Scarsdale Trustees Support Ban on Plastic Bags and Polystyrene Containers
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Free plastic bags any polystyrene containers at retail stores in Westchester County may soon be banned if the Westchester County Board of Legislators passes an ordinance preventing their use. At the Scarsdale Village Board meeting on Tuesday night June 9, the Scarsdale Trustees adopted a resolution to support this ban, sending a message to the county.
Environmentalists have argued for years that plastic bags and containers are non-bio-gradable, clog sewers, pose a danger to marine life and release harmful chemicals into the environment. The Sustainability Committee of the Scarsdale Forum issued a report in November 2014 recommending that the Village support the County's proposed ordinance to ban the use of plastic bags and polystyrene containers at the point of sale, and the Scarsdale Trustees voted unanimously to approve the resolution.
Michelle Sterling, who heads the Forum's Sustainability Committee and has been urging the Trustees to move forward with the resolution said, "I'm glad our Mayor and Board of Trustees have listened to their residents who are in support of doing more to protect the environment. I think that this is an important step for Scarsdale and I'm proud that our town is able to provide an example of environmental leadership for other communities in Westchester County and New York State."
Those who use the plastic bags they get at stores for their own refuse will now have to purchase bags for disposal of items at home.
We asked Sterling her thoughts on this and she said, "Studies of LA County (where the ban is in place) for example have shown that grocery stores tend to embed 2 to 5 cents per plastic bag and 5 to 23 cents per paper bag into food prices. Thus, by eliminating the cost to retailers of providing bags free of charge LA County found its ordinance saved approx. $18-$30 per customer per year. Would you spend more than $18 - $30 a year on plastic bags for kitchen trash? I doubt it. "
Sterling continued, "Furthermore, New Yorkers use 10 billion single use carry out bags per year. The NYC Department of Sanitation collects more than 1,700 tons of single use carryout bags per week which equates to 91,000 tons of plastic and costs the city $12.5 million annually to dispose of. Plastic bags are also a major component of litter - and there are costs associated with litter clean up. People may think that they are not paying for their trash disposal because they don't deal with it or that they are not paying for litter clean up because they don't deal with that either - but we are paying for it! We are paying over $100 a ton in tipping fees for Peekskill/Charles Point incineration and that doesn't include what we are paying for having our trash trucked to Peekskill."
Lemonaid Raises Over $75,000 in Scarsdale
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The Robin Hood Foundation, named for the legendary hero of Sherwood Forest who stole from the rich to give to the poor, seeks to redistribute wealth, but does it the legal way. This past weekend, the foundation ran its annual Lemonaid program, in order to raise funds to aid some of New York's neediest.
The Lemonaid program of Robin Hood began more than ten years ago, with the goal of fighting poverty in New York City. The idea is simple, donations go to food pantries and shelters in order to help the poor and homeless eat or have a place to stay. Robin Hood advertises that $1.20 donation pays for a meal, a donation of $30 pays for a metro card for a week, and one of $100 pays for one family to stay a night in a safe homeless shelter. The Lemonaid program involves children in the charity process, and these children have helped to raise more than $1 million in over ten years. Robin Hood as an organization has raised over $2 billion since its conception in 1988. What's more, since the funding for the Robin Hood programs is separate from donations, coming from a Board of Directors made up of celebrities and Wall Street Executives, 100% of donations go directly to organizations to fight poverty.
Scarsdale residents have participated in Lemonaid for the past 10 years, and each year has been more successful than the last. On Sunday May 31, over 100 families participated in the program and raised more than $75,000 for the poor in the NYC area. Area chair Linda Plattus thanked the entire community for their contributions, saying that this event is "an amazing day where kids learn about Robin Hood's mission and then rally together with their friends to collect money in support of the fight against poverty." Stands were set up all over town; in the village in front of Zachys, Metro Deli and Decicco's, and at the five corners.
Last year, the Scarsdale and Greenwich areas combined to raise over $100,000 to fight poverty in New York City, and this year, Scarsdale raised three-quarters of that on its own.
