Retiring Faculty Members Say "Thank You Scarsdale"

Mr. Larry ChatzinoffThis year, Scarsdale is losing many beloved faculty members. We spoke with a few of them to hear their thoughts on retirement and their plans for the future:

Larry Chatzinoff is retiring after 20 years of working in education. He spent his first year as a math teacher at Woodlands Middle School and the following 19 years working as a math teacher, math department chair, and eventually vice principal at Scarsdale Middle School. Over the years, he’s cherished “working with highly motivated students and collaborating with passionate teachers that work hard every day to provide the students at SMS with a world class education,” and attending many sporting events, concerts, talent shows, school musicals and more.

Some of his favorite memories involve working and bonding with students from the Student Organization, especially the day he volunteered for “Pie in the Face” at the “Challenge the Teacher” event. “The joy, that’s an understatement, that the students got from throwing a sponge with shaving cream in my face was priceless,” he said. He has also appreciated the support he receives from teachers to promote his ideas; one of which is his creation of Family Math Night, where students teach their parents how to solve difficult math exercises, which has become a successful event.

Chatzinoff feels touched by the supportive response he’s received from fellow faculty members upon the announcement of his retirement. “It has been a privilege and an honor to work at Scarsdale Middle School for the past 19 years. I have worked with an amazing group of teachers, support staff and administration throughout my tenure. Most of all it came down to working with incredible children that motivated me each day to be at my best. I have thoroughly enjoyed watching my students excel in activities outside of the classroom,” said Chatzinoff.

Linda Rich is retiring after 38 years as a math teacher, 32 of which she spent at Scarsdale High School. Within those 32 years, Rich spent the first 23 in the Alternative School, and the last nine in the high school. “My favorite part of teaching is feeling like what you do gives you a stake in the future, whether it’s helping students to appreciate math, be better problem solvers, or getting them to consider other perspectives and feel supported,” said Rich.

She looks back fondly on her memories from Scarsdale, such as putting a choreographed lip sync performance together at the A-School talent show with her fellow teachers and watching her students perform as well. Another time, she was moved when a former student of hers was being interviewed by Westchester Magazine as a local entrepreneur, and he named Rich as a teacher who influenced him. As a results, they reconnected and even did a photo-shoot together. “You don't always get to know the positive effect you have had on your students, so when that happens, it is quite satisfying,” said Rich. She’s grateful for all she has learned from her students and fellow faculty members. “Thank you, Scarsdale!” she concluded.

Elizabeth Ungar is also retiring from her position as math teacher after working at Scarsdale High School for fourteen years Ms. Elizabeth Ungarand the Bronx High School of Science for six years. This was Ungar’s third career after working as a full-time mother and a computer programmer. In her time here, she’s found getting to know her students as fulfilling as teaching them and seeing them learn. Ungar understands that “many of them [her students] are carrying burdens,” making her a kind and understanding teacher and mentor. As for her retirement, “I have many projects that I have in mind… things that I’ve always wanted to do but never get to, like go to a matinee in the middle of the week.” Ungar will miss being in the classroom, but she also is looking forward to the possibilities her life holds in her retirement.

Other Scarsdale faculty members retiring this year include Deborah Krisanda of Greenacres Elementary School, Kate Krahl of Scarsdale High School, Lisa Onofri and Cheryl Higgins of Heathcote Elementary School and Edgewood Principal Scott Houseknecht.