Joan Weber Toasted at Grand Retirement Celebration
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- Written by: Joanne Wallenstein
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Though I have been watching Scarsdale school board meetings for the last seven years, I never understood the power behind the petite, demure woman who announced the comings and goings of district personnel. Without great fanfare, Joan Weber routinely served notice that a teacher had been granted tenure or was retiring from the Scarsdale Schools, always adding an insightful personal fact about their family, talents or favorite pastimes.
Little known to me -- or to many in Scarsdale -- 
Weber quietly managed the teaching staff, administrators, professional development, and global and arts initiatives for the entire district for over 32 years. She recruited the faculty, nurtured their talents, made key staffing decisions and supervised hundreds, if not thousands, over the course of her career.
During her tenure she saw five superintendents come and go and as current Superintendent Thomas Hagerman said, Joan "whispered in their ears" to keep them on track.
What's most impressive is the number of friends she made along the way. Almost 400 current and retired teachers, administrators, colleagues, school board members, PTA leaders, parents and family members came to the Mamaroneck Beach and Yacht Club on Thursday June 18 for Weber's retirement dinner, where the evening opened with two musical selections from the 54-member Scarsdale High School wind ensemble. The serenade was a fitting tribute to a woman who has been a big supporter of the arts in the schools and initiated a program at Lincoln Center for the districts elementary school students.
Even more surprising than all her work on
behalf of Scarsdale, was what she accomplished outside of school. It turns out that Weber has five children - several who are doctors – plus ten grandchildren and also serves on the Hawthorne Cedar Knolls Board of Education. Though many find it hard to sit still through a single Scarsdale Board of Education meeting, Weber has been doing double duty for many years – attending Scarsdale meetings in her professional capacity and Hawthorne meetings as a volunteer. To anyone who thinks, they have too much on their plate," take a look at Joan and you'll see what a determined person can accomplish.
Tributes to Joan were amusing, lengthy and a testament to her many talents. David Wixted, President of the Scarsdale Teacher's Association, with whom she negotiated called her "cool, clam and unflappable." He said she was a case of "the right person, in the right place at the right time." He continued, "you do what is right with compassion and acknowledge the worth of every individual. We are better for the time we spent with you."
Trudy Moses, the former head of the STA, advised Weber to "sit back and take it all in as we treasure you.!"
Scarsdale Middle School Principal Michael McDermott compared 
Weber to "a rare Stradivarius violin to be handled with care." He mentioned her signature hand written thank you notes and felt lucky to be a "FOJ," that is a "friend of Joan."
Technology Director Jerry Crisci and SHS Dean Michael Gibbs produced a wonderful video tracing Weber's beginnings in Brooklyn to her education at NYU and ultimately to Columbia Teacher's College where she wrote a 300-page dissertation. She was an only child, a gifted student and a dancer. She studied English and Political Science at NYU, and earned a masters degree in English at NYU. When her husband, who is a physician, was training in Virginia, she taught school in a rural Southern town and later taught in Hawthorne. After she earned her doctorate from Columbia Teacher's College, Scarsdale Superintendent Thomas Sobol selected her out of 300 candidates to be the district's director of personnel, a position she held for 32 years. During her tenure she brought educators, academics and proponents of human rights to visit Scarsdale, founded the Interdependence Institute and
championed professional development and the arts.
Former Scarsdale Superintendent Dick Hibschmann toasted Weber saying that impacted so many. He credited her with managing the district's health plan, maintaining a good relationship with the teacher's union and school board members, using her "inside voice."
Channeling Weber, School Board Member Suzanne Seiden said, "We accept with regret the retirement of Joan Weber," and then gave a humorous list of the "Top 10 Things Joan Would Like to Say."
1) Little known fact about Joan ... she has the tiniest handwriting
2) She is a big doodler during meetings (so that's how she sits through so many meetings!)
