Back to School A SPECIAL SECTION OF
The Rivertowns Enterprise AUGUST 22, 2014
PAGE 2A | THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE | FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014
– Back to School
Back to School A SPECIAL SECTION OF
The Rivertowns Enterprise AUGUST 22, 2014
Back to School is a special section of
The Rivertowns Enterprise 95 Main Street Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 (914) 478-2787
www.rivertownsenterprise.net
PUBLISHER Deborah G. White SECTION EDITOR Todd Sliss ART DIRECTOR Ann Marie Rezen ADVERTISING DESIGN Suzanne Brown ADVERTISING SALES Marilyn Petrosa, Thomas O’Halloran, Barbara Yeaker and Francesca Lynch © 2014 W.H. White Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is forbidden without the Publisher’s written permission.
INSIDE BACK TO SCHOOL
Back to School – FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014
| THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE | PAGE 3A
Feature Stories 4A
CCLS, ELA, SAT, ACT... Tests, tests, tests!
6A 9A
Passing the Stress Test
47A
Unmotivated student… or something more?
10A Navigating uncharted internet miscues 27A Fashion: Prints, quality, contemporary & classic
4A
School Reports
6A 10A
27A44A
13A
Dobbs Ferry: Meaningful change in schools
15A
Hastings-on-Hudson: New hires, block scheduling and continued emphasis on technology
20A
Irvington: Serving students’ needs, interests & talents
22A
Ardsley: Preparing our learning community for school year
School Notes..................................................................15A-26A EDUCATIONAL SERVICES ......................................................32A-33A EARLY LEARNING................................................................34A-36A Enrichment & family SERvices ............................. 37A-40A PERFORMING ARTS .............................................................41A-49A PARENTS GUIDE ...............................................................50A-53A
It takes a village to raise a child Are YOU ready ... to get back to a routine?
IT TAKES DAY CARE OF OUR QUALITY TO HELP RAISE ONE AS PRECIOUS AS YOURS To us looking after your children during the day isn’t just a job, it’s a vocation. We have the educational background, experience and dedication to see to it that your child is engaged and happy in our care!
•Open 12 Months •Affordable Rates •Convenient HOURS: 7:15AM-6:00PM Monday thru Friday
Join us at our OPEN HOUSE
Friday, September 12th, 4pm - 6pm
We Make Learning Fun!
Our experienced and dedicated staff use a child-centered curriculum and provide many learning experiences through a combination dramatic play, music and movement, creative arts, storytelling trips, indoor and outdoor activities and more.
For further information, or to schedule a visit please call Patricia Smith 914-693-0600 ext. 1732
Infant Room: (Wait list only)
$376/wk*
Preschool Room: $318/wk* *Rates subject to change
1 Echo Hills Dobbs Ferry NY 10522
Toddler Room: $343/wk*
Back to School-Pilates Special 2 Private Pilates Machine Sessions and 2 Group Machine Classes for $199! (new clients only)
www.rivertownpilates.com Call C.C. for details: 914.372.7373 37 Main Street, 2nd Floor, Tarrytown, N.Y.
PAGE 4A | THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE | FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014
– Back to School
CCLS, ELA, SAT, ACT... Tests, tests, tests!
W
By LAURIE SULLIVAN
ith the school year about to begin, and those supplies, backpacks, clothes and sneakers bought, parents and kids start to think about the coming year and what’s ahead. What teachers will they have? What will their schedules be? And parents in particular are eager to know about the standardized tests their children will be required to take. To help navigate the path for parents we’ve detailed state assessments that the New York State Board of Education requires of students by grade level. And it’s not all that easy. State assessments, also referred to as the Common Core Learning Standards (CCLS) or just the Common Core tests, are given to students in grades three through eight in schools throughout the state. These standardized tests are given in three subject areas — English Language Arts (known as the ELAs), mathematics and science — and do not require any outside tutoring or test prep time beyond the time teachers spend in the classroom prepping for tests. Teachers are required by the New York State Education Department to prepare students for the tests, but in high achieving districts like Scarsdale, Edgemont, Bedford, Katonah-Lewisboro and the Rivertowns, students already receive an education that is considered to be above the Common Core standards, where precious classroom time could be better spent. Preparation varies by school and district. These unfunded mandates are ultimately paid for with shrinking school budget dollars and higher property taxes for residents. The concept of local control of schools and “teaching to test” have not gone over well locally and other locales with educators and parents alike. In fact, back in 2001, in a well-orchestrated and highly publicized event, Scarsdale’s eighth-grade parents boycotted the state science assessment test, the first year it was given. A staggering 67 percent of parents refused to send their children to school for the test. The boycott set off a firestorm in the media — and with the
þ A parent’s guide to NY state testing
NYS Board of Regents in Albany. Stories appeared not just in The Scarsdale Inquirer, but nationally in print and on radio and television. The following year, Scarsdale parents decided to not boycott again, for fear of reprisals by then-NYS Board of Regents chancellor Richard Mills against the district, the students and then-Scarsdale schools superintendent Dr. Michael McGill, who had supported the boycott. In an article in The Scarsdale Inquirer dated June 7, 2013, it was reported that the Scarsdale Middle School PTA emailed middle school parents urging them to learn more about a “grassroots coalition STOP Albany in an effort to lobby for unfunded mandate relief and for more local control of education and taxes.” In the meantime, standardized tests across the grade levels continue to be mandated by the NYS Education Depart-
ARDSLEY ORTHODONTICS GreGG Fader, d.M.d. Services Include: Braces for children and adults • Tooth colored braces Invisalign braces • Behind the teeth braces Free Consultation
ment, whose philosophy is that state tests are considered “part of a student’s core educational program … and makes sure kids are on track to graduate high school,” according to the NYS Education Department’s website, a website it should be noted that is not an easy one to navigate. So what’s ahead for your child this year? Here’s a snapshot of what to expect: State tests by the numbers The following information was gleaned from the New York State Education Department’s website and Honore Adams, test scoring coordinator for the Scarsdale school district, via email. According to Adams, the New York State assessments are not given before third grade. She noted that “the testing times listed do not include approximately 10 minutes of prep time at the beginning of each session for handing out materials and
reading directions” in the elementary and intermediate level schedule. “Although we haven’t received the particulars regarding specific times for each test, they are released mid- to late fall on the Office of State Assessment website.” The following testing times listed for each session represents those given for the 2013-14 school year. Regardless of whether or not testing times remain the same, all standardized tests are given in the spring. • English Language Arts (the ELAs) start in grade three and test a student’s listening and reading ability with multiple choice, and short and longer answers. Grades three and four are tested over a three-day period, with 70 minutes to complete the test each day. Grades 5-8 were allotted 90 minutes of testing time for each of the three days. CONTINUED ON PAGE 8A
College Advice 101 Jane C. Hoffman, M.B.A. Expert Advice on the College Search and Application Process 65 West Brookside Drive, Larchmont, NY 10538
914.833.1573
CollegeAdvice101@aol.com www.CollegeAdvice-101.com
914-358-4139
Member: IECA, NACAC, HECA, WPRCA
(Apple Bank building)
Accessible, knowledgeable, effective
1075 Central avenue • Suite #201 • SCarSdale, nY 10583
Back to School – FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014
| THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE | PAGE 5A
Preparing for SATs and ACTs
F
rank Pomilla, president of TestTakers, founded his SAT prep company fresh out of Princeton University back in 1983. He began with only eight students and since that time the business has come a long way from its “modest beginning,” Pomilla said. Since that time, TestTakers has prepared a “couple of thousand students” for the SATs. With a total of 11 locations, three in partnership with schools, TestTakers has become a household name, with locations at Scarsdale Synagogue Tremont Temple and in Greenwich at the Central Middle School. Pomilla said the “optimal time” to take the course is the summer or fall of junior year. Before then is “too early.” He also wouldn’t recommend starting later than the fall of senior year, “because it’s their last shot.” As far as prepping for the PSATs, TestTakers doesn’t run “a specific program unless a kid is in the top 1/2 of 1 percent of the class” and is interested is winning a national merit scholarship: “If kids start [then] it has an effect of boosting their scores.” The SATs are broken down into three parts that include critical reading, math and writing for a total pos-
sible score of 2,400. According to Pomilla, as of March 2016 a new SAT will be introduced which will revert back to two parts and scoring will be a maximum of 1,600 points. When asked if TestTakers offer preparation for the ACTs, Pomilla said they were “just getting into it.” Some colleges will accept the ACTs in place of the SATs. They are often submitted by foreign students who plan to study here. The ACT consists of four multiple choice tests with a battery of questions in English, math, reading and science. The ACT plus writing includes the four multiple choice tests plus a writing test. These tests show subject matter mastery and are supposed to be indicators for future success in college. So what do students learn in the TestTaker’s course? For Pomilla, he said that there’s been lots of press on “how you teach kids there are gimmicks, [but] you have to improve their skills.” The TestTaker course helps students in critical reading, reviewing math concepts and in writing in particular. Students are taught the rules of grammar and usage and how to construct an essay. “We work with a lot of kids in high achieving schools in WestCONTINUED ON PAGE 8A
AUTISM: Result-Oriented Therapy™ ™
Rivertowns Dental
Give Your Child the Gift of Success™
My goal is the same as yours... Total Independence Parent Training Included Robert J. Bernstein Educational Services, LLC
Dr. Samar Tannous Don’t Forget Your Child’s Back To School Checkup
Services Include: General Dentistry ~ Root Canal Therapy
Cosmetic Dentistry Including: Bonding, Veneers, Crowns and Bridges Invisalign ~ Teeth Whitening Hours by appointment
34 High Street, Hastings-On-Hudson, N.Y. 10706 (corner of High and Rose)
Specialist in Autism Spectrum Disorder
(914) 214-8228
369 Ashford Avenue, Dobbs Ferry, N.Y. 10522 email: rjb@autismspeech.com • www.autismspeech.com
Dr. Tannous has practiced dentistry for over 15 years. She earned her DDS and a diploma in Pediatric and Community Dentistry in 1994. Known for her high quality and good caring, Dr. Tannous shares her extensive experience and continues her dental education to solve most of today’s dental problems and concerns. She is a member of the American Dental Association and the American Academy Of Facial Cosmetics.
914.330.3393
PAGE 6A | THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE | FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014
– Back to School
Passing the
Stress Test Managing stress is a major hurdle for some students
U
By TODD SLISS
nfortunately it doesn’t take long for everything that was gained over the short summer in terms of relaxation and rejuvenation to come to a halt with the start of another long and stressful school year. That’s just the nature of the beast when it comes to getting back into full school days, homework, studying, tests and various after-school activities. In a world where being overly scheduled to the point that young people’s lives are overscheduled, stress can have many negative impacts on students of all ages. Ironically we want and expect kids to perform their best when they aren’t given the tools to cope with the constant go, go, go society. Dorrie Bernstein, who is in private practice as a psychologist, psychotherapist and educational therapist working with children, many of whom have learning and emotional problems, started out as a
teacher and was a school psychologist and learning specialist, so she’s seen a world that went from neighborhood free play to scheduled playdates, a competitive college application process to a cut-throat one. Bernstein acknowledges that “we’re in a competitive world.” Bernstein noted that there are “lots of anxious kids out there” in a “more anxiety-provoking world.” “That’s why all of us — parents, educators, teachers, anybody working with kids — we want to help create a more relaxed time, giving kids space to create and relax,” she said. Bernstein pointed to the film “Race to Nowhere,” which she called a “real attempt to get everyone to take a step back — schools, parents, everyone.” Taking that step back is often not a reality, so dealing with the situation at hand is that reality. “Yes, there are times when kids are overscheduled and that can be problematic because there are loads of opportunities out there and we want our children to learn lots of different things and be well-rounded individuals,” Bernstein said. “If they play a
In-House Printing
24-Hour Turnaround
BEST GIFT SHOP CUSTOM INVITATIONS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
BEST EVENT PLANNER PERSONALIZED STATIONERY GREAT SELECTION OF GIFTS
team sport, if they have religious instruction, if they have music lessons, if they have arts-related lessons or a play, those are all things that take up time after school and if every single day is scheduled, then it can be very hard for kids because young kids need to have time for free, creative play.” That varies by the age of the child. Little ones literally need play time. “Play is young kids’ work,” Bernstein said. “They need time for creative outlet to discover what they can build or do on their own. For very young children some of what they need to de-stress is to leave their structured activity, a school activity, a school day and some people say ‘veg out’ and put them in front of television and that’s one way. It’s not terrible. It’s one way, but not the only way. There are lots of creative things that kids do on their own when they explore and learn about the world. Kids need down time and it’s hard. It’s hard when they’re being scheduled and you can’t argue with things like being a great athlete and playing tennis and soccer and going to religious instruction.”
While a television show can serve to unwind, it should be over at least an hour before bedtime. The light from the screen tells the body that it’s not time for sleep. Giving kids an hour of screen-free time before bed will help to get that full, good night of sleep. “Reading to a kid or having a kid listen to a book on tape or relaxing in bed listening to music or something that’s not visual with a light is good,” Bernstein said. “When they are relaxing in front of screens it can be problematic.” The possibility of the Common Core, in its second year being fully rolled out, contributing to stress for kids has yet to be seen, Bernstein said. “What’s being imposed on school districts and what’s being filtered down to kids is intensifying the curriculum that exists now,” Bernstein said. “I don’t know if it will translate into more homework since it’s fairly new, the Common Core.” Bernstein noted that the balance needs CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE
Kavita Kohli, DDS
Board Certified Pediatric Dentist
Come in for a great selection of invitations for every occasion: Birthday Parties . Bar/Bat Mitzvahs . Weddings . Showers and More! 63 Main Street, Dobbs Ferry • 591-6277
Hours: Mon - Sat, 10am - 6pm; Or by Appointment
www.saycheeseandthankyou.com
495 Central Park Avenue, Suite 208 ~ Scarsdale, NY 10583
www.rivertownspediatricdentistry.com ~ 914-725-9620
Back to School – FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014 CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE
to be there after school between activities, homework and free time. And don’t forget dinner, which Bernstein called “decompressing time together.” “We know we can all produce more in daylight hours, so if we have playdates, which are very important as well, and free play time and then we also have homework and we want to get it done in daylight hours, by the time we’re in December we don’t have very many of those,” she said. “That’s also pressure. That’s pressure for families who want to sit down and have family dinner, which in some families is still valued as an important time for kids to sort of relax and share with their parents, and kids to share about their day. Family dinner can’t happen for a lot of families because they are running to one lesson or another or a tournament.” The teens have the toughest situation since not only do they have a lot going on, but the homework demands are at times unreasonable. “A lot of the kids I see are athletes, so they go directly from school to practice and then they’re completely booked until they get home and then they collapse because they’re exhausted,” Bernstein said. “It’s very hard. Parents of teenagers walk a fine line. It’s important to know what’s going on, but kids have to become responsible for getting the work done and by the time junior year comes, it’s very difficult for them to have a whole load of free or discretionary time if they are on a team or involved in a play. If they are doing afterschool things it’s very difficult because by the time they’re in junior year there’s a lot
of homework depending on the courses they are taking.” For many, the activities that take up so much of their time serve as stress relievers after the school day. Some students find they are more on task when they are busier at different points of the school year. That’s the good anxiety or pressure about making sure to get everything done properly. Other things that can factor into stress relief are a good diet, building in some breaks and getting a good night of sleep, which seems to be the biggest challenge for teens. “We all need some level of not stress, but anxiety,” Bernstein said. “We have anxiety and get revved up about things because we need that. We need to know not to go toward the dog that’s baring its teeth at us. There is a good level of being anxious. We need to get up for a game, that little bit of anxiety that we have. Or for a big test. A little bit of anxiety is a good thing. It’s when it goes over the top is when we can’t manage it, when we don’t have coping strategies and it’s not good. It’s an awareness of the stress, or really more about being anxious about something. A little is good because it gets us up to a level of performance that’s healthy.” Parents have their hands full monitoring yet another aspect of their children’s lives, a big one being that 8-10 hours of sleep, which Bernstein called “a tall order.” “Sleep deprivation can create difficulties healthwise, stresswise,” Bernstein said. “We want to make sure they get sleep and that they do manage to schedule down time even on the weekends so that they can have outlets with friends and for creative things.”
| THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE | PAGE 7A
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
Fall Classes - After School and Weekends Programs Begin September 8th
Exciting Fall 2014 Class Schedule GARAGE BAND AND BEYOND Tuesday Evening - 4 Weeks
Frustrated trying to figure out Garage Band? Master all of the key functions of this popular software and explore other options.
IS THERE A DJ IN THE HOUSE? Tuesday Evening - 2 Weeks
DJs do much more than make a song list. Learn the secrets of the mobile DJ trade to make your mixes sound great.
MUSIC TECHNOLOGY ‘FUN’DAMENTALS Tuesday Evening/Saturday Afternoon - 6 Weeks OR Two Weekends Intensive
For the music/sound enthusiast with little or no previous knowledge; Learn the craft of mixing and engineering with audio basics, Logic Pro and Pro Tools. Full and Partial Course Enrollments Available • Tuition Grant Program for Eligible Students
29 South Depot Plaza, Tarrytown (next to the Tarrytown Train Station)
914-909-2974
End the Frustration Learn the Short Cuts
Stateof Built i -the Art Cus Mac S tation tom s
Small Class Sizes
Youth Lacrosse Rentals, Leagues & Recreation
Kids & Sports Birthday Parties Twitter.com/ontrack10591
Facebook.com/ontrack10591
Fall Session I: September 8 - October 17 Fall Session II: November 3 - December 13 Weekend Intensives: October 25-26, November 1-2
WHERE?
Lil’Allstars Sports Play (Ages 3-5) Afterschool Sports Instruction (Ages 5+) NY Red Bulls Soccer RDS (Ages 7-14)
Open to anyone interested in music and sound - artists, musicians, DJs, performers, songwriters, music producers ALL AGES WELCOME
WHEN?
Visit us at Ontracksport.com
WHO?
s with ce r o t c u r Inst d Experien orl ped Real-W io Fully Equip ound Stud S l a n io s s Profe
Riverworks Recording Studio 39 Cedar Street, Dobbs Ferry
A state-of-the-art professional sound studio designed by industry leader, John Storyk, of Electic Lady fame
ENROLL TODAY
www.StandingOvationMTI.com email: info@standingovationmti.com
PAGE 8A | THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE | FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014
TESTS, TESTS, TESTS! CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4A
Tests are broken down as follows: Day 1, Book 1: multiple choice; Day 2, Book 2: multiple choice, short and extended response; Day 3, Book 3: short and extended response. • The math Common Core test for grades 3-8 was also given over a three-day period. This is how it breaks down: grade 3 was allotted 60 minutes of testing for days one and two, while day three was 70 minutes. For grade four, students were given 60 minutes for the first two days, and 90 minutes for the final day. Grades 5-8 were given 80 minutes to complete the test on days one and two, 90 minutes for day three. Students who finished their tests before the given time was up may review their answers. For the math assessments, schools provide students with a ruler in grades 3-8. Protractors are supplied to students in grades 4-8. In grades 3-5, students may not use calculators. In grade six, a four-function calculator with a square root key or a scientific calculator is provided. For grades seven and eight, a scientific calculator is used for the second and third days only. • Students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 plans have the full time their plan specifies and the use of whatever devices they are permitted for all grade levels and subject matter. • Grades four and eight take the state science exam, which breaks down to science performance and a written science test. It should be noted that on testing days
– Back to School
students may not bring any communications devices of any kind (cell phones, pagers, PDAs, etc.) to school as dictated by the New York State Education Department. Your student has been prepared for and taken the test — now what? Parents do receive a copy of their child’s scores, which indicate their overall state percentile rank, which compares their child’s performance to the rest of the students who took the same subject area test the year they took it. The higher the percentile, the better a child fared in comparison to the rest of the state. Although the results don’t have any impact on their grades, that doesn’t stop some students from worrying about taking them. Student performance was originally slated to impact 20 percent of teacher evaluations, but teachers have been given a reprieve for 2014 and 2015, thanks to pressure from the teachers’ unions. In an article on education.com from Nov. 14, 2013, it stated that federal funding is tied into test scores to determine how much autonomy a school has. Critics of No Child Left Behind, which the Common Core tests are an outgrowth of, feel it puts “immense pressure on school officials, teachers, students and parents.” That pressure to succeed creates a “poor environment for learning and an environment of fear rather than discovery.” In an article in the New York Post last June, state education commissioner John King noted, “… despite the firestorm of criticism, only one percent of teachers were rated ineffective last year.”
SATs AND ACTs CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5A
chester,” he said. “There is a strong inverse relationship in incoming scores. A lower scoring student will improve the most. [However] kids from top achieving schools improve more than you would expect. These schools have trained them well to learn and tend to outperform more than you expect. The problem with kids from these schools is teaching something they don’t know, but they’re able to do so.” According to Pomilla, the SAT board says there is a “practice effect” by taking the SATs more than once, with an improvement of 35 points without taking a course. For the last academic year, students who had taken the TestTakers course improved 234 points from a real test the students had taken before the test without the course. “This is not an easy test, let’s be clear,” Pomilla emphasized. Asked if students have anxiety about the test, he replied “somewhat,” but explained that the course “has a very relaxed tone and I think it relieves a lot of anxiety for the kids.” When questioned about colleges dropping the SATs as a requirement for applying, Pomilla said there are “some in those ranks, but I think it’s
the same.” From his perspective, college admissions officers like the SAT (officially called the SAT Reasoning Test) because “it forces you to reason with the facts you learned in school and it gives them a ‘common yardstick.’” Pomilla said that if admissions officers don’t know the school, it measures the strength of a student beyond grades. TestTakers groups students in small classes of 10-12, according to ability with separate classes for each subject. The full price of the course is $2,195, with discounts available for early enrollment. The TestTakers course includes 32 classroom hours, with classes run on weekends in Scarsdale and Greenwich, and up to 18 hours of additional instruction which are called “spotlight sessions,” for a total of 50 hours of classroom time. The course includes four practice tests. Missed classes may be made up during the week. Asked if kids ever repeat the course, Pomilla said “yes,” but at a “greatly reduced price … but to be clear we show them everything they need.” Pomilla said, “Having been in business 30 years now, I’ve recently been getting the kids of original students,” including eight who took the TestTaker course last year. — Laurie Sullivan
Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty Wishes You a Safe and Successful 2014-2015 School Season
Back to School – FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014
| THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE | PAGE 9A
Unmotivated student… or something more? By ANTHONY R. MANCINI
M
otivating a student to do schoolwork can be a tough job for a parent, especially with life’s distractions in the way. Sometimes, however, motivation issues go beyond a simple desire to be doing or thinking about something else other than homework. Andrew Clark, a math tutor with clients in the Rivertowns and Scarsdale, put it this way: “One of many reasons for a student to become indifferent or disengaged is a lack of understanding. Who wants to master material that doesn’t make any sense?” he said. “By asking the student to explain things to you or by watching him work through a problem, you may find a basic difficulty.” There is always the possibility if a student is consistently resisting their assignments, it might be an indicator of a larger problem due to an overall difficulty in learning. “Resistance is usually a byproduct,” said Courtney Tricarichi, the center manager at Lindamood-Bell Learning Center in Scarsdale. “It’s not just because they don’t want to do their homework, there’s usually something that’s prohibiting or inhibiting their ability to do work independently and identifying what that underlying cause is, is always going to be
the first step in trying to resolve it.” Lindamood-Bell is an institution devoted to one-on-one tutoring of people of all ages who have some sort of processingbased learning disability, even adults past school age. The definition of a processing-based disability, also known as a processing weakness, is complex. It does not
FERRY FESTA Special Crafts for Kids Program Saturday, September 27 from 2 - 4 p.m.
mean a diagnosis such as attention deficit disorder, which is dealt with in a different manner. Lindamood-Bell does work with students with ADD and other disorders, however, usually the student is accompanied with a learning weakness as well. Instead, a processing weakness means that someone is able to comprehend in-
formation at a slower pace compared to others. “There’s nothing wrong with this student. It’s just a slower processing ability. They’re just doing it at a rate that’s not what’s expected of them and therefore can’t perform at their grade level,” Tricarichi said. “Our goal is to speed up their processing, come in here, do it intensively and we’ll get you to a point where you can take in and retain information at a faster pace then you were.” Lindamood-Bell tests students to find out if they do indeed have some sort of a learning difficulty. This might be difficult to detect outwardly. Parents might find that a younger child with a processing weakness is reading slowly or not getting a grasp on the material. They might find that an older student just flat out hates reading and homework altogether because of a failure to understand what they have been assigned. These learning disabilities might mean that a third-grader only has a grasp of first-grade material or that a 10th-grader only understands sixth-grade subject matter. “These students, they often don’t get discovered until things become very challenging and sometimes that happens in the later years of high school, sometimes that happens in college. Sometimes they never get a diagnosis,” Tricarichi said. “For those students who are that CONTINUED ON PAGE 12A
BACK TO SCHOOL ALREADY?? Schedule an eye exam for the whole family now and take advantage of the coupon below.
