Scarsdale High School PTA

As part of our continuing effort to provide information about the Scarsdale Advanced Topics Program, this report details the work of students in AT Art History and AT Studio Art.

(Maria DeAngelis, Chair, SHS Fine Arts Department)

In the AT Art History classes, students work with primary sources of art at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and other NYC art museums. Their research into subject matter has less to do with memorizing names and dates and more to do with placing  students in the role of art historians, investigating and comparing primary sources and art objects as representative of a culture in a given time and place.

Thus far, typical projects assigned have included investigating the origins and iconography of a chosen Egyptian work in the collection, working with essential questions about the object's purpose and meaning, gender representations, funerary practices, and stylistic changes of the Amarna period.

A lesson in Greek art, based on the collection in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, asked students to choose works representing the Archaic, Classical and Hellenistic styles.  Students investigated the similarities and differences among the periods and  located works that show the contrast between Greek idealism and Roman realism, the hallmarks of the two respective periods and styles.

In another branch of the Museum, Dutch Baroque still life and genre paintings were analyzed to see what insights they provide into the culture and the values of the affluent merchant class in Holland in the seventeenth century.

As part of the Early Renaissance unit, students viewed and discussed how Ghiberti's bronze gilded panels from the Gates of Paradise (as they were first called by Michelangelo) are consummate expressions of that style in Florence, capturing the new mastery of perspective, space, and the classical figure.  Students had the unique opportunity to view these art treasures on loan to the Metropolitan for the very first time.   

In Advanced Topics Studio Art, the curriculum has been extended to include problems dealing with creative investigations of three-dimensional works, Students are no longer limited to creating two-dimensional works of art as required by the AP portfolio.  

Students have just completed an assignment based on sculptural installations. They were each given a school locker in which to base their installations. Working with sculptural concepts and a variety of materials, students created an extremely diverse collection of installations based on themes that are personally meaningful to them. The completed installations included a mini-gallery, a winter landscape with ski slopes, a basketball court, and a street scene (Click here to see photos).

Comparable to a college foundation curriculum, students keep daily sketchbook journals where they record their creative responses to their visual research, reflect on significant issues, and document their expressive directions.

Dear Scarsdale High School Seniors and Families:

The Scarsdale Teen Center is proud to announce its first spring break trip.  This trip is exclusively for Scarsdale and Edgemont High School seniors.  It is an opportunity to help rebuild a city that is still recovering from the destruction of Hurricane Katrina.  In short, this is the ideal trip for high school seniors looking for a fun and meaningful spring break experience.

While in New Orleans our group will work with Habitat for Humanity in the Musicians’ Village, an area dedicated to providing affordable housing to professional musicians and families with young children displaced by Hurricane Katrina.  When not at the construction site, we will enjoy first-class jazz music, Cajun cuisine, bayou wildlife, and all the beautiful sights of New Orleans such as the French Quarter, Audubon Park, and Congo Square coordinated by Rustic Pathways, a travel program committed to providing high quality community service programs for high school students.  I hope you’ll join us!

Please visit www.scarsdaleteencenter.com for more information.  

Jessica Edelman, Director
Tashica Clarke, Assistant Director

20 year old Justin was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma  a bone cancer in June of this year.  He is currently being treated at the Children's Hospital at Montefiore Medical Center.  In his treatment, Justin is using blood and blood products.  

Few people realize how much blood is needed by patients in our community.  Also, this time of year when we all become preoccupied with the holidays, school vacations and family events, the blood supply can drop to dangerous levels.   

Family, Friends and the community are encouraged to donate for Justin.  

Please email Linda P. Nussbaum at lindapnussbaum@gmail.com or Max Shutran at mss2119@columbia.edu to let us know if you can donate blood or help out in any way.

Walk-ins are always welcome, but Appointments are encouraged at mroberts@nybloodcenter.org or 914-784-4633.  

Blood Donors must be 17 - 75 (16 years old with Parental Consent), weigh at least 110 lbs, be in good health (free of cold or flu) and have identification.  More complete eligibility details are available at www.nybloodcenter.org or if you have specific questions about eligibility, you may call New York Blood Center Community Health office at 1-800-688-0900

The number one place adolescents say they get their alcohol from is their own homes and the number one place they drink alcohol is at other people's homes.  
    Office of the Westchester County District Attorney
    Teenage Parties

Please plan on attending the joint PTA/PT Council Meeting on January 8th at 7:30 p.m. at the Middle School.

Elections for School Board Nominating Committee will be held.  Support your area nominees and VOTE!
 
An exciting program featuring Brandon Steiner will follow the business portion of the meeting.  Details are below.


Brandon is the founder and chairman of Steiner Sports Marketing, the largest company of its kind in America. Its inventory of collectibles includes more than 10,000 items and the company currently maintains relationships with over 5,000 professional athletes of today and yesteryear from virtually every sport.

Brandon has become a permanent fixture in the media and is commonly utilized as an expert commentator on all issues involving sports.  He is regularly featured on national news networks including CNBC, CNN, MSNBC, ESPN and in newspapers such as The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal.  Brandon has guest lectured at some of the top business schools in the country including: The Harvard Business School, The Kellogg School of Business, Columbia and Yale among others.

He also devotes his time to several charities including sitting on the board of Camp Sussex, a camp for underprivileged children.  Brandon is also actively involved with Family Services of Westchester, which recently opened up a home for boys and helps to provide quality social and mental health services to strengthen families, children and individuals.

Brandon's book, The Business Playbook:  Leadership Lessons from the World of Sports, will be available for purchase.  All proceeds to benefit The Jerome Wagner Youth Residence for Boys in White Plains.

Join PT Council and Brandon for an interesting discussion and Q & A session.

Exciting door prizes including sports collectibles and Last Licks gift certificates!

CHILD invites you to join
Dr. Michael Mendelson, Director of Special Education &
Kristen Calderola, pediatric Occupational Therapist, for a discussion on Occupational Therapy

Tuesday, December 18, 7:30 pm
Fox Meadow Multipurpose Room

Topics will include:
What is occupational therapy?
What is my child doing during his or her sessions?
What is sensory integration and are sensory related activities part of Scarsdale's occupational services?

The Gift of Education

The SHS PTA Scholarship Fund for College has served a crucial role in helping to finance the college education of many Scarsdale High School graduates.

Once again this year the Scholarship Fund is asking for your help in providing grants to help fund freshman-year costs to those students whose families are facing financial hardship. We all recognize the skyrocketing costs of college combined with unexpected illness, divorce, loss of a parent or loss of income; paying for college could become an impossibility...it could happen to any of us, and it does, even in Scarsdale.

The Scholarship Fund is dependent on your generous support, so please help ensure that our students who have worked so hard for college acceptances have the opportunity to attend. Donations can be made directly to the SHS PTA Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 147H, Scarsdale, New York 10583. You may consider ordering gift cards by filling out and mailing the form below, for a special teacher, friend or family member and give the gift of education for this holiday season.  The forms are also available at shspta.org.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Tara Tyberg at tst1123@aol.com

Thank you so much for your support.

SHS PTA Scholarship Fund for College

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 HAPPY HOLIDAYS      
Give the Gift of Education for the Holidays   

This holiday season, instead of giving the standard teacher gifts, honor your child’s teacher by making a contribution, in the teacher’s  name, to the SHS PTA Scholarship Fund for College. What better way to express your holiday wishes while contributing to a cause that will help a Scarsdale graduate continue his or her education?    

The Scholarship Fund has printed lovely holiday cards for you to personalize. All donations to the Scholarship Fund are fully taxdeductible. To order your cards, please complete the form below.  

School_________________________________________________  Name__________________________________________________ Address________________________________________________ Email____________________________Phone_________________   

A packet of Holiday cards includes 4 cards and envelopes.
Each packet is a $60.00 donation.    

I would like to order______packet(s) @ $60 each totaling $______. Mail this order form, along with your check payable to the SHS PTA  Scholarship Fund, to: PO Box 147H, Scarsdale, NY  10583  

ALL ORDERS MUST BE RECEIVED BY DEC 10 TH   

An email will be sent to you when your order is available for pick up from your school PTA.  Questions?  Tara Smith Tyberg, 723-0589 or tst1123@aol.com

Dear Parents,
 
   The Scarsdale High School Senior Options Committee is trying to expand the sponser database. In case you are unfamiliar with the Senior Options Program, Senior Options is a program that every Scarsdale High School senior partakes in during the last quarter of senior year. In this program, seniors of SHS will become interns for various different companies or individuals who have occupations that interest the seniors. The Senior Options Committee is trying to recruit more sponsers, such as businesses or individuals, who are willing to take on SHS seniors as interns for a few weeks at the end of the school year. We want to provide a meaningful and educational experience for SHS seniors, and by expanding our sponsers we would be able to provide a larger array of choices that could be of genuine interest to the students. Since the Scarsdale PTA is very organized and is filled with many parents who are interested in the affairs of the community, we thought that reaching out to the parents would be a very effective way of recruiting new sponsers.
 
    Being a sponser would mean giving a 12th grade SHS student an intern-type of role at your place of business. To be in the database, all sponsers must provide their name, a brief description of the job, their phone number, and email address.
 
   If any of you parents are willing to help out or know anyone who is willing to help out in our search for more sponsers, please email Jennifer Nowierski, an SHS Senior Options Committe senior representative at jlnowierski@gmail.com.   Also, if anyone has any questions, feel free to email as well!
 
 I sincerely hope that we can continue expanding the Senior Options program in order to help students understand their interests and life goals. With the help of all of you, I know we can make that happen!
 
Thank you!
 
     - SHS Senior '08  Jennifer Nowierski

The Gift of Education

The SHS PTA Scholarship Fund for College has served a crucial role in helping to finance the college education of many Scarsdale High School graduates.

Once again this year the Scholarship Fund is asking for your help in providing grants to help fund freshman-year costs to those students whose families are facing financial hardship. We all recognize the skyrocketing costs of college combined with unexpected illness, divorce, loss of a parent or loss of income; paying for college could become an impossibility...it could happen to any of us, and it does, even in Scarsdale.

The Scholarship Fund is dependent on your generous support, so please help ensure that our students who have worked so hard for college acceptances have the opportunity to attend. Donations can be made directly to the SHS PTA Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 147H, Scarsdale, New York 10583. You may consider ordering gift cards by filling out and mailing the form below, for a special teacher, friend or family member and give the gift of education for this holiday season.  The forms are also available at shspta.org.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Tara Tyberg at tst1123@aol.com

Thank you so much for your support.

SHS PTA Scholarship Fund for College

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 HAPPY HOLIDAYS      
Give the Gift of Education for the Holidays   

This holiday season, instead of giving the standard teacher gifts, honor your child’s teacher by making a contribution, in the teacher’s  name, to the SHS PTA Scholarship Fund for College. What better way to express your holiday wishes while contributing to a cause that will help a Scarsdale graduate continue his or her education?    

The Scholarship Fund has printed lovely holiday cards for you to personalize. All donations to the Scholarship Fund are fully taxdeductible. To order your cards, please complete the form below.  

School_________________________________________________  Name__________________________________________________ Address________________________________________________ Email____________________________Phone_________________   

A packet of Holiday cards includes 4 cards and envelopes.
Each packet is a $60.00 donation.    

I would like to order______packet(s) @ $60 each totaling $______. Mail this order form, along with your check payable to the SHS PTA  Scholarship Fund, to: PO Box 147H, Scarsdale, NY  10583  

ALL ORDERS MUST BE RECEIVED BY DEC 10 TH   

An email will be sent to you when your order is available for pick up from your school PTA.  Questions?  Tara Smith Tyberg, 723-0589 or tst1123@aol.com

Over the last ten years, we have all experienced concern for our family's safety with the emergence of the West-Nile virus, SARS, and most recently the fear of a bird flu pandemic. A pandemic event would alter how we live - our jobs, our children's schooling, and our social interactions. How do you protect your family? What preparations are being made on the local, state, and federal level in the event of a pandemic? Ms. Levin will be speaking to us about these issues following a two-month assignment to India, where she will have developed a health needs assessment during and post disaster.

KAREN L. LEVIN is project manager for Columbia University's Center for Public Health Preparedness and National Center for Disaster Preparedness. She was Regional Bioterrorism Epidemiology Coordinator for the Metropolitan region of the New York State Department of Health. Ms. Levin served with the World Health Organization's Polio Eradication AFRO team in Ethiopia. She was active in the New York City Department of Health response to the World Trade Center attacks and subsequent Anthrax release investigation. Earlier in her career she participated in the first response teams to West Nile Virus in New York and SARS in California. Ms. Levin has a degree in nursing and a Master's in Public Health. She is a certified Health Education Specialist and maintains her disaster responder status with Health and Human Services.

Date/Time:    Tuesday, 12/4; 7:30-9:00 pm
Location:    Scarsdale High School
Cost:    FREE

#-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NAME _____________________________________________

ADDRESS _____________________________________________

CITY, STATE, ZIP _______________________________________

DAY PHONE   _______________ EVE PHONE _________________
                
EMAIL (internal use only) __________________________________________

Please complete the form and mail it to the address below, with a check made to Scarsdale Adult School.

You may register online using a credit card.

Scarsdale Adult School
P.O. Box 205
Scarsdale, NY  10583

MAROON AND WHITE HOLIDAY BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT- Nov. 29, Nov. 30, and Dec. 1, 2007
 
The Maroon and White Holiday Basketball Tournament featuring the SHS Varsity Girls' and Boys' teams will be held at Scarsdale High School on Thursday, November 29th at 5 pm and 7 pm, Friday, November 30th at 6 pm and 8 pm, and Saturday, December 1st at 1 pm, 3 pm, 5 pm and 7 pm .  FREE terry cloth wristbands will be given away to students at the Friday evening games, while supplies last.  Admission is $3 for adults, $1 for students and children 5 and under are free.  Come and support Raider Basketball!
 

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

THE SUMMER ACTIVITIES FAIR

Tuesday, November 27, 2007
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

As part of our continuing news about developments in Advanced Topics classes, we are featuring this summary of the work of Social Studies courses during the first quarter of this school year.   

What's New in the Social Studies Department Advanced Topics Classes  
First Quarter - 2007   

Comparative Government  

The Advanced Topics Comparative Government class has spent the last quarter in an intensive investigation of  globalization and its impact on India and within Europe.  In their study of India, the Comparative Government class has done extensive reading of scholarly periodicals such as Foreign Affairs and other publications as they examine the impact of outsourcing on India. In particular, the AT Comparative Government classes have investigated the impact that globalization has had on the Indian village system that is such a vital component of Indian political and social structure.  Furthermore, during the first quarter, the AT Comparative Government class debated the relationship between Britain and the European Union.  With the political ascendancy of Gordon Brown in the United Kingdom and Nicolas Sarkozy in France, the AT Comparative Government class conducted a number of spirited debates about the future of the European Union as both a political and economic force within Europe.          


