Back to School Guide 2019: For Kids and Grown-ups Too

Though the streets of the village are quiet and empty this week, in just a few days families will start returning from vacation, sports practices will begin and Scarsdale will be back in full swing.

Looking ahead to fall and beyond, here is a guide to pre-schools, dance and music classes, prep schools, religious schools, sports programs and college preparatory services for local kids ages two through 18. If you have a toddler, take a look at preschool programs for enrollment for next year. Adults – be sure to peruse the Scarsdale Adult School fall and winter catalogue to take advantage of all they have to offer.

Scarsdale is a wonderful place to raise a family – and there are so many local programs available to enrich your children’s lives and yours as well.

Enrichment and After School Programs:

Hoff Barthelson Music School

Registration for fall is open at Hoff-Barthelson, Westchester's premier community music school!

At Hoff-Barthelson, students find a warm, friendly music school dedicated to the highest standards of education, performance, and community service. Students of all ages – 6 months to adult – aptitudes, and levels of interest enjoy a supportive, joyful learning environment; a focus on the whole person; exceptional teaching; and a multifaceted curriculum.Hoff-Barthelson Music School students in performance. Photo by Steven Schnur.

Once enrolled for music lessons, all students gain complimentary access to a comprehensive program that includes unlimited musicianship classes and ensembles, myriad performance opportunities, master classes with world renowned guest artists, and workshops.

The School celebrates its 75th Anniversary, with a number of new classes and program enhancements including group piano and ukulele classes; songwriting workshops; classes in improvisation, piano history and literature; “Scarsdale Singers,” a chorus for adults; classes in the Alexander Technique; Dalcroze Eurhythmics workshops for all ages; and the implementation of online resources published by the Royal Conservatory of Music to support the School’s long-established grade-level appropriate learning goals.

The school year begins Monday, September 9th. Families wishing to learn about early childhood classes for children ages 6 months through kindergarten are invited to attend an Open House on Friday, September 6, from 10 to 11:30 am, which features a demo class at 10:30 am. For more information and to register, call 914-723-1169, visit www.hbms.org, or e-mail hb@hbms.org. Hoff Barthelson, 25 School Lane, Scarsdale

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!

For family conveniences JCCCMW Nursery School offers early drop off late pick up available. 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. This year we welcome back Sandbox theatre as our resident community theatre. 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 patrons. JCCMW is open to all -- no membership required. NEW this year is a pre-K Mandarin language program in addition to Spanish immersion class! Register online, or Contact JCCMW for more information on its more than 250 programs offered throughout the year, or to schedule a tour: 914-472-3300, www.jccmw.org.

Scarsdale Ballet Studio

Scarsdale Ballet Studio celebrates 27 years of awesome memories and looks forward creating many more. Artistic Director Diana White, former ballerina of the NYC Ballet, says, “We share our love of ballet with students from pre-school through high school, to college, and beyond. We welcome anyone to try ballet, including children with special needs and older adults. All can enjoy the benefits of formal dance training: physical fitness, confidence, self-expression, mental focus, collaborative skills, and lasting friendships.”

“We are known for our authentic curriculum, our encouraging and supportive atmosphere, and for quality performances, including The Nutcracker.” Faculty are former professional dancers of international caliber. Guest faculty include SBS alumna, star of American Ballet Theater, Skylar Brandt, and Associate Artistic Director of NYCB, Wendy Whelan. SBS students are regularly accepted to the most prestigious professional and college dance programs. They are high achievers in many professional fields besides dance, and carry their expertise and love of dance throughout life. The studio also offers ballet classes in Japanese. The spacious professional studios are located in the rear of Vernon Hills Shopping Center on Route 22. Visit scarsdaleballetstudio.com (914) 725-8754.

Steffi Nossen School of Dance

Join us at the Steffi Nossen School of Dance Open House, Saturday, September 7th. Sample classes, meet faculty and student ambassadors: plan your dance year, purchase dancewear, enjoy refreshments in our White Plains studios. During Free Week of Dance September 23 – 29 try all level and age appropriate classes. We have a class for you!