For Children Pre-school programs will resume in the fall. For Toddler Time, Story Time, Nursery Rhyme Time schedules, check our calendar and web site.
For Teens Stay tuned for more about Westchester County’s First Annual Battle of the Books A book-based trivia tournament for the best YA novel of the year for Westchester Youth in grades 4-9. Support The Wordly Warriors team from Dobbs Ferry at http://www.dobbsferrylibrary.org/teen/bob.php
Receive FREE SV Lenses with Purchase of a New Frame Cannot be combined with any other offer. Cannot be used with any insurance plans. Limit one pair per customer. Valid on 1st Division Clear Plastic and Polycarbonate Lenses Only. Offer Expires on September 30, 2014
September is Library Card Sign-Up Month. Need a library card? Register on line or visit the library. It’s easy.
Dobbs Ferry Library
55 Main Street, Dobbs Ferry, NY 693-6615 | dobbsferrylibrary.org Visit us on Facebook and Twitter
As always “Our Focus is on YOU.”
Bauer Optical Eye Care
45 Main Street, Hastings-On-Hudson, N.Y. 10706 Upcoming Programs @ the 478-0550 Upcoming Programs @ the Dobbs Ferry Public Library Upcoming Programs @web: the www.baueroptical.com Check us out on the Dobbs Ferry Public Library Dobbs For Ferry Public Library ~ Ed Klotz, Optician ~ Children Learn About Birds of Prey Learn About Birds of Prey Learn About Birds of Prey
For Children For Children
PAGE 10A | THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE | FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014
– Back to School
Tips for navigating uncharted internet miscues
L
By TODD SLISS
ife was tough enough when everyone in your hometown knew that thing you did, that embarrassing fact. Now when you make your mistake it could be in an online police blotter or it could simply be something you wrote or posted online, or something someone posted about you. Either way, it’s out there for the whole world to see, and it’s not easy to take it back. The onus to prevent such mishaps is on parents. Like every new generation, today’s parents are dealing with uncharted territory as they themselves did not grow up with such electronic tools and temptations. They have to get young people who are being raised with social media outlets to understand that their actions may have consequences now and down the line. Kids don’t always heed parents’ warnings about speeding, drinking, drugs, fighting, sex — anything really. So why is this different? Perhaps it’s not, but parents can’t ignore the crucial issue. “When it comes to talking with your children it’s really developing the relationship with your children early on,” said Dr. Jacques Jospitre Jr., a founding partner at SohoMD.com and owner of BrainMatriX Inc. “It’s understanding what is important to your child. With any message, you want to know how to frame this information in a way the person understands. It’s less about saying you’re going to enforce this and
about hard and fast rules because kids tend to break those. “You need to put it in a way that the child truly understands the impact. When you get to know someone, how you phrase and use content to put the message across is different and really unique to the person. That’s why investing time in connecting with your children and understanding what’s really important to them helps you get that messaging across.” Breaking the situation down age-appropriately is important,
just like telling little ones not to talk to strangers — you start from that first time they are exposed. “For younger children you tell them they shouldn’t be interacting with people the same way they wouldn’t interact with strangers in public,” Jospitre said. “You teach them what the Internet is, what it’s capable of, what’s going on.” Another key is being involved with the kids on social media. “The same way if a child is playing with a toy on the ground, you’d want to sit down with the child on the ground and play that game at
that level,” Jospitre said. “You want to do the same thing on the Internet with Facebook, Instagram, Twitter. Get your own account and connect with your child and be present the same way that you would be in the real world.” Jospitre’s favorite reference for parents and schools is the American Academy of Pediatrics’ safetynet.aap.org website, which gives parents the tools they need to teach responsible electronic interaction. “The education part helps the child understand that things you’re doing here really sit in the cyberspace forever,” Jospitre said. “It’s very hard to make it disappear once it’s out there — making your child aware ahead of time that it’s really permanent and that everything they put out there they should assume that everyone can see it. Before they put anything out there, how would they feel to know everyone is going to read it?” As many times as high school coaches have told their athletes to stay off Facebook and Twitter before a big contest or rivalry game, those coaches have been ignored and wars of words ignite and escalate to the point that a threat — whether serious or not — is made. That’s a no-no in a world where threats are taken more seriously than ever. Games have been cancelled, players suspended, etc. Last winter adult fans from Mount Vernon and student fans from Mahopac got CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE
Back to School – FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014 CONTINUED FROM THE PREVIOUS PAGE
CONTINUED ON PAGE 12A
ALEX AND ANI MADE IN AMERICA WITH LOVE®
into a shouting match during a heated boys’ basketball playoff game at the Westchester County Center. Later on, some of the kids took to social media and wrote things they may or may not have meant about their counterparts, and there was big trouble for those kids and the entire town of Mahopac was painted by some as a racist community. The heat of the moment, that moment of losing oneself, that lapse of good judgment… these are all costly. Chances are even before it’s deleted someone has taken a screen shot of it — this goes for celebrities and regular people, too — and even when you think it’s deleted it might still be there in some form even though you can’t see it. “It’s a controversial issue in terms of people’s rights to control content that they created or is about them,” Jospitre said. “Right now it’s very difficult. The water is still not clear. How much control should we have over that content? It’s really difficult to control that once it’s out there to bring it back in. “The best thing is prevention to help your child have that awareness to not put himself in a situation where they are trying to delete information. That’s very difficult.” So you’ve paid your debt for your transgression in 2014. Imagine now it’s six or eight years later, you’re no longer a youngster and it’s time to get a job. Now your potential employer is searching your name. “When you are out there you represent your employer, so when people know you work at such and such company, every-
thing you do is a reflection in some degree on that employer and they care about that image because it affects their brand,” Jospitre said. “I think that’s a standard course of action for people to search for you and see what’s out there. “When you are applying for jobs you should Google yourself and look what’s out there because that will be affecting people’s decisions on you. When you see things that are inaccurate or don’t need to be there or are irrelevant or that you feel shouldn’t be there, by proactively looking at it, you can go in and try to make an effort to have it removed from the search engines.” (Good luck with this.) And keep in mind there are many search engines that could yield different results. A bullying situation is a different type of behavior than an, “Oops, I shouldn’t have done that.” That’s more of an ongoing issue. “You can have your child be the victim of social media — they’re being bullied, teased, embarrassed — so you being present helps to catch that early on and be able to do something about that,” Jospitre said. “A lot of attention is focused on the victim’s side, but there’s also the aggressor’s side. You also want to be present to know if your child is the bully, the person being mean or unfair to other people.” Jospitre also warns parents to watch out for an addiction to social media. “Just like any other substance or anything in a person’s life, with addiction what you’re really looking for is the use of the social media somehow impacting nega-
545 SAW RD || ARDSLEY, ARDSLEY, NY NY || 914.693.5672 914.693.5672 545 SAW MILL MILL RIVER RIVER RD POSITIVELY AUTHORIZED RETAILER POSITIVELY AUTHORIZED RETAILER
| THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE | PAGE 11A
Trusted by people in the community for over 5 years.
Established • Professional • Reliable WALK-IN FOR SCHOOL, COLLEGE, AND SPORTS PHYSICALS ALL MAJOR INSURANCES ACCEPTED NO APPOINTMENTS NEEDED OPEN 7 DAYS
Strep Test • Low Radiation X-Ray EKG Blood Tests • Vaccines
RAPID FLU TESTING ONSITE 155 White Plains Road (Rt.119), Suite 101 Tarrytown, NY 10591 Phone (914) 372-7171 Check our website for a list of available vaccines
www.ucofwestchester.com
Hours: Open 7 days a week, Mon-Fri 8am-8pm • Sat & Sun 9am-3pm
PAGE 12A | THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE | FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014
INTERNET MISCUES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11A
tively on your child’s life,” he said. “Are they not getting their schoolwork done or missing out on other responsibilities, are they disengaging from people in the real world to spend time with social media?” Among the things Jospitre recommends is having the computer in a “public” space at home where privacy is not exactly guaranteed and hours of access should be limited. “It’s getting a feel for the role of social media in the child’s life which helps you prevent a lot of abuses of the technology,” he said. There is a lot to think about when it comes to online behaviors, and once kids get their own mobile devices it becomes that much harder to monitor. “Social media is fun, it’s great,” Jospitre said. “We don’t know if it’s just a fad. How will it evolve over the years? It’s not clear. It’s important to get kids away from social media, to turn it off, to engage with people, to having rules like not using devices at the dinner table, having breaks on vacation from social media. It’s just good to incorporate other aspects of life and find ways of engaging the world that actually involved engaging with the world. “When you’re deep into correspondence with the virtual world, you’re really not paying attention to the physical world that’s around you. It’s good for their balance and perspective to live their actual lives, not just in these virtual spaces.”
– Back to School
Unmotivated student… or something more? CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9A
much older and if they’re not able to process grade appropriate material, they’re not going to want to do the work.” The center director said that it is uncertain why these learning disabilities develop in children, but that they always remain a problem. “For students that have processing weaknesses, it stays with you for life. It doesn’t go away. We can’t fix it,” she said. “However, after intervention, you’re in a significantly better spot than you were when you first came.” Lindamood-Bell offers programs in reading, comprehension and mathematics to students and one-on-one remediation for students of up to five days a week for those in most need of help. Tricarichi compares remediation to learning an instrument. “If you practice the violin one time a week for one year, it will not be as good as if you’re practicing the violin every single day. You’ll be a different type of student,” she said. “That’s what we say to students: If you’re significantly behind, you need daily intervention in order to get to where you need to be, otherwise time continues to progress and your grade level and your requirements and expectations also progress, so if you don’t nip it sooner, you know it’s just going to continue to get worse.” The center director said that students with processing difficulties on a comprehensive level might find it hard to grasp meanings of language.
L’dor Va-dor ...
"Students with comprehension problems might not be noticed or might be misdiagnosed with a disorder like ADD for not paying attention in class." Courtney Tricarichi, Lindamood-Bell Learning Center “If the sentence was ‘The cat ran up the tree, jumped onto the roof and took a nap,’ and I say what was that about, they’d say, ‘Oh, there was a tree, a cat and a roof,’” she said. If a student has a reading comprehension problem such as this, it would only become magnified as they progress throughout grades and expectations begin to increase. “Now, we’re saying in first grade read a few sentences, understand that. Second grade: read a whole paragraph. Third grade: We start to read chapter books. So all of that increases,” Tricarichi said. “For students that have developmental delays or processing weaknesses, they’re not able to catch onto that information at the same rate as everybody else, so maybe by the time second grade hits, they’re only still able to process, you know, a few sentences. They can’t do a whole paragraph yet.” From an early age, children are told
to read, but they are not told why they should be reading: to be able to comprehend information. Tricarichi said that the concept of reading to comprehend meaning is not apparent to many children with learning disabilities. “The students who can’t read usually get extremely frustrated because they’re constantly told that they need to read and they constantly experience failure and they get upset and they make a decision consciously not to do this assignment,” she sa id. “It’s also easier to identify these students because when you’re sitting in a classroom and you’re a teacher, the students who can’t read are obvious. The student who can’t comprehend, it’s easily put into a different category.” Tricarichi said that for an educator it might not be obvious that a student does not comprehend information, especially if they are able to read. She said those students with comprehension problems might not be noticed or might be misdiagnosed with a disorder like ADD for not paying attention in class due to their difficulty. “Guess why they’re not paying attention. They have no idea what you are talking about,” she said. “It’s kind of like sitting in a room where other people are speaking a different language. Are you going to pay attention for so long? No, not for the purpose of gaining meaning.” The center director said that CONTINUED ON PAGE 31A
Temple Beth Shalom Nursery School
From generation to generation A An independent Reform congregation of over 400 families A A nursery school, a religious school, teen programs, an elaborate adult education program, and a strong social action program A Shabbat and holiday services, life-cycle events from birth to bar/bat mitzvah to weddings Please call for information:
478-3833
Temple Beth Shalom 740 North Broadway, Hastings-on-Hudson Email: info@tbshastings.org www.tbshastings.org
We’ll help your child grow.
Openings still available in our 4 year-old classroom for 2014-2015 We welcome Temple members and non-members to join us for all preschool activities including our Tot Shabbats!
740 North Broadway, Hastings-on-Hudson Email: info@tbshastings.org www.tbshastings.org
“U-2”
Terrific toddler class for children younger than 2 years and their accompanying adult. Tuesdays 9:15-10:15am Begins October 2014. Call for details!
Judith Michael, MSW Executive Director of Education & Programming • 478-3833
Back to School – FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014
| THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE | PAGE 13A
School Reports Meaningful change ahead in Dobbs Ferry Schools
T
By DR. LISA BRADY
Dobbs Ferry Schools Superintendent
he education landscape continues to shift with ever-changing norms and expectations, but in the Dobbs Ferry Schools we have been focusing on meaningful systemic change for quite some time. On the outside we may look like the same iconic buildings that are a hallmark of our community, but inside the classroom walls teaching and learning look very different. The increased use of technology by teachers and students has exploded due to unprecedented teacher professional growth and our student 1:1 laptop initiative. For the 2014-15 school year, we have expanded the Chromebook program to all students in grades 5-10, following an exceptionally successful pilot of the Chromebooks (portable computers in the notebook realm) in grades 7-9. Student access to computers in our schools has grown significantly over the past three years and the evolution of teacher proficiency in using technology to enhance the instructional program has been exciting to watch. Perhaps the most important and significant direction in the new school year is the transitioning into the IB Middle Years
Program (MYP) which encompasses grades 6-10. The board of education spent the better part of two years investigating this preparatory extension of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program that presently provides the instructional experience for 11th- and 12th-graders. Last year, high school students registered for over 400 IB exams and more than 30 percent of our students are projected to receive the full IB Diploma in 2015. With the numbers of IB Diploma students growing and close to 99 percent of high
school students accessing IB coursework, it has long been a district goal to ensure that students in both the middle school and students in ninth and 10th grades have the most robust preparation possible for the rigor of the IB curriculum. The teachers at Dobbs Ferry High School have been working over the past three years to design “pre IB” experiences for students in grades 9-10 and are well prepared for a formal shift to the MYP. This past summer, the district’s MYP coordinator completed her training, high school administrators attended the IB
World Conference in Washington, D.C., and teachers across the grade levels worked in teams to continue to create the interdisciplinary units required by the MYP. Students in our middle and high schools will notice a gradual, but significant shift in the ways that teaching and learning are experienced in their classes. The district vision statement, “Independent Thinkers Prepared to Change the World,” creates the framework for the district’s strategic plan and the 2014-15 school year begins the second year of this focus. There is a strong concentration on the growth of inquiry as an instructional strategy and an increased emphasis on the inclusion of more project-based learning in all grades across the schools. In order to accommodate the best instructional strategies for students, the MS/HS School Schedule Task Force has been working since the spring to explore new scheduling options and although this work is still ongoing, a number of block schedules are being analyzed to find the “right” fit for schools’ curriculum programs. We anticipate that this busy committee will have recommendations for the board of education by December with a new schedule in place by September 2015. At Springhurst Elementary School, scheduling changes are already in place for this CONTINUED ON PAGE 18A
PAGE 14A | THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE | FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014
– Back to School
Back to School – FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014
School Reports
Temple Beth Abraham
New hires, block scheduling and continued emphasis on technology
T
By DR. ROY R. MONTESANO
Hastings-on-Hudson Schools Superintendent
his summer, the Hastings-onHudson Board of Education has been busy preparing for the new school year with two significant new hires. Dr. Rochelle Mitlak is the new director of curriculum and instruction, filling the position that Dr. Michael Mahoney left to return to the classroom as a teacher. The other is Mr. Farid Johnson as assistant principal for Hillside Elementary, taking over for Mr. Jim Boylan, who resigned to become a principal in the Rye City School District. Dr. Mitlak’s career in education covers the full spectrum of learning from pre-k through college-level graduate. In addition to teaching, she has led several research initiatives and authored numerous articles on educational practices. One of Dr. Mitlak’s writings, “Making Meaning with Art: Children’s Stories,” has been highly referenced. The work investigates the role of art in understanding children’s literacy processes and strategies; finds that the kindergarten children exhibited typical behaviors of language learning; and
| THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE | PAGE 15A
www.tba-ny.org
David K. Holtz, Rabbi Margot E.B. Goldberg, Cantor
argues that art needs to be considered as a primary vehicle to understanding children’s literacy processes and strategies. At Hastings, Dr. Mitlak expects to examine how the district can address students learning the educational requirements dictated by the state standards, while maintaining a rich learning environment that nurtures their whole being. She will also focus on the infusion of technology as an integral part of learning and learning as it takes place over the entire period of child’s education in the schools k-12. Mr. Johnson returns to Hastings after graduating from the district in 1999. He is looking forward to excelling in his leadership role of assistant principal of Hillside Elementary School. On his new role, he said, “I am glad to be able to bring diversity within the administration and show young children that no matter what their circumstances are, they can be successful. I am a walking example that there can be light at the end of the tunnel.” The district is excited about the energy, wealth of knowledge and educational expectations for our students these two new administrators have and we welcome them whole-heartedly.
Experience TBA
The Best of Reform and Conservative Judaism Welcoming Traditional, Interfaith, and LGBT Individuals and Families
CONTINUED ON PAGE 17A
We’re a Family Friendly Children’s Center
Award-Winning Religious School Rabbi Allison Berlinger, Director of Education
We encourage you to visit. Please call to make an appointment.
k Outstanding Teachers and Programs for Students
from Preschool through Twelfth Grade
k Innovative, Flexible Curriculum k Monthly Sunday Funday Preschool Program
for Young Children (ages 2-4)
k Temple membership not required to enroll in
grades K-2 k Classes for diverse learners and students with special learning needs
k The Children's Garden Center Nursery School
• 18-month to 5-year old children • Certified, experienced staff • Large, enclosed playgrounds • Nutritional snacks, hot lunches • 7:15 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. - all year long • Developmental program includes: whole language, art, music, science, nature
Join us for Family Services on the first Friday of every month at 7:00pm. Tot Shabbat services monthly on Saturday mornings. Celebrate the High Holy Days with us! The community is welcome at our High Holy Day Family Services at 1:00pm on Rosh Hashanah (Day 1) and at 2:00pm on Yom Kippur.
• Learn more about us by visiting http://www.crebeg.com
Creative Beginnings Children’s Center
112 W. Hartsdale Ave., Hartsdale, NY 10530
(914) 428-1200
!
Call or Visit Temple Beth Abraham 25 Leroy Ave. Tarrytown (914) 631-1770 www.tba-ny.org
Gateway Membership
Dual membership at both TBA and JCC on the Hudson for ONE reduced cost for families with young children
PAGE 16A | THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE | FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014
– Back to School
Hastings PTSA fights for quality education
Get IN on the
ACT!
Join Westchester’s Theater for Children and Teens Fall & Spring Programs Little Theatre (age 4-6) Studio Stage (age 7-13) Conservatory (age 11-18) MainStage shows (age 8-18) Design/Tech Track, Workshops Improv Troupe & more!
Summer Theatre Programs & camps for kids of all ages and experience levels. Sessions run July through mid August. Call 914-946-4433 to register today.
Arts in Education Training Westchester’s teachers & bringing theatre into the classroom as well!
Family Shows Come see a show at our White Plains theatre, starring Westchester's up-and-coming young actors… ...and bring all of your friends for a birthday party to remember!
www.playgroup.org
As always, the Hastings PTSA wishes to express its deep appreciation to the parents and teaching staff for their continued involvement and support of the organization. Annual membership and participation in various fundraising activities enables the Hastings PTSA to enhance the children’s academic experience in the following ways: • By issuing grants to teachers, administrators and students who need extra financial support to make students’ learning experience a truly outstanding one. • By making scholarship funds that support a range of activities, both academic and social, available to students. • By keeping abreast of developments in the federal and state educational arena, and advocating on behalf of the children in the district and all of New York State. Here are some specific accomplishments for the 2013-14 academic year: Grants The Hastings PTSA is pleased to announce a substantial grant, which will fund the creation of a television studio at Hastings High School. Once in place, this studio will allow for a number of exciting new student offerings, including clubs related to this field and courses in television production, as well as student-run news programming and live and taped sports reporting for Hastings athletic events.
The PTSA also provided for a number of other high-impact grants, spread out among Hastings’ three schools: • A PTSA grant made possible a visit by Brian Floca (author, illustrator and winner of this year’s Caldecott Medal for the Best Illustrated Children’s Book of the Year) to Hillside Elementary School, where he chatted, drew and signed books for the students. • The PTSA funded a high school senior’s Eagle Scout project, which enabled the student — and a score of other scouts and adult volunteers — to refurbish and extend the wooden walkway behind Hillside School. • At Farragut Middle School, the PTSA funded an anti-bullying musical, as well as “Student on Stage” workshops that were part of the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival. • A grant funded the purchase of iPads that will be used at the Farragut complex to access programs for students with learning differences. • PTSA supported the high school Academic Challenge team by providing financial support for their trip to the nationals in Washington, D.C. PTSA also provided funds to the Hastings Alternative School Program for a field trip to see “Of Mice and Men” on Broadway, which was a highlight CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE
Back to School – FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014 CONTINUED FROM THE PREVIOUS PAGE
of the school year for the HASP students. • In addition, the PTSA funded the purchase of additional equipment for the high school weight room and a grant enabled the athletic department to buy portable speakers to be used at sporting events. Scholarship One of the most important parts of Hastings PTSA’s mission is to provide funds to those students whose families struggle to afford school-related costs, such as class trips, musical instrument rentals, testing fees for the SATs and APs, as well as social events like 8th Grade Recognition Night and the high school proms. This work is of the highest priority and the PTSA is committed to continuing to assist in this way. Donations earmarked as “Scholarship” are welcome. Advocacy The PTSA has continued its advocacy work, both within the district as well as at the state and federal levels. Within the district, the PTSA will again monitor class sizes at all three schools, an effort launched five years ago when class sizes began to grow as budgets grew tighter. Both independently and as part of a regional advocacy consortium, the PTSA initiated several campaigns that bore fruit because parental response was so strong. The first letter-writing campaign centered around privacy and data security, where parents asked state legislators for greater protections for students’ data. This campaign contributed to the exit of inBloom, New York State’s initial choice for data storage and warehousing, when that entity
could not guarantee the security of the children’s data. The second ongoing campaign calls for New York to release the ELA and math tests to the public, so that there is necessary transparency around these new tests to both assess their effectiveness and enable teachers to see where each student needs additional academic support. The Hastings PTSA has shared this campaign with other groups, including the PTSAs of Dobbs, Ardsley, Irvington, Scarsdale and more. And the community response has been huge to date — nearly 1,000 residents have sent emails. The 2014-15 school year Hastings PTSA will continue fulfilling teachers’, administrators’ and students’ requests for grants, and provide scholarship funds to students whenever they are needed. To do so, the group will continue the community’s favorite fundraisers, like the Knicks tickets raffle, PTSA membership drive (complete with calendar) and, of course, the new and used book fairs. One of the Hastings PTSA’s goals is to continually enhance the students’ learning experience and to prepare them for further educational endeavors. To that end, this coming fall the PTSA is launching a new program in conjunction with Kaplan Inc., where high school juniors can come in for a free mock ACT/SAT test, followed later by a personal assessment of results with a Kaplan consultant. The PTSA will continue to advocate around specific policies, aiming to slow down reforms that it believes hurt quality public education, such as excessive amounts of student testing; over-reliance
on test scores; and the continued rollout of Common Core curriculum without appropriate funding, support and materials for success. The organization will push to ensure that the tests children take are appropriate and aligned with the curriculum and keep close tabs on how the children’s sensitive data will be shared and stored. The PTSA will continue to fight against the reductions in state and federal aid that force cuts to an already spare budget — and will continue to tell the government that it must stop requiring schools to spend new money that they just don’t have in the form of unfunded mandates. As always, the PTSA will reach out to the community to email and call the powers that be on specific issues that are harming education. The PTSA hopes that those who have the time and inclination will reach out and become involved. Being involved in the PTSA is a terrific way to be a part of this wonderful community, and brings much personal satisfaction to those who volunteer their time. You may want to help out with the newcomers’ dinner; sort titles at a book fair; hand out slices at Pizza Fridays at Hillside; work on crafting an email campaign to the governor to protest cuts in education funding; or head up a new community event. A good way to get started is to attend the general meeting in September and the PTSA parent meetings that take place every six or so weeks at each school. Feel free to contact the PTSA with fundraising or programming ideas, comments and questions at hastingsonhudsonptsa@ gmail.com.
| THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE | PAGE 17A
HASTINGS SUPER CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15A
At Farragut Middle School, the students will be experiencing a new bell structure to their day. The school has transitioned to block scheduling allowing for longer class sessions. There are many documented benefits to this including improved teacher-student and studentstudent rapport; time for diversification of teaching strategies; increased handson learning; improved critical thinking skills; and enhanced experience for students with learning differences. For the seventh- and eighth-grade students it will look like a high school schedule with all core classes meeting 80 minutes on alternating days. For fifthand sixth-grade students, they will follow a modified block schedule. Following are some of the basic changes. Sixth-grade students will have the majority of their classes taught in a block (80 minutes every other day) with the exception of one core class, randomly selected, that will meet 40 minutes every day. Music classes can be taken during areas of knowledge classes and allows for students to be involved in two or more music activities. The fifth-grade students will continue to follow a similar class schedule to the one they had at Hillside. At all grade levels, the district will continue to push forward infusing technology into everyday school learning including expanded connectivity with the completed wireless installation project, Google Apps for Education environment and the creation of a television studio.
