Community Read: No Visible Bruises
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The Scarsdale Public Library and the Scarsdale Edgemont Family Counseling Service's Safe Coalition encourage you to participate in a community book read about the origins and course of gender violence in our society. We invite you to join us for a virtual evening of conversation with Rachel Louise Snyder, author of No Visible Bruises on Tuesday April 18 at 7 pm.
A compelling work of investigative journalism, No Visible Bruises, reveals that one of America’s most urgent social problems takes place behind closed doors, and that the most dangerous place for a woman, statistically, is her own home. Whether we call it domestic violence, private violence, or intimate terrorism, it has a far more pervasive impact on our society than many realize. Between 2000 and 2006, about 3,200 Americans were killed in combat. In that time, more than three times as many women were killed by their partners.
Intimate partner violence is not a private problem. Everyone has a stake in violence prevention.
View the program at home via Zoom. Registrants will be emailed the invitation link approximately one hour before the program starts. Please register here:
Copies of the book are available to borrow from the Scarsdale Public Library, and the book is available to purchase with a 10% discount at the Bronx River Bookstore in Scarsdale Village.
This program is sponsored by The Scarsdale Public Library, the Friends of the Scarsdale Library, Scarsdale Edgemont Family Counseling Service, and Hitchcock Presbyterian Church.
Parent to Parent: Carving Out Family Time
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They say it takes a village to raise a child and we can all use some neighborly or expert advice from time to time. If you find yourself in a parenting pickle and are looking for some friendly suggestions, please submit your questions here. You can submit your queries anonymously and our panel of parents (with backgrounds in education and psychology) will try our best to offer a helpful perspective. No question is too big or too small and if we can’t help, we will find someone who can!
Question:
When the kids' activities and adult work schedules aren't conducive to family dinner, what would be a suitable alternative that would achieve similar outcomes?
Answer:
It sure does seem that we are all a bit busier than folks used to be. And although most of our busyness is the result of necessary or enriching activities…it still doesn’t allow for a traditional family dinner with all members gathered around a table every night. Rest assured, there are still plenty of ways to create space to connect as a family.
-First, try finding a time at least one day a week when the entire family can try to commit to a meal together. Sure you still might have someone missing from the table but when the time is carved out and put on the weekly calendar (just like other activities), it encourages everyone to make an effort to be there. And considering everyone’s schedules, that meal might not be a dinner at 6pm…instead, it might be a weekly brunch or lunch.
-In my house, everyone seems to be running around in the morning, rushing to get ready to leave for school or work. But with some families, a “family breakfast” might be the optimal way to connect on a regular basis. It is also a lovely way to start your day on a positive note.
-Have a nightly “family” dinner with whoever can make it that evening. Establish a dinner routine where the children help with creating and cooking healthy menus. Sit at a dining table to eat your meals with any family member who is available to join (and don’t forget to keep your phones and devices off and away so everyone can be present for the precious time together).
-Perhaps try having “dessert time” together even if it is just some cut up fruit or a cup of herbal tea.
-Find other ways to connect in a routine way…maybe try a Sunday hike, game or puzzle night, or walking the dogs together. Try asking your kiddos what they’d like to do and get creative!
And even if we struggle to bring everyone together at the same time, our children will recognize our efforts and it will hopefully convey the importance we place on this time together. Readers, do you have other suggestions? Please leave them in the comments!
Parenting in the age of ever-changing technology is no easy feat, but rest assured you are not alone! Continue to express your thoughts and concerns with other parents and hopefully we can create a community that approaches social media use in a thoughtful and mindful way.
Do you have parenting questions? Submit them here!
Wendy MacMillan is a former teacher and a proud mom of two children. While her background is in psychology and education, Wendy was recently trained in mindfulness at Mindfulschools.org. She has long been passionate about wellness, and as an active member of the Scarsdale PTA, Wendy helped to bring mindfulness to her children's elementary school.
Parent to Parent: Is My Child Ready for Kindergarten?
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They say it takes a village to raise a child and we can all use some neighborly or expert advice from time to time. If you find yourself in a parenting pickle and are looking for some friendly suggestions, please submit your questions here. You can submit your queries anonymously and our panel of parents (with backgrounds in education and psychology) will try our best to offer a helpful perspective. No question is too big or too small and if we can’t help, we will find someone who can!
