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Written by: Brian Shabto

Published: 15 May 2013

Created: 15 May 2013

Last Updated: 15 May 2013

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For the past two weeks, seniors at Scarsdale High School (including myself) have gotten a taste of what many of our parents do every day. In the Senior Options Program, students get real-world work experience during the final weeks of senior year. For some, this means grabbing a gardening hoe while for others it means grabbing a movie camera. Students have been able to find interesting internships, community service, and independent projects all over, with many here in Westchester and others in New York City. While each student may have very different experiences and learn about working in different environments, one thing all students have in common is a hands-on learning experience that goes beyond the classroom.

Jose Lamela, the current Senior Options coordinator, is in his first year running the program. I got a chance to interview Sr. Lamela who said: "my favorite part of doing Senior Options is getting to meet senior I've never taught or gotten to know previously. Visiting the seniors and seeing them work is great too, some of them come back and say how much harder it is than being back in school." I also asked him which projects he thought were the coolest and most unique this year to which he responded, "this year there are a few kids working on movie sets who have actually had to sign confidentiality contracts, which is really interesting because they have insight into movies coming out in the future." For Sr. Lamela, Senior Options is a great and important program because of how it opens student's eyes to the world and exposes them to so much more than they would have been in the classroom.

I caught up with a few fellow students of mine at their Senior Options projects and found out a little bit more about what they are doing.

Jacob Kirschenbaum, who is interning at Westchester Boxing Club, spoke about his experiences there: "At Westchester Boxing Club, I've learned about both boxing as a sport and as a business. I've learned how to train clients in personal training sessions, including various boxing techniques, punches, safety precautions, workout regimens, etc. It's an extremely complex sport that requires a lot of practice and repetition, which we've certainly gotten a lot of in a hands-on sort of way.
On the business side, we've been focusing on the marketing of the gym through social media sites. We've been managing the gym's Facebook and Twitter pages, revamping their marketing approach to try to appeal to a younger demographic."

Eliane Englehard and Mayra De Gouveia are interning at Lulu's bakery and explained how their opinions of the project changed once they started working: "At first it seemed like a dread to go because neither of us wanted to work but surprisingly it's been an unbelievable experience. Everyone who works at Lulu's is very welcoming, funny, and nice. We both look forward to going and sometimes we even go earlier. They have taught us a lot about how to deal with rude people and let us do a lot more than we expected. For example: they let us help make decorations for wedding cakes as well as design cake toppers made of fondant. We would 100% recommend future seniors to consider Lulu's. It's really been a great experience."

I also met with Jono Gruber and Isabel Steckel at their Senior Options site at Stone Barns. Both Jono and Isabel are having fun and taking advantage of the farming experience. They explained what they've taken away from the program thus far: "At Stone Barns we have learned farming techniques, how to plant, how to talk to people in the workplace. It's been a great experience because we get to be outside and it's a rare opportunity to get to work on a farm. We've gotten to meet really cool people who we otherwise wouldn't typically meet in Scarsdale. The first week was hard because it was tough physical labor, but we've gotten the hang of it and its gotten better. One thing we have definitely learned through the program is to stick with things until we figure them out."

Unlike many students, Jen Eisler and Caroline Rodman have chosen to pursue an independent project for their senior options. While editing and compiling their photos, they elaborated on their first photojournalism project and what they've learned: "We are doing a photojournalism project and our first project was on the Wonderful Women of Scarsdale. Our first project was to photograph the involved women in the community of Scarsdale and interview them about their role in the community. We wanted to show a diverse group of women within Scarsdale, and learn about what living or working in Scarsdale is like for them. We've learned how to ask people the right questions, how to make them feel comfortable in an interview, how to use lighting in photography, and honed our people skills."

Jake Gibson, who is interning at Macguffin Films in New York City reflected on his time there and what he has learned so far: "I've had a great time interning for Macguffin Films because I'm learning both the foundations of and new creative techniques for film and television. Although I'm only on the set of commercials, everything done here which includes filming, rigging, directing, producing and editing goes into all forms of cinematography and I really enjoy learning what it takes to output professional media."

