Scarsdale High School PTA

Email Archive 2008

Each e-mail sent out by the SHS PTA in 2008 to the Email Distribution list is archived here, with the most recent e-mails listed first. 

Please click HERE to go to emails sent out in 2005

Please click HERE to go to emails sent out in 2006

Please click HERE to go to emails sent out in 2007

Young Drivers Safety Program

The Westchester County Police Department will be hosting a Young Driver Safety Program at the Westchester County Police Academy, starting Monday July 14, 2008 and continuing through Friday July 18, 2008.  Please Note:  Monday, July 14th is closed.

The program will be a one day course, held in the evening time between 5:00 pm hrs to 9:00pm, over a five day period. It will be held at the Police Academy located at 2 Dana Rd., Valhalla, N.Y.  Each course will be limited to twelve, valid licensed drivers and/or permit holders per night. The focus will be on new drivers in the 16-18 year of age range.

 
 The course will consist of a one hour classroom lecture, PowerPoint presentation, and open discussion going over basic safety tips that is similar to the training used for recruit police officers attending the academy.  There will also be a block of instruction on the dangers in distracted driving, which is the number one cause of accidents in young drivers.

 
 The classroom will then separate into groups. One group will utilize the County Police driving simulator to go over safe aspects of driving. The students will be given several scenarios where they can be critiqued and given instruction on every day driving and also shown the dangers in intoxicated driving. They will also be given scenarios that will focus on distracted driving as well.

 
 The second group will be given a vehicle familiarization by an Emergency Vehicle Operator’s Course Instructor. They will go over basic vehicle parts, how to recognize mechanical problems with their vehicles, and what to do during emergency situations, i.e. flat tires, being involved in accidents, etc. Students will then have an EVOC Instructor drive the students around in a vehicle showing them commentary driving and proper driving habits.    

 
 The groups will then switch with one another, giving each group equal instruction time on each topic.

If you wish to sign up for this course, please contact Police Officer Pete Farrell @ (914)864-7872.  Please leave name and call back number. This program will be limited to the first 60 students.

Maryellen Martirano
 Director of Training
 Westchester County Department of Public Safety
 
 

Last e-mail using the old e-mail system (sent 6/27)

IMPORTANT:  SHSPTA IS CHANGING EMAIL PROVIDERS - This will be the last e-mail sent out using the old system.

The SHS PTA is changing e-mail providers and everyone must re-register on the new email server.  We will start using the new system on July 1st so you must register by July 1st to continue to receive emails from SHSPTA regarding all school activities.  

Click here
to register for the new system. Remember to enter your child's grade for next year.

If you want to receive information at more than one email address, each email address must register separately.

All communications for the new school year will be from the new system.  If you have registered with the old system, the e-mail addresses will not be transferred so you must re-register.

Thank you for working with us to keep you informed.

Please sign up as soon as possible.

REMINDER - Important Change in Email Providers (sent 6/21)

IMPORTANT:  SHSPTA IS CHANGING EMAIL PROVIDERS

The SHS PTA is changing e-mail providers and everyone must re-register on the new email server.  We will start using the new system on July 1st so you must register by July 1st to continue to receive emails from SHSPTA regarding all school activities.  

Click here
to register for the new system. Remember to enter your child's grade for next year.

If you want to receive information at more than one email address, each email address must register separately.

All communications for the new school year will be from the new system.  If you have registered with the old system, the e-mail addresses will not be transferred so you must re-register.

Thank you for working with us to keep you informed.

Please sign up as soon as possible.

Make It Green Supply Kits (sent 6/19)

A Reminder from the Make It Green Club!

The SHS Make it Green Club is currently selling sustainable school supply packs that will be available for pick-up before school starts in September.  There are three different package options, so they can meet the needs of every student.  All items in the packs are made from recycled materials, post-consumer waste, and/or sustainable materials. Check out the order form below (order forms are also available on the School Government e-board)!  Do your part and make it green by purchasing sustainable school supply packs for your student for next year!

THE MAKE IT GREEN CLUB PRESENTS

ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY SCHOOL SUPPLIES!
ALL SUPPLY PACKS WILL BE READY FOR PICK-UP BEFORE SCHOOL STARTS IN SEPTEMBER
o    Don't be part of the cause, BE PART OF THE SOLUTION!
o    Don't spend $150 on school supplies
o    Do spend less than $100 and DO YOUR PART in MAKING IT GREEN!
o    Do purchase top quality, top brands, all made from recycled materials!

CHOOSE YOUR PACK!
Option One - “I only use notebooks!” INCLUDES:
o 6- one-subject wirebound notebooks (assorted colors) o 6- two-pocket folders (assorted colors) o 100 sheets college ruled filler paper o 1 pack colored pencils o 12 - #2 pencils o 3 mechanical pencils + refills o 300 lined 3x5 index cards o 500 sheets printer paper o 4 assorted reusable highlighters + yellow refill o 2 black gel pens o 2 blue gel pens

Option Two - “I only use binders!” INCLUDES:
o 5- 1” vinyl binders (assorted colors; 2 have insert sleeves) o 2- two-pocket folders (assorted colors) o 3- five-tab dividers o 500 sheet college ruled filler paper o 1 pack colored pencils o 12 - #2 pencils o 3 mechanical pencils + refills o 300 lined 3x5 index cards o 500 sheets printer paper o 4 assorted reusable highlighters + yellow refill o 2 black gel pens o 2 blue gel pens
 
Option Three - “I like both notebooks and binders!” INCLUDES:
o 3- 1” vinyl binders (assorted colors) o 2- one-subject wirebound notebooks (assorted colors) o 2- two-pocket folders o 2- five-tab dividers o 200 sheet college ruled filler paper o 1 pack colored pencils o 12 - #2 pencils o 3 mechanical pencils + refills o 300 lined 3x5 index cards o 500 sheets printer paper o 4 assorted reusable highlighters + yellow refill o 2 black gel pens o 2 blue gel pens

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMPLETE AND RETURN FORM WITH A CHECK TO Maggie Dunne@14 Edgewood Road, Scarsdale, NY 10583 NO LATER THAN JUNE 25TH . Make checks payable to Scarsdale High School Make it Green.

Name:_______________________  Homeroom:______________________  

Phone:_______________________ Email:___________________________

I WANT:
    _____OPTION ONE -NOTEBOOKS     $56  (compare to $87 at most stores)
    _____OPTION TWO -BINDERS          $66  (compare to $101 at most stores)
    _____OPTION THREE - COMBO         $60  (compare to $76 at most stores)

Do your part and MAKE IT GREEN! All materials provided by GREEN MY LOCKER
Questions? Email MakeitGreen.shs@gmail.com  

IMPORTANT:  SHSPTA IS CHANGING EMAIL PROVIDERS (sent 6/18)

IMPORTANT:  SHSPTA IS CHANGING EMAIL PROVIDERS

The SHS PTA is changing e-mail providers and everyone must re-register on the new email server.  We will start using the new system on July 1st so you must register by July 1st to continue to receive emails from SHSPTA regarding all school activities.  

Click here
to register for the new system. Remember to enter your child's grade for next year.

If you want to receive information at more than one email address, each email address must register separately.

All communications for the new school year will be from the new system.  If you have registered with the old system, the e-mail addresses will not be transferred so you must re-register.

Thank you for working with us to keep you informed.

Please sign up as soon as possible.

Save the Date - PTC Sports Swap Sept 13 (sent 6/18)

Sports Swap 2008

Saturday, September 13th
10:00 am -12 Noon
Scarsdale Middle School

Buy! Sell!
Buy gently used sports equipment!  Sell your old sporting goods!  
Buy computer and video games!  Save on party clothes!
Have fun while supporting Scarsdale's PTAs!

Questions about this community event?
Contact Maureen Hart at MMHart@optonline.net
Or LeeAnn Seiderman at NYmenz@aol.com

 

ITEMS FOR SALE

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

SELLING IS EASY!

