Class of 2016 Struts Their Stuff at Pre Prom Celebration
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The resplendent SHS Class of 2016 strutted their stuff at the red carpet celebration before the prom on Thursday June 2 at Scarsdale High School. The students were aglow in colorful, flowing gowns for seniors with above the knee dresses for junior and sophomore girls. This year the gowns ranged from hot pink, red, orange and teal, to spring florals, whites and traditional black. Some of the dresses featured sheer midriffs, sequins, open backs and chiffon skirts. Hair was worn down in spiral curls, or up in elaborate braided buns.
Boys wore tuxes and some accompanied their dates with bowties and cummerbunds to match their dates' gowns. Parents, grand parents, teachers an friends flocked to the high school to admire the partiers, pose for photos and send off the class on white coaches buses to Glen Island Country Club for the much-awaited event.
Kids reported that they had a great time at pre-prom parties at friends homes, the red carpet celebration at the high school, the prom itself and at the post-prom party on the rooftop of the Copa Cabana in New York that went on until the wee hours. Hail to the class of 2016.
(If you don't see your photo in the gallery, please send it to scarsdalecomments@gmail.com, and we will add it to the display.
Greenacres Needs a State of the Art Facility
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(This is an opinion piece written by site founder Joanne Wallenstein) I am concerned that Greenacres residents have become so polarized that they've lost sight of what's at stake in the discussion about the future of our neighborhood school. I don't know what the best solution is for Greenacres and for Scarsdale as a whole, but I do know that I am putting my faith in our administration, Board of Education and district architects to figure it out. Whether they decide to renovate or build a new school, I believe the school must be a place that sets new standards for elementary education and includes features that will continue to draw families to Scarsdale.
As a member of this community I need to believe in the people we elected, selected and hired to lead us into the future. Superintendent Hagerman was appointed after a lengthy national search. When Linda Purvis announced her retirement, the district also underwent another thorough search process to identify Assistant Superintendent Stuart Mattey to head up our facilities and finances. Architects KG&D were retained in November 2013 after consideration of a long list of firms and extensive presentations from the five leaders. The seven board members were each vetted, selected and nominated by Scarsdale's non-partisan School Board Nominating Committee and then elected by residents. After investing so much time and energy in picking the right people to lead we need to back their decisions.
And whether they decide to do an extensive renovation of the existing building or start from scratch across the street, they need to envision an environmentally efficient school that works for the next five years and the next fifty. We can't remedy only what doesn't work today; we need to add new features, flexible learning spaces, and light, inviting facilities that will draw young families to Scarsdale. Learning technology is changing rapidly and we need facilities that can be adapted with the times.
Today's school does not meet state standards, as it was built in 1912, more than 100 years ago. It lacks many of the basic features of other elementary schools in Scarsdale, putting Greenacres families and their real estate at a real disadvantage. Classrooms are too small to accommodate desks for each child, the school has no auditorium and no cafeteria which means that lunch spans three periods and custodians have to set up and take down lunch tables and chairs every day. The school lacks a proper entry where children can be dropped off and picked up, posing consternating safety and traffic issues. The gym, which doubles as a theater and music room, is in original condition. The school needs an entirely new HVAC system and a roof and windows are due for replacement within the next ten years. Sections of the school are dark, gloomy and damp.
If the board needs to factor in parity with other schools when making plans, they can look at what's inside the other elementary schools now and what is being built this year to see that Greenacres is out of step with 21st century facilities. Other schools have auditoriums for performances and ceremonies and music rooms for choral, band and orchestra practice. Quaker Ridge has a cafeteria, Heathcote is set to get a new multipurpose room and entrance canopy to facilitate drop off and pick up. Edgewood will have a new media and research center with a computer lab, multimedia equipment plus small group and flexible space for collaborative learning. Work will begin this summer on upgrades to many district schools, funded in the December 2014 bond, which did not include any improvements for Greenacres.
When the Heathcote School opened in 1954, the
glass walls and novel floor plan of clustered classrooms or pods around common rooms drew national attention and won the American Institute of Architects' 25-Year Award, an award that had been given only once before, to the Rockefeller Center in New York City. The design was progressive at the time and has served the community well in the intervening decades. Today we need to empower our architects and decision makers to dream big and get Scarsdale the same quality of design and innovation the district got for their tax dollars at the time.