AT Western Civilization  

The Advanced Topics course in Western Civilization over the past quarter has included a vastly expanded roster of readings including many primary documents such as Jonathan Swift's landmark essay "A Modest Proposal."  Further, the course now includes close readings of noted historiographic works written by experts in the field.  Most recently, AT Western Civilization students read excerpts from the work of the noted economic historian Joel Mokyr of Northwestern University.  As for the current events component of the curriculum, Advanced Topics in Western Civilization also included an expanded coverage with students writing two in-depth news analyses this quarter about current global economic and political events.       


AT United States History  

Advanced Topics U.S. History students in the first quarter have participated in activities that have deepened and enriched their learning. Some of these activities have included participation in the Lincoln Center Visiting Artists program which including a performance of the play "Fly" dramatizing the experiences of the Tuskegee Airmen and the civil rights struggles of the 1940s and 1950s.  Work with Lincoln Center program also coincided with the visit of Dr. Terrence Roberts, a member of the "The Little Rock Nine" who were the first students to integrate Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1957.  Other AT United States History classes have done an extensive investigation of slavery.  Using over 80 primary documents, students wrote their own history of slavery in the United States.  Incorporating current events into the curriculum, some classes began the year with an in-depth investigation into the history of Iraq and U.S. involvement in the region. At the beginning of the second quarter, teachers and classes will also have an opportunity to meet and dialogue with Professor Virginia Drachman (SHS class of 1967) of Tufts University who is a noted scholar in American history.         


AT Economics  

Students in the Advanced Topics in Economics have addressed many of the current issues facing the United States economy.  Students have conducted in depth investigations of issues such as the federal minimum wage and the current state of the U.S. macro-economy.  In particular, students have studied the impact of the recent collapse of the sub-prime mortgage market and its impact on the U.S. economy.  The quarter ended with students writing a state of the U.S. economy paper which required them to synthesize the conflicting data from the third quarter of 2007.       


AT United States Government  

Students in the Advanced Topics course in U.S. Government have had a rich array of experiences this past quarter focusing closely on contemporary foreign policy issues facing the United States.  Students this past quarter studied the rise of Islamic militancy and the United States' responses to the threat posed by fundamentalist Islam.  To this end, AT U.S. Government students read the Pulitzer Prize winning book The Looming Tower by Lawrence Wright.  Study of this text was then followed up by a lecture from Professor Fawaz Gerges of Sarah Lawrence College who is one of the most noted scholars on the rise of jihadism within the Islamic world.   This past quarter, classes have also expanded their study of campaigns and elections and drawn links to the upcoming Presidential primary elections in January.   


AT Psychology  

The Advanced Topics Psychology class began the year with an investigation of bio-psychology, neuropsychology and the role of perception and sensation.  As the first quarter progressed, students moved into the creation and execution of their own psychological studies.  Based on the seminal research of Abraham Maslow and Stanley Milgram on conformity and obedience, AT Psychology students have learned the necessary steps of formal psychological research, including the creation of a study that required a preliminary presentation to an institutional review board.  At the beginning of the second quarter, students have continued their study of psychology while also conducting the subsequent steps of their self-designed conformity and obedience studies. The class also continued close readings of contemporary psychological research in scholarly publications.
     

This holiday season, the Scarsdale High School Government is
sponsoring a canned food drive between November 19th and November
30th.  In an effort to combat hunger in our county, we are asking all
students to donate food items, which will ultimately be donated to the
Westchester Food Bank. The food should be deposited at the Brewster
and Post Road entrances. Please remind your kids about this event, so
we, as a school, can take one step towards ending hunger.

School Government

Over the last ten years, we have all experienced concern for our family's safety with the emergence of the West-Nile virus, SARS, and most recently the fear of a bird flu pandemic. A pandemic event would alter how we live - our jobs, our children's schooling, and our social interactions. How do you protect your family? What preparations are being made on the local, state, and federal level in the event of a pandemic? Ms. Levin will be speaking to us about these issues following a two-month assignment to India, where she will have developed a health needs assessment during and post disaster.

KAREN L. LEVIN is project manager for Columbia University's Center for Public Health Preparedness and National Center for Disaster Preparedness. She was Regional Bioterrorism Epidemiology Coordinator for the Metropolitan region of the New York State Department of Health. Ms. Levin served with the World Health Organization's Polio Eradication AFRO team in Ethiopia. She was active in the New York City Department of Health response to the World Trade Center attacks and subsequent Anthrax release investigation. Earlier in her career she participated in the first response teams to West Nile Virus in New York and SARS in California. Ms. Levin has a degree in nursing and a Master's in Public Health. She is a certified Health Education Specialist and maintains her disaster responder status with Health and Human Services.

Date/Time:    Tuesday, 12/4; 7:30-9:00 pm
Location:    Scarsdale High School
Cost:    FREE

#-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NAME _____________________________________________

ADDRESS _____________________________________________

CITY, STATE, ZIP _______________________________________

DAY PHONE   _______________ EVE PHONE _________________
                
EMAIL (internal use only) __________________________________________

Please complete the form and mail it to the address below, with a check made to Scarsdale Adult School.

You may register online using a credit card.

Scarsdale Adult School
P.O. Box 205
Scarsdale, NY  10583

In an ongoing effort to educate parents and children about the dangers of underage substance abuse, the Task Force on Drugs and Alcohol will start posting  monthly factoids for the parent community. Each month you can read an item that either gives a little nugget of knowledge, or is a good taking off point for a discussion between parent and child. You will find the factoid and details about the item on their website: www.scarsdaletaskforce.com/index

This month's factoid:

The hippocampus is the part of the brain that is responsible for a person's memory and learning ability. In an underage drinker the hippocampus can be 10% smaller than that part of the brain in an underage non-drinker.  Underage drinking affects the brain development of 12 to 21 year-olds.


If you have any questions, concerns or suggestions, please contact the Task Force.  Their email address is scarsdaletf2003@aol.com
 
--Ann Sacher & Melpo Fite
Co-chairs Scarsdale Task Force on Drugs and Alcohol

In case you were wondering..... it's not too late to become a member of the PTA!

We are trying to avoid spending $ on another snail mail membership request.  Almost  75% of you have already responded.  If you are among those who have not, please join now!


Brought to you by the PTA in October and November ALONE:

Parent Teacher Conferences
Multicultural Thanksgiving Lunch
Summer Activities Fair

Ongoing:
College and Career Center
Y.E.S. Office


These activities are administered by volunteers and are funded by your DUES.   We count on your support.    Please download the membership form and become a member today.   In the spirit of Thanksgiving, we are very thankful for your support.

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

THE SUMMER ACTIVITIES FAIR

Tuesday, November 27, 2007
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

As advocates of our student theatrical artists, we are writing to urge you to attend this weekend’s SHS Drama Club annual musical production, “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.” Please urge your children to attend as well. We’re hoping for a very full house because we want to show the kids how much the community values, respects and appreciates their efforts.

 Performances are: Friday, November 16 and Saturday, November 17 at 8:00 pm and Sunday, November 18th at 3:00. The kids have been working really hard, there’s a lot of great talent, and it makes all the difference in the world to them when seats are filled. So please mark your calendars and be prepared to be entertained well beyond your expectation.

  Tickets are available at the door, $10 students, $15 adults. Thank you.

  Sincerely,

  Sandy Failla & Margo Kornfeld, Co-Presidents
  Friends of Music and the Arts

Another Epi-pen has been turned into the nurse's office. If your child has lost his/hers, it's here!

The last lost one was claimed by 2 students and was given to the first claimant. Perhaps this one has been missing for a while and belongs to the 2nd??

Send the owner to me.
Thanks,
Karen Steefel

What's coming up this week:

Wednesday, November 14th.  Thanksgiving Luncheon sponsored by the High School and Middle School Multicultural Committees.
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM at the Girl Scout House on Wayside Lane.  All are welcome.

Wednesday, November 14th.  College Financial Planning for Parents of Seniors and Juniors.  7:30 PM in the Little Theater.

Thursday, November 15th.  Joint PT Council/ C.H.I.L.D. meeting featuring speaker, Jonathan Mooney.  Jonathan Mooney is a dyslexic writer and activist who learned to read when he was 12 years old.  He since earned an honors degree in English Literature at Brown University and has written and published two books.  He will discuss how parents and teachers can help empower their student's educational experience.  This promises to be an interesting evening.  7:30 PM at the Middle School.

Thursday, November 15th.  Corrections to the directory are due.

Friday, November 16th,  Saturday, November 17th , and Sunday, November 18th. Drama Club Musical:  "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying."
 Performances are: Friday, November 16 and Saturday, November 17 at 8:00 pm and Sunday, November 18th at 3:00
 Tickets are available at the door, $10 students, $15 adults.

Dear Parents of High School students,  

Alcohol Edu for high school is a Web-based prevention program that engages students with facts and skills-based content and proven prevention techniques.  The program was developed by leading prevention experts at Outside the Classroom in conjunction with Mothers Against Drunk Driving.  
Any parent who would like to experience Alcohol Edu firsthand may do so with the following information. The survey takes between 1-2 hours to complete and works best from Internet Explorer.  You may take the survey in small increments of time and simply enter as a returning user. The survey includes a final exam.  All entries and responses are strictly confidential and no one has access to this information.  

Go to:  http://highschool.alcoholedu.com/login.asp
Use the following login:  7HH28443PARENT

You will be prompted to enter a user name and password and then simply follow the instructions on the screen.  

If you have any questions you may contact me.   
Emelie Sciarpelletti, District Health Coordinator 721-2321
 esciarpelletti@scarsdaleschools.org.  

Please plan on attending our next  SHS PTA meeting on Friday, November 2nd at 7:45 a.m. (morning meeting) in Room 170-172.

Following the business portion of the meeting, you'll hear from members of the math department about acceleration in the district and in particular, what to expect in math beginning with your student's entry from middle school through his/her freshman year.  There will be time for questions from parents.

For those of you who are unable to attend, the meeting will be broadcast on Channel 77.

Reminder from Maroon and White:
 
As the Fall Awards Dinner for athletes (November 7) approaches, we would like to remind you to send in your RSVP and check to reserve a seat or seats at the dinner.  We cannot accept checks or cash at the door.  If you can’t find your reply form, please send and e-mail to whytehill@aol.com.
 
Maroon and White
Fall Awards Dinner Committee

Please plan on attending our next  SHS PTA meeting on Friday, November 2nd at 7:45 a.m. in Room 170-172.

Following the business portion of the meeting, you'll hear from members of the math department about acceleration in the district and in particular, what to expect in math beginning with your student's entry from middle school through his/her freshman year.  There will be time for questions from parents.

Dear Students and Parents.

 With Halloween approaching in only a few days, I want to take this opportunity to enlist your support of a safe and responsible event for elementary school children.  As you are aware, two years ago there were several instances of unruly middle and high school students in the Edgewood School area in particular.  Last year, the Scarsdale Police Department was especially vigilant in the neighborhood and throughout Scarsdale, and the community enjoyed an incident-free Halloween. Your cooperation again this year can repeat that experience. 

 Please respect this special event for elementary children and display the kind of behavior that represents us at our very best.  I remind you that the Standards for Extracurricular Participation at SHS governing sports and club membership remain in effect, and will be enforced accordingly.

 I have provided messages below from Chief of Police John Brogan regarding Halloween as well as an invitation from the Scarsdale Teen Center for special activities on Halloween night.

 Thanks for making Halloween 2007 an evening in which we can all take pride.

 Sincerely,

 John Klemme
 Principal, SHS


A Halloween Message from the Police Chief 

 In stark contrast to our experiences of October 31, 2005, the community enjoyed a safe, secure, and festive holiday on Halloween, 2006.  This was due largely to the efforts of many segments of the community including various neighborhood associations, the Mayor and the Board of Trustees, the Scarsdale PTA, the Scarsdale PBA, the Scarsdale Board of Education, the Scarsdale Volunteer Fire Fighters and numerous other groups that worked closely with the Police Department to foster that environment.

 Obviously, the Police Department is hoping that Halloween 2007 brings a repeat of the 2006 experience.  However, we are not relying solely on hope for the outcome.  Once again, the Scarsdale Police Department will have an enhanced police presence on Halloween night, will take a zero tolerance approach to unlawful activities and will aggressively react to any displays of public disorder.  Numerous volunteers will assist the Police Department in its mission to maintain order and will be stationed in strategic positions throughout the Village to report acts of disorderly conduct.

 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.  Our Deployment Plan, which can be found on the Village website, 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. 

 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.  

 As it did in 2006, the Scarsdale PBA is sponsoring a food drive for My Sister's Place, a domestic violence shelter in Westchester County. We strongly urge parents to encourage their children to take whatever funds they might expend on the aforementioned items and purchase canned goods and non-perishable food items for donation to this worthy cause. Donated goods can be dropped off in the lobby of the Scarsdale Police Department at any time of day or night from October 23rd to November 1st.  Shelter administrators and residents alike were grateful for the generous response from the Scarsdale Community in 2006 and we look forward to a more successful drive this year.

 Last year, as I drove through the streets of Scarsdale on Halloween night, it was most apparent to me that a tenor of respect, for neighbors, neighborhoods and fellow celebrants, permeated the evening and enhanced the good time had by the many hundreds of teenagers, parents and young children who walked and mingled in the streets.  We are confident that this same tenor will dominate this year's festivities, but the Police Department is nonetheless prepared if this is not the case. 

 Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

 John A. Brogan
 Chief of Police


 The Scarsdale Teen Center is committed to providing a safe and fun
 alternative for teens this Halloween. Throughout the afternoon on
 October 31, teens are welcome to stop by STC for some Halloween  treats and cider. Beginning at 6:30 PM, bands from both Scarsdale
 and Edgemont will be playing live music for everyone to enjoy.
 Please encourage your teens to follow the guidelines set by the police to ensure a safe and fun Halloween 2007 for everyone. The
 Scarsdale Teen Center as a safe and fun alternative for teens for
 Halloween. 

 If you have any questions please contact Jessica Edelman, Director at 722-8358 or ScarsdaleTeenCenter@gmail.com. For information about all of the STC programs, join our mailing list by visiting the STC website at www.ScarsdaleTeenCenter.com.

On Monday, October 29th, at 7:30 pm, an exciting program will be presented at Scarsdale High School in the auditorium. 

Most of your students have read the book, Warriors Don't Cry, by Melba Pattillo Beals, in either 7th or 8th grade.  The book is about the desegregation of Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1957.  The  nine students who became known as "The Little Rock Nine"  were met with resistance from the Governor of their state and from many residents of Little Rock.  After much violence, President Eisenhower sent troops to Little Rock to accompany these students to school. 

Ask your students if they remember the book or anything about "The Little Rock Nine".  Most likely they will have a clear memory of that moment in U.S. History.  Terrence Roberts was one of these students and he will be speaking about the experience and how it relates to the world today.  It promises to be an enlightening evening that should spark interesting dialogue.  We strongly encourage you to attend with your children.