Robin Hood Executive Director commented, "Lemonaid is one of our favorite events of the year because it's an easy and fun way for children and their families to help others. All of us at Robin Hood appreciate the giving spirit of kids and thank them for their enthusiasm, creativity and concern for others. They inspire us."
Kids and families who want to set up their own Lemonaid stands in the future can download a how-to kit at www.robinhood.org/lemonaid or contact lemonaid@robinhood.org for more information.
SHS Junior Makes a Splash for Pine Ridge Youth
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On April 26, 2015 Scarsdale High School Junior Steven Berke, a member of the Scarsdale Congregational Church Youth Action Committee (YAC) organized and ran a Car Wash to raise money for Lakota Children's Enrichment, a nonprofit organization that amplifies the voices of Native Youth living on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. This was the second year that Steven led the annual YAC fundraiser.
Steven brought together a team of about 20 
car washers of all ages, including YAC members and volunteers from surrounding communities who learned about the event. The YAC team and others rolled up their sleeves, got drenched for the cause and in less than two hours, with two shifts of enthusiastic washers cleaning at three stations, they raised over $800.
Steven has a personal commitment to the Pine Ridge Reservation in SD. He visited Pine Ridge as a freshman in High School on a service trip with YAC. He said, "I saw the daily 
hardships that the people living there had to endure, and it really hit me how much they needed help. As soon as I heard about the opportunity to run the car wash at the Scarsdale Congregational Church to benefit the Lakota, I immediately volunteered. This was my second year doing the car wash... and the atmosphere was absolutely wonderful. It was amazing how hard people worked, and the turnout was great!" Steven said he looks forward to being "more involved" and to an even more successful event next year!
Steven Berke is the incoming President of Scarsdale High School's STEP Club, which in the fall will welcome Summer Montileaux, LCE's Youth Board Vice Chair from the Pine Ridge Reservation. The Berke family currently hosts STEP student Robert Lee, who will enter Vanderbilt University in September.
LCE President Maggie Dunne said "The kids who participate in our programs on Pine Ridge are as talented and hopeful as children anywhere. We help turn their ideas into action, help them find leadership roles, provide community service opportunities and, most importantly, identify avenues of support to help them attain their dreams. The incredible successes of our YAB members coming up in the ranks is a testimony to the exceptional abilities of the rising generation of Native Youth, and to our collaborative approach. It's inspirational to see young people in NY like Steven rally to support our work. Under Steven's leadership in the last two years, dozens of NY teens have taken action, and their contributions of time and energy have helped fill large gaps in essential services that if left unaddressed would create an un-level playing field for their peers in SD. At LCE we say 'Why wait until tomorrow if you can change the world today?' Steven's team isn't waiting for others to step in, they are taking action to become part of the solution right now -- it doesn't get much better than that."
About the Youth Action Committee
The Youth Action Committee (YAC), run under the supervision of Senior Minister Frances Grenley at the Scarsdale Congregational Church, is a group of High School students from across Westchester County who volunteer time towards community service projects. YAC supports a diverse portfolio of projects that include many local hunger and homelessness initiatives. YAC bi-annually devotes Spring Break to a service trip on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota and holds an annual car wash to raise funds for Lakota Children's Enrichment, a nonprofit founded by former YAC member Maggie Dunne.
About Lakota Children's Enrichment
Lakota Children's Enrichment is a for-purpose nonprofit that provides leadership and mentorship opportunities to youth from the Pine Ridge Reservation in SD. LCE works collaboratively with community groups and a Youth Board to create and produce opportunities for community service, arts, literacy, leadership and mentorship. LCE's premiere programs include: an annual Writing and Art Challenge, which has the support of renowned panel of judges; Youth Summits that provide opportunities for expression in the arts, education, mentorship, leadership and always incorporate community service; and a Youth Advisory Board from across the Reservation, who help create new programs. LCE further provides essential support and services to help community members implement programs benefiting Native Youth, and educates people about the obstacles facing America's first peoples today.
