursery School.
independent, self-confident learners. From September to June, the nursery school’s experienced, devoted staff guide children ages 2-4 in developing at their own pace in a fun and nurturing way that is individualized to each child. With a student to staff ratio ranging between 5:1 and 8:1, activities are designed to allow each child to explore, experiment and create. Activities include art, music, yoga, cooking, dramatic play, science, math, and fine and large motor play. The facilities include a spacious playground where children have the opportunity to play, climb, run and ride on a tricycle path. During inclement weather the staff utilizes the Great Hall for creative movement sessions and games. Special events and activities include the annual art and music show, parent and friend visiting days, community helpers visits (fire
fighters, health care professionals, police officers, etc.), Greenburgh Nature Center programs, Bruce Museum programs and holiday festivities such as a Halloween celebration, Thanksgiving feast and breakfast with Santa. The nursery school welcomes children of all cultural, ethnic and religious backgrounds in an effort to foster the diversity that makes up the community. There are limited openings in 2s for fall 2015. Applications for 2016-17 will be accepted starting Nov. 1, 2015. Additional learning opportunities include a threeweek extension program in June and sixweek summer program in July and August. The nursery school is located at 10 Church Lane (Crane Road at Church Lane). Contact director Cheryl Smith at 723-1018 or stjamesnursery1@verizon.net. Visit www.stjamesscarsdale.org.
Continued on next page
An Affordable Jewish Education for your child when you don’t belong to a Synagogue. Enroll your child now for the 2015-16 school year! The Children’s Jewish Education Group offers Jewish cultural studies for grades K-7, with emphasis on tradition, history and holidays. A professional teaching staff is supported by a parent co-op. Bar/Bat Mitzvah lessons available. Interfaith families welcome. Classes held Sunday mornings at Purchase College.
Call now for more information or visit our website:
Supported by
914-864-1267 www.cjeg.org
An affiliated member of the
Back to School – FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015 Continued from previous page
Nature of Things animal program are provided on a regular basis. The Little School also offers Breakfast Club and Extended Day options for working families. The Summer Scene program provides a fun-filled and rewarding seven-week summer session for 3- and 4-year-olds. The children participate in instructional and free swim at the Scarsdale Pool almost daily and are treated to various theme-related weekly specials like petting zoo, truck day, Mad Science, Weinberg Nature Center, creative movement and storyteller LuAnn Adams. For more information or to request an application, call 472-5409 or visit www. kbls.org.
ACNS has long history The Ardsley Community Nursery School has been serving families from the local area for more than 50 years with a fun-loving environment run by caring staff and a strong enrichment program consisting of music, dance and movement, nature study and Spanish. Recently, the Ardsley Historical Society declared ACNS the oldest nursery program in the area. ACNS maintains the outstanding quality of a nursery school from 9 a.m. until noon, and additionally offers limited spots in a variety of afternoon sessions. Early drop-off is available for working parents. Programs are offered for ages 2-5 years old. A three-week precamp program runs in June, and a sixweek summer camp program runs from the end of June through the first week in August.
THE SCARSDALE INQUIRER | PAGE 31A
Children learn through carefully planned play experiences that include songs; arts and crafts; language, phonemic awareness and literacy; science and exploration; computers; multicultural humanities; and independence and social skills. ACNS is New York State accredited and follows both the NYS and Common Core learning standards for preschool. The school curriculum centers around integrated activities based on weekly themes that reflect the interest of students, such as dinosaurs, outer space, the Wild West, circus, animals, oceans and farms. Fun days include Halloween and spring carnivals, Valentine’s Day brunch for parents, Thanksgiving feast, holiday puppet show, beach day and Chinese New Year parade. All cultures are celebrated. ACNS is diaper-friendly and has the ability to include children with special needs. Children from all local areas are accepted. The school has a beautiful, shady playground with sandboxes, swings, climbing equipment, playhouses and mobile toys. Field trips are taken to the nearby police and fire stations, the local supermarket, the library and the Greenburgh Nature Center. Children experience science and nature daily through taking care of plants and classroom pets, and hatching butterflies and chicks every spring. At ACNS, the goal is for every child to feel good about him or herself, make friends and love school. ACNS is located at 21 American Legion Drive in Ardsley. Call 693-4932 to obtain an application or arrange a visit or visit www.acnus.us or Facebook.
School of the Holy Child An all-girls, Catholic, independent school for grades 5 through 12
wisdom confidence friendship Open House: Saturday, October 3 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. New Field House and Design Studio Now Open New Theatre Open Fall 2015 2225 Westchester Avenue Rye, NY 10580 | 914.967.5622 admission@holychildrye.org | www.holychildrye.org
Fall Workshops for Kids ! Fall Workshops forFallArt Kids Workshops and Crafts !for Kids ! August 4/5/6 & September ! 1/2/3 Art and Crafts !
August 4/5/6 & August 30, 9:30-Noon Ages 8-12
!
Art and Crafts ! 9:30-Noon
August 4, 5, 6 & August 30, September 1 & 2 Ages September 1/28-12 9:30-Noon Ages 8-12
!
Sewing!!
Sewing!September 14 10 Monday Sessions beginning 10 Monday3:30-5pm Sessions beginning September 14 Sewing! 3:30- 5pm Ages up 10 Monday Sessions beginning September 149Ages 9- up 3:30-5pm Ages 9- up
!
! !
Knitting! Knitting!
9 Wednesday Sessions beginning September16 16 9 Wednesday Sessions beginning September 3:30-4:30pm 3:30-4:30pm Knitting! Ages 9 -up
!
Ages 99 Wednesday Sessions beginning September 16up 3:30-4:30pm Art and Crafts! Ages 9- up 9 Friday beginning September 18 ArtSessions and Crafts!
!
!
3:30-5pm
9 Friday Sessions beginning September 18 Ages 8-12 3:30-5pm Art and Crafts! ARTISTIC Ages 9 Friday Sessions beginning September 188-12ENDEAVOR BUILDING 2, BRIDGE STREET, IRVINGTON 3:30-5pm ENDEAVOR Ages 8-12 SeeARTISTIC Website for all dates and more information BUILDING 2, BRIDGE STREE, IRVINGTON www.artisticendeavor.com ARTISTIC ENDEAVOR isahetzel@artisticendeavor.com for questions/sign up BUILDING 2, BRIDGE SeeSTREET, WebsiteIRVINGTON for all dates and more information
! !
!
! ! !
www.artisticendeavor.com See Website for isahetzel@artisticendeavor all dates and more information for questions/sign up
PAGE 32A | THE SCARSDALE INQUIRER
FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015
– Back to School
Nature center is a paradise for children
Young scientists in WRT’s ECC Westchester Reform Temple’s Early Childhood Center is filled with a myriad of opportunities for young scientists. All morning classes incorporate science topics. Children test balance and gravity in the block corner and grow plants from seeds. They explore magnetism when designing a magnatile structure, paint and create new colors, just to name a few topics. Kids observe, question, make predictions, experiment and draw conclusions. Best of all, WRT’s young scientists learn and have fun. The ECC also hatches chicks and records what happens in the incubator each day and watches developmental milestones on a daily chart. The children understand that the chicks develop from a single cell into a complex organism. They compare their body systems and structures to those shared with the chicks. Last year, WRT ECC’s 3’s classes did an in-depth unit on owls and chicks. They watched wild birds feeding at the birdfeeders outside of their classrooms. The children did experiments with eggs, dissected owl pellets, read bird books, created bird art and even looked at webcam and video clips of owls on a computer. A naturalist from Teatown Reservation did a presentation using a real owl to explain owl physiology, adaptations, behavior, habitats and challenges such as the impact of people on the owls. Visit www.wrtemple.org/page/early_childhood_center.
Back to school is a busy time at the Greenburgh Nature Center (GNC) as visiting preschool/school groups, parents/ caregivers with children and the general public are welcomed. GNC offers a wide array of educational programs and classes, special seasonal events, camp and birthday parties (with the option of a green party) for ages 3 and up. GNC’s goal is to promote an appreciation of nature and the environment on a 33acre woodland preserve with trails, a newly restored Native Plant Meadow, a pond, gardens, Nature’s Discovery Playground and outdoor animal exhibits. The indoor exhibits include a live animal museum with over 100 specimens, exhibit areas focusing on nature and the environment, and a greenhouse. By being outdoors, interacting with animals and witnessing nature’s seasonal changes, children learn that they are part of a larger ecological community. The Nature’s Discovery Playground is a unique, nature-themed playground designed to engage children in outdoor exploration and discovery. This recreation area serves children ages 2-12 and provides a variety of play elements which mimic the natural environment. Stop by and watch your children enjoy the beautiful, one-of-a-kind nature playscape. GNC has professional educators who gear each program to the appropriate age and programs stress hands-on and directinvolvement learning, while teaching children important skills.
Weekly preschool programs Weekday Nature Series programs for young children with a parent or caregiver let you enjoy an hour of nature fun together.