At one time or another, we all moved here for the schools. Even those who never used the school system invested in the community because the reputation of the district made the investment in their homes a sure bet. In order to serve those who are here now and attract new residents in the future we all need to agree on a plan that does far more than remedy our current space and HVAC issues. I encourage everyone to put your differences aside, look beyond your own backyards and plan to be best in class, whether it's on the north or south side of Huntington Avenue.
School Budget Receives 81% Approval from Scarsdale Voters
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The Scarsdale School Budget for 2016-17 passed easily on Tuesday May 17, 2016 with an 81% approval rating from 553 voters. Turnout was low, as there was little controversy surrounding the proposed budget, which came in under the calculated tax cap. The total budget is $150,454,297 which is a 1.63% budget to budget increase which will require a tax levy increase of .63%.
This was the first budget vote for Assistant Superintendent Stuart Mattey who replaced Linda Purvis last year. The results of the election were announced by former Scarsdale School Board President Jill Spieler who served as the Chair of the Budget Vote and Election.
Three candidates for service on the Scarsdale School Board were also elected. Lee Maude, who has served as the President of the School Board this year received 462 votes, William Natbony, the current Vice President of the Board got 462 votes. They will both serve an additional 3-year term. Nina Cannon, 
who will begin her first term in July, received 469 votes. Cannon will replace School Board member Suzanne Seiden who will complete six years on the board in June. All three candidates were nominated by the Scarsdale School Board Nominating Committee and ran unopposed.
Voters were creative with their 42 write-in votes that included Donald Trump, Pope Francis and Mickey Mouse.
Commenting on her election Cannon said, " I am thrilled to be elected and join with such accomplished and dedicated board members. I look forward to the challenges ahead and collaborating with the board on making policy that will serve the best interest of our students and our district as a whole.
Superintendent Hagerman said: "I am obviously very pleased with the outcome of the budget vote and with 81% we are assuming the vast majority of the community is supporting the work that we are engaged in, the process we used for budgeting this year and the excellence of our education programs." When asked what lies ahead, Hagerman said, "Greenacres would be one of the biggest issues along with stem education, 
special services we are offering, special programming within the district itself, and continuing to do a good job with the programs we created this year: the elementary school workshops, and keeping innovation critical and creative thinking alive in the schools".
Vote on Tuesday, School Board Meeting Monday Night
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Tuesday May 17 is the vote for the Scarsdale School Budget and nominees for the Scarsdale School Board.
The proposed budget for the 2016-17 school year is $150,454,297 which is a 1.63% increase over the 2015-16 school budget and would mean a tax levy increase of .63% which falls below the calculated tax cap of .81%. As the budget does not exceed the tax cap, it can pass with a simple majority vote.
The budget includes $1,251,931 for plant improvements at Edgewood and Scarsdale Middle School as well as district wide roof repairs, brick repointing and paving. That's a $496.931 increase over last year's plant improvement budget.
Also on the ballot will be nominees for the School Board who were selected by the Scarsdale School Board Nominating Committee.
Board members Leila Maude and William Natbony are on the ballot to serve second three-year terms while Nina Cannon is running for election for the first time. This year, Maude served as the President of the Board of Education and Natbony as Vice President. Read statements from the candidates here:
Voting will take place at the Scarsdale Middle School on Tuesday May 17 from 7 am to 9 pm.
A Board of Education meeting will be held on Monday night May 16th. At 7 pm the Board will hear a report from the Middle School and High School principals on Innovation Practices and Instructional Focus at the middle and high schools.
At 8 p.m. the Board will conduct a business meeting and many people with concerns about the Greenacres School are expected to speak. You can watch the session on Scarsdale Cable Television on attend the meeting in rooms 170-172 at Scarsdale High School.
Open House Extravaganza Sunday May 15
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Houlihan Lawrence of Scarsdale invites you to view these homes in their Open House Extravaganza on Sunday, May 15th. See times below:
2 COVENTRY COURT LARCHMONT, NY 10538
List Price: $4,995,000
2:00-4:00 PM
Majestic, 11,000 square foot home located on a tranquil cul-de-sac in Scarsdale's prized Quaker Ridge area, just 30 minutes from Manhattan. This three story stately home with seven en-suite bedrooms and three half baths features a two story entryway with marble floors and grand staircase. Scarsdale school district. Learn more here.
