Arts and Entertainment

Details: Written by Megan Shelton; Published: 28 February 2015; Created: 28 February 2015; Last Updated: 28 February 2015; Hits: 4412

spanishexchange1 I have wanted to visit Spain for as long as I can remember. I started learning Spanish when I was in sixth grade and I have been mesmerized by the country's history and culture ever since. That's why I was thrilled to be one of twenty students from Scarsdale High School accepted to participate in the Spanish Exchange Program to Madrid.

For two weeks this past October, twenty American families hosted students from Colegios Ramón y Cajal, a high school in Madrid, Spain in their homes in Scarsdale. In exchange, the Scarsdale students stayed with their exchange student's families in Spain for two weeks in February

Our plane landed in Spain on February eighth at 6:15 AM. We felt groggy and jetlagged after most of us had a sleepless flight, but our chaperones, school psychologist Ernie Collabolletta and Dean Mitchell Thompson, kept us incredibly excited. We all parted ways and started on our adventure, many of us sleeping through most of the first day. Recounting her first day, Danni Hyman, a Scarsdale High School Senior, told me, "I slept from 8 AM - 12 PM and then 6 PM - 8:30 PM and almost forgot to speak Spanish when I woke up!"

The next day (as well as four other days during the trip) was spent at the high school. A typical day there was quite different from a typical day at Scarsdale High School. At Colegios Ramón y Cajal, the older you are, the earlier your classes begin. The girl I lived with is fifteen years old, so her classes begin at nine o'clock. The American students began these school days in the library, a small, square room with five tables, shelves of books lining the perimeter, and a large desk in the back for the librarian to work. After first period, we went to class with our partners. We remained in one classroom for the duration of the day. The teachers change classes instead of the students. At around twelve o'clock, there is a thirty-minute break called "Patio". During this time, students can eat snacks, do homework, etc. Many of the Americans entertained themselves during the break by playing soccer or handball with the younger Spanish students. After Patio, we all went back to class until about two o'clock when it was time for lunch. Many of the students eat lunch at school. There are gates locking all the entrances to the school, so it is very hard for students to come and go as they please.

Lunch lasts for an hour or so, and then class starts up again. School ends every day at 5:15. After school, we would typically spend time with the other Americans and their exchange partners, or attend our partner's extracurricular activities. Dinner is usually eaten around 9:30 or 10 o'clock and ends quite late. It is customary to sit at the table and continue talking after all the food has been cleared.

The food in Spain is very different from food here. Walking up and down the city streets, it seems nearly impossible to find the wide variety of restaurants we are accustomed to in America. Most of the restaurants advertise tapas, chain food like Burger King or VIPS (a chain that sells American food and doubles as a gift shop), or Asian food. In each type of restaurant, there is a typical Spanish dish called a tortilla. These tortillas are not the traditional kind of tortilla we have in America. These tortillas are most similar to a quiche. They are made by whisking egg and potatoes together and frying the mixture. It surprised many of us how often the Spanish students eat at "American" chain restaurants for their full meals. The Spanish students told us they even love to go to these restaurants on nights out with their friends. Different families served a variety of dishes. My family served me a lot of salmon and soup. Steven Berke, a Scarsdale High School Junior, tasted paella for the first time, and says it is now probably his favorite Spanish dish. "I like it because it is very different from any other food I've ever had. The texture of it is so smooth, and everything in it comes together and creates a very exotic yet amazing taste."

What would a trip to Madrid be without some excursions? Our first excursion was to the spanishroyalpalace Prado Museum and the Puerta del Sol. The next day, we visited the ancient city of Toledo, where we saw numerous churches. Many of the boys bought swords, and many of us tried Spanish marzipan for the first time. On Wednesday we visited El Palacio Royal (the Royal Palace), Calle Princesa (Princess Street), and wandered around Gran Vía (the "Times Square" of Madrid). The next day we visited La Valle de los Caidos (the Valley of the Fallen), Templo de Debod (Temple of Debod), El Escorial (The Royal Site of San Lorenzo de El Escorial), and the Reina Sofia Art Museum. It was great to finally see and set foot in all of the sites that I've learned about for so many years. Rick Goodman, a Scarsdale High School Junior claims that "the Valle de Los Caidos was one of the most magnificent places I have ever seen. The giant cross in the mountains is almost too big to be real. When a plane flew by the cross, the plane looked microscopic. I have never seen something so big in my life."

spanishchurros The one full weekend we spent in Spain turned out to be a three-day weekend. Each Spanish family did something different with their American exchange students. Some went to cheer on a Real Madrid soccer game, others stayed at a palace, and many spent a day shopping in one of the biggest shopping malls in Madrid, Plaza Norte Segundo, and along Gran Vía.

