Scarsdale High School PTA

Each e-mail sent out by the SHS PTA in 2006 to the Email Distribution list is archived here, with the most recent e-mails listed first.  

Please click HERE to go to emails sent out in 2005

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School Board to Host
Community Budget Discussions
 
The Scarsdale Board of Education invites Scarsdale residents to help shape our children’s education by participating in the budget-planning process for the 2007-2008 school year. We encourage you to join us in conversations about financial and program projections and the decisions we face. Share your views with the Board about student needs, possible program initiatives, and how we might best balance sustaining the excellence of our schools with budget pressures and the challenge of controlling tax growth.
 
Interested community members are invited to sign up for one of two meetings scheduled for January 2006:
 
Tuesday, January 16th, from 7:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m.
(in Room 170-172,  Scarsdale  High School,  Brewster Road side)

Thursday, January 18th, from 10:00 a.m.–12:00  noon
(at the Girl Scout House on  Wayside Lane)
 
    
       Note:  Snow date for Budget Forums is Tuesday, January 23rd
        10:00 a.m. meeting  at the Girl Scout House on  Wayside Lane
                                                                                                 or
         7:30 p.m. meeting  in Room 170-172,  Scarsdale  High School,  Brewster Road side
 
Meetings will be open to the public, although advance registration is requested.  Please RSVP to the District office (721-2410 or lrehm@scarsdaleschools.k12.ny.us).  If you cannot attend either session, the Board will welcome your comments at a regular Board meeting, or in writing to 2 Brewster Road or to BoardofEd@scarsdaleschools.org. Let us hear from you!

Scarsdale PT Council Presents

Curriculum Developments in the
Scarsdale Schools
(K - 12)

Presentation by Dr. Paul Folkemer
Assistant Superintendent of Instruction
Followed by questions and comments from the audience

January 9, 2007
8:00 p.m.
(Immediately following individual school PTA meetings)
Scarsdale Middle School Auditorium



Save the (New) Date
For the next
PT Council Community Meeting
April 12, 2007
9 a.m.
Scarsdale Middle School Auditorium
Featuring
Dr. Robert Brooks
Raising Resilient Children and Adolescents

As part of the ongoing evaluation of professional performance, the School District annually publishes the names of professional staff eligible for tenure.  Any parent wishing to comment on a teacher’s performance is invited to provide communication to Joan Weber, Assistant Superintendent for Personnel and Administrative Services, 2 Brewster Road, Scarsdale, NY  10583. Written comments from parents should be received by February 2, 2007

The following Scarsdale High School teachers are eligible for tenure at the conclusion of the 2006-07 school year. 

Larry Brown
Pamela Kroll
Jacqueline Pravda
Matthew Sweeney
Elizabeth Ungar
James Williams

Please go to www.shspta.org/taskforceda.htm to see new information.

The Town and Village Civic Club Education Forum, Inc (TVCC), an organization that studies community issues and helps administer the nonpartisan Village elections, will hold a meeting  on Thursday, December 7th, 8 PM Scarsdale Library.  The program will include a presentation on the High School Advanced Placement Proposal.  John Klemme, Scarsdale High School Principal, Thomas McGuire, Social Studies Teacher, and Barbara Leifer-Sarullo, Director of Counseling, are the featured speakers. The meeting is open to the public. Questions and comments from the audience are encouraged. For additional information please call the TVCC Forum at 723-2829.

The next regular business meeting of the Board of Education will be on Monday, December 11th at SHS in Rm 170-172 at 8 PM. The meeting will be preceded by a 6:30 PM work study session on Advanced Placement classes. Richard F. Elmore, Ph.D.*, Harvard University, will participate in the work study session. The meeting is open to the public and will be recorded for broadcast on Channel 77. The Superintendent's Report will include an update on the HS AP Proposal. The Board will hear from those present twice during the evening.

*Dr. Elmore is professor of education and the chairman of the Department of Administration, Planning and Social Policy at the Graduate School of Education at Harvard University. He is also a senior research fellow of the Consortium for Policy Research in Education (CPRE), a group of universities engaged in research on state and local education policy, funded by the U.S. Department of Education. His research focuses on the effects of federal, state, and local education policy on schools and classrooms. He is currently exploring how schools of different types and in different policy contexts develop a sense of accountability and a capacity to deliver high quality instruction. He has also researched educational choice, school restructuring, and how changes in teaching and learning affect school organization.

Visit the District website at scarsdaleschools.org for further information on the proposal to eliminate the Advanced Placement designation for Scarsdale High School coursework. On the right hand side of the page, In Brief section, click on HS AP Proposal. The Statement from the Superintendent and the Statement from the Principal provide a history of the AP program and address the importance of the ongoing discovery and information sharing process.

SHS PTA SCHOLARSHIP FUND for College
2006-2007

Every Scarsdale household will receive or has recently received an appeal for donations to support the SHS PTA Scholarship Fund for College.  This fund provides grants to our own graduating seniors who need financial aid to attend college.  The Fund allocates grants ranging from $1000 to $7500 for the first year of college.  The applications are available to seniors each spring at the high school.
    
Even in Scarsdale there is great need.  Job loss, corporate downsizing, divorce, illness, and death - these events can have devastating effects on a family's ability to pay for a college education.  The fund is administered under strict rules of confidence and 100% of all funds raised go directly to students.  Need is the only determinant.

The scholarship money comes solely from donations made by Scarsdale residents, businesses and organizations. You can make a donation to honor your child's teacher for a special event or as a holiday gift. This is a gift teachers greatly respect and appreciate.  Please consider a donation for your holiday gift this year.

In Scarsdale, we focus on our youth and enthusiastically support their educational goals.  Help us ensure that all students in Scarsdale, who have worked so hard for acceptance to colleges, have the opportunity to attend.  Donations may be sent at any time to:

SHS Scholarship Fund for College
P.O. Box 147H
Scarsdale, NY  10583
Questions:  Terry Singer 723-1591

THANK YOU!

All seniors must select their senior portrait to be placed in the yearbook by Friday, December 22 (the day of winter break).  After this deadline, the pose will be selected by the yearbook photo company. NO EXCEPTIONS.  The Prestige website program will lock out anyone going online after December 22. To select the pose, go onto the Prestige website, www.prestigeportraits.com, with your login code and password.  You must select a pose that is marked “acceptable for the yearbook” (shoulder and head shot only).  If you do not select an acceptable pose, one will be selected for you.  You can also call 1-800-736-4775 to select your pose.
Also, senior quotes for the yearbook are due by January 19, 2007 and must be typed in the computer rooms at the high school.  An information sheet will be distributed in homerooms the first week in January.
Thank you,
Sue Silver and Ben Sawyer

The Summer Activities Fair was a resounding success all around, thanks to the work of this year's committee members, the participating programs, the amazing custodial staff and all of the families who attended!  A special thank you to Randy Stevens Henkoff, Beth Scharfman Shabto, and Mona Longman.

If you missed the fair, and/or would like to have easy access to contact any of the programs included this year, please Click here to see the list of Summer Activities.

In addition, the College and Careers Center will have materials on file from all of the programs.

It’s been a great run for us and we know we have left things in very good hands!

