People

Details: Written by Derek Moritz; Published: 25 June 2018; Created: 25 June 2018; Last Updated: 25 June 2018; Hits: 4094

forum2 Just two days before the Tuesday primary vote, the League of Women Voters of Larchmont/Mamaroneck, Scarsdale, New Rochelle, and the Rivertowns hosted a candidates’ forum for the four congressional candidates running for the Democratic seat on June 24. The candidates were the incumbent Eliot Engel, Jonathan Lewis of Scarsdale, (the former Chief Investment Officer of a Fiera Capital, who left just prior to running for congress), Joyce Briscoe, a paralegal from the Bronx, and Derickson K. Lawrence, the CEO of MarketView, The forum was moderated by Paul Schwartz of the White Plains LWV.

Each candidate was given the opportunity to present an opening statement before responding to a series of questions from the LWV and audience members. In her statement, Joyce Briscoe stated that she hopes to get others to join her in enacting change if she wins the seat. She vowed to open her door for others so they can stand up and voice their opinions. Eliot Engel began by noting that he was named the most effective Democratic congressman by the Center for Effective Lawmaking, and furthered that he is the Chair of the Democratic Caucus on Foreign Affairs. If the Democrats take the house, he would be the Chairman of the entire committee. In his opening, Derickson K. Lawrence attacked Engel, claiming he “Isn’t getting anything done” and is “not voting in our interests”. He also attacked the Democratic Party platform, saying it needs to be developed beyond a solely anti-Trump sentiment. Jonathon Lewis believes that typical Democrats made Trump possible and that the times are too dangerous for "business as usual." His platform is for equal healthcare access and an economy for all among other issues, and he said that he has spent many hours volunteering within the community to help many people.

The first question regarded the recent state and local tax (SALT) deduction limits, and how each candidate as a congressperson would work to alleviate the burden. Engel said we need to “get rid of Trump”, as he passed these punitive tax measures as a means of hurting the states that did not support him in the 2016 election. If the Democrats can take the house in the upcoming midterm elections, he will work with them to pass policies that help everyday Americans, as Democrats are the party of the working people. Lawrence believes people and institutions need to be brought together to build consensus to find a wide range of alternatives to the current limits. Lewis agreed with Engel that the solution begins with getting rid of Trump, but also added that as a Congressman he could promote greater regionalization, eliminate redundant services and manage cost structures to alleviate the burden. Briscoe noted that the budget comes from the census, and the current census system needs to be changed (possibly through electronic means) to better account for the actual population

The candidates were then asked to present their environmental priorities, to which Lawrence expressed frustration over President Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accords. He also highlighted the importance of addressing local environmental issues and to promote low cost solutions. Lewis believes that Indian Point is the single greatest environmental danger to our area, and is glad its being closed down. He did note, however, that there will still be nuclear waste stored there indefinitely, and said he would help to find a solution to clean it up. Briscoe believes in power in numbers on environmental issues, and said that the roll back of environmental regulations on large corporations was a big mistake. Engel noted that he was endorsed by multiple environmental organizations, and attacked the president on his promotion of big polluters. He believes qualified leadership is necessary to take on the President and he’s ready to do it.

On the issue of including a citizenship question in the 2020 US Census, Lewis believes there should be no such question, everyone should be counted and immigrants should be granted a pathway to citizenship. He added that the children in the detention centers need to be reunited with their parents and offered citizenship as an apology. Briscoe elaborated on her previous statement regarding the census and noted that adding a citizenship question will dissuade participation. Engel believes that question is just another obstacle Republicans want to use to dissuade participation, which could lead to gerrymandering. Lawrence, who had to wait fifteen years to become a citizen, vowed to fight to ensure that question is off the ballot.

Briscoe believes the most pressing foreign policy issue facing the US today is the war in Afghanistan and promised to side with her constituents on any stance she takes. Engel reminded the voters of his seniority on the Committee for Foreign Affairs, and believes Donald Trump’s inconsistent foreign policy is extremely dangerous. He also reinforced the US relationship with NATO, and stated that as chairman, he would hold hearings to ensure the Trump administration won’t step out of line. Lawrence attacked Engel for voting against the Iran deal. Lewis noted that great societies collapse when they overdevelop their military and underdevelop their economy. Lewis believes the US ought to prioritize economic development.

