Retiring in June, Director of Counseling Oren Iosepovici Reflects on 19 Years at an Exceptional School
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Director of Counseling Oren Iosepovici will retire in June, after 19 years in ScarsdaleAfter nineteen years on the job in the Scarsdale High School Guidance Department, Scarsdale’s Director of Counseling, Oren Iosepevici, has announced his retirement at the end of the school year. Always cheerful, supportive, and optimistic, he has been instrumental in shaping the mood of the school and encouraging students to fully engage in all that Scarsdale High School has to offer. He has helped make SHS a destination in its own right—not simply a stepping stone to college admission.
Now that we’ve finally learned how to spell his name, he’s leaving us! Here are some wise words from someone who has influenced generations of students and parents who were fortunate enough to know him.
We wish him all the best in his next chapter.
Here are some parting thoughts:
How many years have you worked in Scarsdale and how have your responsibilities changed over the years?
I’ve spent the past nineteen years at Scarsdale. I was the Dean for both high school students and the Alternative School for my first nine years here, and have served as Director of Counseling for the past ten. Prior to Scarsdale, I worked for twelve years in the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District on Long Island.
My responsibilities at Scarsdale evolved as my position changed, but ultimately the one constant has been the wonderful students and families I have worked with. We are so fortunate to work with students who are bright, thoughtful, creative, and so engaged in everything they do. The parent population is incredibly supportive, and I could not be more positive about my experiences here. The past nineteen years have been wonderful, and I have been so fortunate to have spent so many meaningful years here.
During your tenure, what’s the same and what’s changed about student guidance – and college admissions?
From my first day at SHS, it was clear that the pressure to get into a “good” college was on top of most students’ minds. For the counselors here, however, focusing on the student’s overall high school journey has always been the overarching theme of our work. This has certainly become more complicated for the same reasons that the world overall feels more challenging - social media, the pressure to succeed, uncertainty about the future, etc…That translates in one way or another to students here, but our focus was always on developing relationships with students, recognizing their attributes and talents would allow them to be successful regardless of their ultimate destination.
In terms of college admissions, I’d say the biggest difference from when I first arrived is the greater uncertainty with respect to the college process. Many students feel a need to be perfect and to do more, and we see that in how they approach their work and extracurricular pursuits. Still, we continue to remind our students that they are teenagers, and that mistakes are okay. As long as they continue to focus on developing their skills - seeking out support, become a more confident self-advocate - and just as significantly take care of their mental and physical well being, they will absolutely flourish and find their path.
What were some of the most memorable moments of your time at SHS?
There are too many to articulate in a short response, but like many in our profession I value those times when former students reach out to connect. It means that we were a meaningful part of their high school experience, and there is nothing more memorable than that for an educator. I was invited to a former student’s wedding last year, and aside from celebrating all that is good in life, it was such a highlight and a reminder of what this work is all about.
How is the current political environment impacting work in your office?
We do our best to remain grounded in our work, and though some of that may be impacted by larger forces beyond our control, the reality is that the vast majority of teenagers are focused on what is in front of them, and the challenges they may face that day. In a community where academic pressure and outcomes often rule the day, we find that our students (and the professionals who work with them) focus on supporting them within that context.
We often hear that getting into college is getting more and more difficult? Is that true in Scarsdale?
Yes and no. I often say that when I first arrived at SHS nineteen years ago, admission may not have been guaranteed at those schools students perceive as the most selective, but there were simply not as many of those institutions (with under a 10 or 20% admit rate). There are considerably more schools that fall within that category now, and for reasons that are too complex to express here, it is true that admission to many of those institutions has become more challenging. At the same time, our students continue to do remarkably well in this process. We see this at the end of every year, and also in conversations we have with colleagues across the region and country in terms of how our students perform as compared to peers elsewhere. Ultimately, the vast majority of students who choose to continue on to college do so at a place they are happy and excited to attend. I’d argue that is the true sign of success.
For a host of reasons, some are suggesting that there are other routes to success instead of a 4 year college degree. Your thoughts?