(Outgoing) Co-chairs
Leslie Berkovits and Debbie Miller

Come cheer on the Scarsdale H.S. Varsity Girls and Boys Teams at the

Maroon & White Holiday Basketball Tournament 2006

Friday, December 1st  6 p.m.: Scarsdale Boys vs. Clarkstown North                 

Friday, December 1st  8 p.m.: Scarsdale Girls vs. Port Chester

FREE Rally Towel to first 350  children/students           

Fabulous Raffle – Win “ IPOD Nano”   Win “Meeting and Photo with NY Giants star Tiki Barber”  and other Great Prizes!!!!!!!

Admission:  Children/Students $1 / Adults $3

Refreshments      Half-time entertainment- Scarsdale youth basketball games

Championship games: Saturday 12/2 at 5pm and 7pm

Is it Depression? Anxiety? ADHD?

Or is my child going through TYPICAL developmental struggles? How do I distinguish between a phase and a DISABILITY? Might MEDICATION help? How do I decide?

CHILD is delighted to present

DR. KEVIN KALIKOW

Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist and author of

Your Child in the Balance: An Insider’s Guide to the Psychiatric Medicine Dilemma.

Dr. Kalikow will discuss these questions with the sensitivity and insight he has garnered from years of experience helping families through the thicket of research and opinion to find the right answers.

Wednesday, November 29 at 7:30 pm

Heathcote School Multipurpose Room

What are your children planning to do this summer? Need some ideas?
Here's the perfect opportunity...

THE SUMMER ACTIVITIES FAIR

Tuesday, November 28, 2006
7:30-9:30 PM
SCARSDALE HIGH SCHOOL CAFETERIA

Meet representatives from a wide variety of summer programs:
Pre-college enrichment, sports, music, theater, travel, community service, language immersion, outdoor adventure, environmental studies, travel in U.S.A. and abroad, leadership and more...

Speak with students who have participated, see videos, pick up brochures and get lots of great information!

Bring your friends!

ADMISSION IS FREE

sponsored by the SMS and SHS PTAs

The Maroon and White Basketball Tournament will take place on Thursday November 30, Friday December 1 and Saturday December 2 at SHS.  Come join in the fun.  Refreshments, Raffle, and Giveaways!

What are your children planning to do this summer? Need some ideas?
Here's the perfect opportunity...

THE SUMMER ACTIVITIES FAIR

Tuesday, November 28, 2006
7:30-9:30 PM
SCARSDALE HIGH SCHOOL CAFETERIA

Meet representatives from a wide variety of summer programs:
Pre-college enrichment, sports, music, theater, travel, community service, language immersion, outdoor adventure, environmental studies, travel in U.S.A. and abroad, leadership and more...

Speak with students who have participated, see videos, pick up brochures and get lots of great information!

Bring your friends!

ADMISSION IS FREE


sponsored by the SMS and SHS PTAs

To view the contents on the card, click www.shspta.org/holidaycards.htm

In addition to our annual appeal, we are offering something new! This year you can....

Give the Gift of Education for the Holidays

Honor a special teacher through a gift to the scholarship fund.
The Scarsdale High School PTA Scholarship Fund will provide lovely announcement cards
for you to send -- and with a seasonal flair!

What better way to express your holiday wishes while contributing to such a worthy cause?

To order your Holiday Gift Cards, please print and complete the order form below.
Donations to the Scarsdale HS PTA Scholarship Fund are tax-deductible.

**Please note that supplies are very limited. We will notify you if we are unable to complete your order.**

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       Ordered by

Name_________________________________________________________________

Address_______________________________________________________________

       Phone number (      )_________________   School/Neighborhood_______________

   Email_____________________________


Quantity:                                                                                  Donation                            Total

_______Packet(s) of 4 Announcement Cards**                   $60                                __________
                                                with Envelopes


Checks are payable to:    SHS PTA Scholarship Fund
Send to:                                    P.O. Box 147 H, Scarsdale, NY 10583

**ALL ORDERS MUST BE RECEIVED BY DECEMBER 11TH**
CARDS WILL BE DELIVERED TO YOUR HOME


Questions?  Contact: Terry Singer 723-1591, TERRYSING14@aol.com

The Board of Education will meet on Monday, November 20, 2006, 8:00 p.m., Meeting Room, Heathcote School. The Superintendent's Report will include an update on the HS AP Proposal. The Board will hear from those present twice during the evening. The community is invited to this BOE meeting. The meeting will be taped for broadcast on Channel 77. 

                                          

The BOE will conduct a “work session” on Thursday, November 29, 7:30 PM, Room 170 SHS, Board work sessions, while open to the public, do not provide opportunity for citizen comment. This meeting will be attended by members of the Scarsdale High School administration, department chairs in academic areas, and AP teachers of specific subjects. The community is invited to attend and observe this meeting. It will not be taped for broadcast.

 

Dear Parents,

You may have read an article in The New York Times  this past weekend about high school students and spring break.  The Task Force has addressed this issue for the past several years, sending an annual letter to parents.   Please take the time to start discussing Spring Break 2007 today with your children.

The Scarsdale Task Force on Drugs & Alcohol
P.O. Box 264
Scarsdale, NY   10583
www.ScarsdaleTaskForce.com
ScarsdaleTF2003@aol.com

November 14, 2006
 
Dear Parents,
 
                 In our efforts to help foster drug and alcohol free attitudes and habits, we would like to provide you with some helpful information.  In the past several years, some seniors have gone away, during spring recess, not accompanied by an adult.  “Spring Break” is currently a topic of conversation between many seniors and their parents, as they are starting to make their plans.  When making decisions about your family’s vacation plans, please consider the following:
 
    *  Not all seniors go on unsupervised “Spring Break” trips - in fact, the majority do not.
    *  Teenagers do not assess risk well, especially in group situations.
    *  Sexual inhibitions diminish with alcohol & drug use.
    *  Possession of a fake or altered government issued ID is a felony.
    * “Spring Break Vacation” trip packages do not provide adequate supervision - if any at all.
    *  Foreign countries have lower drinking ages, often legalized gambling and may have easy access to alcohol and other drugs.
    *  If a child is arrested in a foreign country, he or she will be subject to the jurisdiction of that country - many of which have zero tolerance laws for drug and alcohol possession.

In light of these facts, please consider alternatives to your child going away unsupervised.  Some options to think about are:
 
    ·     Include your child’s friend(s) in your family vacation plans.
    ·     Send one parent with the teens to act as a chaperone.
    ·     Plan a vacation with other families.
 
“Spring Break” is a difficult and controversial issue and our children can be very persuasive.  It is important to consider the facts that we have provided and speak with other parents prior to making any decisions.  If you have questions or doubts about your child’s proposed plans, the likelihood is that other parents do as well.  Ask questions, find out details, follow your instincts, and do not be afraid to say “no”.    

