Preschoolers Celebrate Truck Day!
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About 130 preschoolers romped from truck to truck on Truck Day!, an annual event for the two-to-five year olds in the Early Childhood Program (ECP) at Congregation Kol Ami, a White Plains Reform synagogue. The summer vacation sendoff on June 11 was made possible through the enthusiastic support of the City of White Plains, the police officers and fire fighters of the White Plains Department of Public Safety, and the U.S. Postal Service.
The White Plains Public Works Department sent a dump truck, a bucket truck, a chip truck, a pick-up truck, a payloader, and a compressed natural gas garbage truck. The kids listened attentively and watched as city workers Gary Boyd, Nick Marino, Tom McCreight, Dennis Ganzaz, Doug Patla and Peter Hernandez showed how each truck worked. Officer Jeff Parks opened his police car for all to see and touch. Officer Kevin Olenchak came with Public Safety's Emergency Service Unit armored truck and explained how it is used. The children learned about the fire engine from Lieut. V. Zicca and firefighters A. Abbate and M. Niles. Brian Fields manned the U.S. Postal Service truck and Stan Outerbridge showed the kids the White Plains school bus operated by First Student Inc.
The last stop for the children was the ice cream truck operated by World War II veteran Bill Scherb and his wife, Joan. Refreshing treats were available for all, including the hard working grownups.
For information about the ECP program at Congregation Kol Ami contact Nan Blank at (914) 949-4717, ext.107. Congregation Kol Ami is a diverse Reform synagogue serving cities and towns throughout Westchester County. All individuals and families are welcome. Visit their website at www.nykolami.org for more information or call Janet Hershey at (914) 949-4717, ext. 115.
School Budget Statements from SHS PTA, League of Women Voters and the PT Council
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Here are three statements on the proposed 2013-14 school budget that will be voted on June 18th at the Scarsdale Middle School from 7 am to 9 pm.
Scarsdale High School PTA Exectuive Committee:
Dear Parents: It's finally here - the end of the school year at SHS! We are all looking forward to a safe and restorative summer, but there is one important thing that we all still need to do...VOTE ON TUESDAY JUNE 18TH!
After months of following the budget process, identifying the issues that face the high school and ensuring that those concerns were addressed, the vote on May 21st showed the executive committee of the SHS PTA that we reflected our entire community - deeply divided on some issues, but dedicated to the ideals of a Scarsdale public education. So it is important that we share our thinking on the newly adopted budget with you now.
The executive committee of the Scarsdale High School PTA unanimously supports the budget adopted by the Board of Education on June 3rd. It continues to address the needs that face our school with the anticipated increased enrollment, with regard to class size and an already overcrowded cafeteria situation. It addresses the safety and security of our students and faculty. The fitness center project has been tabled at this point to become part of a larger discussion on capital improvements for the school and the district as a whole. Therefore, all the issues we identified back in January are still being addressed in this budget as well as in the ongoing objectives of the Board of Education.
We don't believe that it is our role to tell you how to vote. We do believe it is the role of the PTA to communicate and educate all stakeholders throughout the budget process. We know you have probably heard it, but the result of the budget failing a second time would be drastic cuts at all levels and would fundamentally change many aspects of public education in Scarsdale. So it is just as important to let your voice be heard this time as it was in May. It really matters that you vote on June 18th.
This budget represents the smallest budget-to-budget percentage increase in over 30 years (1.49%). It is under the tax cap. We encourage our members to learn more by clicking here. If you have any questions about the budget or its impact on the high school, please contact us at shspta10583@gmail.com.
School Budget Re-Vote
June 18 @ SMS 7am-9pm
Sincerely,
The SHS PTA Executive Committee
Jacquie Walter, Angela Manson, Linda Doucette-Ashman, Wendy Berk, Rosanne Underweiser, Sue Lipsitz and Neela Mathias
League of Women Voters of Scarsdale:
The League of Women Voters of Scarsdale ("the League") appreciates this opportunity to comment on the 2013-14 School Budget as adopted by the Board of Education (the "BOE") on June 3, 2013 (the "Budget"). The first budget adopted by the BOE on April 22, 2013 was rejected by public vote on May 21, 2013.