PAGE 18A | THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE | FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014
DOBBS FERRY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13A
September when our kindergarten students will now be on the same schedule as students in grades 1 and 2. This will give teachers more time with the kindergartners and give our youngest students more time for physical education (two additional sessions each week), library and technology. Other advantages include consistent dismissal times for families that have multiple students in grades k-2, additional opportunities to meet social, emotional, and learning objectives, plus kindergarten students will be able to be included in more schoolwide afternoon events, such as the Read-A-Thon, than the present schedule allows. In order for teachers to continue to have the time necessary to explore, understand and execute the important instructional shifts necessary to meet the Common Core standards and 21st century classroom expectations, we will continue with Wednesday early dismissal schedules. We greatly appreciate the flexibility of parents who recognize that teachers need designated time to work together to create the connected curriculum that best supports students. There is a wide body of research which confirms that this type of structured collaboration time for teachers is truly productive and we have seen exciting results over the past year. The Dobbs Ferry School District is proud to be recognized in Westchester County and beyond for its “forward thinking” approach to the use of technology in our classrooms. For the 2014-15 school year we will be increasing our work in the area
– Back to School
of digital citizenship in conjunction with the District-Wide Dignity for All Students (DASA) Committee. We will be utilizing the many excellent resources available through Common Sense Media (www.commonsensemedia.org) and hope that parents will help us in our efforts by accessing the many wonderful parent resources that are available on this website. It is important that parents and schools work together to help our young people navigate and understand the responsibilities of their “digital footprint.” We are excited to be planning parent information programs to help parents understand not only our Chromebook initiative, but also how to assist their children in the digital universe. While the increased use of technology is essential for all students, this is not at the expense of the “Three R’s.” Springhurst is entering the second year of its Fundations rollout, expanding this highly effective phonics and spelling program to include kindergarten, first and now second grade. Springhurst’s prestigious Primary Mathematics program (aka Singapore Math) is also being revamped for the 2014-15 school year with Springhurst’s adoption of newly released editions of the Primary Mathematics Series that have been thoroughly aligned to the Common Core State Standards. Next year the middle school will realize smaller ELA class sizes by reallocating teachers and they will continue to focus on writing. Teachers are also committed to interdisciplinary professional development to integrate writing across the content areas. This work is being led by the middle school teacher leaders in conjunction with the k-8 literacy coordinator. In 2014-15, Dobbs Ferry High School
will offer several new courses, including IB English SL, algebra 2/trigonometry honors and non-regents, English 9 and 10 honors, high school yearbook, SAT math, SAT critical reading, AP world history and an expansion of our existing online OC 21 elective program (online courses). In addition, student participation in the science research program has tripled in the past three years as students continue to compete in competitions such as WESEF, WesRoc, Intel and Siemens. Finally, DFHS will continue to offer an extensive choice of extracurricular clubs with the goal of having all students participate in at least one school-sponsored activity. With the retirement of two longtime and treasured Springhurst faculty members in ELL (English Language Learners) and music, we are thrilled to have been able to hire talented teachers to fill these key slots. With exciting new opportunities opening at all three schools in the area of music, we are anticipating a “new era” for students particularly interested in band, jazz and the arts. With such a talented and passionate arts community in Dobbs Ferry, it is only natural that our schools reflect this important and creative cross-section of our students and their families. On the facilities front, the board of education, along with the district’s Facilities, Finance and Athletics Advisory committees, worked over many months to formulate recommendations for capital projects that will update and improve our school district facilities. Like other homeowners, the district needs to periodically invest in its “school home” to ensure that our buildings and grounds are safe, clean, code compliant and conducive to teaching and learning.
At the June 19 board of education meeting, the board voted to move ahead with these projects and issue a bond to cover the cost. The law requires a public vote on capital projects as well as any expenditure of funds from the Capital Reserve Fund. A special community vote on the bond will be held on Oct. 21. Because the district is simultaneously retiring debt and taking advantage of unprecedented low interest rates, there will be no significant tax increase for Dobbs Ferry residents. Approximately 67 percent of the work being considered within the capital projects proposal covers necessary facilities infrastructure repairs and health and safety projects; another 25 percent encompasses athletic facilities projects; and performing arts/auditorium and technology and innovation account for 8 percent of the total cost. Please visit the school district website at www.dfsd.org to review the 2016 Capital Projects Recommendations PowerPoint presentation from the board’s May 22 work session (click on link in the SpotLight Section). The Dobbs Ferry School District continues to set a high standard for learning through its breadth and depth of curriculum, inspired teaching and commitment to providing a topnotch education for all students. A July 2 New York Times feature article, “Dobbs Ferry, N.Y.: A Village With a Changed Image,” also credited the school district with being a driving force for positive change in the village. Thank you to the Dobbs Ferry community and the many volunteer organizations that support our district initiatives and have made Dobbs Ferry a very desirable place to go to school and to live.
Five Corners Nursery
A balanced creative arts based enrichment program for 2,3,4 and 5 year old children Our “Home-Away-From-Home” nurturing environment will enrich and secure your child's journey through their early years with our highly qualified teachers. Our accredited music and movement teacher and accredited dance teacher visit us twice a week throughout the year.
Two’s, Three’s AND Pre-K Classes Limited Spaces Available
Meet Other Mommies
Mommy and Me Celebrate Toddlerhood!
FALL SESSION: October thru December
Children 18 months and up Come sing, dance, snack, play and read with us! Call for more information 18 Farragut Avenue, Hastings – On – Hudson Director: Mary Cahill
Administrator: Judith Rotiroti
Questions? Call us at 478-2334 www.hastingspreschool.com fivecornersprogram@gmail.com
Ben Giampaglia, PT, MTC; Lynn Voeste, Barbara Schulz, Abigail Morgan, Owen Moore, Jennifer Philips and Christine Colonna, MSPT. (Not pictured): Janice Nesbeth, DPT
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 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
Back to School – FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014
Scholarships, equipment, speakers from Hastings Education Foundation The Hastings Education Foundation, a not-for-profit organization, was established in 1997 to offset declining state aid to schools, which over the years forced the elimination of many fine enrichment programs in public schools. HEF’s mission is to enrich and enhance the curriculum and facilities of the Hastings Public Schools, while increasing the community’s awareness of and support for the schools. Each year the foundation raises money through an annual fundraising letter to the community, as well as an event in the spring. The sixth annual gala party and auction, held in May at Alder Manor in North Yonkers, raised well over $60,000 for the foundation. To date, the foundation has awarded over $1 million to the Hastings Public Schools thanks to donations from a wide cross section of Hastings residents. Contributions to the foundation benefit every student in the school system. Grant applications from teachers, administrators, staff, students and occasionally parents are carefully screened and must be approved by the principal, superintendent, foundation grants committee, foundation board and the board of education. Recent grants have included: • $5,560 to purchase Redcat Sound Field Systems for ICT classrooms at Hillside Elementary School. • $7,875 to establish a mobile computer lab for the Farragut Middle School. • $10,500 to purchase Adobe software & memory upgrades for art department
| THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE | PAGE 19A
A R T !
iMacs. The software will be used in the media arts, computer graphics and animation curriculums. • $8,260 to purchase 40 sets of heart rate monitors for the physical education program. • $5,500 to hire ArchForKids to work with the kindergarten team on enrichment activities, including materials and professional development. • $4,015 to fund resource materials and solar-electric machine kits for use in seventh-grade Hastings Sustainability Investigation. • $2,940 to purchase a 3-D printer for the geometry and calculus programs. • $2,376 to purchase a pottery wheel and materials to support a new high school course, Ceramics II. • $2,000 to fund presentations from Caldecott Award-winning author Brian Floca during Reading Month. The Hastings Education Foundation is committed to the idea that strong public schools strengthen communities. A public schools foundation is a proven way to bridge the gap between severely reduced state aid and a continuing need for innovative programs. All donations are tax deductible and grants are generally divided among the three schools to ensure fair distribution. The Hastings Education Foundation welcomes your contributions as well as your input. Contact either of the foundation’s presidents, Jill Dietz or Nina Hogan, at hefpresident@gmail.com with questions or to get involved.
... where class is always in session.
the Elegant Poster dobbs ferry
693-6631
Back to School Means Back to... inal The Orig
& FAMILY RESTAURANT
All the sweets kids love, in one great shop...
Stop in with the kids for...
BIRTHDAY PARTY GOODY BAGS For all ages, plus bridal/baby showers, anniversaries and more... UNIQUE GIFTS jewelry • stationery • lotions • candles • scarves • soaps • kitchen gifts & accessories • party supplies • greeting cards • holiday & seasonal items and more!
SPECIALTY PIZZAS
Chicken Scarpiello, Greek Salad, Arugula Salad, Chicken Bacon Ranch, Margarita, BBQ, Buffalo, Spinach, White, Taco, Chicken Caesar, Gluten Free Pizza, Pasta & more!
ur...
to Ask abou
GIFT BASKETS Name your budget and we’ll create a beautiful basket for any occasion.
SALADS
CARD R GIFT O V A F PARTY
CHOCOLATES OR CANDY PIZZA Large divided tray of over 100 assorted pieces, delivered in a pizza box. Order yours today! CHOCOLATES AND SWEETS Specialty dark & milk chocolates, candy favorites, sweet or sour for every sweet tooth
Since 2000
Caesar, Baby Spinach, Cobb, Pear, Chopped, Mixed Green, Tré Coloré, Endive and Main Street
WRAPS AND QUESADILLAS
Salmon, Tuna, Shrimp, Chicken (Caesar, Buffalo, BBQ, Honey and Mexican Specialties)
ENTREES
Italian Specialties Including: Soups, Appetizers (many new), Pasta, Chicken, Veal & Seafood
CATERING FOR ALL OCCASIONS • FAST DELIVERY WWW.SLICESHASTINGS.COM
16 MAIN STREET, HASTINGS • 478-8321
14 MAIN STREET, HASTINGS • 478-5600
Hours: Tues – Sat 11am – 6pm
Hours: Mon-Thurs 11am–10pm; Fri 11am–11pm; Sat 11am–10pm; Sun 11am–10pm
PAGE 20A | THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE | FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014
– Back to School
School Reports Irvington serves students’ needs, interests & talents
I
By DR. KRISTOPHER HARRISON Irvington Schools Superintendent
rvington is eager to begin the 201415 school year, and we look forward to greeting our students as they return to our hallways. We are determined in our continued commitment to build on our exceptionally strong educational programs which, when coupled with our students’ and faculty’s talents, have continued to produce New York State Reward Schools, a designation for the highest achieving schools in the state. The core of the district’s success lies in the strength of our faculty and rich academic programs. To support continued growth, the district is committed to continually expanding academic programs and co-curricular opportunities to best serve students’ needs, interests and talents. This commitment was reflected in the district’s 2014-15 budget through the many thoughtful initiatives that will complement the existing curricula. Among the many enriching goals for the 2014-15 school year, the district will strengthen its elementary literacy program through the addition of Fundations in grades k-1. Fundations “is
a phonological/phonemic awareness, phonics and spelling program” that will support the development of our students’ skill set to prepare them for increased success as they grow as readers and writers. At the high school, we are excited to introduce a new writing course. The freshman writing seminar will be provided to all ninth-graders and will serve the objective of preparing our students to be highly effective writers across all curriculum areas. The district is also focused on expanding the use of instructional technology in its schools, and this year we will continue to progress on this front by crafting a long-range plan for technology to outline a number of objectives for the years to come. These efforts will be complemented by a continued upgrade of the technology infrastructure, the purchase of 180 new computers, and the rollout of a wireless network at the middle school/high school campus. Also, the 2014-15 budget supports dedicated technology leadership. This initiative will provide more varied opportunities for teacher training, expansion of technology initiatives and instructional coaching to support an increase of technology integration in all classrooms. We are proud of the rich, compre-
hensive learning experience that we provide for our students. Through strong parent and community partnerships, we are able to continue to expand learning experiences for our students on all grade levels. Both the Irvington Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) and the Irvington Education Foundation (IEF) are staunch advocates for teachers and students. Through their collaboration with the school district and with the support of the broader Irvington school community, they have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to enhance our students’ learning experiences through enrichment of our curricula. These special relationships, when integrated within the supportive Irvington community, provide for an excellent school experience for each of our students. In 2014-15, the district will also expand our music department by hiring an additional part-time music/band teacher at the middle and high school; restore middle school intramural sports; based on the suggestions of our students and staff, add new student clubs at both the Main Street School and the middle school; and increase the hours of our athletic trainer to support the needs of our student athletes. A number of key staffing changes have
also been made that will strengthen our leadership team in 2014-15. In the spring, the district announced that Joyce Chapnick, formerly assistant principal at Irvington Middle School, joined Main Street School as its principal in July. Having served for eight years in the school district, she is a remarkable leader and has developed strong and lasting relationships with parents and staff that will prove to be a great resource in her transition to her new role. Before serving as assistant principal, Ms. Chapnick worked for three years as teaching/learning facilitator at the Dows Lane and Main Street schools and has a thorough knowledge of Irvington curriculum. After conducting a search during the spring months for an assistant principal at Irvington Middle School, the board of education has appointed Allyson Daley to the position. Ms. Daley comes to Irvington with more than 15 years of experience in education, most recently as a leave replacement assistant principal at Chatsworth Elementary School in Mamaroneck. She also served as a districtwide literacy coach for the Mamaroneck Schools and as k-5 literacy staff CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE
The Beginners Club Join our unique, fun-filled After-School Program For Kindergartners and First Graders Creative Playtime, a Healthy Snack, and a Kaleidoscope of Enrichment Activities
Creative Arts mes oor Ga d t u O & Woodworking & Clay r o o Ind Karate
Cookin g Music & Mov ement
September through June Open Daily 12:00pm to 6:00pm
Plus snow days, holidays & school closings by arrangement
“Just September” Kindergarten Only WHY: Kindergarten days end at noon in September. If you need us
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR 2015-2016
to help... a short school bus ride will bring your child from Hillside to the First Reformed Church in Hastings. (we pickup Dobbs kids, too!). There they’ll enjoy the afternoon with a healthy snack and playful, enriching activities. Our cheerful space mirrors the Kindergarten experience for a smooth transition in your child’s day. WHEN: September 2014 TIME: 12-2:00 pm or stay on until 6:00 pm
For registration, call: 478-2334 Patti Otivich: 478-4122 or Judith Rotiroti: 478-0538 18 Farragut Avenue, Hastings-on-Hudson
fivecornersprogram@gmail.com
Back to School – FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014 CONTINUED FROM THE PREVIOUS PAGE
developer in New York City. In addition to our new administrators in district, we are also pleased to welcome new staff at all of our schools. All of these professionals, faculty and staff, bring with them a tremendous amount of talent and passion that will surely enrich our community. Additional changes we hope to make in the coming years will be dependent on the passage of our Oct. 7 bond referendum, which would fund improvements to the significant challenges posed by the conditions of our facilities and fields. Similar to what many school districts in our region have recently and successfully accomplished, we are asking for consideration of support for work that would update and repair our aging infrastructure, generate energy savings, and ultimately lower our operating costs. The list of projects includes: • Resurfacing and improving drainage and irrigation at East Field; • Replacing Meszaros Field with organic artificial turf and replacing the Oley track; • Updating heating and ventilation systems at Dows Lane; • Renovating Dows Lane and the district office space; • Restoring the roof at Main Street School; • Converting oil boilers at Main Street School to gas; • Building entry vestibules at the entrances to Irvington Middle School;
• Converting gymnasium lights to LED lights at the high school, Dows Lane and Main Street School. For a homeowner whose home is valued at the community average of $700,000, the bond would impact annual taxes by no greater than $28 in 2015-16. In addition, state aid is likely to offset that tax increase in subsequent years. The bond vote on Oct. 7 will be preceded in the fall with a series of public forums, and print resources about the proposed work will be made available to all residents and on the district website, www.irvingtonschools.org. As we welcome our students and faculty back to school this fall, we know that another great year of learning is before us — a year that will be highlighted by student growth and achievement. The board of education, administration, faculty and staff extend their very best wishes for a successful 2014-15. We also encourage the entire school community to be involved by attending our board of education meetings or watching them on the Village of Irvington’s cable stations, Cablevision channel 75 and Verizon channel 40, by attending the many artistic and academic events or showcases that occur throughout the year, and by supporting our Bulldog athletics. We have much to be proud of in Irvington, so join us as we write another chapter in the IUFSD legacy.
Hudson Dental Hudson Family Family Dental
| THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE | PAGE 21A
Salon Biagio BACK TO SCHOOL
SPECIAL
20% OFF ANY SINGLE SERVICE WITH MENTION OF THIS AD FOR THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER
64 1/2 Main Street, Irvington 591-4427 Hours: Tue - Fri, 10-5 | Sat, 9-5 E-mail: info@salonbiagio.com www.salonbiagio.com
Classes are filling up. Reserve your spot now.
Jacqueline Paramo, DDS DDS
5 South Broadway, Dobbs Ferry, NY 5 South Broadway, Dobbs Ferry, NY (at Hastings border)
914-478-4448 draramo@optonline.net 914-478-4448 .U email: email: drparamo@optonline.net (at hastings border)
Dir: Janetta Betz
Give Your Child a Great Start at the GHC Early Childhood Center
For children 2 years old as of December 31st, we offer a five day program as well as a three day and two day program. 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: (Toddlers to Adults)
Pre-School & Elementary Ballet
• 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 Gloria Smith, Director - 914-479-1421 • gloria@g-h-c.org www.g-h-c.org/ECC
145 Palisade St. #376, Dobbs Ferry
GHC Early Childhood Center • 515 Broadway • Dobbs Ferry, NY
PAGE 22A | THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE | FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014
– Back to School
School Reports Preparing our learning community for school year By DR. LAUREN ALLAN
E
Ardsley Schools Superintendent
ach fall, “back to school” conjures some of the most exciting feelings of the year. Though many may feel the loss of summer freedoms, anticipation of another school year abounds. Students and families reconnect with friends, find out about new teachers and classmates, receive schedules and shop for school supplies. Teachers prepare classrooms and introduce new learning opportunities. We will be welcoming over 2,100 students on Sept. 2, and look forward to the continued success of our students and district. We have two main districtwide goals for this year. First, we want to further our strategic planning efforts by formulating measurable goals for each school. Second, we will be reviewing and revising our kindergarten-12 writing curriculum. Last year, we created a vision statement for our district: “Building on a tradition of academic excellence and success for every student, we cultivate passionate learners and informed global citizens who actively influence their world.” But, what do we mean when we say “academic excellence”? What does “suc-
cess for every student” look like? How do we know if a student is a “passionate learner” or an “informed global citizen”? What types of measures can we use to gauge if we are moving closer to our vision each year? In the spring, we further defined and clarified our intent with respect to the four pillars of our vision statement — Academic Excellence, Success For Every Student, Passionate Learners and Global Citizens. Now, readied with clear definitions and measures, each of our schools will develop their individual three- to five-year strategic plan and create assessable annual goals that are aligned with our vision. For more information on our strategic planning process and the pillar definitions, please go to the District tab on our website, www. ardsleyschools.org. The ability to write and clearly communicate is one of the most important skills our students require for their academic and future success. With a focus on continuous improvement, we held a two-day ELA Writing Institute for teachers and administrators to begin evaluating our current programs. Working in triads (CRS, AMS, AHS), teams reviewed numerous k-12 student writing samples, tracked which Common Core standards were evident and identified gaps. As a group, we spent time reflecting on two questions:
1) What is the writing life of an Ardsley student? and 2) How does our students’ writing get more complex over time? We ended the two days with a focused discussion on developing a new shared vision for writing. A steering committee has been formed and members will work to further analyze our successes, identify gaps and develop a plan to enhance our writing curriculum. We look forward to sharing this work with the community as our evaluation continues. New programs, courses & faces Each year, our schools add to their rich and varied curriculum and the 2014-15 school year is no exception. We are happy to announce the following new offerings and programs: At the high school, we have added a new English class, Sports and Society, for students interested in sports, sociology and journalism. Students will choose a topic in sports to research such as violence in sports, treatment of athletes, how athlete gender is portrayed in the media or coaching philosophies, and will write a feature article that will be published in an online newsletter. Unlike a typical high school English course, Sports and Society will be modeled to create a college experience involving seminar style participation and independent projects. We are also piloting
a program in affiliation with SUNY Albany and Syracuse University and offering dual enrolled high school and college courses in Advanced Forensic Science, AP Italian and Italian 5, AP Latin, AP Spanish and Spanish 5, and AP French and French 5. Perhaps though, the most extensive and far reaching change for next year is a decision to revise the sequencing of math courses and to eliminate the regents examinations in geometry and algebra II/trigonometry. The new sequence will result in much deeper and richer treatment of mathematical concepts and the new sequence is now becoming a model program for other districts in Westchester County. Last year at the middle school, we introduced new seminar classes called FLIPs (For Leadership, Innovation and Problem Solving), which are academic extensions in ELA, math, science and social studies as well as physical education, health and other nonacademic classes. Students and teachers have found working together on integrated, high interest topics every quarter to be a rich and educationally rewarding experience. Going forward, we’ve added some new seminars and adjusted some current ones. We’ve done this to tap into the expertise and passions of our teachers and to better meet the developmental CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE
Community Nursery School of South Presbyterian Church Established 1945 ~ Celebrating Our 69th Year
OPEN HOUSE
FOR REGISTRATION 2015-2016
Saturday, October 18 • 10am - noon
Programs for Twos, Threes & Fours • 69 years of experience with young children and families • Master teachers and experienced staff • Creative Curriculum™ based on a firm foundation of research, the importance of play in developing young minds, and authentic, meaningful experiences • Large outdoor play area with bikes, swings, water, sand, bunnies and gardens • Large well-equipped indoor play area • Nature, Music and Movement • Extended Day Enrichment Option for 3s and 4s • Extended year and summer session available • Non-sectarian program
For more information, call 693-9072 • Director: Linda Jo Platt
343 Broadway, Dobbs Ferry, NY
www.cnsdobbsferry.com • Email: cnsdobbsferry@aol.com
Back to School – FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014 CONTINUED FROM THE PREVIOUS PAGE
needs and interests of our students. New FLIP seminars include Journalism and Inquiry Writing, Organization and Study Skills, Lyrics as Literacy and Global Communication and Technology to explore the complexities of an online world. At Concord Road Elementary School, we start the year with a new principal, but an old friend to many, Melissa Szymanski. Under her leadership, students will continue to delve more deeply into fractions at all grade levels. They will also expand their thinking and questioning skills encouraging the development of even higher order mathematical processes. In the area of English Language Arts, persuasive writing skills will enhance students’ ability to organize their ideas and create logical connections to their audiences and we have enhanced our units that engage students in responding to literature. In addition, there will be a new focus on word study and close reading. Joining Melissa as the assistant principal of CRS is Jennifer Darling, who joins us from the New York City school system and brings over 14 years of experience in elementary education to our team. Please join us in welcoming Jennifer to our district. In addition, we are pleased to introduce six new staff members to the district. At Concord Road, fourth-grade teacher Josh Bookin, second-grade teacher Devon Wright and part-time nurse Shelly Yapchanyk join our staff. We also welcome Susan Tavernia-Seda, assistant director for special education at the middle school and a new psychologist, Petra Tovisova, to the middle and high school. We will
soon be announcing a new secretary in the guidance department at Ardsley High School. We are welcoming many new students this school year. Thus far, 129 new kindergartners will join our district and begin their school careers in Ardsley. An additional 34 students will be joining our learning community; 21 at Concord Road, nine at Ardsley Middle School and four at Ardsley High School. Thanks to the strong support of our community, you will begin to see physical improvements to all of our schools as we begin to implement the Capital Improvement Plan. Our plans are in Albany awaiting approval and we will keep the community up-to-date as work begins. Finally, 21st century learning requires that we continue to expand the technology available to our students and teachers. CRS will become a wireless campus and the science department will have access to a new set of iPads. The ELA and health classrooms in AMS are each receiving Chromebook carts to enhance the learning environment. At AHS, a new poster printer is being added to the science research program and all teachers’ workstations are being replaced. We thank the PTA and Ardsley Education Foundation for funding the new technology available to our science programs districtwide. Community: involved & informed All time sensitive communications, such as emergency closings/delay information, as well as school news and special events information, will be delivered CONTINUED ON PAGE 25A
| THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE | PAGE 23A
PAGE 24A | THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE | FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014
– Back to School
15 Center St. Ardsley, NY 10502
914-479-5900
www.umacARDSLEY.com ● umacardsley@gmail.com
AFTER-SCHOOL MARTIAL ARTS PROGRAM
WITH TRANSPORTATION
Ardsley Education Foundation improving technology The Ardsley Education Foundation (AEF) works to fund projects that enrich the lives of children and ones that may be outside the traditional scope of the Ardsley Union Free School District budget, especially in tough economic years. AEF works closely with school administrators and the PTA to identify and fulfill funding requests in all three schools, and to ensure that the initiatives we fund align with the district initiatives, especially in the technology arena. AEF continues to focus on innovation and technology moving into the 2014-15 school year, encouraging educators and AEF members to think outside the box to raise new and exciting ideas to enrich the educational experience. Working with the principals of each school and the technology specialist, AEF continues to support the expansion of technology as well as its integration into the educational system. AEF has recently funded some new and exciting technology purchases. At Concord Road Elementary School, science teachers will integrate iPads into their curriculum to enhance the research and learning experience for all students. The use of iPads will enhance collaboration in the classroom, allowing the students to observe, investigate, record and share results. The recently funded Geography Terrain Project continues to provide a tool where students can learn about the features of the earth with a 3-D model. The Living Wall and Garden, installed at the end of the 2011-12 school year, continues to teach children about healthy eating habits and how to bring sus-
tainable living into their lives, minimizing their carbon footprint. At Ardsley Middle School, the Kindles and Kindle library continue to excite students about reading and have increased their vocabulary. Technology enhancement at AMS this year again brings a set of Chrome Books to health classes, a program that will touch all students in the building, as well as the (already received) 3-D printer for technology classes. At Ardsley High School, the Science Research Program will begin to create and prepare presentations for competition on a new wide format printer. The Ardsley Innovate club has received supplies and tools for exciting new projects in their pipeline. AEF plans to host a fall fundraiser, and the annual Spring Gala & Auction will be Saturday, March 7, 2015, at the Coliseum in White Plains. The Ardsley Education Foundation was formed in 1995 and is comprised of parents, school administrators and community members who are dedicated to enriching public education in the Ardsley Union Free School District. The Ardsley Education Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit educational organization. Contributions are tax deductible to the full extent of the law. Grants or special projects selected for funding by the Ardsley Education Foundation’s board of directors may be single events, pilot projects or ongoing programs. For more information, to make a donation or to get involved, visit www.ardsleyeducationfoundation.org or on Facebook.