15 BROOKBY ROAD SCARSDALE, NY 10583
List Price: $4,150,000
11:00AM-2:00PM
Chic meets complete comfort in this contemporary colonial featuring soaring ceilings, open layout and walls of windows overlooking the spectacular 0.87 acre property. Stately in its curb appeal, the grounds transition in back to a private oasis with pool, spa, 2 patios, outdoor kitchen, rolling lawns and lush landscaping. Learn more here.
53 LINCOLN ROAD, SCARSDALE, NY 10583
List Price: $3,975,000
2:00PM -4:00PM
Incomparable new custom seven bedroom home in prestigious Heathcote is move-in ready for you. This breathtaking stone and cedar Colonial, with distinctive wrap-around porch and sweeping circular drive, is nestled on a lush .66 acre with room for a pool. Pre-wired for state-of-the-art smart house, back-up generator. Learn more here:
6A CARSTENSEN ROAD SCARSDALE, NY 10583
List Price: $3,875,000
1:00PM-3:00PM
Spectacular Tudor built in 2007 has quality workmanship throughout, with attention to detail. Located just five blocks from village shops, railroad, park and restaurants. This Majestic home offers a comfortable layout. Learn more here:
17 GATEHOUSE ROAD SCARSDALE, NY 10583
List Price: $3,495,000
2:00PM-4:00PM
A stunning residence offering a grand scale while maintaining the intimacy that is the hallmark of a design and construction team which delivers elevations and floor plans that are exquisite, original and perfectly executed. Nothing will be spared in this 7,367 square foot, seven bedroom and seven-and-a-half bath home. Learn more here:
1 DOLMA ROAD SCARSDALE, NY 10583
List Price: $3,495,000
1:00PM-2:30PM
One of Scarsdale's premier properties, this spectacular sun-lit Tudor home is sited in the heart of Murray Hill on a level, 1.89 park-like acre. Built in 1929 and partially renovated in 2002, this majestic estate offers exquisite architectural detail, remarkable craftsmanship including arched doorways, high beamed ceilings. Learn more here:
10 OXFORD ROAD SCARSDALE, NY 10583
List Price: $3,450,000
2:00PM-1:00PM
Young stunning center hall Colonial with beautiful open green park views set on nearly an acre of level fenced property. Enjoy the majesty of this home, and settle into a huge luxurious seat in your very own home theater. Conveniently located near train, schools and shopping. Learn more here:
20 DOLMA ROAD SCARSDALE, NY 10583
List Price: $3,300,000
1:00PM-3:00PM
A quintessential estate on a much admired street in Murray Hill. This Walter Collett built and designed English Tudor residence is a must see for its unique details and architectural beauty. The 1.46 acres has a beautifully landscaped garden with an exquisite pool and separate whirl pool. Come enjoy this lifestyle. Learn more here:
11 RURAL DRIVE SCARSDALE, NY 10583
List Price: $2,999,000
12:30PM-2:00PM
Don't miss this dream home set on nearly half an acre of beautiful private land. Built to an uncompromising standard of excellence, the exceptional finishes provide a gracious setting for entertaining. Simply stunning, this home has it all! Learn more here:
68 BREWSTER ROAD SCARSDALE, NY 10583
List Price: $2,595,000
1:00PM-3:00PM
This beautiful sunny home is situated in the heart of Fox Meadow, near schools, library shopping and train. On .30 of an acre and over 6000 interior square feet this newer home has it all. Incredible kitchen/great room, high end finishes throughout. Offers two laundry rooms and an elevator for three floors. Move right in. Learn more here:
9 HARCOURT ROAD SCARSDALE, NY 10583
List Price: $2,398,000
2:00PM-4:00PM
Elegant Georgian brick center hall colonial with slate roof, renovated with the finest finishes. Spaciousness, sunlight abound; perfect for entertaining. Dramatic entrance hall graced with spectacular double curved staircase with detailed moldings; high ceilings, rich oak floors, four fireplaces add to the luxury. Learn more here:
8 SHARON LANE SCARSDALE, NY 10583
List Price: $2,385,000
2:30PM-4:00PM
A fabulous acre and a half in Fox Meadow! Complete with every modern amenity, a home of refined elegance, this 18th Century treasure asserts its grandeur at the front door. A perfect escape for tranquil solitude. This home is indisputably complete and enchanting to lovers of old and new! Learn more here:
110 ROUND HILL ROAD SCARSDALE, NY 10583
List Price: $2,300,000
2:00PM-4:00PM