Sincerely,
 
Melpo Fite and Julie Quigley, Co-Chairs;
Stacey Brodsky and Diane Levy, Co-Vice Chairs;
Ann Sacher, Secretary; Tina Adler, Treasurer

SBNC needs you

    Residents of the Scarsdale school district who are interested in serving on
the School Board Nominating Committee have until Monday, November 20, to
submit biographical information forms and signatures.  The SBNC is the group
that identifies, proposes and nominates members to the Scarsdale Board of
Education.
    Two candidates from each of Scarsdale's five school districts will be
elected to the committee in a nonpartisan election slated for January 10.
At least four candidates per district are sought.
    Candidates must fill out a biographical information form and secure
signatures of 10 registered voters in their elementary school neighborhood
as a prerequisite to running for election.  Forms are available in the seven
public schools, village hall, and the library.
    Completed forms must be delivered to the Administrative Committee chairman
Andrew Sereysky, 57 Walworth Avenue, by 5:00 p.m. November 20.
    The SBNC consists of 30 voting members, six from each of the five school
areas.  Each year 10 members retire, creating vacancies for new committee
members.  SBNC members serve a three-year term plus a fourth year on the
Administrative Committee.
    Ideal candidates are longtime residents with strong ties to the schools,
typically with a history of community service.  However, any resident over
the age of 18 who has lived in Scarsdale for 30 days prior to the January
10, 2006 election is eligible to run.

Advanced Placement Discussion
Thursday, November 16, 2006
7:30 - 9:00 PM
Room 170, SHS
 
You are invited to join SHS Principal John Klemme to discuss the alternatives being considered to the current Advanced Placement courses.  Please come and share your questions and concerns.

New information has been posted on the District website (11-13-06), scarsdaleschools.org, right hand side of page, In Brief section, click on HS AP Proposal to read the latest updates.

Also, see Video Insights, Scarsdale Channel 77. Considering A.P. and Advanced Course Alternative Curriculum.  Principal John Klemme, Director of Guidance Barbara Leifer-Sarullo, and Social Studies teacher Tom Macguire discuss with Superintendent Mike McGill issues and concerns pertaining to the proposal for Advanced Course alternatives to AP at the High School. Included are interviews with admission representatives from Washington University at St. Louis, University of Chicago and Dartmouth College. Debuts Tuesday, Nov. 14. Scarsdale residents and residents of the Larchmont Mamaroneck strip can access the program schedule at scarsdaleschools.org, click on Scarsdale Cable 77. The Larchmont-Mamaroneck Cable (LMC-TV) - 77 schedule is posted on this site.

Is it Depression? Anxiety? ADHD?

Or is my child going through TYPICAL developmental struggles? How do I distinguish between a phase and a DISABILITY? Might MEDICATION help? How do I decide?

CHILD is delighted to present

DR. KEVIN KALIKOW

Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist and author of

Your Child in the Balance: An Insider’s Guide to the Psychiatric Medicine Dilemma.

Dr. Kalikow will discuss these questions with the sensitivity and insight he has garnered from years of experience helping families through the thicket of research and opinion to find the right answers.

Wednesday, November 29 at 7:30 pm

Heathcote School Multipurpose Room

What are your children planning to do this summer? Need some ideas?
Here's the perfect opportunity...

THE SUMMER ACTIVITIES FAIR

Tuesday, November 28, 2006
7:30-9:30 PM
SCARSDALE HIGH SCHOOL CAFETERIA

Meet representatives from a wide variety of summer programs:
Pre-college enrichment, sports, music, theater, travel, community service, language immersion, outdoor adventure, environmental studies, travel in U.S.A. and abroad, leadership and more...

Speak with students who have participated, see videos, pick up brochures and get lots of great information!

Bring your friends!

ADMISSION IS FREE


sponsored by the SMS and SHS PTAs

Please go to the SHS PTA website: www.shspta.org to read the new "A Matter of Principal" Highlights Column from Principal Klemme. This month's column discusses the Distinguished Alumni  Ceremony on Saturday, November 18, 2006 at 10:00 in the Brewster Lobby.  The  community is invited to attend.

Monday, November 13, A-School Open House (M-Z). Student Directories on sale for $5.00.

Wednesday, November 15, SHS/SMS Multicultural Committee Thanksgiving Lunch at the Girl Scout House on Wayside Lane, 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM. Everyone is invited to share in this wonderful event.

Wednesday, November 15, College Financial Planning for juniors and seniors, students and parents. 7:30 PM, Little Theater.   

Thursday, November 16, SHS AP Proposal. Parent coffee with John Klemme, 7:30 PM, Rm 170. All are welcome.

OKLAHOMA! SHS Musical production
Friday and Saturday, November 17 and 18 at 8 pm
Sunday, November 19 at 3pm
$10 for students and seniors citizens, $15 for adults
Tickets can be purchased at the door 45 minutes before the curtain.  
SHS Auditorium, Brewster Road entrance.

Please take a few moments to look over your child(ren)'s listing(s) in the SHS Student Telephone Directory.

Email corrections to: midi.mil@verizon.net

We will be "publishing" a listing of new students and corrections shortly.

Thank you,
Debbie Miller

Please click here to view the new website for the Drug and Alcohol Task Force or visit shspta.org.

VIDEO INSIGHT: Considering A.P. and Advanced Course Alternatives curriculum.  Principal John Klemme, Director of Guidance Barbara Sarullo, and Social Studies teacher Tom Macguire discuss with Superintendent Mike McGill issues and concerns pertaining to the proposal for Advanced Course alternatives to AP at the High School. Also included are interviews with three college admission reps.  Debuts Monday, Nov. 6. Check the schedule at scarsdaleschools.org, click on Scarsdale Cable 77.

Following is the agenda for the November 6 Board of Education meeting. The Superintendent's Report will include an update on the HS AP Proposal. The Board will hear from those present twice during the evening. The community is invited to this BOE meeting. It is extremely important to attend, so that the Board knows this issue is of utmost priority to the HS parent community. The meeting will taped for broadcast on Channel 77. 

BUSINESS MEETING  OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION, SCARSDALE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2006, AT 8:00 P.M.

MULTI-PURPOSE ROOM, GREENACRES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

             6:15 p.m. –  Annual Visit to Greenacres School

             7:15 p.m. –  Board meets with Parents and Greenacres Constituents in the Multipurpose Room at Greenacres School

1.              ROLL CALL

2.              STATEMENTS, COMMENTS, AND PRESENTATIONS

    2.1.         President

    2.2.         Superintendent

    2.3.         Board Members

    2.4.         Report on NYSSBA Annual Meeting -  David Yaspan, Board Member

3.        ITEMS REQUIRING ACTION  - [CONSENT AGENDA]

     3.1.         Minutes.  RECOMMENDED ACTION:  Approve the following

                minutes (sent to the Board on 11/03/06):

             3.1.1.     Board Meeting, October 23, 2006

            3.1.2.     Work Session, October 31, 2006  

4.         HEARING FROM THOSE PRESENT

5.         EDUCATION REPORT:    Interdependence Institute Report
            Presenters:        Joan Weber, Assistant Superintendent for Personnel and

                                             Administrative Services

                                  Teachers:

                                  Serge Azor, High School Math

                                  John Cuk, High School Music

                                  Maggie Hoffee, Edgewood/Greenacres Music

                                  Gwen Johnson, High School Social Studies

                                  Ann Marie Nee, High School Social Studies

                                  Sue Peppers, High School Social Studies

                                  Sara Whittington, Middle School Foreign Language Chair

 
                                  Students:

                                  Huma Shah

                                  Thomas Soares

                                  Amy Tsang

6.          ITEMS REQUIRING DISCUSSION/ACTION  

              6.1.       Appointment of Audit Committee, 2006-07.   RECOMMENDED ACTION:  Appoint the Board of Education as the Audit Committee for the District for 2006-07.   (APPENDED)

7.         GIFTS - None

8.         RESPONSE/QUESTIONS FROM THOSE PRESENT

9.        MEETING DATES FOR THE COMING WEEKS

             9.1.       Annual Meeting with Middle School Principal, Monday, November 13, 2006, 6:00 p.m., High School, Board Conference Room

             9.2.       Special Meeting with Auditors, Monday, November 13, 2006, 7:00 p.m., Room 170-172, High School

             9.3.       Special Meeting (Executive Session), Monday, November 13, 2006, 8:00 p.m.,  Board Conference Room, High School

          9.4.      Annual Visit to Heathcote Elementary School, Monday, November 20,2006, 6:15 p.m., Heathcote Elementary School

            9.5.      Open Session for School Community, Monday, November 20, 2006, 7:15 p.m., Meeting Room, Heathcote Elementary School

            9.6       Board Meeting, Monday, November 20, 2006, 8:00 p.m., Meeting Room, Heathcote Elementary School

10.       ADJOURNMENT (INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION, IF NECESSARY)

Dear Parents:

It has come to my attention that 2 freshmen  are currently being
treated for lice. In order that the infestation be minimized, please
reinforce in your child the policy of not sharing grooming aids or
headwear such as caps, headbands, helmets etc.

This is an ongoing problem, both here at the High School and at several
other schools in the district. Vigilance is the key to successful
irradication!

Upon positive diagnosis, your child should begin treatment according to
pediatrician's directions. The student may then return to school
provided daily examinations for the next 2 weeks fail to reveal any
ongoing infestation.

Please do not hesitate to contact me at 721-2551 with questions. After
examining your child, if you are unsure of the possible presence of
lice, I would recommend sending him/her  to me for evaluation.

Thanks,
Karen Steefel

SHS PTA Meeting
Friday, November 3rd,  7:45AM -9:00AM
Room 170-172
Please join Principal John Klemme and the PTA Executive Board for breakfast while we continue our exchange of information on the HS AP Proposal.

PISA Assessments - November 14, 2006

On Tuesday, November 14, many of our tenth graders will be participating in the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA).    This assessment, which will take place during periods 1 - 3, is designed to measure student learning in science, mathematics, and reading.  Unlike many standardized tests, however, PISA is designed to measure not just what our students know but how well prepared they are to apply what they have learned-  to be able to think, to solve problems, and to express themselves in real world contexts.  
The participation of the sophomore class in PISA will help us determine the extent to which we are achieving our educational mission of supporting our students' full development into effective and independent contributors in a democratic society and an interdependent world.  The assessment and accompanying questionnaire may also provide insight into the ways in which we can better achieve the goals outlined in the district's strategic plan.   
It is important to note that PISA is a program assessment and is not designed as a measure of students' individual levels of achievement.  As such, performance on this assessment will not affect student grades.  In fact, individual scores will not be reported back to the school.  Our participation in this assessment, however, will help provide a more accurate picture of the level of our success in meeting our educational objectives as an institution.  We thank your children for contributing to this important undertaking.

Kelly Hamm
Assistant Principal

Advanced Placement Discussion
Thursday, November 16, 2006
7:30 - 9:00 PM
Room 170, SHS
 
You are invited to join SHS Principal John Klemme to discuss the alternatives being considered to the current Advanced Placement courses.  Please come and share your thoughts.  Additionally, visit  Scarsdaleschools.org, right hand side of page, In Brief section, and click on HS AP Proposal to read more about this topic.

To visit the Maroon and White store, click on http://www.freewebs.com/maroonandwhite/store.htm

Please visit the District website at scarsdaleschools.org for further information on the proposal to eliminate the Advanced Placement designation for Scarsdale High School coursework. On the right hand side of the page, In Brief section, click on HS AP Proposal.

SHS PTA Meeting
Friday, November 3rd,  7:45AM -9:00AM
Room 170-172 
Please join Principal John Klemme and the PTA Executive Board for breakfast while we continue our exchange of information on the HS AP Proposal.
 

October 24, 2006

By now most Scarsdale residents, particularly those with school age children are aware of the unruly and at times unlawful behavior that occurred in Scarsdale on Halloween night 2005. In the past year, the Police Department and Village Administration have convened with several Village and School District civic organizations in an attempt to ensure this type of behavior does not reoccur.

Through this collaborative effort, in August, the Police Department produced an action plan entitled, “Scarsdale Police Department Halloween Deployment 2006.”  That information is available on the Village website, accessed by clicking on the title of the report.  In accordance with this deployment plan, this letter will reinforce that on Halloween night, 2006, the Scarsdale Police Department will have an enhanced police presence, will take a “zero tolerance” approach to unlawful activities and will aggressively react to any displays of public disorder.  

We ask that all parents be particularly pro-active in the supervision of their children on Halloween night.  Please know where they are going, what activities they are planning, whom they are planning to be with and what they are carrying with them.  Also, tell them clearly what time they are expected to be home.  The Deployment Plan recommends that children under the age of eleven (11) should complete their trick-or treating by 7:00 PM and ALL trick-or treating should be done by 9:00 PM.

Many questions have been asked as to what is legal and illegal for children or teenagers to carry.  It is impractical for the Police Department to prepare a list of the “acceptable” v. “unacceptable” items.  Nevertheless, some of the traditional items that have been used or misused to cause mischief on previous Halloweens include eggs, shaving cream, “silly string”, books of matches, cigarette lighters, toothpaste, bars of soap, chalk, hair spray and toilet paper.  Please be sure your children are not carrying these items with them when they leave their homes on Halloween night as these items may be confiscated by the Police and if they are used in an unlawful manner, enforcement, including arrests, may occur.  

We strongly urge that you encourage your children to take whatever funds they might expend on the aforementioned items and purchase canned goods and non-perishable food items for donation to My Sister's Place, a shelter for victims of domestic violence.  The Scarsdale PBA is sponsoring the food drive and drop off points for the goods are the lobby of Scarsdale Police Headquarters and the Teen Center on Scarsdale Avenue.

Halloween gives no one license to engage in the defacement of public or private property, to subject others to abuse or intimidation, or to participate in any form of disorderly conduct.  Parents must communicate this message clearly to their children. The Police Department will be adequately prepared to deal with those who need the message delivered in stronger terms.

I thank all the neighborhood associations, the Scarsdale PTA, the Mayor and the Board of Trustees, the Scarsdale Board of Education, the Scarsdale PBA and numerous other community groups who worked so closely with the Police Department in the past year to ensure that Halloween 2006 will be a safe and enjoyable experience.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

John A. Brogan
Chief of Police

Thank you to all the volunteers who worked as timekeepers for Parent-Teacher Conferences.  We needed more than 220 volunteers and we couldn't have had the conferences without your commitment.  We so appreciate your time, energy, and feedback.  You helped to make the evenings a big success.
 
Hope to see you next year!
 
Liz Gruber and Nancy Michaels

October 23 Board of Education Meeting
The Board of Education of the Scarsdale Union Free School District will hold a regular business meeting on Monday, October 23, 2006, beginning at 8:00 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room of Fox Meadow Elementary School, Brewster Road, Scarsdale.  Members of the public are cordially invited to be present at the 8:00 p.m. meeting and to speak at designated times.   