KinderKicKers soccer
Fall at the Greenburgh Nature Center is fun for the whole family.
Wild Encounters Storytime for 3-5-yearolds is held Mondays from 1-2 p.m. Enjoy a nature-themed story and discover the wonders of the outdoors while exploring fields, forests or landscaped grounds. Let your imagination run wild. Drop-ins welcome. Members $9/child; nonmembers $12/child. Mother Nature’s Storytime for 2-4-yearolds is held Wednesdays from 10-11 a.m. (see website for sessions dates). Children enjoy seasonal days at the nature center with nature-themed stories, outdoor walks, live animals and/or crafts. Tuition per six-week session is $50/child for members; $90/child for nonmembers. Preregistration and prepayment are required.
Special events Honey Harvest Party will be held Sunday, Sept. 13, at 2 p.m. It’s the season to reap the harvest of our hives. Led by GNC naturalists, you learn about the fascinating social network of honeybees, the basics of beekeeping and how honey is harvested from GNC’s hives. Watch as honey is ex-
tracted from the hives by beekeeper H. Peet Foster. There is a free tasting of fresh honey-from-the-hives and the newly harvested honey is available for purchase. Preregister by Sept. 12. Members $4, nonmembers $8. Day of event fees: members $6/person, nonmembers $10/person. Children under 2 are free. Look online for details about upcoming fall special events like Fall Festival (Oct. 11, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.), Scarecrows & Pumpkins Parades (Oct. 25, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.), Turkey Scavenger Hunt (Nov.15, 1:30 p.m.) and Train Show (weekends only 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on Nov. 28-29, Dec. 5-6, Dec. 12-13).
Visit the Story Walk Join GNC for the free seventh annual Story Walk through Sept. 27. Take a selfguided walk with your child along the woodland trail to enjoy a favorite children’s storybook, “Red Fox at Hickory Lane,” by Kathleen M. Hollenbeck. Stop by the Manor House to pick up a California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) bookmark, good for one free CPK kid’s meal, an activity sheet and to enter a raffle to win a CPK $20 gift certificate. The mission of the Greenburgh Nature Center is to ignite passion, curiosity and respect for our natural world. The nature center is located at 99 Dromore Road, off Central Park Avenue, in Scarsdale. Parking is free and handicapped parking is available. The nature center’s grounds are open daily dawn to dusk throughout the year. The center’s indoor exhibits are open daily (except closed Fridays and a few holidays), from 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on weekends. For more information, visit www.greenburghnaturecenter.org or call 723-3470.
Register in November for 2016-2017 school year Ca ll f or a
To ur
Boys and Girls aGes 3 - 6 saturdays 9am to 10am september 12, 19 & 26 october 3, 10, 17 & 24
st. Pius x
85 Palmer avenue, scarsdale
(914) 833-2024
summitsoccer.net
A Tradition of Excellence Since 1944
Comprehensive music education for all ages in a warm, familial environment Private Instrumental and Vocal Instruction Four Orchestras • Three Choruses Chamber & Jazz Ensembles Musicianship Classes Performance Opportunities Prestigious Faculty Music Programs for Young Children
25 School Lane, Scarsdale, NY 10583 www.hms.org • hb@hbms.org • Tel: (914) 723-1169 Joan Behrens Bergman, Executive Director
Morning Class: For 2’s, 3’s and 4’s • Lunch Club: For 3’s until 1:00 Extended Day Program: For 4’s until 2:30 Enrichment Activities: ez Write Handwriting Program, Music, Cooking, Field Trips, Science Programs, Gymnastics
6 Greenacres Avenue, Scarsdale - 914-723-0922 E-mail: hitchcockschool@verizon.net Website: Hitchcockschool.com
College Advice 101 Jane C. Hoffman, MBA, CEP Member: IECA, NACAC, HECA & WPRCA
Expert guidance to help students identify, apply & gain admission to the best colleges for them Examples of personalized services: • Provide resource binder & organization • Advise on high school course selection • Identify & classify schools based on the student’s academic profile, interests & goals • Prepare students for interviews & visits • Provide essay brainstorming & review • Help students complete effective, targeted & comprehensive applications • Teach how to secure merit awards from colleges www.CollegeAdvice101.com Larchmont, NY
Jane@CollegeAdvice101.com 914.833.1573
Back to School – FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015
THE SCARSDALE INQUIRER | PAGE 33A
$59 Includes:
1 Month of Lessons + FREE Uniform For new students only. Cannot be combined with other offers. Expires 9/30/15.
Schedule your child’s Tae Kwon Do birthday party today!
call today:
914-723-0777 455 Central Park Ave., Scarsdale, NY 10583
(Directly across from the Greenburgh Nature Center)
Visit Us At KangsMa.com Like Us On Facebook
Tae Kwon Do
Kangs Ma
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Kangs Ma
PAGE 34A | THE SCARSDALE INQUIRER
FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015
– Back to School
Learning is fun for all ages at the Scarsdale Library By Elizabeth Bermel Director, Scarsdale Public Library
A
s the Scarsdale Public Library moves forward with our plans for a major facility transformation and redefining our role as an important cultural and intellectual center of the community, we are taking what I can call a more “wholistic” approach to learning and education. Over the past year we have introduced new programs and expanded current ones to assist in the early intellectual development of children, provide services for teenagers, expand programs for millennials and increase our programs for baby boomers and senior citizens. A day in the life of the library shows parents and caregivers bringing toddlers to our morning socializing, music and intellectual stimulation programs, adults coming during the mid-day to one of our popular book clubs, high schools students finding a place to study alone or in groups, and evening movies and speaker programs. During the past year we introduced Scarsdale Reads, which focuses on having the community read and discuss the same book on topics of interest. We have been fortunate to have authors of the books come to speak in standing-room-only programs. Included were two New York Times journalists who spoke on topics of keen interest to a community like Scarsdale.
Aaron Wang reads to Rosie during the library’s Wag Your Tale program. Children who are tentative about their reading skills can gain confidence by reading not to an adult who may be over-prone to correct, but to an uncritical canine companion.
Ron Lieber discussed his best-selling book about teaching children how to value and handle money and Frank Bruni gave his views that too much emphasis is placed on going to a brand-name college. In the fall, we will introduce a new sixweek program for parents of children under the age of 2. Working in conjunction with the Child Care Council, this program will include speakers and provide parents with a place to discuss child care and related issues. We had noticed that when
parents brought their toddlers or prewalkers to one of our morning programs, the parents would use the time to talk about these concerns. Rather than providing a catalog of the programs we offer for children, I’d like to discuss our overall philosophy. We can sum it up in a few words. Our goal is to promote the intellectual development, socializing and cultural enjoyment of children. We do this through language and intellectual development programs, such as Mother
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Goose. Other sessions provide opportunities for children to play and learn socialization skills. We have numerous music-based programs of classical as well as fun music, movies for various age groups and opportunities to develop creative skills in a relaxed, fun environment. And we shouldn’t forget programs that look beyond the borders of Scarsdale and also ones that help introduce children to animals from throughout the world. We look to coordinate our efforts with the schools. Our Finals Nights for high school students have grown in popularity every year. We now stay open late for midterms and senior finals, in addition to the June final exams. It’s thrilling to see how many high schoolers take advantage of the late openings and work alone or in groups. They tell us how great a program it is. This year we expanded our health activities with programs on yoga, nutrition, mindfulness and cancer awareness. Many of our programs are for the entire family such as Legomania and the increasing number of ethnic events we are cosponsoring with community groups. These programs provide insight, especially for children, into other cultures and offer entertainment and delicious food. This year we introduced Grandparents Wonderland Tea when grandparents and their grandchildren spent a few hours together watching an exciting program. We look to making this an annual event. Continued on next page
Back to School – FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015
THE SCARSDALE INQUIRER | PAGE 35A
Continued from previous page
We have book clubs for grades 2 through 6, as well as the very popular Nancy’s Book Group for adults and a group for adults who are interested in what teenagers are reading. We set aside time each week to answer questions and teach patrons about the various digital tools that are changing the way we communicate. These sessions are particularly popular with seniors. Our Children’s Department organizes special programs, such as Star Wars: May the 4th be with You and offer many continuing programs that attract upwards of 100. Our Summer Reading Game has had increased participation every year with more young children wanting to read on their own, rather than being read to. All this is the result of the library’s wonderful staff, who come each day with the thought of how we can do more for our patrons and the efforts and work of the Friends of the Scarsdale Library.
now oFFering a 2’s Program
Finals Nights, when the library stays open late so high school students can study for exams, has been extended and gained in popularity since it was instituted several years ago.
As we move forward into our major renovation, we are excited about the new possibilities for programs and activities the additional space will provide in our efforts to make the Scarsdale Public Library an even greater intellectual and cultural force in the community. We hope we will have your support.