Question:
My oldest child is currently enrolled in a pre-k class and is slated to start kindergarten next year. I’m worried because he has an October birthday and he sometimes seems much younger than the other kids in his class. We are debating whether to send him to kindergarten or let him enjoy another “cushion” year of preschool. Any advice? -Pondering Preschool
Answer:
Dear Pondering,
The decision to give your child an extra year of preschool (or Red Shirt them as some might say), is a difficult one to make! Unfortunately it is also a decision that is highly personal and dependent on each individual child and their circumstances. Since the Scarsdale School District has a December 31st cut-off date for entry into kindergarten, many parents with children who have fall birthdays might at least question whether or not their child is ready for primary school…for most, the answer is yes! If a child is seemingly thriving in preschool (meeting developmental milestones and doing well socially and emotionally), it is easy to assume the same child would also flourish in kindergarten.
If however, you have any concerns about your child’s physical, cognitive or social/emotional development, then consideration of a cushion year could be warranted. No concern is too small to explore the option, and a cushion year could give your child the boost of confidence they need to start elementary school on strong footing. While there may be some good and bad to both options, most parents who decide to “red shirt” don’t regret their choice. We encourage you to talk to your child’s teachers and reach out to the elementary school for insight and advice.
Do you have parenting questions? Submit them here!
Wendy MacMillan is a former teacher and a proud mom of two children. While her background is in psychology and education, Wendy was recently trained in mindfulness at Mindfulschools.org. She has long been passionate about wellness, and as an active member of the Scarsdale PTA, Wendy helped to bring mindfulness to her children's elementary school.
Parenting: Saying No to Social Media Apps When Friends Are On
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They say it takes a village to raise a child and we can all use some neighborly or expert advice from time to time. If you find yourself in a parenting pickle and are looking for some friendly suggestions, please submit your questions here. You can submit your queries anonymously and our panel of parents (with backgrounds in education and psychology) will try our best to offer a helpful perspective. No question is too big or too small and if we can’t help, we will find someone who can!
Q: How do we say no to social media apps when all the friends are on it? Should we?
A: While we all know that, when used appropriately and constructively, social media platforms can promote a lot of positivity including connection, awareness, and creativity, the pitfalls of these types of apps are also very real and you are right to be concerned. More and more research points to social media use as a leading factor in the declining mental health of our children, adolescents, and young adults. Because of all the latest data, US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy recently proclaimed on CNN Newsroom that 13 is too young of an age to be on social media. What’s more, in January of this year the Seattle Public School District filed a complaint against social media companies for “creating a mental health crisis” claiming that the “mental health crisis impacts the SPS mission to educate students by draining resources from schools”. If that weren’t enough, a recent study published by JAMA Pediatrics, indicates that habitual checking of social media in early adolescence may be changing the development of preteen brains.
So, armed with all of this information, what are parents to do? To some extent, parenting around social media use can be a personal and familial decision. But since we know that it is nearly impossible for young children to regulate themselves, children and teens need guidance and support from adults to learn how to use social media in a healthy, mindful way. Here are just a few suggestions:
-As a parent, educate yourself about social media and all of the effects it can have on mental health and how the brain develops. The following sites might be helpful:
https://www.humanetech.com/
https://caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/behavior-and-development/social_media
-Educate yourself about all the various social media apps and the pros and cons of each platform. Here is a good place to start:
-Share what you learn with your children…explain your concerns in an age appropriate manner and try to create a space for them to ask questions and offer their own perspectives. While sticking to our values as parents is important, just as important is making sure our children feel their thoughts are heard and valued as well.
-If your child is old enough, consider watching The Social Dilemma and discussing what you learn.
-Try to delay social media use as long as possible. Several years ago, a group of concerned parents came together to create the Wait Until 8th Pledge. Dr. Murthy also encourages parents to connect with other parents and present a united front, “If parents can band together and say you know, as a group, we’re not going to allow our kids to use social media until 16 or 17 or 18 or whatever age they choose, that’s a much more effective strategy in making sure your kids don’t get exposed to harm early.”
-When you decide your child is at a maturity level to better navigate the pitfalls of social media, introduce only one app at a time and explore the app together. Set clear guidelines and rules that feel right for you and your family. Consider rules like having the passwords to all of your child’s apps in addition to “following” them on all platforms.
https://childmind.org/article/media-guidelines-for-kids-of-all-ages/
https://pcit.ucdavis.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Teen-Guidelines-logo-1-2.pdf
Parenting in the age of ever-changing technology is no easy feat, but rest assured you are not alone! Continue to express your thoughts and concerns with other parents and hopefully we can create a community that approaches social media use in a thoughtful and mindful way.
Do you have parenting questions? Submit them here!
Wendy MacMillan is a former teacher and a proud mom of two children. While her background is in psychology and education, Wendy was recently trained in mindfulness at Mindfulschools.org. She has long been passionate about wellness, and as an active member of the Scarsdale PTA, Wendy helped to bring mindfulness to her children's elementary school.