Beginning September 2014 Register Now!
$100 OFF 1ST MONTH
$100 Off applies to After-School Martial Arts Program We transport from the local elementary & middle schools includes half-day pickups. Open full day camps on certain school days off. Students have a safe place to be after school while learning valuable skills & values for life.
AFTER-SCHOOL MARTIAL ARTS PROGRAM
TRADITIONAL TAE KWON DO CLASSES
$100 OFF
FIRST MONTH $65
w/transportation
FIRST MONTH
Part-Time or Full-Time **NO Registration FEE**
FREE TRIAL LESSON
Monthly Membership Options Kid or Adult Class **NO Registration FEE**
BIRTHDAY PARTIES
50% OFF NORMAL PRICE =
ONLY $150 UP TO 15 GUESTS
Party is 90 minutes long 60 min of Taekwondo Fun 30 min for cake, singing, etc.. $15 per addl guest
after-school program providing children with an opportunity to be a creative asset of a very unique community of learners and explorers.
Now offering after-school child care plus enrichment workshops. Sign up for daily childcare options offered to grades 2nd - 7th or sign up for any of our workshops offered to 2nd - 6th graders. We spend our after school hours at Hillside school We begin our time with outdoor free play. Once done, we head inside for snack, workshops and homework. Our workshops range from basic science to funky crafts and book writing. Staffed by a group of warm, caring and intelligent professionals, we look to instill positivity, confidence and creativity in your child. Childhood goes by so quickly and it is our mision to help you give your child the best one they can have. Katie and Eryn Reigner Licensed NYS Childcare Providers 912.655.9701 addwaterandstirink@gmail.com
Back to School – FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014
| THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE | PAGE 25A
ArdsleyCares service volunteers help families in need
ARDSLEY SUPER
ArdsleyCares will bring Ardsley families together for a day of community service during its sixth annual ArdsleyCares Day on Saturday, Oct. 25. This day of giving coincides with national Make a Difference Day, the nation’s largest day of community service. ArdsleyCares Day (ACD) began in 2009 as a partnership between the Ardsley PTA and Ardsley schools to create hands-on volunteering opportunities for Ardsley families. ACD attracts hundreds of families each year to volunteer at activities benefiting a wide range of community organizations. The event has grown tremendously in the six years since its founding. In 2009, there were six morning events in Ardsley attracting 350 volunteers, primarily elementary school families. Last year, the event attracted over 700 participants from all three Ardsley schools to 20 events across Westchester throughout the day. Every year, Ardsley families share an enriching day by helping disadvantaged kids; bringing an afternoon of enjoyment and activity to senior citizens; donating children’s clothes and games; preparing meals and sorting clothes for Westchester families in need; and beautifying local streets and parks. Returning activities this year include Meals for the Homeless, Tea Time with Ardsley Seniors, Sporting Goods for Good, bicycle collections for foster children, improvement projects at Concord Road and the PEAK youth
to our community through eBlasts and through Facebook. If you have not done so, please log on to the K-12 Alerts Emergency Notification System and complete and/or update your contact information and ‘Like’ us on Facebook. Links to both systems can be found on our district website home page or under the Parents tab. We will also be expanding our use of Twitter this year to keep the community abreast of current trends in education as well as district news. Board of education meetings will continue to be held Tuesday evenings and are open to the community beginning at 7:30 p.m. Every month we discuss a specific aspect of the curriculum or new initiative within the district. We will make the agendas clear to the community in advance so that parents may attend meetings of particular interest. All board of education meetings are videotaped and can be viewed on our website under the Board of Education tab. The continued building of our partnership with district families and community stakeholders is vital to our success, and your feedback and active participation are encouraged and very much welcomed. Our doors are always open and personal communication is highly valued. The countdown is on and the first day of school is less than two weeks away! We look forward to reconnecting with the community and hope everyone enjoys the last few weeks of summer.
ArdsleyCares Day offers a wide variety of volunteer opportunities.
center in Mount Vernon, and Habitat for Humanity, led by high school students. “It has been incredibly rewarding to watch ArdsleyCares Day grow over the past six years,” said Meeghan Prunty Edelstein, an ArdsleyCares co-founder and co-chairman of this year’s effort. “From our first year, it was clear that Ardsley is a community committed to joining together to enrich the lives of others. Our whole ArdsleyCares team is proud to be a part of it.”
THE
HASTINGS-ON-HUDSON PTSA
In addition to ArdsleyCares Day, the group has created opportunities for the community to give back throughout the year with a communitywide book swap in the spring to fund local literacy scholarships and a program at the Ronald McDonald House in Valhalla, where families cook on a monthly basis for families of children being treated at the Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital in Valhalla. This year, the group hosted the first annual ArdsleyCares 1K Fun Run, collecting food donations and raising money for the Westchester Food Bank. “ArdsleyCares Day could not happen without our partners in the community,” said Christine Ginsberg, co-president of the Ardsley PTA. “It is an amazing collaboration. From the parents who run our events to the teachers and administrators in the schools to the organizations we serve, it is wonderful to see so many groups working together. We are extremely grateful to our friends at Home Depot, DeCicco’s, Wallauer’s and the Ardsley Congress of Teachers, in addition to many others, who provide essential supplies and work hand in hand beside us to make this event happen.” For up-to-date information on the schedule and to register for an event, Ardsley families are invited to visit www. ardsleycares.org or to email ArdsleyCares@gmail.com. Follow on Facebook.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23A
Chiropractic For Life
WISHES EVERYONE A GREAT 2014-2015 SCHOOL YEAR! REMEMBER:
Get your 2014-15 PTSA calendar. Look for us at the Farmers Market Labor Day Weekend. Our membership and fundraising dollars go directly to programs for our schools.
Grants funded in 2013-14 included: * * * * * *
New Television Studio at the FMS/HHS Complex School Lunch Recycling Program Visit from 2014 Caldecott Winner Brian Floca I-pads for Special Education Classrooms Transportation for Academic Challenge National Competition Scholarships for class trips, musical instrument rentals, test fees and other class related events
Energize your family through chiropractic care. “We don’t crack necks - we adjust spines!” FIND US UNDER THE BLUE AWNING 7 Boulanger Plaza, Hastings-on-Hudson, N.Y. 10706 Call Today For An Appointment!
478-1380
email: nicchiro@aol.com
PAGE 26A | THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE | FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014
– Back to School
Another year, another size larger... or two perhaps! Come to Affordables to save money and the environment.
affordables a quality children’s consignment store
new and gently used children’s clothing (sizes 0-14)
back to school clothes arriving daily toys, skates, cleats, books, car seats, high chairs, toddler beds, cribs, swings & strollers too! 10 main street, dobbs ferry • 693-3610 regular hours: mon-sat 10-5, thurs 10-6 pm closed mondays 8/25 & 9/1 Your Favorite Brands:
Justice, Carters, Baby Gap, Quiksilver, Gymboree, Limited Too, Northface and Abercrombie
Ardsley PTA: another great year The Ardsley PTA had another wonderful year and thanks the community for its generosity and support. The PTA is able to provide “extras”, in the classrooms and in the community, that help make the Ardsley Union Free School District truly remarkable. Cultural arts at Concord Road The PTA gives cultural arts grants to Concord Road Elementary School to provide enrichment programs including schoolwide assemblies, grade-level initiatives and curriculum enrichment to educate students while helping build a strong CRS community. Events such as the schoolwide election, International Day Celebration and magazines for the classrooms contribute to a broader national and global perspective for the students. Spotlight on art: The PTA was pleased to help the first-grade classes participate in the Thinking Through Art aesthetic education program offered by the Katonah Museum. Art teachers at Concord Road School guided students to explore pieces by Jasper Johns, craft poems and create related works of art. New ideas at Ardsley MS At the Middle school, there is a focus on smaller workshops and seminars and a deeper dive into skills such as writing and research and into topics from the historical and academic to the social and moral. This year, the PTA supported programs like Writer-In-Residence, Students Acting In Leadership (SAIL) and Colonial Day, that exposed AMS students to speakers covering topics from art and history to leadership and a positive school culture.
Personalized Medical Care for the Entire Family Board CErtiFiEd FaMily PhysiCians
where your children will learn, grow and become
Marilyn W. sutton, Md ira J. sutton, Md
their best!
Best Doctor, Westchester Magazine (since 1994), & U.S. News & World Report
• After-school care/homework assistance programs
Now accepting appointments for back-to-school physicals Now accepting new patients, including Medicare
• Early Childhood Program for ages 1-5
2 overhill road, suite 225, scarsdale 636-0077 (one block from scarsdale train station)
• Gymnastics, art, karate and more for all ages
Ardsley Community Nursery School & Day Care
• Music and performing arts lessons
21 American Legion Drive, Ardsley (914) 693-4932
• School break programs
jcconthehudson.org
914.366.7898 371 South Broadway, Tarrytown, NY 10591
Providing the extras at AHS From teachers’ grants to seminar field trips to a schoolwide Wellness Fair, the PTA works to provide the extras that enrich the experience of students at Ardsley High School and give them the technology, skills and healthy framework to enter the world. The PTA welcomes AHS teachers’ requests for grants, which this year included materials for the Science Olympiad team to compete in regional and state competitions, new videos and programs for the health department and a new Leveled Library for the Latin department. And every June, the PTA gives $8,000 in scholarships to acknowledge the impressive contributions of graduating seniors, ranging from academics to sports to community leadership. Spotlight on technology: The PTA purchased Chromebooks to support world language enrichment and building a virtual community between the students to discuss global challenges that pertain to the cultures of the languages that they study. The PTA is proud to continue to provide technology to enrich our academic programs.
Scarsdale Family Doctors
The JCC on the Hudson...
Registration begins online August 18 Priority Registration for members begins online August 13
Spotlight on Wellness: The PTA was proud to organize the first Wellness Fair for AMS students. Activities covered wellness topics, including nutritional information, self-reflection, stress relief/relaxation, giving to others and more. Thanks to the volunteers including a dietician, a representative from The Center for Eating Disorders, a fitness professional, a trainer of pet therapy dogs and the Ardsley Secor Volunteer Ambulance Corps.
4 AM and PM classes for children 2-5 4 Open 7:30 AM - 6 PM 4 Enrichment programs in dance, music, art & nature 4 Weekly and hourly rates 4 Diaper friendly 4 Beautiful outdoor play area 4 Local field trips Celebrating more than 50 Years of Fun!
Back to School – FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014
| THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE | PAGE 27A
Back-to-School Fashion
Prints, quality, contemporary & classic By MARy LEGRAND
CONTINUED ON PAGE 28A
COURTESY OF LESTER’S
E
ven though it’s late August and little Bobby and Suzie are still lounging around the pool and sleeping as late as they like, school is lurking right around the corner. And going back to school may mean, to some kids at least, that they actually have to get dressed in something other than an old T-shirt, shorts and a well-worn pair of flip-flops. But what should fashion-conscious kids (and their parents) be on the lookout for when shopping for back-to-school clothes? We’ve got answers. Denny’s, located on Central Avenue in Scarsdale, offers a full range of boys’ and girls’ clothing fitting infants through teens and beyond. Amanda Cherry, girls’ clothing buyer for Denny’s, said that a lot of fashion looks are based on prints this year. Screened T-shirts will be popular, and a lot will be printed with sayings such as “Can’t Wait for Friday,” “Fancy” and various hashtags (#). Screened prints will make their way to other articles of clothing as well, said Cherry, mentioning “printed harem pants and leggings and big, floral kimonos” as being popular with those in the fashion know. “And whether printed or not, palazzo pants are very big too, as are cuffed sweatpants and distressed skin Denny’s vendors that wow most girls include So Nikki, Ocean Drive and
These cool kids are dressed up from Lester’s in Rye. Left: So Nikki heart tee and short/legging. Middle: Buffalo Nakson stripe hooded zip-up sweatshirt, Inpore short sleeve crew neck tee and Hudson Jagger jeans. Right: denim jacket, zipper bottom legging and printed zipper tee, all from So Nikki.
PAGE 28A | THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE | FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014
Back-to-School
Fashion
– Back to School
1
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27A
Dori Creations, to name a few, and boys like “pretty much anything by Nike, Adidas or Under Armour,” Cherry said. Colors such as royal blue, purple, fuchsia, dark gray, black and charcoal are showing up on clothing racks. Fabrics include pleather, which is lighter and more stretchy — therefore more comfortable, and animal-friendly — than regular leather. Denny’s accessories buyer Jo Licker laughed when talking about the shopping habits of boys versus girls. “Boys pretty much send their mothers in to do the shopping,” she said. “They don’t have the patience to go through everything and try on clothing.” One accessory obsession that boys and girls have in common this season is socks, Licker said, mentioning the Nike Elite brand. “Boys’ socks come in colors that you would think only a girl would wear, but the guys are wearing them too,” she said. “There are a lot of other vendors coming out with their own equivalent, but I don’t think they’re going to be as hot as the Elite brand.” Some boys’ socks show images of NBA or NLB stars, and there’s even a Derek Jeter “retirement series” sock. Cherry said layering is a big part of a girl’s look and often includes the socalled “strappy bras,” which show some of the strap as a fashion accent. By wearing these bras with a relatively low-cut tank top or sleeveless top that’s low under the arms, “you’re not seeing inappropriate things,” she said. “They’re incredibly popular, and now there are even strappy camisoles that are used in layering.” Candy prints are all the rage with girls, Licker and Cherry agreed, and show up on socks, backpacks, pillows, stickers and whatever else someone can think of to print them on. The trend began last year with leggings imprinted with candy and food patterns. Now, Cherry said, “We walk around the gift shows and there even are shoes and sneakers that look like French fries.” Ann Hardy is owner of the Preppy Turtle, located in Bedford Hills. The mother of two children, she first was a customer of the well-regarded consignment shop, then worked there, and now, in the past year, bought the business. “Our mission is to provide quality clothing at a great price — that’s the way we’ve evolved so successfully,” she said. “Our focus is from size 0 to junior, and we also have women’s clothing and a little bit of menswear as well.” There are name brands “across the board,” Hardy said, “from Gap and Gymboree all the way up to Burberry, the North Face, Mini Boden, Splendid and Lilly Pulitzer. You name it.” Hardy and staff carefully go through every piece that comes in to ensure it’s new or like new. “You can feel comfortable knowing whatever you get will be in fabulous shape and at a great price,” she said. Hardy said she doesn’t see too many trends when it comes to younger children’s clothing, “but once you get up to teen-
JIM MACLEAN
3
2
JIM MACLEAN PHOTO
JIM MACLEAN
Back to School – FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014
| THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE | PAGE 29A
4
N PHOTO
N PHOTO
COURTESY OF LESTER’S
5
6
JIM MACLEAN PHOTO
This crew is ready for back to school, thanks to Neil’s, with locations in Scarsdale and Mount Kisco. From left, Rebecca styles in a So Nikki top and leggings; Addie a Bittersweet shirt with Zara Terez leggings and an IScream backpack; Jared a Billabong sweatshirt, Joe’s Jeans and a Retro Sport tee; and Finn a Reebok football jersey and Jordan pants.
1
At Indigo Chic in Hartsdale, Madison tackles shirt by b.b. Dakota, jeans by A.G., jacket by Fillmore, jewelry by Indigo Chic, bag by Hobo and shoes by Ashe.
2
3
Alyssa is sporting UJ Circle print palazzo pants and Fate netted Dolman sleeve top
at Yogi’s Paw Unique Clothing Boutique, with locations in Mount Kisco and Mamaroneck. Three of a kind, with some variations, from Lester’s in Rye. Malibu Sugar beanies, cable knit tubes and quilted vests.
4
At Indigo Chic in Hartsdale, Taylor models Recover t-shirt, pants by j-brand and fur vest by Jack. Jewelry by Indigo Chic and bag by Hobo, shoes by Steve Madden.
5
Finn sports UnderArmour pants with a North Face jacket and a Nike backpack; Addie a SAM NY jacket So Nikki leggings; Jared a North Face jacket with Adidas tee and pants; Rebecca a SAM NY vest, So Nikki leggings and Pinc sweater. Available at Neil’s in Scarsdale and Mount Kisco
6
agers you see that styles shift and change pretty frequently. Colorwise, we have lots of pink stuff for the younger girls, and I don’t think that’s ever going to change. There’s more variety when you get to the older age ranges.” The Preppy Turtle is known for its comprehensive selection of dress clothing for boys, girls and teens. “Parents generally don’t want to spend a lot on a navy blue blazer that will be worn relatively infrequently,” Hardy said. “We have dress shirts and dress pants, and we also have girls’ dresses for confirmation, communion, bar and bat mitzvahs.” “As a mother, back to school is pretty important to me as well, both from the personal point of view as well as the standpoint of proprietor of this business,” Hardy said. “I saw the value of this shop when my children were younger and enjoyed shopping here. The variety of customers we have is one of the Preppy Turtle’s best aspects.” Elaine Andriotis is owner of Beginnings in Scarsdale and Beginnings Bleus in Armonk. In addition to junior clothing, the shops carry contemporary clothes, accessories, handbags and fashion jewelry. Labels include Haute Hippie, J Brand, Joie, Boulee, Vince, Theory, Madison Marcus and more, and the shops pride themselves on stocking the latest fashion trends. One trend Andriotis is definitely seeing for fall is the color red. “It’s huge,” she said, citing tones that are bold and not watered down in any way. Like others, Andriotis said layering is the way to make one’s fashion look pop, no matter the age of the person picking out the clothes. CONTINUED ON PAGE 30A
JIM MACLEAN PHOTO
PAGE 30A | THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE | FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014
Back-to-School
Fashion
– Back to School
7
8
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29A
Cropped tops and jackets are an essential part of everyone’s wardrobe this year, Andriotis said, with screened prints also at the top of the must-have list. As always, jeans are foundation items to any and all wardrobes, Andriotis said. She emphasized that Beginnings and Beginnings Bleus are shops where girls and their mothers will easily find just what they’re looking for. “The variety of customers we have is one of the best, and we’re proud to serve the community in the way that we have,” Andriotis said, noting that she follows fashion trends by visiting the markets in New York City at least once a week, attending trade shows and doing lots of Internet research. Owned by Julie Zegras, Bubble & Tweet in Bedford Village carries boys’ and girls’ clothing for infants all the way through size 14, “so we have pretty much every size covered, some more than others,” Zegras said. “We have women’s clothing as well.” Zegras attends the trade shows as well, where, she said, “You get an idea of what’s available and popular. I tend to stick to more classic silhouettes and styles, and I don’t typically do too much with the trends because I have more conservative, classic customers.”
JIM MACLEAN PHOTO
JIM MACLEAN PHOTO
A Cheryl textured print skater skirt and Flamingo textured 3/4 sleeve crop top with attached necklace have Alyssa all dolled up at Yogi’s Paw Unique Clothing Boutique, with locations in Mount Kisco and Mamaroneck.
7
Madison, left, rocks shirt by b.b, Dakota, pants by A.G., jacket by b.b. Dakota, boots by Dolce Vita from Indigo Chic in Hartsdale. Meanwhile Taylor styles in S2S America sweater, pants by joe’s jeans, jewelry by Indigo Chic and a jacket by b.b. Dakota.
8
Those looking for back-to-school outfits at Bubble & Tweet will find “sweaters, T-shirts and jeans, and a lot of girls’ dresses,” Zegras said. “We will have printed dresses and plaids for girls. I do a lot with Autumn Cashmere Kids — cute little sweaters with graphics like a heart and rainbow.” Bubble & Tweet sells younger boys’ clothing only “up to age 8,” Zegras said, “because once they get past that they get into more sporty clothes.” Zegras said her customers “definitely appreciate the quality of clothing we sell. They can get more than one season out of it or pass it along to a younger child.” She emphasized that when mothers bring their daughters into Bubble & Tweet they will not find anything that makes a girl look too grown up for her age. “I have a 9-year-old girl and yes, they want certain things,” Zegras said. “There are a lot of inappropriate clothing items out there, and coming here you will only find items that a mother and her children would agree on. For many people it’s refreshing that I don’t sell anything objectionable.”
Back to School – FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014
UNMOTIVATED CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12A
Lindamood-Bell helps teach children by helping them come to a conclusion on their own instead of simply identifying their mistakes. “We work with students that have a hard time and it is in our nature to have this empathy and understanding of these students,” Tricarichi said. “We never, ever tell them that what they’ve done is wrong or that they’re incorrect. We leave them to discover the true answer and the true meaning of things.” Tricarichi said in one example, an instructor might write down “FIP” on an index card to give to a younger child with a reading disability. She said a struggling child might read it as “FAP.” Instead of telling the child that they were incorrect, the instructor would give the child some positive encouragement and ask what the second letter in FAP would be. When the child says “A,” then the instructor would show the same index card to the child again, who might correctly identify the letters as FIP. “You identify the error. You make the change on your own. You correct yourself,” she said. The center director said that in one instance, she had a student read a passage about a boy who had an earache and saw a doctor. The doctor sprayed water into the boy’s ear and two spiders were flushed out, one living and one dead. She said in this case, the student gave a summary of the story saying that a boy
went to the doctor, had his ear flushed out and that one spider came out. Tricarichi said that she did not correct the student, but reread the passage, allowing the student to come to the conclusion herself that there were two spiders instead of one. She also asked to find out if the student correlated that the boy visited the doctor because he had an earache, which the student did not mention. “When I asked her summary, she missed a detail, so I’m questioning her picture to see if she actually imaged whether or not the boy went to the doctor because he had an earache or if that was a detail that she missed,” Tricarichi said. “If they say, ‘I’m not sure why,’ that was a detail that was missed and we know that the level that we’re working at is appropriate because they’re not automatically
HASTINGS
K R E AT I V E KIDS Where can kids go after school that’s fun, exciting and convenient for parents? That place is here:
HASTINGS K R E AT I V E KIDS
imaging all of the information.” Tricarichi said an older student was asked to understand a passage about a Native American technique of burning the circumference of a tree trunk, hacking away at the ashes with a stone hatchet, burning the tree again and repeating until the tree is cut down. The director said the student’s summary recap did not give the full picture of the technique and that it took a reread of the passage. “She couldn’t image the information because she couldn’t express it in a sequenced way,” Tricarichi said. “Sometimes they can redirect their image and say OK, this doesn’t make sense.” The director said that these techniques are designed to instill a sense of confidence in students who were previously unable to grasp language concepts. “Something that I wasn’t able to do now feels a bit easier and that type of self-awareness and self-discovery is what helped them gain their confidence back,” Tricarichi said. “You can’t tell someone to be confident. There’s a reason why they’re not and they have to understand for themselves why and how to rebuild their confidence.” Math tutor Clark said, “The student was probably not conscious of it and therefore never asked anyone about it, but it has been making his work a mystification to him. You may need to spend time clarifying a basic principle or providing essential background which the curriculum assumes was mastered long ago, but which, at least in this case, wasn’t. The student will then taste the two rewards of
| THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE | PAGE 31A
study which are most highly motivating: insight and competence.” Tricarichi said that parents who are concerned that their child might have a learning disability could visit LindamoodBell for a free information session to find out if the institution is appropriate for the child. She said in the vast majority of cases Lindamood-Bell could help a student in some way. She said Lindamood-Bell is not appropriate for those students who might have a simple resistance toward completing their work, such as students who are having difficulty with a particular teacher or problem at home or with friends. Tricarichi said if there is a learning disability-based concern and a parent is not seeking the help of Lindamood-Bell, then the parent should at least learn as much as he or she can about any potential problem to work to resolve it. “Do your research,” she said. “You have to be educated because there’s so many different things going on out there and you have to be an advocate for your child. Nobody else is going to do it. The school has many students to look over and if there is something actually going on with your kid and you don’t know what it is, you have to be educated on what’s out there.” She said every student has the potential to make progress: “There’s never not a solution. I think it’s sad to think that other educators can’t help and can’t find ways to help these students because there’s always something to help. There’s always something to make things easier.”