Sandbox Theatre auditions in September The Westchester Sandbox Theatre in Mamaroneck is excited to announce its fall season of shows for young performers. According to artistic director Jason Summers, the fall season will be “ambitious and amazing.” For teen performers in grades 7-12, “Les Miserables” will come storming onto the stage. For the tweens in grades 4-8, “Legally Blonde” rocks out and for kids in grades k-5, “Beauty and The Beast” will captivate all with its magic and music. Auditions for these productions will take place all
throughout September for performances in October, November and December. For up-to-date audition information, as well as to find out about all the other wonderful events taking place at the Sandbox, visit www.wstshows.com or call 630-0804 or email info@wstshows.com. The Westchester Sandbox Theatre is a year-round facility that is dedicated to the combination of education and entertainment. Shows, classes and camps give local young performers a chance to shine on stage and to grow as individuals.
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PAGE 36A | THE SCARSDALE INQUIRER
FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015
– Back to School
Girl Scouts serve their community, discover the world
T
he doorbell rings. It’s a little girl in a green vest selling Girl Scout Cookies. As she describes the different flavors and asks how many boxes you’d like to order, she is developing people skills and self-confidence. Going over her sales at home she is learning what it takes to be organized and to achieve a goal. When she meets with her troop to decide how their profits should be spent, she is advocating for herself and practicing respect toward others. Like cookie sales, every aspect of Girl Scouting is designed to help build girls of confidence and character, who will become the movers and shakers of tomorrow. From the youngest who earn badges for trying out new activities, to the oldest who are serving their communities through Silver and Gold Award Projects, Girl Scouts are inspired to reach their full potential. Within their troops, girls bond while discovering the world around them and experiencing new adventures together. In addition to traditional activities, such as camping, archery and outdoor cooking, Scarsdale/Edgemont Girl Scouts are encouraged to try their hand at an array of possibilities: digital arts, crime solving, zip-lining, geocaching, soapbox racing, cake decorating, surfing, ice fishing and star gazing to name a few. Helping make the world a better place is a big part of scouting. In Scarsdale and Edgemont, Girl Scouts have organized hundreds of community service projects over the years, helping at shelters, nursing homes, animal hospitals, nature centers
The Memorial Day Parade is just one day of service for the Girl Scouts.
and soup kitchens. These hands-on projects help girls learn compassion for those less fortunate and give them a balanced view of life. Angela Coco, a recent Scarsdale High School graduate and a Girl Scout through her senior year, shared some realizations about scouting: “Girl Scouts gave me a supportive community. The badges and
projects helped me manage my time, speak with authority figures, effectively convey ideas and think coherently on my toes. Scouting also taught me how to deal with disappointment and to persevere. It helped build my integrity and my love for all people. I honestly am so grateful my mom signed me up for Girl Scouts in second grade, because it made me who I am.”
Sharon Cover, another graduate of Scarsdale High School, also reflected on her scouting years: “When I was younger I loved the fun activities we did like the Father-Daughter Square Dance, ice skating, marching in the Memorial Day Parade and all the work related to the different badges. A lot of friends were in my troop, which made it even better. As we got older we took on more leadership roles, like teaching younger kids soap carving, running community events and working on our Gold Award projects. Leadership is a lesson you really learn in Girl Scouts. Those leadership skills will continue to help me in the future as I am hoping to become a teacher.” There’s no question that scouting is a great experience for young girls. It’s also gratifying for the troop leader, who has a front row seat watching the girls have fun as they grow up together and become forward-thinking young women ready to take on the world. To have enough troops for all the girls that would like to become scouts, Scarsdale and Edgemont parents are asked to volunteer as troop leaders. Think about forming a troop this year. Ask a friend to do it with you or let the current leaders find you a co-leader. Once you start, you will have help from seasoned people who can guide you along the way. It’s an incredibly rewarding experience you and your daughter will never forget. And you’ll have an inside source for your favorite cookies! For more information email recruitment@SEGS.info.
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Back to School – FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015
THE SCARSDALE INQUIRER | PAGE 37A
Boy Scouts producing leaders By Eric Liverance Both Cub Scout Pack 440 and Boy Scout Troop 4 share Hitchcock Church as their sponsoring organization. Cub Scouts is for grades 1-5, Boy Scouts grades 6-12. Cub Scouts is run by adult leaders and parents and helps boys develop confidence and skills from the youngest age. Developing good citizens and performing community service projects are important pillars in Cub Scouts. At every grade level we help boys become aware of the community around them and become integrated into it. At the youngest age, we visit the police station, fire station, volunteer ambulance, radio station, etc. Each year our pack does a service project. This year we contributed to the Reach Out and Read Program. Books were donated to doctors’ offices in disadvantaged neighborhoods. To promote literacy, the doctor would then write a prescription to take a book home and read it. But mostly, Cub Scouts is about the camaraderie the boys develop. They are exposed to camping and hiking and outdoor skills. The boys typically stay together throughout the elementary school years, so they develop a nice group of friends. Middle school is the entry point for Boy Scouts, which differs fundamentally from Cub Scouts in that the boys run everything. They plan events, organize trips, cook food on campouts, etc. Adults help with administrative support, merit badges, leadership mentoring and are present at all activities to provide general supervision. The older boys also teach and men-
tor the younger boys. And it is this last part which is really the best part of scouting. Middle school boys will see high school boys in leadership roles and as great examples for the boys to aspire to. The younger boys will also hear about the amazing adventures the older boys go on. For example, this summer the troop went to a Boy Scout Seabase in St. Thomas to learn how to crew a 24-foot sailboat. The troop also spent a week at Camp Read in the Adirondacks, where they were offered a variety of 40 merit badge courses from horsemanship to welding to public speaking to wilderness survival to sailing. Boy Scouts is not only about camping, hiking, First Aid and learning skills — Boy Scouts also develops good citizens and good leaders. Service projects in the community and leadership positions are required for all advancement ranks (Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, Eagle). The final rank of Eagle Scout can only be earned with a self-originating, self-directed substantial community service project. A scout will typically draw on the help of other scouts for his project — again, another opportunity to develop leadership skills. I encourage you and your son to join us, the oldest and most successful organization to turn boys into leaders among men. Eric Liverance is assistant cub master of Scarsdale Pack 440 and assistant scoutmaster of Troop 4. Pack 440 may be contacted at scarsdalepack440@gmail. com. Troop 4 may be contacted at Scoutmaster@scarsdale4.mytroop.us or Chair@ scarsdale4.mytroop.us. PerformerEdge
Lester’s opens its first boys’/men’s outpost store Lester’s, the fashion retailer known for more than 65 years as a destination where top trends from the best brands are delivered with exceptional service, opened a brand new space dedicated to boys’ sizes 8-20 and men’s clothing, footwear and accessories on Aug. 4. The new Lester’s Boys & Men’s store will be adjacent to the Lester’s 11,000-square-foot Rye Brook location at 18 Rye Ridge Plaza, which opened one year ago and has led to been designed and merchandised significant growth of the business and to feel sleek, masculine and easy to reach to a larger Westchester demo- navigate. Lester’s cornerstone service graphic. and selection are ever-present in the “The opening of our new boys’ and new location and features activewear, men’s store emerged out of a dia- everyday casual, going out styles and logue with our customers about how basic essentials. better to meet the specific style profile Anything but basic are the highof under-served, style-conscious high profile brands carried across every school through 20-something young department and which represent men,” said Perry Schorr, Lester’s own- what this customer seeks most: style er and CEO. “We applied what has and a laidback cool sophistication. been a successful model for our kids, Favorites include Tailor Vintage, Vinejuniors and women’s contemporary yard Vines, Original Penguins, Vince, business and created a unique and Chaser, Jacks and Jokers Herschel, dynamic environment all their own Van’s, and 47 Brand along with perenwith all the latest styles and brands nial big-performing favorites Adidas, they seek from everyday casual cool Nike, Under Armour, Quiksilver, Retto well-tailored styles for going out.” robrand and more. ThatPerformerEdge space, handsomely outfitted Back4:13 to PM School season DTSC 073015 7/22/15 Pageshopping 1 in cool textured grays and metal, has kicked off Thursday, Aug. 20. DTSC 073015
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PAGE 38A | THE SCARSDALE INQUIRER
FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015
– Back to School
Prepping for college at the JCC Academic Center For over 10 years, the Academic Center at the JCC of Mid-Westchester has been offering an array of classes, workshops and special lectures for middle and high school students to help them build skills and navigate the journey to college. Small classes are run by experienced, expert instructors. • ACT and SAT Prep Classes: Taught by highly experienced, expert tutors from Applerouth Tutoring, these courses (separate classes for ACT and SAT) will guide students through the test, giving them the tools and strategies they need to excel. Each class includes 20 hours of classroom instruction plus three practice proctored exams. In-depth score reports are available to students after each test allowing them to focus their attention on their particular area(s) of need. In addition, students have access to online videos to supplement and reinforce what is learned in class, as well as class notes posted by the instructor. Fall classes begin mid-September. • Diagnostic/Practice SAT and ACT: Whether you need to determine which college admissions test is best for your student or your privately tutored student needs to take practice exams under test-like conditions, the JCC offers mock tests throughout the year. Students may take one free ACT and/or SAT diagnostic test in a proctored classroom environment (fees apply for subsequent tests) and the JCC can also accommodate students who receive testing accommodations. Tests are offered on Saturdays and Sundays. Check www.jccmw. org for details and registration. • PSAT Boot Camp: Four hours of intense instruction right before test day reveals how to attack the newly designed PSAT. • College Application Essay Writing Work-
shop: This course on creating the personal essay required for college admissions will explore what makes each student unique and help them to craft that into a narrative they can use to communicate about themselves to potential colleges. If time allows, students will work on supplemental essays. Class limited to 10 students. Three-session workshop begins Sunday, Sept. 13. • Portfolio Prep: This new class will provide an opportunity for students to create artwork for their portfolios. Taught by artist Kristin Linder, this class is geared toward students who are starting or supplementing their art portfolios for college applications. Each class session will offer techniques and individual guidance, leading to the completion of projects for each student’s individual portfolio. Students will create landscapes, portraits, mixed media collages and more that are appropriate for any college application. • Special College Admissions Program —The Changing Landscape of College Admissions Testing: On Sunday evening, Sept. 20, the JCC proudly presents Jed Applerouth, a teacher and an educational innovator. A nationally certified counselor with a Ph.D. in educational psychology, Jed has researched student cognition, memory, motivation and learning strategies to enhance the pedagogical strategies of Applerouth Tutoring Services. The college testing landscape is experiencing seismic shifts. The Common Core is transforming the world of admission testing. The ACT is dominating the landscape. The College Board in response is overhauling its SAT and moving its focus from aptitude to achievement. These shifts will benefit some students and challenge oth-
