We spoke to Scarsdale School’s Director of Public Information Vicki Presser and Assistant Superintendant Linda Purvis to discuss what students will find when they return to school next week.

The biggest change is that Scarsdale is now moving to a full-day kindergarten, which will be begin on Monday October 4. Instead of a combination of half days and call back days all Scarsdale kindergartners will attend full days of school. Though some objected to the new program, others welcomed the change. We asked one mother of a new kindergarten student what she thought and she said, “I'm all for it. It's only two extra afternoons a week, and timing pick-ups with my older daughter will be much easier than it would have been with the old schedule. My kindergartener is very excited about every aspect of going to Greenacres, especially going full-time, just like the big kids.”

The other big news in instruction is the extension of the elementary Spanish program into sixth grade at the Middle School. Before the rollout of the elementary Spanish program in 2005-06, world language instruction began in seventh grade, with a choice of French or Spanish. Now, Scarsdale students will have a choice of French or Spanish beginning in sixth grade, and world language instruction will be a continuum from first grade through high school.

Though we have no new facilities this year, Scarsdale has been focusing on refurbishing and maintaining our buildings and grounds. This summer, school roofs were repaired, paving was done, the floor of the high school kitchen was replaced and repairs were made to the water main at Fox Meadow School. The parking lot on the Post Road side of Scarsdale High School has been repaved and reconfigured as well. Though the budget for capitol improvements has been cut substantially, the School Board has supplied funds for the upkeep of our schools, and parents and students should find them to be in good shape for the start of the school year.

 

 

Hoff-Barthelson Music School invites parents of children from newborn to five years to attend an Open House for its Preschool Music Programs – Music Classes for Young Children - on Wednesday, September 8, 10 am – Noon at the Music School, 25 School Lane, Scarsdale. This is an excellent opportunity to meet with Hoff-Barthelson’s extraordinary early childhood faculty, parents of current youngsters, and parents of students who have moved on from the Preschool Programs to music lessons and classes at the School.

The Journey of Musical Growth begins at an early age at Hoff-Barthelson Music School, a premier community music school that has been one of Westchester’s most cherished cultural resources since 1944. The faculty strives to instill a life-long love of music in their young students. HBMS preschools acquire a diversity of skills through music: the ability to focus and concentrate, to listen and observe keenly, and to become interested in watching and taking turns with their peers. Nurturing teachers develop their skills in music-making and help children to learn to love and appreciate music.

The HBMS Music Classes for Young Children are designed to introduce young children to the elements of music in preparation for more formal study. Classes range from parent(or caregiver)/child classes for infants, toddlers, two and three year olds to Getting to Know You: Exploring the Instruments for kindergarteners and recorder and Suzuki lessons and classes for 5-6 year olds.

HBMS also offers Spanish for Preschools taught through the most universal language of all, music, and a Mandarin Chinese Music and Movement Class. Three-year-olds can attend Parent/Child classes; Four’s attend a Drop-Off class.

The Hoff-Barthelson Preschool for three and four year olds provides a safe, nurturing environment which promotes the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development of young children. Experienced teachers meet each child's developmental needs and build toward readiness for kindergarten. Children are involved through play in a full curriculum, with a special emphasis on music and art, which introduces numbers and language arts, science and nature, and dramatic play, cooking, sand and water play, and outdoor play. The children attend twice weekly music and movement classes.

For more information about the Open House and/or Preschool Programs: Jocelyn Kenner, 914-723-1169 and This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

 

 

The Scarsdale Teen Center on Scarsdale Avenue is pleased to announce their line-up of fall courses. Art Portfolio Prep: Whether you have started your art portfolio or are not sure if you would like to create a portfolio, this class is a perfect fit for you. Art portfolio preparation is ideal for beginner, intermediate, or advanced art students as well as those who want to enhance their college applications. This class is a great forum for maximizing creative talent while building confidence. Students will receive individualized attention, ongoing feedback to encourage their creativity, and will have the opportunity to work at their own pace. The assignments will be tailored with sensitivity to individuality and potential. The class will celebrate each student as a unique artist while exploring a variety of media.