At HASTING’S KREATIVE KIDS, our focus is providing a creative and enriching environment for K-5th graders, with classes led mainly by teachers from our community.
Lego Engineering, Tennis, Theater, Chess & Sudoku Club and Yoga are just some of the options your child can choose from.
HASTING’S KREATIVE KIDS has been designed with fun, learning and well-being in mind.
For more information visit our website at: HastingsKreativeKids.com
It’s a place where they truly want to be.
If you have any questions call: 917-689-4454 or email: hastingskreativekids@aol.com
We look forward to seeing you soon!
PAGE 32A | THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE | FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014
– Back to School
BTS GUIDE N Educational Services
Transition with ease into your 1st semester of college By JANE C. HOFFMAN, M.B.A.
H
ere are some suggestions to help you with the transition into your first semester in college. Know that while it may feel like an emotional roller coaster, those feelings are understandable and common. • Get to know your academic advisor: You will likely have been assigned a premajor advisor who will serve as your advisor until you later declare your major(s). Introduce yourself as soon as possible. Since this person is a resource to help you with course selection and registration and your overall transition, you should continue to stay in touch during your first year and until you identify an advisor in your major(s). • Take a first year seminar course: First year seminar courses provide a great introduction in a small and supportive environment to the academic demands of college. Intended only for new students, they are taught by faculty members interested in helping students with the transition. Since they are often thematic in content, you will also find classmates who share your interests. • Register for more classes than you
Jane C. Hoffman
will be able to take: Use those first few weeks to try them out. You may be surprised to learn which ones you will want to continue with. • Don’t overload your schedule with introductory classes: Research shows that students who start their college career in classes they want to take, and not necessarily the ones they have to take, are happier with their choices. Take several prerequisite courses in areas you think you may want to major in. Try to also take classes that sound really interesting! Many students discover new possible ma-
jors by choosing courses this way. • Avail yourself of the resource that faculty members represent: Faculty members post regular office hours in which they are available to meet with undergraduate students. To ensure that students can reach them as questions arise, many also share their email addresses and cell phone numbers. Begin by introducing yourself to those faculty members who share your academic interests. Give yourself the chance to start to form relationships. If you find that you’re falling behind in a class, seek out your instructor early on. That is one of the many reasons they hold office hours. • Find study partners: Students who study in groups learn the material faster and have less difficulty in class. It can also be a great way to make friends. Be proactive. After one or two of your most difficult classes, invite a few new classmates to study with you. • Be easy on yourself: Leaving your friends from high school and living away from home represent a major transition in your life. Don’t be surprised if you sometimes feel overwhelmed or lonely. While you may think that you’re the only one having those feelings, know that many other students are feeling similarly. By sharing those feelings with roommates or classmates, you will learn how common
they are. You may also find that sharing strengthens some new friendships. However, if those feelings persist, schedule an appointment with a campus mental health counselor, who is an important and available resource. • Leave time for other activities: College is about more than academics. It’s about doing things you love, finding the right balance and becoming engaged in your new life. Early on you should familiarize yourself with the array of student activities and sign up for more than you’ll actually have time for. Whether you join an improvisational, political, literary or volunteer group, you’ll find others who share your interests and who may later become your closest friends. Jane C. Hoffman, M.B.A. is the founder of College Advice 101 in Larchmont. She can be reached at CollegeAdvice101@ aol.com and 833-1573. Hoffman has spent over 20 years in higher education as a university administrator and educational planner. In 2005, she founded College Advice 101 to support students and their parents as they navigate the increasingly complex college admissions terrain and research, apply and gain admission to college. Visit www.CollegeAdvice-101.com.
WESTCHESTER MAGAZINE
Winner ~ 2010 • 2011 • 2012 • 2013 ~ “Best Place To Throw a Partyâ€?
FAMILY FUN • BIRTHDAY PARTIES • SPECIAL EVENTS
29,000 SQUARE FEET OF MODERN CLEAN INDUSTRIAL SPACE ACCOMMODATING EVENTS FROM 20 TO 1000 + PEOPLE 3,000 SQUARE FEET OF HIGH END ARCADE GAMES 4 MINI AMF BOWLING ALLEYS LASER TAG • INDOOR PLAY STRUCTURE • ROCK CLIMBING WALL
$100 OFF COUPON VALID THRU AUGUST 22, 2015
Our Parties are ALL INCLUSIVE !!! WWW.LIFETHEPLACETOBE.COM
914.591.4400 2 LAWRENCE STREET, ARDSLEY, NY 10502
ONE-ON-ONE ONE-ON-ONE ONE-ON-ONE ONE-ON-ONE ONE-ON-ONE ONE-ON-ONE IN HOME TUTORING IN HOME TUTORING HOME TUTORING IN HOME TUTORING IN HOME TUTORING HOME TUTORING K-12ALL ALLSUBJECTS SUBJECTS K-12
K-12 ALL SUBJECTS K-12 ALLSUBJECTS SUBJECTS K-12 K-12 ALLALL SUBJECTS • 3!4 s ,%!2.).' $)3!"),)4)%3 • 3!4 s ,%!2.).' $)3!"),)4)%3 • 3!4 s ,%!2.).' $)3!"),)4)%3 “ Th““““ •• 3!4 s ,%!2.).' $)3!"),)4)%3 3!4 s ,%!2.).' $)3!"),)4)%3 TThhD • 3!4 s ,%!2.).' $)3!"),)4)%3 eEE hheeeG DG G G “ TheeT yo yoilruru G EurEErE EED ED rrch yo yo GE s 2%'%.43 s 2%!$).' s 2%'%.43 s 2%!$).' yoyo ch ilch u dililddild s 2%'%.43 s 2%!$).' s 2%'%.43 s 2%!$).' s 2%'%.43 s 2%!$).' ch iluu d dchch s 2%'%.43 s 2%!$).' n n ee ee d n d s ee ee n to d ee d s S n d to U S ee s U C S to d U S C C s U C S E to C U C C E E s -!4( s 72)4).' S E D C C E U E s -!4( s 72)4).' E C D s -!4( s 72)4).' D C E s -!4( s 72)4).' !â€?!â€? CEEE s -!4( s 72)4).' s -!4( s 72)4).' DD !â€?!â€? D!â€?!â€? s !0 #/523%3 s 3#)%.#% s !0 #/523%3 s 3#)%.#% s !0 #/523%3 s 3#)%.#% s !0 #/523%3 s 3#)%.#% s !0 #/523%3 s 3#)%.#% s !0 #/523%3 s 3#)%.#%
s #/,,%'% %33!9 72)4).'
s #/,,%'% %33!9 72)4).'
s #/,,%'% %33!9 72)4).' s #/,,%'% %33!9 72)4).' s #/,,%'% %33!9 72)4).' s #/,,%'% %33!9 72)4).' s /2'!.):!4)/. 345$9 3+),,3 s /2'!.):!4)/. 345$9 3+),,3 s /2'!.):!4)/. 345$9 3+),,3 s /2'!.):!4)/. 345$9 3+),,3 s /2'!.):!4)/. 345$9 3+),,3 s /2'!.):!4)/. 345$9 3+),,3 s ./ ,/.' 4%2- #/.42!#43 s ./ ,/.' 4%2- #/.42!#43 s ./ ,/.' 4%2- #/.42!#43 s ./ ,/.' 4%2- #/.42!#43 s ./ ,/.' 4%2- #/.42!#43 s ./ ,/.' 4%2- #/.42!#43 Linda Salomon,Director Director Linda Salomon, Director Linda Salomon, Linda Salomon, Director Linda Salomon, Director Linda Salomon, Director 914-380-4534
914-380-4534 914-380-4534
914-380-4534 914-380-4534 914-380-4534 Visit usat: at: EliteTutors.net Visit usVisit EliteTutors.net Visit us at: EliteTutors.net at: EliteTutors.net Visit us at: us EliteTutors.net Visit us at: EliteTutors.net
Back to School – FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014
| THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE | PAGE 33A
BTS GUIDE N Educational Services
By DR. RAYMOND J. HUNTINGON One tip parents hear frequently regarding the college application process is that their teens should search far and wide for scholarships. Scholarship search engines are a helpful tool to do just that, but what is the best approach to getting started and which scholarship websites are reputable? Here are a few tips on how to best utilize online scholarship search engines and a few services to consider. Narrow down scholarships’ criteria. While it is a good idea for your teen to apply for as many scholarships as possible, it is important to first ensure that he or she fits the criteria. Scholarship search engines help students narrow down hundreds of thousands of scholarships to the ones they may be eligible for. Your teen should be as specific as possible when completing an applicant profile in order to start with a suitable list of scholarships. Pay close attention to deadlines. Most college scholarship deadlines are between October and March. It makes sense for your college-bound student to begin looking as early as junior year. Don’t blow off the details. If your teen plans to apply for multiple scholarships, it may be tempting for him or her to supply the same essay, recommendation and other
information to save time. However, it is a mistake to gloss over the details of each application’s requirements and directions or assume it is fine to deviate from what is requested. Here are some well-known websites for you and your teen to explore: • Scholarships.com: Founded in 1998, scholarships.com allows students to search more than 2.7 million college scholarships and grants worth more than $1.9 billion. Completing a profile takes 15-20 minutes. In addition to offering scholarships, the site allows students to help colleges find them, making it easier for them to recruit or offer scholarships. • Fastweb.com: Founded in 1995, fastweb.com has more than 1.5 million scholarships totaling $3.4 billion. In addition to its scholarship database, the website offers tools and advice on financial aid, college admissions and other topics. After completing a profile in a few short steps, your teen will get a list of applicable scholarships. Students are notified any time new scholarships are added for which they might be eligible. • Https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/ scholarship-search: The College Board’s scholarship search tool has scholarships, other financial aid and internships from 2,200 programs totaling nearly $6 billion. Students can search scholarships without registering for an account. The scholarship application process takes time and persistence, but can certainly pay off. Using scholarship search
engines is a free way to obtain information about a large number of scholarships that you and your teen likely would not hear of otherwise. Just as important, these services often offer many other helpful features and tools to keep your teen motivated and on top of scholarship and other college deadlines. Encourage your teen to explore these websites and go after scholarships diligently. Every dollar counts, and with dedicated effort, he or she may very well win a few scholarships before packing up for college. Founded in 1977, Huntington Learning Center is a pioneer and leader in the tutoring industry. For over 36 years, Huntington has provided quality instruction to hundreds of thousands of students. Call 800-CAN-LEARN or visit www.huntingtonhelps.com.
What are ‘they’ looking for in a college essay? As rising seniors in the high school class of 2015 prepare to face the annual college application free-for-all, clutching the latest list of “College Essay Dos and Don’ts,” one terrifying question overshadows all: What are “THEY” looking for? “As head of Uniquely U. College Essay Consultants, I can confidently state that I’ve actually figured out the answer,” said Maxene Fabe Mulford, owner of the essay and application service that has been helping high school seniors for the past 17 years.
College admissions officers are looking for applicants who don’t care what they are looking for. That is why that list of college essay dos and don’ts all the experts are so fond of touting is essentially worthless. “That said,” continues Mulford, “here are some Uniquely U. college application/ essay-writing guidelines.” • DO view your entire application as a narrative in which the personal statement is merely one component. In this way, you can maximize your supplementary essays to reflect your personal aptitudes and learning style, describe your activities to underscore how you’ve matured, even remind teachers of key classroom papers and projects to guarantee that your recommendations glow. • DON’T pay over-much attention to the wording of the essay question itself, especially when you are first getting started. Instead, concentrate on how best to communicate a turning point in your understanding of yourself and an insight that elicited. • By the same token, DON’T count words too early in the process; you will only shut down your creative flow just as you are getting into gear. • DO leave yourself enough time to enjoy the writing process and what you’re about to learn about yourself. Mulford is available for free consultations to see how she can help tell your story. Call 1-866-UUESSAY, email uniquelyu1@gmail. com or visit www.uuessay.com.
★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
C P D entral
ark
ance
“Where every student is special”
Westchester's Highest Quality Programs for Over 30 Years Offering All Levels of Children & Adult Classes All Aspects of Dance and Fitness
Over 175 Weekly Classes! 2014
Register in full for Fall 2014 by September 7th and receive FREE ballet, tap or jazz shoes. One pair per class. Miss Talia's Boutique, open 7 days. 450 Central Park Ave, Scarsdale
723-2940
www.centralparkdance.com
★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
Use scholarship searches to your advantage
★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★ ★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
PAGE 34A | THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE | FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014
– Back to School
BTS GUIDE N Early Learning Ardsley Community Nursery, more than 50 years of care
Development stressed at Five Corners
The Ardsley Community Nursery School, at 21 American Legion Drive in Ardsley, has been serving families from the Rivertowns and beyond 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. The Ardsley Historical Society has written ACNS up as the oldest nursery program in the area. ACNS maintains the outstanding quality of a nursery school from 9 a.m.-noon, and additionally offers limited spots in a variety of afternoon sessions. Early dropoff is available for working parents. Programs are offered for kids ages 2-5 years old. ACNS is diaper-friendly and has the ability to include children with special needs. 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.
Ardsley Community Nursery School has a beautiful, shady playground with sandboxes, swings, climbing equipment, playhouses and mobile toys.
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 our students, such as dinosaurs, outer space, the Wild West, circus, animals, oceans
Good Shepherd
Early Childhood Center 25 North Broadway Irvington-on-Hudson
A Non-Sectarian Program Registered with the University of the State of New York Licensed by NYS Office of Children & Family Services Accredited by National Academy of Early Childhood Programs
Nursery School Programs Two Year olds 2 Mornings Three Year olds 3 or 5 Mornings
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. A three-week precamp program runs in June, and a six-week summer camp program runs from the end of June through the first week in August. The goal at ACNS is for every child to feel good about him or herself, make friends and love school. Visit www.acns. us or call 693-4932.
With Optional Extended Days (Mon., Tues., Wed.) Tuition Assistance Available
591-4104
OPEN HOUSE 2015-2016 November 1st • 10am-Noon
www.GoodShepherdIrvington.com
CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE
PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES FOR CHILDREN, TEENS, AND ADULTS Does your child have trouble making or keeping friends? Easily frustrated? Cannot tolerate losing? Dr. Laurie Gruenberger specializes in helping children and teens gain the skills they need to communicate effectively, play cooperatively, and manage frustrations — all while having fun!
Social Skills Groups Irvington, NY
For more information about Social Skills groups, or to set up a free consultaion, please call 646.256.0900. Individual, family, and parent counseling also available.
academic center
With Optional Extended Day (Thurs.)
Four Year olds 5 Mornings
Five Corners Nursery Program in Hastings-on-Hudson provides a warm, loving, stimulating environment that allows preschoolers to develop self-worth and a positive attitude toward learning. Each class has a developmentally appropriate curriculum that emphasizes the different areas of development, including physical, cognitive, emotional and social. There is an accredited music teacher and an accredited dance teacher who come twice a week. Five Corners offers the Tiny Steps 2s, 3s and pre-k program. This is a teacher-led introduction to an educational playgroup, which will feature music and movement, story time, messy art and much more. This program builds upon the Tiny Steps class, while incorporating new activities and adventures for the children as their character and individuality grows and matures. The pre-k group is focused on each child and their own developmental needs as they prepare for kindergarten. All programs encourage active, handson learning with a mixture of self-directed and teacher–directed activities. Five Corners offers opportunities for children to develop math and science skills while measuring, mixing and cooking in a professionally equipped kitchen; enjoy story
Expert Instruction. Excellent Value.
High School Students: ENHANCE SKILLS AND PREPARE FOR COLLEGE
Raise Your SAT& ACT Scores! FALL 2014 CLASSES Visit jccmw.org for details
CollegeIntensive, Interview Essentials Sept 12 Speed Reading SAT - Oct 6 Stress Management Workshops College Essay Writing Workshop NEW! College Admissions 101, Sept 12 - 26 Lecture: Organizing and Time SAVE THE DATE: Management for Academic SuccessSept 12 - Oct 17 ACT Intensive, Monday, October 6 • 7:30 - 9pm INSIDE THE 7 - 14 Contact Lisa Itzkowitz, NEW! 472-3300 x275PSAT Boot Camp, Oct ADMISSIONS OFFICE itzkowitzl@jccmw.org Learn about admissions5 Skills, Oct 17the -collegeDec 999 Wilmot Road, Scarsdale NYWriting 10583 process from the deans and directors Diagnostic/Practice ACT & SAT PSAT Boot Camp SAT Prep ACT Prep
(914) 472-3300
of colleges from around the country
SAVE the DATE!
Back to School – FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014
| THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE | PAGE 35A
BTS GUIDE N Early Learning CONTINUED FROM THE PREVIOUS PAGE
social years occur during middle and high school for girls. At Clubhouse Girls, young women will learn valuable social skills to navigate different social situations. In addition, Clubhouse Friends offers staff development programs as well as training and support for teachers and nursery school directors. The Celebrating Differences workshop for children is part of a tolerance and anti-bullying program. “We are directly involved in all of our programs,” Pawlak said. “We work with our clients to ensure that our students reach their fullest potential and we personally provide training and support to teachers, and schools.” Visit www.clubhousefriends.com for additional details, programs and contact information.
time; imaginative and dress-up play; and participate in active outdoor play on a state-of-the-art playground. Five Corners’ schedule allows ample time for free play and exploration, while also including more structured group activities and circle time. The belief is that this is the best way to develop a child’s self-confidence and sense of community. The teachers at Five Corners Nursery Program hold degrees in early childhood development. Moreover, they are mothers who know the importance of giving children a warm and loving environment in which to learn, grow and develop. Call 478-2334, email fivecornersprogram@ gmail.com or visit www.hastingspreschool.com.
Clubhouse Friends offers new girls program Clubhouse Friends was started to help children, young people and families understand the social environment and learn to function successfully in life. The program and curriculum for 4-10-yearolds were developed by two certified teachers from Ardsley, Fran Pawlak and Maryanne Reda, who have over 45 years of education experience between them. In the age of email, iPhones, Twitter and Facebook, social skills can pose a
greater challenge than academics in the learning process. With increasing demands on family life, Pawlak and Reda found there was a need for social skills groups to help families in and around The Rivertowns. Clubhouse Friends was started in Ardsley to increase students’ social and emotional success. Developing positive peer relationships and navigating social skills are lifelong skills that are important to function appropriately in society. Clubhouse Friends offers after-school, small group instruction to enhance interpersonal skills. Learning does not stop in the classroom,
as parent and teacher support is part of the Clubhouse Friends program. Intakes are required for all new students so they can be placed appropriately. “What sets us apart from other programs is the support we give outside of the classroom,” Reda said. “With small group instruction, we are able to take individual concerns and incorporate them into our program.” After receiving numerous requests for middle school students, Clubhouse Friends will now be offering a new program for girls ages 9-14 called Clubhouse Girls. Some of the most difficult
A great beginning at the Beginner's Club The Beginner’s Club, at 18 Farragut Avenue in Hastings-on-Hudson, is an enriching home away from home for kindergarteners and first graders, providing a warm, safe and healthy environment for children, rich with age-appropriate stimuli. Beginner’s Club aims to see that each child feels loved, respected, comfortable, and appreciated, striving to build mutual trust between teachers and children. CONTINUED ON PAGE 36A
3:00-6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:
Sports (Wiffleball, Basketball, Football, Soccer, Floor Hockey, Tennis, Kickball) Cooking • Creative Arts & Crafts Homework Help Reasonable Fee • Limited Enrollment All Day Programs During School Holidays
Register Now for 2014/15 For additional information contact
Neil Stepman at 478-5521 Email: aspire.afterschool@gmail.com
+
• •
x ACE Math
ACE MATH Tutoring
= # % + — x = # % + — x = # % +- x = # % + — x = # % + — x = # % + — x = # % -x=#%+—x=#%+—x
After School New York State Licensed Childcare Program at Hillside School, Hastings-on-Hudson Since 1987 • Grades K-6
% # = x — + % # = x — + % # = x — + % # = x -+ % # = x — + % # = x — + % # =
+%#=x—+%#=x—+%#=x—+%#=x—+%#=x-
GRADES 4-12, SAT, ACT PREP
Mention Code: MATH for a Special Rate!
Rivertown’s Leading MATH Tutoring Experts! Our Experts are Math Teachers and Professors Master Common Core Concepts 1-on-1 or Small Group Sessions Positive Reinforcement Techniques Used Customized Programs
Contact Andrew Cursio (914) 413-7138 visit: www.acemathnow.com All classes held at the James Harmon Recreation Center, Hastings-on-Hudson Serving the Rivertowns since 2006
+%#=x—+%#=x—+%#=x—+%#=x—+%#=
PAGE 36A | THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE | FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014
– Back to School
BTS GUIDE N Early Learning CONTINUED FROM PAGE 35A
The Beginner’s Club believes this is necessary for each child to benefit most from all the program has to offer. Children are like snowflakes — no two are alike. The staff truly understands and enjoys the uniqueness of each child with different wants and needs. The Beginner’s Club is theater-arts based, enriched with music and movement. The number one rule at The Beginner’s Club is “To come here to The Beginner’s Club, you don’t have to be big or small, fast or slow, happy or sad. The one thing you must be to join us, is nice. You have to be nice.” Always moving and playing…..always growing and learning at the Beginner’s Club. Call 478-2334.
TBA-RS on cutting edge of Jewish education Temple Beth Abraham’s Religious School (TBA-RS) is on the cutting edge of innovative Jewish education. TBA, in Tarrytown, is committed to meeting its members’ diverse needs and maintaining its leadership role in supplementary Jewish education. Over the past few years, TBA-RS has added the Learner Outcomes and Measurement for effective Educational Design (LOMED) program to its existing programming. LOMED premiered in fifth grade and
was met with such success that the follow- Contact Rabbi Allison (aberlinger@tbaing year it became part of the curriculum ny.org) if you are interested in registering for fourth- and sixth-graders. This year, or learning more about this program. Building on the success of “Sunday seventh grade will adopt LOMED as well. The hallmark aspects of LOMED include Funday,” TBA will be launching a series of families learning together, the inclusion of programs and events for young children real life experiences and the community’s and families. TBA’s new division of young family engagement is partnering with involvement in the learning experience. The school is also excited about the PJ Library to create, enhance and build launch of its fourth-grade flexible sched- programs for young families. They invite ule programming for the 2014-15 school you and your children to join them for year. This year, TBA-RS is introducing programs including Tot Shabbat, hb_PREP_ad4.833x3.225_7-9-14_hb_PREP_ad4.625x3.5_7-23.qxp 7/9/14 which 4:22 PM an online learning option in the fourth takes place once a month on Saturday grade. Students can choose a weekly, mornings, and the family service on Rosh one-on-one video chat meeting with a Hashanah (open to the community) at 3 teacher where they will have a 20-min- p.m., followed by Tashlich at Loh Creek. Visit www.tba-ny.org. ute Hebrew lesson. In maintaining their tradition of innovation, TBA will continue to stream Shabbat services and will continue to integrate technology both inside and outside the classroom. On July 1, Rabbi Allison Berlinger beLiving in the Rivertowns? Moving to the came the director of education at TBA. She brings with her a passion for working Rivertowns? Greenburgh Hebrew Center with children and providing them with an Early Childhood Center in Dobbs Ferry excellent and spiritually motivated Jew- could be the preschool for your family. Selecting an appropriate preschool is ish education. Rabbi Allison is excited to continue TBA-RS’s successful “Sunday an important decision for any parent to Funday” preschool program. This pre- make. Your child can benefit from being a school class will be offered once a month member of the GHC ECC family for many this year, doubling the number of classes reasons: your child will be nurtured, offered last year. This program, which in- taught and valued by a licensed, seacludes Jewish stories, songs and crafts, is soned, skilled and caring teaching staff; open to the community as well as TBA the teachers follow a secular and Judaic members. “Sunday Funday” is for chil- play-based curriculum while engaging in dren ages 2-4 with a parent or caregiver. constructivist practices that will respond
“specializing in unique apparel from newborn to size 10” 547 Warburton Avenue . Hastings-on-Hudson, NY 10706 www.yummyyummiegoodness.com | 914.231.6080 Hours: Tues, Wed, Thurs: 11am-6pm; Fri, 10am-7pm Sat, 10am-6pm; Sun, 10am-3pm
BACK TO SCHOOL SAVINGS!