The experience we had in Spain is truly unlike any other. Samantha Seltzer, a Scarsdale High School Junior, sums it up saying, "We were really able to see how teenagers all around the world are so similar and different at the same time. It was an eye-opening experience that helped to immerse us in the Spanish language and culture and also helped us to see how, looking past a language barrier, these kids aren't so different."

This exchange gave us the opportunity to visit a country and live as if we were real Spanish students; and also allowed us to have an experience quite different than if we had just been visiting a country as tourists with our teachers or families. We were able to forge close bonds with each other, "Dean Mitch" and Ernie, and our Spanish counterparts. These bonds would never have formed without this trip. The compassion and camaraderie that bloomed is completely evident in the final post in our Spanish Exchange Facebook group from Scarsdale High School Senior Robert Lee: "Before I pass out on my bed, I want to say this trip was so much fun and I bonded with so many of you and met the funniest people on the planet. I love all of you and see you on Monday!"

Details: Written by Joanne Wallenstein; Published: 26 February 2015; Created: 26 February 2015; Last Updated: 26 February 2015; Hits: 3863

This letter was sent to Scarsdale10583 by Bob Harrison: Scarsdale Taxpayers: Alert and unite. On Tuesday March 3 the Scarsdale Village Board will hold a public Finance Committee meeting at 8 PM at Village Hall to discuss a NEW COMMUNITY WIDE REVALUATION for 2016 with John Ryan of J. F. Ryan Associates. Mr. Ryan was the monitor of Tyler Technologies work for the 2014 revaluation and was paid about $ 110,000 for his work and advice. Tyler was paid over $1,000,000 by a competitive bid contract to do the 2014 community wide revaluation.

The Village Board has now hired Mr. Ryan to do a DRIVE BY reval of Scarsdale's 5,700 residential properties based on July 1 2015 values at the cost of $ 245,000 of TAXPAYER MONEY in a NO BID CONTRACT. We urge Mayor Steves to allow public comment at this meeting and to tape the meeting for our community TV channel in effect OPEN government for Scarsdale.

We urge every Scarsdale taxpayer resident to attend this meeting and protest this WASTE of taxpayer money for a new reval when the 2014 reval still has about 750 outstanding small claims assessment review cases and Article 78 proceedings against the Village. The VILLAGE BOARD SHOULD RESCIND AND REPEAL THE AUTHORIZATION TO SPEND $ 245,000 WITH J.F. RYAN ASSOCIATES IN A NO BID
CONTRACT FOR A 2016 COMMUNITY WIDE REVALUATION.

The results of the 2014 revaluation were excellent with a coefficient of dispersion of 4.39, the best in Westchester County as stated by Village Manager Al Gatta. In my conversation with John Wolham, senior official with the NY State Office of Real Property Services there is NO state mandate to do future revals. On the ORPS website there is a suggested guideline to do a reval every four years. There are NO penalities by the state for not doing any reval. Scarsdale should do its next reval in four or five years.

A number of residents have sent emails to the Mayor and Village Board urging the repeal of this WASTE of Scarsdale taxpayer money.

We urge every taxpayer to send an email to clerk@scarsdale.com. This email address is the only way to make sure that every member of the Village Board will hear from our residents. We will also be circulating a petition opposing a 2016 reval. The residents must tell their Village Board that we have been through a stressful, painful and costly reval process and NOW is the time to let the dust settle from the 2014 reval.

Contact Bob Harrison for more information at proscars@aol.com or call 725-0962 .