Summer 2023 Camp and Activities Guide for Scarsdale Kids
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We still haven’t had a snow day, but while we wait for winter, summer is quickly approaching. Now’s the time to think about what your children want to do this summer – and where they want to do it. We reached out to local programs for kids of all ages and are proud to showcase many wonderful camps within driving distance of Scarsdale. See below for summer camps for preschoolers, elementary age kids, tweens and teens where they can run, swim, play, dance, play music and explore the arts and sciences. There’s something to make every child a happy camper this summer.
Check out your options:
Beth El Day Camp (pictured above) in New Rochelle is the place to be for children ages 2-8! Our dynamic program is widely recognized as the best-in-class day camp in Westchester. Beth El continues to be the most fun, most trusted choice for young campers and their parents, year after year. The magic happens from Monday, June 26 - Friday, August 18, 2023. We offer before and after camp care 7am-7pm. Campers love our innovative and age-appropriate activities: the sports, especially tennis, swimming twice a day in the pool, towel service, music, art, nature, STEM, yoga, karate, our delicious lunches, and much more! We are also known for our nurturing environment and commitment to safety. We have the best-trained professional staff and a very favorable child to staff ratio. Whether this is your child's first camp experience or not, at Beth El everything begins with love and ends in fun.
Beth El Day Camp, 1324 North Avenue, New Rochelle, NY 10804, (914) 235-2700 ext. 256, JRockowitz@bethelnr.org
JCC Mid-Westchester offers children ages two and older enriching and enjoyable summer 
camp programs: Summer Days at the J and Summer Gymnastics at the J. Experienced counselors and caring staff engage campers with a variety of outdoor and indoor activities that spark curiosity and joy.
Contact Brian Symons at symonsb@jccmw.org. Learn more and register at jccmw.org/camps/
Oasis in Dobbs Ferry is a premier Westchester day camp located on the beautiful Mercy College campus overlooking the Hudson in Dobbs Ferry. Children, ages 3 to 16, are invited to take part in activities centered around sports, the arts, nature, daily instructional and 
recreational swimming in our own pool, and most importantly, social emotional growth. Offering a variety of camp experiences, Oasis in Dobbs Ferry has something for everyone! The traditional summer camp program includes children grades K-6, Teen Travel & Jr. Teen Travel programs, as well as an ESIC (Early Start Imagination Camp) for the newest campers, ages 3-5. Oasis in Dobbs Ferry is a place to experience amazing summers & make lifelong friends!
Squire Advantage and Squire Sports Camps at Maria Regina High School in Hartsdale is celebrating its 50th year and is the proud recipient of the first ever Westchester Country 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, archery and more. There are more than 50 different activities to choose from! Squire Camps programs run from June 
26th until August 11th, 2023. Courses are taught by certified schoolteachers, and hot lunch and Early Drop off is included. Extended day and transportation available.
Matt Davanzo, Director, Squire Camps, Maria Regina High School, Hartsdale, NY, (914) 328-3798
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
BBYO offers exhilarating summer programs for Jewish teens in grades 8–12. We host trips to Israel, Europe, and the Americas, and have members-only experiences for those interested in camp activities. Don’t let your teen miss out on the chance to join their friends on an unforgettable experience in some of our newest destinations like Hawaii, Greece, Ecuador, and the United Arab Emirates. Check out the Summer 2023 vibes at bbyo.org/scarsdalesummer.
BBYO is a proud RootOne Trip Provider; $3,000 vouchers are available for trips to Israel. We also offer the New York Teen Initiative scholarship to families that live in Westchester County (last year’s average award was $1,400). Email bbyosummer@bbyo.org with any questions.
Beth El Arts & Theater Program is a place where individualized attention is offered and talent 
shines for campers ages 8-12. We offer a unique Arts & Theater program with options for 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks. We welcome budding young artists, blossoming actors, acrobats, center stage performers, and everyone in between to paint, dance, craft jewelry, sing, act, improvise, and more. Artist Educators introduce campers to a variety of new experiences, valuing ensemble, and teamwork. Our program allows campers to participate in fine and performing arts with local artist educators, serve as ambassadors at the New Rochelle Farmers Market, experience culinary arts with guest chefs, and take exciting trips including a Broadway show! We also offer daily free swim, towel service, and delicious lunches.
Beth El Arts & Theater Camp, 1324 North Avenue, New Rochelle, NY 10804, (914) 235-2700 ext. 256, JRockowitz@bethelnr.org
Hoff-Barthelson Music School is the ideal setting for a stimulating, challenging, and fun-filled summer of creative exploration. Our Summer Arts Program offers rich, individually tailored experiences in music, movement, visual art, and drama. Participants benefit from expert instruction; a nurturing environment; learning and practicing with peers; exploring new instruments, styles, and 
art forms; growing in their understanding of the language of music (music theory); honing performance skills; and forming lasting friendships.
