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Written by Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 23 April 2019

Created: 23 April 2019

Last Updated: 23 April 2019

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“Rising intolerance for opposing viewpoints is a challenge not only on college campuses but also in our national political discourse. The future of our democracy requires us to understand what’s happening and why—so that we can find solutions and take action. Reading The Coddling of the American Mind is a great place to start.” —Michael Bloomberg, 108th Mayor of New York City

Jonathan Haidt, co-author of “The Coddling of the American Mind: How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas Are Setting Up a Generation for Failure,” will speak in Scarsdale on May 29 at an event sponsored by The Scarsdale Adult School. Haidt is a 1981 graduate of Scarsdale High School and will challenge parents to reconsider how they should raise and educate their children.

In his best-selling book, Haidt argues that today’s generation needs to learn to tolerate all viewpoints ... and that universities should allow an active exchange of ideas, even when some of these ideas are uncomfortable to hear. He says, “The consequences of a generation unable or disinclined to engage with ideas that make them uncomfortable are dire for society, and open the door – accessible from both the left and the right – to various forms of authoritarianism.”

According to Haidt, “Something has been going wrong on many college campuses in the last few years. Speakers are shouted down. Students and professors say they are walking on eggshells and are afraid to speak honestly. Rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide are rising. How did this happen?”
Jonathan Haidt (pronounced “height”) is a social psychologist at New York University’s Stern School of Business. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania in 1992, and taught for 16 years in the department of psychology at the University of Virginia.

Haidt’s research examines the intuitive foundations of morality, and how morality varies across cultures––including the cultures of progressive, conservatives, and libertarians. His goal is to help people understand each other, live and work near each other, and even learn from each other despite their moral differences. Haidt has co-founded a variety of organizations and collaborations that apply moral and social psychology toward that end, including HeterodoxAcademy.org, OpenMindPlatform.org, and CivilPolitics.org.

See Haidt in person at Scarsdale High School at 7:30 pm on Wendesday May 29. Tuition is $25. Register at www.ScarsdaleAdultSchool.org.

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Written by Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 02 May 2019

Created: 02 May 2019

Last Updated: 02 May 2019

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The search is over at Fox Meadow, where interim Assistant Principal Melissa Feinberg has been named principal of the school. Feinberg will succeed interim principal Karen Eldon who was hired to lead the school for a year after long-time principal Duncan Wilson resigned in June 2018.

At the April 29 meeting of the Board of Education, Dr. Hagerman reviewed the search process and announced the decision to select Feinberg from a field of 103 appplicants which included “sitting principals and assistant principals.”

In reviewing the responses to surveys of the faculty Hagerman said “faculty and staff care passionately about students and have ambition goals ….. they enjoy working with each other and believe learning should be fun.”

Among the challenges of the position, parents said “communication is important,” “safety and security should be weighed against a warm and welcoming feeling,” and value “new curricular experiences,” “knowledge, skills, experience stature commensurate with Fox Meadow,” and a candidate who is approachable, deliberate and thoughtful.

Dr. Hagerman said that Ms. Feinberg has embedded herself into the life of the school and that her background as a teacher and educational leader have “enriched our practice.” When she was hired last year, Dr. Hagerman wrote, “Melissa will be joining us from Great Neck, where she served as a classroom teacher, staff developer, and enrichment teacher for the past 20 years. Melissa impressed us with her knowledge; experience as a teacher, staff developer, and teacher-leader; and enthusiasm for the work of leadership.”

Accepting her new position at the Board meeting Feinberg said, “I am truly honored to take on this new role and grow the work that we are doing at Fox Meadow.”

Dr. Hagerman also noted that a new search would begin for an Assistant Principal for the school.

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Written by Anna Cho

Published: 10 April 2019

Created: 10 April 2019

Last Updated: 12 July 2022

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On Saturday April 6, friends and family gathered to celebrate Scarsdale Little League Opening Day. Parents and children enjoyed delicious Belgian waffles and slurped steamy hot chocolate. As bellies grew full and laughter filled the air, kindergarten through second grade teams were prepared for their parade. The young baseball players walked out with smiles across their face, eager to meet all of their supporters. Waiting for them in the crowd was the entire Varsity Baseball team, Boy Scout Troop 4, and Cub Pack 440. Gathering around the baseball field, the players waited to hear speeches from baseball legend, Edgardo Alfonzo, and Scarsdale Mayor Marc Samwick.

Volunteers of the Little League organization pose with Met great Edgardo Alfonzo.

After the words of encouragement from the Mayor varsity baseball player, Michael DiSanto, was granted the Hometown Hero Award. This new award is granted to an alum of the Little League currently playing baseball, who has put a significant amount of time and effort into helping the community. In addition to Michael DiSanto, retired Mets player, Edgardo Alfonzo, shared his motivational words with the crowd. Edgardo Alfonzo, or Fonsi, has devoted numerous hours to volunteer and philanthropic work throughout Queens and Tri-state Area. Fonsi discussed the importance of his own fans who helped him improve during his career, and said that he wants to be that source of support for young athletes. Members of the Little League were able to hear the motivating and inspiring words of their supporters that will help them on and off the field.

Senior Michael DiSanto receives the Hometown Hero Award

Ludwig Award winner, Eli Miller, poses for a photo with Edgardo Alfonzo after catching Alfonzo’s starting pitch

The Scarsdale Varsity Baseball team stands for a photo