"My choice to join this group of nine was an act of bearing witness to
the sacrifices of all those who have spilled their blood in the ongoing
fight for equal rights in this country."
-Dr. Terrence J. Roberts


The event is open to the entire community and is made possible by Facing History and Ourselves.
Co-sponsored by: Scarsdale PT Council, Edgewood, Fox Meadow, Greenacres, Heathcote, Quaker Ridge, Middle School and High School PTAs, the High School Compact Committee, the Scarsdale District Equity and Access Committee, and STI

For parents and students who were unable to buy directories at P-T Conferences, copies of the 2007-2008 student directory are available for sale in the principal's office with Sandy Skalaski, Mr. Klemme's assistant.  Directories cost $5 each.

Jonathan Mooney, author of Learning Outside the Lines and The Short Bus will discuss how parents and teachers can help empower their student's educational experience.  Jonathan Mooney is a dyslexic writer and activist who did not learn to read until he was 12 years old.  He is a graduate of Brown University's class of 2000 and holds an honors degree in English Literature.  Jonathan is founder and President of Project Eye-To- Eye, a mentoring and advocacy non-profit organization for students with learning differences.

"Jonathan Mooney is an uplifting, rebellious voice who will strike a chord with anyone who has ever had a hard time marching in step in a culture of conformity."
Edward M. Hallowell M.D., author of "Delivered From Distraction"

Thursday, November 15th at 7:30 p.m.
Scarsdale Middle School

Middle School & High School Students Welcome

Dear Fellow Parents & Arts Enthusiasts:

 We are writing to urge you consider joining Friends of Music and the Arts in the Scarsdale Schools.

As you know, we have a wonderful music and arts curriculum in the Scarsdale Schools. Thanks to passionate parent volunteers and contributors, “Friends” helps provide the added value that you may be unaware of...from refreshments at chorus and band concerts to special purchases like video displays, digital cameras, i pods and musical instruments to sponsoring visiting artist programs.

 We’re a parent run organization - with actively involved faculty liaisons at the the school and district levels. Part of our task is to fund music and art “extras” for all Scarsdale Schools that are outside the school budget but can make a great difference. The other part is to continually advocate and promote music and arts education and enrichment.

 The membership fee is only $20. Please consider an additional gift as well.

 Members will be e-mailed updates on our activities, accomplishments and gifts throughout the academic year. And, we welcome you as a volunteer.

 Please print the attached membership form, complete it and mail it today. We need your help and the school district depends on it. Thank you.


Warmly,
 
Sandy  &  Margo
Sandy Failla, 723-5350 SDPF5321@aol.com, Margo Kornfeld, 725-1042, margok@a-teamadvisors.com
Co-Presidents

2007-2008 Membership Form

Please print clearly and complete all information

Name:___________________________  Phone:__________________

Address:__________________________  e-mail:__________________

Enclosed is my $20.00 membership    $_____
Additional contribution                          $_____
                                    Total                 $_____

I have children in:
___ Edgewood      ____Greenacres      ____SHS       ____SMS
___ Fox Meadow  ____Heathcote         ____Quaker Ridge

My children are involved in:
___ Band              ____ Chorus            ____Drama
___ Orchestra       ____ Art

I would like to help and actively be involved in:
___ Program        ____ Hospitality       ____ Other

Comments: ______________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

Thank you!

Please mail this sheet with check to:
Friends of Music and the Arts, P.O. Box 171H, Scarsdale, NY 10583

To all parents of Winter Sports participants.

Winter sports are just around the corner. Today is the first day that
Ice Hockey players (except the Modified team members) can get their Gold
Cards.

All other Varsity and J.V. players (and Modified Ice Hockey) can get
theirs from  Monday, October 28th.

Freshman team members can get their Gold Cards from November 14th.

Please send your child in to my office during a free period (or
before/after school)  to inquire as to what they need to do to make this
a painless procedure.

Very often coaches tell their players that they need a Physician's
Physical exam when they don't.  (and only  my office knows for sure)
Because of this, needless calls/visits to or work for the doctors is
made. This causes a backlog of paperwork for their office workers and
those athletes who really  do  need their services are unduly delayed
and occasionally miss practices because of this delay.

So please encourage your child to start this process now.

Call 721-2550 with questions.
Thanks, Karen

If you need to make a correction in the high school directory,  please go to the SHS PTA website and click on Corrections for the SHS Directory.  Mail your correction form by November 15 to:

Wendy Weinstein
41 Butler Road
Scarsdale, NY 10583

 Dear Parents,
 We would like to sincerely thank all 216 volunteers for the Parent/Teacher Conference nights along with the 18 members of our committee. Such an enormous event could not possibly happen without the commitment of so many SHS parents. Thank you all!
 Sincerely,
 Melanie Spivak and Marina Chen Huang

October 2007

Dear Parents,

A parent recently spoke to me and conveyed that now seems to be the time when many seniors are contemplating travel over spring vacation.
Although I agreed earlier this fall to write a letter later in the year in support of the Drug and Alcohol Task Force's recommendation for vacation plans during Spring Break, I am instead sending that message now.

I am convinced, like many members of the parent community, that unchaperoned travel to Spring Break locations constitutes a significant threat to our students. These trips have the potential to place students in compromising situations, including physical and legal jeopardy, and in point of fact, those dangers have unfortunately been realized for many students in the United States over the years.  It could happen to your child.  

You should know that the majority of our students do not travel unchaperoned over break, and I hope you will take seriously the recommendation of the Task Force to establish clear limits for your children on this issue.

There are alternatives available for your teenagers:  traveling with you and a few friends, having an adult accompany students to Spring Break destinations, sharing vacation plans with other families, or staying home for a family vacation in Scarsdale.

Student safety is our highest priority at the High School.  I urge you to exercise that same concern as you consider vacation plans for your teenager over Spring Break.

Sincerely,


John Klemme

Announcement of Eligibility for Tenure


As part of the ongoing evaluation of professional performance, the Scarsdale 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 1, 2008.


Teachers Eligible for Tenure at Scarsdale High School

James Borgia
Julie Chen
Stacey Dawes
Judy Hochberg
Maria Moreira
Olu Omoloju
Michael Riccardo
Adam Wagner
Jennifer Wagner
 James Williams

Little Rock Nine speaker event - Oct. 29, 7:30 PM at SHS
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
Activist Terrence Roberts of  the 1950's Little Rock Nine, who pioneered desegregation in the South, will speak at  a special community-wide assembly at the High School auditorium on Monday, October 29th  at 7:30 PM. This exciting and enlightening program is open to all ages, and we hope it will inspire many parent-child discussions about history and human rights issues.
 
Terrence Roberts is one of the nine students who desegregated Central High in 1957.  The nine students were met with resistance from the Governor of their state and from many residents of Little Rock.  After much violence, President Eisenhower sent troops to Little Rock to accompany these students to school.  Terrence's story is one of courage and perserverance in a time of turmoil.  It encourages all people to be the change and to continue to make a positive difference. 

"My choice to join this group of nine was an act of bearing witness to
the sacrifices of all those who have spilled their blood in the ongoing
fight for equal rights in this country."
-Dr. Terrence J. Roberts

The speaking engagement is made possible by Facing History and  
Ourselves.  Co-sponsored by: Scarsdale PT Council, Edgewood, Fox  
Meadow, Greenacres, Heathcote, Quaker Ridge, Middle School and High  
School PTAs, the High School Compact Committee,  the Scarsdale District Equity and 
Access Committee, and STI.

 

Parents,

At Friday night's football game,  the SHS senior class will jump start the school's yearlong campaign to "Go Orange".  Food Bank for  New York City is asking  organizations and individuals to "Go Orange"- the color of hunger awareness-  to fight hunger.  The senior class will give away a free bag of chips to anyone who brings a can of food.  Please encourage your students to participate!

 Feed the Hungry, Support the Raiders, and Support the Senior Class!


-The School Government

Join the community effort to “GO GREEN”

The Scarsdale School District began its Sustainability Initiative, vowing to measurably reduce our negative impact on the environment.

SHS PTA is taking a first step with the sale of reusable grocery bags.

    o    The production of plastic bags consumes millions of gallons of oil that could be used for fuel and heating.
    o    Paper bags, which many people consider a better alternative to plastic bags, carry their own set of environmental problems.
    o    Just one cloth bag, can eliminate the need for hundreds, even thousands of paper and plastic bags.


Bags will be on sale at P-T Conferences on October 18th.  Please support the environment and the PTA by making a purchase!  (one bag for $6 and 2 for $10)



Directories will also be on sale that evening and PTA membership dues will be collected so please be prepared.

IMPORTANT REMINDER- PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES


Thank you for volunteering to be a timekeeper for Parent-Teacher Conferences.  We are counting on you to be at the Brewster Road lobby between 6:15-6:30 pm on Thursday, October 18 to get your teacher assignment.

 As the PTA strives to continue improving this event, please make sure we have an accurate record of your service by making sure your information is correct and the teacher's name is entered on our roster at the check-in desk.

 Please review the timekeeper's instructions  carefully.

 If an emergency arises and it is impossible for you to come, please be sure to arrange for a substitute and notify Melanie Spivak 725-3770 or  mel47b@aol.com immediately.

 Once again, we thank you all so much for helping to make these evenings possible.

 Conference Co-Chairs:
 Marina Chen Huang (722-9342 or marinahuang38@gmail.com  )
 Melanie Spivak (725-3770 or mel47b@aol.com )

 

CHILD meeting Tuesday October 23 - featuring Dr. Paul Folkemer
7:30 pm at the Fox Meadow Multipurpose Room, 2nd Floor

Dr. Folkemer will discuss details on Scarsdale's collaboration with Windward and other professional development initiatives in the areas of reading and writing instruction. 

He will also update us on the future of Trailblazers and the pilot math programs being tested in our elementary schools.

Attention: Parent/Teacher Conference Update

If your assigned parent-teacher conference evening is October 18th, appointments can still be made online until 5:00 pm on Monday October 15th. If you miss this deadline, or if your assigned night was not 10/18, you can still go to the conference and sign up on site, we have purposely left open slots every 10 minutes just for this purpose.

To all of the 110 timekeepers who worked last night, please accept our sincere appreciation. This evening could not have proceeded without your generous contribution of time and effort. If you have already had your conferences but not yet registered as a timekeeper, please volunteer for next Thursday, October 18 and register or please contact Melanie Spivak at mel47B@aol.com.

Parent/Teacher Conference Committee

Attn SHS Parents,

Tomorrow night is the first night of conferences and we are still short volunteers. It is unfortunate that we must come back to you 24 hours before the evening and let you know that we still cannot fill the positions needed to make the evening run adequately.  If you cannot volunteer, please ask other SHS parents. There must be more parents in our high school community who can participate so that we may ALL benefit from this important evening.
Please contact Melanie Spivak at mel47b@aol.com to volunteer for tomorrow night October 10th.
Thank you.

 Parent/Teacher Conference Committee

Several members of the SHS faculty and I had the opportunity last month to share progress on the implementation of the Advanced Topics Plan.  At the first PTA meeting of the year, Assistant Principal Kelley Hamm presented a summary of the work of the College Information Task Force (which includes parent representation) with specific examples of the communication we have initiated with colleges about the plan, including an updated high school profile and letters to admissions offices about the AP/AT  transition.

Kelley also spoke about the college and university partnerships we are developing in each academic department and the work of teachers over the summer and in the 2007-08 school year.  He also noted that while the real work of the AT Validation Task Force (which also includes parents) will focus on an analysis of college admissions data in December and April, we have already scheduled a meeting of the group in October to define protocols and criteria for evaluating AT implementation.

Social Studies and Art Department Chairs John Harrison and Maria DeAngelis next reviewed the new focus in each of their departments and were supported in their presentations by teachers Adam Weisler, Tom Maguire, and Beth Colleary.  Each teacher described the activities for students in AT U.S. History, AT Government, AT Studio Art, and AT Art History that are underway and explained how those tasks encourage students to work in ways that emphasize the skills that university teachers say they will need in college.  We concluded the evening with a question and answer period with parents that further clarified our strategies for successful implementation and preparation for AT courses in other disciplines in future years.  If you were unable to attend the recent meeting, you may wish to see it on Channel 77; a schedule of broadcasts can be found on the district website.

Meanwhile, along with three other deans, Director of Counseling Barbara Sarullo recently returned from the annual conference of the National Association of College Admissions Counselors (NACAC) in Austin, Texas.  Barbara chaired a session on our AT program and was assisted by Ted Spencer of the University of Michigan and Bill Fitzsimmons of Harvard.  Both college officers cautioned a standing room audience that the AT initiative was not for every school, but were quick to observe that districts with Scarsdale’s reputation should be moving in the direction of providing students with curricula that go deeper than the traditional AP program allows.  Both admissions officers were extremely supportive of the goals and strategies of our work in Scarsdale and acknowledged that we were a pioneer in the development of rich courses of study that prepare students for the realities of college academics.

Prior to speaking in Austin, Barbara and her SHS colleagues toured several colleges in the Chicago area.  At the University of Chicago, professors suggested to an audience of counselors from across the country that a movement away from AP courses would be in the best interest of students considering application.  

Although we are only a few weeks into the implementation of our AT curricula, we are gratified by the strong support we have received thus far from students and their parents.  Our teachers are energized by the freedom they enjoy in designing meaningful courses, and work will continue throughout this school year in preparation for the next phase of the transition. After conducting the evaluations I’ve described, we will make a recommendation to the Superintendent for 2008-09, and the Board of Education will subsequently hold a public discussion.

We are committed to providing transparency to the first year of implementation of AT courses.  I will provide another update to parents at the November 3rd PTA meeting, and we plan a formal Education Report to the Board in February or March.  At this point, if you have any questions about AT implementation, the new AT courses, or any facet of the AT Program, please direct them to the appropriate department head or to the administrative team.  We would be pleased to meet with you or talk to you by phone at your convenience to clarify how the process is going.  We know the important responsibility we have to the SHS parent community, and we would be happy to respond to any comments or questions you may have on this subject.

John Klemme

 IMPORTANT REMINDER- PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES

Thank you for volunteering to be a timekeeper for Parent-Teacher Conferences.  We are counting on you to be at the Brewster Road lobby between 6:15-6:30 pm on Wednesday, October 10 to get your teacher assignment.

As the PTA strives to continue improving this event, please make sure we have an accurate record of your service by making sure your information is correct and the teacher's name is entered on our roaster at the check-in desk.

Please review the timekeeper's instructions carefully.

If an emergency arises and it is impossible for you to come, please be sure to arrange for a substitute and notify Melanie Spivak 725-3770 or  mel47b@aol.com immediately.

Once again, we thank you all so much for helping to make these evenings possible.