Jacob Cannon chose to intern at the Shell Gas Station on Weaver Street in order to learn hands on about cars and how they function. He described what a typical day at work is like, his favorite parts of the job, and what he hopes to learn: "On a typical day at the Gas Station I get a chance to learn about and handle several different processes. I do two or three New York State inspections, put the car through the computer, and check the tires, wheels, brakes and lights. On most days I'll get to do an oil change or two, and on some days I get a brake job, where I take out the old brakes, put in new ones, and then take the car out for a test drive, which is awesome. I am also learning how a small business functions through the convenience store. The hardest part is running the register, which can be impossible at times. It's a pretty awesome internship and I'm learning a lot. Not only am I learning the physical stuff and the different processes for the cars but I am also learning vernacular in terms of cars, the differences between different types of cars and how to take care of my own car. In the future I hope to learn a few more complicated jobs, like taking out a motor."

At the end of the six-week program, students will create presentations summarizing their newly acquired skills and work opportunities. Although one downside to the program is that seniors are off working on their own projects and do not get to see everybody in school during the last weeks of senior year, all students seem to be happy with how Senior Options has turned out and are learning every day. Whether working on cars, making artisanal cakes, or creating a photojournalism project, Scarsdale High School seniors are out in the workplace and are learning how to get things done.

This article was contributed by Brian Shabto, a senior at Scarsdale High School.

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Written by: Stephanie Unter

Published: 08 May 2013

Created: 08 May 2013

Last Updated: 08 May 2013

Hits: 4805

It's the beginning of May ... a time when high school girls thoughts stray from schoolwork and finals to the beach and prom. Tis the season for dressing up and Pinterest is currently swarming with weddings, cocktail attire and details of what to wear for all types of party-goers. To give you a better idea of what's in for Prom 2013, Scarsdale resident, stylist and fashion hunter Stephanie Unter enlisted three Scarsdale High School girls who were willing to strut their stuff for photographer Jim D'Angelo. They borrowed dresses from The Look to showcase prom styles for this season.

The fashion shoot features the girls in three different looks and price ranges. Though these young stars never modeled before they posed like pros. It was a day of girly fun beginning at the hair and makeup station at 8AM, getting lost en route to their location and eventually taking the perfect final shots.

Unter asked each girl what prom meant to them and she is happy to report that nothing has changed since the dinosaur age of her prom days. It's all about top 40 remix heaven, the getting ready beforehand, and of course, stashing the heels and enjoying the after party. Take a peek below at the lovely girls and what they have to say. Notice a similar thread running though each of their minds.... "Say yes to the dress, and the date takes second place by far."

Prom girl one, Sarah (pictured above) says, "Getting dressed and looking pretty for the picture is the biggest thing. The date doesn't matter, ... that is just a detail."

Michelle says prom is "glamorous, magical, and fun. Getting dressed up is definitely the best part ... hair, makeup, and nails — it's fun being a girl! It's special, the one night you can let loose!"

For Olivia prom is about "spending the night with a guy that you have a good time with." She says, "You never really get the chance to get all dressed up and really look nice. Even better? Your favorite teachers can come and see you at your best."

Pretty in pink, was the theme of the day because they looked like princesses getting dressed for the ball. And frankly, in the end, it fit their ideal prom look. They lived in the moment and laughed the day away. And then the fun happened. As you can see from the pics below, those sky-high shoes were ditched for bare feet.

A shout out to intern Carina, for helping out with hair, makeup, and assistance on-set, to Jim D'Angelo for taking fantastic magical pics, and for all the lovely girls for making this day possible.

Photography: Jim D'Angelo

See more style and find out where to buy on Stephanie Unter's blog, New York Fashion Hunter.

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Written by: Lisa Furgatch

Published: 30 April 2013

Created: 30 April 2013

Last Updated: 01 May 2013

Hits: 7267

Leadership skills, community connections, friendships, fun trips, laughter, toasted marshmallows--- and watching your child and her friends turn into capable young adults right before your eyes. If these are some of the things you’ll get out of scouting—think about what your daughter will gain!