We thank the President of the BOE, the Superintendent of Schools and the Assistant Superintendent for Business for their participation in an information meeting sponsored by the League on June 10, 2013. This statement reflects the consensus reached by the League at a general membership meeting that followed this information meeting.
The League supports the Budget. We believe the Budget reflects the values of the community to maintain the excellence of our schools and to preserve the financial strength of the School District while at the same time addresses the desire expressed by the community for fiscal restraint in recognition of economic pressures faced by residents.
The Budget totals $143,899,713, reflecting a 1.49% increase from the 2012-13 adopted budget. The total tax levy will be $130,650,863, a decrease of $1,061,500 from the levy proposed in the budget dated April 22, 2013.
The League notes that should the Budget not be approved by a majority of votes cast on June18, 2013, the District must adopt a contingency budget with a zero percent tax levy increase from the 2012-13 levy. A contingency budget would require approximately $3.6 million in spending reductions.
The League looks forward in the future to open discussions by the BOE and District Administration ("Administration") at public meetings that will include longer-term financial planning, a master plan for facilities and evaluation of programming. We anticipate the BOE will solicit community input with a continuation of candid dialogue with residents and we encourage the community to remain actively engaged in these discussions.
The League commends the BOE and the Administration for their efforts to engage the community in response to the May 21st budget defeat and to listen carefully to the diverse views of residents. We appreciate the professionalism and responsiveness of the BOE and Administration in developing this Budget and acknowledge the time constraints mandated by law. We support the use by the BOE of its stated principles and criteria to assess options for reducing the Budget.
It is imperative that all qualified citizens vote on Tuesday, June 18th. The League strongly recommends that the community vote YES to approve the budget.
SIncerely,
Susie Rush: President
Marylou Green: School Budget Chair
League of Women Voters of Scarsdale
Scarsdale PT Council Statement for June 11, 2013 BOE Meeting
On June18th, Scarsdale residents must return to the polls at SMS to vote on a second proposed 2013-14 School Budget. The community's participation is crucial to this budget process. Unlike other budget votes, a second defeated budget will result in a NYS contingency school budget, leading to devastating cuts to our school staffing and programing. This is not to say that we, the public and the PTA's, should not continue to question, advocate for what we believe in and strive to improve upon our schools and the budget process. We believe that has been done to date, and the new PTC EC will continue to actively guide the process. Both the 2012 and 2013 Scarsdale PT Council Executive Committees, consisting of its officers and all Scarsdale School PTA presidents stand behind this budget and will vote Yes. The Board of Education is proposing budget growth of 1.49%, the lowest in over three decades. 99.2% of this growth is due to state-mandated increases in retirement system charges that Scarsdale has no control over. This represents a projected tax rate of 2.82% for Scarsdale residents and 2.91% for residents of the Mamaroneck Strip.Favorable class sizes and a wide array of course offerings, as well as full extra-curricular and sports opportunities are preserved in this budget. Resources for facility maintenance and improvements that address student needs are also allocated. Additional teaching positions at the High School in English and Science to accommodate increased enrollments remain as planned as well as technology hires that will insure the increasing use of computers and bandwidth run effectively.
The PTC EC would like to note our appreciation of Dr. McGill and district administration who advocate tirelessly for our school district. Their creative and energetic thinking constantly challenge our students, teachers and staff to reach new levels. We'd also like to thank our faculty's commitment to our children's education and the innovation they bring to the classroom each day. Please show your support for quality public education and the Scarsdale Schools by voting "YES" on June 18th.