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 9/12  5:30 pm - 7:00 pm or Saturday 9/13 8:30 am - 9:30 am. No items will be accepted after 9:45 am 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

BUYING IS FUN! Hundreds of items for sale
    Cash and checks accepted
    All sales are final

 

 Reminder Quaker Ridge "Buy A Brick" – the deadline for orders is June 30th (sent 6/18)

BUY A BRICK…

Our Quaker Ridge construction is complete!  In the center of our brand new building will be a brick courtyard for all to enjoy.  Now is the time to get your personally inscribed brick.
This is a perfect opportunity for end-of-year gifts for:
    o    your family or a graduate
    o    a well-loved teacher
    o    a memorial
    o    the list goes on and on
Bricks are $100.00.   Please fill out the information below and include your check made payable to QRPTA. Mail it to

Quaker Ridge School c/o PTA Buy A Brick
125 Weaver Street,
Scarsdale, NY, 10583

or place it in the box marked “BRICKS” in the main office.   If you have any questions, please ask Julia Soning at soning4@aol.com.

Name:___________________________  Phone:_________________
Email:_________________________________
No of bricks__________@ $100 =       $___________
                                        Total          $___________

Inscription
(no more than 14 letters per line including spaces, 3 lines max)

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

 Volunteering at the College and Career Center (sent 6/17 only to 10th and 11th graders)

We are looking for a limited number of parents who would like to volunteer at the College and Career Center at the high school next year, 2008/9.
 The College and Career Center (CCC) is a PTA funded service for the students, parents and faculty. We work closely with the guidance department and are a source of support for them.
 The CCC is open from 9am to 3pm daily, except Fridays, when it closes at 1pm.
 Volunteers are required to work a 2 hour time period every 4 weeks. There are 4 volunteers per time slot. These times are from 9 - 11am, 11 - 1pm and 1 - 3pm. It is difficult to predict how busy you will be at the CCC - at times it is very busy and at times it is very slow!
 Volunteers responsibilities include amongst others; sorting and filing mail from the colleges, updating college information in the office, teaching parents the Naviance system - we train volunteers for this, interviewing college reps when they visit the school.
 If the CCC is something you feel you would like to become involved with please let us know ASAP. We have very limited availability.
 As many more people like to volunteer than we can accommodate and we are a support system for the deans, we ask that you only consider this volunteer opportunity if you are able to truly commit to the required time. We do understand that last minute issues crop up, and we have systems in place to find volunteers at the last minute. We are required to keep the office open during the above-mentioned times.
 Additionally, we have a mandatory meeting on Friday, September 5, 2008, at 9am. The CCC officially opens on September 8, 2008
 If you are interested, please do not hit reply, please *email us at the addresses listed below and include the following information.
 Name
 Address
 Email
 Home phone
 Cell phone
 Child's name and grade
 3 times you would prefer to volunteer
 Many thanks for your interest and we look forward to hearing from you.
 *Sharon Strassberg:  priceresearch@aol.com
 *Diane Levy:  dile100@aol.com

Reminder on Volunteer Recognition Certificates (sent 6/13)

This is reminder that all eligible HS students who have not yet picked up their Volunteer Recognition certificates should promptly do so in the Main Office.  Thanks!

Make It Green Supply Kits (sent 6/6)

The SHS Make it Green Club is currently selling sustainable school supply packs that will be available for pick-up before school starts in September.  There are three different package options, so they can meet the needs of every student.  All items in the packs are made from recycled materials, post-consumer waste, and/or sustainable materials.  On June 10th, Make it Green will display samples of the packages during a bake sale during lunch in the cafeteria. Check out the order form below (order forms are also available on the School Government e-board)!  Do your part and make it green by purchasing sustainable school supply packs for your student for next year!

THE MAKE IT GREEN CLUB PRESENTS

ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY SCHOOL SUPPLIES!
ALL SUPPLY PACKS WILL BE READY FOR PICK-UP BEFORE SCHOOL STARTS IN SEPTEMBER
o    Don't be part of the cause, BE PART OF THE SOLUTION!
o    Don't spend $150 on school supplies
o    Do spend less than $100 and DO YOUR PART in MAKING IT GREEN!
o    Do purchase top quality, top brands, all made from recycled materials!

CHOOSE YOUR PACK!
Option One - “I only use notebooks!” INCLUDES:
o 6- one-subject wirebound notebooks (assorted colors) o 6- two-pocket folders (assorted colors) o 100 sheets college ruled filler paper o 1 pack colored pencils o 12 - #2 pencils o 3 mechanical pencils + refills o 300 lined 3x5 index cards o 500 sheets printer paper o 4 assorted reusable highlighters + yellow refill o 2 black gel pens o 2 blue gel pens

Option Two - “I only use binders!” INCLUDES:
o 5- 1” vinyl binders (assorted colors; 2 have insert sleeves) o 2- two-pocket folders (assorted colors) o 3- five-tab dividers o 500 sheet college ruled filler paper o 1 pack colored pencils o 12 - #2 pencils o 3 mechanical pencils + refills o 300 lined 3x5 index cards o 500 sheets printer paper o 4 assorted reusable highlighters + yellow refill o 2 black gel pens o 2 blue gel pens
 
Option Three - “I like both notebooks and binders!” INCLUDES:
o 3- 1” vinyl binders (assorted colors) o 2- one-subject wirebound notebooks (assorted colors) o 2- two-pocket folders o 2- five-tab dividers o 200 sheet college ruled filler paper o 1 pack colored pencils o 12 - #2 pencils o 3 mechanical pencils + refills o 300 lined 3x5 index cards o 500 sheets printer paper o 4 assorted reusable highlighters + yellow refill o 2 black gel pens o 2 blue gel pens

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMPLETE AND RETURN FORM WITH A CHECK TO MR. OMOLOJU'S MAILBOX IN THE SHS ATTENDANCE OFFICE BY JUNE 18, 2008. Make checks payable to Scarsdale High School Make it Green.

Name:_______________________  Homeroom:______________________  

Phone:_______________________ Email:___________________________

I WANT:
    _____OPTION ONE -NOTEBOOKS     $56  (compare to $87 at most stores)
    _____OPTION TWO -BINDERS          $66  (compare to $101 at most stores)
    _____OPTION THREE - COMBO         $60  (compare to $76 at most stores)

IF YOU MUST MAIL YOUR PAYMENT, then mail it to MAGGIE DUNNE @ 14 EDGEWOOD RD SCARSDALE  Do your part and MAKE IT GREEN! All materials provided by GREEN MY LOCKER
Questions? Email MakeitGreen.shs@gmail.com  

Task Force Meeting Notes Now Available (sent 6/4)

Click here to see the May Task Force Meeting Notes

Y.E.S. Office Summer Schedule (sent 6/3)

The Y.E.S office will be closed from June 20th (normal hours, but closing by 2pm that Friday) and will reopen for the Summer on July 7th. Summer hours, based on volunteer availability, will be Monday and Wednesday from 11-1, and Fridays from 10 -12.  If anyone is interested in volunteering for the Y.E.S office for the summer, please contact Wendy Weinstein at wendy59@optonline.net.

Task Force June Factoid (sent 6/2)

What parents may not realize is that children say parental disapproval of underage drinking is the key reason they have chosen not to drink.

Charles Curie, former Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) administrator, US Dept. of Health and Human Services

The Senior Prom is this Thursday (sent only to Seniors 6/2)

SCARSDALE HGH SCHOOL PTA
cordially  invites you and your family
 to our annual Pre-Prom Reception
  Thursday, June 5, 4:15 to 5:30 PM
    SHS Brewster Road Entrance

Rain Location:  Gyms 1 and 2

BUSES DEPART FOR THE PROM PROMPTLY AT 5:30 PM
 
Celebrate this SHS tradition and enjoy great photo opportunities
and refreshments!
 
Thank You.
The SHS PTA Pre-Prom Committee
Nancy Gilbert, Chair
Elise Flagg, Shelley Goldwasser, Susan Livingston, Linda Mantis, Maryann Petrescu, Lisa Rodman, Sandi Schwartz, Nancy Steinberg, Barbara Tartell




Maroon and White Picnic (sent 6/2)

YOU ARE INVITED!

Spring Athletes and their Families Wanted!

The Maroon and White Spring Awards  Cook-Out

To honor our athletes

Tuesday June 3rd, 2008 at 6 pm

Rain or Shine

At  Scarsdale High School( outside Brewster Rd Entrance)

Gym (In case of rain)

**Seniors arrive by 5:30

Spring Athletes are our guests

$10 Adults

$5 Children

Please email Gail Leone with questions( leonetg22@optonline.net)

18 in '08 at the Teen Center Tonight (sent 5/30)

18 in '08

A FILM
A MOVEMENT

Don't miss the opportunity to see the documentary and talk to 19-year-old director David Burstein

18 in '08 started as a film to turn out young voters for the 2008 election. Now 18 in '08 is leading an unprecedented peer-to-peer movement to register, engage, and mobilize America's youth.