We have never defined success as a particular destination or path. While the majority of students at SHS do choose to continue their education at a four year university, there are others who choose a different path, and we celebrate that as well. There is no doubt there are conversations in our community and the broader world about the definition of success and whether a four year degree is “worth” it, especially in light of the AI revolution. We’d argue that any path that allows an individual to maximize their potential, broaden their horizons, gain valuable skills, and achieve their goals is the definition of success.
Why have you decided to retire now – and what will be doing when you leave us?
As many individuals in my life know, I have been commuting from my home on Long Island for the past nineteen years. I absolutely love SHS and this community, but the often two hour drive home finally had me considering a different path. So…I felt this was the right time to have more time to focus on other aspects of my life, and perhaps spend a bit less of that time commuting. It was a difficult decision for sure, and one that I’ve spent significant time thinking about. The poor people in my life that have had to listen to me - my family and colleagues - have certainly heard it all, and I’ve appreciated their wisdom and willingness to provide me with the space to make a decision that was right for me and my family. While I did not make a decision to retire with any future plans set, I had a desire to continue this work in some capacity. To that end, over the past few weeks I have been fortunate to be offered an opportunity to work at an independent school much closer to home.
Parting words?
Having worked in different types of schools throughout my career, I’d say that SHS is an exceptional place. The students are absolutely incredible, and as educators we cannot ask for more support from our parent community. From the bottom of my heart, I want to express my gratitude to my students and parents for allowing me to partner with them, and to have been a small part of their high school experience.
I also want to take some time to highlight how fortunate I was to be surrounded by the brightest, most motivated, caring, and unbelievably dedicated staff anyone could ever hope for. I recognize that there are many out there who focus on the academic opportunities here, but I’d argue the work for the professionals at SHS extends far beyond that. The staff at SHS cares about its students, much more than the grades they receive or the postsecondary opportunities they pursue. We care about them as human beings first and foremost. I’ve been amazed by the time and energy our faculty and staff dedicate to students, recognizing that at their core they are teenagers simply trying to navigate all these years. Our administration is incredibly thoughtful, and my time here would not have been the same without their friendship and support. The faculty is top notch, and I wish that our community would see the effort they put in behind the scenes. And of course, my colleagues in the Counseling Department and Psychology and Social Work Department, as well as the wonderful assistants we work with are absolutely the best at what they do, and it is difficult for me to imagine not seeing all of them on a daily basis. Retirement is certainly a time for reflection, and most importantly an opportunity to express my appreciation for the wonderful individuals that have supported me during my time here. I couldn’t have asked for anything more.
WCDC LEGO Robotics Teams Sweep Hudson Valley Championship; Announces Summer 2026 “AI Revolution” Camp to Empower the Next Generation of Synthesizers
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(This is sponsored content from The Westchester Child Development Center)
The Westchester Child Development Center (WCDC) is celebrating a historic milestone in competitive STEM excellence. At the recent New York State FIRST® LEGO® League (FLL) Championship, all three WCDC teams—History Guardian, Tidal Engineer, and Firefox—delivered a clean sweep, securing top honors and advancing to the next level of global competition.
The History Guardian team claimed First Place overall, earning the prestigious New York State Championship title. They are joined by the Tidal Engineer team, who secured Third Place and the Best Innovation Award, and Firefox, who finished in the top six. This achievement underscores WCDC's dominance in robotics engineering, coding, and interdisciplinary problem-solving.
WCDC is offering FREE demo class on 9AM/ 10:30AM/ 1PM on Saturday, book now: https://bit.ly/newlegochallenge
WCDC is also offering LEGO Theme Birthday Party. Email for more details.
Bridging the Championship Win to Summer Learning
Building on this momentum, WCDC is officially launching its 2026 Summer Challenge Camp (July 6th – August 29th). Designed for grades K–8, the camp serves as a premier training ground where students transition from being "users" of technology to "synthesizers" of original solutions.
"Our championship win isn't just about robots; it's about a mindset," said the Director of WCDC. "In an era where AI can generate code and images, we are teaching children the one thing AI cannot replicate: Interdisciplinary Fluency. Our Summer Camp is the ultimate Project-Based Learning (PBL) lab where kids connect the dots between engineering, ethics, and narrative storytelling."
