Retiring Teachers Lauded at Scarsdale BOE Meeting

Two long-time Scarsdale High School teachers, Candiss Cowan and Maria DeAngelis, who have announced their plans to retire at the end of the school year, were recognized at the Scarsdale Board of Education meeting on Monday night March 24.

Cowan, who taught the touchy subject of health was in the audience with her mother, who herself served on the Edgemont School Board, to listen to accolades from the administration, students and parents. Cowan came to Scarsdale 28 years ago and according to Assistant Superintendent Joan Weber, she "put health education on the map." Cowan called her time at SHS "an amazing career" as she worked at the school "during the golden age and taught exceptional students, some who are on the faculty today." SHS Principal Ken Bonamo said Cowan "a teacher, a mentor and a friend," who "viewed each student in the present and as their future selves." He said, "she spoke about sensitive topics with ease," and "allowed the students to call her by her first name." PTA President Angela Manson said that Cowan "spoke frankly to our kids," and was "friendly, approachable and never beat around the bush when talking about awkward things."

Also retiring is Maria DeAngelis, Chairmam of the Scarsdale High School Art Department. An experienced artist in many media when she arrived at SHS, Weber said DeAngelis brought "new energy, enthusiasm and work ethics to the department and guided and provided support to many who needed direction."

Principal Bonamo called her passionate, involved and energetic. She started at SHS as a ceramics teacher in 1985 and later became the department chair, adopting new national standards for teaching art. She spearheaded the move from the AP to the AT curriculum and serves as the advisor to the National Art Honors Society at the school.

Discussion DeAngelis, Bonamo said she is a "caring and dedicated teacher with a broad skill set who encourages students to reach their creative potential." Pamela Kroll who now teaches English at SHS was one of her first students and remembers that she took the class to the galleries in Soho. She said the DeAngelis' accessibility and personal style are wonderful qualities and called her "heart warming, honest and caring."

Angela Manson said that DeAngelis' classroom is a "visual oasis," where she encourages each student to pursue their creativity. Manson thanked DeAngelis for leaving "a legacy of artistic vision and achievement here at Scarsdale High School for which we are very grateful."

Science teacher Jonathan Wolf is also retiring but was not able to attend the meeting.

Angela Manson also announced that the SHS Class of 2013 has made a gift of $16,694 to the Scarsdale High School PTA Scholarship Fund to help students fund their college educations. Class advisors Lauren Barton and Jason Noble and the student government facilitated the gift. The PTA scholarship fund provides grants to Scarsdale seniors wishing to attend college and needing assistance to pay for their first year.