Thursday May 29 at the
Scarsdale Teen Center
Call 722-8358 to RSVP

Pizza at 6:30pm     Screening at 7:15pm     Q&A at 7:45pm

REGISTER   *  VOTE   *   MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Visit www.18in08.com for more info

Sponsored by the
League of Women Voters of Scarsdale

 

Senior Class Play - This Friday and Saturday (sent 5/28)

Dear Parents,

The Senior Class has been working hard on the production of Bye Bye Birdie for the annual senior class play. There will be two performances, Friday (May 30) and Saturday (May 31), held at the Scarsdale High School Auditorium at 7:30 pm. The play has been entirely run by seniors, from acting, to directing, to choreographing, despite the fact that the majority of the cast and crew has never performed in a play before.  It is one of the last events that the seniors get to share with each other and the community before they graduate. We would like to invite all of you, your families, and your friends to join us for an awesome night.  Tickets will be sold at the auditorium at $12 for children and $15 for adults.

We hope to see you there!
SHS Senior Class Government

New HS Compact Member (sent 5/28)

Congratulations to Rena Schwartzbaum, the newly elected member of the HS Compact Team.

Thanks to all candidates who participated in the election, and to all those who voted. 

QUAKER RIDGE ALUMNI - BUY A BRICK (sent 5/23)

QUAKER RIDGE ALUMNI
BUY A BRICK…

Our Quaker Ridge construction is complete!  In the center of our brand new building will be a brick courtyard for all to enjoy.  Installation is planned for Fall '08.
You are invited to “BUY A BRICK” and personally inscribe a name on a brick that will be forever part of the Quaker Ridge landscape.  This is a perfect opportunity for end of year gifts: your family or a graduate, a well-loved teacher, a memorial… the list goes on and on.
Bricks are $100.00.   Please fill out the information below and include your check made payable to QRPTA and mail it to Buy A Brick (QRPTA), Quaker Ridge School, 125 Weaver Street, Scarsdale, NY, 10583 or place it in the box marked bricks in the main office.
Any questions: Julia Soning soning4@aol.com

Name:___________________________  Phone:_________________

Email:_________________________________

No of bricks__________@ $100 =   $___________
                                        Total      $___________

Inscription (no more than 14 letters per line including spaces, 3 lines max)

___________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

Maroon and White Picnic (sent 5/22)

YOU ARE INVITED!

Spring Athletes and their Families Wanted!

The Maroon and White Spring Awards  Cook-Out

To honor our athletes

Tuesday June 3rd, 2008 at 6 pm

Rain or Shine

At  Scarsdale High School( outside Brewster Rd Entrance)

Gym (In case of rain)

**Seniors arrive by 5:30

Spring Athletes are our guests

$10 Adults

$5 Children

Please email Gail Leone with questions( leonetg22@optonline.net)

Scarsdale Teen Center Memorial Music Fest Saturday May 24th (sent 5/22)

Join us Saturday May 24th for our annual Memorial Day Music Fest from 6-11PM. Local Bands and entertainment as well as a bicycle rodeo for kids grades K-5. Registration for the bicycle rodeo will begin at 4pm and live music begins at 6pm. Fun for the whole family.

Pre-Prom Reminder for All Seniors and Parents of Seniors! (sent to seniors only on  5/20)

PLEASE BE SURE TO NOTE THESE UPDATED TIMES!!
 
 
SCARSDALE HGH SCHOOL PTA
cordially  invites you and your family
 to our annual Pre-Prom Reception
  Thursday, June 5, 4:15 to 5:30 PM
    SHS Brewster Road Entrance

                  Rain Location:  Gyms 1 and 2

 
BUSES DEPART FOR THE PROM PROMPTLY AT 5:30 PM
 
Celebrate this SHS tradition and enjoy great photo opportunities
and refreshments!
 
Thank You.
The SHS PTA Pre-Prom Committee
Nancy Gilbert, Chair
Elise Flagg, Shelley Goldwasser, Susan Livingston, Linda Mantis, Maryann Petrescu, Lisa Rodman, Sandi Schwartz, Nancy Steinberg, Barbara Tartell

Update from John Klemme (sent 5/20)

May 20

Dear Parents,

I am writing to provide you with an update on yesterday and the state of the school this morning.

None us can say that we felt “good” in an way about yesterday, but we can say that we responded with care and sensitivity to our students, especially to those who needed comfort and support.  Our counselors, our psychologists, our Youth Outreach workers, our teachers, our support staff, and administrators all followed classes throughout the day and provided students with an opportunity to speak about their feelings and to process the death of one of their peers.  Certainly there were students who were closer to Akshay than others, and teachers and other school personnel responded accordingly.  But the most important thing I want to communicate to you is that while “school” did go on, our most important job yesterday was to help teenagers deal with the immensity of death, an awesome task for anyone, and especially for the young.

Today, kids seem to be back to the details of school, although I did observe Akshay's Civ Ed group putting up a bulletin board where they will leave messages about him that will ultimately be presented to his family in book form.  Those are the kinds of kids you send to us, and we are grateful for them every day.

John

 Important Message from John Klemme (sent 5/19)

Dear Parents,

I know you are aware of the death of one of our freshman students, Ashkay Menon, especially in light of the message you received from me last evening.  I am writing to let you know that the message sent to you was actually intended for our staff. I had the assistance of a technical support person from Connect-Ed, the firm we use to send messages regarding emergency situations who guided me through the message development process.  For whatever reason, the message to be delivered to the staff actually was sent to all high school parents as well.  

The tone of the message was essentially informative.  It was designed to alert teachers know that there was a crisis situation and that a group of us would be meeting to discuss next steps on Monday morning.  Clearly I would have developed a very different message for parents with an emphasis on how we planned to care for your children on this difficult day. I hope you'll chalk this up to a technical glitch and that you understand it was not my intention to speak less supportively of our student body to you.  That has been at the forefront of our efforts this morning, and I can safely report that we have mobilized a large group of deans, youth outreach workers, administrators, teachers, and psychologists to attend to the emotional needs of our students on this sad day.

We have reached out to the students' family and they have indicated that while there are no plans beyond a personal service, they would indeed appreciate the calls and visits of students who were friends of Akshay Menon.  I know that a group of students has expressed plans to gather at the train station later to hold a vigil in Akshay's memory.  I personally believe this is not the place to show grief, and I will be encouraging students to call or visit the Menon home.  I would appreciate your efforts to steer students in that direction.  

We mourn the loss of one of our own, and we send our heartfelt condolences to his family.  As I mentioned to groups of students this morning, we ultimately have only one another to rely upon in situations like this.  We are there for your children; they are there for one another; and I know you are always there for them.

John

Budget Vote Tomorrow (sent 5/19)

Please mark your calendar for the 2008-9 school budget vote.
The PTA encourages all eligible voters in your house to vote on:
 
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
7am – 9pm
 Scarsdale Middle School
 
Designated parking provided for voters.
 
Your vote matters!

Child Meeting May 27th (sent 5/19)

All are WELCOME to a CHILD FORUM.

Discuss topics of concern and share your feedback on how CHILD can better serve you next year.

Tuesday, May 27
Fox Meadow Multipurpose Room
7:30 pm

CHILD (Children Having Individual Learning Differences) is a committee of the PT Council. 

Attention A-School Parents (sent 5/16)

Please be aware of a change in location for tonight's party in honor of Maureen.
Due to rain, the party will be held in the SHS Cafeteria from 6pm-8pm.

P.S. If you have not yet R.S.V.P.'d, please bring cash or a check payable to SHS in
the amount of $15 per person.

Thank you.  We look forward to seeing you there!

Study Session with Board of Ed on Advanced Topics (sent 5/16)

Dear Parents,

At Monday night's Board of Education Meeting, a panel of teachers and administrators along with PTA President Liz Gruber will participate in a study session with the Board about the Advanced Topics Program.  We will review the work of the two committees charged with overseeing the implementation of the program over the past year as well as the “lessons” we've learned from this first year of implementation.  Parent members of the committees will also be on hand to answer any questions Board members might have for them.  