A Summer of Project-Based Learning (PBL) and AI Integration
The 2026 curriculum moves beyond rote learning to address the "AI Revolution," focusing on the 4 Cs: Critical Thinking, Creativity, Collaboration, and Communication. Highlights of the PBL practice via LEGO and Creative Tech include:
LEGO Robotics & Urban Planning: Students don't just build; they design "Smart City" solutions, blending engineering with social studies to create empathetic technology for diverse populations.
Python Coding & Digital Narrative: Using code as a "digital paintbrush," campers create interactive games that require both logical programming and creative storyboarding.
3D Printing & AI Exploration: Students move from digital machine-learning concepts to physical 3D-printed prototypes, learning how machines "think" through pattern recognition.
NYC Exploration: Every Friday, learning goes mobile with field trips to landmarks like the Intrepid or The Met, where students research history to inspire modern innovation.
Registration & "Early Bird" Opportunities
WCDC invites families to join this championship environment. Early registration offers significant savings:
Early Bird Rate: $850/week (available until April 30th).
Multi-Week Savings: Up to 12% off for consecutive registrations.
Tangible Outcomes: Every week concludes with a "Showcase Gala," and families receive a professional WCDC Showcase Portfolio at the end of the season.
"We are shaping the 'AI-Ready' mindset," added the Director. "Our goal is for every child to discover that their greatest superpower is the ability to think across disciplines to solve real-world challenges."
For program details, visit https://bit.ly/2026WCDCsummercamp
For registration: https://bit.ly/2026summercampsignup
For more information about WCDC: www.nywcdc.com or contact (914) 829-2694 or [email protected]
Summer Dreaming: Summer Camps and Activities for the 2026 Season
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Has all this winter weather got you dreaming about summer? Though we’re buried under more than a foot of ice and snow, it will all melt in a few months, just in time for the kids to attend summer camp. Where are you sending your children? Programs are filling up quickly and now’s the time to make a summer plan that’s just right for your family.
We reached out to some local camps and programs to find out what they are planning, and here is what’s in store. Contact them soon and tell them you read about them on Scarsdale10583.com.
Central Park Dance
For more than 40 years, Central Park Dance has offered professional training in a supportive, community-centered environment for dancers of all ages and levels. From June 29 through August 28, the studio’s summer programs include creative performing arts camps for ages 3–6 that combine dance, music, and storytelling to explore different themes and characters. Dancers ages 7–18 select a focused track of intensive study in either ballet or musical theater, including voice, and share their work in performances for friends and family. The summer season also features focused workshops, events, top guest teachers and a full schedule of classes for children and adults, with more than 100 classes offered each week.
Central Park Dance, 165-171 South Central Avenue, Hartsdale, 914.723.2949. Learn more and register at centralparkdance.com.
Clay Summer Day Camp 2026 at Clay Art Center
Calling all young creators! Let your child discover the joy of clay at Clay Art Center’s award-winning Clay Summer Day Camp. Weekly themed camps for ages 7-15 include activities like handbuilding, sculpture, and wheel throwing pottery. Our expert instructors guide campers through creative, hands-on projects, building confidence and fostering artistic expression in a fun, supportive environment. From mythical creatures to handmade dishes, kids will create lasting memories with their own hands. Camps run July 13–August 28. Early Bird Discount before 2/11! Register today at clayartcenter.org, Follow us on Instagram! @clayartcenter
Clay Art Center, 40 Beech Street, Port Chester, NY 10573, www.clayartcenter.org (914) 937-2047 x 6
Hoff Barthelson
Discover a summer of creativity, connection, and growth at Hoff-Barthelson Music School’s Summer Arts Program, a dynamic and enriching experience for students entering grades 1–9. Designed for young musicians and artists of all backgrounds and experience levels, this engaging program brings together outstanding music instruction, inspiring ensembles, musicianship, and visual arts in a warm, supportive environment where students are encouraged to learn, explore, and thrive. The program is offered in two two-week sessions—July 6–17 and July 20–31, 2026—and families may choose to attend one or both sessions.