Steffi Nossen Scarsdale student Evelyn Leung with teacher Tami Mele. Credit: Ellen CraneDancers of all abilities have a home here. Through the discipline and joy of dance in a nurturing environment, dancers 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. In Dancing Tots for 1 – 3 year olds and parent/caregiver have a fun-filled opportunity to express themselves through movement while working on balance and coordination. Pre-schoolers choose from Creative Movement, Tap/Ballet, and an energy-filled Boy's Only! Try our Core Programs in Modern, Ballet, Jazz, Tap and Hip-Hop, a Pre-professional technique Program, and Moving Wheels and Heels a unique adaptive classes - there is dance that everyone can enjoy.

Visit our website, www.steffinossen.org or contact us at info@steffinossen.org or (914) 328-1900. Steffi Nossen School of Dance; 216 Central Avenue, White Plains.

The Music Conservatory of Westchester

The Music Conservatory of Westchester in White Plains opens its 90th anniversary year with expanded quality musical opportunities. The nonprofit community music school invites prospective students and their families to go Back to Music this fall to explore music classes for toddlers, children, teens, and adults.

First Notes early childhood classes will jumpstart your child’s development with a three-level curriculum: Bravo Babies (3-18 months), Toddler Tunes (1 ½ -2 ½ years), and Preschool Prodigies (3-4 years). Children explore musical sounds and rhythms, and learn songs from around the world in interactive classes with their parent or caregiver.

If you’re looking for an ideal first instrument for your child, the guitar is a perfect choice. At the Conservatory, beginner guitar classes (ages 4 and up) foster children’s creativity and collaborative spirit, preparing them to specialize in their favorite style of music - classical, jazz, or rock - when they reach middle school.
This fall, the Conservatory will launch MCW Prep – a unique and exciting college preparatory program for advanced high school musicians. Students will have the rare opportunity to train intensively with master musicians of the New York Philharmonic, Metropolitan Opera, Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, and Broadway. To schedule an audition, contact Dr. Douglas Bish, Dean of Students and Faculty: doug@musiced.org.

The Conservatory has also developed unique programming just for adults. In addition to private lessons, the school’s group piano and guitar classes, women’s vocal ensemble, and chamber ensembles create a fun, social atmosphere for adult music students.

Attend Open Houses and register for classes online today! Music Conservatory of Westchester, 216 Central Avenue, White Plains, NY 10606. Call 914-761-3900 or visit www.musicconservatory.org.

College Prep

Deborah Skolnik, Ivy Edge College Essay Editing

Let me help transform your child's college essay into sparkling, standout prose! Locally famous for my popular Gentle Scarsdale Satire poems, I'm also an award-winning editor and writer with more than 30 years of experience at many of America's leading magazines and newspapers. For years, I've helped local and overseas students refine their essays into attention-grabbing works with a distinctive voice, crafted to stand out in a sea of applications. My own essays have appeared in iconic publications including The New York Times and Reader's Digest. Doesn't your child deserve the best chance at being admitted to the college of his or her choice? Please contact me at deborah_skolnik@hotmail.com or 917-301-6562. Mention this ad for a special discount!

SLB Education Consultants

SLB Education Consultants provides independent college advising services right here in Scarsdale. With 15 years of experience, the team at SLB offers its extensive expertise to guide families during this critical, exciting and often overwhelming time. SLB counsels students on all aspects of the application process, including academic and extracurricular planning, standardized test strategizing, individualized college list guidance and preparation for interviews. In addition, SLB works one-on-one with students as they complete the Common Application personal statement, as well as all supplemental writing. For more information, contact Jake Beckman at 914-713-3462 or jake@slbteam.com. You can also visit the SLB website at www.slbeducationconsultants.com.

Soundview Prepartory School

For more than 30 years, Soundview Preparatory School's purpose has been to provide a college-preparatory education in a supportive and non-competitive environment that requires rigorous application to academics, instills respect for ethical values, and fosters self-confidence by helping each student feel recognized and valued. Soundview, an independent, coed day school for grades 6 – 12 is located on a 13 acre campus in picturesque Yorktown Heights, New York. In addition to a stellar academic program, Soundview offers a unique and outstanding Music, Art and Art Design program in their state-of-the-art Music Conservatory and Top Tier Design Studio. Soundview Preparatory school remains committed to the belief that students thrive in small classes and investing intensely in each individual student while holding them to a high standard in both academic pursuits and personal conduct. Soundview Preparatory maintains a 100% college acceptance rate and operates under a rolling admission policy. Students are accepted throughout the year based on: an interview with the Director of Admissions, prior academic record, student visit, recommendations, and a writing sample. Soundview Prep serves students from Westchester, Putnam and Rockland Counties in New York State and from Fairfield County in Connecticut, as well as from New York City. Approximately 30% of students receive some form of tuition discount.