Conference Co-Chairs:
Marina Chen Huang (722-9342 or marinahuang38@gmail.com )
Melanie Spivak (725-3770 or mel47b@aol.com)

 

Reminder to save the date:
 
The annual Maroom and White Dinner honoring our fall athletes will be held on Wednesday,  November 7, 2007 at Lake Isle Country Club.  Invitations will be arriving in the mail shortly.  Please remember to RSVP and pay on time since no money will be collected at the door.

Dear SHS Parents,

Parent/Teacher Conferences are scheduled beginning next week. We still do not have enough volunteer timekeepers to proceed with the evenings. We urge you to please consider giving your time for one evening so that YOU may have the opportunity to meet with your child's teachers.
Please contact Melanie Spivak at mel47b@aol.com to volunteer.
Thank you for your support.

Parent Teacher Conference Committee

The Fall 2007 Westchester-Putnam College Conference
Monday, October 15, 2007
Details:
Colleges and their representatives from all over the country gather under one roof for high school students and their parents to meet and discuss students college needs.
Hours:
Mon. 6:30pm-9pm
Cost:
Admission is free. parking $4
Location:
Westchester County Center, 198 Central Avenue, White Plains , NY  10606
For additional information:
 914-995-4050
Westchester County Center
Website: http://wpccc.org

Just a reminder that online signup for Parent-Teacher Conferences begins tomorrow, Thursday, October 4!

Make sure you recheck the  teacher station directory: Mr. Ginsberg and Ms. Silver will now be available for conferences on both evenings. Also please note that Mr. Vaughan  will be available for conferences on October 10th only, starting at 6:30pm and will stay until 9:30. Ms Johnson will be available for conferences on October 18th only and will start at 6pm.

Please go to www.shspta.org  and click on

NEW! Parent-Teacher Conferences -- Information and Tutorial  and proceed to

Sign Up System.

 

The Parent-Teacher Conference Committee

Dear Parents

 By now you have received  a letter by school email from Mr. Klemme concerning Parent-Teacher Conferences .  Online sign up for Parent-Teacher Conferences will be ready for use on Thursday, October 4.  In advance of registration, please take the time to complete the online 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, please:
 

      •     Familiarize yourself with your student's schedule .  You will need to know the names of each of your child's teachers and their conference room assignments.  This information can be found in a document called " Teacher Station Directory. "  This directory was  updated  on Oct 2 with new information regarding teachers who can only attend one evening. Please note that teachers' room locations on conference night may be different from their usual classroom locations. 
           *If your child has Mr. Vaughn  for Science,  he will be seeing parents on Oct 10 only but will start early at  6:30pm and stay late until 9:30 to accommodate all parents.
           *If your child has Ms. Johnson for Social Studies, she will be seeing parents on Oct 18 only but will start early at 6:00pm to accommodate all parents.

      •      You will need to know your child's student ID number .  The ID is required both for viewing the school map and to sign up for conference appointments.  Your child's ID can be found on the front of his/her student ID card, on his/her schedule, or on a previous report card. 

      •     Plan the most efficient route from room to room. Please consult with your child and the school floorplans by signing in on the page " Teacher Stations Layout."    Your child's ID is required for viewing this information for security purposes
 .
      •     Remember to allow yourself 10-15 minutes between appointments .
      •     Plan to be at the High School for the entire two hours .
      •     AOL users: if you should encounter any problems, please use an alternate browser such as Internet Explorer, Firefox, or Safari.


        For questions or problems please contact Melanie Spivak at mel47b@aol.com

           or Marina Chen Huang at  marinahuang38@gmail.com 


 The Parent-Teacher Conference Committee

First I want to thank all of you who have signed up as members of the PTA.  You have contributed to the many programs that the PTA organizes to benefit your children and your families.  You can stop reading now.

This is a plea to those of you who have not yet joined.
You joined in Elementary School.
You probably joined in Middle School. (you couldn't get a directory without joining)
WE STILL NEED YOU!!!!!
 

So far, in just the first weeks of school, the PTA has organized or has worked on:

The Directory
The Summer Mailing
The College and Career Center (ongoing throughout the year)
Staff Appreciation Lunch
Multicultural Welcome Breakfast
Welcome Coffee for families who are new to Scarsdale
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Volunteer Service Fair
Y.E.S. office (ongoing throughout the year)

Volunteers have represented the high school at various events and committee meetings:

Senior Options
Sports Swap
Task Force on Drugs and Alcohol
Compact Committee

AND MORE!!!

Our programs are funded through membership dues and directory sales, ONLY!!!

Please go to our website, www.shspta.org/jointhepta.htm, and join now!!!


Thank you.

Task Force on Drugs and Alcohol Meeting Summary-September 18, 2007
 
Mission Statement: The Task force is a community action group made up of concerned individuals, representatives of the schools, the Village, local , social and civic organizations and religious institutions. The Task Force educates youth and adults about drugs and alcohol, helps people develop drug-free attitudes and habits, and recommends resources to those whose lives are affected by drugs and alcohol dependency.
 
Parents coffees for 6th-9th grade parents will be held this Fall and Spring. The community will be notified and can sign-up by email.
 
 Paul Folkemer informed the attendees that the Alcohol Poisoning cards will be distributed to 7th and 8th graders and to Freshmen during Civ Ed and Freshman Seminar. Additional cards will be distributed to 10th-12th graders at different times throughout the year.
A new to Scarsdale alcohol education program called AlcoholEdu will be administered to all Freshmen. It is an interactive web-based prevention program that engages ninth grade students with non-opinionated science based content and proven prevention techniques. Eventually, the program will be made available to other HS grades. Emelie Sciarpelletti said parents can also log-on to AlcoholEdu. and should contact her to get log-on information. Mr. Folkemer discussed a parent focused teen drunk driving prevention campaign that is being conducted with some success in Utah. Information on this program can be accessed on PARENTSEMPOWERED.ORG .
 
Mr. Klemme mentioned that the school in conjunction with the Task Force is looking into a Spring speaker for the HS to discuss drunk driving. He also asked that all parents encourage responsible behavior during Halloween. A letter will distributed in the next few months with the schools’ view on Spring break for Seniors. The Teen Center is organizing an alternative trip for Seniors for Spring break.
 
There is a new HS Youth Outreach Worker named Matt Zysman. Scarsdale and Edgemont Family Counseling is staging a Fall Festival in Chase Park on October 20.
 
The Task Force will be offering a monthly factoid online through the website www.scarsdaletaskforce.com. In addition, the website will offer links to relevant articles on an on-going basis.
 
Respectfully submitted,
Beth Ehrich Berkeley, Diane Levy, Ellen Brodsky, Meg Goodman
Task Force HS Representatives
 

"Scarsdale High School and AT: Where are We Now?"  Principal John Klemme, Asst. Principal, Kelley Hamm, and members of the Art and Social Studies Departments give an update on Advanced Topics at the High School. Presented by the High School PTA. Taped Sep. 25.  Debuts Thursday, Sep. 27, 6:00,7:30, 9:00, 10:30 pm and Midnight. On CableVision ch. 77 or Verizon ch. 44.
 

It has come to my attention that several students who attended Kenwood
and Evergreen camps in New Hampshire, brought home more than they
expected- lice.

If your child went there, and has not had his/her head checked yet,
please do not delay in doing so. I am available if you prefer.

Also, it's been reported that there had been outbreaks at certain Maine
camps. If you are aware of which, or know of any elsewhere, please
contact me with the details. You could do this by e-mail (preferably- at
 ksteefel@scarsdaleschools.org) or phone- 721-2551.

Last year at the High School we were quite successful in minimizing the
outbreak. To repeat this success, I need to be made aware of each case
in the school so I can  follow-up with contacts. Confidentiality of
course, will be maintained (although students seem to be less concerned
about this than their parents).

Please take this opportunity to discuss preventative measures with your
child: no sharing of grooming aids, hats, helmets etc. NO BASEBALL CAP
SHARING AT TONIGHT'S GAME! Pony tails decrease likelihood of spread in
undiagnosed cases- both giving and receiving.

Thanks for your assistance,
Karen

Dear Parents,

Parent/Teacher Conference nights are quickly approaching, and signing up for your child's conferences are even closer. Please review the Signup System Tutorial, Frequently Asked Questions, and other helpful information via www.shspta.org . The system will be available on October 4th to sign up for your conferences.

These extraordinary evenings are made possible ONLY through the help of the parents of Scarsdale High School students. Please volunteer - we need 200 parents (dads and moms!) to sit as timekeepers. We appreciate your help on the evening you are not seeing your child's teacher. It is important to remember this year we have alternated the alphabetical order of the evenings as noted in the Community Calendar: Wednesday October 10 (L-Z) and Thursday October 18th (A-K).

These evenings will run smoothly, only with your help. Please sign up as timekeepers online at the Scarsdale PTA website (www.shspta.org) or contact conference co-chair Melanie Spivak at 725-3770.

Thank you so much.

To Parents of SHS Athletes:
The October 5th deadline for submission of ads for the SHS Sports Journal, published by Maroon and White, is quickly approaching.  This Journal is given to all athletes and their families at the 3 Maroon and White Awards celebrations (fall, spring and winter), and your ad will appear in all 3 publications.  The students eagerly look through the Journal for their family's ad, and at the same time, you will be helping to support Maroon and White and our student athletes.  If you need an ad form, please contact either Penny Bauersfeld (Bauersfeld@aol.com) or Nancy Michaels (eatright1@aol.com).  In addition, we will be happy to design an ad for you- just provide us with the specific information you would like to include in your ad.

Dear Parents,
 
The annual PTA Student Volunteer Service Fair is this Thursday, September 27th during the lunch periods (11:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.) in the Commons.
 
Students will have the opportunity to investigate and sign up for both in-school and out-of-school community service opportunities.  Please remind your student to take advantage of this special event.  All students who volunteer a minimum of 20 hours during the course of the school year will be honored at the Volunteer Service Recognition Assembly in May.
 
For more information, go to www.shspta.org and click the link for Volunteer Service Information.
 
Sincerely,
 
PTA Volunteer Service Committee
Gail Dobosh - Ldobosh@aol.com
Meg Goodman - Megoodman6@aol.com
Kim Meyers - Kimschles@aol.com
Jane Och - Jcapoch@aol.com

Please plan on attending our first SHS PTA Meeting for the 2007/2008 academic year
Tuesday, September 25th at 7:30 p.m. in the Little Theater

Following the business portion of the evening we will present a program: Scarsdale High School and AT... Where are we Now?
Join Principal, John Klemme, Assistant Principal, Kelley Hamm, and members of the Art and Social Studies Departments for an update on Advanced Topics at the High School.


A Welcome Coffee for new families will precede the meeting at 7:00 p.m. just outside of the Little Theater.

We look forward to seeing you!

The Scarsdale Task Force on Drugs and Alcohol invites you to our annual Parent Coffees

    Parents of 8th and 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. All parents are welcome and encouraged to attend.

2007 Parent Coffee Dates
Wednesday, October 10   9:00 -10:30 a.m.
Thursday, October 11  9:00 -10:30 a.m.
Thursday, October 11  7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Monday, October 22   9:00 - 10:30 a.m.
Thursday, October 25  7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Friday, October 26  9:00 - 10:30 a.m.

To sign up, please contact Diane Levy at:  Dile100@aol.com
Please include the following:
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 and phone number
Your assigned date and location will be confirmed by e-mail.

Join us to share ideas on how to keep our kids safe, healthy and on the right track.
The Scarsdale Task Force on Drugs and Alcohol
www.ScarsdaleTaskForce.com
Melpo Fite, Ann Sacher, Co-Chairs
Tina Adler, Suzanne Seiden, Robin Gottlieb and Kathy Cutlip

September 2007

Dear Parents and Students,

Scarsdale High School students have many opportunities to help out in our community through volunteer service.  There are a variety of organizations, both in our school and in our community, that need and welcome student volunteers.  

Through Community Service, students can help children, the elderly, patients in hospitals, the homeless, and the disabled.  Reaching out to others in need can be a fulfilling use of students’ free time after school and on the weekends.  Through In-School Service, students may choose to help teachers and staff in various capacities during a free period or study hall.  This is a convenient opportunity for students to use free time, during school hours, to get to know teachers and staff while providing a meaningful service to the high school.  Please refer to the shspta.org website and click on Volunteer Service Info for descriptions of some of the agencies, programs, and clubs in which students can become involved.

On Thursday, September 27, from 11:30 AM - 1:15 PM, our committee will host a Volunteer Service Fair where students can speak with representatives from various community organizations and members of the Volunteer Service Committee. While each organization has its own requirements as to age, experience and time commitment, there is certainly something for everyone.  

All students who volunteer a minimum of 20 hours during the course of the school year will be honored at the Volunteer Service Recognition Assembly.   This event will be held the evening of Thursday, May 15, 2008, in the High School Auditorium.  Mr. Klemme, the Scarsdale High School principal, will present all students with certificates in recognition of their accomplishments.

We look forward to facilitating the wonderful work students do in our community and our school.  If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.

Sincerely,

PTA Volunteer Service Committee 
Gail Dobosh – Ldobosh@aol.com
Meg Goodman – Megoodman6@aol.com
Kim Meyers – Kimschles@aol.com
Jane Och – Jcapoch@aol.com

Dear Parents,
 
          With the hopes of raising Raider spirit, this year's Senior Class Government is organizing a schoolwide trip to a Mets game. The game is Wednesday, September 26 (next week) against the Washington Nationals at Shea Stadium. Your child has been given a permission slip, along with all of the information in this email. There is a $20 fee, which includes the game and transportation to and from the game. Both cash and checks (to Scarsdale High School) will be accepted. There will be an early bus at 5:00 pm and a late bus at 5:45 pm. At the end of the night, students will be brought back to the High School between 10 pm and 11 pm. The event is being chaperoned by High School teachers. Most coaches have been informed of the game and are willing to accommodate with practice times, but your child should confirm this with his or her coach. Teachers have been requested not to assign homework that night due the next day. Space is limited, so please encourage your child to sign up as soon as possible. The Senior Class would really appreciate your assistance in trying to unify the student body in a fun, exciting, and safe way.
 
Thank you,
The Senior Class Government

To all SHS parents,

Unlike the elementary schools or SMS where the House Counselor/Nurse
receives direct word of an absent child's illness, the attendance office
at SHS often is not informed of any communicable illness that your child
might have contracted.

In order to safeguard the student body and to better "track" outbreaks,
could you please also notify my office (ask Mrs. Liberati to transfer
you)  if your child is sick with such an illness e.g. strep throat,
chicken pox, meningitis, mononeucleosis or any bacterial  respiratory
infection.

In keeping with the need for following up on contacts, please also
inform me if your child or other family member has been found to have
lice.

I'd like to wish everyone a healthy (and happy) 2007/2008 and thanks
for your co-operation.

