There’s No Such Thing as a Free Lunch
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After many meetings, surveys and analysis, the Scarsdale School District Food Service Committee recommened that the District Say NO to the National School Lunch Program.
Though 60% of parents surveyed are not happy with the current school lunch program, they don’t believe that moving to a universal free lunch program offered by New York State is the solution.
The Food Service Committee met during the school year and surveyed district parents to determine their satisfaction with the current program – and to determine what was important to them.
Would participation in a free lunch program called the National School Lunch Program improve food service? After analyzing the survey results and learning about the requirements of the national program, the committee recommended that that the district should not participate in this free lunch program. Though their report was slated for review at a June school board meeting, the meeting agenda grew too long and the committee’s report was never discussed by the Board of Education.
In order to qualify for the free lunches, the district would have to adhere to strict guidelines that would limit the use of ingredients, portion size and meal flexibility. The committee determined that these restrictions would compromise the food program and make it less likely, rather than more likely, that students would consume the school supplied lunches.
Furthermore, district participation in the program would preclude the elementary schools from holding special events involving lunch, such as “Pizza Days” which is a favorite of elementary school parents and kids.
And though the lunch would be more economical and save parents money, the survey showed that cost was not significant to parents who were willing to pay for healthy, palatable meals.
Here is a chart comparing Scarsdale’s food service vs. the National Lunch Program.
And here is a chart showing the pros and cons of program participation:
For all these reasons, the committee concluded that the district should NOT participate in the universal free lunch program.
Instead, they recommended that the district focus on the following to improve current meal service:
Based on the extensive work of the committee, the following recommendation is made to the Board of Education for consideration.
-Renew the existing contract as-is and do not participate in the National School Lunch Program for 2026-2027 School year. The district should continue to operate the Food Service Program under the current format.
-Using the information gained this year, as well as follow-up research and discussion as necessary, identify meaningful adjustments to continue to improve the quality and variety of food offerings.
Boys Varsity A Tennis Team Wins NYS Title!
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The NY Knicks are not the only team who had an exciting weekend.
The Scarsdale High School Boys Varsity Tennis Team are Division 1 Champions after triumphing over Syosset High School at the Billie Jean King Tennis Center in Queens with a score of 4-3 on Friday June 12, 2026. The team win was on the heels of an historic individual win by Scarsdale Senior Jack Reis who won the NYS Singles titles last weekend.
Pictured above from left to right are: Front row: Emmett Klingsberg (So), Ethan Goh (Fr), Nathan Appleman (So), Kaito Tsukamoto (So) Back row: Coach Roane, Jeffrey Huang (Fr), Sean Ma (Fr), Mark Ha (So), Jerry Jin (Sr), Dylan Pai (Sr), Chris Srovnik (Jr), Jack Reis (Sr), Charlie Robertson (Jr), Lucas Yao (Sr), Matthew Nussbaum (Sr), Rohan Sehgal (Sr), Coach Kumaresan.
The match for the state championship was a close one, with Scarsdale coming out 4-3. The line up includes seven courts, first, second and third Singles, and four doubles teams.
Here was the line up for the final match against Syosett (and the scores of the matches won by Scarsdale):
Singles
1st: Jack Reis 6-0, 6-2
Charlie Robertson, Emmett Klingsberg, Nathan Appleman, Chris Srovnik
2nd: Lucas Yao 4-6, 6-3, 6-2
3rd: Dylan Pai 6-1, 6-0
Doubles
1st: Kaito Tsukamoto/Ethan Goh
2nd: Charlie Robertson/Mark Ha
3rd: Jerry Jin/Jeffrey Huang
4th: Nathan Appleman/Emmett Klingsberg
7-6 (7-5), 2-6, 6-4
Scarsdale was first up 2-0 after wins on the first and third singles courts, from Jack Reis and Dylan Pai. Then Syosett took the first and third doubles matches, tying up the overall match to 2-2. All eyes turned to the second singles court, where Scarsdale’s Lucas Yao won in three sets, putting the match at 3-2 in favor of Scarsdale. The fourth doubles players, Nathan Appleman and Emmett Klingsberg clinched the championship for the team when they won their match in three sets, putting the Raiders at 4-2, which meant that Scarsdale won the title. But tthe last doubles match (2nd doubles) was permitted to finish, and Syosett won, so the final score was 4-3.