All four candidates voiced support for a single payer healthcare system. Lawrence believes a plan needs to be implemented to reintroduce provisions that were rolled back on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) under Trump, and specifically highlighted his experience working to lower prescription drug prices in New York State. Lewis pointed to the fact that countries with a single payer system have higher life expectancies, and used rising insulin prices as an example of the broken system. Briscoe believes the ACA would have worked but the Republican agenda weakened it. Engel noted that he cosponsored the Medicare for All bill, which was more encompassing than Obamacare, but wasn’t able to get enough votes to pass it.

On womens’ rights, Briscoe believes women need to be treated equally to men on all fronts, and the government ought to support that initiative. Engel touted his 100% Pro Choice rating and Planned Parenthood endorsement, demonstrating his consistency on the issue. Lawrence referenced the #MeToo movement and his support for women to come forward with their stories. Lewis touted his experience fighting for women on all fronts, including escorting them across abortion lines in front of Planned Parenthood Clinics in the 1980’s with his wife.

The candidates were then asked about recommendations for immigration legislation, specifically regarding the current detention centers. Engel introduced legislation to require embassies to work to ensure children are reunited with their parents and wants to abolish the current policy. Lawrence believed the US needs to look for the reasons why people are crossing the border and should create a policy that effectively targets these reasons. Lewis noted that ICE is the creation of Congress,= and Congress should actively defund ICE while creating a faster track for immigrants to receive US citizenship as US policy has played a role in why people are coming to the borders. Briscoe believes the US should put money into implementing foreign policy that would help prevent the need for people to immigrate here.

The final and most contentious question of the night regarded the enforcement of ethics standards in Congress. Briscoe believes swift justice is necessary for those who commit crimes, and Lawrence believes those who develop the standards should not be the same people who enforce them. Lewis used this question to attack Engel, stating that Engel was investigated by the ethics committee and then voted to defund it. Engel responded to Lewis by stating he was found not guilty, and called it a “low blow.” Engel then proceeded to attack Lewis, and saying, “the last time a one percenter from New York with no political experience was voted into office, his name was Donald Trump”.

With tensions at an all time high, the candidates gave their closing remarks. Lewis said that business as usual is no longer a viable option, that congressman should no longer accept PAC money and expressed the importance of eliminating career politics. Lawrence touted “staying above the fray” during the forum (despite making multiple jabs at Engel) and also mentioned his work in taking guns off the streets in Mount Vernon. Engel reinforced his endorsements and said he is proud of what he’s done to help thousands of people across the district. Briscoe described herself as “bold, present, and courageous” and restated that if elected, she will do everything in her power to help the people of the 16th district.

The forum proved itself to be a great platform for voters to connect with the candidates, despite a few flaws. For starters, some candidates did not answer the questions presented to them by the moderator, and instead generally addressed the topic at hand and/or took jabs at a different candidate. Furthermore, the format of the forum made it difficult for the candidates to respond to any attacks to their beliefs or policy. Considering the competitive nature of this election, perhaps a traditional debate would have been a bit more effective in gauging the candidates’ viewpoints.

Polls will be open on Tuesday from 6 AM to 9 PM and voting will take place at the five elementary schools. In order the vote in this primary election, you must be a registered Democrat. Note: due to the renovation of the Scarsdale Library, voters in Election Districts 5, 11 and 12 will vote at Fox Meadow School.

Details: Written by Joanne Wallenstein; Published: 19 June 2018; Created: 19 June 2018; Last Updated: 19 June 2018; Hits: 7676

rublins Art and Erika RublinJune 11 marked Art Rublin’s last meeting on the Scarsdale Board of Education. He was elected in 2015 to serve his first term on the Board, and was an active and articulate member of the Board at a very controversial time.

He urged the Board to put the needs of the students first, to refrain from budgeting to the tax cap and often looked back at the history of the Scarsdale Schools to guide current policy. Though in recent years Board members have reluctant to speak out as individuals and depart from the prevailing view, Art was courageous and often spoke up for what he believed was right, even in the face of considerable opposition.

Due to the demands of a new job, Art decided not to run for a second three-year term on the board. He indicated that it was difficult to get to 6:00 pm meetings and opted to give us his seat to someone who had the time to serve.

His voice will be missed by the community.