As usual, the meeting will be televised, but if you'd care to join us in the Board Room at 8 p.m., please do so.

Sincerely,

John Klemme

CCC Information (sent 5/13)

The College and Career Center will close for the year on Friday, May 16 at 1pm.
 The center will reopen on Monday, September 8, 2008, with regular hours.
 Please contact
 Sharon Strassberg: priceresearch@aol.com
 or Diane Levy: dile100@aol.com
 if you would like to use the center between now and June 26, 2008

 

 SHS PTA Scholarship Fund for College Gift Cards on Sale (sent 5/13)

Order forms for gift cards honoring grads and teachers will be available outside the high school auditorium immediately before the band concert tonight, the Academic Awards Assembly on Wednesday evening, May 14, the Volunteer Service Awards Assembly on Thursday evening, May 15th, and before the senior class play on May 30th and 31st. Order forms will also be sold at the PTA luncheon meeting on May 16th.   Sample cards will  be available for viewing.  All proceeds go directly to the Scholarship Fund.  Gift card purchases are tax-deductible.

Thank you for your support.
 

School Budget Vote (sent 5/13)

Please mark your calendar for the 2008-9 school budget vote.
 
The PTA encourages all eligible voters in your house to vote on:
 
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
7am – 9pm
 Scarsdale Middle School
 
Designated parking provided for voters.
 
Your vote matters!

Important Info for Seniors - Senior Prom Bus Permission Slip that MUST be signed (sent only to Seniors 5/12)

To all parents of seniors,
 
As you know, the Scarsdale High School Prom will be on Thursday, June 5.  Please click here to get to the Bus Permission Slip Form and letter on the PTA website. Click on "Seniors Click Here", the first item on the list, to open a letter from the Senior Class Prom Committee which gives details about where the prom will be held and the timing of the evening and a Bus Permission Slip.
 
The Prom Bus Permission Slip must be completed and signed by a parent and placed in a box in the General Office of the High School by Friday, May 16.
 

Please review this information.  If you have any questions, feel free to contact those listed on the attached letter!
 
Just a reminder... the Pre-Prom begins at the High School at 4:15 and buses depart the High School promptly at 5:30.

REMEMBER TO COMPLETE AND SIGN THE BUS PERMISSION SLIP AND RETURN IT TO THE OFFICE BY THIS FRIDAY.
 
The SHS PTA Pre-Prom Committee and the SHS Prom Committee

SHSPTA: Volunteer Service Recognition Assembly (sent 5/12)

Students and their families are formally invited to the Volunteer Service Recognition Assembly which will be held in the HS Auditorium on Thursday, May 15th at 7:30 p.m.  Those students who have submitted their applications and have volunteered at least twenty hours with a community organization, student service club, or a school volunteer job will be recognized.  Students should arrive at the HS by 7:00 p.m. to check-in.
 
Please contact Gail Dobosh, Ldobosh@aol.com, 472-8938 or Kim Meyers, Kimschles@aol.com, 725-2017 with any questions.

PTA Meeting May 16th and Compact Committee Voting (sent 5/12)

Please plan on attending our last PTA general membership meeting of the school year.
Friday, May 16th, 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.,  rooms 170-172 in the high school

An exciting program will follow the business portion of the meeting.  SHS Art History teacher, Beth Colleary, will give a presentation on American artist, Edward Hopper.

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

We will vote on the following slate of incoming PTA officers:

President - Liz Gruber
Vice President - Alice Herman
President-Elect - Julie Hoofnagle
Secretary - Beth Zadek
Treasurer - Geralyn Della Cava
Scholarship Treasurer - Irene Drivas
Communications Secretary - Lauri Carey

We will also vote to elect a new representative for the High School Compact for Learning team. A ballot will be provided at the meeting.

Voting for the one open parent position on the Scarsdale High School Compact Committee will take place on Friday, May 16 at the PTA meeting at the High School from 11:30am – 1:00pm.
 
You may cast a vote for one of the 8 candidates running for the Compact position.  The profiles of the candidates are available on http://www.shspta.org/compactcommittee.htm.
 
If you are not able to attend this meeting, you can file your absentee vote by printing a ballot at http://www.shspta.org/compactballot.htm, and dropping off the form in the box in the Main Office during the week of May 12.  Please remember to include your name, which can be detached from the rest of the ballot, and both parts should be placed in the box in the office.  All absentee votes must be cast by 11:30am on May 16.
 
If you have any questions, please contact the HS Nominating Committee Chair, Penny Bauersfeld, at bauersfeld@aol.com.

Notice of Public Hearing (sent 5/7)

 

NOTICE
of
PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE
ANNUAL REVIEW OF THE DISTRICT SAFETY PLAN AND
THE CODE OF CONDUCT AND
CONSIDERATION OF ANY PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE PLAN



    The Board of Education of the Scarsdale Union Free School District will hold a public hearing on Tuesday evening, July 1, 2008.  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 2, 2008.

    The July 1, 2008, 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).



Lois Q. Rehm
District Clerk
Scarsdale Board of Education
5/19/08

SENIORS - IMPORTANT TIME CHANGE - BUSES TO THE PROM DEPARTING AT 5:30 PROMPTLY (sent 5/5 only to Seniors)

Very Important Message To All Seniors and their Parents:
 
The time of the pre-prom at the high school and the departure time of the buses from the high school to the prom on Thursday, June 5 have been changed as follows:
 
PRE-PROM WILL BEGIN AT 4:15 AND WILL END AT 5:30 WITH
 
BUSES FOR THE PROM DEPARTING THE HIGH SCHOOL AT 5:30 PROMPTLY.
 
Since the prom will be in Brooklyn, the pre-prom and bus departure times have been changed to ensure a timely arrival at the prom!
 
Parents, please be sure to make your senior student aware of these changes!  The pre-prom begins and the buses depart for the prom earlier than on the printed invitation!!!  PLEASE MAKE NOTE OF THESE TIMES!!
 
Thank you.
 
The Pre-Prom and Prom Committees
 
 

Parent Meeting - May 8th - 7:30 pm (sent May 2)

The Scarsdale High School Compact Committee

Invites you to a Parent Meeting

On Thursday Evening, May 8th, at 7:30 p.m.

In the Little Theater



In addition to a brief description of some initiatives for the 2008-09 school year by Principal John Klemme, the members of the Compact Committee will present preliminary findings from a survey recently administered to all students about the sources of stress at the High School. 

Following this presentation, parents are invited to engage in a conversation about their own perceptions about the causes and effects of student stress.

Please join us!

 

Spring Arts Festival (sent 5/1)

Scarsdale high school's Fine and Performing Arts Departments  celebrate the arts by presenting the First Spring Arts Festival, a two week festival which showcases the high school artists.

Tuesday May 6th, from 7-10pm:

    o    The High School Orchestra Concert takes place in the high school auditorium (Brewster road entrance) from 8-9:15 PM.
    o    The High School Art Department will host a Student Art show in the “Positive Space Gallery” on the second floor.
    o    “Open Art studios” with Hands on demonstrations of art by SHS students will follow the     concert from 9-10 PM.  The hands on demonstrations will include:
    *  computer graphics, computer animation, video editing, in Room 206
    *  making photographs in the darkroom, enlarger work, developing images, outside studio, matting, mounting photos in Room 208
    *  drawing, painting, architecture model building in Room 211
    *  hand building clay work, throwing pots on the potter's wheels, glazing pottery, sculptural clay work, glass work in Room 215
    *  drawing, painting in Room 273 and 276

The Friends of Music and the Arts will host a reception on the second floor following the concert.  Admission is free for both concert and art show and all are welcome to attend.

Friday May 9th and Sat May 10 at 7:30 PM in the high school auditorium.

The High school Drama students present "Behind the Curtain:  an actor prepares" a glimpse at the way students learn the art of acting.  High School students will perform exercises, improvisations, stories, songs and scenes.
Admission cost $5.00 and tickets can be purchased at the door.  All are welcome to attend.