This finely renovated Edgemont Colonial offers optimum privacy on .60 acre with a heated, salt water pool, yet is just minutes to the Scarsdale train station, schools and town. Features include an oversized cook's kitchen, professional appliances, two granite islands and a covered patio. An elegant home for modern living. Learn more here:
32 SPRINGDALE ROAD SCARSDALE, NY 10583
List Price: $2,300,000
1:00PM-3:00PM
Welcome to the home of your dreams! This picture perfect Colonial with classic proportions has exquisite light filled spaces. This home is totally renovated and a jewel with exceptional flow, which sets it apart from the rest. All these features plus the wonderful flow of rooms create an extraordinary property. Learn more here:
10 ELMDORF DRIVE SCARSDALE, NY 10583
List Price: $2,259,000
1:00PM-2:30PM
The location says it all! Short walk to Scarsdale village, shops, train (32 minutes to Grand Central). Enjoy the privacy this prestigious stone home on a coveted Scarsdale street affords you. Exterior shows as a grand stone home, yet interior feels like a Colonial, bright and spacious. Exquisite slate roof, gravel drive. Learn more here:
352 HEATHCOTE ROAD SCARSDALE, NY 10583
List Price: $2,175,000
2:30PM-4:00PM
Don't miss this unusual opportunity to own a combination of exterior character and interior sun-filled, sleek and sophisticated design. This house was stripped to the framing and rebuilt inside to afford its new owner a clean-lined home with modern light-filled space, featuring the perfect layout for everyday living. Learn more here:
10 RUTLAND ROAD SCARSDALE, NY 10583
List Price: $1,999,000
2:00PM-4:00PM
Stunning, impressive, sun-filled English style home on .62 flat acres on a peaceful street in the Cotswold section of Edgemont close to schools, the Scarsdale Village and train. Special details include a custom, solid cherry two-story family room/library, exquisite details throughout, leaded windows and a Ludovicci tile roof. Learn more here:
28 STONEWALL LANE MAMARONECK, NY 10543 $1,995,000
3:00PM-5:00PM
Easy living. This sun-filled Quaker Ridge home is ideally situated on 1.23 magnificent, private acres. The beautiful professionally landscaped property boasts specimen plantings and an in-ground pool and tennis court. It is the perfect venue for both entertaining and relaxation. The ultimate setting for relaxed living. Learn more here:
14 PADDINGTON ROAD SCARSDALE, NY 10583
List Price: $1,875,000
2:00PM-4:00PM
Captivating stone, brick and stucco Tudor Manor house with a slate roof on a level .41 acre in the heart of Fox Meadow with a fine close-in location to Scarsdale village. Fine architectural details include a grand staircase, beautiful oak floors, barrel ceilings and wide open doorways. Large and gracious leaded windows. Learn more here:
5 FOX MEADOW ROAD SCARSDALE, NY 10583
List Price: $1,825,000
3:00PM-4:30PM
Picturesque, sun-filled and airy Colonial perfectly located in coveted Fox Meadow. Set on .29 acres of lush property, this residence is an easy stroll to Scarsdale village, shops, restaurants and Metro North train. This is the perfect combination of stylish living and a great location. Make this home yours! Learn more here:
81 WALWORTH AVENUE SCARSDALE, NY 10583
List Price: $1,778,000
1:00PM-3:00PM
Vintage sun drenched Mediterranean home in sought after Greenacres brimming with details, this seven bedroom jewel of a home offers comfortable elegance with delightful privacy yet a most convenient location a great opportunity to own a special and much loved home in desirable Greenacres. Learn more here:
56 CARTHAGE ROAD SCARSDALE, NY 10583
List Price: $1,590,000
1:00PM-3:00PM
Heathcote elegance. Classic proportions and exquisite architectural details abound throughout this sun-filled four bedroom, three and one half bath center hall Georgian Colonial. Move right in to enjoy the warmth of your beautiful home. Elegant, convenient, stunning describe this magnificent home. Learn more here:
8 STONY GATE OVAL NEW ROCHELLE, NY 10804
List Price: $1,484,000
2:00PM -4:00PM
Crisp, elegant, comfortable and perfect are only a few of the words describing a "feast for your eyes" when entering this wonderful home. High ceilings and an open floor plan welcome you to your dream home. Your private elevator is accessible from every floor of this fantastic home. This is home! Learn more here.