Here are excerpts from comments from Art and about Art made at the prior Board meetings:

At the June 11 meeting, Art thanked the SBNC for nominating him, the voters of Scarsdale for electing him, his board colleagues and former board member Suzanne Seiden who served as his mentor. He thanked the teachers, saying they were “the heart of the Scarsdale System, and thanked Dr. Hagerman, the administration and the principals of the seven schools as well as the League of Women Voters and the PT Council.

He said, “I regret that I couldn’t put my hat in the ring for a second term. The demands of the position at the law firm where I began work in December were too great for me to be able to be counted on consistently for the Monday board meetings, let alone the board work.”

He continued, “One thing that is making it easier for me to leave my seat is that Alison Singer is taking my place. I was impressed by what Alison had to say when she was nominated, especially her comments on the Board’s approach to community input.”

Board President William Natbony called Rublin, “An outstanding board member, (who) at every meeting and on every issue he brought to the board table thoughtful insight, careful analysis, and wonderful historical perspective and a desire to do what is right for our students and our community.” About Art he said, “When he speaks, he speaks from the heart.” He called Rublin “the Board historian” who “weighed decisions on each issue not only with modern thought and implications, but with respect for and analysis of historical precedence and the possible impact on moving away from precedent.”.

He said, Rublin “always asks deep and meaningful questions that test not only the soundness of our decision but the process by which they are reached.’ He said, “I suspect it has not been an easy year or two for Mr. Rublin. A change in jobs made it more difficult than it already was to attend all of our early evening and late evening meetings and in some cases, some basic frustration on some issues that sometime might not have been shared by the majority of the Board.”

He said, “Art and I had many conversations over the years and in particular over the past year in which we debated, and with mutual respect discussed an abundance of issues and desires in which ways to make our school systems, our processes, and our decisions better. Significantly when things went right, you were always the first to call or email to say thank you or congratulations and appropriately when things did not go perfectly, you were also the first, calling or emailing for a remedy or holding feet to the fire or suggesting creative alternatives. In that regard you kept me as president, the Board, and others, on their toes.” He continued, “While we may not have agreed on every issue that came before the board or every process that the board engaged in I came to respect our dialogue, with the understanding that we were both coming from good places in our ultimate goals. While I will miss our regular and candid dialogues as fellow board members, I suspect that our dialogues will not end and we will likely hear from you and see you at the podium often doing what you do best and what you have done as a board member which is advocating for what is best for our children and this great school system that I know you cherish greatly.”

Diane Greenwald offered the following thanks to Art Rublin at the May 21 meeting of the Board of Education:

I am here today to thank Art Rublin for his three years of service to Scarsdale as a dedicated member of the Board of Education.

I first met Art right here in this room in our common pursuit to support the 2013 school budget that was under attack for a mixture of reasons, and we quickly found common ground on many topics in support of quality public education. I actually had met Art first by email and admit I expected a 75 year old! I joined his grassroots organization, Coalition for Scarsdale Schools, where he gathered many together working to highlight positive school investment, student-focused best practices and support for local control of district decisions. Art and his wife Erika have become good family friends.

As a good friend, I think I can say, I don't always agree with him. Art has his own mind. But I always respect him. And I greatly appreciate his consistent focus on student achievement, children's development and the positive climate we create here for teaching and learning. His is a model that should continue. He never forgets to find clear student driven rationales that support his thinking. He never forgets to do his research -- and it’s thorough. He seeks guidance from past practices. He asks a lot of questions. He is creative with solutions and open minded to reflect on real versus perceived conflicts. He calls out assumptions, preferring more nuanced dialogue. He both holds the administration accountable and freely thanks our fine professionals for their good works. He tries to engage with and represent his community, seeking middle ground. Art is filled with good will and integrity. And he has a lot to say.

I think we will miss Art as an active, questioning presence on the Board, one who offers insight into a segment of our community committed to positive investment, continuous reflection and modern innovation without losing sight of prudent management.

Art - you are a true steward of Scarsdale's 100 year-long dedication to public education and you model for your children and for Scarsdale's children how to live a non sibi life.

Thank you, Art for all you do as a service leader in Scarsdale and hope to hear from you as part of future community dialogues involving our schools.