2012-13 PT Council
Gayle Kenigsberg Hutcher, President PTC
Vivienne Braun, Vice President PTC
Karen Brew, Secretary PTC
Lauren Mintzer, Treasurer PTC
Jacquie Walter, Scarsdale High School PTA President
Pam Fuehrer, Scarsdale Middle School PTA President
Laurie Medvinsky, Edgewood PTA President
Stephanie Glaser, Fox Meadow PTA President
Melissa Berridge, Greenacres PTA President
Olga Eligulashvili, Heathcote PTA President
Kim Goldban, Quaker Ridge PTA President
2013-14 PT Council
Pam Rubin, Incoming President, PTC
Pam Fuehrer, Incoming Vice President, PTC
Karen Brew, returning Secretary, PTC
Lauren Mintzer, returning Treasurer, PTC
Angela Manson, President Elect Scarsdale High School PTA
Seema Jaggi, President Elect Scarsdale Middle School PTA
Kate Conlan, President Elect Edgewood PTA
Alisa Kohn, President Elect Fox Meadow PTA
Dana Matsushita, President Elect Greenacres PTA
Kim Schneider, President Elect Heathcote PTA
Debbie Hochberg, President Elect Quaker Ridge PTA
Edgemont Student Named National Tourette Syndrome Youth Ambassador
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May is an important month for Edgemont's Jack Klion. On the 26th, he turns 14. But May 15 also marked the beginning of National Tourette Syndrome Month, important to Jack because he has the often misdiagnosed and misunderstood disorder.
The eighth-grader, a scrappy hockey player who's a major fan of the New York Rangers, recently traveled to Washington, DC, to participate in the National Tourette Syndrome Youth Ambassador Program, which trains teens to advocate for themselves and for others afflicted with Tourette's, and to provide their peers and younger children with accurate information about TS by going into classrooms, schools and clubs to speak about the disorder.
"It was a lot of fun," said Jack, who teamed up with his mother, Jennifer Rosin, at the Washington program. Forty-six teen-agers representing 29 different states participated in this year's program, which was held in the spring.
"The whole focus was on training us to become ambassadors for Tourette's," said Jack. "Our job is to educate other kids about what Tourette's really is."
Gilles de la Tourette syndrome, its official name, is a condition that causes a person to make repeated, quick movements or sounds they cannot control. The movements or sounds are called tics.
The syndrome, which is four times as likely to occur in boys as in girls, is believed to be linked to problems in certain areas of the brain, and can be severe or mild. In fact, many people with very mild tics may not even be aware of them or seek medical help. A small percentage of people have more severe forms of Tourette syndrome, including vocal tics and outbursts.
Youth Ambassadors, said Jack, also met with their representatives and staff in the U.S. Congress, speaking to them about the syndrome and asking them to continue funding for the Tourette Syndrome Association and for the Centers for Disease Control, which has helped out by conducting research into Tourette's.
"The more funding that's received, the more research that can be done," said Jack. With more research, those afflicted with TS over the years have benefited from improved medications to treat their symptoms.
Jack, who currently has a mild form of Tourette's, was diagnosed when he was in the first grade. "In the fourth grade, things got terrible," he said. "I would repeat every sentence, and I would get tics whenever I tried to say words that started with 't' and 'r'."
A variety of drugs were prescribed to help Jack overcome the symptoms, but some gave him nightmares and others made him tired and foggy.
"Then, I'll never forget it -- I was on a ski trip in Colorado, and suddenly noticed that my tics had subsided," he said.
His Washington trip reminded Jack that Tourette's comes in many different forms. He spoke of one youth ambassador who lives in upstate NewYork and had to travel to Long Island from his home to find a physician qualified to treat the syndrome. He also expressed admiration for youth ambassadors who suffered from more severe forms of TS than his own.
Jack also has been inspired by Edgemont's own Ethan Kempner, a 2011 EHS graduate who also served as a Youth Ambassador and has advocated on behalf of young people afflicted with TS. Ethan currently attends Tufts University.
Jack has already spoken to seventh and 11th grade classes in Edgemont, as well as Fifth graders at Mamaroneck Avenue Elementary School in White Plains. He hopes the students he talks to will better understand and become more tolerant of those afflicted with Tourette's.