Grades: 8 -12
Session: September 28th - December 7th
Dates: September 28; October 5, 12, 19, 27; November 9, 16, 23, 30; December 7
Time: 6:30PM – 8PM
Advanced Registration: $50 per class.

Register and pay in advance for all ten classes and receive a 10% discount off your total cost
Registration Deadline: Thursday, September 23, 2010
Late registration: $55 per class based on availability -Supplies included

American Red Cross Babysitter Training Classes: Babysitter's Training is a seven-hour course that gives youth the skills and confidence they need to be great babysitters. Organized in 35- to 50-minute segments, the course provides participants with a range of injury prevention, first aid and basic care skills and helps develop professionalism and skills in decision- making and leadership. The target market for American Red Cross Babysitter's Training is youth ages 11-15, who are in middle school, junior high school or early high school. They may babysit for pay, babysit for siblings, relatives and neighbors as a household responsibility, or volunteer in places such as nurseries, daycare centers and hospitals. Your facility can promote Babysitter's Training by building student enthusiasm and involving course takers in promoting the course to other youth. Word-of-mouth is critical to gaining new students. Youth participate in Babysitter's Training for the following reasons:

• Skills - learn basic care skills to care for siblings or others
• Convenience - easy access and fit to schedule, at a fair price
• Income - earn money - as this is one of few sources of income available to youth under age 15
• Peace of mind - through building confidence, competence, trustworthiness and reliability when caring for young children
• Prevention - prevent injuries to themselves and children in their care

Dates Available; Sunday, October 17, 2010, Sunday, January 31, 2011, Sunday, April 10, 2011

Time: 9 AM - 4:30 PM
Cost: $45/student

Teen Center Dj'ing Academy: Do you know how to remix your favorite song on the fly? Do you want to learn the "true art" of dj'ing without having to rely on your laptop to do all the mixing for you??? This course introduces the beginner and intermediate student to the fascinating art and science of dj'ing. Learn the skills of mixing, scratching, beat juggling, and beat matching just the way the pioneers did it back in the day. Students will have full hands on training with mixing vinyl, cd's, and mp3 files on the most sought after professional dj software "Serato". All equipment is provided.

Grades: 9 - 12
Session: October 21st – December 16th
Dates: October 21, 28; November 4, 18; December 9, 16
Time: 7PM – 8PM

Advanced Registration: $40 per class.
Register and pay in advance for all six classes and receive a 10% discount off the total cost
Registration Deadline: Friday, October 15, 2010
Late registration: $50 per class based on availability
Supplies included

ACT or SAT … Which test is right for you? Find out the answer by taking the Chyten ACT vs. SAT Comparison Test: The test is being offered at the Scarsdale Teen Center on Saturday, September 11 from 10-2pm. This test combines very carefully selected questions and section from both the ACT and SAT tests into one test. The 9 page diagnostic report will tell you which test is the better test for you and provide information on how you performed on over 80 different question types. This is an invaluable tool.

The Chyten professionals will then go over results in a free consultation on Thursday, September 16 between the hours of 3-6pm. Please contact us to make other arrangements to review your test results.

Test Date: September 11
Time: 10AM – 2PM
Review Date: September 16
Time: 3PM – 6PM
Advanced Registration: $10
Registration Deadline: Friday, September 10, 2010
Day of Registration: $20 - based on availability

Theatre Workshop: Participants in this new Theatre Workshop will gain knowledge of basic theatre skills such as: movement, voice, improvisation, and the fundamentals of storytelling. In the process, a theatre performance project will be created and performed for audiences. Auditions for the performance will be held within the program. No prior auditions will be held. The first 2 or 3 sessions will be spent feeling out the group dynamic and building an ensemble. Then students will be prepped on how to handle themselves in an audition situation and then be given the chance to try out their newfound skills. All students will be cast in the production. In the end participants will leave with a well rehearsed and performed monologue that they can use for community theater and school auditions.