Tuesday May 13th, from 7-10pm:

    o    The High School Band Concert takes place in the high school auditorium (Brewster Road entrance) from 8-9:15 PM
    o    The High School Art Department will host a Student Art show in the “Positive Space Gallery” on the second floor. The gallery will be open from 7-10pm..
    o    “Open Art studios” with Hands on demonstrations of art by SHS students will follow the concert from 9-10 PM.  The hands on demonstrations will include:
        *  computer graphics, computer animation, video editing, in Room 206
        *  making photographs in the darkroom, enlarger work, developing images, outside studio, matting, mounting photos in Room 208
        *  drawing, painting, architecture model building in Room 211
        *  hand building clay work, throwing pots on the potter's wheels, glazing pottery, sculptural clay work, glass work in Room 215
        *  drawing, painting in Room 273 and 276

Background music will be performed near the art gallery by high school students and The Friends of Music and the Arts will host a reception on the second floor following the concert.  Admission is free for both concert and art show. All are welcome to attend.

AskAnything - New Program (sent 4/29)

Dear Parents,   

I am writing to inform you of a new program that has just been launched at Scarsdale High School. AskAnything is a student-developed initiative specifically designed to provide students the opportunity to seek help and feel comfortable doing so. Students will be able to seek advice about anything on their minds and receive an answer from one of two sources. They can hear from  a trained, non-judgmental, unbiased student (called a RealKid), or from a school psychologist. It is the student's choice.

You can be confident that students will receive a response from someone trained and qualified to provide this advice. AskAnything is located on the Scarsdale High School website and students may expect a response within one to two days. The school's psychology department will be directly involved in every response. I believe this program has great merit, and I enthusiastically endorse this new resource.     

John Klemme

Scarsdale Task Force Factoid (sent 4/28)

More teens abuse prescription drugs than any illicit drug except marijuana.

www.theantidrug.com/drug_info/prescription_dangers.asp

Blood Drive - Scarsdale High School - May 1 (sent 4/28)

The Junior Class Blood Drive

in conjunction with White Plains Hospital

Thursday, May 1st, 2008; 8am to 2pm

Scarsdale High School; Gyms A/B

Info &/or appts.: K. Steefel, School Nurse 721-2551

All Welcome: bring I.D. and know SS#. Eat healthy breakfast

"Pint for a Pint Program" generously sponsored by "Last Licks"

 

SHSPTA:     Compact position announcement   (sent 4/27)

There is one vacancy for a parent representative on the High School Compact for Learning Team.  To place your name in nomination for this position, please click:

http://www.shspta.org/compactcommitteeapp2008.htm


to apply online.  Read the description, and at the bottom, click to place your name and biographical information in nomination.

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 Compact team meets regularly throughout the year, typically in the early morning before school.  This year, the Compact team at SHS has been discussing student stress and ways to address it in our school.

If you have any questions, please contact the High School Nominating Committee Chair, Penny Bauersfeld, bauersfeld@aol.com.

SHSPTA: SHS PTA Meeting - Friday, May 16th, 11:30 AM- 1:00 PM (sent 4/27)

Please plan on attending our last PTA general membership meeting of the school year.
Friday, May 16th, 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.,  rooms 170-172 in the high school

An exciting program will follow the business portion of the meeting.  SHS Art History teacher, Beth Colleary, will give a presentation on American artist, Edward Hopper.

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

We will vote on the following slate of incoming PTA officers:

President - Liz Gruber
Vice President - Alice Herman
President-Elect - Julie Hoofnagle
Secretary - Beth Zadek
Treasurer - Geralyn Della Cava
Scholarship Treasurer - Irene Drivas
Communications Secretary - Lauri Carey

We will also vote to elect a new representative for the high school Compact for Learning team. A ballot will be provided at the meeting.

CHILD meeting regarding the Middle School and the High School (sent 4/15)

Wednesday, April 30th at 7:30pm
Fox Meadow  School
2nd Floor Multipurpose Room

Do you have a student currently at the Middle School or High School?

Please Join our CHILD meeting to learn about SUPPORT for both Classified and Non-Classified students at the HIGH SCHOOL.  

Our speakers are Loryn Solomon,  Department Chairperson, High School Special Education and Susan LaSalle,  CSE Department Chairperson

There will be a presentation on all support services available in the High School followed by questions.  

Dr. Michael Mendelson, Director of Special Education will also be present to answer any questions.

International Fair, Wed, April 30th (sent 4/14)

Dear Parents,

On Wednesday, April 30th, 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, workshops, 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.  Parents can help in the following ways:

- Run a workshop
- Cook for the Luncheon
- Sell tickets for the Luncheon
- Collect artifacts and decorate display cases in the HS

Please contact Ms. Monica Palekar at  mpalekar@scarsdaleschools.k12.ny.us   if you want to participate.  Please provide your name, email address, and phone number.

You will be contacted 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!

The International Fair Committee

Schedule for International Fair , Wednesday, April 30, 2008:
Period 1            8:05 - 8:41
Period 2            8:45 - 9:21
Period 6A          9:25 - 10:35      PERFORMANCES (Auditorium)
                               *Program begins at 9:33 and ends at 10:33
                         Clear Auditorium 10:33 - 10:37
Period 6B           10:42 - 11:42      PERFORMANCES (Auditorium)
Period 5            EL  11:46 - 12:11  LUNCHEON (Cafeteria)
                        C    12:15 - 1:51
                        C    11:46 - 12:22
                        LL  12:26 - 12:51
Period 4            12:55 - 1:33  WORKSHOPS-Optional
Period 3            1:37 - 2:15    WORKSHOPS-Optional
Period 7            2:19 - 2:55

New Wing Dedication at Quaker Ridge School (sent 4/14)

New wing dedication at
Quaker Ridge School

The new wing construction,
That your generous efforts helped provide,
Has made our school fabulous,
And is our source of great pride.

In recognition of all of the work that's been done,
“Grand opening” ceremony plans have begun.

So please mark your calendars,
For Wednesday, April 30th, at five o'clock,
To celebrate the new Quaker Ridge School
                                                                                                                       

World Language Report at BOE meeting April 14th (sent 4/13)

At the Board of Education meeting on Monday April 14th, district administration will provide an education report unveiling recommendations on additional world language instruction in the district. The Board meets at 8 pm in room 170-172 of SHS.  The meeting will also be televised. Check your TV provider for station information.

Reminder - Applications for Volunteer Service Recognition (sent 4/13)

REMINDER:  All applications for Volunteer Service Recognition are due this Friday, April 18th.  Completed application may be left in the box in Mr. Klemme's office or faxed to 722-2821.

Applications are available to download and print at  www.shspta.org/volunteerserviceinfo.htm.  Applications will also be available in the Dean's office.  

For questions or additional information, please contact Gail Dobosh, Ldobosh@aol.com, 472-8938 or Kim Meyers, Kimschles@aol.com, 725-2017.

Message from the Nurse regarding an Epipen that was found (sent 4/13)

Please check on the whereabouts of your child's EPIPEN if he/she uses
the Learning Resource Center. One was found in the LRC this morning.

If your child carries an EPIPEN, please take this opportunity to check
that he/she still has it, that it has not expired and that  his/her name
is on it.

Thanks and please send the owner of this found one to my office on
Monday to claim it.

Karen Steefel

Rachel Simmons Lecture on Empowering Girls to be Televised (sent 4/11)

Rachel Simmons, author of Odd Girl Out:  The Hidden Nature of Aggression in Girls spoke April10th to parents at SMS.  Her lecture was recorded and will be televised.  Check the www.scarsdaleschools.org television listing section for more information.

A Powerful Lesson On Driving Drunk - Mark Sterner - April 14 (sent 4/11)

The Scarsdale High School Administration
The Scarsdale High School PTA
and
The Scarsdale Task Force on Drugs and Alcohol

invite you to share

A powerful lesson on DRIVING DRUNK

 Mark Sterner

On April 14th, Mark Sterner will share a powerful lesson with our high school students. Just months from graduation, Mark and four of his fraternity brothers headed for Spring Break. Each night, one would be the designated driver. But on the final night, they decided that the least drunk among them would drive home. Mark ended up with the keys at the end of the night. The next morning, three people were dead, and Mark was in the hospital critically injured and facing three felony counts of manslaughter. Instead of being the first in his family to graduate college, he would be the first to go to prison. In his acclaimed program, Mark shares the bad decisions that changed his life and ended the life of his friends. He puts real faces to the tragic consequences of impaired driving by showing videotape the friends made of their Spring Break, ending just moments before the crash.