Student Telephone Directory
Beginning Monday, October 23rd, copies of the 2006-2007 Student Telephone Directory will be available for sale in the High School Office. They will also be sold at both A-School Open Houses (November 6th and 13th) at the A-School.
Cost: $5 (cash or check made payable to SHS PTA) for each directory. Exact change preferred.
Thank you,
The Directory Committee  
    
PTA Membership
Thirty-eight parents have inadvertently paid their PTA membership dues twice. If you think you might be one of them, please contact Sandi Schwartz at 725-2205 or slaz5@aol.com to confirm and we will return your $20 duplicate dues. If we do not hear from you by Wednesday, November 1, we will accept your additional $20 as a gift to the SHS PTA with thanks.
Thank you,
The Membership Committee

Make-up Yearbook Photos
Make-up yearbook photos for grades 9, 10, 11 will be taken on Wednesday, October 25 in the Little Theater, 9 AM to 3 PM  for students who were absent, need retakes (bring original photos with you), or didn't buy portraits or want to order some.  
If you have questions, please contact Sandy Skalaski in the High School Office, 721-2450.

TO:          SHS Parents

FROM:    John Klemme

DATE:        October 17, 2006


It has come to my attention that many parents are attempting to drop their children off for school at the entrance adjacent to Dean Field near the parking lot.  Drop-offs are prohibited in this area near the faculty parking lot as indicated by a posted sign.  There are issues of safety in exiting this area, and we are concerned that an accident may occur.

I am requesting that you use the circle drive near the cafeteria (entrances off Brewster and Wayside Lane) or the circle drive on Post Road.  Please refrain from using the Dean Field area for this purpose.

I appreciate your cooperation.

For those parents who signed up for Parent-Teacher Conferences for Thursday, October 19th, please remember to print your schedule of conference appointments and bring it with you to your conferences.
 
To print, follow these simple instructions:
 
-Go to www.shspta.org
- Click on "NEW!!!! PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCE INFORMATION"
- Click on ENTER PT CONFERENCE SIGNUP
-Click on Go to Sign up System
-Enter your child's name and ID number
-Print the schedule using your own print button
 
Enjoy your conferences!
The Parent-Teacher Conference Committee

Online signup of Parent-Teacher conferences for Thursday, 10/19 for parents of children whose last name begins with L-Z will close at 5:00 pm on Monday, 10/16.
 

SBNC needs you

      Residents of the Scarsdale school district who are interested in serving on the School Board Nominating Committee ("SBNC") have until Monday, November 20, to submit biographical information forms and signatures.  The SBNC is the group that identifies, proposes and nominates members to the Scarsdale Board of the Education.

      Two candidates from each of Scarsdale's five school districts will be elected to the committee in a nonpartisan election slated for Jan. 9.  At least four candidates per district are sought.

      Candidates must fill out a biographical information form and secure the signatures of 10 registered voters in elementary school neighborhood as a prerequisite to running for election.  Forms are available in the seven public schools, village hall and the library.  

     Completed forms must be delivered to Administrative Committee chairman Andrew Sereysky, 57 Walworth Avenue by 5 p.m. November 20th.

    The SBNC consists of 30 voting members, six from each of the five school areas.  Each year 10 members retire, creating vacancies for new committee members.  SBNC members serve a three-year term plus a fourth year on the Administrative Committee.

     Ideal candidates are longtime residents with strong ties to the schools, typically with a history of community service.  However, any resident over the age of 18 who has lived in Scarsdale for 30 days prior to the Jan. 9, 2007 election is eligible to run.

    Please be sure to mark your calendars and come out to vote on election day Jan. 9, 2007.

Please go to the College and Career Center at shspta.org to see important scholarship information.

Read the latest news from the A-school at www.shspta.org/departmentcolumns.htm.

Dear Parents:
Paul D. Folkemer, Ed.D. Assistant Superintendent for Instruction, Scarsdale Public Schools is conducting a  survey to gather information about the foreign language program in our schools. One of the District’s goals this year is to review foreign language offerings at the secondary level.  The information gathered from the survey will help to inform any recommendations the District will make about the future of the foreign language program.
Please take a moment to complete and submit the survey.
Thank you.
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=393742638871

Please Join Us at the Next CHILD Meeting

with Dr. Michael Mendelson,
Director of Special Education


•Update on Special Education programs in the District
•What to do if your child is struggling
•Plus time for your questions

Tuesday, October 17th
7:30 pm
Fox Meadow School, 2nd Floor Multipurpose Room

All Are Welcome

Please visit shspta.org to see a letter from the PTA President.

For those parents who signed up for Parent-Teacher Conferences for Wednesday, October 11th, please remember to print your schedule of conference appointments and bring it with you to your conferences.
 
To print, follow these simple instructions:
 
-Go to www.shspta.org
- Click on "NEW!!!! PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCE INFORMATION"
- Click on ENTER PT CONFERENCE SIGNUP
-Click on Go to Sign up System
-Enter your child's name and ID number
-Print the schedule using your own print button
 
Enjoy your conferences!
The Parent-Teacher Conference Committee

Reminder:  Online signup for Parent-Teacher Conferences for Wednesday, 10/11 (A-K) will close at 5:00 pm on Monday, 10/9.

Dear SHS Parents:
You are invited to attend the Tuesday, October 10 BOE meeting at 8 PM at Edgewood School to "hear a report on the proposed plan for developing a local alternative to courses with the Advanced Placement designation and plans for senior year courses." A copy of the meeting announcement and Agenda Item #5.  EDUCATION REPORT: High School AP Presentation, are below.
 
Alice Herman, SHS PTA President

MEETING OF

SCARSDALE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF EDUCATION

AND PUBLIC HEARING

            The Board of Education of the Scarsdale Union Free School District will hold a regular business meeting on Tuesday, October 10, 2006, beginning at 8:00 pm. in the Multipurpose Room of Edgewood Elementary School (One Roosevelt Place, Scarsdale).  The business meeting will be preceded by a 6:00 p.m. school visit to Edgewood by the Board and a 7:15 p.m open meeting of Board members and parents and Edgewood community in the Multipurpose Room at Edgewood.

            At the business meeting the Board will take action on various items of business and will hear a report on the proposed plan for developing a local alternative to courses with the Advanced Placement designation and plans for senior year courses.

            Members of the public are cordially invited to be present at the 8:00 p.m. meeting  and to speak at designated times. 

            It is expected that the Board will adjourn into executive session at the conclusion of the business meeting to discuss particular personnel matters.

 October 4, 2006

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Agenda Item #5.  EDUCATION REPORT:  High School AP Presentation

 Presenters: John Klemme, Principal, Scarsdale High School

        Barbara Leifer-Sarullo, Guidance Department Chair, High School

        Thomas Maguire, Social Studies Teacher, High School

October 4, 2006

Dear Parents/Guardians:

You may remember that I wrote you late in the summer about the new
emergency communication system that the Scarsdale district has implemented.

We are now able to phone you rapidly and individually about emergencies
and weather-related school closings, delays, or other unforeseen
conditions. We will also send these notices to your e-mail address.
Because our new communication system stores parent and staff contact
data at several locations around the country, we will be able to notify
you even if local conditions compromise our power or phones.