When my good friend, Miriam Beveridge, asked me if I wanted to be a Girl Scout Leader and start a Brownie Troop at Greenacres, the first thing I thought of was the fact that I had been a Brownie “drop-out.”.   I grew up in the 60’s and being in Brownies back then seemed very “Betty Crocker-ish” to me--cooking, sewing and not much else.  But since Miriam and I really enjoyed spending time together anyway, I thought, hey, why not?  We could make our troop more interesting than that.

Our troop loves trips---so over the years we’ve gone rock climbing, snowshoeing, sailing, scuba diving, geocaching, horseback riding, kick boxing and kayaking. We’ve camped in tents and in cabins, in all four seasons. Cooked on an open fire, in an underground pit and in an oven made from a cardboard box and tin foil. We’ve learned about water safety, bird watching, forensics, fashion, film editing, woodworking and fish seining.

As you might imagine, the girls in our troop have become close friends.  They are all very distinct personalities and while their “best” friends in the troop may change over time, they are fiercely loyal to one another.  Sharing all these life experiences has created a bond between them.  They know each other’s foibles and accept them; they know each other’s strengths and depend on them.

Many little girls in our community want to become scouts, but not enough parents are willing to take on the role of troop leader.  For Miriam and myself it’s been a terrific ride that’s not over yet.  Looking in from the outside it may seem daunting, but with the many talented people involved with Scarsdale/Edgemont Girl Scouts, if you were even thinking of starting a troop, you would have a lot of help.  The leaders meet once a month at the Girl Scout House and are always available to give advice and may even come to each others troop meetings once in a while to help in various ways.  Older scout troops will come to work with younger ones--great for both age groups as well as the leaders.  And, if you need to slow things down and meet less frequently, it is perfectly fine.  Your troop is what you make of it.

We asked a couple of girls from other Scarsdale troops, who are now grown, to tell you why they liked scouting.  Samantha Ellis, age 23 and working for Marriott International said “Girl Scouting was one of my favorite activities.  I started in kindergarten as a Daisy and continued through 12th grade.  My mother was a leader, so we went on many trips with all my scout friends.  I loved camping, building fires, running leadership activities, and bonding with my Girl Scout sisters.  When I earned my Gold Award, I learned that one person can really make a difference; it allowed me to help other people but it also helped me.  I learned that community service and volunteering make you feel good.  Girl Scouts taught me how to be organized so I could lead activities.  I became an effective communicator, which has served me to this day.  From camps to badges to community involvement--Girl Scouts turned me from a shy girl into a confident woman.”

Mary Crawford, age 21 and studying for her Masters at University of Edinburgh, told us, “I loved getting together with my fellow Girl Scouts---just hanging out, talking, laughing and helping each other. I also enjoyed all the fun outdoor activities like camping, orienteering and hiking - hobbies I continue to enjoy.  Girl Scouting taught me to be organized, self confident, to work with others and yet make my own decisions and stand on my own. As a scout, my mom made me call our relatives to sell cookies, I didn't like it but it taught me to handle a telephone conversation. Several years ago I interned in Congressman Crowley's office, where one of my responsibilities was to answer the telephone and talk with constituents, another life skill I leaned from Girl Scouting! I was also an intern one summer at the GSUSA National Headquarters working in the archives with old documents. This experience helped me secure my current internship with the National Library of Scotland.” 

Jordana Cooper, age 17 and currently a senior at Scarsdale High School, has been a girl scout for the past 12 years.  “Having my mom as the leader of my troop and watching her in a leadership role, has taught me that I, too, can be a leader.  I definitely think having this relationship with my mom has encouraged me to step up and be a leader in school and in my community.  I know that I will have the confidence and skill to continue to step up as a leader in my future.  Thanks mom!”

Pat Cook, a leader of an Edgemont sixth grade Troop has noted: "My daughter Grayson and I have been doing scouts together for six years.  What it means for me is that I know she is learning how to be a strong young woman and leader by being exposed to new experiences that physically challenge her such as camping, scuba diving, and ice carving and mentally challenge her through creative projects like designing scavenger hunts for a younger troop and observing the media in a critical way.  What it means for me as a parent is that I have special time set aside for my daughter -- to do unique activities, to observe firsthand what is going on with her peers, and to earn her admiration as the cool mom who does scouts.”  