Bob Harrison, Chairman
Scarsdale Taxpayer Alert

Details: Written by Joanne Wallenstein; Published: 09 February 2015; Created: 09 February 2015; Last Updated: 09 February 2015; Hits: 4422

fmtcpurple The women of Fox Meadow Tennis Club enjoyed a lively day of paddle tennis in frigid weather on Friday February 6. The Foxy Lady event brought out 32 paddle enthusiasts who were divided into four teams in an adult version of color war. In eight rounds of play, the team members were paired and rotated to play six games against members of other teams.

Adorned in war paint, beads and color coordinated neck warmers, no one even noticed the single digit temperatures. The day concluded with a delicious lunch inside the clubhouse while pro Gary Squires tallied the scores. In the end, the purple team beat out the blue team by just one point to take the top place, but there were smiles all around and everyone felt like a winner.

It was a great day of play, sportsmanship and camaraderie at Fox Meadow where the first paddle court in the country was built in 1931.

Fox Meadow Tennis Club (and paddle too!)
14 Wayside Lane
Scarsdale, NY 10583
foxmeadowtennisclub.com
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Details: Written by Melissa Hellman; Published: 15 February 2015; Created: 15 February 2015; Last Updated: 19 February 2015; Hits: 9581

chromebooks The second budget study session for the Scarsdale Schools 2015-16 school budget covering instruction, technology, special education and transportation was finally convened on February 11, 2015 after several weather delays. Though the administration is proposing budget increases ranging from 2-25% for these areas, the current estimate for the overall budget will require a 2.64% tax increase for Scarsdale and Mamaroneck strip residents, which is .29% below the allowable tax cap of 2.93%.

Instruction, presented by Lynne Shain, Assistant Superintendant for Instruction

Ms. Shain's opening slide showed a spiral depicting the teaching and learning cycle: Curriculum (what we teach), Instruction (how we teach) and Assessment (how we measure learning). She went on to discuss how the proposed budget supports this cycle.

The instruction budget is calling for an increase of almost 2%. Specific line items include continued support for struggling learners at the elementary level, STEM/STEAM initiatives for K-12, professional development specifically targeted for curriculum design, Arts and Aesthetics education, Scarsdale Teachers Institute (professional development for teachers), the Interdependence Institute (fostering a sense of global awareness and global citizenship in students), the Center for Innovation, sustainability, and curriculum research and assessment (covering visiting professors and other experts to help evaluate programs).

Based on the public comments (summarized at the end of this article) a major piece of discussion will focus on the proposal for a delay in the commencement of Spanish instruction from first grade to second grade. In order to support first and second graders who are struggling with literacy skills, the Administration is recommending adding an English Language Arts helping teacher and 2.5 Reading Specialists (½ day at each elementary school). In addition to hiring personnel, time to deliver instruction would be required and moving Spanish to second grade allows for more literacy skills teaching time.

Technology, presented by Jerry Crisci, Director of Technology

Mr. Crisci proposed a department reorganization, new equipment and increased service and support.

The technology budget is extensive and difficult to forecast due to the increasing rate of technology development and rapidly changing costs (both rising and decreasing) of equipment. It covers the technical needs of the District and also responds to demands for curriculum delivery such as coding instruction for K-12. The budget covers a wide range of technology concerns including the purchase, maintenance and support of equipment, network infrastructure, internet services, network security, installation and maintenance of audiovisual equipment, support for instructional technology and preparation of teaching materials, library technology, sound and stage lighting systems, and the installation and maintenance of mounted classroom technology such as SmartBoards. The department also hosts and provides programming for the District's public access channels.

The department will be reorganized to provide a greater focus on instruction, to streamline technical operations, and improve their efficiency and coverage (having duplication of skills among several positions in order to back-up absent personnel). Crisci proposed the merger of Administrative Technology and Technical Services, into a single Information Technology Department to be managed by Rachel Moseley who is currently the District's Chief Information Officer. Under this new heading, the department will manage behind the scenes technology needs and items such as student information (attendance, report cards), state reporting requirements, personnel records, payroll, email systems, purchasing, inventory control, repairs and maintenance, internet, A/V services, wireless services, phone system and mobile device support. Mr. Crisci would become the Director of Instructional Technology and Innovation allowing him to focus more time on addressing the increasing demands for curriculum and instructional development.