ers. To help you make informed decisions regarding testing, come to learn about the major changes in the works. How should your students structure their testing plan, considering the new options on the horizon? Discuss the optimal strategy to minimize stress and get your kids ready for the new admissions tests. Advance registration is required at www.jccmw.org. • College Interview Essentials: This workshop will teach students critical interview skills to help them in both the college interview process and beyond. According to research done by workshop leaders Kyrie Stillman and Peggy Marx, founders of College Interview Counselors, a common myth insists that college admissions interviews are simply a formality. Interviews for admission are offered and encouraged at 95 percent of the top 75 colleges and 88 percent of the top 25 universities. Class meets Sunday, Sept. 27. • Special College Admissions Program — Inside the Admissions Office: On Thursday, Oct. 8, at 7:30 p.m., high school students and their parents are invited to spend an insightful evening with the decision-makers in college admissions. Deans and directors from several popular colleges, including Emory, Case Western, University of Chicago and Franklin & Marshall (list subject to change) give you an insider’s view of what they’re looking for and how they read applications and make decisions. This event is free and open to all, but advance reservations are required at www.jccmw.org. Registration will open in September. • Skill-building classes for MS/HS students: In addition to college preparation courses, the JCC also offers classes that help all students improve skills that will help
them in middle school, high school and beyond. • Getting It Together Without Falling Apart — Effective Study and Organizational Skills: In this new program, students will learn strategies and tactics to help overall skills as well as the transition to high school or middle school, including how to understand their individual learning style, strategies for test preparation, how to use an agenda book to manage time, how to listen and take better notes, and more. The third session will be a private half hour session with the instructor. • Speed Reading: High school students through adults will benefit from this program, which will teach students how to cut their reading time in half while improving comprehension. Preregistration is required for all JCC Academic Center classes. The center offers private tutor quality and results at a fraction of the cost with all programs designed to help middle and high school students reach their greatest academic potential. For information, visit www.jccmw.org or contact Itzkowitz at 472-3300 Ext. 275 or itzkowitzl@jccmw.org. The JCC of Mid-Westchester, located at 999 Wilmot Road, a proud beneficiary of UJA-Federation of New York, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the community by providing cultural, social, educational and recreational/fitness programs, human services and Jewish identity-building opportunities to people of all ages and backgrounds without regard to race, religion or sexual orientation.
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Back to School – FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015
THE SCARSDALE INQUIRER | PAGE 39A
New SAT, old SAT, ACT: which college test to take? Beginning in March 2016, there will be significant changes to the SAT. Current high school juniors planning to apply to college in the fall of 2016 will be faced with a critical multiple choice question: Should I take? a) The old SAT b) The ACT c) The new SAT d) A & B e) A & C f) B & C g) A & B & C h) None of the above. As with many decisions confronting students and their families during the college process, the answer is, “It depends!” For the 2015-16 academic year, and for only that year, juniors will have the option of taking one, all or some combination of the following three tests: the current (soon to be old) SAT, the ACT and the new SAT. Some background may help. The current SAT is a three-part exam: critical reading, math and writing. Each segment is scored on a scale of 200-800 with a maximum aggregate score of 2,400. There is a penalty for wrong answers. The new SAT will have two sections: math and evidence-based reading and writing. These sections will be scored on a scale of 200-800 for a total possible score of 1,600. Additional results will be reported for reading, language and writing, and math on a scale of 10-40, along with multiple cross-test scores and subscores. See https://collegereadiness.col-
legeboard.org/sat/scores for more information. There will be no penalty for wrong answers. An optional essay will also be offered and students will receive scores of 2-8 for reading, analysis and writing. Confused yet? The scoring structure of the new exam is only one of many changes. The timing, content and format of questions will also be different from the current SAT. College Board test dates in October, November and December 2015 will offer the current (old) SAT, with the last administration scheduled for Jan. 23, 2016. Beginning with the March 2016 test date, the new SAT will be the only version offered by the College Board. Adding to the confusion, however, is that the October 2015 PSAT/NMSQT (the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) will be based on the redesigned new SAT
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the new SAT at www.kahnacademy.org/ sat and for the ACT at www.actstudent. org. If possible, students should take some diagnostic tests with a tutor or test prep organization. Reviewing the material covered on each exam and taking practice tests under actual testing conditions can help students decide which test — the old SAT, the new SAT and/or the ACT — would be best for them. Sstandardized tests, which include subject tests and AP exams in addition to the SAT and/or ACT, are just one component of a complete college application. Beyond grades and scores, students have much in their control when completing their applications — just ask any senior who devoted some part of this past summer to writing college essays! But this year’s juniors are the ones who will be most impacted by this transition in the testing landscape. For colleges that require standardized tests as part of the application process, all three exams — the current SAT, the ACT, and the new SAT — will be accepted from applicants for the entering college class of 2017. Students who take the time to familiarize themselves with the different exams will be best able to make informed choices and find the testing strategy that is right for them. So, will your correct answer be a, b, c…? Article by Collegistics, a Scarsdalebased college advising partnership. For more information, visit www.collegistics. com or call 282-3820.
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FALL 2015
and scored on a different scale. More detailed information about the format and content of the new SAT can be found at www.collegereadiness.collegeboard.org. The 2015-16 ACT will reflect some modifications to the optional writing section. Although additional feedback for the entire exam will be provided (via subscores and benchmarks), the substance, structure and scoring of the four main subject areas of the ACT remain substantially unchanged. Colleges that require standardized tests for admission accept either the ACT or the SAT, without preference. For students applying in the fall of 2016, most, if not all, colleges will accept both the old SAT and the new SAT in satisfaction of those requirements, though there is minimal information available on how results of the new SAT will be interpreted. So, what test should a student take, and when? The factors to be considered when deciding which test or combination of tests to take should be evaluated carefully in the context of each student’s academic strengths and weaknesses. What are the benefits of one test over the other? What strategies should be employed when contemplating a testing schedule? The best place to begin is with an open discussion. It’s critical to plan and not shy away from the reality of college admissions testing. Is the SAT or ACT required for admission? Are subject tests required or recommended? Will the ACT be accepted in lieu of subject tests? As a first step, students can access free test prep material and practice tests for
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PAGE 40A | THE SCARSDALE INQUIRER
FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015
– Back to School
Make a well-informed decision about college Choosing a college can be difficult for many high school students. With so many factors to consider, Eileen Huntington of Huntington Learning Center encourages teens to go about the process systematically: “Narrowing down colleges can be overwhelming, but by thinking through priorities and goals, teens can make the process easier and make a well-informed decision.” Huntington offers seven tips for parents helping their teens choose their college carefully: 1) Write down the five most important factors in a college: Some teens might have their hearts set on a small college, a big university or a college that’s close to home. Other teens might already have specific majors in mind or be looking into certain academic programs, such as an honors or leadership program. Have your teen think about five (or more) things he or she is looking for in a college. This list may change over time, but the exercise is worthwhile. 2) Talk about the future: Talk openly with your teen about his or her ideas for a major and career. Is your teen still figuring things out or clear on his or her path? Students who seem certain about their direction might want to consider colleges based on the availability of academic programs in their area of interest. Those who are still unsure might be wise to choose colleges with plenty of options and a great career center that can help them decide. 3) Discuss cost and scholarships: Whether you have a college fund set
aside for your teen or he or she will be funding some of the cost, it’s important to discuss the cost of college and start exploring financial aid options. Keep in mind that the tuition and fees listed on a college’s website aren’t likely the net price you’ll pay. Loans and financial aid are available to most students and parents, and depending on your financial situation, your teen may qualify for grants or work-study as well. Arrange a meeting with your teen’s high school guidance counselor early in the search process to talk through scholarship options and your teen’s chances of receiving some merit-based assistance. The earlier the better, so even if your teen is just starting high school, start familiarizing yourself now with financial aid options. 4) Start searching for colleges: The instate colleges and universities are obvious options, but encourage your teen to search far and wide. Tools such as Peterson’s, the College Board’s College Search and College Navigator help you research schools based on just about any criteria you can think of — college type, size, fields of study, average percentage of financial need met, setting, sports and activities offered, and more. 5) Go back to your teen’s “five most important factors” list: Once your teen has spent time researching colleges online and with the help of the school guidance counselor, return to that list of important factors. What colleges do not meet most of those criteria? If your teen’s list included small college, warmer climate, affordable/scholarship opportunities, strong engineering program and study
abroad opportunities, peruse your teen’s list of colleges to see if any can be ruled out. If your teen found the perfect private liberal arts college in Florida, but it doesn’t offer engineering as a major, cross it off the list. If a school seems too expensive, perhaps you can keep it on the list while you explore financial aid and scholarship options that would lower the net cost to your family. 6) Plan a visit: It can be immensely helpful to spend time on college campuses to get a feel for student life and the community. If possible, plan a trip when college is in session to a few schools that are high on your teen’s list. Take a tour, check out the dorms, sit in on a class and even talk with a few students or faculty members. 7) Ask around: It can be helpful to get the perspective of a few alumni or current students of a college to understand what it’s like to be a student there, pros and cons, information about classes and more. If you know any family friends or relatives who have attended a college, perhaps they would be willing to share their insight and experience. If you’re exploring a college where you don’t have any contacts, the college’s admissions office may be able to connect you with a student. “Students should come up with their priority list, research their options and, most importantly, consider how their top few contenders each make them feel,” Huntington said. “In the end, teens must choose a college that seems to be the best fit on paper and the place where they’ll be the happiest.”