Photo by Steven SchnurLed by experienced and supportive teaching artists, students strengthen their musical skills while exploring new instruments, styles, and creative interests. Through ensemble playing, musicianship, and visual arts, children learn to collaborate, stay engaged, and take pride in their progress—building skills and habits that support both artistic and personal growth.
With flexible morning, afternoon, and full-day options, as well as early drop-off and late pick-up, the Summer Arts Program is designed to meet the needs of busy families while offering students a meaningful and memorable summer. It’s a place where learning feels exciting, creativity is celebrated, and friendships take root—making summer at Hoff-Barthelson both inspiring and fun.
Hoff-Barthelson Music School, 25 School Lane, Scarsdale NY 10583, 914-723-1169, [email protected]. Learn more and register here.
Play Group Theater
The Play Group Theatre in White Plains is preparing kids for every stage of life while giving them the tools they need to succeed on stage today. PGT offers a fun-filled, non-competitive performing arts program that provides actor training at the highest level while fostering friendships and building skills that last a lifetime. Camp program options include 1, 2, or 4-week long programs in: Acting, Musical Theatre, Sketch Comedy, Playwriting, Improv, On Camera, Design/Tech, Shakespeare, Stage Combat, and more. To sign up for spring programs and summer camps, please visit playgroup.org.
Play Group Theatre, One North Broadway, White Plains, 914-946-4433, [email protected].
Rye Arts Center
The Rye Arts Center invites all ages to register for a variety of enriching arts programs this summer! Teaching artists and expert instructors will guide participants through a multitude of courses and disciplines such as painting, ceramics, sculpture, musical theater, music lessons, and STEAM programming. With flexible week-to-week availability and morning and afternoon options, there's a perfect fit for every schedule! Join The Rye Arts Center for a summer where creativity takes center stage, and all are welcome to learn and create in a supporting, welcoming environment. Financial aid is available, please inquire! (Photo at top)
The Rye Arts Center, 51 Milton Road. Rye, NY 10580, www.ryeartscenter.org, +1 (914) - 967- 0700, [email protected]
Steffi Nossen School of Dance
The Steffi Nossen School of Dance is excited to offer NEW flexible programming for all ages this summer!
Celebrating our 89th dance year in Westchester, Steffi Nossen has expanded its summer dance choices so you can design your own dance experience! Choose from a flexible lineup of dynamic camps, intensives, and NEW Drop-In classes designed to inspire dancers of all ages, levels, and schedules. Weeklong Camps and Intensives include Musical Theater Camp, Dance Camp, Dancing Through the Movies Camp (dance, sing and choreograph inspired by a favorite film each day), or our unique Adaptive Adult Musical Theater Workshop, Join Drop-In classes Creative Movement, Ballet, Jazz, and Ballet/Tap. Pre-Schoolers, in our Storybook Dance Camps, are inspired by a new book each week in dance and craft activities. Steffi Nossen programs combine high-quality technical training with creativity, musicality, and artistic exploration, taught by a nurturing faculty, all within a supportive and welcoming environment.
Steffi Nossen School of Dance, 216 Central Avenue, White Plains, NY 10583, www.steffinossen.org, [email protected], 914-328-1900
Bergen Debate Camp in White Plains
Confidence and clear communication develop fastest when learning is active, social, and fun. Bergen Debate offers engaging summer programs designed to help students build confidence, sharpen thinking skills, and learn how to express ideas clearly in a supportive, high-energy environment. Our summer camps welcome both beginners and experienced students, with offerings in Speech & Debate, Model United Nations, and Young Entrepreneurship, where students learn through interactive discussions, collaboration, and hands-on challenges. Whether students are finding their voice for the first time or ready to deepen their skills, Bergen Debate combines meaningful academic content with activities students genuinely enjoy.
Camp Info:
Ages: Grades 5–12
Camp Dates:
-Model UN & Young Entrepreneurship: July 27 – August 7
-Intro to Speech & Debate, PF Labs: August 10 – August 21
Camp Hours: 9:30 am – 3:15 pm
Location: White Plains, NY (address to be announced)
Explore our programs or register for Summer 2026 now!