The proposed budget for Administrative Technology would increase by 25% over last year. Some of the specific items include hiring an additional technical support staff member, upgrading library technology, iPads for Grade K-3, Chromebooks for 7th Graders, phasing in the replacement of SmartBoards in high school classrooms (purchased over 8 years ago, many are beyond warranty) with LED screen versions. LED versions represent the latest technology, provide a crisp pictures, consume a lot less energy and do not require the replacement of costly bulbs.

This budget also requests funds for the redesign and maintenance of the district web site, helping to facilitate the distribution of online documents and decreasing paper use. One key piece of the redesign will address issues students and parents experience when trying to access information from tablets and mobile devices. Using Responsive Web Design, the website will automatically adjust its user interface based on the type of device being used for access at the time.

Special Education, presented by Eric Rauschenbach, Director of Special Education

The proposed budget would increase 7% and include additional funds for out-of-district placements. Currently, about 10% of classified students are serviced out-of-district but the district is seeing an increase in the number of students with social/emotional disabilities who access out-of-district placements. Mr. Rauschenbach noted this trend is being identified regionally and nationally too. The proposal also includes an allocation for professional development and the purchase of common assessment tools. The department has identified two major areas of need: services for students with social/emotional needs and continuity of assessment and program delivery. The goal is to expand capacity for providing services to emotionally disabled students within the district. Also, the Middle School will require one additional Special Education teacher to cover increased enrollment in the Parallel Program next year. The District plans to contract for occupational therapy services through an outside agency at an estimated net savings of approximately $31,000.

Transportation, presented by Linda Purvis, Assistant Superintendent for Business

The transportation budget is calling for the purchase of new vehicles to add to the District's rapidly aging fleet. There are some savings projected as a result of lower fuel costs, but overall there is an increase of approximately 6% requested for the transportation budget.

Public Comment

Several community members posed questions during the comment/question period. The Board stated that all questions would be noted and responded to at a later meeting targeted for March 2. Speakers included Diane Greenwald, Amy Hosseinbukus, Bob Harrison and others. For the community members who spoke at this meeting the common themes include:

• Whether the focus on literacy in the early grades is in response to a demonstrated need or due to low scores on mandated testing.
• Opposition to removing Spanish instruction from grade 1 (currently 80 minutes of instruction every 6 days) in order to implement the literacy curriculum in question.
• Support for Mandarin language instruction in the middle school. Mayra Kirkendall-Rodriguez of Fox Meadow Road made a statement asking the Board to add instruction in Mandarin to the middle school curriculum.
• Support for a consistent literacy curriculum across all grades/schools in the elementary schools.

Mary Beth Evans, Chair of the School Budget Study Committee of the League of Women Voters, posed several questions quoted below.

"Approximately what percentage of non-classified K-3 elementary students do you anticipate will require extra support in order to achieve faster progression in reading?

Can you explain the proposed change in reading emphasis, along with the new state-mandated Response to Intervention, in the context of Scarsdale's overall approach to the development of our youngest learners? For example, what has been Scarsdale's balance of direct instruction versus hands-on, experiential, inquiry based learning? Is this balance now shifting, and with what effect on that which makes us stand out from other districts?

About what percentage of the increase in the staff development budget represents real growth in opportunities for professional development, as opposed to increases in salary related costs? And, now that we have a younger faculty engaged in transforming their classrooms to meet the goals outlined in "A Scarsdale Education for Tomorrow," is professional development in all categories keeping pace with teacher demand?

From the Bond process last year the community got a clearer idea about how we have invested, or not invested, in our buildings, and what we need to do going forward. In order for the community to gain a similar understanding of our investment in the area of educational programs/services and professional development, can you tell us what this proposed budget does in terms of new educational programs or services, as well as real growth in opportunities for professional development? And can you provide us some historical perspective on the growth in our investment in these areas over time – including before and after the Recession?

Does the fact of the current budget proposal falling nearly $400K below the tax cap have implications for future budgets that could make it more challenging to invest in new educational programs and/or services?"

Margot Milberg, Fox Meadow PTA President, questioned why the front office staff and physical education staff at Fox Meadow school is being reduced. She urged the Board to provide the rationale for these decisions and also to reconsider them given the size of the school's population.