Details: Written by Joanne Wallenstein; Published: 06 June 2018; Created: 06 June 2018; Last Updated: 06 June 2018; Hits: 6191

FoCharlotte Blattur 2014 Scarsdale High School grads, who completed their college educations this year, have been selected as Fulbright Scholars. Sponsored by the U.S. government, the Fulbright Program is designed to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other nations through international educational exchanges in more than 155 countries. Fulbright awards are available for research, graduate study, and teaching English.

Two Scarsdale students will pursue research projects and two will participate in the English Teaching Assistant Program. Here are their stories:

Charlotte Blatt, a 2018 graduate of Dartmouth College, will spend the next year at the Queen’s University in Ontario as a Fulbright research fellow at the Centre for International and Defense Policy. Charlotte, a government major and French minor, at Dartmouth, plans to study how NATO countries can better integrate women into the international security community.

Commenting on the news Blatt said, “I am so excited to begin my Fulbright year in Canada and to do my part in fulfilling Senator Fulbright’s mission of international student exchange as a means of increasing ties between nations.” After completion of her year in Canada, Charlotte will attend Yale Law School.

Maleeha Chida, a 2018 graduate of Columbia University who majored in English and Political Science will teach English in Spain. She will serve as an English language Teaching Assistant in a secondary school in La Rioja, a region in Northern Spain. She hopes to incorporate her passion for literature and storytelling into the classroom, and is excited to pursue her interest in education and immerse herself in Spanish culture. chida Maleeha Chida

Maleeha has been interested in literature since high school, and in the summer after her first year of college, she worked as a counselor at a summer reading and literacy camp. It was here that she discovered her love of teaching, and in particular, she became interested in literature as a means to enable students to tell their own stories.

Audrey Nadler just graduated from Hamilton with a double major in world politics and Hispanic studies. She is also the recipient of recipient of a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship (ETA). Next year she will be in Madrid, Spain working as an English Teaching Assistant at a secondary school. In addition to teaching academic courses in English, she will be prepare students for Global Classrooms conferences, which are similar to Model UN conferences. She played viola in an orchestra in Madrid during her junior year abroad there and plan to rejoin the group this coming year.

Nadler Audrey NadlerAbout her year in Spain Nalder said, “Throughout the year I worked to integrate myself into the Spanish society, whether that was through joining an orchestra, taking classes alongside local students, or through internship opportunities,” said Nadler. “I’m thrilled to pick up where I left off in Madrid while also having these new experiences teaching and continuing to immerse myself in the Spanish culture. Being in Spain combines my interests in Hispanic studies and world politics – I can strive for fluency in Spanish while also gaining different perspectives on European politics.”

Brett Pogostin, a 2018 Chemistry Major at Haverford College will use his Fulbright Award to go to Lund, Sweden to work in the lab of physical chemist Ulf Olsson. He will study how lipid molecules impact the peptide aggregation that forms plaques in the brain of Parkinson's patients.

Pogostin said, "I want to put my Haverford chemistry and biochemistry education to work developing novel materials that could improve access to and quality of healthcare," says Pogostin, who plans to pursue a bioengineering Ph.D. after his Fulbright year. "Taking health studies classes incited my interest in health access and equity. Often these issues are only tackled from the social and policy side, and I want to conduct research in a manner that is more conscious of existing inequality in the health care system and how new biotechnologies could ameliorate these issues."Brett Pogostin

Pogostin will be one of only eight student-research award winners in Sweden next year. Receiving the Fulbright—which will fund round-trip travel; room, board, and incidentals; and health insurance for the year—means that not only will he get to continue his peptide research, but it also ensures that the avid hiker and member of Haverford's Ultimate Frisbee team will get to spend plenty of time exploring the Swedish outdoors.

"I intend to take full advantage of the Scandinavian wilderness," he says. "This past summer I did a two-week solo backpacking trip through the Swedish artic on the King's Trail, and I would love to go back and explore more. I'm also excited to see the Northern Lights, cross-country ski, and backpack through Norway and other parts of Europe. There is still much to explore in Sweden, and I'm excited to go back!"

Details: Written by Joanne Wallenstein; Published: 13 June 2018; Created: 13 June 2018; Last Updated: 14 June 2018; Hits: 6772

retirements Many longtime teachers and administrators who will retire at the end of the this school year were recognized at a ceremony prior to the Board of Education on Monday night June 11. Since they were celebrated at a PT Council luncheon a few weeks ago, no individual remarks were made about each of the retirees, but they were each announced, handed a photo and given a hug and a handshake.