This program will be offered to students during the school day and parents on the evening of
April 14th   at 7:30 p.m. in the HS auditorium.
 Please plan on attending so that you can begin a dialogue with your student.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS TALK WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE ON TV. IT IS  A LIVE PRESENTATION ONLY

BOE Budget Meeting - Thursday, April 17 (sent 4/10)

SCARSDALE BOARD OF EDUCATION
COMMUNITY BUDGET MEETING AT QUAKER RIDGE SCHOOL
THURSDAY, APRIL 17 AT 7:30 P.M.
 
Come to hear and discuss the 2008-09 school budget and the proposed tax increase in Scarsdale and the Mamaroneck strip. This is an opportunity to ask questions and make your concerns known.

SHSPTA: Notice to Seniors regarding the PTA Scholarship Fund and Giving the Gift of Education (sent 4/9)

April 2008


Dear Parents of Scarsdale High School Seniors,

On behalf of the Scarsdale High School PTA Scholarship Fund for College, congratulations on your student’s upcoming graduation from Scarsdale High School.

APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS
As your family makes final decisions regarding college, please be aware that the SHS PTA Scholarship Fund provides need-based scholarships to graduating seniors to help offset freshman-year tuition costs.

Financial need, not academic achievement, is the primary criterion used for awarding scholarships. Grants generally range from $1000 to $6000.  To qualify, a student must be a graduating senior of Scarsdale High School and be able to demonstrate financial need.  Should a college reject an application for financial aid, the grant committee may nevertheless determine that the circumstances of the student warrant financial assistance from the Scholarship Fund.

Scholarship applications and Free Applications for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) forms are available in the Dean’s office, as well as online.  The scholarship application can be downloaded from a link at www.SHSPTA.com. The SHS PTA Scholarship Fund requires copies of the FAFSA form and tax returns as part of the application package.

Completed scholarship applications must be submitted no later than May 5, 2008.  All applications are handled with the strictest confidence. The applications are reviewed only after all identifying information is removed from the application.

HELP GIVE SCHOLARSHIPS
A flyer is attached describing the Gift of Education. Honor a graduate, a special teacher or a Dean through a gift to the SHS PTA Scholarship Fund for College, and help all SHS graduates to continue their education. The Scholarship Fund gift cards are printed and ready for you to personalize.

Please contact the Fund Chair (Tara Smith Tyberg, 723-0589, tst1123@aol.com) or Vice Chair (Susie Rush, 472-7797, shrush@optonline.net) to answer any questions.

Sincerely,


        Tara Smith Tyberg          Susie Rush            Liz Gruber
                Chair              Vice Chair               SHS PTA President
Give the Gift of Education
SHS PTA Scholarship Fund for College  

Honor a graduate, a special teacher or Dean through a gift to the Scholarship Fund.  What better way to honor a special graduate, or express your gratitude to your child’s teacher or Dean while contributing to a cause that will help a  Scarsdale graduate continue his or her education?  

To order cards for graduates or teachers, please complete the form below.  All  donations to the Scholarship Fund are fully tax-deductible. 

School district:   E     FM     GA     H   QR 

Name________________________________________________ Address______________________________________________ Email__________________________Phone________________  

Quantity: please CIRCLE teacher or graduate cards  

____Pkg of 2 teacher/ graduate cards & envelopes @ $30   _____       
____Pkg of 4 teacher/graduate cards & envelopes @ $60     _____        
____Pkg of 10 teacher/graduate cards & envelopes @ $100 _____
 ____Total packs                                               $$ enclosed   _____   

Mail this form, along with a check payable to SHS PTA Scholarship Fund, by May 30, to:  PO Box 147H, Scarsdale, NY  10583           
Tara Smith Tyberg (723-0589 – TST1123@aol.com) for questions. 

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

I would like to make an additional contribution to this Fund to help more Scarsdale graduates continue their education. 
Name:____________________________________________ Donation:_________________________________________  

CHILD meeting regarding the Middle School and the High School (sent 4/8)

Wednesday, April 30th at 7:30pm
Fox Meadow  School
2nd Floor Multipurpose Room

Do you have a student currently at the Middle School or High School?

Please Join our CHILD meeting to learn  about SUPPORT for both Classified and Non-Classified students at the HIGH SCHOOL.  

Our speakers are Loryn Solomon,  Department Chairperson, High School Special Education and Susan LaSalle,  CSE Department Chairperson

There will be a presentation on all support  services available in the High School followed by  questions.  

Dr. Michael Mendelson, Director of Special Education will  also be present  to answer any  questions.

SHSPTA: Rachel Simmons - Odd Girl Out, April 10th 9:30 am (sent 4/8)

SCARSDALE PT COUNCIL IS PROUD TO PRESENT

RACHEL SIMMONS
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF
ODD GIRL OUT:  THE HIDDEN CULTURE OF AGGRESSION IN GIRLS

THURSDAY, APRIL 10TH
9:30AM
SCARSDALE MIDDLE SCHOOL

Simmons book explores the phenomenon of bullying among girls.  Her talk will help you develop strategies to address bullying and empower your daughter.

We hope to see you there.

The PT Council gratefully acknowledges the support of
United Way of Scarsdale-Edgemont, our partner in this program

Mark Sterner Presentation - April 14, 7:30 pm  (sent 4/7)

Scarsdale High School
The Scarsdale High School PTA
and
The Task Force on Drugs and Alcohol

Invite you to a presentation by

Mark Sterner

On Monday, April 14, 2008 at 7:30 p.m.
High School Auditorium


Mark Sterner, a fraternity member at Johnson and Wales University, learned a powerful lesson while on Spring Break.  He was drunk behind the wheel when a crash claimed the lives of three of his friends.  Mark suffered serious injuries and spent almost three years in prison.  Since his release, he has spoken to over a million people around the United States, telling his story and warning of the dangers of drunk driving.  Mark puts real faces to the tragic consequences of impaired driving by showing videotape the friends made of their Spring Break, ending just minutes before the crash.  He has been praised as a powerful speaker whose message is of tremendous importance to young people and to their parents.  In addition to this presentation for parents, Mark will be speaking to all students at SHS on April 14th.  Please join us.


For further information about Mr. Sterner, please go to this link:

 

REMINDER:  Applications for Volunteer Service Recognition (sent 4/7)

REMINDER:  Applications for Volunteer Service Recognition are due on April 18th.  Completed application may be left in the box in Mr. Klemme's office or faxed to
722-2821.

Applications are available to download and print at http://www.shspta.org/volunteerserviceinfo.htm.  Applications will also be available in the Dean's office.  

Please note that students who volunteer a minimum of 20 hours during the course of the school year will be honored at this year's Volunteer Service Recognition Assembly on Thursday, May 15th at 7:30 pm.  Additional eligibility criteria for the Volunteer Service certificates are as follows:
o    The student has completed at least 20 hours of volunteer service to one job at school or one community service organization/service club during the current school year.  This should be 20 hours of service to one job or organization, not 5 hours at 4 places.
o    The service can be performed on school days, on weekends, or during school holiday breaks; service during the summer months is not eligible.
o    The volunteer work is non-religious in nature.  For example, helping with religious instruction is not eligible for this recognition, but working at a church soup kitchen or for a temple-based social program is eligible.
o    The volunteer work is not done as part of another recognition program.
o    Additional recognition will be given to students who volunteer more than 40 hours or more than 70 hours with one organization.

For questions or additional information, please contact Gail Dobosh, Ldobosh@aol.com, 472-8938 or Kim Meyers, Kimschles@aol.com, 725-2017.

Voter Registration (sent 4/3)

ARE YOU REGISTERED TO VOTE?

BE SURE THAT YOU ARE REGISTERED NOW SO THAT YOU MAY VOTE ON THE SCHOOL BUDGET ON MAY 20, 2008

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 20, 2008.

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 13, 2008  - between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.
and on
Thursday, May 15, 2008 - between 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.  

The deadline for registration at the Board of Education office is May 15, 2008.


ABSENTEE BALLOTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR THE BUDGET VOTE AND ELECTION AFTER MONDAY, APRIL 21, 2008

1.    Anyone who is registered and will not be in Westchester County for the vote on May 20, 2008, 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.org)

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 13, 2008).  

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 19, 2008).

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 20, 2008).