Colleges vs. universities By Jane C. Hoffman, MBA, CEP As high school juniors and sophomores begin to make sense of the college terrain and research and visit colleges to determine where they will apply, understanding the differences between liberal arts and sciences colleges and universities is an important first step.
Liberal arts/sciences colleges Liberal arts and sciences colleges are neither “liberal” nor focused on the arts. In fact, while generally known as liberal arts colleges, they offer sciences in their curriculum. One of the things that distinguish them from larger universities is their general focus on the varied academic disciplines in the liberal arts and sciences as opposed to more specialized or career focused disciplines. Some examples of disciplines in the liberal arts and sciences are biology, psychology, art history, chemistry, political science Continued on next page
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Back to School – FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015 Continued from previous page
and English. Liberal arts and sciences colleges tend to be smaller than universities and often, but not always, focus on teaching undergraduate students and do not have programs and schools for graduate students. They can provide opportunities for students to feel like a big fish in a small pond and to connect with faculty members who serve as mentors and whose focus is only on undergraduate students. Generally one applies directly to the college rather than to a specific school within. While the application will likely ask the student to indicate academic areas of interest, one isn’t applying into a specific major. So, for example, a student applies to Oberlin College and indicates interest in but doesn’t apply into neuroscience directly from high school. As such there is generally the flexibility to choose one’s major by the end of sophomore year.
And universities Universities are usually larger institutions that have colleges or schools subsumed under that umbrella. While the specific colleges they include and the names of those colleges vary, they may include a College of Arts and Sciences and additional entities such as a College of Engineering, College of Business, College of Communications, College of Health Sciences and others. The liberal arts and sciences majors found in liberal arts and sciences colleges are typically available through a university’s College of Arts and Sciences. Beyond those liberal arts and sciences
THE SCARSDALE INQUIRER | PAGE 41A
disciplines, a university may offer additional majors that may be deemed specialized or preprofessional. For example, they may offer majors in finance, international business and general management through the College of Business and mechanical engineering and aerospace engineering through the College of Engineering. Students interested in other more specialized majors like sports management will likely need to apply to the specialized college in a larger university that houses that major. When applying to a university one often must decide about major and apply into both the school and the major directly from high school. So, for example, a student applies to Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Communications and specifically to its public relations major directly from high school. Whether an institution is called a university or college doesn’t in itself necessarily identify its structure. Some liberal arts and sciences colleges offer majors in disciplines like engineering and business that are more commonly found in colleges within a larger university. For example, Union College, Lafayette College and Smith College offer engineering as a major and Skidmore College offers business. And some schools that are named university, like Colgate University, are actually a liberal arts and sciences college without schools subsumed under that name. Jane C. Hoffman (member AICEP, IECA, NACAC, HECA, WPRCA) of College Advice 101 can be reached at CollegeAdvice101@aol.com or visit www.CollegeAdvice101.com.
@ Sacred Heart greenwich
are powerful.
Iona Prep college essay boot camp helps high school seniors It might be the most common part of the Common Application, but it’s also arguably the most difficult — the college essay. Striking the right balance between transcendent and trite can be like listening to Matt Damon’s Linus Caldwell get his instructions from Brad Pitt’s Rusty Ryan in the movie “Ocean’s Eleven,” where he says, “Don’t use seven words when four will do… be specific, but not memorable; be funny, but don’t make him laugh. He’s got to like you then forget you…” “It’s a tall order to ask someone with all of 18 years’ experience to share a piece of himself in such a way that both strikes a chord, but isn’t overdone,” Iona Prep college counselor Katherine Reilly said. “That’s why our new Essay Boot Camp will draw upon the experience of professional admissions counselors to help our seniors crack the content code.” Already with two sessions of the boost camp under its belt, Iona Prep has given rising seniors the opportunity to prepare and complete their Common Application essay before the school year even began. Each session had two parts. On the first day, students worked with college counselors and admissions professionals on content selection and an initial draft. Stephanie Palazzo of Franklin & Marshall was initial guest speaker July 8. The following day, they worked with Iona Prep English teachers to edit their essays and prepare final drafts. “The college application process is all about spacing things out, giving the proper time and consideration to each element,” college counselor and 1995 graduate Mi-
(914) 835-3030 www.RyeRacquet.com
Essay Boot Camp was a success at Iona Prep.
chael Kiers said. “The summer is the perfect time for seniors to reflect on their education and compose an enrollment-worthy essay that can be checked off their lists when the application crunch hits in the fall.” Iona Prep will also be offering a sevenweek TACHS (Test for Admission into Catholic High Schools) Prep course for eighthgraders starting Wednesday, Sept. 23. Iona Preparatory School (www.IonaPrep. org) for k-12 educates young men to be moral and ethical leaders, developing the whole person in the heritage of Blessed Edmund Rice and the American Catholic tradition to be lifelong learners, responsible to their commitment of service to others and confident in their self-worth, while being supported by a challenging and innovative college-preparatory curriculum in relationship with a dedicated and caring faculty and community.
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PAGE 42A | THE SCARSDALE INQUIRER
Ballet for life at Scarsdale studio
Back to School
These unsolicited words from a parent fulfill the mission of Scarsdale Ballet Studio’s artistic director, Diana White: “I want to thank you for developing such an excellent and engaging program. Gabriella has always looked forward to going to class, regardless of what else may be going on in her life. Even on her worst days, simply getting ready for ballet lifts her spirits. And ballet has strengthened her mind as well as her body. The benefits of dance go well beyond the studio. I am glad Gaby has made ballet her focus activity outside of school.” As it happens, Gaby, who started dancing at Scarsdale Ballet when she was in elementary school, will attend Duke University next year to major in engineering, but her college choice was predicated upon the dance opportunities in Durham, N.C, a hub of the contemporary dance scene. The qualities that make a professional dancer — dedication, passion, discipline and fitness — are also recognized by college admissions. This year, nine SBS dancers graduate, and will be attending the Boston Conservatory, the Conservatory of Dance at Purchase College, Duke, Elon, Fordham, Geneseo, Hartford Conservatory, Smith and Tufts. “Our alumni and their families are constantly returning to our studio to share with us the direction their lives have taken, and how important dance has been throughout,” White said. The studio has served the community by teaching students of all ages with a wide
FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015
– Back to School
Arts & Enrichment
From preschool to preprofessional and beyond, Scarsdale Ballet dancers keep on dancing.