Summer Stars at Scarsdale Synagogue
Summer Stars at Scarsdale Synagogue is a seven-week camp experience offered to children ages 18 months to 6 year-olds. Our campers are engaged in activities such as sports, music, art, daily water play and much, much more. We also have a special day each week focusing on a theme such as Circus Day, Hawaiian Day or Carnival Day. We strive to foster friendships in a warm, nurturing environment and encourage children to grow socially, emotionally and intellectually as they engage in fun, stimulating summer activities. We offer a three-day option for Toddlers ages 18 to 30 months and our two year-olds may choose 3 or 5 mornings a week. Our three year-olds to six year olds may choose a half-day 9:00-12:00 option or a full-day 9:00-2:00 option which includes a served lunch. Contact Jody Glassman at [email protected] or 914-723-3001, or click here.
Camp Ramaquois
Camp Ramaquois is not like every other camp. Our day camp for boys and girls ages 3 to 15 in Pomona, NY (only 30 minutes from the George Washington Bridge and 15 minutes from the Mario Cuomo Bridge) provides a truly authentic camp experience. Our magnificent 44 acres, 5-acre lake, 9 heated swimming pools, and exceptional facilities and programs allow us to provide children with a dynamic and memorable summer filled with love, warmth, and being part of a special community. Our campers are encouraged to take healthy risks, learn new skills, develop relationships with their peers and counselors, develop independence and assume responsibility.
Camp Ramaquois, 30 Mountain Road. Pomona, NY 10970, 845-354-1600.
Future Stars
Future Stars Summer Camps are the perfect blend of specialized sports training and FUN from 9am-4pm for campers aged 5-16!! Conveniently located at the beautiful SUNY Purchase College, there are outstanding facilities available to maximize the experience for each camper including 3 turf fields, 3 air-conditioned gymnasiums, 16 outdoor tennis courts, 3 outdoor basketball courts, swimming pool and diving well and more. Choose from individual camp offerings in soccer, baseball, basketball, tennis, diving, lacrosse, volleyball, multisport, softball, art, adventure, circus and many more - there is something for everyone this summer.
Contact: [email protected] or call (914) 273-8500 for more information.
Website: www.fscamps.com.
Sportime
Serious Tennis, Serious Fitness, Serious Fun! The John McEnroe Tennis Academy (JMTA) team is already gearing up for Summer Training Camp 2026! At JMTA we train 52 weeks a year, and our Summer Training is specifically designed for players ages 5-18 looking to continue their indoor-season tennis training through the summer, and those who want to spend their summers focused on learning and playing tennis. Participate in drills, instruction, matchplay, athletic training and more in age and level appropriate groups. Players train at JMTA Westchester’s home, SPORTIME Lake Isle, outdoors on our meticulously maintained har-tru courts and on the hard courts at Leewood Park.
JMTA Green and Yellow Ball (ages 9+) Camp Hours:
Yellow Ball 14+ years old/ High School: 9am-1pm at Leewood Park
Yellow Ball U14: 10am-5pm
Green Ball 10am-5pm
Extended Day Available
JMTA MAC Red and Orange Ball (ages 5-9) Camp Hours:
Half Day AM: 9am-12:30pm
Half Day PM: 12:30pm-4pm
Full Day: 9am-4pm
Extended Day Available
If you have any questions or need assistance with registration, please don’t hesitate to contact us by calling or texting (914) 517-3190, or by emailing [email protected]. Visit us here. We are here to help!
Squire Advantage and Sports Camps
Squire Advantage and Squire Sports Camps at Maria Regina High School in Hartsdale is celebrating 53 years and is the proud recipient of the first ever Westchester County Inspector Choice Award! Squire Advantage Primary (grades K-3) and Advantage Choice (grades 4-9) is created for campers who wish to custom design their own schedule by choosing activities like swimming, sports, fine arts, science, cooking, martial arts, archery and more. There are more than 60 different activities to choose from! Squire Camps programs run from June 29 to August 14, 2026. Courses are taught by certified schoolteachers, and hot lunch and early drop off is included. Extended day and transportation available.
Attend our open house with bounce houses, food and carnival games on February 8 from 11am to 2pm. Register here: https://www.squirecamps.com/
Contact Matt Davanzo, Director, Squire Camps, Maria Regina High School, Hartsdale, NY, (914) 328-3798.