BUDGET VOTE AND ELECTION ON:  MAY 20, 2008

Compact Committee Update - Stress and our kids (sent 4/3)

Dear Scarsdale High School Parents,
 
As the parent members of the Compact Committee, we have been interested in finding ways to reduce the level of school stress that our kids experience, while still maintaining the high standards and commitment to excellence that are hallmarks of Scarsdale High. We have now had some very productive discussions with Mr. Klemme on the topic and are writing to update you and ask for your input.
 
In our discussions, we've identified several issues that are related to stress in the high school, including:
- Placement of students in advanced classes - are students sometimes placed in classes beyond their ability?
- Extensive use of tutoring as a symptom of academic pressure (an issue raised by the student government)
- Availability of in-school resources to help students manage their work
- Sleep deprivation (the subject of a recent PTA program)
 
The school administration has also been concerned about these issues and is taking steps to address them. The freshman math program is being restructured to allow more flexibility for students with different levels of ability, and the link between the math and science programs is being reviewed. The proposed school budget includes a new Assistant Principal who, among other duties, will work with teachers to coordinate major assignments and avoid overload. And there is a budget proposal for an Academic Intervention teacher to provide additional help to students who need it.
 
The administration is now planning an evening meeting with parents to review these changes and discuss other ideas that can be considered. One proposal, for example, is to develop programs to help students improve their study strategies and techniques - for example, through after-school sessions, or through a seminar given by older students to the grade below on how they handled the challenges of that particular grade.  We urge you all to attend this meeting when it is scheduled and join in this discussion.
 
We are also working with the administration to develop an anonymous survey that will ask students about stress-related issues, including the use of tutoring. This survey will be sent out before the end of the school year so that we have students' input as we begin planning for next year.
 
The Compact Committee is meeting again next week. We welcome your suggestions and look forward to working with you to address these issues.
 
Sincerely,
 
Lisa Cristal             lec17@aol.com
Joel Gurin             joel.gurin@gmail.com
Nancy Michaels   eatright@aol.com
Chris Peruski         ccperuski@optonline.net


Budget meeting and April Events (sent 3/30)

SCARSDALE BOARD OF EDUCATION
COMMUNITY BUDGET MEETING AT QUAKER RIDGE SCHOOL
THURSDAY, APRIL 17 AT 7:30 P.M.
 
Come to hear and discuss the 2008-09 school budget and the proposed tax increase in Scarsdale and the Mamaroneck strip. This is an opportunity to ask questions and make your concerns known.

Schedule of April Events:

Brewster Kahle - Monday, March 31st, 1 pm,2 pm, 3:30 pm, Little Theater High School
Sustainablility Day - Saturday,  April 5th. 1 pm-4 pm, Scarsdale High School
STC Adult Night of Rock - Saturday, April 5th, 7:30 pm, Scarsdale Teen Center
PT Council Mtg.- Rachel Simmons-Thursday, April 10th, 9:30 am, Middle School
HS Carnival - Friday April 11th, and Saturday, April 12th
College Panel Night for Juniors - April 16th, 7:45 pm, High School Auditorium
Budget meeting - Thursday, April 17th, 7:30 pm, Quaker Ridge School
Volunteer Service Recognition Application Due - April 18th

Save the date: May 13 - Nancy Samalin: What to Do When Your Kids Drive You Up the Wall! (sent 3/28)

Scarsdale Middle School PTA*
proudly presents:

NANCY SAMALIN, M.S.
Best Selling Author,
Parent Educator and
International Speaker
                
On

Love and Anger:
What to Do When Your Kids
Drive You Up the Wall!

Tuesday, May 13, 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Scott Room
Scarsdale Public Library

    Parents will learn how to:
    o    Find alternatives to nagging, yelling, bribing and punishing
    o    Deal effectively with anger
    o    Set limits without feeling guilty
    o    Diminish sibling rivalry and fighting

Nancy Samalin, M.S., an internationally known parent educator, best-selling author and workshop leader, has appeared on many national television shows including The Today Show, Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, 20/20 and Dateline/NBC.  She is the author of:  Loving Your Child is Not Enough; Love & Anger:  The Parental Dilemma; Loving Each One Best; and Loving Without Spoiling.  Nancy specializes in a hands-on approach that combines practical advice with an upbeat and humorous speaking style.  Her presentations are full of entertaining dialogues and anecdotes that create instant rapport with her audiences.

Nancy's books will be available for sale & autographing at the event.

For more information about Nancy's work and books, go to www.samalin.com

* Presented in cooperation with Scarsdale elementary school PTAs.

Rachel Simmons - Odd Girl Out, April 10th 9:30 am (sent 3/28)

SCARSDALE PT COUNCIL IS PROUD TO PRESENT

RACHEL SIMMONS
 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF
ODD GIRL OUT:  THE HIDDEN CULTURE OF AGGRESSION IN GIRLS

PLEASE SAVE THE DATE

THURSDAY, APRIL 10TH
9:30AM
SCARSDALE MIDDLE SCHOOL

Simmons book explores the phenomenon of bullying among girls.  Her talk will help you develop strategies to address bullying and empower your daughter.

We hope to see you there.

The PT Council gratefully acknowledges the support of
 United Way of Scarsdale-Edgemont, our partner in this program

Clarification on Show Time this weekend (sent 3/27)

CLARIFICATION: SHOW TIME IS 7:30...not 8:00 as listed in the Scarsdale Community Calendar.

The Scarsdale High School Drama Club is performing, Moss Hart & George S. Kaufman’s comedy, “You Can’t Take it With You”, on March 28th & 29th in the SHS auditorium. The show begins at 7:30 pm and tickets are only $5 for students/seniors and $10 for adults.

There is no greater gift for our talented performers than a full house!

Please encourage your SHS child or children to attend one of the performances, and to bring friends too. Thank you.

SHS Drama Club Production - This Weekend (sent 3/27)

The Scarsdale High School Drama Club is performing, Moss Hart & George S. Kaufman’s comedy, “You Can’t Take it With You”, on March 28th & 29th in the SHS auditorium. The show begins at 7:30 pm and tickets are only $5 for students/seniors and $10 for adults.

There is no greater gift for our talented performers than a full house!

 Please encourage your SHS child or children to attend one of the performances, and to bring friends too. Thank you.

Brewster Kahle, distinguished alumnus of SHS, visiting March 31 (sent 3/26)

Brewster Kahle, distinguished alumnus of SHS (class of '78), will be visiting our high school on Monday, March 31. He is a true visionary who has built the technologies, companies, and institutions to advance the goal of universal free access to all knowledge. He is the founder of the non-profit Internet Archive http://www.archive.org/index.php which includes over 1 million digitized historical archives from all parts of the world, and is partnering with the Library of Congress and Egypt's Bibliotheca Alexandrina. He has been named by the New Statesman as one of 10 people who will change the world. We invite parents to join our students for this very special opportunity.
 
This is a most unusual opportunity to hear a most lively and engaging speaker discuss his work to provide "Universal Access to All Human Knowledge." - the intersection of the humanities, technology, science, mathematics and ethics.
 
Schedule:

6th period (1:00) session in Little Theater with classes and community members;
7th period (2:00) session in Little Theater students, staff and community;
3:30 - talk and reception with staff and community.

RSVP Phyllis DiBianco, 721-2492.
 
 

Letter from John Klemme regarding AT Program (sent 3/25)

March 2008

Dear Parents,

On March 19th, approximately sixty parents joined teachers and administrators in a community exchange about the Advanced Topics Program.   I'd like to summarize the content of that discussion with you and to offer an invitation.

 I initially shared information about college admissions under early decision and early action programs. This year, we matched our highest percentage of seniors gaining early admission over the last ten years, and it appears that the AT label has not had an effect on the competitiveness of our applicants.  Obviously we need to wait for the regular admission decisions to come in, but thus far, our efforts at communicating the nature of our highest level courses to colleges seems to have been effective as we expected.

Assistant Principal Kelley Hamm next reviewed the work of the two oversight committees, the College Information Committee and the Validation Committee.  Kelley summarized the specific steps that have been taken to inform colleges of our transition to AT courses and reported that the Validation Committee has recently completed survey instruments for current students, teachers, visiting professors, and alumni.  These surveys will be used in the very near future to gather information about perceptions about AT courses, skills needed by college freshmen, and the use of AP exam scores for college credit.  

Next, social studies teachers Maggie Favretti and Tom Maguire shared a brief presentation on two issues that have been the topic of discussion among parents:  the “variability” among teachers of the same course and  preparation for AP exams later this spring.  Maggie and Tom noted that course syllabi that conform to a common course outline in AT U.S. History have been made available to students, and they offered several reasons why teachers adapting to the specific circumstances of their classes and reflecting individual teacher strengths as historians were desirable.  They also compared two professors' approaches to a college history course that reflect differences in emphasis but nevertheless provide students with a survey overview of important historical periods.  

Preparation for AP exams, they also submitted, will take place  for seniors in the period between the conclusion of AT courses and specific AP exam dates.  The one junior AT course--AT U.S. History--will continue until the conclusion of the school year, but specific review will be conducted prior to the exam in special sessions.  Teachers will offer multiple review sessions for students and focus on familiarizing students with the format of the exams and a review of relevant content.  Tom observed that AP exams give students choices about their writing responses so that a student who feels more comfortable writing about the Civil War and Reconstruction instead of the colonial period in American history will indeed have that option.  Finally, Maggie and Tom shared the excellent results of AP exams in the last three years compared to the national averages and noted that the same teachers who have prepared students in the past are responsible for AP prep this year.  

We then asked parents to offer their comments and concerns, and a spirited discussion followed  At this point, we believe we have heard these major questions from the community:

    *How will students be adequately prepared for AP exams?

    *Will outside preparation add to levels of student stress?

    *How can students continue to obtain advanced standing and/or
    course credit through AP exam scores?

    *Will college admissions be more significantly affected once all
    accelerated courses are designated Advanced Topics?

We replied to these questions by noting the following:

    *The AP exam preparation sessions this year parallel the kind of
    review that has taken place in prior years just before the exam    
    dates.  The participation of all teachers in those sessions also
    offers a more coordinated effort at preparing students for the
    examinations.

    *To the extent that AP examinations are now optional, stress levels
    may well be reduced for students who can select which exams
    they wish to take for potential college credit and/or advanced
    standing.  Junior students, who are enrolled in only one course that
    can culminate in an AP exam (U.S. History), should experience no
    net increase in stress levels.  

    *Any student who seeks credit and/or advanced standing has the
    option of taking the A.P. exam in a particular area.  The elimination
    of the mandatory provision in effect in prior years permits students
    to identify which exams can provide credit and/or advanced
    standing at a particular college or university.

    *While it is true that we have implemented AT courses in only two
    subject areas, our on-going work with admissions offices suggests
    quite strongly that they are quite comfortable with our
     identification of our most accelerated courses.  We will of course
     monitor this situation as the AT rollout continues.

While these appear to be the primary issues that have been raised thus far, we are most interested in hearing from parents about other questions you may have.  I also refer you to the Frequently Asked Questions and responses that were e-mailed to you recently as a source of more detailed information about the AT Program.

Finally, in the interest of making sure that we have heard all concerns, I want to issue an invitation.  It is sometimes difficult in a large-group meeting to have your questions answered individually. We are available to meet with smaller groups of parents, if you wish, at a time that is mutually convenient.  These smaller groups can meet at the High School or in a parent's home if you wish.  If you are interested in arranging such a meeting to discuss the AT Program, I encourage you to contact my office (721-2450) to make arrangements.

I concluded our meeting on the 19th by stating that we have an important common interest:  the best education and the best preparation for college for your children.  We are committed to preparing students for the advantages that AP exams can provide at the same time that we provide a deeper and richer understanding of complex material.  Because we share that common goal of the best educational experience for our students and your children, we are partners in this initiative.  Please let us know what you are thinking and any ideas you have for enhancing the Advanced Topics Program.

Sincerely,


John Klemme


REMINDER: March 26 -Discussion: Social Host Laws (sent 3/25)

From Caring Parent to Criminal…

Please join the Scarsdale Advisory Council on Youth for a discussion on
 Social Host Laws and Parental Responsibility.

Wednesday, March 26th
7:30 PM
Scott Room, Scarsdale Library
54 Olmsted Road, Scarsdale

Featured panelists
Honorable Janet DiFiore
 Westchester County District Attorney

Chief John Brogan
Scarsdale Police Department

John D.Pappalardo, Esq.
 Pappalardo & Pappalardo, LLP

o    The #1 place adolescents say they get their alcohol from is their own home and the #1 place they drink alcohol is at other people's homes.  (From the Office of the Westchester County District Attorney.)
o    Do parents feel that since young people are going to drink, it's better they drink in their homes rather than somewhere else?
o    Should Scarsdale explore a Social Host Law, such as the law recently passed in Nassau County, making it illegal for anyone over the age of 18 to serve alcohol to minors or allow alcohol to be consumed by minors at their residence?

Let's come together as a community to discuss what parents can do to prevent teen drinking.

STC Adult Night of Rock (sent 3/20)

STC Adult Night of Rock 2008
862 Scarsdale Ave
Saturday April 5
Performances begin at 7:30 PM
MC Jimmy Fink from 107.1
Performances by:
 
10583

Rob Gordon     Miles Rubin     Neil Klein    Dan Groner
Marc Kutik     Dave Cannon     Ellen Arad
Matt Mayer     Joph Steckel

Unincorporated

Sara Bass     Jim Cooperman     Sinan Kurtul
Joe McGee     Eric Wayne
 

Advance Purchase (Postmark by March 17, 2008)
$ 45 Adults
$ 25 Youth

Door Sales (based on availability):
$55 Adults
$35 Youth
 
Due to limited seating we will only be able to accommodate reservations for the first 125 people confirmed upon receipt of a check.  To reserve your tickets go to
www.ScarsdaleTeenCenter.com/NightofRock2008.htm and print the order form
 and send with a check payable to:

The Scarsdale Teen Center
P.O. Box 28
Scarsdale, NY 10583
 
 Questions? Please call or email Jessica,
 ScarsdaleTeenCenter@gmail.com
or
914-722-8358

SUSTAINABLE SCARSDALE DAY

Scarsdale High School
SATURDAY, APRIL 5
1 - 4:00 PM

The Sustainable Scarsdale Committee of the Town and Village Civic Club Education Forum and The Scarsdale Public Schools cordially invite you to attend the first Sustainable Scarsdale Day.

What can we do as individuals and as a community to address the current energy crisis, global warming, carbon footprint, depleting fossil fuel reserves, and stewardship of our planet?  

Al Krautter, owner of Sprainbrook Nursery, is one of the keynote speakers!  “Green” businesses and not for profit organizations including Whole Foods, Mercury Solar, NY SunWorks, Grassroots Inc., Children's Environmental Literacy Foundation, and Culture of Green will be present to discuss their programs, products and services.

Elementary, Middle School and High School students will also exhibit their work on developing a sustainable earth.  The day will also feature an exhibit of students' art work.

PLEASE DO NOT MISS THIS IMPORTANT
COMMUNITY EVENT

For more info, phone 874-5095 or email stevenf941@aol.com

Task Force on Drugs and Alcohol (sent 3/20)

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

Calling all Graduates... Please Help at Carnivals (sent 3/19)

Parents,
Please share this with your High School children:

Calling all Graduates.
  Remember how much you loved going to the fair? Now you have an opportunity to help fun the Fair. This year, we are opening the volunteer opportunities to Middle School and High School students who are graduates. Help make popcorn or cotton candy, sell tickets, or work at the prize table. Come with a buddy and work a booth together. See old friends and maybe a few teachers too. This is an opportunity to give back to your elementary school. Plus working the fair is fun.
 
If you need time for community service, we will give you a letter as needed.
 
The Fair is Saturday, May 10th

 from 11:00 am - 3:00 pm.
 
If you are interested, please email the fair contact for your school below.
Thank You.
 
Egdewood - Maria Varrichio, mariavarrichio@yahoo.com or 722-6535
Fox Meadow - Sharon Hoffman, sharon.hoffman@mac.com
                      and Felicia Waldman, whiskey12@optonline.net

Greenacres - Hilary Ziffer, hziffer@hotmail.com or 725-5935
Heathcote - Debra Schlur, Dschaumberger@kayescholer.com or 725-3621
Quaker Ridge - Karen Klein, kgklein@optonline.net