Karen Steefel

P.S. An unidentified EpiPen was turned in to my office today. If your
child has lost his/hers, please contact me.-ks

Y.E.S., we need YOU

The Y.E.S. Office is a non-profit organization which serves not just as a resource for all Scarsdale teenagers who want jobs, but provides a valuable resource to the entire Scarsdale community. Through our office, residents and surrounding small businesses are able to post various jobs to a targeted audience. Now we need YOUR help.

We maintain an office at Scarsdale High School, which is open during the school year from 11am - 2pm Monday through Friday. The office is staffed entirely by community volunteers who work on a rotating schedule of one day approximately every 4 - 6 weeks, depending on the number of volunteers.

If interested in volunteering to work in the office, please contact Wendy Weinstein at wendy59@optonline.net with your name, email address, phone number and what day(s) of the week you would like to work.

We thank you in advance for your support.

Wendy Weinstein, Angelina Lee, Shirley Hom, YES Office Co-Chairs.

Dear Parents,

Parent/Teacher Conference nights are quickly approaching. These extraordinary evenings are made possible ONLY through the help of the parents of Scarsdale High School students. Please volunteer - we need 200 parents (dads and moms!) to sit as timekeepers. We appreciate your help on the evening you are not seeing your child's teacher. It is important to remember this year we have alternated the alphabetical order of the evenings as noted in the Community Calendar: Wednesday October 10 (L-Z) and Thursday October 18th (A-K).

These evenings will run smoothly, only with your help. Please sign up as timekeepers online at the Scarsdale PTA website (www.shspta.org) or contact conference co-chair Melanie Spivak at 725-3770.

Thank you so much.

IDEAS WANTED

I am a SHS PTA liaison to the Adult School.  Our Board meets on October 1 to brainstorm ideas for programming.  I would like to bring ideas from our SHS PTA community.  If anyone has suggestions for future programming, names of instructors and their contact numbers, please send me an e-mail at beeks58@aol.com.

BK Munguia  (beeks58@aol.com)

Please go to our website, www.shspta.org/volunteerserviceinfo.htm, to find out about In-School Volunteer Service and how students can volunteer. 
On the website you will find an In School Service FAQ and a Volunteer Service Form.
All applications go to Jane Och at  jcapoch@aol.com and must be submitted by Friday, September 28th.

Please plan on attending our first SHS PTA Meeting for the 2007/2008 academic year
Tuesday, September 25th at 7:30 p.m. in the Little Theater

Following the business portion of the evening we will present a program: Scarsdale High School and AT... Where are we Now?
Join Principal, John Klemme, Assistant Principal, Kelley Hamm, and members of the Art and Social Studies Departments for an update on Advanced Topics at the High School.


A Welcome Coffee for new families will precede the meeting at 7:00 p.m. just outside of the Little Theater.

We look forward to seeing you!

CHILD Welcome Meeting
Tuesday, September 25 at 7:30 p.m.
Upstairs Fox Meadow Multipurpose Room
 
* We will discuss our mission and how CHILD can best support you this year.
 
* Dr. Mendelson, Director of Special Education will be available to answer your questions.
 
 
Mark your calendar for our next meetings:
 
October 23:  Dr. Paul Folkemer, Asst. Superintendant of Curriculum will share details on Scarsdale's new training programs for elementary teachers to support reading instruction in our classrooms.  Fox Meadow Multipurpose Room, 7:30 pm
 
November 15: Featuring guest speaker Jonathan Mooney, author of Learning Outside the Lines and The Short Bus, will share his story of how he compensated for his learning disabilities to graduate with honors from Brown University.  Mooney is a dynamic speaker with expertise on learning disabilities, ADHD, and alternative education.
7:30 pm.  Location not yet confirmed but probably the Scarsdale Middle School.
 
******************
What is CHILD?
CHILD (Children Having Individual Learning Differences)  is a committee of Scarsdale's PT Council.  We provide a network of resources, information and support for parents and teachers if your child or student:
• Struggles with school work or homework or
• Receives support in a resource room or
• Receives services such as speech & language therapy or occupational
  therapy or
• Is in a self-contained, parallel, inclusion or skills class or
• Receives modifications or accommodations based upon his or her special needs
 
Join the CHILD email list!  Email Judi Galst at jgalst@verizon.net with your name and we'll inform you about upcoming meetings and locations. Please put CHILD in the subject line.

School Board Nominating Committee Seeks Candidates

Would you like to have input in Scarsdale Board of Education policy... but are unable to devote the tremendous amount of time a position on the School Board demands? Consider being a member of the committee who selects the candidates for Scarsdale's school board.

The School Board Nominating Committee, which meets several Sunday afternoons in mid-winter, is the group that identifies, proposes, and nominates qualified candidates to run for Scarsdale's prestigious school board.  In a community whose priority is the outstanding quality of its schools, we need volunteers for this important job.

Comprised of a diverse group of community leaders, the School Board Nominating Committee consists of 30 voting members, representing each of the five school districts.  Each member serves a three-year term; meetings are held  on select Sunday afternoons in January, February,  and March.  The atmosphere is professional and congenial.  The goal is to identify and nominate candidates to serve on the Scarsdale Board of Education.

The School Board Nominating Committee is looking for volunteers to run in this year's election; elections take place in January. This is your opportunity to have input in selecting those individuals who have ultimate responsibility for policy decisions that directly impact our schools. Excellence in education is a part of Scarsdale. To maintain that tradition, consider seeking a position on the School Board Nominating Committee.

Contact: Rick Wingate - Administrative Committee Chairperson
   School Board Nominating Committee
   rcwingateny@yahoo.com or call 914 723-5836 for details
   E-mailing enables a prompt response with detailed information.

September 2007

Dear Parents:

    The Scarsdale Community Youth Service Project is a partnership of Scarsdale Schools, Scarsdale Village, and Scarsdale & Edgemont Family Counseling Service. The project places a team of mental health professionals in the community as a resource for adolescents and their parents.  Youth Outreach Workers provide a range of services including individual and group counseling, family assessments, crisis intervention and referral services. Youth Outreach Workers collaborate routinely with parents, school administrators, Deans, Police, and village officials.

    The team of Youth Outreach Workers on the High School level is comprised of Lauren Pomerantz, LMSW and Matthew Zysman, LMSW. Lauren is beginning her third year as a Youth Outreach Worker on the High School level. Matthew has joined the Youth Service Project and is excited to begin working with youth and families in Scarsdale.  He comes with a background specializing in mental health and substance abuse assessment and treatment.


    Both Lauren and Matthew provide Individual On-Site Counseling and Groups for students.  This provides a comfortable environment for teenagers to discuss issues such as drug/alcohol issues, peer pressure, coping skills, self image, and relationship issues.

    The Youth Service Project on the High School level offers a variety of resources which stress the importance of connection between teens and their families, their schools, and the community.  One example is Peer Counseling. Peer Counselors are high school students who provide “purposeful friendship” to new students and those who have difficulty connecting. Peer Counselors lead the “Buddy System” in which they assist 9th graders to acclimate to the high school community by providing them an upper class buddy.  Peer Counselors also host a “Welcome BBQ” for the 9th graders and work with Middle School students on issues like bullying, internet safety, and friendship.

    An after-school resource is the Women in Leadership program. WIL is a group for young women 14-18 years of age. The program helps participants develop leadership skills in today’s society through shared cultural, social, and verbal expressions. WIL meets weekly at the Scarsdale Woman’s Club and is facilitated by Lauren Pomerantz. For more information please contact Lauren at 721-2468.

    Parent Support Groups are a unique resource offered to the parents of Scarsdale and is one of SFCS’ fastest growing programs. Parent Support Groups meet monthly and are designed to provide parents with an opportunity to establish an atmosphere and structure where they can help one another deal with the challenges of adolescence. Parents ask questions about the development of their children and find answers to problems without precedent. For information about how to join a Parent Support Group, please contact our Parent Support Group Coordinator, Emily Vallario at 721-2642.
    
    Both Lauren and Matthew maintain offices in the High School and at SFCS. We are available before, during, and after school. All Youth Service Project counseling services are confidential. Please feel free to contact us at any time during the year with questions, comments, or concerns. Lauren can be reached at 721-2468 and Matthew at 721-2675.

    In addition the Youth Service Project, SFCS offers individual, family and couple therapy, social skills groups for children, and older adult services. For more information, please contact the offices of SFCS at 723-3281.
    
    If you DO NOT want your son or daughter to participate in the services offered through the Youth Service Project, please sign and tear off below and return to SFCS.

    We look forward to working with you and your teenager. We welcome you to the new school year and hope it is filled with success.


Kind Regards,



Lauren Pomerantz, LMSW                Matthew Zysman, LMSW

---

I DO NOT wish for my son/daughter to participate in the services offered through YSP.

Child’s Name___________________

Parent’s Name___________________

Grade________

Date_________

Dear Parents,

It has come to our attention that the dates on the school calendar, printed in the handbook, for the 2007 parent-teacher conferences are different from the PTA website and the Bank of NY Community Calendars. Please note that the PTA website and Bank of NY calendars are correct with the following dates:
Wednesday October 10th- students whose last names start with the letter L-Z
Thursday October 18th- students whose last names start with the letter A-K
We apologize for any confusion.

For parent-teacher conference information and tutorial, please go to www.shspta.org.
We urge you to sign up as timekeepers; these important evenings are not possible without approximately 200 parent volunteers!

Thank you for your support and interest in advance.

Marina Huang (marinahuang38@gmail.com)
Melanie Spivak (mel47b@aol.com)

Used sports equipment for: Basketball, Baseball, Field Hockey, Football, Fitness, Golf, Ice Hockey, Skating, Lacrosse, Rollerblades, Soccer, Bicycles, Tennis and more!
Computer, Video Game Systems, and Video Games
Musical Instruments, Music Accessories, CD's
Sports and Dress Clothing: Snow and Ski Jackets, Scout Uniforms, Boys Blazers and Girls' Party Dresses

1) 50% of the proceeds of the sale goes to you, and 50% to the PT Council to benefit PTA projects and programming throughout the community OR….  You may also choose to make a tax deductible donation to the PT Council of the entire sale proceeds of a specific item. Please print “DONATION” next to the price of any such item(s) on your 3x5 inventory card.
2) Drop off items at the Middle School Friday 9/7  5:30pm-7pm or Saturday 9/8 8:30 -9:30 am. No items will be accepted after 9:45am on Saturday!
3) Label each item with your name, address and phone number, selling price and size.  Please round off sales prices to the nearest dollar.
4) Provide us with a 3x5 index card listing your name, address, selling items and your selling prices.  This is your inventory card and helps to expedite your check.
5) A stamped, self-addressed envelope must be paper-clipped to the index card. This will be used to mail your check.
6)  All items must be in good, safe working condition.
7) Unsold items MUST be reclaimed AT NOON or they will be donated to charity

Used sports equipment for: Basketball, Baseball, Field Hockey, Football, Fitness, Golf, Ice Hockey, Skating, Lacrosse, Rollerblades, Soccer, Bicycles, Tennis and more!
Computer, Video Game Systems, and Video Games
Musical Instruments, Music Accessories, CD's
Sports and Dress Clothing: Snow and Ski Jackets, Scout Uniforms, Boys Blazers and Girls' Party Dresses

1) 50% of the proceeds of the sale goes to you, and 50% to the PT Council to benefit PTA projects and programming throughout the community OR….  You may also choose to make a tax deductible donation to the PT Council of the entire sale proceeds of a specific item. Please print “DONATION” next to the price of any such item(s) on your 3x5 inventory card.
2) Drop off items at the Middle School Friday 9/7  5:30pm-7pm or Saturday 9/8 8:30 -9:30 am. No items will be accepted after 9:45am on Saturday!
3) Label each item with your name, address and phone number, selling price and size.  Please round off sales prices to the nearest dollar.
4) Provide us with a 3x5 index card listing your name, address, selling items and your selling prices.  This is your inventory card and helps to expedite your check.
5) A stamped, self-addressed envelope must be paper-clipped to the index card. This will be used to mail your check.
6)  All items must be in good, safe working condition.
7) Unsold items MUST be reclaimed AT NOON or they will be donated to charity

July 2007

Hello!

Summer has only just begun and I'm guessing that your minds are not on the beginning of the school year right now. As PTA president for the 2007/2008 school year I'd like to welcome you to the PTA website.  I encourage you to visit our website at shspta.org regularly.

Schools open on Wednesday September 5th with a half day of classes.  There is an orientation for 9th graders and new students on September 4th and an A School orientation on September 6th.  Take a look at the calendar to see what else is scheduled in September.

In planning ahead, mark your calendars for Parent-Teacher Conferences which will be held on Wednesday, October 10th (L-Z) and Thursday, October 18th (A-K).  Please save both evenings because we rely on more than 200 volunteers for each conference night.

The PTA website will allow you to join the PTA and sign up for high school emails right now!  Get ahead of your paperwork!  And don't forget that there are many ways to get involved in PTA activities.

Here is a quick update on the end of school year news.

SATP
In June, two committees were formed to help evaluate the Scarsdale Advanced Topics Plan (SATP).  The College Information Task Force will be charged with reviewing materials that will be used to inform colleges about the SATP.  The Validation Committee will review college acceptance and admissions information, survey information, and visiting professors' observations.  

Each committee will consist of the High School Principal, the Director of Counseling, a dean, three teachers, four parents and myself.

The parents serving on each committee are:

College Information Task Force:  Laurie Salis, Andy Simon, Julie Quigley, and Susan Hart

Validation Committee:  Richard Bachman, Catherine Souther, Jim Haubner, and Penny Bauersfeld

COMPACT COMMITTEE
Each year the District Compact Committee awards approximately $1,000 to each school to further the work of the Compact Committee.  This year the money will be contributed to the program sponsored by the East- West Center of the Asia Pacific Education Program.  Eight students from SHS benefited from the program this year and traveled to Thailand as participants.

That's all for now.  Have a great summer.  If you have any questions please feel free to e-mail me at esgruber@earthlink.net .  I look forward to seeing you in the fall.

Liz Gruber

Congratulations on your child's graduation!  We're in the process of updating our email distribution list.  Anyone who does not have a student currently enrolled in the high school will be taken off the distribution list.  We recognize that some of you might still have an interest in receiving high school information via email.  To continue receiving emails you must re-register at our website, shspta.org.  If you do not re-register, your name will be removed from the list as of July 31, 2007.

Thank you.

Attention Quaker Ridge Alumni

Fond Farewell to  Some of Our Favorite Teachers

Nancy  Perucci
Maddy  Stempel
Sandy  Eckstein
Judy  DâAmore

Join Us on June  13th
3:30pm
Back of Quaker  Ridge

For light  refreshments and memories

Give the Gift of Education

Honor a graduate, a special teacher or dean through a gift to the scholarship fund. The Scarsdale High School PTA Scholarship Fund will provide lovely announcement cards for you to send. What better way for honoring graduates and their mentors, while contributing to such a worthy cause?
 