SAVE 15% OFF entire purchase of $150*
or 10% OFF a single item
*excludes any discounted merchandise. cannot be combined with any other promotion. Expires 9/7/2014
Greenburgh Hebrew Center offers preschool
to your child’s natural curiosity of learning; and the curriculum follows the standards of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and benefits from membership to the Jewish Education Project, as well as Project SEED, which is designed to support synagogue-based preschools via a consultant with parents on topics of mutual interest. GHC ECC has entered into a partnership with the Hudson River Museum in Page 1 Yonkers, where the 2s, 3s and 4s will receive differentiated instruction based on the museum’s permanent collection, and the Maritime Aquarium, in Norwalk, Conn., will be bringing their teaching curriculum into the school. Your child will arrive home after singing with their music teacher and their cantor; relaxing from yoga techniques taught by a yoga instructor; enjoying music and movement with sign language instruction; repeating stories enacted by their rabbi, as well as a plethora of other experiential school events. GHC ECC ends the day with afternoon enrichment of project-based learning through literacy, art, math, science, music and movement for 3s and 4s. Mommy and me classes offer preschool preparation while building relationships for both adults and children. Contact director Gloria Smith at 4791421 or gloria@g-h-c.org to schedule a personalized tour.
usic & Movem M ent B
Classes H for children ages 4 months – 5 years in age-appropriate groups
Violin Program for 3-year-olds a Prelude to the full Suzuki Program!
Open HOuse Wednesday september 5, 10 am
Joan behrens bergman, executive dirctor 25 school Lane • scarsdale, new york • 10583 • (914)723-1169 hb@hbms.org www.hbms.org
The Lice Lady of Westchester SM
Westchester's Original
GOT LICE? Conveniently located in Elmsford, NY (off Route 119) Post Camp Head Lice Checks Available
Lice Specialist Since 1998
Salon Appointments or In-Home Lice Removal School Nurse & Pediatrician Recommended As Seen in Westchester Magazine and News Channel 12 SAME DAY APPOINTMENTS
For more information or to schedule an appointment:
Call Anna 914-497-5465 or Email: TheLiceLady@aol.com www.theliceladyofwestchester.com
Back to School – FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014
BTS GUIDE
q Enrichment & Family Services
Martial arts education: value of human resources By JIM CHILLEMI As a beginner at New York Goju Karate Association (NYGKA), the first value a student learns is defining respect — treating other people the way you would like to be treated. The obvious benefit to a young student is that the quality of his or her life improves as well as the people that student interacts with. Another very important value is the benefit associated with fixing your eyes with eagerness. Many of us are visual learners. Whether we are being talked to from a parent, teacher, coach or being threatened by a bully, it is important to look that person in the eyes. When the student begins to understand the concept of looking, his or her listening skills become much more acute. When we use our eyes to see and we use our ears to listen, we are learning. Maybe the most important value we teach at NYGKA is the value of personal responsibility: “If it’s to be, it’s up to me.” At NYGKA, a student is encouraged to make individual decisions, live with the consequences of those decisions and not be afraid to make a mistake. Effort is another important skill developed by the students at our school. Competition for our young people will be unprecedented, global in
| THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE | PAGE 37A
New York Goju Karate Association (NYGKA) offers martial arts trainings for families.
scale, and they must be prepared: “Failing to plan is planning to fail.” Effort develops self-confidence and selfconfidence equals success. At NYGKA, employing all of these resources assures that each student develop a healthy self image, one that can last a lifetime. Shihan Jim Chillemi is a sixth degree black belt in the American Goju Discipline and has been teaching martial arts to men, women and children for over 40 years. New York Goju Karate Association is located in Hastings-on-Hudson. Visit www. nygka.com.
Italian Cultural Center offers programs The Westchester Italian Cultural Center, at One Generoso Pope Place in Tuckahoe offers a wide variety of experiences for young ones. Piccoli Cuochi popular children’s cooking classes are presented in a professional demonstration kitchen. Piccoli Cuochi, Little Chefs, don chef coats and toques and have fun while learning to prepare some traditional Italian food. Held once a
month at 2 p.m., the little chefs will learn how to make all kinds of tasty treats from Taralli, a small breadstick-like ring that can be either sweet or savory, on Sept. 6, to Panzerotti, a calzone-like pastry that can be stuffed with almost anything, on Oct. 4. On Nov. 1, they will experiment with Gnocchi, the delicious specialty of every Italian grandmother, and Dec. 6, they will make Anginetti, the perfect lemon drop cookie for the holidays. Parents are encouraged to have just as much fun as their kids by staying and joining the classes. Each class is presented by Cathy Blanco. Children’s Italian language classes will be held this fall, stimulating Italian language classes for any age group from babies and toddlers to 12-year-olds. Younger children, from 6 months to 3 1/2 years old, can enroll in Primi Passi in Italiano. Mommy and Me classes with their mother/caregiver, during which an experienced teacher immerses children in Italian song, rhyme, movement and stories with a themed craft activity culminating each lesson. Older kids ages 4-12 are grouped by age and skill level in Impariamo Insieme class series, which is designed to allow students to acquire an understanding and develop basic communication skills in the Italian language, while exploring its culture by engaging directly in interactive learning. Both series have the contemplated outcome of CONTINUED ON PAGE 38A
Start your child’s education
with the JCC on the Hudson’s
Early Childhood Program. Ages 1-5 2 Convenient Tarrytown Locations! Early and Late Hours Available • Two’s Program (2-5 days) • Three’s Program (3-5 days • Four’s Program (5 days) Sibling discounts and scholarships available.
• Modern, Contemporary, Ballet, Jazz, Tap and Hip-Hop
Please call for a personal tour! 371 South Broadway
• Performing Groups and Choreography Opportunities
914.366.7898 25 Leroy Avenue
• Pre-School – Adult
914.631.1607
• Moving Wheels & Heels for dancers with special needs
jcconthehudson.org
Providing the best dance education in Westchester County since 1937 Online registration now available at www.steffinossen.org or call 914-328-1900
Bill Bramswig Photo
PAGE 38A | THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE | FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014
BTS GUIDE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 37A
– Back to School
q Enrichment & Family Services
Book bag drive at Y2G
lon in bourgeoning Harlem and makeup/ hairstylist for “The Tonight Show” house band, The Roots. Y2G is located at 547 Warburton Ave. in Hastings-on-Hudson. For more information about Yummy Yummie Goodness children’s boutique, including hours of operation, visit www.yummyyummiegoodness.com.
offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for students to explore their history, learn children acquiring linguistic communicafrom outstanding experiential educators Celebrity hair and makeup stylist Maitive skills, an appreciation of Italian culture and develop lasting connections with sha Teacher recently announced the and way of life. Supplemental materials are their classmates. The itinerary includes a opening of her new children’s boutique, always handed out to help children week in Poland, during which the group Weand are expanding Yummy Yummie Goodness (Y2G) in parents practice outside of the classroom. visits historical landmarks associated with Hastings-on-Hudson. The store carries our already popular Class date and times vary. the vibrant Jewish life of pre-Holocaust high-end, unique fashions, toys and acDance Holiday family programs are alwaysprogramming Europe, as well as concentration camps, cessories for children, ages 0-8. During s big hit. Celebrate a traditional for Italian ghettos, Schindler’s factory and other all ages with the month of August, Y2G is raising funds Christmas and holiday season by bringHolocaust-era sites. The tour is emotionadditional studio to host a back-to-school book bag drive ing the family together and starting a new ally draining, but very powerful, and it in support of P.S. 154 Harriet Tubman in tradition at one of WICC’s family programs cements the students’ connection to the this holiday season. Beginning in Decem- Harlem. Donations of any size can be concept of Jewish peoplehood that is deber, on Dec. 13, from 2-3:30 p.m., create made to the store’s online fund at www. High schools have long struggled with veloped throughout Schechter Westchesyour own unique nativity set, Presepio, to youcaring.com/y2gbookbagdrive. the challenge of keeping 12th-grade stu- ter’s curriculum, as well as to one another. Y2G carries contemporary brands such take home to enjoy for the holidays. Listen dents engaged throughout the senior year, From Poland, the students travel to Isto Italian Christmas songs, smell the aroma as Oil & Water, Baby Soy and Wheat. In even after college applications have been rael for a seven-week travel/study experiof the freshly baked pizzelle, and start your addition to clothes, the store sells outer- completed. The College Board and the ence. The vibrant, 4,000-year history of own family tradition to cherish for years to wear, accessories and shoes. National Association for College Admis- the Jewish people is brought to life, from “I hear aat lot the of parents, of sion Counseling even have webpages decome. On Jan. 3, from 2-3:30 p.m., join in JCCespecially of Mid-Westchester archeological digs to encounters with for a musical retelling of the folk tale of La boys, express a desire for unique clothes, voted entirely to providing students with modern Israeli political figures. Along the Befana, a benevolent old woman that de- so I’m really excited to offer a nice variety tips for avoiding “senioritis.” way, students get a taste of campus life by livers gifts on the eve of the Epiphany. Sing, of whimsical, couture children’s fashion,” Solomon Schechter School of Westches- living in a dormitory and having fun with dance, and enjoy a wonderful afternoon Teacher said. “Yummy Yummie Goodness ter has designed a 12th-grade program cultural, athletic and recreational activiwith your children. Lastly on Jan. 10, at 2 is not only a place for parents to shop that precludes any possibility of bore- ties. p.m., you can all participate in an Italian for great clothes, accessories and gifts, dom, complacency or decreased motivaFollowing their return from Israel, studesigners children’s fashion show, which it is also a place for families to come to- tion. Schechter Westchester, whose upper dents work individually or in small teams showcase some of the most glamorous Ital- gether for occasional story-telling, crafts school campus is located in Hartsdale, on Wise Individualized Senior Experience ian children’s fashion design from celebrity and book-signings, and get to know other We ends for seniors in late January (WISE), a capstone project or internship are classes expanding stylists, such as baptismal to communion families in the community. More impor- our and sends the students on an eight-week that enables them to utilize the cross-curalready popular CULTURAL ARTS EDUCATION tantly, it’s a platform FITNESS for parents to sup- international travel to special will occasion clothing. experience, followed ricular skills that they have honed during Dance programming • Art Nursery School including • Sports & Fitness Center We are port one another.” For more information call 771-8700 or by an individualized capstone project orexpa nding g their time at Schechter Westchester. As in for all ages with • Pool d n a p • Dance weekly swim and x e Boutique owner Teacher resides in Yonvisit . Registrations To regisinternship. ou We are are required. r alr ea dy part of WISE, students have, for example, po r pu additional studio lar la u • Theatre • Swim Lessons y popgymnastics, eadMonday-Friday, kersdrop with her husband and three children. ter and prepay, 9 a.m. early The Lev V’Nefesh (Hebrew for “heart Da nc our alrcall e pr og ram g mingCONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE in pick up,She Bendheim Performing off/late extended Swim Teams is the owner of•the upscale Bibi Sa- and soul”) senior•trip to 5p.m. ance programm to Poland and Israel for all ages with D Arts Center day enrichment and more… • Gymnastics h it w for all ages additional studio • Jewish Culture and Learning • Youth Soccer tudio s l additiona Special Education, • Baseball Clinic Pre-School and • Karate After-School/Weekend • Basketball League We are expanding We are expanding at• the JCC of Mid-Westchester Enrichment programs e are expanding Pilates our already popular W our already popular • Zumba r la pu po y ad re al Dance programming r ou Dance programming • Yoga g in m m ra og for all ages with r Dance pr for all ages with • Personal Training estcheste
Schechter Westchester finds cure for senioritis
Great Programs for the Whole Family
Great Programs for the Whole Family
additional studio
RegisterPrograms Today! Great amily F e l o h W e for ththe Whole Family sfor Early Childhood m a r Great Programs for th g o r e Whole Great P l ages with Midal-W e JCC of for nal studio h t t a school /provides ditio at the JCC of Mid-Westchester adlanguage-intensive, PLUS discover Our / connect grow a
additional studio
at the JCC of Mid-Wes
tchester
child-centered environment to promote learning • Summer Camps • Summer FITNESS PLUS Arts Center EDUCATION • 17 months - 5 years • Gymnastics EDUCATION CULTURAL ARTS FITNESS • JCC Maccabi Games • Sports & Fitness Center • Summer Camps Nursery School including • Art Nursery School including • Triathlon • Sports & Fitness Center • Half & full day options • Lunch Bunch Clinics/Club weekly swim and • Dance Arts Center weekly swim and • Pool • Pool • Summer • gymnastics, Weekly swim instruction • Chaperone children y il Great m • Theatre gymnastics,to early drop • Swim Lessons Programs for a F early drop le o h W • Swim Lessons • JCC Maccabi Games e th r • Bendheim Performing off/late pick up, extended • Swim Teams Great Programs• off/late for the Whole Family fo s Afternoon enrichments other JCC programs m gFITra roTeams pick up, extended P at the JCC of Midt a SS Eenrichment Center day and more… • Gymnastics re N r tchArts G r te te n • Swim es e C s s es e Early morning and dropn -W it id F M at the JCC•ofday Mid-Westchester f & • Jewish Culture and Learning • Youth Soccer o enrichment more… s ort C pJC ARTS at th•eSSpecial • Gymnastics Education, • Baseball Clinic ED CULTURAL UCATION Pool SAT/ACT • Pre-School CULTURAL ARTS • Karate ons Special Education, ssand Art N e Nu L • rse IO ry T im • Youth Soccer Sc A w ho ol S C inc FITN • After-School/Weekend luding ing EDU • Basketball League prep courses • Art e clud c s For more information and to in n m l a a o D e o T we h • ekl c Pre-School and y swim anToday! Swim d • Sp •Enrichment programs •• Pilates Register Nursery S • Baseball Clinic e Da tr nc a e s d e c ti &mnseminars gy • Th a tour,Pe im an schedule contact astics, early drop After-School/Weekend rforming Julie Dorfman • •Zumba • Gymnas • Poo weekly sw early dro p Theatre occer • Karate Bendheim S , off • s /lat th c e u ti pick up, extended • Yoga s o a Y n • • 914-472-7095 | dorfmanj@jccmw.org Swi d r e Enrichment programs te gym d n n e • ic te g Be C Early Childhood x nd im Performing ,e Clin rnin Arts for the Whoo day enrichment and mo Lea• Basketball • Personalhe Training Baseball te pick up nd more… •League • Swi lture and ff/lale re… u C h Art s is a Ce w t nte e r F en y •J te Kara •Our • Gym Early Childhood f Mid-Westch day enrichmamilCULTURAL school provides • Jewish Culture and • Pilates Leaguea language-intensive, PLUS Special Education, ARTS Learning asketball B ester • • You child-centered environment to promote learning • Summer Camps , n CULTURAL ARTS EDUCATION Pre ducatio • Art • Zumbaguide -School anadlanguage-intensive, Our school provides • Pilatesor visit • Bas Special E • Summer Arts Center S Call today for a program www.jccmw.org ES ! TN • Art Nursery School including y FI d a Aft ba L-AR • Z17 5 years • erGymnastics Sc ool an er learning hool/Weets ummonths TS •CU ss Ce•nt • Kara JCC Maccabi Games DUCATION environment toneweekly promote erONTod • Yoga Pre-SchCULTURAL tFITNESS d & dFit URA child-centered nARTS s LT i • Dance swim and • Spor ken g e ol/Week•eDance R En o a ric • Half & full day options • Lunch Bunch h hm g c en o t S Y • Triathlon Clinics/Club pro rgra • TI e • Bas ms • Art ursery School including Aft • Sports & Fitness Center CA U g s ED in t • Theatre m gymnastics, early drop ol Ar in R • Po eg ra ra • g • Personal Training l T •instruction onaswim 17 months - 5 years childrensstoon •sGymnasticsister Today! nt pro • Theatre • PWeekly • Chaperone ers School including Pilat • eDance eekly swim and er•y Pool Enrichm NursScarsdale • Bendheim • Perform nce off/late pick up, extended im Le ••• Da • Sw 999 Wilmot Road, • 914.472.3300 Afternoon enrichments other JCC programs d an • Half & full day options • Lunch Bunch im • s Zu • Theatre • Bendheim Performing ymnastics, early drop Swim Lessons m am Arts Center tre day enrichment and more… Te weekly• sw ea Ea im Th rly Ch•ild Sw hood ••PEarly dropod S morning rly drop Und o rming swim instruction L rfo h cs, ea Pe • Yoan sti d • Bendheim Performing f/late pick up, extended • Swim Teams • Weekly • Chaperone children to im na • Jewish Culture ga cs il m he sti s gy h na p m Be C m • Gy a Register • Arts Center C r Early Arts Center mment , up, extended Suts eck vGymnastics • Ar • Pers ay enrichment and more… • pi other Education, JCCSAT/ACT programs Ceer er tentesi Center Ou •sAfternoon enrichments Youth SoccerSpecial e-iofnf/la •l pro Art agand u e… or g m m ooto n g d m la Le an in u t • Jewish Culture Learning vides ini a S Today! en rn anadm s • a hm re esarninrgsch cguage-iprep Pre-School andnscourses ric ltub le Soccer more information and • JewishpCulture Youth nte o•te rovide and Learning daymen iG ive • Jewish CuFor Baseball aCllan
l a Early morning , • drop-off Macc• -ce ent to pro • Baseball Clinic nte Our schoo red entevironme seminars b child • JCCschedule After-School/Weekend PLUS contact Julie Dorfman pecial Education, s/Clu nt to pro&mo d environm • Kara Clinaictour, re te n lea te s rning lo n ic th e , a A st -c ri R ion a d TS T at Enrichment programs ue • mn Educ ag chil • y 914-472-7095 | dorfmanj@jccmw.org Summ Le ial re-School and • Karate ll G ec ba Sp • et • 17 month • Ba FITNES s - |sk 5 dorfmanj@jccmw.org years chda tour, years uolnan 5 B ForS 7more information and to schedule contact Julie Dorfman 914-472-7095 • h • ho Gy s Su c fter-School/Weekend • • Basketball League mn Sc mm n east th u Pr ics n es L o lat Pi • n to • Half & ful•l day options 1 Fim Sports rend • & ildke chee tness llCd oo nel/W • JCC M ch yteor ptions nrichment programs • • ePilates ro r-S a • te en Lu Af p ba nc a m h Bu h Zu fu nc • C h & • Pool • Half • Weekly swim instructi grams en • Triath rice•hm Ct pprroog instruction on www.jccmw.org En Call today forTa program guide JC • Chaperone children to rZumba • Yoga or visit • Swim LeW oth eksly swim erforming • Afternoon en ts C • sseon ing n A e ain / • Yoga Tr T m al ric h A hm on c rs S en ri ts Pe n • Our school language-intensive, • Swim Teamfternoon e otherprovides JCC proagra ms A s • Personal Training courses • Early morning drop- child-centered environment droprep • Gymna•stics g p to promote learnin in rn o e and Learning 999 Wilmot Road, Scarsdale • 914.472.3300 m y rl a rs E a • in m PLUS sivee, & uth Soccer Our school provides•aYo language-intensive, to ns ps te m PLUS • Gymnastics and nguage-in • Summer Ca • 17 months - 5 years • Baseball Clin pr formation•r Summer ho nides a la sc aov nter& full day options Fo ic Ce rm mo tsorm rfm child-centered environment Camps Ar ote learning re inf er om Dool • Half • Lunch Bunch S m For more in tactOu pr e ati to Su li on t • u an en J d • Karate to promote learning to nm viro drgenCenter on ch•ild re c te mes en r, Ga e -c sch u bi ed Summer Arts ca .o to ule ac w a a M tou C m Weekly swim instruction • Chaperonepr chil r, co•nta • JC dule ct Julie • Basketbal•l Gymnastics j@jcc Dorfm • 17 months - 5 years an Leag sche • Gymnastics linics/Club | dorfman
arly Childhood
r Tod
Register Today! Early Childhood Register Today! Call today for a program guide or visit www.jccmw.org dhoodScarsdale • 914.472.3300 arly ChilRoad, 999EWilmot
Register T
Back to School – FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014
BTS GUIDE
q Enrichment & Family Services
CONTINUED FROM THE PREVIOUS PAGE
started up technology-related businesses, undertaken engineering projects on a variety of scales, learned aviation, treated victims of torture at a clinic in New York, become EMTs and painstakingly restored an old boat that had fallen into disrepair. In many cases, the WISE project has ignited a passion that has inspired students toward career choices. Schechter Westchester’s unique senior year serves as a genuine culminating experience for the school’s k-12 program, and it instills a sense of anticipation that begins for many students as early as kindergarten. The results do not disappoint, as students who have completed the year often write beautiful testimonials about the program’s impact on them. This year, for example, one graduating senior wrote that he felt “a great balance of fun and learning, of light and heavy, and of [being] tourists and citizens. This trip was life-changing, and I am forever indebted.” Another added that “the Lev V’Nefesh trip is by far the most meaningful experience I have ever had.” As a school that values experiential education and individual identity-formation, Schechter Westchester takes pride in its ability to fulfill this mission by providing students with such a rich senior-year experience — a surefire way to inoculate them against senioritis. Visit www.schechterwestchester.org.
A center of gravity for special needs JCC on the Hudson provides social and learning experiences for special needs kids, teens and adults. “Everyone deserves a place of belonging and community,” said Mindy Cohen, director of special needs services at the JCC on the Hudson in Tarrytown. “We hope to build a community families will gravitate to for guidance, education and recreation.” The JCC offers an array of inclusive and self-contained programs for children, teens and adults with special needs, as well as counseling and support for their families. Each program’s participants have the opportunity to network, develop life and self-advocacy skills, and share coping strategies for the daily challenges
Come For an Hour or Stay for the Day!
• 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!
| THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE | PAGE 39A
they face at school, home and in the wider community. For instance, Super Sunday is a weekly program for 5-12-year-olds aimed at helping children navigate the social world successfully. Group participants learn and practice socialization skills, and have the opportunity to create friendship groups with their peers. By encouraging the children to make independent choices that work for their special needs, this program tends to be a great booster of confidence. Sunday in the Neighborhood, for 13-16-year-olds, is the next logical step after Super Sunday. In this program, which meets at a simulated model apartment in Tarrytown, teens not only socialize, but learn life skills in a normative environment. They shop, budget, market and cook together; learn laundry and housekeeping skills; venture into the local town, and enjoy gaming and other appropriate activities. In addition to these programs, the JCC offers Almost Home Plus, afterschool daycare for children in grades k-6 with an IEP, 504 or other behavioral and developmental differences, and a school break trip program, SKIP: Special Kids Interesting Places. There is also a Saturday Night Out program for tweens 10-15. Because a family member with a disability impacts the whole family, Sibs Connect for ages 5 and up, is a safe place for children whose siblings have special needs to share their unique concerns with
each other. This program runs concurrently with the Super Sunday programming. Keeping It Real in the Neighborhood (KIRTN), a free program for high school students and beyond, is also based at the Tarrytown simulated model apartment. A joint program of the JCC and the Union Free School District of the Tarrytowns, KIRTN offers multiple afterschool and weekend offerings, such as a young men’s group and weekly drop-in programs. Afterschool hours are available to Tarrytown residents and the wider Westchester community, bringing together people who otherwise would not have a place to gather, socialize, recreate and learn. “KIRTN and the JCC make a real commitment to preparing our folks with special needs for the adult world,” Cohen said. “We invite those over 18 to continue socializing with us through Connections.” Connections plans social outings and activities, from visits to Rye Playland to bowling to dinner to house parties at the Tarrytown simulated apartment. Many of the JCC’s special needs programs are funded in part by the Hudson Valley Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, the Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health and grants from the J.E. and Z.B. Butler Foundation, Kids Club and the Westchester Community Foundation. Contact Cohen at the JCC at 366-7898 or visit www.jcconthehudson.org.
PAGE 40A | THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE | FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014
BTS GUIDE
– Back to School
q Enrichment & Family Services
Greenburgh Nature Center: a paradise for young children
B
ack 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 welcome. GNC offers a wide array of educational programs and classes, special seasonal events, camp and birthday parties for ages 3 and up. GNC’s goal is to promote an appreciation of nature and the environment. The 33-acre woodland preserve has trails, 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, a greenhouse and a gift shop. 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, naturethemed 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. GNC is committed to ensuring that today’s generation enjoys creative play in the outdoors, connecting children to the wonder and awe of nature. The GNC has professional educators who gear each program to the appropriate age. Programs stress hands-on and direct-involvement learning, while teaching children important skills such as utilizing measurement tools and developing critical thinking. Weekly preschool programs Weekday Nature Series programs for young children with a parent or caregiver let you enjoy an hour of nature fun together. Except for extreme weather conditions, a por-
pares a sampling of tasty treats from the garden, and you learn about the fascinating social network of honeybees, beekeeping and how honey is harvested from hives. Honey is extracted by the beekeepers. There is a free tasting of fresh honey-from-the-hives, and the newly harvested honey is available for purchase. • Check online for upcoming fall special events: Fall Festival (Oct. 12, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.); Scarecrows & Pumpkins Parades (Oct. 26, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.); Turkey Scavenger Hunt (Nov. 16, 1:30 p.m.) and Train Show (weekends only: Nov. 29-30, Dec. 6-7, Dec. 13-14).