3) She wanted to be a ballet dancer
4) She loves pastries, bakes rugelach and does not let her husband Karl have any.
5) Joan is a school board member at Hawthorne Cedar Knolls
6) Her family of doctors has examined and operated on everyone in Scarsdale
7) She was chosen out of 300 candidates for her job
8) She has paid tuition for her children to at least ten institutions
9) She has ten dogs
10) She does not who the Kardashians are.
Former Superintendent Michael McGill called Weber "a mother lion who has cared for Scarsdale with elegance, wisdom and diplomacy." He said she "resolves thorny problems, and does what's right for the children first, the adults next and always what's right for the institution." He told her, " you nurtured the substance and the spirit of the Scarsdale schools and are at the heart of the schools. You are irreplaceable."
Cathy Inello and Denise Mulqueen, who worked with 
Weber day-in and day-out in the personnel office read a beautiful poem written by a former teacher and called her their "hero, role model, friend and advisor," adding, "and sometimes we let you be our boss."
Harriet Sobol, wife of former superintendent Tom Sobol called her a "tiny woman with a tiny voice and perfect handwriting" who Sobol's husband Tom hired to be the district's "Finder/Keeper." She said the Weber did "her work quietly, not drawing attention to her efforts."
Sobol said that Weber learned the following:
-Cherish the culture of caring. Learn empathy. Look at things from others point of view.
-Find teachers and principals who want to learn
-Have courage
-Bring music, theatre and art to all for the Arts are the lifeblood of humanity. Lincoln Center -Education will guide you
-Don't be afraid to dream. Help others to dream What if there is no book, bell or schedule? What do we want future schools to be?
-Have joint committees with teachers and principals for decision making and to resolve conflicts .
-Be prompt to administrative council meetings.
Reading proclamations from the community, Superintendent Hagerman expressed gratitude and respect and thanked Weber on behalf of Assemblywoman Amy Paulin, Mayor Jon Mark, and the Board of Trustees, declaring June 18th Joan H. Weber Day in Scarsdale. Hagerman joked, "It's been a pleasure to work FOR you .... I mean WITH you. Your spirit will continue."
Diane Celentano, Trudy Moses and Susan Taylor suggested that Weber be the next woman on the $10 bill and presented her with a gift box from Tiffany's. They welcomed her "to the soul sisterhood of retirees."
The night ended with the last word, or should I say words from Weber herself, who thanked everyone for the extraordinary evening. She said I have been "mythologized and eulogized .... It's a surprise party and a funeral at the same time."
She remembered arriving at district with 3,800 students that has now has grown by 1,000 students. She marveled at the paradigm shift in American education that has "the U.S. trying to implement what China is trying to get rid of," with testing and assessments dominating the conversation. Mocking acronyms such as APPR (Annual Professional Performance Review and AYP (Adequate Yearly Progress) she said what we now have is CRAP. In a lengthy last will and testament she used cartoons to make a comical speech about the challenges faced by the schools including helicopter parents, the advent of technology and rising health care costs.
Here are just a few of her legacies: She granted Dr. Hagerman a cloak to preserve his magical powers and calendars to meet every schedule. Mocking the state education department she showed a cartoon that read, "there is a light at the end of the tunnel .... It's in New Jersey!"
She wished the new Superintendent of Business a "carefully crafted budget" and advised her replacement, the interim director of Human Resources, "to get to know everyone and to be candid with the superintendent."
For the board, she showed a cartoon of board members lying underneath a conference table and granted them "a new way of holding meetings." She wished them a successful round of negotiations.
She ended with a cartoon that read, "If we take a late retirement and an early death we'll just squeak by." She followed with a beautiful video photomontage of some of her memories of Scarsdale including visits from international guests, international families, trips abroad, outings to Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center and photos from the international fair.