32 ANDREA LANE SCARSDALE, NY 10583
List Price: $1,399,999
1:00PM-3:00PM
Bright, updated home offering abundant space and a great flow, situated on exquisitely landscaped gardens and .46 of an acre. Large rooms, foyer, vaulted living room ceiling, dining room, and spacious updated eat-in kitchen. Hardwood floors. Large two car garage and new driveway. Stunning private gardens with an in-ground pool. Learn more here:
57 BARLOW LANE RYE, NY 10580
List Price: $1,399,000
1:00PM-4:00PM
A gem in Greenhaven! Meticulously maintained spacious, light four bedroom split on beautiful level .45 acre with oversized deck. A wonderful home for entertaining with large open spaces. Extensive decorative molding throughout. Wiring for speakers in living room, family room, master bedroom. Close to Long Island Sound, beach. Learn more here:
27 OLD LYME ROAD SCARSDALE, NY 10583
List Price: $1,350,000
12:00PM-2:00PM
Center Hall Colonial set on a lush .66 acre of level property with potential room for a pool. This home boasts a gracious entry hall leading to a large living room with decorative fireplace and wet bar, family room with wood-burning fireplace and doors to slate patio and an updated eat-in kitchen with granite counters. Learn more here:
76 HUNTINGTON AVENUE SCARSDALE, NY 10583
List Price: $1,299,000
2:00PM-4:00PM
Elegant and sun-filled Greenacres Tudor with a fantastic open plan layout offering great space and light, this home blends an old-world, beautifully crafted stone and stucco exterior with modern spaces and upgrades. Don't miss this spacious five bedroom, three full, two half bath Tudor, ideally located close to all! Learn more here:
99 CROFT TERRACE NEW ROCHELLE. NY 10804
List Price: $1,295,000
3:00PM-5:00PM
Gracious, sprawling five bedroom Colonial with ground floor master suite, on professionally landscaped .37 acre in Wykagyl Park. The kitchen is served by a large outdoor deck and fully enclosed sunroom. Hardwood floors, well detailed, beautifully maintained, with many other amenities. Learn more here:
128 MOORLAND DRIVE SCARSDALE, NY 10583 $1,099,000
2:00PM-4:00PM
Move right in to this beautifully renovated Edgemont home with an open floor plan ready for today's lifestyle, sunlight in every room with many picture frame windows and skylights. Don't miss out on this fabulous home, which is private, tranquil and also perfect for entertaining. Learn more here:
1 OGDEN ROAD SCARSDALE, NY 10583
List Price:$945,000
1:00PM-3:00PM
Great space at an affordable price in coveted Fox Meadow. Ultra-convenient location near train, shops, parkway. This bright Ranch sits on beautiful property and offers a large living room with fireplace, an eat-in kitchen opening to the dining room and charming patio. All hardwood floors, updated bathrooms, a slate roof. Learn more here:
17 WESTMINSTER ROAD SCARSDALE, NY 10583
List Price: $929,000
1:00PM-3:00PM
Classic sun-filled Tudor with slate roof has a spacious entry foyer with decorative front door. The entry opens to the living room with an impressive stone fireplace. The adjacent sun room serves perfectly as the first floor family room. Easy commute to railroad, walkable to shops, schools. Greenburgh Recreation. Learn more here:
114 FERNDALE ROAD SCARSDALE, NY 10583
List Price: $820,000
1:00PM-2:30PM
Perfect move-in condition Colonial at the end of a cul-de-sac with great yard for entertaining and relaxing. Only one block to school and commuter bus to train. Many updates including brand new hall bath with double sinks, refinished floors and new stairs, new recessed lighting, new hot water heater, freshly painted. Learn more here:
