School District Ceremony Honors 15 Retirees and 68 Milestone Achievers
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Some of Scarsdale’s most decorated staff members came to the SHS auditorium for a celebration of their dedication to the schools and students on the afternoon of Tuesday June 7, 2022. Staff members who have worked in Scarsdale for 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 years were celebrated, and special recognition was given to those retiring after many years of service in Scarsdale in the 37th Annual Retirement and Recognition Ceremony.
Interim Superintended Drew Patrick kicked off the event, introducing the ceremony and the SHS Jazz Ensemble, led by Nick Lieto, who played Doxy by Sonny Rollins and Softly as in a Morning Sunrise by Sigmund Romberg and Oscar Hammerstein to set the tone for the event.
After the ensemble left the stage and Patrick gave thanks to the Board of Education, retirement planning committee, and more, it was time for the recognition to begin.
Amongst 21 Scarsdale retirees, there were 505 years of collective service to the district – averaging over 24 years per person. 15 were in attendance, receiving their retirement gifts accompanied by a speech. The 68 staff members with career milestones (increments of five years between 20 and 40 years of service) combined to give 1580 years of service.
The career milestone recognition was punctuated by speeches about the retirees. With every career milestone celebrated, a tune was played from that year and some trivia facts were presented. When Patrick mentioned that gas was only 89 cents per gallon 35 years ago, a collective sigh of jealousy passed over the auditorium.
After the 20-year milestone achievers received their accolades, the first batch of retirees was called up. The first person honored was Greenacres, SMS, and SHS cleaner Ed Richardson. Stuart Mattey explained, “Richardson’s spaces were always ready to go for tomorrow’s journey.” Nancy Van Camp, who taught at Greenacres and Heathcote, was next up. She was praised for the “genuine joy she exudes,” and how she flawlessly “capitalizes on students’ preferred learning styles.” Jan Schorr was then honored. An anecdote of a Kindergartener’s interaction with her at Fox Meadow tells one all they need to know about the dedication of Schorr, when a kid pleaded for her to “just take a couple of days off” instead of retiring. 
Jami Barzelatto received special recognition for her secretarial duties after 20 years in Scarsdale.
Athletic Director Ray Pappalardi then called up the 25-year milestone recipients, followed by the next set of three retirees. Scarsdale Middle School’s Susan Lopez-Leach was described as the school’s “true heart.” Her “desire to make beauty of the world around her” shaped the way in which she worked every day. IT director Rachel Mosley was congratulated next, with an emphasis on how “the Rachel work day is equivalent to 2.4 human work days.” Without her, Scarsdale would have been far behind in the intersectional world of technology and education. Working in the first grade at Quaker Ridge, Sabrina Tavernia, “Ms. T” as her students love to call her, received her well-deserved recognition.
Mattey then introduced the 30-year milestone achievers, noting that the year they started working in Scarsdale, the first text-based web browser was made available to the public. In other words, the individuals recognized have been in Scarsdale for the full duration of this technological revolution.
Cooper House secretary Jamie Barzelatto’s retirement celebration speech had a few interesting aspects to it, including a description of how she was a huge success in private enterprise before moving on to her most rewarding work yet: as a secretary for countless students. Quaker Ridge’s Lee Sherman was then acknowledged, for her admirable work in the nurse’s office. This set of three retirees was capped off by Paulette Clark, a 21-year veteran whose smile graced any hallway she passed through.
Patrick gave thanks to Jennifer Gilbert for her 35 years of dedicated work in Scarsdale. However, this is not yet the end of her road in the school district.
John Harrison given words of praise after illustrious Scarsdale career.High School history teacher and Department Chair John Harrison was the next retiree celebrated. His presence in the high school is impossible to miss, both for students who were lucky enough to have him as a teacher and those who were not. A graduating student once even wrote to HR emphasizing how remarkable of a teacher Harrison was.
Janet Wilcox followed in the proceedings. Scarsdale’s “local fashionista,” the bus driver of 26 years was thanked for all her hard work and congratulated on a truly deserved retirement.
Greenacres Librarian Carole Phillips was next on stage. Having been at Scarsdale for three decades, the demands of her employment continued to change. Nonetheless, she proved her prowess as a librarian could more than firm the test of time. 
David Wixted receives retirement honors.
Edgar McIntosh then came up to congratulate Jeanne Cooper on 40 years of service to the Scarsdale School District. For her, this also signals the end of an illustrious career in the town. She was the last retiree celebrated, with her authenticity and strides to make avenues for student voice emphasized.
Before Cooper’s retirement acknowledgement, David Wixted and Jerry Crisci had their moments in the spotlight. Wixted, the President of the Scarsdale Teacher Association and a decorated teacher, was thanked for all his hard work and the manner in which he represented the teachers.
Then came, Crisci’s time to shine. Assistant Superintendent Edgar McIntosh made sure his brief speech about Crisci would be impossible to forget – literally impossible. After changing outfits on stage and putting on a jazz beat, McIntosh started to rap – yes, the Scarsdale Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum was rapping at the retirement ceremony – to humorously, fittingly commemorate Crisci’s time in Scarsdale.
McIntosh shared the lyrics: Jerry is Cool: A beat poem (with apologies to Alan Ginsburg) -
"Jerry is cool, Jerry…is..cool. You share your Rockland cookies with veterans and rookies; You move with tenacity and social elasticity and building capacity This is your secret sauce- —-more buddy than boss, more Rachel than Ross, more ballet than lacrosse,
Jerry is cool, Jerry…is..cool. International speaker, knowledge heatseeker, Interest peaker. Influence leaker, sometimes on Friday wears a sneaker.
Jerry is cool, Jerry…is..cool. Jerry, Jerry Rarely contrary, how did your department grow. Jerry knows---Innovation is not just disruption but also careful discussion, It’s not just stargazing: but landscape appraising, skillful fundraising, some perfect PowerPoint phrasing, never fazing, and that’s what’s so amazing…The results are trail-blazing! Jerry knows- Innovation can be an explosion—but also erosion, well chosen, handwoven, less commotion, A harmonic motion.
Jerry is cool, Jerry…is..cool. Jerry went to Rutgers Rutgers, Rutgers. Nothing rhymes Rutgers! Really. Anyone?
Congratulations, Jerry. I have loved being your collaborator and co-conspirator for four years- I look forward to many more years. Because Jerry, you are cool."
Patrick then rounded off the ceremony by inviting everyone to look around the auditorium one final time to see how many special Scarsdale individuals were there to celebrate. After one final round of applause, they were invited outside for refreshments and a continued celebration.
Edgar McIntosh's rap about Jerry Crisci's retirement highlighted the celebration.
Senior Play Takes High School By Storm This Weekend
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Many times, people consider the Senior Prom to be the last major event for the graduating class before the graduation ceremony. But, while seniors are working hard at Senior Option internships, some double down to also participate in the Senior Class Play. This year’s production is Willy Wonka Junior, and time is running out to grab tickets.
Based on the famous Roald Dahl book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, with words and music by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley, adapted for the stage by Bricusse and Timothy McDonald, the production is spearheaded by the Class of 2022. From the cast members to costume design to lighting and practically every aspect of a play one can think of, it is done by the seniors.
Not all seniors in this play come from the same acting background: some are almost prodigies while others participated in the play for the sake of senior tradition and to spend valuable moments with their peers before college. Nonetheless, this does not prevent the show from having professionalism and being an enjoyable watch. Tryouts were held to give people roles, so the star roles are still held by some of the Class of 2022’s best actors and actresses, while the supporting roles are given to those who are not as acclimated to the spotlight but still want to be on stage. 
Thomas Gibney and Jonah Rosenstein are set to play major roles
For those who want to go to see a quality, humorous production locally, the Senior Play is for them. For those who want to see some of their peers on stage to make fun of them after show, the Senior Play is for them as well. For those who want a fun way to spend Friday or Saturday night, or even Sunday afternoon, the Senior Play is for them.
Students can purchase tickets to the play using their My School Bucks account or by using the QR codes on the flyer attached below.
Some scenes feature comical numbers of Oompa LoompasThis tradition is a captivating experience for all seniors, from the participatory cast and crew to those who have devoted no time to the play and just come to see their friends on stage. The Senior Play will not want to be missed – especially by anyone who has any sort of relationship with a member of the production team.
The first show is on Friday, June 3rd at 7:30 pm. The following night the play is at the same time. The final time to see the performance is Sunday at 2 pm.
Click here to get your tickets.
Voter Information for Budget Vote and School Board Election
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The Scarsdale Public Schools remind members of the community about the upcoming Budget Vote and Board Election on Tuesday, May 17. Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. at Scarsdale Middle School, 134 Mamaroneck Road, Scarsdale, NY. Budget documents and presentations can be viewed at www.scarsdaleschools.org/proposedbudget. Information on how to register to vote may be found below and at ScarsdaleSchools.org/VoterInfo.
Voter Registration Information: Residents are eligible to vote if they meet either of the following criteria:
-Must be registered with the Westchester County Board of Elections to vote in the General Elections; OR
-Must be registered with the Scarsdale Public School District, and have voted in a school election within the past four years.
-Residents meet the Qualifications to Register if they meet the following criteria:
-Must be a citizen of the United States.
-Must be a resident of the Scarsdale Public School District for at least 30 days preceding the election.
-Must be at least 18 years old by the date of the vote/election.
How to Register to Vote: Qualified voters may personally register, for the purpose of voting at all future school elections, with the District Clerk during regular business hours at the office of the District Clerk, 2 Brewster Road, Scarsdale, New York 10583. Please contact the District Clerk at (914) 721-2410 or hadams@scarsdaleschools.org to schedule an appointment. The form must be completed and signed in person.
*Voter registration forms for the May 17, 2022, Budget Vote and Board Elections will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 12, 2022.
Qualified voters may register to vote with the County Board of Elections by completing an online application with the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles. Anyone who completes an online application or registers by mail will be registered with Westchester County and also considered to be registered to vote in the school district votes. Mailed registration forms must be received by the County Board of Elections in time to be processed by May 17, 2022, the date of the vote.
Applying for Absentee Ballots: Anyone who is registered and will not be in Westchester County for the vote on May 17, 2022, or due to concerns over exposure to Covid-19, may apply for an absentee ballot by submitting the Application for Absentee Ballot form by email to hadams@scarsdaleschools.org, or regular mail or in-person to Honore Adams, District Clerk, 2 Brewster Road.
If the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, the voter must return the completed application form in time for it to be received by the Clerk seven days before the vote, Tuesday, May 10, 2022.
If completed application forms are delivered personally, they must be received by the District Clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. the day before the vote, Monday, May 16, 2022.
All absentee ballots must be delivered to the Clerk’s office no later than 5:00 p.m. on the day of the vote, Tuesday, May 17, 2022.
Military Voters: A qualified military voter can personally register to vote using the Military Personal Registration Form. On this form, the military voter can indicate their preference to receive an absentee ballot application by mail, fax, or e-mail. If no preference is noted, or the proper information is not provided for email or fax, the absentee ballot application will be transmitted by mail. The deadline for military personal registration is April 22, 2022.
A military voter can request an absentee ballot using the Military Absentee Ballot Application Form. On this form, military voters can indicate their preference to receive their absentee ballot by mail, fax, or e-mail. If no preference is noted, or the proper information is not provided for email or fax, the absentee ballot will be transmitted by mail. Applications must be received no later than April 22, 2022.
Senior Options Signals Shift From High School to Life Beyond
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The Senior Options program gives graduating high schoolers the opportunity to explore unique internships in the month leading up to graduation. With classes finished and AP exams completed, students are required to enrich their learning in the most immersive way possible: working in professional fields. Whether it be assisting their favorite elementary school teacher, being an accompanist at a music school, baking cakes, working for government officials, or even writing this article, the depth of the Senior Options program is one of Scarsdale High School’s highlighted features. Even though many other schools in the area have similar programs, the networking provided by Scarsdale and the range of experiences is next to none.
Students may choose to work on independent projects rather than internships, which could entail creating an hour-long magic show or even writing a novel. However, the vast majority opt for internships.
The 392 graduating students must complete a total of 168+ hours of work across 28+ days which must span six weeks. At face value, that may seem like a lot, but if only school days and non-holidays are worked on, that would still equate to just six hours per day – the same length as a normal school day. Many students find themselves smashing the above numbers with ease. For some, the transportation time is eye-opening, but it is not too difficult of an obstacle to overcome.
Upon conclusion of Senior Options, there are always some mixed reviews. A majority of students return with a new outlook on the workforce thanks to more immersion than they thought they would experience. Others say their experience was more or less what they expected, but still satisfying nonetheless. And, unfortunately, there are times when a handful of students admit they were bored out of their minds during senior options because they thought they would be, for example, in an operating room, but instead, they were instructed to read textbooks the entire time.
Personal anecdotes about the first couple of weeks of Senior Options show the depth with which students are enabled to learn in these new settings.
Eli Greenwald is working at New York State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins’ district office. He has worked primarily as a receptionist. Greenwald explains, “Most of the calls come from constituents who have problems and need support from the government, but there are also a lot of other calls for various other things.” 
Greenwald is working with high-ranking government officials
He has also had the opportunity to get involved with other important government work such as writing proclamations and organizing COVID test-kit distributions. “My favorite part so far,” Greenwald described, “has been going to two Salute to Senior events to hand out Covid tests because the events are senior appreciation events and it feels good to help people and see how governments at every level work together to help people and help their communities.”
Janmariz Deguia is working for the Sandbox Theater in Mamaroneck while also being a director for the SHS Senior Class Musical production of Willy Wonka. “These past three weeks, I’ve done everything from being an assistant teacher to assistant director, to costumes department head, to backstage hand, to lighting assistant, and office hand. For Wonka, I am one-third of the drama directors for the show and, well, we direct!” Deguia said.
Going more in-depth, Deguia stated, “I’ve worked on Annie Jr, Snow White – the class I teach the most - and Descendants, where I mostly work backstage. We block, we teach, and we put it all together with other aspects. Luckily for us, one of our directors is also a choreographer.
Deguia juggles multiple theatre duties“My favorite part is getting to see someone light up on stage. I know it’s corny, but it’s magical. Whether it be that 6-year-old singing the Tomorrow finale at an elementary school or one of my classmates on stage in the auditorium dancing along to the Candyman, it makes me happy to see them happy. It is great to see the Class of 22 come together, especially through art…I’m very honored to be selected as a leader in this event.”
Megan Chu’s Senior Options Internship is directly tied to planning events for some of the most renowned names in the United States. Interning for Imagine Party and Events, a luxury event planning company, she contacts companies, customizes apparel, researches, and helps out on-site at high-profile events.
Chu is enthralled by the opportunity, saying, “My favorite part of this work so far has been the luxury aspect and seeing these extravagant events come to life. A recent event took place at various restaurants at Hudson Yards in New York City. Being there to listen in on the planning of the event and seeing the event come to life in person is really amazing to experience.”
Working at non-profit organization Adaptive Design Association, Ken Zhu is able to gain special insight into a niche but necessary and important industry. “It’s a really cool place,” he explains, “that makes custom adaptations for people with disabilities. I work with their design and fabrication team to design and build the adaptations out of wood, cardboard, metal, etcetera.” He then raved about how he is loving the amount of hands-on work he has been able to do.
When it comes to discussing how their internships affect their outlook on what life in the “real world” will be like, all shared similar points of view.
Greenwald works at some of Stewart-Cousins' biggest events“I think this job is preparing me for real life because I’m getting a sense of what office life is like and I’m seeing the inner workings of the government and how it interacts with practically every aspect of life,” claimed Greenwald. He admits the biggest challenge has (understandably) “been answering the phone because it can be a little nerve-wracking to get these calls for the senator and transferring calls isn’t always easy and I don’t want to mess it up. But I’m starting to get the hang of it and everyone at the office is supportive and helps me when I make a mistake. Thus, I’ve also learned how a good work environment can make challenges less difficult to overcome.”