range of aspirations since 1992. The international faculty nurtures the love of dancing beginning with 3-year-olds. “The little girls and boys come to us wide-eyed, excited and a little shy, jumping and twirling around the studio,” White said. “Years later, they emerge from the classroom as strong, agile, poised and confident young adults. Ballet enriches your life in so many ways. It has been incredibly rewarding over the years to watch each group of our dancers come of age. We get to know our students throughout their childhoods, from preschool all the way to high school and beyond. We now have a huge extended
family of alumni that we are proud to call our own.” This year, the studio is especially proud of Skylar Brandt, who was recently promoted to soloist at American Ballet Theater on the same day Misty Copeland was historically promoted to principal dancer. “Ballet is a vital part of our culture,” said White, a former New York City Ballet ballerina who worked directly with George Balanchine and Jerome Robbins. “Ballet, the most fragile of the arts, matters both as a spectacle to be enjoyed and as a technique to be studied and passed along.” Scarsdale Ballet Studio offers classes with some of the finest teachers in the New York metro area at its convenient Westchester location at 696R White Plains Road in Scarsdale. “There is no reason for ballet students to commute to Manhattan to get the level of training that will prepare them for a career in dance,” White said. Students are taught and coached by master teachers who are former professional dancers from the likes of the Bolshoi to the New York City Ballet. They are challenged in an atmosphere that is more flexible and creative than some preprofessional programs, and they are given valuable opportunities to perform on stage, especially in the classics and in works by Balanchine. The Scarsdale Ballet Studio is the only school in Westchester to benefit from this amazing opportunity. All students, regardless of their career aims, participate in studio productions. As for moms, dads and even grandparents out there, it is never too late to benefit from ballet training. Many studies have shown that dancing keeps the mind and
body young and healthy. Scarsdale Ballet offers ongoing adult beginning and intermediate ballet classes. For more information about Scarsdale Ballet Studio, visit www.scarsdaleballetstudio.com and Facebook. Call the studio at 725-8754.
Kangs Martial Arts students can start as young as 4.
Kangs Martial Arts has modern approach At Kangs Martial Arts at 455 Central Park Ave. in Scarsdale, there is a modern approach to teaching two traditional martial arts — Tae Kwon Do and Hap Ki Do. Students can benefit from increased confidence, unshakable focus, discipline and many more life skills through martial arts training. Adults learn valuable self-defense skills in Hap Ki Do classes and children can train in bully-prevention techniques all in a Continued on next page
Back to School – FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015 Continued from previous page
family-oriented, fun and safe atmosphere. Students are trained and encouraged, but never forced, to participate at competitions where they can apply what they learn from classes to set and accomplish goals, and do their very best. Any 4-year-old child can start to learn. There are flexible schedules for children, teens and adults. Take advantage of family classes, which allow parents and children to train together. Kangs Martial Arts encourages students of all abilities, age groups and skill levels to start training. Start your martial arts journey and begin building skills that will last a lifetime. It’s easy to start so schedule a free trial class today by contacting 7230777 or Kangsma@gmail.com. Visit www. Kangsma.com.
Bill Bramswig Photo
Edgemont’s Madison Tiedt in performance with fellow members of the Steffi Nossen Dance Co.
Share the joy of dance at Steffi Nossen Dance Steffi Nossen Dance Co. is delighted to announce an expanded roster of classes. A boys-only class for grades 4-7 includes the foundations of dance conditioning, including exercises in strength, agility, movement, flexibility and coordination, all set to popular music. Dance technique and compositional skills lead to boys creating their own movement. For adults there will be a new Tuesday evening ballet class and a Wednesday evening beginner workshop in modern and jazz, the perfect opportunity for adults to try dance in a safe, non-intimidating environment while getting a great workout. Toddlers have their own morning classes. Dancing Tots for 22-36-month-olds brings together caregivers/parents and lit-
THE SCARSDALE INQUIRER | PAGE 43A
tlest movers for a fun-filled class strengthening motor skills and musicality. Creative Movement introduces 3- and 4-yearolds to dance, encouraging imagination and self-expression through elementary dance vocabulary as well as structured free movement to a variety of music. Rounding out the new offerings are pointe classes for beginner and intermediate ballet students. Join us for our free week of dance open house Sept. 28-Oct. 3, a great opportunity to try new classes. With studios located across from the Westchester County Center in White Plains and the Church of St. Mary the Virgin on South Greeley Avenue in Chappaqua, whether a toddler and parent, beginning dancer or a preprofessional, a recreational or serious dancer, Steffi Nossen has classes for you. Kathy Fitzgerald, Steffi Nossen School director, is a graduate of North Carolina School of the Arts, was a principal dancer and teacher for Ballet Frankfurt and soloist with Jiri Kylian’s Nederlands Dans Theater. Faculty members are all graduates of college dance programs and performing professionals, some holding graduate degrees. Fitzgerald noted, “Master classes, a variety of ensembles, and the preprofessional Steffi Nossen Dance Company offer additional training and performance opportunities.” The core dance includes programs in modern, jazz, ballet, tap and hip-hop. Also offered are technique programs, taught by level, in modern, ballet, jazz and contemporary (a fusion of ballet, modern, post) modern and jazz techniques favored by many current professional dancers and choreographers. In improvisation/composition classes, dancers experience the complete choreographic process, learning how to shape movement into choreography, including music selection, casting, rehearsal process and production preparation. A panel will select the most promising work for inclusion in the November Choreography Showcase, sharing the stage with works of professional choreographers. Moving Wheels & Heels, a Westchester Magazine Best of Westchester pick, gives dancers with developmental and physical disabilities age-based dance classes of their own (wheelchairs welcome). Classes feature movement adapted so that every participant can experience the benefits of moving to music, express their creativity and learn dance technique, all to live music. Call 328-1900 or email info@steffinossen.org for help planning your dance schedule. A no-obligation trial class may be arranged. Visit www.steffinossen.org for more information.
Scarsdale Synagogue/Temples Tremont + Emanu-El Scarsdale Synagogue/Temples Tremont + Emanu-El
A Therapeutic Day School for the Underachieving Student Dedicated to helping students overcome academic difficulties and personal obstacles, through carefully designed programs for individual achievement. Students come to us for the following reasons: • Underachievement, despite being bright • AD/HD ; Learning disabilities • Social-emotional problems Offering Regents level classes and exams. NEW: PG Program with college credit 23 Purdy Avenue, Rye, New York 10580 (914) 967-2530 wdsinfo@optonline.net www.westfieldschools.info
Miss Andrea’s Dance Studio Andrea’s Dance Studio 209 Brook Street Scarsdale, NY 10583 (914) 723-2927
Tap ~ Ballet ~ Pointe Lyrical ~ Jazz ~ Hip Hop
Tap ~ Ballet ~ Point ~ Lyrical 2 Year Olds - Adult
Jazz Hip Hop Zumba
~ Summer ~Camp and Summer Classes
Yoga ~ Irish Dance ~ Bellydancing Call the studio for more information Andrea’s Dance Studio 209 Brook Street Scarsdale, NY 10583 (914) 723-2927
2 Year Olds to Adult Beginner to Advanced Levels Tap ~ Teams Ballet ~ Pointe Competition ~ All Levels
Nursery School classes classes for for toddlers toddlers Nursery School classes for toddlers and children 2, 3 and and 44 years years of ofage age and children 2, 3 and 4 years of age Extended day available for 3’s and 4’s Parenting programs programs Parenting
Summer campfor fortoddlers toddlers Summer camp Summer camp for toddlers through yearsof ofage age through 56years through 6 years of age
For more information about our programs, please call: For more information about our programs, please call: For more information about our programs, please call: Jody Glassman, Director Jocelyn Gross, Assistant Director Jody Glassman, Director Jocelyn Gross, Assistant Director Jody Glassman, Director Jocelyn Gross, Assistant Director
Lyrical ~ Jazz ~ Hip Hop
2 Yearfor Olds - Adult Register Fall Classes Summer Camp and Summer Classes
To Join Our Synagogue, call Gary Katz, Executive Director To Join Our Synagogue, call Roberta Aronovitch, Executive Director To Join Our Synagogue, call Gary Katz, Executive Director
2 Ogden Road, Scarsdale y 914-723-3001 y •mazeltots@aol.com 2 Ogden Road, Scarsdale • 914-723-3001 mazeltots@sstte.org 2 Ogden Road Scarsdale y 914-723-3001 y mazeltots@aol com
Call the studio for more information
PAGE 44A | THE SCARSDALE INQUIRER
FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015
Friends support music and the arts in Scarsdale public schools Scarsdale parents, like parents everywhere, are always happy to celebrate their children’s accomplishments in whatever field or realm they occur. Celebrating and supporting Scarsdale students’ achievements in the arts is what Friends of Music & the Arts exists to do. FMA is a volunteerrun nonprofit organization founded in 1981 when a group of parents got together to make uniforms for the marching band. The goals and accomplishments have greatly expanded since then and the support now benefits every child in the Scarsdale School District. Last spring, Friends of Music & the Arts donated almost $6,000 to fund new equipment and enhance the arts programs at each school in the district, responding to specific requests from department chairmen. At Fox Meadow and Edgewood elementary schools, new MaKey MaKey invention kits funded by FMA will help students become engineers of their own musical experiences this year, while FMA funds will provide for new instruments and supplies at each of the other elementary schools. A new recording device at the middle school will capture student rehearsals and performances with better quality, making those recordings more useful as learning tools. The art department at the middle school will be able to conduct image searches more nimbly with a new iPad, while the art department at the high school will now be able to showcase more student sculpture in FMA-funded display cases.