She concluded with the following advice:
Laugh More
Gripe Less
Ignore Critics
Say Yes
Order Dessert
Love Life
Robert Lee Jr. Takes a Big STEP Forward in Scarsdale
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Though Scarsdale STEP student Robert Lee Jr., is far from his home in Memphis, in just two short years he has made his mark here, in Scarsdale, winning numerous community service awards and a full scholarship to his dream school, Vanderbilt University. When Lee first learned about Scarsdale's Student Transfer Education Plan (STEP), he was somewhat reluctant to consider it. He had rarely left his family and was not sure about leaving Craigmont High School in Memphis to spend two years living in Scarsdale and attending a school where he didn't know a soul.
The STEP program allows a student from an underprivileged area to come to Scarsdale to finish their high school years and apply for college. STEP was founded by Scarsdale High School History teacher Eric Rothschild in 1966, and has helped students enrolled to achieve some of their highest goals, including admission into some of the top universities in the country, similar to Robert and his admission to Vanderbilt. STEP alumni have gone on to pursue careers in many fields, and obtain some of the highest level degrees, like P.h.D., Medical or Master degrees.
Robert first learned about the program from a classmate who had gone through it, and made a presentation about STEP at his High School to generate interest from students. After some thought and discussion with his parents, Robert became more interested in the program, and decided to apply.
The application process was difficult, and similar to that of the college application process, which he had little trouble with after his work with the STEP application. Robert needed to complete the application, write an essay and ask two teachers for letters of recommendation. And finally, just like the college admittance process, once he was selected as a finalist, Robert was required to come to Scarsdale for an interview.
The application itself was the most difficult part for Robert, whose grades were very high, and thus made him a 'promising' student. He submitted his application in October 2012, and learned he was a finalist in December. In May 2013 Robert and the other student finalist flew to New York with their mothers' and began the final stages of the STEP application process. Robert followed around then sophomore, now fellow senior Jason Sabel at the High School, to understand a day of classes at the school. After trailing Jason, Robert sat down for his interview with the STEP Board. He sat, in a room, all by himself, surrounded by twelve well dressed, unfamiliar adults. As a sophomore from a city over 1,000 miles away, Robert was undoubtedly scared. After the interview process, he and his mother returned to Memphis, nervous, and anxiously awaited the decision from the STEP Board.
Sometime in late June, Robert learned of his acceptance, kicking off a whirlwind of emotion and activity. His initial reaction was one of hesitation, as he began to second-guess the prospect of moving away from his family. He also needed to complete forms and send school records. He began to doubt his decision. Eventually he wrapped his head around the plan, and became excited about what lay ahead.
Robert's first months in Scarsdale were as tumultuous as his thoughts during the summer before his junior year. At first he was quiet, choosing to put his head down and focus on his work. His host family, the Berke's, and their son, current junior, and then sophomore Steven, did their best to help Robert transition, and were very kind to him throughout the process, but especially those first months. Robert also began to join clubs at Scarsdale, and to get involved in student government, which helped him to feel more comfortable and settle into his new environment.
Robert dedicated his junior year to his studies, as he knew that the main purpose of his attendance at Scarsdale High School was to help him get into Vanderbilt. He also got very involved in the school, joining nine clubs, Student Government and the prom committee. Lee was equally involved during senior year, when he applied to over ten schools, before withdrawing most applications after his Early Acceptance into Vanderbilt.
To say Robert's time in Scarsdale was successful would be an understatement. In his two years in Scarsdale, he won six awards and one scholarship for his community service work with clubs in Scarsdale. In his junior year, Robert won four awards, the Volunteer Service Award for four different clubs, Habitat for Humanity, Cooking for a Cause, the Hawthorne Cedar Knolls Club, and Global Camps for Africa. In his senior year, Robert won the Scarsdale Rotary Club Scholarship for his service work, as well as two Volunteer Awards for Habitat for Humanity and Midnight Run. Robert's service in Scarsdale is yet another sign of the positive experiences of the STEP program, and of Robert's positive attitude.