Grades: 6 – 8
Session: September 25th - November 6th
Dates: September 25; October 2, 16, 23, 30; November 6;
Time: 10 AM – 12PM
Advanced Registration: $35 per class.Register and pay in advance for all six classes and receive a 10% discount off the total cost
Registration Deadline: Wednesday, September 22, 2010 --Late registration: $45 per class based on availability
Supplies included

Digital Photography: Description: In this class you will be introduced to the world of digital photography from image capture to postproduction editing. After completing this class you will be able to produce professional quality images even with a simple point-and-shoot camera. The class will consist of activities, live shooting, and in-class editing. You will become an expert on your digital camera, understanding even the most complicated manual settings. You will also learn advanced Photoshop skills.

Requirements: For this class you will need to have a digital camera. Nothing fancy is required. A point and shoot will work fine, but if you have a digital SLR please bring that. You will also be asked to take photos between classes in order to work with them in class. Therefore, you will need a USB thumb drive or some other method to bring images to class. And finally, make sure to bring your creativity and curiosity!

 

Grades: 8 - 12
Session September 30th– December 9th
Dates: September 30; October 7, 14, 21, 28; November 4, 18; December 9
Time: 6PM – 7PM
Advanced Registration: $40 per class.
Register and pay in advance for all eight classes and receive a 10% discount off your total cost
Registration Deadline: Monday, September 27, 2010
Late registration: $50 per class based on availability

Accepted: Getting Into Your First Choice School Workshop: This Kaplan workshop is designed to show students and parents what college admissions officers expect from applicants' high school experiences. Topics covered include a variety of admissions policies and the key factors used by admissions officers when deciding who to accept. Discussion to be followed by Q and A session.

Dates: Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Time: 7PM
Advanced Registration: $10/Family
Registration Deadline: Monday, September 13, 2010 --Late registration: $20/Family based on availability

College Application Essay Workshop: A student's college application essay should be their personal statement to admissions officers. This one-hour workshop is designed to show students and parents what college admissions officers want to see in an essay. The workshop will examine the types of essay topics students will encounter, cover the four steps to writing a winning essay, and critique a sample admissions essay.

Dates: Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Time: 7PM
Advanced Registration: $10/Family --Registration Deadline: Monday, October 18, 2010
Late registration: $20/Family based on availability

College Financial Aid 101 Workshop: This one-hour workshop will include the basics of applying for aid, including important dates and terminology, how financial aid need is determined, and the difference between various award types.

Dates: Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Time: 7PM
Advanced Registration: $10/FamilyRegistration Deadline: Monday, November 15, 2010
Late registration: $20/Family based on availability

SAT Practice Test and Review: A fully proctored 4 hour SAT test will give students an idea of what to expect in a test-like environment. Following this practice test, Kaplan representatives will then hold a seminar on Tuesday, September 29 to explain individual results and answer any questions students and parents have. Students will receive comprehensive analysis of their performance on the test, detailing individual strengths and weaknesses.

Practice Test: Monday, September 20, 2010
Time: 6PM
Review Seminar: Monday, September 27, 2010
Time: 7PM
Advanced Registration: $5/Student
Registration Deadline: Friday, September 17, 2010 --Late registration: $10/Student based on availability

To Register, please visit our website @ www.ScarsdaleTeenCenter.com and click on your selected program. For further information regarding Teen Center programming, please call 914-722-8358 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

 

 

Our area offers a wealth of preschool, after school and enrichments programs for children of all ages.  Scarsdale10583 sent out requests to many programs in the area for information and below are the facts from those that responded.  If you want to add your program to the guide, please send a us a description and contact information and we will add you to the list.