*Donations to the Scarsdale HS PTA Scholarship Fund are tax-deductible.

To order your Gift Cards, please print out and complete the form below.
 
 Ordered by:
  Name_____________________________________
            
 Address____________________________________
 
 Phone Number (     ) _________________________
 
 Quantity:                                  Minimum Donation           Total
  (All packs include envelopes )
 ___  Pack of 5 Announcement Cards    $60                   ______
             CHECK TYPE OF CARD:
             ___Graduate cards
             ___Teacher cards
 
 ____ Pack of 10 Announcement Cards $100                  ______
             CHECK TYPE OF CARD:
             ___Graduate cards
             ___Teacher cards

 
 ____  Individual Gifts** (minimum 3)   $15 each              ______
       **Clearly print the name and address of each recipient on
        the back of this form and the Scholarship Committee will
        mail acknowledgements of your gift.  Please specify whether
        this is for a graduate, a teacher, a dean, etc.
     
 Total enclosed:            ____________


 Orders should be placed by June 10, 2007
 Mail Completed Form and check to:      
 SHS PTA Scholarship Fund
 P.O. Box 147H
 Scarsdale, NY 10583
           
 Make check payable to:  SHS PTA Scholarship Fund


  If you have any questions, please call Terry Singer at 723-1591 or Tara Tyberg at 723-1589.
                                   

Please click here for the High School Final Exam Schedule - Click on the left hand column "High School Final Exam Schedule".

    The Board of Education of the Scarsdale Union Free School District will hold a public hearing on Thursday evening, July 5, 2007.  The purpose of the hearing will be to receive public comments on any proposed changes to the District Safety Plan and the Code of Conduct received at the Board meeting on June 4, 2007.

    The July 5, 2007, hearing will take place at 8:00 p.m. in Room 170-172 in the Board of Education wing of Scarsdale High School, 2 Brewster Road, Scarsdale, immediately prior to the regularly scheduled Board business meeting in the same room.
    
The Board expects to take action at the business meeting following to approve the District Safety Plan and the Code of Conduct as revised or to re-affirm the current plans.  The public is also invited to communicate comments in writing by addressing them to the Board of Education at 2 Brewster Road.

    For further information or copies of the plans, please call the District Clerk at  721-2410 or check the District website (www.scarsdaleschools.org, Board of Education page).

5/22/07

Dear Parents;

Lisa Cristal and Joel Gurin  have been elected to serve a two-year term beginning July 1, 2007 on the SHS Compact Committee.  They join Tina Henderson and Nancy Michaels who will complete their two-year term on June 30, 2008.

SHS PTA Executive Committee

Click here to read the latest news from  Mr. Tom Conrad and the Science Department.

SHS PTA Meeting - Friday, May 18, 11:30 AM-1:00 PM

The last PTA general membership meeting of the school year will be held on Friday,
May 18 in rooms 170-172 (Board of Education wing) of the high school.

Lunch will be served. Click here to RSVP so that we can determine how many people will attend.

Assistant Principal, Kelley Hamm will share an update of the academic year.  

We will vote on the following slate of incoming PTA officers:
                President: Liz Gruber
                Vice-President: Terry Singer
                Secretary/Communications: Sarah Wolf Hallac
                Treasurer: Susan Groner
                Recording Secretary: Alice Herman
                Scholarship Treasurer: Irene Drivas

We will vote to elect two new representatives for the high school Compact for Learning team. A ballot will be provided at the meeting. It will include the names of the following candidates and a brief summary of their applications:
                Lisa Cristal
                Joel Gurin
                Mary Kentros, MD
                Christina Peruski
                Ira Silfin

SHS PTA Executive Committee

District Budget Passed

Thanks to all of you who took the time to vote on Tuesday in support of the school district 2007-2008 budget resolution. There were 1,100 YES votes on the budget resolution and 400 NO votes.

Congratulations to our newly elected and re-elected school board members, Jeff Blatt, Jill Spieler and Liz Guggenheimer.
 
SHS PTA Executive Committee

May 13, 2007

Dear Parents,
    We are writing to remind you of an important SHS parent and community-member responsibility: to vote in the upcoming school district budget referendum. We encourage you to show support for the fine educational resources our children enjoy at Scarsdale High School by casting your vote in favor of next year's budget.
    Voting will take place on Tuesday, May 15, 7 AM to 9 PM in the Scarsdale Middle School gym.
    What is in the budget that will improve your high school student's experience? Have a look:
    o    proposed addition of a foreign language teacher and a social studies teacher. The addition of these positions affirms the District's commitment to maintaining instructionally appropriate class sizes.
    o    proposed addition of a special education teacher, which will limit out-of-District placements for our students in need of this service and allow them to remain with their friends from Scarsdale grade schools and the Middle School.
    o    proposed addition of a crew team coach and an additional assistant coach for boy's varsity football.   

    Improvements to the school building and grounds are also recommended in the proposed budget, including
    o    Brewster Road watercourse refurbishment to prevent flooding in each of the school parking lots and on the road (shared with Village).
    o    an upgrade in the recording equipment in the Auditorium to improve the broadcast quality for recorded events that are re-played on Channel 77.
    o    reconstruction of the connecting corridor between the main building and the gyms to conform with the architecture of the building (NY State EXCEL grant)
    o    addition of an elevator to the fourth floor Music Tower so that it will be handicapped accessible (NY State EXCEL grant)

    The proposed faculty additions and building and grounds improvements can become a reality ONLY if the budget is passed.   
    Let's resist complacency!  Each eligible voter -- both spouses and each child age 18 or older --- must be sure to make time to vote in favor of the district budget.  

See you at the polls on Tuesday,
SHS PTA Executive Committee

SHS PTA Meeting - Friday, May 18, 11:30 AM-1:00 PM

Budget Vote - Tuesday, May 15, 7 AM - 9 PM at the Middle School

The last PTA general membership meeting of the school year will be held on Friday,
May 18 in rooms 170-172 (Board of Education wing) of the high school.

Lunch will be served. Click here to RSVP so that we can determine how many people will attend.

Assistant Principal, Kelley Hamm will share an update of the academic year.  

We will vote on the following slate of incoming PTA officers:
                President: Liz Gruber
                Vice-President: Terry Singer
                Secretary/Communications: Sarah Wolf Hallac
                Treasurer: Susan Groner
                Recording Secretary: Alice Herman
                Scholarship Treasurer: Irene Drivas

We will vote to elect two new representatives for the high school Compact for Learning team. A ballot will be provided at the meeting. It will include the names of the following candidates and a brief summary of their applications:
                Lisa Cristal
                Joel Gurin
                Mary Kentros, MD
                Christina Peruski
                Ira Silfin

The PTA Executive Committee

 Budget Vote - Tuesday, May 15, 7 AM - 9 PM at the Middle School

Give the Gift of Education

Honor a graduate, a special teacher or dean through a gift to the scholarship fund. The Scarsdale High School PTA Scholarship Fund will provide lovely announcement cards for you to send. What better way for honoring graduates and their mentors, while contributing to such a worthy cause?
 
*Donations to the Scarsdale HS PTA Scholarship Fund are tax-deductible.

To order your Gift Cards, please print out and complete the form below.
 
 Ordered by:
  Name_____________________________________
            
 Address____________________________________
 
 Phone Number (     ) _________________________
 
 Quantity:                                  Minimum Donation           Total
  (All packs include envelopes )
 ___  Pack of 5 Announcement Cards    $60                   ______
             CHECK TYPE OF CARD:
             ___Graduate cards
             ___Teacher cards
 
 ____ Pack of 10 Announcement Cards $100                  ______
             CHECK TYPE OF CARD:
             ___Graduate cards
             ___Teacher cards
 
 ____  Individual Gifts** (minimum 3)   $15 each              ______
       **Clearly print the name and address of each recipient on
        the back of this form and the Scholarship Committee will
        mail acknowledgements of your gift.  Please specify whether
        this is for a graduate, a teacher, a dean, etc.
     
 Total enclosed:            ____________

 Orders should be placed by June 10, 2007
 Mail Completed Form and check to:      
 SHS PTA Scholarship Fund
 P.O. Box 147H
 Scarsdale, NY 10583
           
 Make check payable to:  SHS PTA Scholarship Fund


  If you have any questions, please contact
        Terry Singer  terrysing14@aol.com 723-1591
    or Tara Tyberg  tst1123@aol.com      723-1589.

Please encourage any of your children aged 18 years (by May 15, 2007) or older to register to vote in the upcoming school district budget vote.  Registration will be conducted in the Board of Education's offices (Brewster Road side of SHS) on:

   Tuesday, May 8 between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. and on
   Thursday, May 10 between 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Detailed instructions on voting, including voting by absentee ballot are available from the District Clerk, Lois Rehm, in the Board of Education offices at the High School, 721-2410 or lrehm@scarsdaleschools.k12.ny.us

Remember to vote on Tuesday, May 15, 2007 at Scarsdale Middle School.  Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Congratulations to all of the dedicated SHS students who have volunteered their time and talents to make a difference in our community and the world.
We look forward to recognizing students service on Thursday, May 17, 7:30 PM in the Auditorium at the Volunteer Service Recognition Assembly.
Due to busy schedules and prior commitments, many parents and students have indicated that they cannot attend the Assembly. If this applies to you, please e-mail your students name to me and I will mail the program and recognition certificate to your home.

Thank you,
Alice Herman
ahherman@msn.com

We hope you have received your invitation to the Pre-Prom Reception, scheduled for 4:45 PM on Thursday, May 31 at the SHS Brewster Road entrance (rain location: Gyms 1 and 2). We look forward to great photo opportunities and refreshments as we celebrate this milestone in our seniors' lives.
 
Please note that there has been a slight schedule change: Buses to the Puck Building will depart promptly at 5:45 PM from the SHS parking lot. All prom goers must be on that bus. Please be sure to arrive on time to the party so that your senior has plenty of time to enjoy the festivities before the 5:45 departure!
 
Thank you!
 
SHS PTA Pre-Prom Committee
Jill Fisher, Susan Friedman, Lydia Hassan, Judith Moncarz, Emily Sherwood

The Scarsdale High School Scholarship Fund offers one year scholarships to graduating seniors with financial need.  The applications are in the Dean's office, please note the deadline for submissions is May 7.  Any questions please call Terry Singer at 723-1591. 

From the Executive Committee of the Scarsdale Task Force on Drugs and Alcohol
An open letter to the Scarsdale Community
 
As a community we are all distressed by recent events concerning the use and abuse of alcohol by some middle and high school students.  It is alarming to see incidents of substance abuse by such young adolescents.   We must recognize, though, that all of our children are at risk and it could have been any one of them making the same dangerous choice.  This is a reminder that all young people are vulnerable with respect to their decision making.
 
We applaud the good sense and responsibility of those children who in these situations reached out to adults to help and protect their friends.
 
It is equally disturbing that these events have been the source of very painful gossip among adults and children alike.  One poor decision does not define a child.
 
We are very concerned that constructive steps be taken for all of our kids.  Let’s remember that these events in life become teachable moments if we take advantage of the opportunity to talk with our children and educate them at home and in the schools.
 
Scarsdale Task Force on Drugs and Alcohol Executive Committee
Julie Quigley, Melpo Fite, Tina Adler, Stacey Brodsky, Diane Levy, Ann Sacher
 
www.scarsdaletaskforce.com

THE SCARSDALE HIGH SCHOOL COMPACT FOR LEARNING EDUCATION INFORMATION

There are two vacancies for parent representatives on the High School Compact for Learning Team.  To place your name in nomination for one of these positions, please complete the biographical form printed below and email to JMSQ@mindspring.com or return it to the PTA mailbox in the High School General Office by Friday, April 27, 2007.  If you have any questions, please call the High School Nominating Committee Chair, Julie Quigley, 713-7207 or JMSQ@mindspring.com.

The Compact for Learning is a New York State mandated team whose mission is to provide opportunities for parents, teachers, students, support staff and administrators to participate in shared decision-making regarding educational policies and issues.  Compact teams have been in place in all seven of the Scarsdale Schools since 1994.

The High School site-based team is comprised of five teachers, five parents (one of whom is the PTA President,) two administrators, two students and one member of the support staff.  Each constituent group selects its own representatives.  There are two parent positions to be filled.

What is required of a Compact team member?  To fulfill the mission of the Compact, a member must be able to: Put students educational needs first; Help foster a school culture that values and promotes the best teaching and learning methods available; Promote communication and cooperation between and among students, faculty, administrators and parents.  Responsibilities of parent Compact members may include attendance at the monthly House meeting (held at 7:00 AM,) Compact team meetings and one Cabinet meeting, held on weekday afternoons.  It is important to note that the Compact parent representatives can divide these responsibilities as they see fit.  Please consider this opportunity to serve our community and our children!

Please email to JMSQ@mindspring.com or return to the HS PTA mailbox in the General Office by Friday, April 27, 2007

(Use a separate sheet for additional information)
CANDIDATE FOR HIGH SCHOOL COMPACT TEAM  
Please type or print clearly:
NAME _______________________________________ PHONE ________________________________

ADDRESS ____________________________________________________________________________

PRESENT GRADES OF ALL CHILDREN (INCLUDING GRADUATES)______________________

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT (SCARSDALE OR ELSEWHERE) _________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
WORK EXPERIENCE _________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________

Scarsdale High School will close at noon on Friday, May 11, 2007 for a conference day for the staff.

ARE YOU REGISTERED TO VOTE?

BE SURE THAT YOU ARE REGISTERED NOW SO THAT YOU MAY VOTE ON THE SCHOOL BUDGET ON MAY 15, 2007

Westchester County registration-by-mail forms are available in the general office of every school.  Anyone who delivers one of these registration forms to the County Board of Elections will be registered with Westchester County and also considered to be registered with the school district.  The mailed registration form has to be received by the County Board of Elections in time for it to be processed by May 15, 2007.

In addition, anyone may register for school district voting with the District’s Board of Registration at the offices of the Board of Education located in the High School (Brewster Road side of the school) as follows:

Tuesday, May 8, 2007  - between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.
and on
Thursday, May 10, 2007 - between 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.  

The deadline for registration at the Board of Education office is May 10, 2007.


ABSENTEE BALLOTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR THE BUDGET VOTE AND ELECTION AFTER APRIL 16, 2007

1.    Anyone who is registered and will not be in Westchester County for the vote on May 15, 2007, may apply for an absentee ballot by mail or in person.  The applications are available from Lois Rehm, the District Clerk, in the Board of Education offices in the High School
(contact her at 721-2410 or lrehm@scarsdaleschools.k12.ny.us).

2.    If the application is to be mailed to the voter, the voter must return the completed application in time for it to be received by the Clerk seven days before the election (Tuesday, May 8, 2007).  

3.    If completed applications are delivered personally, they must be received by the District Clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. the day before the election (Monday, May 14, 2007).