A third budget study meeting was held on Thursday, February 12, 2015 covering the topics of Employee Benefits, Debt Service and Fund Balance. Community members are encouraged to watch all meetings on the Board of Education's video-on-demand site, and to review the preliminary budget also available on the site. The next budget meeting is scheduled for March 2, 2015.

Kindergarten Registration:

Registration for incoming kindergarten students (for the 2015-2016 school year) will be held in all five of the Scarsdale elementary schools (Edgewood, Fox Meadow, Greenacres, Heathcote and Quaker Ridge) from Monday, March 2 to Friday, March 6. Students may be registered between 9 AM and 3 PM.

Children whose fifth birthday falls on or before December 31, 2015 may be registered. Documents needed include immunization records, proof of age such as birth certificate or passport, and proof of residency, along with the registration forms and instructions, which may be downloaded here (on the District Web site, click on the Parents dropdown menu, and then on "Student Registration" ) or obtained at the school.

Proof of residency can be either in the form of a copy of the deed for a house, or a signed rental agreement (lease), plus a utility bill. Please be aware that some homes in this area have a Scarsdale mailing address, but are not within the Scarsdale School District. If there is any doubt, you may contact the District office for verification: 914-721-2444. Enrollment in one of our five elementary schools is determined by the neighborhood in which you live.

If you have any questions concerning registration, please call your neighborhood elementary school.

Details: Written by Stacie M. Waldman; Published: 28 January 2015; Created: 28 January 2015; Last Updated: 29 January 2015; Hits: 13144

ski1 Haven't skied in a while? Or ever? Maybe you think your kids are too young to learn. Maybe you think you're too old to learn? Or maybe you haven't gone because you hear it's so expensive.

Whereas it's easier to learn to ski or ride as a child, it's not impossible to learn as an adult. (I learned to ski at age 36!) Over 20 ski areas exist within about two hours of Scarsdale, so you have the option to make it a day trip. (See our highlighted ski areas below.) We've even included secret tips to make it a less expensive sport for the whole family. (Full price tickets are listed under each individual ski resort.) All ski areas offer ski and snowboard lessons but some have age restrictions. Most offer tubing options and many offer nurseries for the youngest kids. They all have beginner to expert runs but vary by percentage of these trail types.

The Berkshires
Ski Butternut is in Great Barrington, Massachusetts- a fun, eclectic après-ski town. With 22 trails, 11 lifts, 2 terrain parks, affordable learn-to-ski/snowboard packages, $25 mid-week lift tickets, and a friendly vibe, Ski Butternut is a popular option for families. Early risers can start skiing at 8:15 am. The learning area does not require a parent to buy a lift ticket. Parents can walk next to their kids on the magic carpet and help their kids learn to ski down the bunny hill. Another perk is the mini lift at the learning area. Will, the lift attendant who seems to be there perpetually, teaches kids how to get on and off the lift safely. Lift tickets range between $25-$60 for adults and $15-$50 for children/juniors.

Jiminy Peak is in Hancock, Massachusetts. Not much else is there, but the resort has an inn and restaurants. (We even discovered that there is free hot chocolate and a magician après-ski in the Country Inn and you don't have to be a guest to enjoy it!) Jiminy has 9 lifts including a high-speed one that seats six and 45 trails, 21 of which are open for night skiing. Tickets are $69-77 for adults and $52-66 for kids/juniors. Note that ski school doesn't include lift tickets, an annoyance in my opinion if you want to do a run or two with the kids before heading out. Jiminy Peak tempts kids and adults alike with its mountain coaster. At $4 a ride, it's a thrill not to be missed! ski4

Catamount is upping the ante with a full-scale resort that is in the works. Catamount has 35 trails, 6 lifts, and night skiing. Lift tickets range between $33-63 for adults and $16-53 for kids. The charge for kids is only $12 if they stay on the magic carpet area. A zip line adventure tour is open at Catamount during the warmer months.

The Catskills

Windham recently made $11 million in capital improvements and you can feel it from the moment you drive up to the resort. It's easy to get in and out, and rentals are streamlined (although rather expensive) so the process goes quickly. There are 12 lifts including 2 high-speed quads leading to 50 trails. There are cross country ski trails on the property as well as snowshoe options and the town outside the resort is cute. Kids 6 and under are only $10. Other kids are $45-67 and adults are $68-78. There is no on-site lodging but there is a shuttle that will take you to lodging near by.