When asked to reflect on the experience, Robert mentioned the positive impacts of the program. After facing an interview with more than ten evaluators, he joked that college interviews were a breeze. He also feels prepared to attend college away from his home in Memphis. After Scarsdale, Nashville, Tennessee doesn't really seem so far.
Robert's host mother Nan Berke commented as well on the experience, "Being a host family has been a wonderfully rewarding experience for our entire family. While it is a large commitment to add another child to your household for two school years, it is all worth it because you are literally opening up doors for someone. Culture shock and homesickness were the biggest challenges for the first few weeks, but Robert kept busy, worked hard and started to fit right into the community quickly." Mrs. Berke also commented on the STEP program and becoming a host family, stating "The STEP Program really brings out the best in Scarsdale. The High School's strong support of STEP is what makes it all possible. This community has a very generous core. STEP board members helped entertain and drive Robert and volunteers tutored him for the ACT and Math, taught him to swim, and helped him with his college applications, so a lot of the work of hosting is shared. I would strongly recommend being a host family!"
Robert shared two important lessons he learned: "I can push myself to do more than I thought I was capable of" as well as, "It's okay for me to put myself out there, and try different things." Robert is very glad he applied for this process, and is excited for what lies ahead of him in the future.
Senior Transition Day at Scarsdale High School
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On Monday June 8, the Scarsdale High School Class of 2015 attended school for one final day as an entire class before graduation. They were there for "Senior Transition Day" a day where students learn about their impending move to a college campus and wrap up their final moments as high school students. Activities on the day included a panel with current college freshmen, yearbook distribution and signing.
The panel with freshmen students was the first item on the day's agenda, and was filled with a question and answer session and an advisory session given by these freshmen. The freshmen represented a wide variety of schools, from Ivy League schools in the north, to small schools in the south, to state schools with large populations. Now that these freshmen have completed their first year at school, they emphasized being relaxes and striking a balance between fun and work. Several times, the students commented on not trying to force connections in college, but to allow oneself to be immersed in the college process. They also warned that acclimating to college does not happen overnight, but takes a while.
One student, Chris D'Silva from Williams College, mentioned that one tough part of the transition is feeling out of place. He commented that in high school, you have an identity, a character and a role –but when you go to college, nobody else knows the role that you've occupied for the past four years. Chris mentioned that everyone does have an identity in college, but until you know your place, you just need to let everything be, and naturally find where you belong.
Other students mentioned the dangers of FOMO, or the Fear of Missing Out. Essentially FOMO is this feeling that if you stay in, and don't go out at every opportunity; you will be left behind in terms of friendships and friend development. The students commented that this wasn't true, and that the need to succeed academically should be paramount, and friends will understand that decision to study.
One member of the panel, Marc Hersch, a freshman at Columbia University, ended the morning with this statement, "College is not a time to play it safe, but play safely."
After the panel, students met with Deans to fill out last second paperwork and exchange information regarding their college plans. Afterwards, they met as an entire class in the gyms to sign yearbooks and eat lunch. For three hours the students walked around the gym, eating sandwiches from student favorites, Buon Amici's and Gianonni's provided by the High School PTA. It was a fun experience for all, full of reminiscing and nostalgia. Students walked around, shared photos of themselves from elementary school, and reminisced with older friends about how far they've come since elementary school. Students also had a great time signing yearbooks, and recalling lasting memories with their friends.
Linda P, You're Leaving Me: Snow Queen Linda Purvis Retires
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Oh Linda, Linda...this was my fear:
that you would retire and just leave me here!
Six months from now, when the flakes start to fall,
who will be making that snow-day phone call?