The team is led by Coach Jennifer Roane, who in June 2025 was named the Coach of the Year by National Federation of Coaches Association. Michael Kumaresan is the Assistant Coach.
In 2022 and 2023 the Varsity A Girls Tennis Team, also coached by Roane, won the NYS Division 1 Title.
Roane said, "The entire team has been working towards being state champions since March. We knew that the match against Syosset would be challenging. They have been state Champions for the past three years. The boys were physically and mentally ready to play on Friday. I'm thrilled that their dedication to the team and many hours of work has been rewarded with a state title."
Commenting on the big win, Jack Reis added, "The State Team Championship was an unforgettable experience. The team has worked very hard this season and I am proud of everyone on the team! Everyone contributed throughout the tournament, and it was amazing to see our younger players step up in big moments.
What made the team title especially meaningful was that we defeated Syosset in the final. When I was a freshman, Scarsdale lost to Syosset in the state championship finals, so to come back 3 years later and beat them in such a close match felt like a full-circle moment for our program. Watching our 4th doubles team clinch the deciding point was one of the most exciting moments I’ve experienced in tennis."
Team members pose for a photo with State Assemblymember Amy Paulin
Seniors Matthew, Jerry Jin, Jack Reis, Dylan Pai, Rohan Sehgal and Lucas Yao pose for a photo back at school.
LWVS Implores BOE to Turn Down Proposed Guidelines that Limit Free Expression in the Schools
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In the wake of a few events at Scarsdale Middle School and Scarsdale High School, where students made political statements or demonstrated their beliefs in their selection of what they wore, the Scarsdale School District issued new proposed guidelines for student expression at school sponsored activities.
In short, the guidelines would limit freedom of expression at school sponsored activities. The proposal says, “…school-sponsored activities are not intended to serve as platforms for political advocacy or messaging. Unauthorized speech, clothing or symbols that promote political positions, causes, or viewpoints that may reasonably be expected to create disruption, division, or controversy within the school community may not be permitted at these events.”
Intended to address the kinds of expression that some found troubling, these new guidelines may be equally as troubling to those who value free speech and expression in the schools.
Some have expressed concern about the potential interpretation of the new guidelines: i.e. what constitutes a school sponsored event? And how can one define the word “reasonably” in the ban on attire “that promote political positions, causes, or viewpoints that may reasonably be expected to create disruption, division, or controversy within the school community may not be permitted at these events.” Furthermore, the new guidelines could be difficult to enforce equitably as they leave much of the authority to the teacher, coach or staff member supervising the students at the time. And perhaps paramount is the potential to impede the expression of ideas that one student or another might find uncomfortable.
Addressing these concerns, the League of Women Voters of Scarsdale sent the following letter to the Board of Education and the Scarsdale School District. The proposed guidelines are expected to be discussed at the meeting of the Scarsdale School Board on Monday night June 8 at 6:30 pm.
Here is the letter from the League:
June 5, 2026
Dear Members of the Scarsdale Board of Education and the Scarsdale School District Administration:
The Board of the League of Women Voters of Scarsdale (LWVS) believes the proposed Guidelines for Student Expression are unnecessary and problematic. We urge the Scarsdale School District Administration to withdraw the proposed guidelines. The existing Scarsdale School District Code of Conduct for students along with established policies and procedures sufficiently address disruption, harassment, bullying, threats, and other conduct that may interfere with the educational environment without the need for additional restrictions on student expression.