Red Cross Safety Town Program to be held in June
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The Metro New York North Chapter of the American Red Cross and the Scarsdale Volunteer Ambulance Corps announced today that Safety Town, a national program that teaches critical safety skills to pre-school children, will be held at the Scarsdale Congregational Church the week of June 22, 2015 with morning and afternoon sessions.
Safety Town is a dynamic interactive week in which children entering kindergarten in the fall of 2015 learn about safety in the home and their community from public safety experts. This year's five-day program will include five key safety themed days:
• The Scarsdale Volunteer Ambulance Corps will bring an ambulance, which the children will tour and learn about the lifesaving equipment. SVAC volunteer emergency medical technicians will give instruction on basic home safety proceedures such as poisonous substance awareness and how to call 911.
• A Scarsdale Police Department officer will teach all aspects of personal safety. Each child will be fitted with a bike helmet to use for activities during the program and take home at the end of the week.
• The Scarsdale Fire Department will bring an engine on site. The children will be able to explore the equipment and learn about fire safety in and out of the home from SFD personnel.
• An animal control officer from the Scarsdale Police Department will discuss safety around pets and other animals.
• A school bus will be on site to teach the children bus safety.
Each day's activity will be reinforced by the instructors with lessons, games and coloring books. Children will take home handouts and will be encouraged to review the material with their families.
Some activities and instruction, such as car and pedestrian safety, will be held on an 1,800 square-foot tarp duplicating a small town complete with streets and wooden buildings. The children, wearing their helmets, will ride around the town in pedal powered cars.
Safety Town will be hosted by The Metro New York North Chapter of the American Red Cross in partnership with the Scarsdale Volunteer Ambulance Corps and will be held at Scarsdale Congregational Church at 1 Heathcote Road, Scarsdale, NY. The $195 per child fee includes five daily two and one-half hour sessions, snacks and educational materials. Parents may register their child for either the morning or afternoon session. Attendance will be limited to 100 children per session.
For more information about Safety Town, please contact:
Mary Jones 203-869-8444, ext. 145; mary.jones2@redcross.org or visit www.redcross.org/ct/greenwich
Kathy Pascale 914-722-2230; safetytown@scarsdalevac.com or visit www.scarsdalevac.com and click on the Safety Town link.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCrossNY.
About Scarsdale Volunteer Ambulance Corps (SVAC)
Scarsdale Volunteer Ambulance Corps ("SVAC"), provides the Scarsdale community with advanced life support 911 ambulance service to patients of all ages experiencing a medical emergency. Advanced life support is the highest level of pre-hospital care available, which SVAC provides 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. SVAC is staffed by a combination of paid paramedics and volunteer emergency medical technicians, and other appropriately trained volunteers.
News from School: Ass't Superintendent Hired, Technology Update, Budget Comments and More
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The district has found a replacement for Linda Purvis. At the May 5 BOE meeting, Assistant Superintendent Joan Weber announced the probationary appointment of Stuart Mattey as Assistant Superintendent for Business effective July 6, 2015. Dr. Weber described an extensive search and exhaustive interview process that included all district stakeholders. Mr. Mattey is an experienced and accomplished business administrator with 21 years of experience in education. He comes to Scarsdale from Briarcliff Manor where he served as Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations for the past 5 years. He has a B.S. from SUNY Cortlandt in Management and Economics as well as Physical Education. He holds an MBA from SUNY Binghamton with a concentration in Finance. He also holds a Certificate of Advanced Study in School Business Administration from SUNY Brockport. She concluded by stating "that we are fortunate to have Mr. Mattey join the Scarsdale Public Schools" and asked him to stand for a warm welcome from the community.
Technology Update:
At the May 5th Board of Education meeting Director of Technology Jerry Crisci and his staff took the group on a virtual tour of how technology is impacting learning in elementary, middle and high schools.
From the presentation, it appears that going to school today is more fun than when I attended decades ago. Chrome books, iPads, and smart boards are all far more interactive than the blackboards that formerly served as the teacher's primary visual aid. And according to Crisci, it's only going to get better. In fact, he say, "the technology that students are using today is the worst technology they will use in their lifetimes."