Contact Karen S. Teich, Director of Admissions at 914-962-2789 ext. 107 or visit their website. Soundview Prep, 370 Underhill Avenue, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598

Religious Schools

Bet Am Shalom

"Torah La'am" is our engaging, progressive and creative K-12 Jewish Education Program. We bring Jewish learning to life in inspiring, joyful ways for the whole family through art, music, intergenerational social action projects, family programs, and parenting workshops. Our children bake challah and desserts for our communal Shabbat dinners and, in grades 4-6, read Torah and lead prayers on Shabbat. We focus on building communities in which students live Jewish values by listening and valuing a variety of perspectives and helping each other grow. We provide teens with many leadership roles in our community, and a Monday night program where they are challenged to think deeply about their Jewish identity and learn from each other. To learn more or to schedule a visit, contact: Abby Reiken, Education Director, eddirector@betamshalom.org, 914-946-8851.

Scarsdale Synagogue Religious and Chai School for Pre-K through Grade 12

Welcome to Scarsdale Synagogue's Religious School and Chai School! Our mission is to care for and nurture our students and their families, and to cultivate a culture of growth, friendship, and Jewish 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 Sunday mornings (K - 6; Pre-K meets monthly) and Wednesday afternoons (Grades 4-6). And our fun and engaging Chai School (Grades 7-12) meets on Wednesday evenings. Each grade enjoys its own curricular focus as they learn about Jewish traditions and cultures, past and present. Children choose engaging electives that teach Hebrew vocabulary through sports, cooking, yoga, art 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.

Sports

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 merchandise 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 the Journal Committee at sportsjournal@maroonandwhite.org. Ads placed by October 15, 2019 will appear in all three printings of the Journal (i.e., Fall, Winter, and Spring). Please come out and support our fall athletes. Click here to see the schedule of games and matches.

Scarsdale Youth Lacrosse

FALL REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!
Once again, Scarsdale Youth Lacrosse (SYLA) will be offering Fall Lacrosse Programs in 2019. The program will focus on improving skills, game IQ development, playing games against other town teams, and having fun playing lax in the beautiful fall season. These programs are offered for Boys & Girls K-8, all levels of players from beginner to advanced.

SYLA is dedicated to promoting lacrosse at the youth level for families residing in the village of Scarsdale, NY. We strive to develop strong fundamental skills and teamwork while adhering to the standards of sportsmanship, respect for all participants and a sense of fair play. Visit their website for more information and registration.

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, Stay-in-Town Soccer, 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.

Adult Learning

Scarsdale Adult School

Scarsdale Adult School is an award-winning, continuing education program that provides enriching curriculum for lifelong learners. Established in 1938, SAS is an independent, not-for-profit organization charted by the New York State Board of Regents. Nourishing the mind, body, and soul, SAS boasts a wide array of courses in history, culture, current events, art appreciation and literature as well as writing, walking tours, photography, personal finance, arts and crafts, fitness, card and board games, food and beverage, hobbies and edutainment, health/wellness and self-improvement classes. Class locations, days, and times vary by course, but all are housed venues in or convenient to Scarsdale. Classes are open to all, regardless of residency, and courses fill on a first-come/first-served basis. View course offerings at ScarsdaleAdultSchool.org and call 914-723-2325.

Preschools

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.

Mazel Tots

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 atelier, dance and more! We have two beautiful playgrounds and gardens, plus a fully equipped indoor play space featuring ride-on toys, gym equipment, giant blocks and stepping stones just to name a few! Our Early Childhood Program serves children from 18 months through those Kindergarten-bound! We also have afternoon Enrichment Programs which extends the fun and the length of the day! 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.

Early Childhood Center at Westchester Reform Temple

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. For Toddlers between the ages of one and two we offer Mommy and Me Temple Tots classes, facilitated by our school Social Worker and ECC staff as well as a Toddler Time class facilitated by experienced ECC teachers. Any loved one is welcome to attend this class with their child. Both classes are wonderful opportunities for making friends for adults as well as children.

End of the year Mini Session and Summer Play Place camp offered.

Registration for the 2020-2021 school year begins in November. Currently a few spaces are available in our threes classes as well as the Toddler Time class for the coming school year. 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.