SHS Students Stage Anti-Ice Demonstration
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“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
On the heels of Martin Luther King Jr Day, a day that honors one of the Civil Rights Movement’s most influential figures, students from Scarsdale High School banded together and staged a walk-out to raise their voices in protest of ICE.
SHS students braved freezing temperatures to join thousands of others around the nation who walked out of schools and businesses on Tuesday January 20th, to take part in a “Free-America” anti-ICE march.
Addressing the robust crowd of students, the organizer of the walk-out (a current senior at SHS) reminded those gathered that, “Scarsdale High School graduate Soo Go was kidnapped by ICE outside of her routine immigration hearing -- only to be released from detention after five days of protest and national media coverage.”
The student went on to explain, “Miss Go, whose visa was valid through this past December, was seized and detained nonetheless -- and it was in this detainment where she was transferred from Manhattan to Louisiana’s Richwood Correctional Center.
And while she was returned to Scarsdale in less than a week, it’s undeniable that Miss Go and her family had far 
more resources than the vast majority of the other sixty eight thousand people who were detained by ICE in 2025 -- many, like Go, who are legal immigrants or even refugees or American citizens.”
Describing the process that many detainees experience, the student added, “Also just like Go, many of these detainees are transferred to detention centers across the country, making achieving justice as difficult as possible for those wrongly arrested.
Privately operated detention centers like Richwood, run nation-wide on our tax dollars, lining the 
pockets of the CEOs of companies like LaSalle Corrections or CoreCivic while their detainees are kept in poor conditions without access to outside communication, lawyers, or even enough food.”
Bringing their impassioned speech to a close, the student called on their peers to stand in solidarity with those who are affected by this cruelty and to contact their elected officials to advocate for the abolishment of ICE and for agents to be replaced by more people working in customs to get visas approved and to improve the system overall.
After stepping down from their make-shift podium, the organizer led the group of protestors on a peaceful march through the school grounds, down to the library and back to the Brewster Road entrance. While chants of “No More Ice” filled the air, another SHS senior explained that they thought it was important to take part in the walk-out to show that the students in Scarsdale are “united against what we see as injustice.”
Another student added “What we see happening in this country is horrendous and in many cases, actually illegal and it is important that we raise awareness about it all.”
Yet another student joined the march because they themselves are a descendent of immigrants. And while the student and their family are U.S. citizens, they fear that they or people like them, could be unfairly taken from their homes.
After marching peacefully through the school grounds, the students ended their protest on bended knee singing the “Star Spangled Banner," demonstrating that patriotism has many faces.
Young Artists Invited to Submit Work for the Scarsdale Youth Art Show
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The Scarsdale Youth Art Show (SYAS) is back for another exciting year, celebrating the creativity and talent of young artists in our community. Organized in collaboration with the Scarsdale Public Library, this year’s SYAS will feature an opening ceremony and public exhibition held in the Scott Room at the Scarsdale Library this month.
SYAS invites all young artists in the Scarsdale community to participate by displaying, sharing, and optionally selling their artwork as part of this annual exhibition. Artists are welcome to submit past or recent works in any medium they would like to share. Please note that all participating artists are responsible for providing their own frames (if they would like their artwork to be framed) for exhibition.
The opening ceremony will take place on Sunday, January 18, from 2:00–4:00 PM at the Scarsdale Public Library. This event offers artists a chance to speak about their artwork, inspiration, and to share their creative process with the community. Artists who prefer not to speak may instead submit a quick written artist statement to be printed and displayed alongside their work.
Artwork submissions should be dropped off at Dr. Eisenstadt’s office (Room 278) at Scarsdale High School any time between now and January 15th (as artworks will be installed at the library by that date, in preparation for the exhibition). All pieces should be clearly labeled with the artist’s name and selling price, (if applicable).
The Scarsdale Youth Art Show is a wonderful opportunity to showcase youth creativity and connect with the wider community. Artists, families, and all Scarsdale community members are encouraged to spread the word and attend the opening ceremony on January 18th!
Submit your artwork here:
For questions or additional information, please contact:
[email protected] [email protected]
+1 (914) 415-1168