4.   All absentee ballots must be delivered to the Clerk’s office no later than 5:00 p.m. on the day
      of the vote (Tuesday, May 15, 2007).



BUDGET VOTE AND ELECTION ON:  MAY 15, 2007

The College and Career Center will close for the year on Friday May 18 at 1pm
 
We will reopen in the fall of 2007
 
Anyone needing to use the Center once we have closed should please contact us to make arrangements
 
Diane Levy      dile100@aol.com
Sharon Strassberg     priceresearch@aol.com

Applications for Volunteer Service Recognition are available to download and print at shspta.org, click on Volunteer Service Info in the box on the left hand side of the page. Completed applications may be left in the box in Mr. Klemme's office up until April 20. The Volunteer Service Recognition Assembly is on Thursday, May 17 at 7:30 PM, students check-in at 7:00 PM.
For questions and additional information please contact Alice Herman, ahherman@msn.com, 472-9347

Dear Parents,

On Wednesday, April 18th, Scarsdale High School will host our annual International Fair.  This beloved event showcases the many countries and cultures represented by the students of SHS.  This year's fair promises to follow a tradition of colorful performances, warm hospitality and the culinary event of the year - the International Fair Luncheon.

The International Fair Committee, advised by Ms. Monica Palekar, is once again asking for the help and support of the parent community.  We have opportunities for involvement in the performances, ticket sales for the luncheon, and most importantly - help with cooking and serving of international cuisine items.

As parent liaison to the Fair, I am reaching out to welcome any and all volunteers to join us for this memorable event.  If you can donate your time and/or your cooking skills, please RSVP with details to me at aogorman@scarsdaleschools.org

We will contact you with more information as the day approaches, but it is essential that we gather a list of volunteers.  The committee and students thank you in advance for your participation and we look forward to another great fair!

Regards,

Andrea J. O'Gorman
Dean of Students
International Fair Parent Liaison

Scarsdale Council of Parent-Teacher Associations

Presents

Dr. Robert Brooks

Faculty Member, Harvard Medical School
Co-author of Raising Resilient Children and The Power of Resilience

“Raising Resilient Children and Adolescents”

April 12th, 2007
Scarsdale Middle School
9 a.m.

Applications for Volunteer Service Recognition are available to download and print at shspta.org, click on Volunteer Service Info in the box on the left hand side of the page. Completed applications may be left in the box in Mr. Klemme's office up until April 20. The Volunteer Service Recognition Assembly is on Thursday, May 17 at 7:30 PM, students check-in at 7:00 PM.
For questions and additional information please contact Alice Herman, ahherman@msn.com, 472-9347

Scarsdale Council of Parent-Teacher Associations

Presents

Dr. Robert Brooks

Faculty Member, Harvard Medical School
Co-author of Raising Resilient Children and The Power of Resilience

“Raising Resilient Children and Adolescents”

April 12th, 2007
Scarsdale Middle School
9 a.m.

Dear Parents,
No new lice infestations have been reported to me in the last 10 days, but please continue to be vigilant in checking your child's head for nits.  Remind your daughters (especially) not to share hats, helmets, hooded sweat shirts, fleece, or grooming aids. To minimize the spread of lice, long hair should be worn in a pony tail or braids. Students should also be made aware that lice spread through close physical contact, such as hugging.
I must be informed of all newly diagnosed cases of lice. If I'm not informed, there is no way to gauge how successful our control methods have been and whether or not other methods of control need to be implemented.

Thank you for your cooperation.
Karen Steefel
SHS School Nurse

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

MONDAY, MARCH 19, 2007, AT 8:00 P.M.

ROOM 170-172, HIGH SCHOOL

Monday, March 19, 2007, 7:15 PM in Rm 170-172. The Board of Education invites SHS parents to attend an informal meeting and discussion about issues that concern you at the high school, AT- related or otherwise. The meeting will not be televised.

The Scarsdale High School Nominating Committee is pleased to announce the following proposed slate of officers for the Scarsdale High School PTA for the 2007 - 2008 school year:

President - Liz Gruber
Vice President - Terry Singer
Secretary - Alice Herman
Treasurer- - Susan Groner
Scholarship Treasurer - Irene Drivas
Communications Secretary - Sarah Hallac

This slate will be presented for election at the high school PTA meeting scheduled for May 18th , 11:30 AM at the high school in room 170.  Nominations will also be accepted from the floor at that time.  The members of the nominating committee, Julie Quigley, Penny Bauersfeld, Lisa Rodman and Catherine Souther are pleased to present such an excellent slate.

1.    Tonight, Wednesday, March 14, 2007. PTA meeting at 7:00 PM, Room T22 in Scarsdale Middle School to present the slate of officers for next year, receive an up-to-the minute review of the SATP by John Klemme, and a School Budget summary by the Board of Education. Joint SMS SHS program at 7:30 PM in the Band Room. “Are we failing our boys?”


2.    Monday, March 19, 2007, 7:15 PM in Rm 170-172. The Board of Education invites SHS parents to attend an informal meeting and discussion about issues that concern you at the high school, AT- related or otherwise. The meeting will not be televised.

3.    The Board of Education of the Scarsdale Union Free School District will hold a Community Forum on Wednesday, March 21, 2007, at 7:30 PM in Rm 170-172 in Scarsdale High School (Brewster Road side of the school in the Board of Education wing). Members of the public are cordially invited to be present and to engage in a discussion about Advanced Placement and the proposed Advanced Topic Program.

Dear Parents,

This week we will be conducting a lockdown drill as part of our annual review of safety procedures.  As usual, the police department will be present to observe how effectively we can secure the building in a brief period of time.  The drill should take no longer than ten minutes, and procedures for the lockdown will be reviewed beforehand with all students through homeroom teachers.


John Klemme

Wednesday, March 14, 2007   7:30 PM   Middle School Band Room

Are We Failing Our Boys?

Come join us for a thought provoking discussion with leading experts on boys and their unique educational issues.  The evening's program is designed to help parents
understand gender differences in learning styles through a review of recent educational studies and their findings. The program will help parents build awareness of the challenges their sons face as they mature into men.

Presented by
The Scarsdale High School and Scarsdale Middle School PTAs
The Psychiatric Society of Westchester,
The One Step Institute for Mental Health
The Westchester County Psychologists Association

Wednesday, March 14, 2007   7:30 PM   Middle School Band Room

Our panelists include:

Dr Richard Scarpaci, Ed.D: (keynote) of St. John's University, School of Education and author of studies on gender-specific instruction

Roberta Slavin, PhD: Psychotherapist and former NYC Elementary and Middle School Psychologist

Edward M. Stephens, M.D: Founder and Chair of the Committee on Men's Issues of the Psychiatric Society of Westchester

David Greene: (facilitator) Teacher at Scarsdale High School and Senior Options Coordinator
The evening will include presentations and an open discussion with parents.
Questions? Contact Anne Lyons kalyonskjp@aol.com

The program will be preceded at 7:00 PM in Room T22 at SMS by a brief PTA meeting to present the slate of officers for next year, an up-to-the minute review of the SATP by John Klemme, and a School Budget summary by the BOE.



 

The Proposal for Advanced Topics Implementation and the AT/AP Course Comparisons have been posted on the District website at scarsdaleschools.org.

Dear Parents,
The Scarsdale Union Free School District Preliminary Proposed Budget 2007-08 for the fiscal year commencing July 1, 2007 is now available for the public to review. Copies are available in the Scarsdale Public Library, the Board of Education offices, the main office at SHS and online at www.scarsdaleschools.org.
The Budget vote is on Tuesday, May 15, 7 AM to 9 PM at SMS.

Following are some highlights of the budget that pertain to SHS and the page numbers from the Budget where you can find details:
o    Proposed addition of 2.8 enrollment-related teaching positions in foreign language, social studies, and special education. (page 6)
o    Proposed addition of a new sport, Crew and a crew coach and also an assistant coach for boy's varsity football. (page 45)
o    Proposed funds for the development of the Advanced Topics Program. (page 37)
o    A proposal of $50,000 to bring in a committee of college professors who will work with high school teachers to develop, validate, and assess High School curricular offerings. (page 37)
o    Proposed Plant Improvements include (pages 29-30)
o    Renovation of boys bathroom near nurse's office
o    Installation of emergency shut-off utilities
o    Watercourse refurbishment-share of Village grant
o    Auditorium equipment upgrade

The District has received a NY State EXCEL grant, “Expanding our Children's Education and Learning” to be used to fund projects that address …infrastructure …energy conservation and physical capacity issues. The EXCEL grant will be used to re-boardofed@scarsdaleschools.orgbuild the high school connecting corridor between the main building and the gyms and to add an elevator to the fourth floor Music Tower so that it is handicapped accessible. (page 31).

Other information:
Property Tax Levy (page 10)
 2.05% tax decrease for the Mamaroneck Strip residents
 4.41% tax increase for Scarsdale residents
Enrollment (page 4)
    Projected growth from current 1,434 pupils to 1,447 pupils

The Board invites your comments on the proposed budget and looks forward to a productive community discussion on its merits and goals. Comments are welcomed at BOE meetings on March 19, March 29 and at the Budget Forum on April 11. All meetings begin at 8 PM in Rm 170-172 at SHS. All meetings will be broadcast on Channel 77. You may write to the BOE at 2 Brewster Road, or e-mail at boardofed@scarsdaleschools.org.

Alice Herman, SHS PTA President

Tonight, Wednesday, March 7, the Board of Education will conduct a work/study session on the Scarsdale Advanced Topics Program at 7:00 PM in Rm 170-172. Principal Klemme and faculty members will attend to provide further information to the Board. The meeting is open to the public and comment is welcome at the end of the session.

Dear Parents,

Once again, head lice have been found on students in 9th and 12th grades.  To guard against further spread, please discuss with your high school students and their siblings the inadvisability of sharing hats, helmets, grooming aids, headbands, combs & brushes.

The spread of head lice is an ongoing problem at the high school and at several other schools in the district. Vigilance is the key to successful eradication! If you discover lice or nits on your child's head, consult the pediatrician for treatment recommendations. Treat your child according to pediatrician's directions before returning him/her to school.

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 you,
Karen Steefel

To all parents of prospective Spring  athletes,

I am currently giving out Gold Cards any free period except 5th, to all
prepared   athletes trying out for Varsity/ J.V. sports.  To verify your
child's preparedness, please call 721-2550 or send your child to my
office to inquire during a free period.  Most days, I am also available
shortly  before and immediately after school.

Freshmen trying out for Freshman  teams may have their interviews
after March 14th (during a free period-not 5th). Please call to verify
preparedness.

If you child needs a School  Physical, please notify me at 721-2550.
The school physician will be available March 7th, 12th and 22nd.

Please don't delay,
Karen Steefel

The high school nominating committee is meeting to fill positions on the SHS Executive Committee for 2007-08.  If you would like to be considered please contact Julie Quigley, JMSQ@mindspring.com .  Everyone is encouraged to participate in the PTA.  Being a member of the PTA Executive Committee is a wonderful way to show your commitment.
Thank you.
The SHS PTA Nominating Committee
Julie Quigley, Chair
Penny Bauersfeld, Lisa Rodman, Catherine Souther

Calendar Notes

Monday, March 5. Board of Education Budget Study, 6:30 PM Rm 170 followed by BOE meeting, 8:00 PM

Tuesday, March 6. Maroon & White Dinner, 6:30 PM, Lake Isle.

Wednesday, March 7. BOE work/study session on the Scarsdale Advanced Topics Program, 7:00 PM Rm 170. Public comment will is welcome at the end of this session.

Thursday, March 8. College Information Night for Students with Special Needs (Jr & Sr Students and Parents), 7:30 PM, Little Theater.

Monday, March 12. BOE Community Forum on the Scarsdale Advanced Topics Program, 7:00 PM Rm 170. Public comment will is invited.

Wednesday, March 14. PTA Meeting, 7:00 PM, SMS followed by program, Are We Failing Our Boys?? at 7:30 PM in the SMS Band Room.
The program will be preceded by a brief School Budget presentation from Florie Wachtenheim, President, Board of Education.

Monday, March 19. BOE meeting, 8:00 PM, Rm 170.

Wednesday, March 14, 2007   7:30 PM   Middle School Band Room

Are We Failing Our Boys?

Come join us for a thought provoking discussion with leading experts on boys and their unique educational issues.  The evening's program is designed to help parents
understand gender differences in learning styles through a review of recent educational studies and their findings. The program will help parents build awareness of the challenges their sons face as they mature into men.

Presented by
The Scarsdale High School and Scarsdale Middle School PTAs
The Psychiatric Society of Westchester,
The One Step Institute for Mental Health
The Westchester County Psychologists Association

Wednesday, March 14, 2007   7:30 PM   Middle School Band Room

Our panelists include:

Dr Richard Scarpaci, Ed.D: (keynote) of St. John's University, School of Education and author of studies on gender-specific instruction

Roberta Slavin, PhD: Psychotherapist and former NYC Elementary and Middle School Psychologist

Edward M. Stephens, M.D: Founder and Chair of the Committee on Men's Issues of the Psychiatric Society of Westchester

David Greene: (facilitator) Teacher at Scarsdale High School and Senior Options Coordinator
The evening will include presentations and an open discussion with parents.
Questions? Contact Anne Lyons kalyonskjp@aol.com

The program will be preceded at 7:00 PM by a brief PTA meeting to present the slate of officers for next year, an up-to-the minute review of the SATP by John Klemme, and a School Budget summary by the BOE.

Dear Parents,
Based on feedback we have received from several parents, we will communicate future school delays or full-day school closings via "Community Outreach" calls, rather than "Emergency" calls. This means that only one primary (usually home) phone number will receive the call, rather than every contact for every parent.  In addition, we can request that the service provider block certain phone numbers for community outreach calls. These blocked numbers would still receive "Emergency" calls, but we would only use this during true emergencies and for early dismissals.

Parents who do not want their number blocked will receive calls about weather-related school closings between 6 and 6:30 AM. Parents who want to have their home number blocked from receiving "Community Outreach" calls, need to send an email which includes their full name(s) and phone number to registrar@scarsdaleschools.org . All parents will receive emergency calls, including early dismissal calls irrespective of whether they have requested that their numbers to be blocked.

We appreciate everyone's patience as we work through a few early implementation kinks.  On the whole, though, the feedback has been very positive.  Once again, we thank you for your assistance.
Linda Purvis
Assistant Superintendent for Business and Facilities
Emergency Coordinator

    Board of Education News
    I hope you all read the January 31 letter from Florie Wachtenheim, President, Board of Education, about the AP/AT discussion. The letter is also posted on the District website. On February 12, the Board endorsed a resolution that allows for consideration of a locally developed course of study. The Board continues to assure public involvement through the forums outlined in the letter. The Board is committed to consider all issues open-mindedly, thoroughly, and deliberately.
 