Here is the list of the retirees who were honored:

Dace Aperans, Quaker Ridge
Laura Bell, Scarsdale High School
Jean Conlin, Scarsdale Middle School
Sylvie Corten, Scarsdale High School
John Cuk, Scarsdale High School
Maggie Favretti, Scarsdale High School
Linda Fisher, Scarsdale Middle School
Barney Foltman, Scarsdale Middle School
Cristine Gilliland, Scarsdale Middle School
Ellen Kostas-Fiorella, Edgewood
Marjorie Najac, House Counselor, Scarsdale Middle School
George Olivier, Scarsdale High School
Chris Renino, Assistant Principal, Scarsdale High School
Trish Serafin, Scarsdale Middle School
Lynne Shain, Assistant Superintendent
Sue Silver, Scarsdale High School
Ellen Steckler, Scarsdale Middle School
Karen Steefel, Nurse
John Waters, Scarsdale High School

Board President William Natbony shared his comments below:

"On behalf of the Scarsdale Board of Education I want to welcome you to the Board’s annual retirement recognition. Retirement is a momentous occasion on its’ own. For the District it is time to reflect on how fortunate we were to have had all of you with us for all your years of service. Today we thank you for your lifetime of service. As an educational institution Scarsdale is a sum of its parts. No one person is responsible for its successes or continuity. We are sad that you will be leaving us but will always be grateful for your contributions and your contributions will always be part of the fabric of our schools. Indeed, as I look into the audience I see many of you who truly touched and positively impacted the lives of my own children, not only as teachers but as mentors and friends lending an ear to their struggles and their successes.

The Scarsdale Schools District is a national institution which stands for the Best in Public Education. With your help we prove each day that a public school can be just as good or even better than a private school. In recent political campaigns we have heard a lot about class warfare, the inability to move up the poverty ladder and social immobility. Public schools are at the heart of this issue. The last thirty years have seen an attack on these institutions and the rise of the charter school movement and rallying for school vouchers. But we in Scarsdale and you in particular know that you don’t have to attend a private school to get a first class education. And you know that you can teach all the children from the gifted to the special needs. But you need dedicated hard working teachers and support from your district in the form of professional development and freedom in the classroom. It is your dedication and professionalism that has helped to keep Scarsdale at the top of public education. It is your dedication and professionalism that has helped us to grow, adapt and succeed in an ever-changing environment and a changing world. It is your dedication and professionalism that has helped us remain true to our motto of “non sibi.” There is no question that your presence will be missed by many. As a result of your many contributions, your significant and positive impact will continue to live on in the halls of our schools and the lives of all your students. RetireWaters SHS Math teacher John Waters says goodbye.

We hope you will look back on your years in Scarsdale with good feelings, great memories and a bond we hope will remain with you even though you will not be walking the halls every day. You have touched the lives of so many students and co-workers. This was your home away from home. As a Board, we hope that we were good caretakers of this second home and hope that you will find ways to visit and enjoy the community you so very much helped to create.

Finally, I wonder if you have had the opportunity to draw up your bucket list for retirement. Do you have a plan for the first 100 days? What is on your checklist? Travel, museums, reading? Retirement is a wonderful time to re engage in so many interests that all of you have. We hope that this next chapter of your life brings you rest, pleasure and the great rewards you so justly deserve. Thank you."

House Counselor Marjorie Najac embraces Bill NatbonyDr. Hagerman said “Retirements are a beginning, not an ending … a time for increased possibilities.” Lee Brower once said, “A thriving new beginning should be an opportunity for amazing engagement, growth, contributions and increased possibilities. So, in other words, our 2018 retirees are leaving here to do more of what they have been doing for years. ….”

Quoting Harvard Business School professor Clayton Christensen, he said, “Measure your career success by totaling up your relationships and not your paychecks. It is the enduring relationships over the years with students, parents, colleagues and community members that will be remembered and cherished as you look back at the time spent in your Scarsdale home away from home.”

”I think we would all acknowledged that a purely quantitative approach does not do justice to the quality of the experience that our retirees have provided to countless recipients. You have taught us that you are teachers but also learners because for the best teachers these are always intertwined. You have been valued mentors and advisors for many but remain colleagues and collaborators first. … each of you has demonstrated the best of what it means to be an educator, to be passionate, to be caring and to be deeply committed.”