Deguia detailed how her future endeavors tie into this internship. “I’d love to be a teacher and I’d love to work in theatre. If I could be a theatre teacher, even better. I am going into human development, which is an interdisciplinary course in sociology, social work, psychology, poli-sci, philosophy, education, etcetera. I plan to go to graduate school for education and a double minor in theater tech and performance, so this internship is very fitting.”
For her, despite her already extensive experience in the industry, there have been some valuable challenges she has grown from. “Working at Sandbox gives me an opportunity to see what I like and what I don’t as well as what I’m good at and what I’m not. I learned I am not good with stage management or soundboard operation because it is a little stressful and I get bored.”
Similar to Greenwald, the value of a cohesive work environment is viewed as pivotal to progress. “I genuinely wouldn’t be able to do anything without my team,” she continued. “Without them, I’d have too many challenges. I love my bosses Susan and Jason at Sandbox, and everyone I’ve worked with like Maya and both Rachaels. All the credit to the entire Wonka production…I’m so proud of all the performers and so grateful to the crew.”
Chu believes the lessons she has already learned about consumer interaction are of immense importance, stating, “I think that this has prepared me for insight on business meetings and customer interactions. This job revolves heavily around going above and beyond to ensure that the clients are satisfied and the planning suits their vision. Overall, the internship has given me a direct insight into the business world and the hecticness of this industry.”
One of the venues Chu helped to rent out for a corporate event
The tenseness and sense of rush as an event approaches can be a challenge, but the event planners are still “on top of each and every moment,” showing once more how immersion into a workforce team is proving an important dividend to most people’s Senior Options internship.
“My internship is preparing me for college because it is helping me to develop skills that I may need when studying engineering,” exclaimed Zhu. “I’ve been able to practice the design process and improve my design skills.”
For these students, their Senior Options internships have been successful, entertaining, and informative, as will be the common sentiment found amongst most students. Such absorption into professional industry teams leads to tremendous, unteachable-in-school growth. For those who are not enthralled with their Senior Options internship, this will provide a strong wake-up call before college to direct them towards fields or teams they may be better suited to. Regardless, no matter the students’ individual experiences, positive or negative, valuable life lessons will have been digested and understood to an extent previously untapped.
Scholarships Availabe for Scarsdale College Students
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Students who graduated from Scarsdale High School or lived in Scarsdale during their high school years and who have completed their first, second, or third years of college are invited to apply to the Scarsdale Foundation for tuition assistance. For the 2021-2022 academic year, the Foundation awarded need-based grants totaling $139,000 to 31 students attending private and state-supported colleges and universities.
Applications for the 2022-2023 academic year should be submitted online from the Scarsdale Foundation’s website: www.scarsdalefoundation.org (click on the College Scholarships link). Completed applications must be submitted by Wednesday, June 1, 2022. Questions should be directed to Scholarship Committee Co-Chairs Anne Lyons or B. Kathleen Munguia at: scarsdalefoundationscholarship@gmail.com.
The Foundation welcomes contributions from the community to augment the funds available for distribution each year. Contributions may be donated to a specially earmarked Scholarship Fund of the Scarsdale Foundation, enabling the Foundation to carry on the tradition of helping students in need pursue a college education. Donations may be made online by visiting the Foundation’s website or mailed to the Scarsdale Foundation at P.O. Box 542, Scarsdale, NY 10583.
The Foundation also hosts the Scarsdale Bowl Dinner where Scarsdale individuals are recognized for their volunteer service to the community. The Scarsdale Bowl will be presented to the 2022 recipient on Thursday, April 28 at the Brae Burn Country Club. The 2020 and 2021 Bowl recipients will be honored at the April dinner as well.
For more information regarding the work of the Scarsdale Foundation, please visit its website: www.scarsdalefoundation.org.