Preschool:

Citibabes has some exciting new classes scheduled for the fall 2010 semester as well as some favorite signature classes. New classes this year include the first ever CitiSchool 3s program, which builds on the foundation of the 2s program, expanding upon the learning and socialization developed in the previous year while exposing students to other vital elements of development including family and community, and global, cultural, and environmental exploration; “CitiBoys,” a program designed specifically for boys’ learning needs; and “CitiSchool Masters,” a class where artists, performers, and community leaders lead hands-on workshops aiming to help students cultivate future interests. Citibabes will also be unveiling CitiGym, a new movement and tumble room designed to help children develop fine and gross motor skills, sports fundamentals, and have fun! Classes that will be held in the CitiGym include “Power Baby: Muscle Movers,” “Mighty Tykes,” and “Master Movers.” And don’t forget great signature classes like “CitiSports,” led by Citibabes’ lively coaches who instill the importance of teamwork and good sportsmanship all while having fun and developing an overall appreciation for sports and a healthy, active lifestyle, and “Bandmates,” where Citibabes’ 3-piece band always entertain! For more information or to register, please contact Kim Proal at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 914.725.3334.

The Hoff-Barthelson Music School community extends a welcome of warmth and caring to all who walk through its doors and into its musical home. At Hoff-Barthelson, students of all ages embark upon a journey of musical growth under the guidance of our distinguished and dedicated faculty, and are encouraged to explore their musical ideas, tastes, and potential in a familial setting of friendship and support.  The School offers individual lessons on all instruments and voice in classical and jazz studies; a full range of performance opportunities at all levels of expertise in chamber ensembles, orchestras and choruses; a Music Technology Lab; Jazz Studies  Program; the HBMS Preschool for 3 and 4 year-olds; and a full program of Music and Movement Classes for preschoolers from 4 months – 5 years. www.hbms.org , This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , 914-723-1169; 25 School Lane, Scarsdale.

Over the Moon Music and More: Did you know that all children are musical? Have you ever wondered what you can do to nurture the musical growth of your child, regardless of your own musical ability? And did you know that there’s a storefront location where you and your child can play musically together, right here in Scarsdale? Over the Moon Music and More offers Music Together®, the internationally recognized early childhood music and movement program, in a beautiful and comfortable space at 78 Garth Road, as well as in 6 other convenient locations in south to mid-Westchester County. Classes--for children from birth through kindergarten age accompanied by an adult caregiver--are research based and experiential, not performance oriented, but most of all, they’re fun! Free demo classes are available. For class and demo class schedules, visit www.overthemoonmusicandmore.com or call 914-722-2025.

Tumble Bugs is a dynamic and creative physical education movement program with a unique curriculum designed specifically for children between the ages of 12 months and 6 years old. A progressive lesson plan formats allow Certified Instructors to advance your child at an age-appropriate pace. In doing so, your child begins to develop an early appetite for an active lifestyle.

For the first time, this fall Tumble Bus is offering Krazy Kool Creations Lifeskills Class where children ages 4 through 8 will build Lego creations and get introduced to different life skills such as negotiation, communication, self-pride, creativity, public speaking, and tolerance. The students work together in groups of 3-5 to build one creation per group. There is a theme each class for each group to work on. At the end of building time, each group tells the other students about what they have made and how they have made it in a presentation style format. Each student is also working towards being a Krazy Kool Creations Master each class. There will be a special award for each student at the end of each session.

Krazy Kool Creations will offer three one-hour classes on Thursdays (starting 9/16/2010). There are 12 classes in the session. Class times are 1:15pm (KKC Pre-School class), 4 pm and 5:15p m (KKC Lifeskills program).

Tumble Bugs, 826 Scarsdale Avenue, Scarsdale New York. To register, call 914-713-1113. For more information, call Shari O'Neill (KKC Owner and Creator) at 203-292-8038.

Westchester Reform Temple Early Childhood Center (WRT ECC) is launching their 35th school year.  “We started in 1985 with only a Parent Center and classes for toddlers,” says ECC Director, Sue Tolchin. “Today we serve infants through Pre-K, we have new state-of-the-art playground and classrooms dedicated solely to our youngest learners.  This is going to be a very exciting year!”  The small class size creates an environment to build self confidence and independence through an enhanced curriculum, including math concepts, pre-reading and writing readiness, art, music, movement and Jewish learning from Hebrew to challah. New enrichment programs offer something for every child, from Little Chefs to Tae Kwon Do to Super Science.  WRT ECC, licensed by NYS Department of Children and Family Services, has a full time Social Worker on staff and provides options for lunch, extended day and summer sessions.  Limited spaces are available for 2010-11 and registration for 2011-12 begins in November.  For an appointment and tour contact Sue Tolchin at 914 723-5493 x 103 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Enrichment and Sports Programs for School-Age Children:

Backyard Sports is pleased to announce two new basketball programs for Fall 2010.  BYS Prep will offer 4th-12th grade boys and girls the chance to develop technical and tactical skills and then practice those skills in real time games under the supervision of our exceptional coaching staff.  The program will take place at SUNY Purchase on Sundays from 12 noon-1:30pm  BYS PREP Jr. is for preK-third grade players offering exceptional training with our coaches.  Please check out the website at http://www.byardsports.com for schedule information."

Crane Bridge offers Chinese as a foreign language program for young beginners whose native language is not Mandarin Chinese. The focus of our service is on the needs of American children learning Chinese. The school provides a small and intimate environment where Chinese listening, speaking, reading and writing skills are acquired through language usages in real life situations, interactive games, and both small group and one-on-one class activities.  The curriculum, textbooks and workbooks are uniquely designed by Crane Bridge academic team with age appropriate contents, relevant to American children’s daily life, cultural environment and imagination.

The program was established in March 2009 and now is entering its fourth season. There are classes for grades K-2 and Grades 3-8 two age group Level 1 through Level 3 Beginners’ classes.  In the coming Fall Semester, there will be Pre-K preliminary Chinese classes for 4 & 5 year old children.  At this time, there are still a few spaces for Level 3 classes and 2-3 spots for the new Pre-K classes. For more information about Crane Bridge Chinese Language of Young Beginners, please contact Anne Tong at 914.525.4173, or visit www.cranebridge.net .

G-tec Kids: Amazingly fun! - Challenging! - Exciting! That's how students describe their G·tec experience. And parents feel the same way. They are energized by their kids' enthusiasm for learning. The G·tec Kids curriculum caters to what kids need most: a rich and personalized after school enrichment environment that challenges bright and creative children in grades 2 through 5.

Classes include no more than six students, so each student receives more personalized attention. Classes are held once a week for one and a half hour sessions. At G·tec, children are exposed to hands-on, real life experiences that enhance their innovative and critical thinking, problem posing and problem solving so their cognitive strengths of higher-level thinking are tapped. The program naturally integrates history, visual arts, science, and computers in a three-year progressive course of study. G·tec supplies students with state-of-the-art materials and manipulatives from computers, animation equipment, drafting boards, weaving looms to architectural tables. Some activities include making pottery, building model lungs, simulating an archaeological dig, deciphering the Rosetta Stone, drafting an architectural plan, and designing and filming an animated movie. Contact Dr. Andi Stix at 914-636-0888 and visit her website.

The Steffi Nossen School of Dance conducts classes right in the heart of Scarsdale. Classes at Scarsdale Community Baptist Church start Thursday, September 23; Tami Mele will teach Core Curriculum modern dance and jazz.  These classes also take place at our central studios in the nearby Music Conservatory of Westchester (across from the County Center) in White Plains on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Most classes feature live music accompaniment. Also at the White Plains studios are technique classes in Modern, Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip-Hop, Classical Story Ballet, and Moving Wheels & Heels for students with special needs. Try all classes FREE during our Open House September 27 - October 2. The school is managed by the not-for-profit Dance in Education Fund. Please visit our website, www.steffinossen.org, for complete class descriptions and schedules, faculty information, and more.  Or contact us at 328-1900 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; we will happily help you plan your dance year.

West Math Lab offers a unique math enrichment program with complete mathematical course for each grade from kindergarten to 8th. Students will achieve a deep understanding and superior mastery of mathematical concepts. The program is based on the well-respected Singapore Math curriculum, which emphasizes mental calculations; solving word problems; logical reasoning; speed and accuracy. Classes are now offered in two locations: Dobbs Ferry and Scarsdale. Two new courses are added for the fall of 2010 – Kindergarten and 7th Grade Math/Science. For more information, please visit http://www.westmathlab.com/ or call 1-866-956-3804.