RetireFoltman Teacher and Coach Barnie Foltman shakes hands.“Individually and collectively people spoke about what they learned from being in this special place and working with one another. Colleagues were described as sources of inspiration and insight ….. On behalf of the Scarsdale community, we want to thank you once more and provide you with a group photo that we took a few weeks ago.”

Assistant Superintendent Andrew Patrick also made remarks. He said, “The collective experience of the educators before us this evening, along with those not able to be here, is staggering. As a result of their contributions and commitment, thousands of Scarsdale students have had the opportunity to:

-be transformed by engaging literature, and find humanity in the words of others in one another
-discover imaginary numbers
-reach their potential in the gym, in the pool, or on the fairway
-receive truly personalized special education support
-read, write, listen and speak French, and more importantly, understand French culture
-Perform beautiful music that truly moves an audience, whether at Quaker or Carnegie
-Form and speak words precisely, clearly, and proudly
-be guided toward having agency in their own decision making
-draw, paint, sculpt, and design with passion
-act to challenge the status quo and identify, and solve, complex problems facing our world.
-experience a Scarsdale Education for Tomorrow, 2.0

When asked to reflect on their careers, the experience of working in Scarsdale was invariably described as a privilege, full of challenges to be sure, but full of opportunity as well. I am left with the collective impression that support for professional growth and renewal has been a commodity cherished by this group. In Scarsdale, the possibility exists to find just the right learning opportunity at just the right time to revisit, revise, and reimagine teaching and learning in ways large and small. These educators leveraged those resources to continually ensure that their passion for students and subject remained front and center. They depart having modeled high expectations and a capacity for renewal and reinvention for those of us remaining, and for future Scarsdale teachers and leaders. Congratulations, and thank you for many contributions!

Scarsdale resident Diane Greenwald made the following remarks about two of the retirees at the May 21, 2018 meeting of the Board of Education: RetireCuk Music teacher John Cuk with Dr. Hagerman

First, Lynne Shain, in my volunteering with multiple civic organizations and as a parent, I have enjoyed learning from your leadership and your deep understanding of children’s development. Your work has impacted countless students through thoughtful curriculum initiatives that collect and synthesize the most current thinking with the most tried and true methodologies. What I value most is your constant reflection on how we can best meet all children where they are -- and how to then bring each child forward to realize his or her full potential.

Thank you for your work in support of what is best in a child-centric education, and your support for our teachers as they work to impact our kids lives with warmth and energy. As the recipient myself of an education influenced by Lynne Shain from our days back in Westport, where I went to school, and she worked, I can honestly say, I felt lucky to have had you in Scarsdale for my children.

I would finally like to thank Dace Aperans, K-5 music teacher at Quaker Ridge. I first met Ms. Aperans when I was cleaning out the learning to look supply closet near her classroom one afternoon. There were an overwhelming number of art posters that Ms. Aperans would quietly come to peek through. And in her gentle way, she asked me, would it be ok if she borrowed any? Ms. Aperans was inspired by the images and integrated the art into her music lessons in all sorts of ways. In the 8 years I had children at QRS, I saw her constantly thinking of new and interesting lessons to make connections for children through music to their world around them. Performances, instruments, movement, from classic to world to popular, Ms. Aperans provided my children with a foundation that undoubtedly supports their now rather sophisticated expressions with the high school wind ensemble. If you have ever sat with me - or even near me - at a school performance, be it the squeaky early efforts or the stunning concerts at, say, Carnegie Hall - or the fabulous one I just attended for the 8th grade band and middle school jazz band, you know my unbridled enthusiasm for music education and for arts education in general. When we as a district speak of our commitment to building in our children critical thinking skills, I believe art in all its forms is central to this mission. If you have pushed your face against her classroom door window and watched Ms. Aperans flutter across her room, fully engaged in a piece or a lesson, you would be witness to, what Maxine Greene, the late Lincoln Center Institute philosopher, would describe as "a commitment to opening a door.' Ms. Greene describes this zeal and wonder as a "wide-awakeness, a perceptual aliveness, the sense of discovery, the desire to learn and thereby go beyond." Ms. Greene, when explaining why arts education is critical, reflected that, "nothing can be predetermined or predicted in the artistic-aesthetic domain. But anything is possible. We have only to free ourselves, to choose." Ms. Aparans' chose to be wide awake with our children through her joy and love of music. I thank Ms. Aperans for bringing her imagination to my children --- as so many others -- and inspiring them with possibility.