Hunter is popular with the New York crowds. Three mountains make up the ski area and there are ski in, ski out condos on site. There are 5 lifts and 47 trails. Kids 6 and under ski free all week and are $10 on weekends. Lift tickets for kids 7 and up are are $43-68 and adults are $66-76. Hunter has a four-season zip line adventure park.

Belleayre is a friendly mountain that has long green learning runs as well as expert runs for the more advanced. There are 55 trails and 8 lifts including a high-speed quad. There's a terrain park also. It's a senior-friendly mountain with great deals for the 65+ crowd. Kids 7 and under ski for FREE! For the more middle aged, prices range from $31-64 for a lift ticket. There's cross country skiing as well but no on-site lodging. ski2

The Poconos
Camelback is known for being a great learning mountain. Camelback has 16 lifts including 2 high-speed quads and all 34 trails are wired for night skiing. Seniors (70+) ski free all week and 5 and under ski free with a paying adult. Adults are $51-65 and kids 6 and up are $38-47. A water park is opening at the Camelback ski resort in the spring of this year and looks like 125,000 square feet of indoor fun.

Shawnee is another mountain in Pennsylvania known to be family friendly. Kids 46" and under ski for free. There are 23 slopes/trains, 2 terrain parks, 6 lifts, and 4 magic carpets for those practicing the bunny hills. There is no on-site lodging. Adults pay $50-60 and kids over 46" pay $40-45.

Really Close (45-90 minutes)
Plattekill is only 1 hour 15 minutes from Scarsdale. The website touts a "true family mountain experience" and a 2-mile beginner trail. With 3 lifts, 38 trails, and a terrain park, there's something for everyone. Kids 7 and under are free, kids 8 and up are $40-48, and adults are $50-59.

Thunder Ridge is 45 minutes north and tends to get crowded on the weekends with ski teams. But did I mention it's only 45 minutes away? It has 30 trails with 3 lifts and 4 magic carpets. Parents need a lift ticket in order to enter the magic carpet area, so no walking around in your boots to teach your kids to ski here. Lift tickets are $25 during the week for ages 6 and up and $12 any time for kids age 5 and younger. Adults are $40-50 on the weekends and kids over age 5 are $30-37. There are great deals for night skiing starting at 3 PM during the week.

Mt. Peter is also a short drive away. It's a small mountain with 14 trails and 4 lifts but it has a learning area with a magic carpet and night skiing as well as a terrain park and small lodge. Unique to Mt. Peter is weekly lessons. Eight consecutive weeks of 1 ½ hour lessons are offered in small groups (maximum of 5 people) but the weekend lessons fill up fast. Adults ski for $25-45 and kids ages 5-11 ski for $23-38. Kids under 5 are free.

Mohawk is in Western Connecticut and provides 25 trails serviced by 7 lifts (5 triples and 3 magic carpets). Mohawk is open for night skiing and has themed days such as pirate day, sixties day, and more to add a fun edge to a ski day. Parent-tot lessons are offered for kids 3-4 years old. Kids under 5 ski for $15 and 5-15 year olds ski for $52 on the weekends and $30 midweek. Adults are $60 during the weekends and $30 all week.

Discounts Galore!

Metroland Ski Club and other clubs charge a small membership fee that pays off with one visit to a discounted ski mountain. My family of four, for example, recently skied/snowboarded with our Metroland cards for $60 at Belleayre (instead of $128) and $110 at Butternut instead of $150. Individual memberships are $20, family memberships are $30. Lessons and rentals are discounted as well. Liftopia offers incredible discounts on lift tickets, as much as 50% off. The caveat is you need to purchase the tickets for a specific day and they're generally not refundable. Lift tickets are limited so if you see a good price and know the date you're skiing, get them while you can. Pedigree in White Plains has discounted ski passes that can save a bundle of money. Call to see what they currently have and compare with Liftopia or REI. Kids in 3rd and 4th grade ski free in New York. A ski "passport" is required and costs $25, but it can still be a reasonable deal.