A new electronic keyboard will now be available for use by high school musicians thanks to FMA funds. In addition to these grants, FMA is pleased to underwrite an extensive program of awards and certificates to recognize the significant achievements of high school students in music, art and drama. FMA gives scholarship support to NYSSMA All-State musicians, provides hospitality at many school concerts and arts-related events and each spring it is FMA’s great pleasure to honor the district’s music and art faculty with a teacher appreciation luncheon. The organization is truly grateful for all the arts educators in the district. In order to continue this mission, FMA seeks support from all parents who understand the importance of arts education in schools. Family memberships are the primary source of funding. Membership levels start at just $35, but FMA accepts donations of any amount. Visit www. scarsdalearts.org to learn more, to join online and to be placed on the email list. Checks payable to FMA with your contact information can be sent to Friends of Music and the Arts, PO Box 171H. If you have any questions or wish to get involved, ask your PTA president to put you in touch with your school’s FMA liaison or contact FMA president Kathy Gray at kgrayclapp@aol.com. Here’s to a wonderful arts-filled year ahead.
– Back to School
Choir: the hidden gem in the crown of St. James the Less By Eric Liverance If your child studies music and you aren’t familiar with Justin Bischof, you probably should be. Justin is the music director at the Episcopal Church of St. James the Less (www. saintjamesscarsdale.org). He is our choir director and organist as well. And he leads the senior and junior youth choirs. Justin was a musical child prodigy and has been directing church music programs for 30 years. He’s an internationally renowned organ recitalist and improviser, as well as pianist. He is also internationally acclaimed as an orchestral and opera conductor and founded the Canadian Chamber Orchestra of New York City CCO/ NYC. He is an active composer and several beautiful liturgical pieces have been commissioned by parishioners over the years. His knowledge of historical music and understanding of music is breathtakingly extensive. Justin is the co-founder and moving force with Dorothy Yewer behind the annual Outreach Children’s Benefit Concert to send disadvantaged children to summer camp, an event that has grown far beyond our church. I know all of this firsthand because
I sing in the adult choir under Justin’s direction. He brings amateur choir members like me to a level of performance far beyond our talents. Justin is great with children as well as with adults (he teaches privately as well). The Youth Choir Music Club meets Thursdays, 3:30-4:30 pm. The senior choir meets on Thursdays, 4:30-5 p.m. They perform in church the first Sunday of the month at our Youth Sunday service. Some of the older children occasionally perform solo or duet instrumental pieces. The Youth Choir Music Club includes grades 2-5 and the senior youth choir includes middle schoolers and up. Justin has been teaching children for 30 years and knows how to make the choir fun for young ones, including games and time to socialize with others. The children and the families become very close over the years because of the choir. We welcome you to join us in singing as part of our worship. And don’t bring just the girls. Boys need more coaxing, but they love to sing too! Eric Liverance is a member of the Vestry and the Parish Choir of St. James the Less and is a passionate music lover.
Scarsdale Community Baptist Nursery School Programs for Pre-School Children since 1961
• 3 year class and 4 year class with a concentration in pre-reading and pre-writing skills • Music and Movement • Exploring math concepts through games and music • Science and Nature • Enrichment Program • Summer Program
Call for a tour of our bright, cheerful facility
Acce applicaptting no foior ns Fall Pw rogram
Popham & Autenrieth Roads, Scarsdale • 914-722-0278 • www.scbns.org
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Back to School – FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015
THE SCARSDALE INQUIRER | PAGE 45A
Back to School
Great beginnings at Studio B.
New, exciting dance programs offered at Studio B Voted by Westchester Family Magazine as one of the top five dance studios in Westchester County for a second year in a row, Studio B in Eastchester has more to celebrate than just 20 years of great dancing. To celebrate their 20th season, Studio B is adding four new programs to their roster. Hip Hop & Tumbling for ages 3-5 is a co-ed program that develops locomotive and social skills while building upper body strength through dance and acrobatics. High energy music makes learning fun. Acro/Tumbling for ages 4 and up continues working on developing strength, balance, flexibility and focus for those who want to learn new acrobatic skills that complement and add to their dance training. Contemporary Dance has become a favorite style among the preteens and teens due to the popularity of the shows “Dance Moms” and “So You Think You Can Dance.” Studio B recognizes the need to train dancers with proper technique at a younger age so they can dance safely and with more stage presence as they get older and study more complicated choreography. New classes are now available to dancers in third to fifth grades to begin learning this beautiful style that combines ballet, modern and jazz while telling a story. Dancers will gain grace, poise, stage presence and confidence from this program. An exciting new Tap & Hip Hop combo class is available to boys and girls ages 7-10. The class teaches musicality, rhythm and tempo while building strong listening skills. Last, but not least, Studio B’s Dance Companies offer different opportunities to students who want to do more. The companies (ranging from first-12th grades) offer dancers the opportunity to perform at nursing homes, charity events and nearby festivals throughout the year. Older company dancers are invited to mentor younger members and assist in classes. Company
Arts & Enrichment
programs are specifically designed so dancers can build their self-confidence and improve their technique and stage presence by participating in challenging classes. These companies give students a chance to experience being part of a team and celebrate their accomplishments together. Studio B’s philosophy is “Dance lessons teach life lessons.” Many Studio B dancers have had great success in college and go on to become leaders in their individual fields because dance teaches discipline, focus and problem solving while building self-confidence. There is nothing more exciting than seeing students improve their social and communication skills while creating lifelong friendships based on their love of dance and the joy of teamwork. Studio B Dance Center has classes for boys and girls ages 2 and up and is an affiliated studio of the More Than Just Great Dancing network that chooses studios throughout the country based on the quality of their teachers, curriculum, dance philosophy and community service. The studio is open seven days a week and classes start Sept. 16. Visit the studio’s informative website, studiobdance.com to learn five things you should know before choosing a dance studio.
NY Philharmonic violinist Sharon Yamada coaching a piano trio at the 2015 Elaine Stamas NY Philharmonic Educational Residency.
Celebrating 71 years of growth at Hoff-Barthelson Music School The Hoff-Barthelson Music School celebrates its 71st anniversary this year as a major Westchester center for music education and performance. In the coming decades HBMS students will continue to embark upon a journey of musical growth under the guidance of a distinguished, professionally renowned faculty and will be encouraged to explore their musical ideas, tastes and potential in a setting of friendship and support. Private musical instruction, sequential musicianship classes and annual performances constitute the school’s core curriculum for ages 5 through adults. The 90-member faculty, comprised of many of the region’s most distinguished performers, offers lessons for all students in both classical and jazz idioms. Students of all
Kol Ami Early Childhood Program Celebrating Over 45 Years of Experience! Nan Blank, Director
Warm, Nurturing & Enriching First Friends: A Toddler Program 2, 3, 4 & 5-Day 2’s 3, 4 & 5-Day 3’s Full and Half Day 4’s Extended Day Program for 3’s, 4’s & Pre-K’s A Step Ahead! Pre-K for children turning 5 in the Fall Summer Camp for 2’s, 3’s & 4’s Join us for Shabbat in the Woods every Friday all year round from 5:30—6:00pm
Registration Ongoing Call for an Appointment & Tour 252 Soundview Avenue, White Plains 914-949 -4717 x107
ages and skill level may join one of the many chamber, choral, jazz or orchestral ensembles. (Students from outside the school may participate in an ensemble or club for a modest fee.) The HBMS Jazz Studies Program incorporates private lessons, jazz ensembles, jazz improv and arranging and theory into an extensive jazz/pop curriculum. An annual commissioned piece for the Advanced Jazz Ensemble adds excitement to the program. In 2015, the ensemble premiered “I Call That Home” for vocalist and jazz ensemble by Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning composers Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey. The very youngest students will enjoy Hoff-Barthelson’s Music & Movement Program, staffed by dynamic, highly skilled eurhythmics teachers, which features Music and Movement classes for parents/caregivers and children from birth to 5 years. These classes present an opportunity for parents and their little ones to share songs, rhymes and movement games in a nurturing setting. The school’s group recorder classes introduce children to the basic concepts of music on an early wind instrument while they discover the joy of making music with others. New this year for 4- and 5-year-olds is Suzuki guitar, added to the school’s roster of Suzuki violin, viola, cello, flute and piano lessons and classes. The Suzuki method combines listening, proper technique and posture, reinforcement and active parental involvement during weekly private lessons, group instrumental class and eurhythmics classes. And parents learn to play, too. Instrumental students will find that Hoff-Barthelson’s Orchestral Training Pyramid is unique among music schools in Westchester County in structure, substance and quality. Students begin their orchestral experience in the Young People’s Symphonette, move on to Chamber Orchestra or Wind Ensemble and then may audition for the selective Festival Orchestra, which has been lauded as one of the finest high school orchestras in the country by the New York State Council on the Arts. In the 2015-16 season the Festival Orchestra will perform with two renowned soloists: violinist Ida Kavafian and the celebrated young Israeli-American cellist Amit Peled, who plays on the Pablo Casals cello. Adults who wish to refresh their instrumental technique are invited to participate in the Adult Chamber Program, while the Adult Flute Choir always welcomes new members. At Performers Showcase, avocational adult players hone their performance skills before a sympathetic audience of fellow performers. The HBMS college list routinely includes The Juilliard School, Manhattan College of Music, Peabody Conservatory, Oberlin Conservatory of Music, Boston Conservatory of Music, NYU Tisch School of the Arts, Purchase College Music Conservatory and Berklee College of Music. Other HBMS graduates who are continuing in other fields select universities that have strong avocational music groups so that they may continue with music performance for their own pleasure. School begins Friday, Sept. 11. Call 723-1169, email hb@hbms.org or visit www.hbms.org.