(from Scarsdale poet Deborah Skolnik)
Scarsdale celebrity, Snow Queen and Assistant Superintendent Linda Purvis was regaled with music, poetry, comedy and yelps from her two grandsons at a joyful retirement party at The Davenport Club in New Rochelle on Monday night June 2nd. As Edgewood Principal Scott Houseknecth said, like Cher or Bono, the Assistant Superintendent has achieved cult-like status and is now known around the district, as just "Linda." Perhaps that's why she was given a tiara and a magic wand and waved at the camera as any queen would do.
Purvis, also known as "the fairy bond mother," has managed Scarsdale's budget, facilities,
transportation and a wide swath of employees for sixteen years. She oversaw $75 million in construction projects, bond referendums and navigated the district through a severe economic crisis. Everyone noted that Purvis was patient, upbeat and willing to explain complex concepts in terms everyone could understand. The presence of two superintendents, countless board members, PTA leaders, faculty and staff at the dinner attest to how widely she was admired and liked by all who worked with her. Also at the event were her husband, daughter, and daughter in law, who brought Linda's two new grandsons to town to cheer on their Grandma.
Superintendent Hagerman opened the dinner, saying "Tonight is about the divine Linda Purvis." He announced that Scarsdale Village and the office of State Assemblywoman Amy Paulin had issued proclamations for Linda. He mined a few of her favorite tchotchkes from her office shelf and used them to exemplify some of Purvis' winning qualities. Showing the room a small stuffed lobster, he said, "as a hardy crustacean each transition will require us to shed our shell, which has grown thick and seasoned with laughter, joy and memories."
The Scarsdale High School A Cappella group, 
"For Good Measure" sang a few numbers, ending with a special encore presentation of "Let it Snow." Speaking for the faculty, Scarsdale Teachers Association President David Wixted credited Purvis for "preserving the excellence of the Scarsdale Schools." He called her a "masterful speaker" with a "mastery of financial issues," who uses reason and experience. He said she was a "fair-minded" broker who listens carefully" and "provides what dreamers and planners require." Wixted thanked Purvis for "charting our course forward and keeping us off the rocks," and "for the excellence" she brought to her work.
Director of Plant and Facilities John Trenholm said that he wasn't the district's first choice when he was hired, but to his good fortune, the number one candidate backed out. He thanked Purvis for being helpful and supportive and advised her to "take this time to remember the past and embrace the future."
Edgewood Principal Scott Houseknecht 
credited Linda for her "intelligence and sense of humor" and praised her for managing "the $148 budget, facilities, people, transportation and payroll with grace and poise." He noted that many are not aware of all that Purvis does for the schools, saying "when things go wrong, people complain. But people don't notice when all is well." He said, "We have come a long way under her leadership."
Fox Meadow Principal Duncan Wilson starred in a hilarious video. The camera crew went around the district and filmed reactions from kids and staff who were told that now that Linda Purvis was leaving, there would be no more snow days. It ended with a talented elementary school girl doing a rendition of the wicked witch melting from the Wizard of Oz.
Former Superintendent Michael McGill, who 
partnered with Purvis during his sixteen years on the job, returned to town to honor her. Often longwinded, McGill told the room that he was told to limit his speech to three minutes, adding "we'll see how that goes!" He said that he misses hearing Purvis' sultry and sexy voice on the phone in the early hours of the morning when she would call to discuss closing school. He called her a "great multi-tasker" who "understands the broader picture." According to McGill, Purvis is a "problem-solver" who knows what's important and "never let the numbers get in the way of the people." Saying Purvis was an "exceptional human being," he felt privileged to work with her for sixteen years.
Purvis was then given a most unusual and unique gift. Scarsdale sculptor Michael Josephs of Metalworks, Inc. created a bronze weathervane for Purvis' home in Martha's Vineyard. Pictured here, it includes a replica of a light house, lady liberty and some snowflakes. Diane Greenwald helped Josephs with the design.