Details: Published: 29 May 2018; Created: 29 May 2018; Last Updated: 29 May 2018; Hits: 4826

Renino After 34 years in Scarsdale, SHS Assistant Principal Christopher Renino will retire at the end of the school year. While at Scarsdale, he has served as both a middle and high school English teacher, English Department Chair at the high school, and in his current position as Assistant Principal (AP) of the high school. As AP, he is responsible “for the instructional program at the high school, which includes creating the master schedule, working with department chairs and teachers to design and implement curricular changes, managing the building facilities, and overseeing the high school budget, among many other tasks,” noted colleague and fellow Assistant Principal Ms. O’Gorman. When asked about her colleague, Ms. O’Gorman called Renino “the kindest, most generous person I know. He possesses infinite patience in working through complex problems, always with an eye toward students' needs. He is a wonderful listener, and many have benefited from his advice over the years, including me. Chris is a deep thinker, a talented writer, a capable musician, an expert puzzle solver, and a devoted family man. Chris and I have worked closely together for many years and while I will miss his professional collegiality and expertise, that loss will pale in comparison to how much I will miss laughing with him over lunch!”. Below, Mr. Renino answered a series of questions and reflected on 34 years of learning and growth.

How did you end up in Scarsdale?
I was student teaching at the middle school when a position opened up mid-year due to a late year retirement. Luckily, my student teaching had just ended, so I took the position. I taught at the middle school for four years before transitioning to the high school, and later became English Department chair before becoming an assistant principal.

What has been the most rewarding experience(s) in your time at SHS?
The interpersonal relationships; having three roles as English teacher, English Department Chair, and Assistant Principal has shifted my perspective on both the school and the district. It’s allowed me to meet a new range of people and face a new range of challenges while becoming close to students, faculty, and leaders alike.

What has been one of the most difficult challenges you have overcome?
The tension between the individual and the institution. On a given day, there are roughly 1,800 individuals in the building. This complex organization can only function properly if we think in terms of the whole.

How did your role evolve from teacher to Assistant Principal?
Each role I’ve had has brought joy, challenges, and responsibility. Being a teacher means being passionate about the students and the curriculum while advocating for their personal mission. Being an Assistant Principal has the deeper responsibilities of communicating the broader perspective and missions of individual teachers. Although these responsibilities are different, everyone has the same goal.

What are some of the biggest challenges the school faces now?
SHS is a unique place that helps people learn and grow while meeting individual needs. We need to maintain aspects of the SHS experience that provide a rich education while not being complacent or self-satisfied.

On the topic of issues the school faces, how should school address Juul moving forward?
From a general perspective, schools are a reflection of broader society and the challenges faced by those in it, students come to us as people who have lives in and out of the building. The school needs to work with individuals to deal with the student as a whole while respecting their independence to create a community that allows us to deal with real issues.

What are some of the greatest lessons that you've taken away from the students here/from your experience?
Always listen. Be empathetic, kind, and optimistic. Be ready to grow and change.

Have you noticed any specific trends in education?
It’s hard to predict the future given the current generation’s communication is evolving quickly. The future is shaped largely on the way technology shapes communication and the challenge is to use tools we have to facilitate communication while simultaneously being constructive.

Do you have any specific retirement plans?
I’m going to spend more family time with my parents, siblings, in laws, and son and lead a less agenda-driven life. I’m going to enjoy a wide range of opportunities in more spontaneous ways.

What advice would you give someone who is entering the field?
Thirty-four years at Scarsdale have both challenged me and allowed me to grow. It’s been a real joy to teach at such a great place. It’s extremely important for new teachers to have a passion for education, to enjoy its pleasures and many growth opportunities.

Note: The Scarsdale School District has hired Chris Welsh to replace Chris Renino as a new Assistant Principal for Instruction and Operation. Welsh is now completing the school year in Pleasantville where he is the Curriculum Coordinator and Coordinator of Student Services. He who will officially join the SHS administration on July 1st.