Meghan Troy Named Incoming SMS Principal, Special Education Broadens Reach

At a school board meeting with much positive news reported on 3-20, the biggest smiles and applause filled the room upon Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources and Leadership Development Drew Patrick's announcement of Meghan Troy as the next principal of Scarsdale Middle School Principal.

Mr. Patrick said," It is with great pleasure that I introduce the candidate being recommended to succeed Mike McDermott as principal of Scarsdale Middle School - one of our own - Meghan Troy. A gifted educator and educational leader, Meghan is currently completing her 16th year as a social studies teacher at Scarsdale Middle School, where she has also served as Department Chair for the last five. Early in the interview process, Meghan shared her core philosophy with the committee - cura personalis, care for the entire person. This concept emphasizes individualized attention to the needs of the other, distinct respect for his or her unique circumstances and concerns, and an appropriate appreciation for his or her particular gifts and insights. I can't think of a more appropriate guiding principle for a leader of our middle school.....This afternoon at the Middle School, Dr. Hagerman had the opportunity to thank Mike McDermott for the quantity and quality of his contributions to this school district, and to the profession at large. The duration of the ovation he received in response to that acknowledgement speaks to the size of the proverbial shoes Meghan is being asked to fill. We are confident the shoes will fit.

Superintendent Dr. Thomas Hagerman spoke up at this point to add that the announcement of Meghan Troy's appointment also drew a standing ovation at the Middle School that afternoon.

Asked to comment on her new role, Mrs. Troy replied:
I am thrilled and excited to be taking on the role of principal at Scarsdale Middle School. I look forward to working with the tremendous faculty, staff, parents and students. As a teacher and administrator at the middle school for sixteen years, I have come to learn and live by the high standards that Scarsdale holds. In this new role, I will continue to foster these values for myself, the staff, faculty and students.

I believe that we need to always move forward and innovate while respecting the rich history and tradition that makes Scarsdale Middle School an outstanding institution. We also need to respect and embrace where our middle level learners are in their development and build a community and culture that supports them where they are in this moment.

We will continue to build an environment where we challenge our students academically, meet them where they are developmentally, and help them build skills that go beyond the walls of the classroom. It is through a supportive and encouraging community that we are able to help our students build the confidence to take risks and stretch their thinking.

I am truly honored to be taking on this new role.

Special Education: Expanding and Inclusive

The second featured topic of the evening was the Special Education Report, led by Director of Special Education and Student services Eric Rauschenbach.

Mr. Rauschenbach emphasized that the philosophy and pedagogy of the department is first and foremost strength-based, focusing on allowing students to access the general education curriculum while maximizing their strengths and interests.

Looking at trends in the student population, he noted that 7% are served under Section 504 plans, and 9% under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Of this population, 91% are served within the district.

Elementary teachers Megan Matthews, Francesca Erigo Ross, and Rachel Witmer then continued to describe the co-teaching methods they are using to create successful learning environments for their inclusion classrooms. With methods such as structuring multiple learning stations, they provide access points in the curriculum for all learners. Among other benefits, they report that the approach bolsters students' teamwork skills as they mirror the co-teachers collaborative approach.

Dr. Elliot Cohen, Director of Psychology and Middle School Psychologist continued the report of Special Education innovation, describing a new mentoring program he developed and set in motion with the support of former C.H.I.L.D. president Leanne Freda. In this program SHS special education students return to the Middle School to mentor their 6th grade counterparts. The younger students gain perspective on their current challenges and learn from positive role models, while the older students gain purpose and insight from their service role. Dr. Cohen remarked that he is looking for ways to expand this model, as it "serves the district's commitment to wellness and the 'whole child' at two different age levels at once."

The third and final section of the Special Education Report was presented by Dr. Kristin Oliverio, School Psychologist, and Catherine Flores, Special Education Teacher on this year's new high school program, the SSP (Scarsdale Support Program). With the goal of serving more students within their home district rather than placing them out, the SSP can address social/emotional/behavioral issues that interfere with academic functioning. Dr. Oliverio and Ms. Flores provide various modes of counseling, a calm and supportive alternative space, and close communication with home and teachers to help students reach their goals.

School Board member Art Rublin asked how the SSP "has played out, versus expectations?" Mr. Rauschenbach replied, "We're at capacity. The interest and need is there....the staff has done a great job of discovering what students need and making it work."

The conclusion of the multi-part presentation was met with notably warm applause from those present, as Board Member William Natbony remarked, "The progress the last few years has been remarkable."

Current Construction and Future Planning

A third major topic took up the Board's attention on Monday evening: current construction and future planning.

Stuart Mattey, Assistant Superintendent for Business and Facilities, reported on the status of current projects. The Learning Commons area at the high school is nearing the end of the demolition phase, and the Fitness Center has progressed to electrical and HVAC work with anticipation that the basic space will be finished in May with furnishing and outfitting to follow. The Middle School orchestra addition is also underway with progress expected to accelerate as the snow clears.

Regarding future planning, Mr. Mattey said the newly selected architecture firm, BBS, has "hit the ground running since coming on board." They are approaching the work with three teams, the first to investigate school operations and daily functioning, the second to take the engineering point of view and delve into infrastructure, and the third to measure every district space to ensure everyone is working from accurate information. When they have a full, up-to-date view, strategic planning is expected to begin within the next 2-3 weeks.

And Greenacres?

Take note, Greenacres residents! Things are proceeding quickly, as the Board discovered.

William Natbony inquired, "Any clue how the timeline for Greenacres looks?" and Mr. Mattey replied, "The timeline for Greenacres is the same timeline as all the rest....Conversations will have to start soon if the potential bond vote is November/December 2018."

Regarding the architects, Board President Lee Maude said, "One of the reasons we liked them was that they have their own engineers. Have they looked at Greenacres?" "Yes, they are essentially doing the same work of the previous architects all over again, " explained Mr. Mattey.

Board Member Nina Cannon asked, "At what point is there more community involvement with stakeholders?" Mr. Mattey: "That will be part of the conversation we have with them next week, making a plan to roll out information with the Board and community, making time for good, in-depth discussion. We're going to have to have a very concentrated schedule to make sure we get to the end point at the right time."

The End of the Budget Process Nears

William Natbony announced that he and several Board Members had attended a League of Women Voters meeting to discuss the current budget and respond to questions. Interested community members may view the exchange on the School Board website, expected to post Friday, March 24.

The next Budget Forum will take place on Monday, March 27 at 6:30 pm.