School Board President Mary Beth Gose provided some background on Purvis' career path. Purvis attended Princeton and took time off from work to care for her three children, while serving as president of two PTA's and head of the PT Council in Pelham. She held numerous positions in business offices at school districts in Westchester and ultimately came to Scarsdale where she stayed the longest. Gose said that, "every vision needs an implementer" and thanked Purvis for keeping the district on a "steady course during challenging years."
Deborah Skolnik, a Scarsdale resident, writer and founder of Gentle Scarsdale Satire wrote and delivered an original poem for Purvis that is reprinted below. She held the audience rapt as she rapped. (see below)
Purvis ultimately got to give the last word, and after thanking the committee that put together the evening, her colleagues, employees and all the board members, she shared the top ten things she learned on the job:
1) Given Westchester's geography and Scarsdale's distance from every major roadway, there is no way to get from her home in Pelham to Scarsdale in less than 25 minutes.
2) When you put seashells in the foundation of a building, odd things happen. (A reference to the trouble with the foundation of the Quaker Ridge School)
3) All about rebar
4) How to navigate Scarsdale High School
5) It is possible for a school district to get a discount on the purchase of 5,000 gas masks.
6) If you're looking for the visitor parking lot at Scarsdale High School, keep away from the section where the BMW's Mercedes and Lexus' are parked – that's the student lot.
7) She has a reputation for being cool, calm and unflappable – "Never nervous Purvis"
8) If Dr. McGill says he wants to discuss a new idea, get coffee, put your feet up and be prepared for a long discussion.
9) If Dr. Hagerman says he has an idea, look at your watch, say you're late for a meeting and run.
10) To be popular in Scarsdale: never give out homework, never give out tests and cancel school for the next day
11) There are no new problems in education – just old problems to explain over and over again.
A final request for Linda: Will you make one last robo-call to say goodbye? We'll be waiting by the phone!
Here is a comment and the poem from Deborah Skolnik:
"I had a transcendent moment last night--I met my muse, Linda Purvis, at her retirement party! She had a broad smile and looked great, if her index finger was a bit stubby from years of robo-dialing. I recited the following poem in her honor (despite my hammering heart--is pre-public-speaking anxiety a cardiovascular workout?) She hugged me and said she loved it. I shall not wash my shoulders again."
Oh Linda, Linda...this was my fear:
that you would retire and just leave me here!
Six months from now, when the flakes start to fall,
who will be making that snow-day phone call?
I used to look out my window and just feel so nervous
till I heard those magic words:
"Good evening, this is Linda Purvis."
I'm so sad and anxious, I'm growing deranged.
I'm starting to hope for MORE climate change!
If the poles melt, and penguins turn hot to the touch,
then it won't snow, and then I won't miss you so much.
Yep, the whole world will have to catch fire
for me to be cool with the fact you'll retire.
But snow days aside, it's also quite true
that few of us realize how much more you do!
I hear quiet rumors that among other things,
it was you who held tight to the district's purse strings,
and that also, without making much of a fuss,
it was you who decided which children to bus.
I don't mean to sound selfish--well, actually I do--
but how am I going to get by without you?
When the budget runs wild, who'll do the taming?
When a snow day turns bad, who will I be blaming?
Forget retirement! Forget your family!
Do the right thing, Linda, come on: Think of ME!
I could argue and argue, but I bet I would find
that no matter what, I'm not changing your mind.
So go on, everybody, go grab your Nikon
and get some last pics of our school system's icon.
Because the next time it snows, she'll be far, far away,
where the blue ocean shines and the palm trees all sway.
Linda, letting you go will be awfully hard.
I'll have to send you a reverse post card
showing Scarsdale all snowy, and me with a tear,
and we'll all have to sign it, saying "WISH YOU WERE HERE!"
