Kids

Back to School Guide Fall 2018: Programs, Activities, Classes and More

Each summer seems to fly by more quickly – and this one is already drawing to a close. Now that summer camp is over, it’s time to consider the fall schedule: everything from pre-schools for this year and next to activities for toddlers, tweens and teens and even programming to enrich yourself at the Scarsdale Adult School. Find sports, STEAM, music, art, religious school and more – all close to home.

Check out these programs for locals:

JCC of Mid-Westchester

Education at the JCC of Mid-Westchester: Feeding the Minds and Bodies. Pre-school learners all benefit from the full service nursery schools, fitness and sports facilities and professional teaching staff throughout the JCC. A year round indoor pool, fitness programs, arts programs and special needs programs.

All under one roof! Early drop off late pick up available. The JCC's Summer Art Center (SAC), a one of a kind program that provides a non-competitive, nurturing and flexible environment for all children with a passion for the Arts, continues throughout the year! Classes are all taught by professional artists and teachers and offers high quality instruction in Fine Arts, Dance, Theatre and Music. The Dance School provides extensive programs for pre-schoolers, teens, and adults. The Academic Center offers everything you need to prepare your kids for college entrance. One of the best things about having more than 250 programs for the whole family is that we can offer discounts to our members and patrons. For example, Nursery school families get significant discounts on the fitness packages, camps, and even pre-registration priority for programs that sell out like gymnastics. NEW this year is a pre-K Spanish immersion class! Contact the JCC for more information or to schedule a tour: 914-472-3300, www.jccmw.org.

The JCC STEAM program returns with favorite classes including Intro to Robotics/Scratch Jr. for grades K-2, Robotics and Coding for grades 3-6, STEAM Lab for grades 2-3, STEAM Challenge Workshop for grades 4- 6, Discovering STEAM for Grades K-1, Engineering Building & Design/3D Printing Jr. for grades K-2 and Introduction to 3D Printing and Design for grades 3-5. Also ask about our Robotics and Jr. Robotics teams where participants work together to design and build a number of increasingly complex robots Register early at jccmw.org. We are also adding STEAM birthday parties for your child at the JCC of Mid Westchester.

House of Sports

House of Sports is a 100,000 square foot state-of-the-art sports and entertainment facility located in Ardsley. The facility offers a wide variety of sports programming options for athletes of all ages. House of Sports offerings include Learn to Play classes for children ages 2 to 7, sports training, leagues and teams for athletes 8 years old through High School and fitness classes and leagues for adults. We also offer a range of Open Play and rental options for basketball courts and turf fields. Visit us online for more information at www.houseofsportsny.com. Or contact us via email at: info@houseofsportsny.com, or (914) 479-5419 for more information.

Maroon and White

Maroon and White is the Scarsdale parent organization supporting interscholastic athletics, physical education, and health at the high school. All Scarsdale families are welcome as members and can join through our website, www.maroonandwhite.org. We regularly raise funds through membership, from the sale of Raider raider rootermerchandise and spiritwear, and from family and business ads in the M&W SHS Sports Journal. We are presently accepting ads through our website or by emailing Jennifer Glantz at sportsjournal@maroonandwhite.org. Ads placed by October 20, 2018 will appear in all three printings of the Journal (i.e., Fall, Winter, and Spring). Please come out and support our fall athletes. The schedule of games and matches is available on our website.

The Music Conservatory of Westchester

The Music Conservatory of Westchester, voted Best of Westchester’s ‘Best Music School’ for two consecutive years (2017 and 2018), invites prospective students and their families to attend and participate in its Open Houses introducing its updated roster of classes on September 4th, 15th, 17th & 22nd! Explore music classes that appeal to toddlers, children, teens, and adults – open for registration now. A new elementary group guitar curriculum for students as young as age 4 imparts the musical foundations to pursue more advanced studies in classical, rock, Latin, or jazz guitar, and prepares them to join a variety of bands and ensembles. On Saturdays and Sundays, a new sequential First Notes curriculum will start musical exploration at age 3 months. Parents will see their children engaged in fun learning activities, gaining new skills at each level. The curriculum will seamlessly progress to our Music Skills and Suzuki Program. Starting in the upper elementary grades, the Conservatory prepares students for NYSSMA auditions, music competitions, performing in school ensembles and productions, and gearing up for college. For advanced high school students, the Conservatory offers an Honors Program with a pre-college curriculum. Graduation from the Honors Program is a highly-regarded component of students’ college applications, regardless of their future career plans. The Music Conservatory has also developed unique programming just for adults ages 18 through 80+. In addition to private lessons, group piano and guitar classes, piano partners, women’s vocal ensemble and chamber ensembles create a fun, social atmosphere for adult music students to learn and master their instruments. Music Conservatory of Westchester, 216 Central Avenue, White Plains, NY 10606, info@musiced.org, www.musicconservatory.org.