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PAGE 46A | THE SCARSDALE INQUIRER
FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015
Back to School
Variety for all ages at Music Conservatory of Westchester
Music Conservatory of Westchester in White Plains offers a comprehensive music program for youth and te ens, including private instrumental or vocal lessons, ensembles, music theory, composition, songwriting and improvisation. Instrumental study is available in over 30 different instruments covering all styles of music. Although Suzuki students begin instrumental instruction as young as age 4, by age 8 or 9 most children are ready for instrumental or vocal lessons in all areas of study. The conservatory also offers a variety of classes for infants, toddlers and young children. Early childhood instruction includes MCW’s new First Notes class for babies and toddlers, Music Skills for pre-k through grade 3, a Suzuki program for instrumental instruction (violin, cello, guitar) and a piano program for pre-k to grade 1. MCW program directors will meet with you to determine the right teacher fit and program of study based upon personality, schedule, age and curriculum. All students receive an individualized curriculum from highly qualified instructors based on their goals and rate of learning. An honors program for advanced conservatory high school instrumentalists and vocalists is offered. Students follow a rigorous course of study similar to that offered at Juilliard Pre-College and Manhattan School of Music Precollege. Requirements include performances, master classes, community service, ensembles and theory. Conservatory graduates have gone to Julliard, Yale, Northwestern University, Oberlin, the Blair School of Music, Berklee College of Music, Manhattan School of Music and many other renowned colleges and universities. Performing ensembles are a wonderful way to develop musicianship and technique while fostering a sense of community with one’s peers. Students learn to perform with others in a friendly environment. There are small and large ensembles for all ages, in all genres from our Suzuki pre-twinkle group to rock bands or our opera workshop designed for teen and adult singers. Students who study outside the conservatory are welcome to join the ensembles. The conservatory is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music, the governing body for college and professional conservatory programs, and has extremely high standards for musical education. MCW teachers are experienced educators and performers from major conservatories and music programs throughout the United States and Europe including
– Back to School
Arts & Enrichment
Curtis Institute of Music, The Juilliard School, Manhattan School of Music, Oberlin Conservatory, Berklee College of Music, Paris Conservatoire (France), the Moscow, St. Petersburg and Kazan State Conservatories (Russia) and many other renowned music programs. Conservatory students have the opportunity to perform throughout the year in MCW’s 120-seat recital hall with both Steinway and Bosendorfer grand pianos as well as audio/video HD recording equipment. With a piano in every room, teaching studios, classrooms and rehearsal halls have been designed specifically for music instruction. Your child will get the very best in music training at the conservatory in a supportive environment, with outstanding instructors experienced working with young students from preschool through high school and beyond. Visit www.musicconservatory.org.
Central Park Dance has made an impact in Westchester County.
Scarsdale's Central Park Dance continues to inspire dancers Central Park Dance in Scarsdale has been one of the longest running and most respected dance studios in Westchester for over 30 years. Central Park Dance (CPD) won 2013 Best of Westchester Award for having the Editor’s Pick Best Ballet Program. In 2014 and 2015, CPD was named a Top 5 Westchester Family Favorite. CPD has an excellent reputation and once again has planned an exciting curriculum for youngsters and adults alike, with a number of new offerings. Central Park Dance offers unique and progressive styles
of dance and fitness for both adults and children, among an impressive 175 classes per week. Choose from ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, hip-hop, b boys, contemporary, acro-jazz and Latin jazz. In addition to dance, there is a full roster of fitness classes like Zumba, boot camp and kettle-bell kickboxing. Each discipline has an extensive curriculum in a large range of levels. The belief is that personal attention is essential for student growth. Talent is carefully nurtured and developed, allowing every dancer to feel a sense of accomplishment. Superior teaching is the key to the high quality of programs at Central Park Dance. Artistic director Maria Bai has more than 30 years of teaching experience. CPD’s faculty consists of top dancers and choreographers in the industry, bringing their true professionalism and abundant knowledge to the studio. It is their goal to challenge, motivate and inspire, raising each individual dancer to new heights. CPD provides a supportive atmosphere while upholding their reputation for fairness and constructive education. The preschool program at CPD is regarded as one of the finest in the area. Children as young as 2 years of age delight in Tot & I, an introduction to dance. Three-to-5year-olds gain self-confidence and a strong foundation for future dance study. Young dancers are introduced to classical ballet and exposed to the music of “Swan Lake,” “Coppelia” and “The Firebird,” among other favorites in the dance repertoire. The preschool program offers classes every day, including Fairytale Ballet, PreSchool Ballet, Hip Hop Princess and Tap. Central Park Dance is home to Signature Dance Co., a ballet and jazz company, and ReMiXx, a hip-hop company. CPD now offers a preprofessional company, Signature Elite. All companies offer a premium opportunity for advanced students to work with outstanding choreographers in an intensive dance curriculum. They demand excellence from participants, who must demonstrate a commitment to their art form and a willingness to work as a member of a professionally run ensemble. Placement auditions for the Signature Dance Co., ReMiXx and Signature Elite will be held in September and throughout the year. For scholarships, call Bai at 723-2940. Central Park Dance is also the ideal venue for the birthday party of your dreams. Children choose from Fairytale Ballet, Hip-Hop, and Fun-in-Fit parties. Themes may also be custom designed. Studio rentals are also available. Conveniently located within CPD is Miss Talia’s Boutique, which carries an enormous collection of dancewear, body wear, footwear and gymnastics attire. For your convenience Miss Talia’s Boutique is open seven days a week and late evenings Monday-Friday. This year Central Park Dance is happy to announce new online registration, as well as an online parent portal and official Central Park Dance app. All you have to do is search for Central Park Dance in your iTunes App Store. Registration is easy as 1-2-3. Just log on to www.CentralParkDance. com and follow the prompts. You can also follow on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter for the latest deals and news. Bai and Mario LaStrada are a team as well as a family. With your participation, the Central Park Dance family will continue to grow even stronger.
FALL PROGRAM
Family Owned & Operated Since 1973 Experienced Teachers • Serving Children 2 months–14 years • Field Trips • Stimulating Environment • Flexible Schedules • Beautiful Campus Setting
www.annandandychildcare.com
914-592-3027
2170 Saw Mill River Rd, Elmsford, NY
Back to School – FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015
TOP 5 2015
THE SCARSDALE INQUIRER | PAGE 47A
Thank you to all our families for choosing Studio B Dance Center as one of the Top 5 dance studios in Westchester
for a 2 nd straight year!
STUDIO B CULTURE
FAMILY FIRST
POSITIVE ROLE MODELS
Ages 2 and up Convenient sibling scheduling that enables parents to bring 2 or more siblings to class at the same time, including Sundays
EXCELLENCE AGE APPROPRIATE CHOREOGRAPHY,COSTUMES & MUSIC
ENCOURAGE CREATIVITY
RESPECT FOR STUDENTS,PARENTS & TEACHERS
EXCEED EXPECTATIONS DANCE LESSONS TEACH LIFE LESSONS
Viewing windows that allow you to observe your child’s progress without class interruption
Professional teachers, dance floors, and curriculum
GIVE BACK TO OUR COMMUNITY We don’t teach kids to make great dancers, we teach dance to make great kids.
We believe that dance is more than just learning steps to a popular song. Our studio teaches teamwork, social skills, and problem solving, to help each child achieve their goals and build self confidence.
281 White Plains Road, Eastchester, NY 10709 Brand new to dance? VISIT www.studiobdance.org to learn 5 things you should know before choosing a dance studio
Find us on Facebook! @StudioBdancecenter
PRE BALLET & CREATIVE MOVEMENT • BALLET • POINTE • JAZZ • TAP HIP-HOP • CONTEMPORARY • MODERN • ACRO/TUMBLING
PAGE 48A | THE SCARSDALE INQUIRER
FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015
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VISIT OUR NEW BOYS & MEN’S STORE NOW OPEN NEXT DOOR
clothing / shoes / accessories RY E B RO O K • 1 8 RY E R I D G E P L A Z A
contemporary / juniors / men / kids / baby o t h e r l o c a t i o n s : M A N H AT TA N
B R O O K LY N
G R E E N VA L E