Thanks to advances in technology, you can watch the hour-long presentation live on your computer. If you want to know how your children are learning and how technology has changed the process, watch this update. You are sure to be impressed.
Here are a few notes from the presentation that I found engaging:
The presentation opened with first graders taking a virtual field trip to Australia. They came to school wearing sunglasses and dressed for the journey. Using Google Maps the teacher took them on an aerial tour, an underwater tour and even inside museums where they could zoom in on exhibits.
Chrome Books are now available to all fourth and fifth graders who use them to do research, work collaboratively and for digital publishing. Using Google Docs, students and teachers can track all versions of an assignment and observe how work is edited and perfected and students learn and grow.
Gone are the days of learning to type on a typewriter. 
Software is provided on computers to help kids learn keyboarding, learn to code and enrich their mathematical skills. The school provides "Typing Club", "Tynker" (to learn to code) and "Manga High" for math enrichment in a game format.
Technology continues to enhance education at the Middle School where it is embedded into all the disciplines.
In sixth grade, each student creates his or her own public service announcement, using iMovie to produce it.
Minecraft is used to create systems and models and students have used it to design a model of civil war battles and to map the parts of a cell.
Software is used in the music department for composing.
Kids are writing and designing publications online and creating multimedia presentations to present their work.
At the high school, the library is the nexus for accessing databases, e-books and periodicals online. Gone are the days of doing research by searching the stacks for hard-to-find volumes. The school is purchasing e-books rather than paper versions to allow many students to access them at the same time. New software helps stdent to write annotations and citations in their papers. Students can bring their own computers to school, and on a typical day 850 students are using their own computers and accessing the district's network.
These are just a few of the ways that technology is enhancing education, and individualizing learning while helping students to collaborate at the same time.
PT Council Supports the Proposed 2015-16 School Budget
This statement on the proposed 2015-16 school budget from the PT Council was read by Claudine Gecel at the BOE meeting.
Since this may be the final budget discussion before Voting Day, on behalf of The Scarsdale PT Council's Executive Committee, representing Scarsdale's PTA Presidents, I would like to make a few closing remarks concerning this year's budgeting season:
1.) Teachers' Professional Development is important to the district, and this budget shows improvement here compared to the past several years.
2.) The addition of Professionals such as the English Language Arts Helping Teacher, the Reading Specialists and the Middle School Special Ed Teacher should help move the district towards uniformity and consistency across all schools.
3.) The shoring up of the district's specific financial reserves should reduce the need for carrying an outsized undesignated fund balance - and should demonstrate to both Moody's and S&P that the Scarsdale School's Budgeting Process now warrants a Positive Outlook.
4.) Though there will always be issues to resolve, and while we've begun discussing many of them during this budgeting season, we're all benefitting from the range of opinions which surface during these discussions - and we'll pick up where we left off when we return in September.
Finally, I'd like to echo PT Council President, Pam Feuhrer's comments: As parents, we are fully committed to supporting our children. Parents in Scarsdale regularly bend over backwards to volunteer their time and energy to ensure the best academic, social, athletic and overall experiences for our children, and neighbors' children.
A logical extension of that love and dedication is to support the District Budget, and Vote!! This opportunity happens only once a year. Parents should exercise their responsibility to vote in the same way they attend meetings, volunteer in classrooms and support the PTA's. We get our children to practice, we ensure they're doing their homework and we must vote on the district budget! Please take your friends with you to the Middle School, stop by before or after work – and continue to support your kids in spectacular Scarsdale fashion.
Honor a Graduate, Teacher, Dean or Retiree: As the end of the year approaches, please consider honoring a graduate, teacher, dean or retiree by making a contribution in their name to the SHS PTA Scholarship Fund for College. Each year, this fund grants freshman-year tuition aid to SHS students in need. This is a gift that celebrates education and helping others – what better way to show your appreciation or pay tribute to someone's accomplishments. To order announcement cards or simply make a donation, click here. Donations to the Scholarship Fund are fully tax-deductible. All orders must be received by Friday, June 12th. You will receive an email when your order is available for pick-up. Please contact Monica Rieckhoff at monica.rieckhoff@gmail.com with questions.