We are ready to send our first message. On October 11, 2006, shortly
after 6 p.m., I will send our first District-wide message to the primary
phone number you designated when your child registered for school or on
the information survey you completed this summer. The message will ask
you to confirm the accuracy of this phone number by pressing the number
1 on your telephone keypad. If your answering machine picks up the call,
you will find a slightly different message.

If you do NOT receive a phone call October 11th on your primary phone
number, please contact your child’s school immediately.

This automated service will be our primary means of communicating with
parents and staff after October 11th if an unforeseen situation occurs.
We will contact you at your home, business, and cell phones and via
e-mail, assuming that you have given us this information. We do not plan
to intrude upon your personal time in this manner except for school
closings or other unforeseen conditions.

Planning is key to handling the unforeseen and the unforeseeable, and
this new tool should be a significant step in that direction. Thanks as
always for your support and cooperation on behalf of the children we share.

Sincerely,

Michael V. McGill
Superintendent of Schools

October 5, 2006
 
Dear parents of 9th grade students and parents new to the high school,
 
    This was the first day of on-line registration for the October 11 and October 19 Parent-Teacher Conferences. We have had more than 700 parents sign up for two-minute conferences. There is still space available. If you prefer, or if you are unable to attend the conferences on your assigned night, you may sign up on the evening of your conference for any available time that the teacher has. Twenty percent of the conference appointments are left open for on-site scheduling.
    At the bottom of this letter are the 20 most Frequently Asked Questions about Parent-Teacher Conferences. Please read this before you call the school office with your questions.
      I hope you will be pleasantly surprised at how effective the two-minute conference is. Though each teacher has his/her own style, generally you will find the teachers prepared with a folder with your child’s name on it. The folder will include test dates, topics covered in class, grades and the grade point average. The teachers usually have something anecdotal to say, either about your child’s participation in class, or lack there of.  
     Teacher’s post office hours on their office doors or have some type of  student appointment sign up system. Students are encouraged to sign up for one-on-one meetings during free periods or at other available times to work out any assignment or class work issues they may have.  
    If you still feel a little lost, please call me at 472-9347. I'm happy to discuss any school related questions you might still have.   
    Please visit the shspta.org website if you would like to volunteer to be a timekeeper on the evening that you are not scheduled for conferences. Unlike grade school and middle school, parents are not in the high school very often. As a timekeeper, you will get to spend a few hours where your child spends hours and hours each week. It gives you an appreciation of why the kids are tired; they walk miles within the building each day.
    The PTA Vice President, Terry Singer, is the mother of a 2004 Scarsdale High School graduate and a current 9th grade student. Terry is a great resource; she can be reached at 723-1591.
 
Alice Herman, SHS PTA President
472-9347
ahherman@msn.com
 
Parent-Teacher Conferences -- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1.     Which is my assigned conference night?
The assignment is based on the first letter of the student's last name, A-K on October 11th and L-Z on October 19th.

2.     When can I sign up for the parent-teacher conferences? (note new date)
Online sign up begins on Thursday, October 5th. You will be able to make appointments online until 5:00 pm on October 9th if your assigned night is October 11th. You will be able to make appointments online until 5:00 pm on October 16th if your assigned night is October 19th.

3.     If I don't sign up online, can I still sign up at the conference night?
Yes. For every 10 minutes of possible scheduling time, there will be at least one conference slot reserved for onsite sign up. If you choose not to use the online sign up system, simply go to each of your child's teacher's classrooms to make your appointments on the sign up sheet.

4.     How do I know who my child's teachers are?
It is your child's responsibility to provide you with the names of his/her teachers. The online sign up also provides his/her teachers' names. But if a student has made late changes to his/her courses, the changes will not be reflected online. In this case, you will need to sign up for that particular teacher onsite.

5.     How do I obtain my child's student ID?
The student ID number appears on all of the following documents: his/her course schedule, the student ID card, and the report card. The student ID number will be necessary to pull up the courses and teachers for your child as well as to protect your child's privacy.

6.     Why do I need to provide my email address?
The PTA needs your email address to send you an acknowledgement of your appointments after they are finalized.

7.     How do I find out where to meet a particular teacher?
The list of teachers' assigned classrooms for conferences (which may be different from the teachers' regular classrooms) as well as the High School floor plan, will be sent to you along with a letter from Principal Klemme via US mail. These two documents will also be accessible online after you log on to the sign up system with your child's student ID.

8.     Is there a map of the SHS classrooms?
The High School's floor plan will be available online when you make your appointments. You may, however, want to familiarize yourself with where your child's teachers' classrooms are located so that you can plan your evening logically. You will receive this information in a letter outlining Parent-Teacher Conferences from Principal Klemme.

9.     Can I sign up for the other night not assigned to me?
You cannot reserve appointments online for the night not assigned to you. However, just as in prior years, you can go on the other night if absolutely necessary. In this case, you need to sign up onsite at each teacher's classroom.

10. I have two children at SHS; am I allowed to sign up for both nights?
You can sign up online only for your assigned night for both students. But if you choose to go on the other night for one of the children, you would need to sign up onsite. Note that in using the online system for both children for your assigned night: after you finish with the first child, you need to log out from his/her Student Page. Then you can sign in again for another child.

11. After I have reserved an appointment, can I change it?
Yes. The appointments you make stay in the reservation system. You can log out of the system and come back another day to make more appointments or change them as long as your schedule has not been finalized. Once finalized, you won't be able to make any changes. You can choose to finalize the appointment schedule yourself, at any time: just sign in to the system and click the menu selection on top of the student page. However, all reservations for October 11 will be finalized automatically at 5:00 pm on October 9 and those for October 19 finalized at 5:00 pm on October 16, after which time you will not be able to change any appointment.

12. After my appointments are finalized, can I change them in case something unexpected happens?
In the rare case that you might need to do so, you would be required to contact one of the Parent-Teacher Conference Committee Co-Chairs by email (Liz Gruber at ESGruber@earthlink.net or Nancy Michaels at Eatright1@aol.com).

13. The teachers on my appointment sheet are different from those my child told me. Why is that so, and what can I do?
If your child changed one of his/her courses since the first day of school, the online reservation system will not reflect the change. Find out from your child which course was dropped and which was added. In this case, you will need to make the appointment for the teacher of the newly added course onsite, and please make sure you do not make an appointment for the teacher of the dropped course.

14. The teacher list given to me by my child has fewer teachers on it than those listed on the sign up system's page on the computer. Why is that?
The Deans who teach the Freshmen Seminars and CivEd classes will not be available for conferences. Please do not attempt to make any appointments online with the Deans, even though their names appear on your child's sign up page on the computer. In addition, some teachers for elective courses and the gym classes may not be available for conferences. Some teachers may only be available on one of the conference nights, not both. Please refer to the printed teacher classroom assignment sheet for accurate information about which of your child's teachers will be available for conferences.

15. How do I find out if any of my child's teachers will be absent on my assigned night?
The printed teacher station directory enclosed in Mr. Klemme's letter indicates those teachers who will be present on only one night. In addition, if all of the time slots on a teacher's page show "Reserved," it means that the teacher will not be present on that night. In this case, you have the option to come to the high school on the other night when the teacher will be present and sign up for an appointment onsite. If the teacher's schedule is too full to accommodate your conference, you can always schedule a meeting with the teacher by calling the general office.