The League of Women Voters has a long-standing commitment to the principles of free expression, informed civic participation, and the open exchange of ideas. To that end, the LWVS Board implores the District to abandon plans for implementing the proposed guidelines and to foster a school environment where students may learn to think critically, engage respectfully with differing viewpoints, and negotiate exposure to what may be unpopular, unwelcome, or controversial beliefs.
Sincerely,
Beth Cukier
Here are the new proposed guidelines:
Guidelines for Student Expression at School-Sponsored Activities
The purpose of these guidelines is to help ensure that school-sponsored activities remain focused on students, learning, and community, and are free from disruption or controversy. While we respect students’ rights to express themselves, school-sponsored events are not a forum for messaging that may distract from or detract from the shared experience. These expectations are grounded in the District’s Dress Code as outlined in Board of Education Policy 5300, specifically within Regulation 5.
Guiding Principle
Our goal is to maintain school-sponsored activities as inclusive, respectful experiences that celebrate students and their work while minimizing distractions or issues that may detract from the experience for others.
Alignment with District Dress Code
As stated in District policy, responsibility for dress and general appearance rests with students and parents; however, student attire must meet standards related to health, safety, and maintaining a positive and inclusive environment. This includes ensuring that attire does not:
Advocate illegal or violent activities
Interfere with learning or the purpose of the activity
Students may not wear attire or engage in speech that is obscene or libelous, or that denigrates others based on race, color, weight, religion, national origin, ethnic group, religious practice, gender (identity or expression), sex, sexual orientation, or disability. Attire or speech may also not promote, endorse or encourage alcohol, tobacco, or controlled substances.
Political Advocacy and Messaging
While students have the right to personal expression, school-sponsored activities are not intended to serve as platforms for political advocacy or messaging. Unauthorized speech, clothing or symbols that promote political positions, causes, or viewpoints that may reasonably be expected to create disruption, division, or controversy within the school community may not be permitted at these events.
Application to School-Sponsored Activities
These expectations apply to all school-sponsored events, whether they occur during or outside of the regular school day. This includes, but is not limited to, performances, sporting events, club events, graduation, prom, etc. In addition:
Students must follow any activity-specific expectations set by advisors, coaches, or staff (e.g., performance attire, athletic uniforms, safety gear, deviations from approved scripts or speeches).
Footwear and any required protective equipment must be worn when appropriate.
Adults responsible for supervising school-sponsored activities have the authority to set and communicate reasonable expectations for student expression that may not be explicitly outlined in the dress code or other printed guidelines, based on the nature and purpose of the activity.
Enforcement
In accordance with District policy, a student may be required to remove, cover, or replace attire that does not meet these expectations. Student speakers or performers may be required to withdraw from participation in activities when speech does not meet these expectations. Refusal to comply with these guidelines may result in removal from the activity and/or progressive discipline, up to and including suspension.
Boys Varsity Lacrosse Team Advances to Section A Final
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Junior Luke Iasiello (#15) chases down the ball after a faceoff.The Scarsdale High School Varsity Boys Lacrosse Team advanced to the Class A Section 1 final with a 10-7 win over White Plains in the semifinals on Friday, May 29th. 
Junior Jordan Jahrmarkt (#6) works to control the ball against White Plains defenders.
The Raiders, seeded third, controlled enough of the game to stay ahead of the second-seeded Tigers throughout. The game was close, but White Plains never got within two goals in the second half. Scarsdale now faces a major challenge in the Section 1 final, taking on Mamaroneck — the consensus top team in Section 1 — at Yorktown High School on Tuesday, June 2nd at 7:00 PM.
Photos by Dave Taber of Shots of the Game. To see more game photos and/or download photos, please visit https://www.shotsofthegame.com/
Sophomore Shane Kelly (#2) winds up to take a shot on goal.
Junior Turner Mauro (#14) charges up the field.
Freshman Chase Horowitz (#10) follows through on a powerful shot.
Junior Connor Coakley (#8) delivers a stick check on a White Plains ball carrier.