Greenburgh Nature Center’s spring celebration last April.
tion of each class is spent outdoors. Tuition per six-week session is $50 for GNC members, $90 for nonmembers. Preregistration and prepayment are required. • Wild Encounters Storytime: Nature discovery for youngsters. Enjoy a nature-themed story and discover the wonders of the outdoors while exploring fields, forests or landscaped grounds. Let your imagination run wild. For kids 3-5, Mondays from 1:30-2:30 p.m. Visit www.greenburghnaturecenter.org for current session dates. • Mother Nature’s Storytime: Children enjoy seasonal days at the center with nature-themed stories, outdoor walks, live animals, and/or crafts. For kids 2-4, Wednesdays, 10-11 a.m. See website for dates. Special events at GNC • Harvest Party: Sunday, Sept. 7, at 2 p.m. Costs $4 for members, $8 nonmembers. It’s the season to reap the harvest of GNC’s organic garden and hives. The naturalist pre-
Current exhibit • Story Walk: The free annual Story Walk runs through Sept. 28. Take a self-guided walk with your child along the woodland trail to enjoy a favorite children’s storybook, “Opossum at Sycamore Road,” by Sally M. Walker. 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 $20 CPK gift certificate. Recommended for children ages 8 and under. The mission of the Greenburgh Nature Center is to offer inspiring, hands-on environmental education experiences, to foster an appreciation of nature, and to promote sustainable practices. GNC 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 Fridays and a few holidays), from 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekends. For more information, visit www.greenburghnaturecenter.org or call 723-3470.
Head Lice Removal Services Since 1997
Lice Expert of Westchester/Rivertowns/NY Metro Area
Use all Non-toxic and “Go Green” Products Natural Lice Shampoo kills in 30 min with 7-day followup Highly Recommended • Will Travel • Available 7 days a week Back to School Head Lice Checks at affordable rates
Contact Dale Longworth, Lice Expert 914-424-1367 or email: dlong2758@aol.com Visit our website for additional information at www.liceoffinc.com
Back to School – FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014
The joy of dance for 77 years at Steffi Nossen Steffi Nossen School of Dance is delighted to announce a roster of new classes: Contemporary, Tiny Dancers, Improvisation/ Composition, Fall Showcase Ensemble, Adult Ballet and an Adult Beginning Workshop with eightweek sessions of ballet, modern and jazz. All classes start the week of Sept. 8, or join Steffi Nossen for a free week of dance open house Sept. 15-20, a great opportunity to sample age- and level-appropriate classes. With studios centrally located (across from the County Center in White Plains and St. Mary the Virgin Church on S. Greeley Avenue in Chappaqua), whether a toddler and parent, beginning dancer or a preprofessional, a recreational or serious dancer, Steffi Nossen has classes to suit your interests and needs. “Our core program emphasizes the development of the whole child: their emotions, mind, creativity and physical ability,” said Kathy Fitzgerald, Steffi Nossen School director. “Our faculty shares their love of dance with students and collaborates to design sequential, developmental
BTS GUIDE The Performing Arts
and age-appropriate curricula. Our programs encourage creativity and expose students to a variety of dance styles. Dancers have many opportunities to perform new choreography and create their own compositions.” Faculty members are all gradu- ates of college
dance programs and performing professionals. Fitzgerald further advises, “Master classes, a variety of ensembles, and the preprofessional Steffi Nossen Dance Company offer additional training and performance opportunities.” Fitzgerald, 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.
The school’s newly expanded Core Dance Program includes modern dance classes through grade 3, modern-jazz for grades 4-7 and jazz for grades 6 and up. Hip-hop for grades 2 and up and new core ballet and tap programs for children starting in preschool complete this program. Steffi Nossen continues to offer technique classes in modern, ballet, jazz, tap and hiphop. Rounding out the offerings is a new contemporary dance class — a fusion of ballet, modern, post — modern and jazz techniques, favored by many current professional dancers and choreographers. In the new improvisation/composition class, dancers can experience the complete choreographic proBILL BRAMSWIG PHOTO ParticiSteffi Nossen Dance Co. mem- cess. pants will learn ber Pamela Romero-Cruz.
| THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE | PAGE 41A
how to shape movement into choreography, music selection, casting, rehearsal process and production preparation. A panel will select the most promising work for inclusion in the school’s Nov. 22 Choreography Showcase, sharing the stage with works of professional choreographers. There are two new adult classes: morning adult ballet class and an adult beginner workshop with eight-week sessions in ballet, modern and jazz. The workshop is the perfect opportunity for adults to try dance in a safe, non-intimidating environment while getting a great workout. The new Tiny Dancers program, for toddlers as young as 12 months old, introduces young children and their parents/caregivers to the joy of dance in a fun-filled class focusing on motor skills and musicality. Moving Wheels & Heels — a 2013 Best of Westchester pick by Westchester Magazine — is Steffi Nossen’s program of adaptive dance classes for students of all abilities, both wheelchair and standup. Classes feature movement adapted so that all can experience the benefits of moving to music, expressing creativity, and learning dance technique, all to live music. Call 328-1900 or email info@steffinossen.org for help planning your dance schedule or to arrange a no-obligation trial class. Visit www.steffinossen.org for more information.
diverse riding lessons vantage estrian Teams, g yearam to nd the
stalls heated to the rogram hooling m while
teams, ing for "Where
PAGE 42A | THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE | FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014
Variety of companies at Central Park Dance
– Back to School
BTS GUIDE The Performing Arts
Central Park Dance in Scarsdale is one of the longest running and most respected dance studios in Westchester for over 30 years. CPD has an excellent reputation and once again has planned an exciting curriculum for youngsters and adults alike, with a number of new offerings. There will be many inspiring classes, performance opportunities and events to mark this year. 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, contemporary, acro jazz and Latin jazz. In addition to dance, there is a full roster of fitness classes like MuZe, zumba, bootcamp, kettlebell kickboxing and the hot new workout sensation called PiYo. Each discipline has an extensive curriculum in a 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 and to reap the rewards of discipline and dedication. Superior teaching is the key to the high quality of programs at Central Park Dance. Artistic director Maria Bai has over 30 years of teaching experience to her credit. 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. In addition, CPD provides a supportive atmosphere while upholding their reputation for fairness and constructive education. Miss Talia’s Boutique carries an enormous collection of dancewear, bodywear, footwear and gymnastics at-
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. At Central Park Dance, even the youngest students feel the sense of freedom and delight that creative movement engenders. The preschool program offers classes everyday in Fairytale Ballet, Tippy Toes, Hip Hop Princess and tap. Central Park Dance is home to Signature Dance Company, a ballet and jazz company, and Re-Mixx, a hiphop 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. The Signature Dance Company is a not for profit company 501(c)(3). Placement auditions for the Signature Dance Company, Re-Mixx 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 parTWIN LAKES FARM ty of your dreams. Children choose from Fairytale Ballet, hip-hop and Fun-n-Fit parties. Themes may also be custom designed. Studio rentals are also available. Central Park Dance students have a diverse catalog of studies. Central Park Dance won a 2013 Best of Westchester Award for having the Editor’s Pick Best Ballet Program. tire, selected for durability, style, comfort and affordabilAnd, this year, they were named a Top 5 Westchester ity. For your convenience Miss Talia’s Boutique is open Family Favorite. seven days a week and late evenings Monday-Friday. Bai and Mario LaStrada are a team as well as a family. The program at CPD is regarded as one Twinpreschool Lakes Farm is Westchester’s largest and mostofdiverse With your participation, the Central Park Dance family offering bothasboarding and2 ayears robust theequestrian finest in center, the area. Children young as of riding will continue to grow ever stronger. Join them for the ridingan academy starts attoage 6 with privatetolessons ageacademy. delight The in Tot+I, introduction dance. Threeultimate dance and fitness experience. Expect nothing before moving up to groups; adults ride daily and take advantage but the best. 5-year-olds gain self-confidence and a strong foundation of 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.
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
T
diverse diverse st riding e riding lessons dvantage essons questrian antage Teams, estrian ng yearTeams, 30am year-to and the am to nd the
Academy, Drill Team and Therapeutic Riding Program while also hosting the interscholastic (IEA)
Set on two campuses each has its own indoor arena, 55 stalls shows andoutdoor schooling shows. The South Barn houses the boarders and show team while hosting each, lighted arenas, paddocks Twin Lakes Farm® with hay feeders, heated ninerooms USEFand shows each year. tack wash stalls. The North Barn is home to the 960 California Road, Bronxville, • 914-961-2192 Riding Academy, Drill Team and Therapeutic Riding Program Whether it’s children’s lessons, lessons, riding teams, showing competitively or recrewww.TwinLakesFarm.com adults while alsoriding hostingthere the interscholastic (IEA) shows and schooling ational is something for everyone at Twin Lakes Farm which is why we are OF THEBarn COUNTY OF houses WESTCHESTER PARKS, & CONSERVATION shows. TheA FACILITY South theRECREATION boarders and show team while © hosting nine USEF shows each year.
5 stalls , stalls heated eheated to the Program to the chooling rogram m while hooling
“Where Westchester Learns to Ride”
Whether it's children's lessons, adults lessons, riding teams, showing competitively or recreational riding there is something for everyone at Twin Lakes Farm which is why we are "Where Westchester Learns To Ride!"®
m while
g teams, thing for teams, "Where ing for Where
Twin Lakes Farm® 960 California Road, Bronxville, • 914-961-2192 www.TwinLakesFarm.com
Twin Lakes Farm
©
A FACILITY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER PARKS, RECREATION & CONSERVATION
960 California Road, Bronxville • 914-961-2192 • www.TwinLakesFarm.com A FAcility
oF
the county
oF
Westchester PArks, recreAtion & conservAtion
Back to School – FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014
Thrilling new season for Clocktower Players On June 26, Westchester Magazine unveiled its annual Best of Westchester issue announcing the very best of what Westchester County has to offer. Clocktower Players, the resident theater company of Irvington Town Hall Theater, received two prestigious awards: Best Local Theater Group and Best Children's Theater. The not-for-profit Clocktower Players, established in 1977, produces vibrant live theater enriching the Hudson Valley’s Westchester community. By encouraging participation in and appreciation for theater and ensuring accessibility to the performing arts, Clocktower Players has flourished into an exciting, creative home for performers and theater-lovers of all ages. With artistic and executive director Cagle McDonald at the helm, diverse, professional quality productions are presented to foster imagination, champion diversity and empower participants to achieve success onstage and off. The 2014-15 season kicks off on Oct. 18 with a sensational opening night gala, “The Wiz” in concert. This highly anticipated event benefits Clocktower Players and features Tony Award-winner Ann Duquesnay (“Bring in ’da Noise, Bring in ’da Funk”), Darlicia Cercy (“Book of Mormon,” “The Color Purple”), Terri Klausner (“Evita,” “Sophisticated Ladies”), NaTasha Yvette Williams (The Gershwins’ “Porgy & Bess,”
BTS GUIDE The Performing Arts
“Aladdin” as presented by Clocktower Players.
“The Color Purple”), Guy Fortt (“The Color Purple,” “The Devil Wears Prada”) and Ty Stevens (“Sophisticated Ladies,” “Marilyn,” “An American Fable”) along with the Rivertown Clocktower troupers and Emmyaward winner Jon Scott. Honoring members of the community, Clocktower Players 2014 Bravo Award recipients are Danielle Diaz, proprietor of Geordane’s of Irvington, and Tim Lamorte, editor of The Rivertowns Enterprise. A pre-reception at town gall features the photography of Lamorte in an exhibit “Theater — A Backstage View.” Landing Nov. 8-16, “Miss Saigon,” the legendary musical from the creators of “Les Misérables,” showcases the adult troupe. This talented cast of community actors in-
A High Note Above the Rest!
cludes Minka Shida, Brent McGee, Dan Ansaldo, Miguel Acevedo and Laura Donaldson. Mind blowingly brilliant, “Miss Saigon” will leave you breathless. Youth Troupe productions include Disney’s “The Jungle Book,” Dec. 6, 7. This swingin’ musical with the adorable kids troupe (grades 1-4) is sure to be a crowdpleaser. Jan. 23-24, 2015 features junior teen troupers (grades 5-8) in “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” a zany, high-spirited romp. It’s bound to have all of Irvington dancing the Charleston. The 25th annual Putnam County Spelling Bee rounds out the first half of the season on Feb. 6-7, with the teen troupe (grades 9-12).
| THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE | PAGE 43A
Spring 2015 is slated to be the “Spring of Love” at Clocktower Players as the adult troupe brings “Hair” to the stage March 1422. Vital and relevant to the times of today, the exuberant score includes a long list of chart-topping hit songs from “Aquarius” and “Good Morning, Starshine” to “Easy To Be Hard” and “Let the Sun Shine In.” Coming up April 25-26, the kids troupe is featured in Meredith Willson’s critically acclaimed classic “The Music Man Jr.” By turns wicked, funny, warm and touching, “The Music Man Jr.” is as American as apple pie. Closing out the season, the junior teen and teen troupe come together to present “Shrek the Musical” with performances May 8-9. Based on the Oscar®-winning DreamWorks film that started it all, “Shrek” brings the hilarious story of everyone’s favorite ogre to life on stage. It’s part romance, part twisted fairy tale and all irreverent fun for everyone. Pre-troupe (age 4-grade 1) Acting Adventures is offered both semesters. In Clocktower Players signature class, youngsters eager to perform get a terrific all-around first theater experience as they bring a different story to life each week using their own imagination and creativity. Tuition-based youth troupes begin the week of Sept. 8, 2014 and are open to all. To register and find out all about the company please visit clocktowerplayers.com and follow on Facebook. Tickets are now on sale for the entire season online at irvingtontheater.com.
THINK
like a GIRL.
Experienced, nuturing teachers Music, movement and friends Age-specific curriculum Fun-filled classes
CSH girls are critical thinkers, innovators, leaders… Upper School Open House
Wed., Oct. 22 at 6:30 pm K–12 Open House
Sat., Nov. 8 at 9:00 am Early Childhood Open Houses
WINNER
Fri., Nov. 14 & Fri., Jan. 23 at 1:30 pm
2014
914-771-7000
musicalmunchkins.com
1177 King Street, Greenwich, CT
www.cshgreenwich.org
Tel: 203-532-3534
PAGE 44A | THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE | FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014
– Back to School
Back to School – FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014
Building character, community at HRSM Walk down a hallway at the Hudson River School of Music on any given weekday afternoon and you’ll hear a lot more than chamber music. In one room you might hear the stomping of small feet during eurhythmics class, an opportunity for young students to explore rhythm, structure and musical expression through movement. In another room you could hear a group of parents planning silly games for the end-of-year picnic. Down the hall, an ensemble class rips through the bluegrass classic, “Bile ’em Cabbage Down.” And outside, on the green lawn surrounding the school, cries of “ready or not here I come” mingle with scales and arpeggios being practiced between classes. Founded in 1968, the Hudson River School of Music, or HRSM, was one of the first schools in the Northeast to provide instruction by teachers trained in the Suzuki method of musical education. But visitors expecting an old-fashioned institution steeped in solemn tradition may find themselves pleasantly surprised by the school’s dynamic atmosphere. “Everyone seemed to be having so much fun,” said parent Sonya Terjanian, remembering her first visit to the school. “The teachers, the students, the parents — it was kind of infectious. My daugh-
BTS GUIDE
| THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE | PAGE 45A
The Performing Arts
ALEXA BRANDENBERG
ter looked around and said, ‘OK, I think I want to be a part of this.’” As a nonprofit cooperative school, HRSM offers a close-knit, familylike environment. “We’re a small enough community that we all know each other and we can give each student very individualized attention,” director Amy Rosen said. “But we’re also large enough to give students some amazing opportunities and experiences.” Students from ages 3-18 participate in private lessons, group playing classes,
eurhythmics classes, reading classes and chamber groups. They perform regularly throughout the year in large and small venues with professional accompanists. “It’s been amazing to see my son develop as a performer over the years,” said Scott Zaluda, whose son has studied violin at HRSM for 10 years. “It’s translated into real confidence — a kind of self-assured quality that I think will help him in a lot of situations in life.” Public performance is one of the pillars of the Suzuki method, an approach
to musical instruction developed by Japanese violinist Shin’ichi Suzuki, who believed that a positive musical learning environment helps foster character in young students. Suzuki based his method on the idea that all children are born with the ability to play a musical instrument — just as they are born with the ability to acquire language. The method encourages collaboration and mutual encouragement among students, and discourages competitive attitudes. Parents, while not required to play an instrument, are asked to play a big part in their child’s musical development. “Actually, we try to get the whole family involved,” Rosen said. “We like to see brothers and sisters at concerts, grandparents, you name it. We encourage the family to listen to music together, to talk about it, to make it part of the family life. With all of your loved ones cheering you on, playing becomes a joy.” Located in Dobbs Ferry, HRSM takes place after school from September through June and instructs students in violin, viola and cello. A special program for 3-year-olds includes eurhythmics and violin group class. For students ages 3-6, the school also offers a eurhythmics-only group class. Older students participate in private lessons, group classes, reading classes and chamber groups. Contact Rosen at amyrosen.hrsm@ gmail.com, call 693-9481 or visit www. hrsm.org.
ART CLASSES:
THE BEST MUSIC INSTRUCTION IN WESTCHESTER
Adults, Teens and Children two fall semesters: starting September 6 and 15
CLASSES IN: Ceramics Jewelry Drawing Photography Sculpture Painting Digital Arts
REGISTER NOW
Programs for every age from infant to adult
• Portfolio Class for teen art students • NEW! Public Speaking/Debate classes for middle school students
Convenient location: White Plains, Westchester County Center
For more info: 914-606-7500 Email: Arts@sunywcc.edu www.sunywcc.edu/arts
for fall/winter sessions
Private Lessons Performing Ensembles Early Childhood and Suzuki Programs Latin Jazz Programs Musical Theatre Productions
We specialize in all styles of music WESTCHESTER COMMUNIT Y C O L L E G E
Fall Open House September 6 - 13 216 Central Park Avenue White Plains, NY 10606 (914) 761-3900
scarsdalemusic.org info@musiced.org
MUSIC MATTERS.
PAGE 46A | THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE | FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014
– Back to School
BTS GUIDE
The Performing Arts
Music matters: Music Conservatory of Westchester at 85 Can you imagine a world without music? Now try to imagine your child’s education without music. Since 1929, the Music Conservatory of Westchester has provided high quality, diverse music programs to students in Westchester and surrounding communities. From the time a child is very young — in fact practically from birth — music plays a critical role in a child’s development. Music matters to the development of young children’s language and math skills. From simple arithmetic and fractions to ratios and proportions, there’s a great deal of math in music. Scientists continue to make connections between childhood music training, language-based learning and spatial reasoning skills. The conservatory provides engaging, nurturing and developmentally appropriate early childhood music classes for infants through third grade. Children learn music fundamentals through rhythm games, creative movement, songs, stories and improvisation. For over twenty years, the conservatory has also provided music programs for a wide range of schools and community partners including Family Services of Westchester, Lois Bronz Children’s Center, Ossining Children’s Center, Solomon
Students are inspired at the Music Conservatory of Westchester.
Schechter School, St. Mark’s School and the Scarsdale, Greenburgh, White Plains, Rye Neck, Yonkers and New York City school districts. Music matters in nurturing creativity and focus. Whether young children, teens or adults, students express their creativity and engage in lifelong learning while studying at the conservatory. Teamwork, leadership, self-discipline, goal-setting, analytical thinking — all these skills are inherent in the process of musical training. Teens who are serious about their music are high performers in school, earn high
School of the Holy Child An all-girls, Catholic, independent school for grades 5 through 12
scores on SATs and gain admission to top colleges and universities. Practicing an instrument daily develops self-reliance and focus. Performing develops confidence and poise in front of others, attributes that translate well into life skills. Conservatory student soloists and performing ensembles such as string and wind ensembles, youth chorus, jazz ensembles, rock bands and small chamber groups all share their musical accomplishments with the community both at the conservatory and throughout Westchester. Music matters for children with dis-
abilities. The conservatory’s Music Therapy Institute serves over 1,800 individuals with disabilities, 75 percent of whom are children, in partnership with 31 schools, hospitals and other agencies throughout the Westchester region. Music therapy and adapted instruction opens the door to new skills, new friends and academic advancement. For a child with autism, music therapy can open the door to communication. For a child with ADHD, music is a powerful tool to help with focus and attention to task. Music is vital to the growth and education of every child, and the Music Conservatory of Westchester’s scholarship program ensures that no child is excluded because of financial need. Scholarships level the playing field for each and every child, giving them the chance to spread their wings and gain all the benefits that music training can provide. Music matters at the Music Conservatory of Westchester on Central Avenue in White Plains. The conservatory was first accredited in 1977 by the National Association of Schools of Music (the organization that accredits college and university music programs) and continues to be reviewed on a regular basis to maintain the depth, breadth and quality of its programs. At 85, the conservatory continues to provide lessons and classes to students from babies to adults in the Westchester region. Visit www.musicconservatory.org.
Eye Q Optometrist Orthokeratologist
Your Child’s Vision May Depend On What You Do Now!
Educating and Empowering
Women of Conscience and Action for over 100 years
Open House: Saturday, September 27 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. 2225 Westchester Avenue Rye, NY 10580 | 914.967.5622 | admission@holychildrye.org www.holychildrye.org
Ask Dr. Abraham Zlatin. O.D. about gentle molds kids wear ONLY while sleeping No glasses...No daytime contacts...No Surgery
1130 Wilmot Road, Scarsdale NY The Golden Horseshoe Shopping Center
(914)-472-5932
www.eyeqdr.com
Back to School – FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014
‘B’ is for boys at Studio B Dance Center Studio B Dance Center in Eastchester is excited to announce its new program for boy siblings. Brothers of registered students can attend Studio B Dance Center Sept. 15-Dec. 15 at no charge when their sister sibling is enrolled at the studio. This year, Studio B is offering several co-ed programs to encourage boys to take dance class. Boys can choose from jazz, tap, hip-hop, ballet or acro/tumbling. Studio B’s philosophy is that no matter which style of dance your child chooses, a pattern of enjoying healthy exercise in a dance class can become the foundation for a lifetime of energetic and physical activity. Director Nancy Solomon Rothenberg noticed that there were quite a few boys that expressed an interest in dance, but did not attend because their sports schedule conflicted with the one or two boys-only classes on the schedule. “Giving the boys more choices of dance styles and available days and times allows for parents the convenience of bringing two or more children to dance at the same time,” Rothenberg said. “We have so many brothers in our waiting room eager to move to the music.” Studies have shown that taking dance or music lessons raises academic test scores, improves focus and behavior in the classroom and helps teach problem-solving
BTS GUIDE The Performing Arts
| THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE | PAGE 47A
dance instruction for children as young as 3 who might not be as interested in ballet, but love to dance. Voted as one of the top five studios in Westchester by Family Magazine, and affiliated with the nationally acclaimed More Than Just Great Dancing Network, Studio B Dance Center has a class that’s just right for you. Visit www.studiobdance. info or call 793-2799.
70 years of Hoff-Barthelson
Boys and girls have equal opportunity at Studio B Dance Center.
skills. A 1996 report from the College Entrance Examination Board reports “those who studied the arts four or more years scored 59 points higher and 41 points higher on the verbal and math portions (SAT) respectively than students with no coursework or experience in the arts.” Studio B Dance Center offers classes seven days a week for boys and girls ages 2 and up. Rothenberg is passionate about all the benefits dance classes provides to her students. “Children develop self-confidence, self-expression and appreciation of the arts,” she said. “Dance also helps teach discipline and teamwork. An end-of-
the-year recital teaches students to work toward a far off goal rather than expecting immediate gratification. At Studio B we don’t just teach kids to be great dancers — we teach dancers to be great kids.” Studio B Dance Center is excited to roll out new fall programs. Mommy’s Morning Out is a two-hour drop-off class for boys and girls ages 3-5. It includes dance, tumbling and art. Dancing Two Two’s and Budding Ballerinas are 2- and 3-year-old classes that make beginner ballet fun and educational by teaching the curriculum in an interactive and playful way. Studio B’s new Jazz Kidz class offers fun, high energy
The Hoff-Barthelson Music School celebrates its 70th 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 students age 5 through adult. 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 CONTINUED ON PAGE 48A
Looking for a fun, friendly religious school experience for your child?
Shaarei Tikvah offers a special promotion for families whose oldest child is starting kindergarten or first grade. Call for details! Children not yet in kindergarten? Ask about free High Holiday tickets for pre-school families – including our lively children’s services. Come and experience our warm and welcoming, family-friendly environment! Please call 914-472-2013 for more information.
46 Fox Meadow Road in Scarsdale Two minutes from the Scarsdale train station and eight minutes from Ardsley Middle School
www.shaareitikvah.org 472-2013 ext 300 Email: synagogue@shaareitikvah.org
PAGE 48A | THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE | FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014
– Back to School
BTS GUIDE
The Performing Arts
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 47A
of all ages and skill levels 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 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. HBMS recently introduced its Suzuki PreTwinklers, a very early learning program for 3-year-old preschoolers as an introduction to violin studies and the joy of making music in a group experience. Rhythm and pitch patterns drawn from the first Suzuki songbook are introduced through the music and movement component of this class. 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. A full Suzuki program for violin, viola, cello, flute and piano completes the roster of preschool programs. Instrumental students will find that HoffBarthelson’s Orchestral Training Pyramid is unique among music schools in West-
A PreTwinkler student in the Hoff-Barthelson Music School Suzuki Violin Program
chester 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 2013-14 season the Festival Orchestra performed with two renowned soloists: Nancy Allen, New York Philharmonic harpist, and internationally celebrated pianist, and HBMS faculty member Gerald Robbins.
Student jazz enthusiasts may study with experienced jazz coaches and participate in level-appropriate jazz ensembles. Adults who wish to refresh their instrumental technique are invited to participate in the Adult Chamber Program, and the Adult Flute Choir always welcomes new members. And, at Performers Showcase, avocational players hone their performance skills before a sympathetic audience of fellow performers. An indication of the music school’s standing in the music education world is the list of music schools and conservatories attended by its high school graduates. In 2014, the list includes Berklee College of Music, Boston Conservatory of Music, NYU Tisch School of the Arts, Benjamin T. Rome School of Music at Catholic University of America, Purchase College Music Conservatory, University of Delaware Music Department, Vassar College for Music Composition, and Champaign College of Fine and Applied Arts School of Music at the University of Illinois. Previous years have seen graduates attend The Juilliard School, Manhattan College of Music and Peabody Conservatory. Many 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 Sept. 11. Call 723-1169, email hb@hbms.org or visit www.hbms. org.
Play Group Theatre ready for fall season The Play Group Theatre in White Plains is registering students for fall 2014 programs and performances. The Play Group Theatre, serving Westchester for nearly 20 years, offers a wide range of theater classes and performance opportunities for both novice and experienced performers ages 3-18. PGT’s state-of-the-art facility features a 228-seat MainStage theater, 80-seat StudioStage “black box” style theater, rehearsal studios, extensive prop collection and scene and costume shops. Fall classes and rehearsals begin the week of Sept. 29 and culminate with performances in December and January. Call 946-4433 or visit playgroup.org for complete program and registration information. Registration kick-off Families interested in learning more about the Play Group Theatre are invited to attend registration kick-off events Aug. 27 or 28. Teachers and current and past students will be on hand to offer tours of the theater facility, share program and registration information and lead some fun theater games and activities. The events will take place at the theater at One North Broadway, White Plains, on Wednesday, Aug. 27 from 2-4 p.m. and on Thursday, Aug. 28, from 5-7 p.m. Those who register at one of the kick-off events will receive a CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE
HASTINGS CENTER
Restaurant
Specializing in...FRESH SEAFOOD • STEAKS CHOPS • GOURMET DINNERS
Soundview Prep School: The answer you’ve been searching for. Families choose Soundview Preparatory School because of its rigorous college preparatory curriculum, its strong music and art program, and its uniquely personalized learning community (grades 6-12) that fosters self-confidence and individuality. To speak to our Director of Admissions, call (914) 962-2780. Recent college acceptances include Bard, Brown, Dickinson, Duke, Hartwick, Hobart, Muhlenberg, Oberlin, RISD, Roger Williams, Sarah Lawrence, Ursinus and Williams.
Soundview Preparator y School 370 Underhill Avenue, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 (914) 962-2780 • soundviewprep.org
October Open Houses Sunday, October 5, 1 - 3 pm Thursday, October 16, 9 - 11 am • Sunday, October 26, 1 - 3 pm
Bring the kids in for excellent breakfast, lunch and dinner specials 540 Warburton Avenue, Hastings-on-Hudson 478-3610
Back to School – FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014 CONTINUED FROM THE PREVIOUS PAGE
$50 discount on each fall program registration ($25 off Little Theatre classes). The Play Group Theatre is a nonprofit, educational theater organization dedicated to providing process-oriented theater training and diverse performance opportunities to children and teenagers. Through classes, school residencies, technical internships, a full summer program and a varied and continual performance calendar, PGT strives to enable students to develop collaborative and communication skills, artistry, self-esteem, love of theater and a dedication to the community as a whole. Fall 2014 programs MainStage: The fully produced MainStage show immerses actors ages 8-18 into a creative process that offers a comprehensive training experience and magnificent finished product. The cast works with a dynamic and nurturing staff in a stateof-the-art facility with professional set, lighting and costume designs. Participants work together in rehearsal and specially designed classes and workshops which are integrated into the rehearsal process. Auditions for the MainStage production will take place the week of Sept. 8. Conservatory Programs: Conservatory programs for teens ages 14-18 and young actors 11-13 are designed to inspire and teach young actors with some initial theater experience and a growing interest in performance and/or theater craft. While an ensemble-based program, the conservatory allows students to focus on individual character development, theater styles, dialogue pace and rhythm, and rehearsal etiquette. The conservatory program uses
published plays, devoting much time to in-depth character study, plot analysis and styles work. StudioStage: StudioStage programs include Young Actors Ensemble (ages 11-13) and PGT Kids (7-10). Classes and rehearsals are combined into each session so that students are learning acting technique and musical theater skills while working on material they will ultimately perform. They work collaboratively to create a show that includes their ideas and invites an audience to explore those ideas in an entertaining performance. The final result is a collaborative and energetic performance, staged in our 80-seat StudioStage. Little Theatre: Little Theatre classes for ages 3-6 uses storytelling, theater games, music, dance, puppets and more to introduce children into the magical world of theater. Kids use their imaginations, voices and bodies to express new ideas and feelings. Little Theatre classes are led by teaching artists with training in early childhood arts education, and classes balance structured activity and time to follow the spontaneous creative impulses of the students. Design/Tech Program: Design/Tech is for kids ages 14 and up who are interested in the backstage world of theater. Students are introduced to the basics of set design and construction, costuming, prop making and technical theater, including sound and lighting. Students collaborate on the design and execution of all aspects of production work for PGT’s MainStage show in the 228-seat state-of-the-art theater complex. They will have the opportunity to serve in key roles such as light board operator, sound effects operator, dresser, running crew or stage manager. Visit www.playgroup.org.
| THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE | PAGE 49A
Westchester Fashion Academy for Children
Design Clothes Like the Pros From inspiration to fashion show, children learn how to sketch their designs, make patterns and sew. Come join the fun!
FALL FASHION DESIGNERS
DESIGNER I CLASS Ages 9-17 LITTLE DESIGNERS CLUB Ages 6-8 Both classes begin September 27, 2014
THANKS TO OUR VOLUNTEERS Who Make After-school a Fun Learning Time for Students!
Join our many Scarsdale volunteers who help with homework, teach cooking and computer skills and help students in Mt. Vernon make the grade! To volunteer or donate to our back-to-school drive, visit us at www.wjcs.com or call 914.761.0600 x222
WJCS • 845 North Broadway • White Plains • NY • 10603
WJCS programs strengthen Westchester. 20,000 people annually
www.wfac4children.com 914-428-1047 Suite 601, 31 Mamaroneck Avenue White Plains, NY 10601
PAGE 50A | THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE | FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014
– Back to School
Allergy, asthma prep: an important item on BTS checklist Sending children back to school comes with a long checklist of items to remember. For example, you need to know what school supplies to buy. You will want to visit the school to find the classroom and meet the teacher. You will also plan after-school activities full of fun enrichment opportunities. If you have a child with asthma or allergies going back to school this fall, you need another item on that list. Specifically, your checklist should also include connecting with the teachers, school nurse and other school staff about your child’s symptoms, treatment and prevention strategies. One out of 13 children in the United States has a food allergy. This means there’s a good chance that two children in your child’s class will need plans in place to prevent exposure to certain foods. Some states have laws to protect children with asthma and allergies in a school setting. You can find out which states by visiting www. statehonorroll.org. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) publishes this report each year. It informs the public about how each state measures up on student health and safety policies. It is important that you prepare your child, his or her teacher, school nurse, classmates and others about managing an allergy or asthma condition at school. Discuss ways to prevent exposure to triggers to ensure his classroom environment is a safe zone where he can learn and play. Here are some helpful tips to consider: • Get an asthma or anaphylaxis action plan: This plan will inform staff at the school about managing your child’s con-
dition, like worsening asthma and allergy reaction symptoms. Plan in advance to get your child’s doctor or nurse practitioner to review and sign the action plan. Make sure you bring it to school on the first day, if not sooner along with a fresh supply of any prescribed emergency medicines. • Share a copy of the asthma or anaphylaxis action plan with all appropriate staff members: This way staff will be able to help should something happen while your child is in their care. • Meet the teacher: Your child’s teacher has a lot to do at the beginning of a new school year. There are many new faces and a lot of information to process. In light of this, try to schedule a quieter time with the teacher, school nurse and other necessary
school staff to educate them about your child’s allergies or asthma. It is best if this can be done before the first day of class. Many school districts have policies for handling food allergies. Review these policies and make sure that your child’s specific needs will be addressed. One helpful idea is to have the school draft a letter to be passed out to all students in the classroom or sent home to parents explaining what special policies will be in place. • Encourage your child to share information: It is important for your child to be able to communicate about his condition to his classmates, friends and the teaching staff. Make sure he knows to tell a grown up if he is experiencing symptoms. Communication helps others become more aware
of his condition. This leads to compassion and understanding and cooperation. People — even his closest friends — might forget about his allergy or asthma. An open dialogue is important to help others understand the condition. • Discuss medical emergency policies: Make sure your child’s school has procedures in place for identifying symptoms and for treatment of emergencies. Review these procedures with the school nurse. Make sure your child’s action plan is on file and that his medications are accessible. Your state will have laws governing what the school can and cannot do. For example, all states except one allow for students to self-carry their prescribed asthma inhalers or epinephrine auto-injectors. Epinephrine auto-injectors are used to treat anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction. Currently, 38 states allow schools to stock epinephrine auto-injectors for use in an emergency, but the numbers keep growing. Check out the 2014 State Honor Roll to see where your state stands regarding policies for children with asthma and allergies in school settings. As your child prepares to start school again this fall, these actions can help ensure everyone is informed about ways to avoid triggering his allergies or asthma, and actions to take if the condition flares up. And then you can delete another item from the back to school to-do list. — Brandpoint
The Gunnery, Mr. Gunn’s School, is a coeducational college preparatory boarding and day school for students in grades nine through twelve. We offer small classes, a comprehensive curriculum, a close community, and a range of artistic and athletic offerings in an extraordinary setting. Students are encouraged to prepare for the future by learning in the words of the school motto “Vir bonus semper discipulus est.” - A good man (person) is always a student.
Please RSVP to wrightk@gunnery.org for our Open House on September 27th .
the
Gunnery
Mr. Gunn’s School Established 1850
www. gunnery.org ~ 860-868-7334 ~ admissions@gunnery.org 99 Green Hill Road, Washington, CT 06793
Back to School – FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014
Expert recommends you ‘go green’ when fighting head lice
Back to school is a time to reconnect with classmates, make new friends and possibly come in contact with head lice. As the panic may begin to set in, you are probably asking yourself where do I go from here? Enter Dale Longworth, the Lice Expert of Westchester. Longworth, who can be reached at 424-1367 and through www.liceoffinc.com, has been a professional lice specialist since 1997 and is extremely knowledgeable on the Green products like subject. She contin- Licelogic are available ues diligently to rid for fighting head lice. these pesky louse bugs and their eggs in a natural, Go Green way. When asked about where the future of lice is heading, Longworth said, “The natural way is the best way to go right now since lice are extremely resistant to over-thecounter chemical shampoos.” As a result of this effort, Longworth recommends Licelogic Clear and Free shampoo (www.logicproductgroup.com), which is a Go Green, natural based peppermint enzyme shampoo. This product was reformulated in 2012 to kill all bugs and their eggs in 30-plus minutes. Jill Taft, the founder of Licelogic, says, “It is the only lice shampoo on the market today that has been tested to effectively kill eggs.” Longworth has stood by the Licelogic product for five years and she is certain that it has improved both the treatment and the follow-up time substantially. Furthermore, she can confidently tell her clients that the product is completely safe for children, as it does not contain any pesticides. In addition to the Licelogic shampoo, e WholeLongworth Familyalso recommends using profesestchester sional lice combs, which are longer and have teeth that are very close together. Both features help the combing process considerably, and Longworth always endorses the Terminator and LiceMeister combs to her clients. Another essential part of Longworth’s lice removal process is using both FITNESS conditioner a nd baking soda: “The baking • Sports & Fitness Center • Pool soda helps the hair become more abrasive
arning
day!
n to s
• Swim Lessons • Swim Teams • Gymnastics • Youth Soccer • Baseball Clinic • Karate • Basketball League • Pilates • Zumba • Yoga • Personal Training
and gritty, allowing the eggs to be pulled out quickly and effectively.” Although all of these products can be crucial in eliminating head lice, the one thing that Longworth continues to emphasize is the follow-up process. The progression involves daily activities that parents must follow closely to ensure that their children will be lice-free. Longworth is confident that the follow-up process can be the decisive factor on whether or not the lice is completely removed within the first week or so. Longworth also advises that you should not wait for your children to start scratching before you check them for lice. It is important to take a proactive approach when dealing with this headache that we call head lice. Longworth advocates that if you begin to see a rash or any red dots on the back of the children’s necks, it could be a sign of head lice. After possibly discovering lice, one may only be concerned with the actual hair. However, another factor that Longworth continues to warn her clients about is cleaning the house. She recommends putting beddings in a dryer on high heat and vacuuming furniture and rugs. Luckily, lice cannot survive more than 36 hours without a host, so it is recommended to clean the house during the first 24 hours and continue to treat the head. Prevention is the real key to keeping lice away. It is critical that kids are not sharing brushes, hats, pillows, helmets, hair ties or headphones. In addition, Longworth advises that girls wear their hair up in buns or braids. When the hair is down, it acts as a ladder for the louse bug to attach on to. Surprisingly, lice do not like certain smells, such as rosemary, lavender, coconut, peppermint and tea tree oils. There are many sprays on the market that have these aromas in them and Longworth advocates that these lice deterrents be used daily. Overall, when you get a call that someone you know has lice or a note is sent home in your child’s backpack, check your children immediately or call a lice professional for assistance, as they can do a thorough lice check on your entire family. With 1 out of every 3 kids getting lice these days, chances are it will happen to your family at least once, and if it does try to stay calm. You are not alone. Remember, it is best to treat lice naturally, avoid using over-the-counter pesticides, and ensure that you have the right tools, attitude and products on hand to treat it successfully.
One of Westchester’s most respected dance schools opens a 3rd studio this fall! 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
Repertoire Dance Shop • Every Major Line Dancewear/Footwear • Yoga and Pilates Wear • Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Modern • Expert Pointe Shoe Fittings (Rec. by many studios) • Skating & Gymnastics Apparel • Ballroom Footwear & Attire • Costumes
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 or visit www.jccmw.org
00
| THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE | PAGE 51A
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…
Early Childhood
• • • •
Art Dance Theatre Bendheim Performing Arts Center • Jewish Culture and Learning
FITNESS
• Sports & Fitness Center • Pool • Swim Lessons • Swim Teams • Gymnastics • Youth Soccer • Baseball Clinic • Karate • Basketball League • Pilates • Zumba • Yoga
• Gift Items & Gift Certificates
65 Garth Road, Scarsdale 722.2440
PAGE 52A | THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE | FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014
– Back to School
The tween years: patience is key for parent survival There’s the summer vacation you dream of: happy children playing games, parents relaxing, cheerful grandparents, smooth roads, short lines and easy-to-schedule outdoor sports and activities for the kids. And then there’s the reality, which more closely resembles “National Lampoon’s Vacation.” The film follows the all-American Griswolds as they drive the family station wagon cross-country to visit the Walley World theme park. At one point, Clark Griswold, played by Chevy Chase, faces a mutiny by his “tween” children, who urge an immediate end to the vacation. Tweens, or 10- to 14-year-old individuals “in between” childhood and adolescence, are notorious for mood swings. More than 20 million tweens live in the U.S., according to an estimate by the 2010 U.S. Census. As tweens begin puberty, they face many challenges, including middle school, social issues, homework and the stress of having responsibilities. At this stage of development brain and body development changes also occur that they may not understand. These changes are very normal. All tweens have mood swings to a certain extent. Changes in development during these years are present. There are other issues nowadays that tweens deal with that may not have been around when their parents were growing up such as the pressure to achieve. Many parents are preparing their children in middle school, if not earlier, for academic success and admission into a top university or college. This can exacerbate
the mood swings stemming from the pressure they are under to achieve, not to mention extra-curricular activities many tweens are engaged in. At this age, tweens are discovering who they are and where they fit into the world. They are beginning to socialize with the opposite sex and are defining who they are through the clothes they wear and the music they listen to. They are building a self-image and comparing themselves to others their age. Tweens may be moody, pouting, even throwing tantrums like when they were a toddler. Tweens will sulk and whine as well. Research has shown that
Regist er NOW!
language Classes For Children *Ages 6 months to 3 1/2 years old with caregiver Thursdays at 10:00am and 1:15pm Fall session starts September 4, 2014
this is how tweens communicate their anger, frustration and displeasure with certain situations. “At this stage, patience and understanding are important,” said Dr. Toby Spiegel, assistant professor of forensic psychology at Argosy University, Orange County. Confidence is the key for teens to deal with their emotions effectively. “Keep the lines of communication open. Empathize with their struggles and do not make light of them or laugh because it does not seem catastrophic to you. To a tween, everything is a life-shattering issue. “Pay attention to your tween’s mood and
recognize signs of depression. Watch for changes in grades, changes in friends, as well as eating and sleeping habits. Changes beyond moodiness can be signs of something else. If you feel your tween is beyond simple moodiness, consult a mental health professional such as a psychologist or speak with the school counselor.” It’s also important to take the time to listen and respect what they are going through. Praise them, making sure that the praise is meaningful and descriptive. Help them build their self esteem. Teach your tween to solve problems by brainstorming with them. Generally your tween should grow out of the moodiness by the time they turn 16. “Staying connected to your child at this time is extremely important,” Spiegel said. “Knowing who their friends are and what they do in school will give you insight into who your child is becoming.” Volunteer at the school, offer to chaperone school events, attend parent-teacher conferences and other school functions. At the beginning of the school year obtain the email addresses for your child’s teacher. Send an email introducing yourself and tell the teacher that you are “hands-on” and appreciate being contacted to partner in your child’s education. “Believe it or not, teachers like to know they can count on the parents regarding meeting their child’s academic needs,” Spiegel said. — Brandpoint
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
* Ages 4 years to 12 years old Saturdays at 10:30am Fall session starts September 13, 2014
Fun and educational cultural workshops and cooking classes for children Learn how to make Sweet and Savory Taralli, Panzerotti, Gnocchi, and Lemon Drop Cookies
25 School Lane, Scarsdale, NY 10583 www.hms.org • hb@hbms.org • Tel: (914) 723-1169 Joan Behrens Bergman, Executive Director
FALL PROGRAM
Family Owned & Operated Since 1973 Experienced Teachers
For More Information and To Register Vist Our Website WWW.WICCNY.ORG or call us at 914. 771. 8700
• Serving Children 2 months–14 years • Field Trips • Stimulating Environment • Flexible Schedules • Beautiful Campus Setting
Westchester Italian Cultural Center
www.annandandychildcare.com
One Generoso Pope Place - Tuckahoe NY 10707
914-592-3027
2170 Saw Mill River Rd, Elmsford, NY
Back to School – FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014
| THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE | PAGE 53A
Make sportsmanship part of your BTS game plan
Y
ou’ve probably been to a youth sporting event when an argument broke out between coaches and parents. Or maybe you’ve watched youth athletes refuse to help one another up or congratulate an opponent on a great play. And you wonder where has sportsmanship gone? A new effort by Liberty Mutual Insurance’s Play Positive program looks to renew the spirit of sportsmanship and remind youth sports coaches and parents of the importance of this life lesson. Parents and coaches are asked to take the Play Positive Pledge to promote good sportsmanship. Taking the pledge could even help your youth sports team or organization earn $2,500 toward providing a better youth sports experience. Recently, a survey of 2,000 youth sports parents and coaches conducted by Liberty Mutual Insurance revealed shocking statistics about the decline in sportsmanship in youth sports, underscoring the need for a stronger emphasis. According to the survey: • 50 percent of parents and coaches believe that sportsmanship has worsened in youth sports since they participated as children, while only 12 percent think it has improved. • According to both parents and coaches, learning “teamwork” and “sportsmanship” are the two most important aspects of participating in youth sports.
• 26 percent of parents say they have witnessed a verbally abusive coach, and 16 percent say they have witnessed a confrontation between parents. • 55 percent of coaches have experienced parents yelling negatively at officials or their own kids, and 2 in 5 have experienced parents yelling negatively at other kids. So how do parents and coaches stop this trend and improve sportsmanship for the next generation? It starts with teaching children the value of sportsmanship. Seventyfive percent of parents and coaches say that teaching sportsmanship is the responsibility of parents. If you want to help your child
learn the value of good sportsmanship and playing with a positive attitude, follow these tips: • Play with integrity: One of the most essential lessons a child can learn from sports is to follow the rules. Make sure your children understand the rules and don’t break them, even if they have the opportunity to get away with it. • Respect the officials: It’s important that youth athletes — as well as parents and coaches — learn to respect referees and officials. Showing respect for the officials will set a good example for your children. Remember, they are always watching and learning from you.
• Be a good sport: This means teaching your child to do what they can to lift up their teammates. Teach them that being a good teammate also means being a good person on and off the field regardless of the outcome. • Maintain self-control: Help your child learn to keep their cool, have a positive attitude and avoid overreacting during practices or games. • Let the coaches coach: Avoid chiming in with your coaching advice for the team or other parents. Let those in charge run the plays. This will help your children learn to respect their coaches and the coaches’ decisions. “Growing up as a youth athlete, my coaches and parents were constantly using examples of poor behavior on the field as an opportunity to teach me about the importance of sportsmanship,” said actor Chris O’Donnell, Liberty Mutual Insurance Play Positive ambassador. “Those lessons have stuck with me over the years, and now as a father of children involved in youth sports, I know the opportunity lies with us as parents to have the conversation and reinforce this important life lesson.” You can learn more about Liberty Mutual Insurance’s Play Positive program find helpful tips and resources for teaching your children lifelong sportsmanship skills and take the Play Positive Pledge by visiting www. PlayPositive.com. — Brandpoint
Come Catch the Spirit of the Scarsdale Synagogue Family
At the heart of our Synagogue community, we are a diverse and inclusive family of families. We welcome all those who seek to journey with the Jewish People: interfaith and LGBTQ families, all races, those with disabilities, and individuals of all ages. Come meet us:
At our warm and welcoming Shabbat and Holiday Services On the playground of our Mazel Tots® Pre-School In the hallways and classrooms of our innovative Religious School During the Bar/Bat Mitzvah Experience And join us in lifelong learning, and in the sacred work of Tikkun Olam (Repairing the World) Stop by to meet our clergy — (above, l. to r.) Rabbi Jeffrey C. Brown, Cantor Chanin Becker and Director of Congregational Learning Rabbi Wendy Pein, take a tour and learn more about why and how we have become one of Westchester’s leading Reform congregations. 2 Ogden Road, Scarsdale, NY 10583 Call or write Executive Director Roberta Aronovitch 914.725.5175 or roberta@sstte.org Visit our website: www.sstte.org
Hinenu – We Are Here, Creating a Covenant Community of Shared Lives and Real Relationships
PAGE 54A | THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE | FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014
– Back to School
“See How We GROW” CHART
3’ 10” 3’ 9” 3’ 8” 3’ 7” 3’ 6” 3’ 5”
NOTES
3’ 11”
This chart 3’ 4” growth compliments of ...
WILLIAM RAVEIS
3’ 3” 3’ 2” 3’ 1”
REALTY GROUP
“Only The Best Become Legends” 579 Broadway • Hastings • 478-1500 68 Main Street • Irvington • 591-5600 37 Main Street • Tarrytown • 332-6300 1197 Pleasantville Road • Briarcliff Manor • 762-0070
legendsrealtygroup.net
PLACE THIS “SEE HOW WE GROW” CHART ON A FLAT WALL SURFACE 3 FEET OFF THE FLOOR.
Back to School – FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014
| THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE | PAGE 55A
PAGE 56A | THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE | FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2014
– Back to School