16. What if one teacher is running late and my next appointment is coming up?
Please take into account this possibility when you reserve the appointments. First of all, the times for all appointments are approximate. If a teacher is running late, those who have earlier appointments than yours will go in ahead of you based on the order of their appointments. On the other hand, if a teacher is running early, parents who are waiting will be allowed to go in as long as there is at least a space of 2-minutes before the next scheduled appointment. However, you WILL NOT lose your space as long as you arrive at your appointed time according to the timekeeper's watch. To account for variations of individual watches, you should give yourself extra time between appointments. If you arrive late according to the timekeeper's watch, as well as the appointment order, you WILL LOSE your space and have to sign up again at the classroom for an available time slot. Therefore, you should give yourself at least 15 minutes or more between appointments. Note that the official time is defined locally at each teacher's room by the timekeeper's watch.

17. Do I need to get to my appointments a few minutes earlier than scheduled?
Some teachers run early and some run late. Please leave enough time (15 minutes or more) between your appointments to allow for this.

18. When I try to schedule my online appointments at 15 minute intervals, there are no available slots left for me to do so for certain teachers. What should I do?
The "Reserved" time slots for each teacher are those being set aside for people who do not wish to sign up on online. If you are unable to reserve an appointment prior to the conference evening to which you are assigned, you will need to sign up for an appointment on-site. Please allow yourself enough time to make those appointments when you arrive. You also should expect to spend the allotted two hours at the school in order to see all of your child's teachers and not feel rushed.

19. What if I miss an appointment?
Your child's name will get crossed off the sign up sheet by the timekeeper, and you will need to come to the classroom and sign up again.
    20     My child is in the A-School. Do I see his/her teachers on the Parent-Teacher conference night?
There is a separate night scheduled for A-School conferences. You will see the teachers who are not A-School teachers on the appropriate Parent-Teacher Conference night. You can sign up for these appointments (and only such non-A-School appointments) online in advance.
 
 

Dear Parents,
You are invited to attend the Board of Education Meeting, Tuesday, October 10, 2006, 8:00 p.m, Edgewood Elementary  School, in the new multi-purpose room.

Advanced Placement courses will be the topic of the Education Report.

Alice Herman, SHS PTA President

SHS students who are interested in volunteer service have lots of options this year  Those who attended the Volunteer Service Fair were able to meet with representatives from community organizations and many student service clubs.
 It is the student's responsibility to contact organizations if they are interested in volunteering.
 
A list of organizations with contact information is available on the SHS PTA website.  Students should go to www.shspta.org and click on "Volunteer Service information."

The Scarsdale Adult School is a non-profit, community-based organization that has enriched the lives of residents of Scarsdale and its environs for the past 67 years by offering a wide variety of courses to meet the needs and interests of our community.
   
A 25-member community-based advisory board meets twice a year to brainstorm ideas that help shape these course offerings. Ideas are shared about broad trends, and board members offer suggestions for possible courses and the teachers to teach them.  The dates for these meetings are November 6, 2006 and March 7, 2007 from 7:30-9:30 at the High School.
      
 In past years, each Scarsdale school sent a representative to the Scarsdale Adult School Advisory Board.  This practice stopped about 10 years ago, but the Adult School would like to revive it. They are anxious to have parent representation on the Board to help design courses that meet the needs and interests of the high school parent community.
 
If you are interested in becoming the SHS liaison to the Scarsdale Adult School, please contact Alice Herman, SHS PTA President at: ahherman@msn.com

SHS Student Directories for 2006-07 will be on sale at
Parent-Teacher Conference nights, October 11th and October 19th    
in the Commons area near the Auditorium, Brewster Road entrance.
Also, at A-School Open Houses, November 6th and 13th at the A-School.
Beginning Monday, October 23rd, in the Main Office, Post road entrance.
Cost: $5 (cash or check) for each directory. Exact change preferred.
 
 Directory Committee

Understanding Sustainability Education
 
Why Are We Going Green?
 
The Scarsdale Middle School PTA invites all Scarsdale
Middle School/High School/Elementary School Parents
 
to a presentation from
 
The Children’s Environmental Literacy Foundation (CELF)
 
 
The featured speakers will demonstrate how and why sustainability education is being applied in schools worldwide and its value to our kids.
 
Wednesday, October 18, 2006 at the Popham Dining Room,
Middle School.
                       
8:00-9:00pm    Introduction and Presentation
9:00- 9:30pm   Questions
 
Introduction by Duncan Wilson, Assistant Principal, Middle School 
                                                                       
THE PRESENTERS
 
Katie Ginsberg—Founder and Executive Director, (CELF)
Scott Beall—Curriculum Consultant; author; Sustainability Education program specialist for CELF


 
"Sustainability can also be expressed in the simple terms of an economic golden rule for the restorative economy: leave the world better than you found it, take no more than you need, try not to harm life of the environment, make amends if you do." Paul Hawkin's book, The Ecology of Commerce

Back by popular demand…
Scarsdale Task Force on Drugs & Alcohol
Parent Coffees
 
Parents of 8th & 9th graders are invited to attend a conversational coffee sponsored by the Scarsdale Task Force on Drugs and Alcohol. These conversations will be facilitated by the Scarsdale High School Youth Outreach Workers and attended by several Scarsdale High School juniors and seniors, who participate in the High School Peer Counseling Program. This format is a great opportunity to learn about the adolescent social scene and how it affects our children. Parents will have the opportunity to ask questions, and share their thoughts, ideas and experiences. The Youth Outreach Workers will offer drug and alcohol prevention strategies, and advice on helping parents remain connected with their children. Space is limited so please respond promptly. Both parents are welcome and are encouraged to attend.
 

2006 Parent Coffee Dates:
Wednesday, October 18       9:00 -10:30 am
Wednesday, October 25        9:00 -10:30 am
Thursday, October 26            9:00 -10:30 am
Tuesday, November 14         7:30 -  9:00 pm
 
To RSVP – Contact Meg Goodman:
megoodman6@aol.com  (if necessary, call 472-6163)
 
Include the following information:
1.       Your Name
2.       Two choices of preferred dates/times
3.       Your Child(ren)’s name (s) and grade(s)
4.       Your e-mail address & phone number
Your assigned date and location will be confirmed via e-mail.
 
Join us to share ideas on how to keep your kids
safe, healthy and on the right track.
 