    PT Council Announcement
    The proposed slate of officers for 2007-2008 follows:
President: Julie Baker
Vice President: Roseanne Underweiser
Secretary: Pam Fuehrer
Treasurer: Marcy Vinder  
    Election of officers or nominations from the floor will take place at the spring PT Council community meeting on April 12th at 9 AM at SMS.
    Our thanks to the above individuals for agreeing to accept these positions and to the PT Council Nominating Committee: Ellen Brodsky, Chair, Marian Absgarten, Teacher Representative, Julie Baker, Arlene Hartman, Debra Lagapa, Gail Leone, Maria Pick and Naomi Talish for putting together this wonderful slate.
 
    Thank you to PTA Committee members…
    Vicki Liu for hosting the SHS Guidance Department who led the International Parents College Information Coffee, and Jessica Gilbert and Shuling Smith, Multicultural Committee co-chairs, who planned the event.
    Kaoru Ota and the Japanese parents whose help is so appreciated in the Library.
    Sarah Wolf Hallac, our webmaster extraordinaire, for keeping our communications system running smoothly.   
    Ann Cowen and Maria Dabney for contributing their time and great ideas to the Senior Options program and Stephanie Shabman for providing coffee & cookies for the Senior Options Parent Orientation.
    Joanne Wallenstein Fishman and Anne Lyons, Program co-chairs, for organizing our joint SMS/SHS PTA program scheduled for Wednesday, March 14 at 7:30 PM, SMS Band room entitled “Are we Failing our Boys? Raising Consciousness about Boys.”
    Julie Quigley and the Nominating Committee for working on the slate of SHS PTA officers for next year.
    Linda Schapiro and Julie Quigley who will go down in history as editors of the last “paper” PTA Handbook. The Handbook is being replaced by the SHS Student Handbook, Calendar and Planner which is given to every student on the first day of school and is available in the main office throughout the year. Soon, the Student Handbook will be available on line at www.scarsdaleschools.k12.ny.us/hs. The Student Handbook contains the Academic and School Activity Calendar, department, faculty and staff contact list, school policies, Guidance and Counseling Services, the Scarsdale Code of Conduct, the Standards for Extracurricular and Interscholastic Athletic Participation, Alternative School information, and general information on how the High School works.
    Debbie Miller reminds us that Student Directories are on sale in the main office for $5.
    If I have inadvertently left someone’s name off of this list that deserves recognition I sincerely apologize.

    Calendar Notes
    Friday, February 16. Winter recess begins at 2 PM
    Monday, February 26. School reopens
    Wednesday, March 14. Joint SMS/SHS PTA Program:
“Are we Failing our Boys? Raising Consciousness about Boys”
 7:30 PM, SMS Band Room
    Friday, March 16. ½ day. School closes at noon
    Friday, March 30. Spring recess begins at 2 PM
    Tuesday, April 10. School reopens
    Thursday, April 12. PT Council community meeting. 9 AM, SMS. “Raising Resilient Children and Adolescents” Speaker: Dr. Robert Brooks, Faculty Member, Harvard Medical School

 
Alice Herman
ahherman@msn.com

Please visit the following websites to view many merit-based scholarship opportunites:

www.fastweb.com
www.studentscholarshipsearch.com (new website)

From the College and Career Center

The Scarsdale Adult School is accepting suggestions for new program ideas and instructors. Please send your suggestions to the SHS PTA liaison to the SAS, BK Munguia at beeks58@aol.com.

SCARSDALE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT
2007 SCHOOL BOARD NOMINATING COMMITTEE

The School Board Nominating Committee (SBNC) will be selecting three candidates this year. Jeff Blatt will be completing his first term on the Board of Education and is eligible for re-nomination to a second term. Terri Simon and Florie Wachtenheim are completing their second terms and are ineligible for another term.
The entire Scarsdale community is invited to participate in the selection process by proposing candidates for the School Board. To propose a candidate to the Committee, a Biographical Information Form (below) must be completed and submitted by the candidate and signed by the proposer. The deadline for submitting the Biographical Information Form is March 11th. Completed forms should be returned to Marcia Kusnetz 173 Rock Creek Lane, Scarsdale, NY 10583 or e-mail to: mkusnetz@cwmost.com. The completed forms are used in the deliberations during the SBNC meetings.
To be considered, a candidate must be at least 18 years old, a US citizen, and a qualified voter who has resided in the school district for at least one year prior to May 15, 2007, the date of the School Board election.
For more information about the School Board Nominating Committee and the nomination process, please e-mail or call me.

Sincerely,
Brenda Boatswain-Clark, Vice-Chair
Scarsdale School Board Nominating Committee
4 Thies Court, Scarsdale
722-2127   e-mail: bboat@optonline.net

Scarsdale Union Free School District
School Board Nominating Committee

Biographical Information
Proposed 2007 Candidate
For
Scarsdale Board of Education


Deliver as soon as possible to Marcia E. Kusnetz, 173 Rock Creek Lane, Scarsdale,  New York 10583, e-mail: mkusnetz@cwmost.com.  The final deadline for receipt of biographical information for consideration by the School Board Nominating Committee (SBNC) is March 11, 2007.

Please print or type clearly.  This form will be reproduced for the SBNC as submitted.  

Please attach additional information and a RECENT PHOTOGRAPH.

NAME____________________________________________________

ADDRESS___________________________________________________

E-MAIL____________________________________________________
School District Resident for_____________years.
Elementary School District:___________________________________________
Age and grade levels of children:

         Presently in Scarsdale schools_______________
         Graduated from Scarsdale schools____________
         Other schools________________________________

Education and special training, including degrees:



Occupational, business, and professional experience:




General background: local, county, state, and national activities; boards and activities, civic or otherwise, especially school affairs.  Please provide dates where applicable.



On a separate sheet, describe the candidate in terms of his or her qualifications for membership on the Board of Education.  This description should include personal qualities and past experience.
Please sign this separate sheet.

The undersigned proposer(s) has/have verified this biographical information with the proposed candidate.


_________________________________               _________________________________
Proposer(please print)                   Telephone no.                 Signature of proposer (Proposer must sign)              




_________________________________               _________________________________
Proposer(please print)                   Telephone no.                 Signature of proposer (Proposer must sign)                                                                                            

Please go to www.shspta.org/departmentcolumns.htm to read a new Highlights Column from Chris Renino, Chairperson, English Department.

Scarsdale School Psychologists Dr. Elliot Cohen and Jennifer Turetzky

will present "UNDERSTANDING A PSYCHOLOGICAL REPORT" on
February 6th at 7:30 PM in the Fox Meadow 2nd Floor Multipurpose Room

Psychological testing is an invaluable tool in identifying the cause of learning difficulties. 
Learn what this testing includes and the implications of the results.

Parents and Teachers -- Mark your calendars if:
*Your child or student has been evaluated
* You wonder if your child should be evaluated
* You are a parent representative at CSE meetings
This informative meeting will provide helpful explanations and answers to your questions

Sponsored by CHILD

    
SEPTEMBER
Staff Meetings.                                                     Tues.    Sept.   4------ Preparation Day
Schools Open for Students (half a day in a.m.)   Wed.    Sept.   5
First day of school for students (whole day)        Thurs.    Sept.   6
Rosh Hashanah (Closed)                                     Thurs./Fri.    Sept. 13 & 14
TOTAL SCHOOL DAYS    ---------------------------------------------    16 SCHOOL DAYS

OCTOBER
Columbus Day (Closed)                                        Mon.    Oct.   8   
TOTAL SCHOOL DAYS    ---------------------------------------------    22 SCHOOL DAYS
            
NOVEMBER
Election Day - (Schools Closed for students)      Tues.    Nov.   6----------     Full Conference Day for Staff
Veterans' day (Closed)                                          Mon.    Nov. 12
Thanksgiving Recess (Close at noon)                   Wed.    Nov. 21
Schools Reopen                                                    Mon.    Nov. 26
TOTAL SCHOOLS DAYS    ---------------------------------------------    18 SCHOOL DAYS

DECEMBER
Holiday Recess (Close at 12:00 noon)                   Fri.        Dec. 21
TOTAL SCHOOL DAYS    ---------------------------------------------    15 SCHOOL DAYS

JANUARY
Schools Reopen                                                    Wed.      Jan.   2
Martin Luther King Day (Closed)                         Mon.     Jan. 21
Half day for students in A.M.                                Fri.        Jan. 25------------    _ Conference Day for Staff
TOTAL SCHOOL DAYS    ---------------------------------------------    21  SCHOOL DAYS

FEBRUARY
Winter Recess (Closed at 3:00 p.m.)                     Fri.        Feb. 15
    (Closed Feb. 18-22)
Schools Reopen                                                    Mon.    Feb. 25
TOTAL SCHOOL DAYS    ---------------------------------------------    16 SCHOOL DAYS

MARCH
Schools Closed for Pupils                                     Fri.        Mar.  14-----------   Full Conference Day for Staff
Good Friday (Closed)                                           Fri.        Mar.  21
Monday after Easter (Closed)                               Mon.    Mar.  24
TOTAL SCHOOL DAYS    ---------------------------------------------    18 SCHOOL DAYS

APRIL
Spring Recess Begins (Close at 3:00 p.m.)            Fri.        Apr. 18
Spring Recess:  April 21-25
Schools Reopen following Spring Recess            Mon.    Apr. 28
TOTAL SCHOOL DAYS    ---------------------------------------------    17 SCHOOL DAYS
 
MAY
School (Close at 12:00 noon)                                Fri.        May 23
Memorial Day (Closed)                                          Mon.    May 26
TOTAL SCHOOL DAYS    --------------------------------------------    21 SCHOOL DAYS

JUNE
Last Day of School                                                Thurs.    June 26
TOTAL SCHOOL DAYS    ---------------------------------------------    19 SCHOOL DAYS
 
                        TOTAL SCHOOL and TEACHERS DAYS IN SESSION   ---------    183
                     * TOTAL STAFF and CONFERENCE DAYS  --------------------------    3
                        TOTAL DAYS                                           ------------------------------- 186

* One Staff Development Day TBD

Final Exams and Regents Exams:  June 17 to June 25; Rating Day, June 26

NOTE:  In the event make-up school days are needed, the District schools will use, in the following order:
               Friday, May 23rd; Monday, April 21st; Tuesday, April 22nd; Wednesday, April  23rd   

School Schedule Update
The timetable for the 11th grade English Regents testing days is posted on the district website at scarsdaleschools.org. No classes will meet on the afternoons of Tuesday or Wednesday, January 23 and 24, 2007. The only students in the building on these two afternoons will be those who are involved in one of the activities listed on the English Regents Testing Schedule. The changes in the bus schedule for Tuesday and Wednesday are also posted on the webpage.

On Friday, January 26 all schools in the District close at noon.

Student Directory Sales
Student Telephone Directories are on sale for $5 in the Main Office, Post Road entrance.

As you should have read in the previous e-mail, we have changed our e-mail address.  If you receive this e-mail, congratulations you do not have to do anything.

The Scarsdale High School PTA has a new e-mail address: SHSPTA10583@aol.com

The Scarsdale High School PTA has a new e-mail address: SHSPTA10583@aol.com
 
We will be sending you a test message from that e-mail soon.  If you do not receive another message from that e-mail by 5PM on THURSDAY JANUARY 18th, please check your spam folder.
 
If you continue to have a problem please go to http://www.shspta.org/troublewithemail.htm and follow the instructions.

Thank you.
SHS PTA
 

Advanced Topic Course Outlines and information on AP Exam Scores for Credit, Placement, and Course Exemption have been posted on the HS AP Proposal web page. Click here to access the site.

To International Parents of 11th Grade Students
You are cordially invited to attend the International Parents' College Information Meeting on Thursday morning, January 18, 2007 at 9:00 AM.  The meeting will take place at the home of Vicki Liu, 44 Murray Hill Road.  Dean Barbara Leifer-Sarullo, SHS Director of Guidance, and Dean Andrea O’Gorman will speak about the college admissions procedure in the U.S.
 
We hope you will plan to attend this very informative program.  Please R.S.V.P. to Shuling Smith, at Shuling_Smith@hotmail.com by January 12, 2007.

I am writing to invite parents to another discussion of the proposed Alternative Topics Plan.  So far, we have met with the Board of Education and various larger group formats in the community to discuss the proposal and to hear community response.  I also wrote the entire school community before the holidays to solicit additional comments and suggestions, and as a faculty we have engaged in a serious consideration of how concerns can be addressed as well as reviewed the communications of support for the proposal.

This Tuesday evening, January 9th, P-T Council will host an evening dedicated o a review of curricular initiatives in the district.  Dr. Paul Folkemer, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction, will present an overview of district wide improvements in curriculum, and his presentation will be followed by an opportunity for teachers and parents to interact in small groups to discuss the Advanced Topics proposal.  Several teachers and department heads will be on hand to discuss with parents the key issues that have emerged over the past few months, and each group will determine its area of focus for the conversation.  We believe that this format offers a unique opportunity to have all voices heard, something that is always difficult to achieve in large group settings.  As always, our intention as a professional community is to share our perspective, to hear from interested parties, and to keep the process of review as transparent as possible.

I invite you to join us on Tuesday evening at 8:00 at the Middle School.  Following a brief business meeting for P-T Council, Dr. Folkemer will present his remarks, and we will adjourn to the small group discussions.  Please join us if you can for this additional opportunity for dialogue between the professional staff and the parent community.

Monday, January 8, 8:00 PM, the Board of Education meeting will be in Rm 170-172 at SHS (not Quaker Ridge)

Tuesday, January 9
   -    The 7:45 PM PTA business meeting will be in room T-6 at SMS
   -    The 8 PM PT Council program will be followed by a parent-faculty conversation on the proposed changes to the AP curriculum
   -    Vote at SMS for the 2007 School Board Nominating Committee, 7:30-9:30 AM and 4-9 PM

January 2 (Tues) -- School Reopens
January 8 (Mon) -- Board of Education meeting, 8:00 PM, Quaker Ridge
January 9 (Tues) -- PTA meeting 7:45 PM and Winter PT Council Event 8:00 PM at SMS. Topic: Curriculum Developments in the Scarsdale Schools (K-12), Presentation by Dr. Paul Folkemer
January 15 (Mon) -- Martin Luther King Day (school closed)
January 16 (Tues) -- Board of Education Community Budget Forum -
 7:30 PM, SHS Room 170
January 18 (Thurs) -- Board of Education Community Budget Forum - 10:00 AM, Girl Scout House on Wayside Lane
January 19 (Fri) -- Task Force on Drugs & Alcohol meeting, 9:00 AM,
SHS Room 170
January 19, 20 (Fri, Sat) -- Drama production, 8:00 PM, Auditorium
January 22 (Mon) -- Board of Education meeting, 8:00 PM, SMS
January 26 (Fri) -- School Closes at Noon for students