To learn more about Tourette syndrome, visit the National Tourette Syndrome Association website.
Lemonaid and State Cup Victory
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Barcelona, the boys u11 Scarsdale soccer team, won the state cup up in Lagrangeville NY on Sunday June 2 in the Eastern New Upper 90 Cup. An exciting day for all. Pictured above: Front row left to right: Esteban Rudolph, Zach Medvinsky, Matthew Lipsay, Kevin Walker, Ben Rubin, Josh Landgarten, Calvin Lee, Jayshen Saigal, Nico Flint.
2nd row left to right: Josh Strassberg, Teddy Constan, Luke Fisher, Aidan McKenna
Back row left to right: Parent Manager Robert Strassberg, Coach Simon Annis, Parent Manager Larry Medvinsky
Lemonaid
Scarsdale kids continued an annual tradition of selling lemonade and baked goods to raise money to fight poverty. On Saturday June 1, Robin Hood's youngest foot soldiers took to the streets selling lemonade, sharing staggering statistics about the problem of poverty, and informing their neighbors about the many ways Robin Hood helps New Yorkers in need.
There were many generous customers and parents who offered matching donations to supplement their kids' sales efforts. At the end of the day, the Och family graciously opened their backyard for a BBQ and an opportunity to count the proceeds. After the tabulation was complete, the proud participants found that they had raised $106,000 for the Robin Hood Foundation to help stop poverty.
10 Reasons to Expose Children to Music at an Early Age
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According to the experts, "families should immerse their children as early as possible in a music-rich environment. Jackie Freimor, Director of Scarsdale's Over the Moon Music and More, has provided this list of ten reasons why children should be immersed in music as early as possible based on the latest research.
For one, all children are musical, meaning they are born with the potential, or aptitude, to learn to participate in the music of their culture. All children can achieve basic music competence—the ability to sing in tune and move with accurate rhythm. Children are "wired" to achieve basic music competence by the age of about 3 years. However, by the time they enter kindergarten, approximately 50% of American children cannot tell the difference between their singing voice and their speaking voice, and many of them cannot walk to the beat or perform simple motor patterns. How can this be? For the most part, it's because although music aptitude is inborn, music learning is determined by environmental factors. These environmental factors include parental modeling, which, as in all aspects of child development, is essential.
Also important is immersion in a musically rich, non-performance oriented environment, in which children feel free to play and experiment. Because children teach themselves through play and experimentation, parents and other caregivers do not have to have good music skills themselves in order to model them for their children. All they need to do is to engage in enthusiastic musical play with their children; the children will take it from there.
Parents should be patient with and nonjudgmental about their children's musical experimentation, as musical development occurs in stages, over time. For example, parents need to know that children "babble" musically, much in the way they "babble" linguistically, in the process of acquiring the musical skills they need. Singing in tune is a complex acquired skill that requires the ability to audiate—that is, to "hear" music in one's head—before being able to replicate the sounds vocally.
Making music is as basic a life skill as walking and talking, as music is one of the multiple intelligences through which children know the world and are able to express themselves in it. Although music learning is a human birthright and is desirable for its own sake, research has shown that music learning supports all aspects of children's cognitive, linguistic, physical, and social emotional development.
According to Jackie, "You don't have to take a music class to support your child's musical development." But as our culture grows increasingly focused on the consumption of music instead of the production of it, more and more parents are confessing that they're insecure about their ability to foster their children's musicality.
That's why Jackie and Over the Moon Music and More are offering the Music Together Program. They are "passionate about bringing children and their caregivers closer through shared music making and helping people discover the joy and educational value of early music experiences."
The Music Together Program is held on 78 Garth Road in Scarsdale. Classes are available for children from birth through kindergarten age with an adult caregiver adult caregiver and for 5- through 7-yearolds with or without an accompanying adult. For more information, contact Jackie Freimor via phone at (914)-722-2025 or via email at jackie@overthemoonmusicandmore.com.