The Scarsdale Task Force on Drugs and Alcohol
Melpo Fite, Julie Quigley, Co-chairs
Tina Adler, Stacey Brodsky, Diane Levy, Ann Sacher

We need your thoughtful consideration. At this time of the year, the School
board Nominating Committee (SBNC) is searching for at least two candidates
from each of Scarsdale’s five school districts to run in an election to be
held January 9th, 2007. Elected candidates will serve a three-year term on
the nominating committee and one year on the Administrative Committee to
conduct the election for new members.
Our community is known for setting a high standard of excellent education.
We owe our success to the dedicated, civic minded members of our community
who offer their talents in our service-based government system. Most of us
can not afford the time and effort required to serve on the school board,
but our system will collapse without the commitment of a few hours during
the winter from residents willing to serve on the nominating committee.
Here is how it works: The School Board Nominating Committee (SBNC) is a 35
member committee whose task is to identify, propose and nominate candidates
to the Scarsdale Board of Education. The committee is a critical part of the
non-partisan government system which has served the citizens of Scarsdale so
well. There are six members from each elementary school district on this
committee and each year two committee members from each district complete
their term and two new committee members from each elementary school
district are elected in a contested, non-partisan election in January.
Ideally, candidates for the SBNC are community members with strong ties to
the schools for several years. Although you must be a resident of the
elementary school area, you are not required to have children enrolled in
the elementary school.
The School Board Nominating Committee meets on Sunday afternoons beginning
at 1 pm (except for the first organizational meeting) to propose candidates,
to gather information about those candidates, and to interview candidates
for the Board of Education. B y the end of the process the Committee
nominates candidates to fill upcoming vacancies on the Board of Education.
The schedule for School Board Nominating Committee meetings this year is
Jan. 21 , Jan 28 , Feb. 4 , Feb 11 , March 4 , March 11 and March 18 .
The atmosphere at these meetings is professional and congenial. All members
are encouraged to voice their views in a non-judgmental arena. In addition
to the opportunity to work with other committed volunteers, the SBNC
presents an excellent window to the innermost workings of the Scarsdale
Board of Education, without the huge commitment. It is an ideal volunteer
position for those who may consider running for the school board in the
future and for those who have little spare time but recognize their
responsibility as a Scarsdale citizen to take action in a small but crucial
government role.
We all have a stake in the education system in Scarsdale, and this is your
opportunity to take an active role in the process of selecting candidates
for the Board of Education. If you are interested in representing your
elementary school district, simply fill out a biographical information form
available in the Scarsdale Library, Village Hall and in the Main Offices of
each of the seven schools. These forms must be returned to Andrew Sereysky,
Administrative Committee Chairman, email: asereysky@yahoo.com 57 Walworth
Avenue 391-8282 by Monday, November 20th.
For more information please contact any one of the following Administrative
Committee members: Edgewood: Lisa J. Marinelli 723-6396 and Richard Wingate
723-5836,; Fox Meadow: Rebecca Dulit 725-6282 and John N. Gevertz 725-4392;
Greenacres: Tina G. Henderson472-4231 and Meredith Smallens Lonner 725-6115; Heathcote: Elizabeth Berman 725-2829 and Debra Fuchs 725-0115; and Quaker
Ridge: Brenda P. Boatswain Clark 722-2127 and Marcia Kusnetz 472-0763.

Dear Parents:

It has come to my attention that a freshman and junior are currently
being treated for lice. In order that the infestation be minimized,
please reinforce in your child the policy of not sharing grooming aids
or headwear such as caps, headbands, helmets etc.

Please do not hesitate to contact me at 721-2551 with questions. After
examining your child, if you are unsure of the possible presence of
lice, please send him/her to me for evaluation.

Thanks,
Karen Steefel

Please go to shspta.org and click on "A Matter of Principal" to see Mr. Klemme's welcome letter.

Online sign up for Parent-Teacher Conferences will be ready for use on October 5.  In advance of registration, please take the time to complete the online registration tutorial that is available through the PTA website, www.shspta.org   Also check the FAQs on this website for answers to common questions.
 
Before you go online to register for your conferences, here are a few things to keep in mind:
 
    Familiarize yourself with your student's schedule.  You will need to know the names and the conference room assignments for each of your child's teachers.  This information and a map of the school will be mailed to your home, along with a letter concerning Parent-Teacher Conferences from Mr Klemme.  Please note that teachers' room locations on conference night may be different from their usual classroom locations.
    You will need to know your child's student ID number.  This can be found on the front of his/her student ID card, on his/her schedule, or on a previous report card.
    Remember to allow yourself 10-15 minutes between appointments.
    Plan to be at the High School for the entire two hours.
 
Check the FAQs on the SHSPTA website for answers to common questions but feel free to contact us with any questions about the evening not answered there  (Liz Gruber at esgruber@earthlink.net  or Nancy Michaels at eatright1@aol.com ).
 
The Parent-Teacher Conference Committee

The following teachers are eligible for tenure at the conclusion of the 2006-07 school year.  As always, we invite your letters with respect to these faculty members.

Larry Brown
Pamela Kroll
Jacqueline Pravda
Matthew Sweeney
Elizabeth Ungar
James Williams

The Scarsdale High School PTA
Invites you to our first PTA meeting of the year

Tuesday, September 26th

7:30 PM, High School Auditorium
8:00 PM Program:
Toward a Deeper and Richer High School Curriculum: A Forum on AP Courses at
Scarsdale High School

All High School and Middle School
parents and teachers are invited.

Hello again!
 
This is an URGENT plea to all high school parents to volunteer as a timekeeper for parent-teacher conference nights.
 
We are hoping to reach our goal of at least 100 timekeepers for each evening through online registration.  If this does not happen, we will need to make phone calls soliciting your help.  By signing up online NOW, you will avoid receiving a phone call from a committee member asking you to volunteer. This will undoubtedly make both you and the committee member very happy!
 
Remember, these evenings cannot happen without your help.  These conferences benefit parents, teachers, and students.  Please donate your time so that they can continue.
 
For those of you who have already volunteered, thank you so much!!
 
The Parent-Teacher Conference Committee
 

At our first PTA meeting, we will have a panel presentation about designing and implementing a curriculum that relies less on the AP standard and more on the talents and interests of our students and faculty. The high school staff is looking at a variety of ways to provide a richer and deeper curriculum for our students that keeps seniors engaged in the second-semester.

Please join us as we examine the issue with SHS Principal John Klemme, Director of Counseling, Barbara Leifer-Sarullo, and department chairs and teachers who will explain the rationale and timetable for the proposed implementation of this new curriculum.

Your thoughts, ideas, and questions would be greatly appreciated.

Tuesday, September 26th, 7:30 PM PTA meeting, 8:00 PM program “Toward a Deeper and Richer High School Curriculum: A Forum on AP Courses at Scarsdale High School”
SHS Auditorium, Brewster Road entrance.

Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held on Wednesday, October 11 (A-K) and Thursday, October 19  (L-Z) from 7-9 p.m.  Parents can schedule each 2 minute conference online, in advance of the evening.  This online sign up procedure was introduced for the first time last year and was a success.

We need at least 100 volunteers to work as timekeepers on each of these evenings to make the conferences possible.
Timekeepers work from 6:30 -9:00 p.m. and are responsible for notifying teachers and parents when the 2 minute conference time has elapsed.
Volunteering as a timekeeper is a great and easy way to meet other parents and to become involved in the high school.
Both mothers and fathers are welcome to volunteer!

This year we need even more timekeepers than in the past because of increased enrollment and smaller class size.

Don't delay!  Volunteer now before you forget!  We need your help!
Just go to www.shspta.org and click on VOLUNTEER SIGNUP FOR PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES and click on Volunteer Registration Form.
Complete this form and in 30 seconds you have successfully volunteered.

We so appreciate your time and effort.  This evening cannot happen without you!

Thank You
The Parent-Teacher Conference Committee