“Over the past six years, our troop has practiced more compassion than many adults do in their lifetime,” Pat continued. “They've held a shoe drive for children in Uruguay, made cards for men and women in the armed forces, visited and donated supplies to a no-kill animal shelter, planted a garden at their elementary school, held a bake sale in honor of a friend who was fighting leukemia, worked at a soup kitchen, and made fleece blankets for fellow scouts in a troop that was displaced by Hurricane Sandy. At Village Government Day in Scarsdale, one of my scouts left Village Hall proclaiming she wanted to become a Defense Attorney.  To me, that is what scouting is all about: finding one's voice and then shouting."

Without parents to become leaders there would be no scout troops.  There are girls right now in our elementary schools asking to be part of a troop but we need parents to come forward to lead them.  Please think about becoming a troop leader at your elementary school.  It’s really an incredibly rewarding experience for everyone involved.  I know that my daughter’s life would be very different had she not been in our troop. Miriam and I wouldn’t have the many memories we now share or the light in our eyes as we watch our daughters learning to become accomplished young women.

This article was submitted by Lisa Furgatch.  (Lisa is a co-leader of a girl scout troop currently in seventh grade at Scarsdale Middle School) If you are interested in learning more about becoming a leader, please contact Carmela Crawford or Miriam Beveridge at Scarsdale/Edgemont Girl Scouts at [email protected] or click here to visit their website.

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Published: 24 April 2013

Created: 24 April 2013

Last Updated: 27 April 2013

Hits: 8042

The Scarsdale School Board ended a controversial budget season on April 22 with the adoption of a budget of $145,286,213 for school year 2013-14 that represents a 2.47% increase over the 2012-13 budget and will increase taxes by 3.91% for Scarsdale residents and 4.01% for those in the Mamaroneck strip. The proposed budget is almost $1 million below the preliminary proposed budget that was distributed to the community in early March.

This is the second lowest budget-to-budget increase in 20 years and as Board member Jonathan Lewis said, "it is an extraordinary effort at belt tightening in the fifth year of a financial crisis."

The 2013-14 school budget includes funds for a new health, fitness and learning center, maintains low class sizes, adds security personnel to district schools, and adds a teacher and replaces a retiring librarian at the high school. By liquidating building repair reserves, reducing funds for pension contributions, decreasing funds held aside for tax disputes and deferring the purchase of a new school bus, the Board was able to move ahead with the new project and deliver a tax increase below 4%. However, since the budget exceeds the NYS state cap by $600,000 it will need to pass by a 60% vote.

At the previous meeting on April 15 the projected tax increase was just over 4% and the Board asked the administration to recommend $300,000 in additional budget cuts so that the tax increase could begin with "a three rather than a four." In order to bring the tax increase below 4% the Board did move to make $300,000 in additional cuts at the end of the 4-22 meeting.

Here are where the funds that were cut:

• A new school bus: $100,000
• Funding for a computer consultant: -$25,000
• Tax certiorari funds: $100,000
• Program Improvement Funds: $10,000
• Arts Initiatives: $10,000
• Center for Innovation: $10,000
• Principals' allocation for discretionary repairs: $25,000
• Travel budget: $5,000

For the first time in recent history, the budget did not receive unanimous approval from the PT Council, the League of Women Voters or even the Scarsdale High School PTA. Concerns about the expense and potential usage of the proposed "Wellness Center" divided the community as well as the board who ultimately passed on the project with a vote of 5 - 2.  However, the PT Council does plan to issue a statement. According to PT Council President Gayle Hutcher, "The PT Council does not follow any specific timeline for commenting on matters such as the School Budget. We feel it is important to take time to research the details and then convene a meeting of our executive board to discuss. Any silence on our behalf does not imply a message of pro or con. We have used the budget study process as a time to listen, ask questions and comment on the budget. We have spoken at two recent Board meetings on the budget. That is the point of these meetings. With the last details of the budget approved late on Monday, the PTC will now meet to form a statement. I would hope to speak on this topic at the next BOE meeting on May 7th."