New for 2023: Two Customizable 3-Week Sessions!
SESSION 1: June 26–July 14
SESSION 2: July 17–August 4
Morning, Afternoon and Full Day Options
Early Drop Off and Late Pick Up Available
The Summer Arts Program is geared to students entering 1st-9th grade. Selected late afternoon offerings are available in the 1st Session for students entering 10th-12th grades. Class and ensemble content varies from Session 1 to Session 2 providing students who attend both sessions with unique and complementary learning experiences.
Classes, workshops, and performance opportunities include: Group Instruction in strings, winds, brass, guitar, piano, and percussion; Chorus; Drama; Music and Movement; Visual Arts; Orchestra; Jazz Band; Wind Ensemble; Music Technology; Piano as a Second Instrument; World Drumming; Chimes; Simple Symphony; Composers Corner; Introduction to Chamber Music; Music History Through the Ages; Reading, Writing, Listening: Building Music Literacy; Chamber Music; Crossroads Ensemble; Sing! Vocal Ensemble; and a Performance Forum. Our exceptional faculty—made up of top performers and music educators—provide personalized attention to each student.
Space is limited; enrollment is on a first come, first served basis. Early-bird registration discounts available through March 31. Partial need-based financial aid available. Hoff-Barthelson Music School, 25 School Lane, Scarsdale NY 10583, 914-723-1169. summerarts@hbms.org Learn more and register here.
Photo Credit Ellen CraneSteffi Nossen School of Dance: Tiniest dancers to experienced college dancers can participate in a variety of dance experiences. From Story Book Dance to a two-week Companies in Residence Intensive for experienced college and high school dancers, all can enjoy the performing arts in a safe, nurturing and artistically challenging environment. The Summer begins with three Weekly Story Book Camps: a morning of movement, music, and art for preschoolers based on a new story each week (June 26-June 30, August 7 – 11, and August 14 – 18). On June 26 – 29 our second Adult Adaptive Musical Theater workshop will take place. Dance Camp July 10 –14 and July 17-21 (grades 1-5) and Dance Intensive (grade 6 and up) explore Modern, Ballet, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Musical Theater, dance history, and choreography. Musical Theater Camp (Grades 2-4) and Musical Theater Intensive (Grades 5 and up) July 24 – 28 and July 31 - August 5 – 12 train with some of the best professional teachers in the field with daily acting, voice, and dance classes to enhance vocal and acting skills while honing dance technique. Beginner – advanced performers learn music and choreography from a different Broadway musical to perform at week’s end.
Steffi Nossen School of Dance, 216 Central Avenue, White Plains, NY 10606, www.steffinossen.org, info@steffinossen.org, 914-328-1900
Summer Stars at Scarsdale Synagogue is the perfect summer experience for young children. This warm and nurturing seven-week summer program is for children 18 months to 5 years old. The children are engaged in activities such as sports, music, art, story time, daily water play and much, much more. There are special theme days each week such as Circus Day, Hawaiian Day or Carnival Day. At Summer Stars, friendships are formed and children grow socially, emotionally and intellectually as they engage in fun, stimulating summer activities. There is a three-day option for toddlers ages 18 to 30 months. Two year-olds may choose a three-day option or attend five mornings a week. Three to 5 year-olds may choose a half-day, 9am -12 noon option or a full day option from 9am - 2pm. Your child will sparkle and shine at Summer Stars! Contact Jody Glassman, Early Childhood Director at mazeltots@sstte.org or call 914-723-3001. Scarsdale Synagogue Temples Tremont and Emanu-El is a reform Jewish congregation located at 2 Ogden Road, Scarsdale. Summer Stars at Scarsdale Synagogue, 2 Ogden Road, Scarsdale, NY, www.sstte.org
Westchester Reform Temple's Summer Play Place Camp offers young children (starting at 15 
months through 3 years) a unique 7-week summer experience. Our professional, certified staff of teachers provide arts and crafts, water-play, stories, games, sports, lots of outdoor activities, theme days and snack within a nurturing and loving environment. Our three-year-old campers stay for lunch. Join us at the Summer Play Place Camp. Your children will learn, laugh and flourish. For more information contact summerplayplace@wrtemple.org.
Summer Play Place Camp, 255 Mamaroneck Road, Scarsdale, NY 10583, 914-723-5493, Email: ellen.rosenberg@wrtemple.org