Sophomore Bennett Brooks (#32) moves upfield with a White Plains defender in pursuit.
Mauro (#14) drives toward the goal looking for an opening.
Junior Lars Burrows (#18) heads upfield with the ball.
Senior Colin Brennan (#22) fires a pass downfield.
Iasiello (#15) goes airborne with an acrobatic shot that finds the back of the net.
Junior Bryant Puktun (#19) makes a save in goal.
SHS Student News: Junior Olympics and the A-School Fair
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With clear skies and temperatures hitting over 90 degrees, the Scarsdale High School Class of 2027 geared up for the yearly Junior Olympics on May 18, 2026. Every year, the friendly competition is hosted on an undisclosed, but typically sunny, day in May. Students are only told on the day of the event that it is happening, though many eagerly await the day.
Teams for the games were divided by which elementary school each junior attended, resulting in five teams: Edgewood, Fox Meadow, Greenacres, Heathcote, and Quaker Ridge. Students donned new shirts with colors and lettering corresponding to their school. If a student did not attend elementary school in Scarsdale, they were allowed to choose which team they wanted to join. Dividing students by neighborhood allowed them to catch up with their friends from years past and share old memories.
Each team had five captains, voted for by their peers prior to Junior Olympics. Edgewood team captains were Jai Chandarana, Lucas Knopp, Margot Lombaerde, Bernie Ofori, and Hunter Ross. Fox Meadow team captains were Daisy Bennett, Amelie De Cataldo, Benjamin Foster, Michael Margolin, and Lance Simon. Greenacres team captains were Lars Burrows, Caitlin Jeremiah, Ava Pappalardo, Patrick Simon, and Samuel Stahler. Heathcote team captains were Rachel Barr, Ved Dundon, Roan Forray, Aaron Lichtenstein, and Jonathan Shawn. Quaker Ridge team captains were Jacob Grossman, Lily Josephs, Eduardo Lima, Grant Marcus, and Nicolas Toosi.
Through events like capture the flag, relay races, trivia, tug of war, and steal the bacon, juniors demonstrated their teamwork and dexterity. At the end of the event, the winners of the 2026 Junior Olympics were announced. First place was earned by Fox Meadow, Edgewood took second and Quaker Ridge, third.
Several juniors shared their thoughts on how the day went:
Jonathan Shawn said, “It ran really smoothly. Everyone had fun. It was a very sunny and nice day. I brought eye black and face paint so people put that on. People were very passionate.”
Emily remarked, “It was pretty hot and you could feel it through your shoes on the turf field. It was super rowdy, but positively rowdy because everyone was hyped up.”
Raphael S. commented, “It was a great surprise. I didn't expect it at all and it was a really fun break away from the classroom especially during the peak of stress of junior year. I loved that we got to represent our elementary schools and it was very nostalgic and high energy. I liked the variety of games we had the opportunity to play and the time we got to spend outside in the wonderful weather.”
Jack Capobianco told us, “Junior Olympics was a very fun day/experience. I was very happy to have a chance to finally take part in it as a Scarsdale high school student. Being able to work and compete with people that I don’t normally as well as interact with people that I haven’t before made for an awesome experience. I really enjoyed spending time with all of my friends and class members. Junior Olympics brought out school spirit and brought our entire grade together. I enjoyed being able to work together with so many different people. This is an event that I am sure to remember for a long time.”
(Photos by Theo Kertesz and Jonathan Shawn.)
A-School Fair
Why were A-School students trying to lure cars into the A-School parking lot on Saturday? It turns out the annual A-School fair, and famous car wash, was taking place on May 16, 2026. Similar to previous years, it was composed of a car wash, games, raffle baskets, and bake sale.
All revenue from the event will be donated to an organization selected by the A-School community. This year, the Ocean Cleanup was the chosen non-profit. The organization works to remove the plastic that is already present in the water while also preventing the further flow of plastic from rivers.