It appears that five years of economic difficulties, astronomic increases in pension and retirement costs and the newly imposed tax cap are taking their toll on the district and challenging the ability of the administration and the board to reach consensus.

The meeting began on a high note, with a performance by SHS A Capella group "For Good Measure," who moved like Jagger" and did a terrific rendition of Rianna's "Distrubia". Catch their act on Cable TV.

On the agenda was a resolution to release $425,000 in repair reserves to free up funds for repairs at district schools and in turn, monies for the Wellness Center, now temporarily dubbed the Center for Health, Fitness and Learning. The money will be used for $365,000 in roof repairs and for asbestos abatement in the middle school kitchen and in high school floors.

In the community comments portion, Gayle Hutcher spoke for the PT Council and objected to the additional $300,000 in cuts to bring the tax increase below 4%. Here are her comments:

"The Board's desire to cut an additional $300,000.00 of the school budget in order to bring it below 4% could lead to sacrificing program/capital investment without thinking of long-term (even next year) implications. Is this cost worth it? We feel the savings may not be worth it when compared to what we could lose. We may be delaying important items that will need to be addressed in the future and could compound to increased costs. We have already made some hard decisions this year that have affected our programs and curriculum."

However Robert Berg of Tisdale Road saw it another way and used strong language to urge the Board to comply with the state tax cap. He said, "We don't need no stinking tax cap ... , that seems to be the motto of the Administration and the School Board this year. ... The Journal News reports that only four school districts out of 53 in the Lower Hudson Valley are planning to surpass their tax caps for 2013-2014. Is it any surprise to Scarsdale taxpayers that Scarsdale is one of the four? ... throughout the Great Recession – for the period 2008-2014, Scarsdale's school tax levy will have increased 10.34%, while Briarcliff Manor's school tax levy has plunged by 10.26%" "I cannot support this budget. I urge my fellow taxpayers to defeat the proposed budget, and demand that the Board present another budget that falls within the tax cap."

Vivienne Braun asked the administration to provide details about the curriculum for the new Wellness Center, saying, "I would love to know what will go on there before we build it –- what is going to happen there that is not already happening in health classes?" McGill contended that the "plan begins with a vision," and that it was "not necessary to know a fine level of detail to move forward."

After a hiatus from school board meetings when he "was tied up at Village Hall," Bob Harrison was back in the room. He took the mike to lobby the Board to increase funds for the Scarsdale Teen Center, which in recent years, was cut from $87,500 to $65,000.(The board did not increase the allocation.) He also objected to the new Wellness Center. Harrison sparred with Board President Liz Guggenheimer for the floor when he went beyond his allotted three minutes and refused to yield the mike. When he finally took his seat, Guggenheimer said, "I missed you Bob."

As the meeting came to a close, Art Rublin, Chair of the Coalitions for Scarsdale Schools said, "the Board has developed a proposed Budget that is very responsive to the community's demonstrated interest in program, instruction and facilities that are important for a well-rounded high-quality public education, with year-over-year budget growth that is very low from an historical perspective despite significant state-mandated pension contribution increases." "I would say, having watched the Board work hard over many hours, that you have done that, balancing fiscal prudence with sustaining a school district that we are all proud of and that many people depend on."

The Board announced that they will hold two community budget forums to answer questions about the proposed 2013-14 budget.

Here are the details:

Wednesday, April 24th at 7:30 p.m. in Room 170-172 at Scarsdale High School (Brewster Road side of the school in the Board of Education wing)

Thursday, May 2nd, at 10:30 a.m. in Room 170 at Scarsdale High School (Brewster Road side of the school in the Board of Education wing).

Representatives from the Administration and the Board of Education invite community members to pose questions and air concerns about the proposed budget.

The school budget vote and election of new school board members will take place on Tuesday May 21 from 7 am to 9 pm at the Scarsdale Middle School Gym.