Scarsdale Youth Soccer Club

The Scarsdale Youth Soccer Club (“SYSC”) is a non-profit organization administered by Scarsdale parents. SYSC in conjunction with our professional coaching partner, ATSC, organizes and coaches boys' and girls’ soccer teams to play in travel soccer leagues and tournaments in the Westchester and NYC area. SYSC fields travel soccer teams from U8 - U14. In general, the club fields around 40 teams each year between girls' and boys' teams. These teams are registered in the Westchester Youth Soccer League (“WYSL"). The WYSL is a league that is part of both the US Club Soccer and the United States Youth Soccer Association ("USYSA"). More information about SYSC can be found at www.scarsdalesoccer.net.

Starlight Starbright Music

Right here in Scarsdale – Starlight Starbright Music offers Music Together®, the international early childhood music and movement program for children from birth through age 5—and the grownups who love them®. In addition to our Babies (0-6 months) and Mixed-Age (0-5 years) classes, we offer Uke U., a parent-child beginner ukulele class for 3- to 6-year-olds (not a Music Together offering) and private guitar and ukulele lessons for 6- to 10-year-olds. For information about classes and free demos, please visit www.slsbmusic.com or call (914) 924-0995. 78 Garth Road, Scarsdale, NY 10583.

Steffi Nossen School of Dance

Celebrate the joy of dance at the Steffi Nossen School of Dance Open House, Saturday, September 15th, 10:00 am-2:00 pm. Sample classes, plan your dance year with faculty and student ambassadors, purchase dancewear, and enjoy light refreshments in our White Plains studios at the Music Conservatory of Westchester at 216 Central Avenue. Try all level and age appropriate classes during Free Week of Dance October 15 –20. We welcome both new and familiar faces for an exciting year of dance; we have a class for you!

We offer classes for dancers of all abilities. Through the discipline and joy of dance in a nurturing environment, students develop grace and fitness, build confidence and poise, and experience the creative process. We offer classes from Dancing Tots to a Pre-Professional Program for tweens and teens. Dancing Tots for 1 – 3 year olds and parent/caregiver, is a fun-filled opportunity for youngest dancers to express themselves through movement while working on balance and coordination. Pre-schoolers chose from Creative Movement, Tap-Ballet Combo, and an energy-filled Boy's Movement. Core Programs in Modern, Ballet, Jazz, Tap and Hip-Hop, a Pre-professional Program and Moving Wheels and Heels – adaptive classes for dancers with disabilities - something for everyone who wants to dance. Visit our website, www.steffinossen.org or contact us at info@steffinossen.org or (914) 328-1900

Westchester Skating Academy

Westchester Skating Academy is a year-round, twin-rink ice skating Learn to Skate facility offering recreational, hockey, and figure skating for all ages and abilities. WSA programs include public skating, learn-to-skate classes, group events, birthday parties, summer/holiday camps and clinics, adult and youth hockey leagues and instruction, and much more. Visit us online for more information at www.skatewsa.com. Or contact us via email at: skateinfo@skatewsa.com, or (914) 347-8232 for more information.

Nursery Schools:

Congregation Kol Ami

The Early Childhood Program at Congregation Kol Ami is dedicated to providing a comprehensive and developmentally appropriate curriculum teaching and modeling Jewish values. We believe that children learn best through experiential play and provide for these rich experiences within warm, accepting, and nurturing surroundings. All of our Head Teachers have Masters Degrees in Early Childhood or N-6 or related educational fields. We offer a wide range of programs for children (from 1 to 5 years old) and their families. Our A Step Ahead! program for Fall 5 year olds provides full day Pre-K learning. For more information, contact: Nan Blank, ECP Director at nanblank@nykolami.org or call her 914-949-4717 x107.

Scarsdale Congregational Church Nursery School

The Scarsdale Congregational Church Nursery School (SCCNS) has a long tradition of nurturing the hearts and minds of children in the Scarsdale community for more than 50 years. We are a play-based, non-sectarian preschool whose goal is to promote social development, instill a desire to learn, encourage verbal expression and improve coordination and motor skills. Our safe, diverse and nurturing classrooms are located in a bright, ground-floor building on the grounds of the Scarsdale Congregational Church, within walking distance of Scarsdale Village. As wfoster young children's growth, we are committed to building a strong sense of community between parents, teachers and children. Registration for the 2019-2020 school year will begin on October 22nd. Open Houses will be held Wednesday, October 10th and Thursday, October 11th from 9:30 a.m. -11:00 a.m. For more information, visit us at www.sccnurseryschool.com. Please contact Melissa DiCostanzo, School Director, 1 Heathcote Road, Scarsdale, NY 10583 by phone at 914-723-2440 or email: sccnschool@gmail.com.

Mazel Tots at Scarsdale Synagogue

Mazel Tots® at Scarsdale Synagogue provides a warm and stimulating environment, which encourages children's curiosity and helps them to grow socially, emotionally, physically and intellectually. Our warm and nurturing staff will guide the children through a curriculum filled with a variety of child-centered and developmentally appropriate activities that are safe, fun and friendly. The children's spiritual growth will be enriched by the study of Jewish holidays, traditions and family values. We also offer a group of special activities such as sports and games, music, creative movement, sign language, nature, yoga, karate, science, art and more! We have two beautiful new playgrounds and gardens, plus a newly equipped indoor play space featuring ride-on toys, gym equipment, giant blocks, stepping stones and the like! Our Early Childhood Program serves children from 18 months until Kindergarten-bound! We also have afternoon Enrichment Programs and a Parenting Program! For more information please contact Jody Glassman, Early Childhood Program Director at 914-723-3001 or mazeltots@sstte.org. You can also visit our website. Scarsdale Synagogue is located at 2 Ogden Road, Scarsdale, NY 10583. 914.725.5175.

Westchester Reform Temple Early Childhood Center

At WRT’s Early Childhood Center (ECC), we strive to create an environment that fosters social, emotional, physical and cognitive growth as well as creativity, and confidence. Our warm, nurturing teachers provide children with the tools they need to communicate with each other and with the world around them. Children learn and practice Jewish values and become confident members of our Jewish community. Our families are partners in the work that we do and are invited to participate in the learning process.

We emphasize STEAM concepts through hands-on science, technology, engineering, art, and math investigation which encourage young learners to achieve developmental goals. Through inquiry and play-based instruction, we provide students with an opportunity to learn language arts, math and handwriting readiness skills that prepare them for Kindergarten and beyond. We facilitate learning through small groups and foster relationships between our children and their teachers, specialists and our clergy. Lunch and afternoon/ enrichment classes are available for older children. End of the year Mini Session and Summer Play Place camp offered.

ECC classes are offered for ages toddler to four-year-olds. For information, and to schedule a visit to our pre-school, please contact ECC Director Sue.tolchin@wrtemple.org or call us at 914 723-5493.

Registration for the 2019-2020 school year begins in November.

Religious Schools:

Bet Am Shalom

Bet Am Shalom Synagogue brings Jewish learning to life in inspiring, joyful ways for the whole family. We offer engaging, meaningful, and creative educational programs for babies to adults. Bet Am Shalom is a vibrant, egalitarian Reconstructionist congregation of people from diverse backgrounds, bound together by a shared belief in a thoughtful, liberal-traditional approach to Judaism. We have a free monthly early childhood program on Sunday mornings, Grades K&1 meet on Sunday mornings, grades 2-6 on Sundays and Wednesdays, and grades 7-12 on Monday nights. Our students experience Judaism: baking challah for our community Shabbat dinner, touring the Lower East Side, reading Torah & leading prayers in our youth service, communicating with Israeli students, and delivering Passover packages to the elderly. For more information go to betamshalom.org or contact Education Director Abby Reiken at eddirector@betamshalom.org or (914) 946-8851.

Scarsdale Synagogue Religious School for Pre-K through Grade 12.

Welcome to Scarsdale Synagogue's Religious School! Our mission is to care for and nurture our students and their families, and to cultivate a culture of growth, friendship, and community. Just the right size for your family, we offer a robust program even as we know your child's particular passions and needs.

Our programs are vibrant and innovative thereby engaging your children in a meaningful way. Classes are small and individualized programs are available for students with special needs. Both teachers and students are encouraged to think outside of the box; every avenue to deeper, more exciting and fun Jewish learning is explored with joy and zeal. Our school meets on Sundays (K - 6; Pre-K meets monthly) and Wednesdays (Grades 4-6 and 7-12). Each grade enjoys its own curricular focus as they learn about Jewish tradition and culture, past and present. Children choose engaging electives that teach Hebrew vocabulary through cooking, yoga, drama and more.

For more information, please contact Rabbi Glickman at rabbiglickman@sstte.org or call 914-725-5175 x 121 or visit our website.  Scarsdale Synagogue is a reform Jewish community located at 2 Ogden Road, Scarsdale, NY 10583.

Adult Learning:

Scarsdale Adult School

Scarsdale Adult School, an award-winning non-profit organization, is a proven source of quality adult education. Now in its 80th year, SAS boasts a wide array of humanities courses as well as computer, foreign languages, writing, career development, personal finance, arts and crafts, photography, fitness, card and board games, cooking, health/wellness, and hobbies and edutainment classes. View our course offerings at ScarsdaleAdultSchool.org and call us at 914-723-2325.

To add your program to our Back to School Guide, email us at scarsdalecomments@gmail.com.