© 2015 Deborah Skolnik
SHS Students Explore the Working World
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Scarsdale High School seniors have left their desks and are on to bigger things -- Senior options, a program in which seniors pursue an independent project or an internship from May 4 – June 16 instead of attending regular school classes. The theory behind the program is that seniors will be theoretically "slumping" so much with their schoolwork by spring that they should put the time to good use and get "real world" working experience. Some seniors decide to use the time to try doing something they have never tried before, while others take the time to develop an existing passion. The result: many students are completing interesting and rewarding projects, where they are learning more than they could in a classroom. Here are some exciting projects Scarsdale students are enjoying:
Ethan Shire
Where: Bikkal & Associates, White Plains
When: 9-3
What: Ethan works for a law firm and is responsible forgathering information for immigrants DAPA (Deferred Action for Parental Accountability) files. Specifically, Ethan contacts clients and asks for their biographical information including their previous addresses, to include in these files. The ultimate goal is to get these clients employment authorization so they can work in America legally and live without fear of deportation.
Highlight: "When I contact clients, I speak to them exclusively in Spanish. This is at times challenging, but it is a very rewarding experience."
Oya Haznedar
Where: Picture House, Pelham
When: 10- 3:30
What: Oya works at the non-profit organization that runs the movie theater, which is dedicated to providing an alternative to commercial multiplex cinemas and almost exclusively shows foreign and independent films. The Picture House will sometimes host Q & A's with the directors, or members of the cast.
Highlight: "Going to the events for sure. We recently had a showing of Manos Sucias – a Spike Lee produced film – and the director was there for a wonderful Q & A."
Kelly Minster
Where: Neuehouse, New York City
When: 5 days a week
What: Kelly is working with Neuehouse, who helps people who are starting up businesses. People who are starting companies and other entrepreneurs become members and work in private offices where they can meet new people and get ideas. Kelly helps to host and organize events as well as assisting entrepreneurs to accomplish whatever they need to launch their business.
Highlight: "Recently we've been working with a woman who just launched her company. She's going to pitch the idea of her company to Google in a few weeks in a competition where, if you win, you are awarded money to use for the launch. So we've been helping her with the preparation."
"I think just meeting cool people is the best. She's taught us a lot about starting a company."
Christine Desbois
Where: Chantilly Patisserie, Bronxville
What: Christine is working in the kitchen and helps with all things baking related.
Highlight: "Making cupcakes, cake batter, fondant decorations, and watching the actual bakers work."
Sara Calderon
Where: Deetown Entertainment
What: Sara is writing and recording songs with a guitar to develop into a LP
Highlight: "When I accidentally rewrote Stairway to Heaven. That wasn't a joke.... I made a piano jingle and showed my dad. He was like its great but it's also Stairway."
Brian Leff
Where: Standing Room Only, Scarsdale
What: Brian is helping out behind the counter at this prepared foods establishment. Brian mostly cuts vegetables.
Highlight: Brian is thoroughly enjoying the experience he is gaining. Everyday he prepares a new vegetable, and genuinely finds peace in the relatively monotonous process. Brian has struggled to slice Brussels sprouts as thinly as possible and has spent hours exploring the surprisingly long and arduous process necessary to make croutons. He has learned not to take his favorite salad bar chopped veggies for granted because he now knows how long they take to prepare.
Allison Sugarman
Where: Quaker Ride Elementary School
What: Works with Mrs. Devlin, 4th grade teacher. Work with kids individually on their weaknesses, grades papers, aids organizing teachers' lessons.
Highlight: "Colonial Day was really fun because they took what they were learning in history and got to pretend they lived in that time and I remember doing it myself in 5th grade. It was just a lot of fun."
Matt Mandel
Where: AJC Westchester / Fairfield, White Plains
What: AJC is a Jewish organization that meets with world leaders to gain their support on issues relevant to the global Jewish community
Highlight: Matt had the opportunity to sit down with the Vice Foreign Minister from Lithuania and the Ambassador to the UN from Croatia and discuss a wide range of topics relevant to Jews internationally.
Geoffrey Fitzgerald
Where: Scarsdale10583
What: Geoffrey is working with Scarsdale10583, writing articles, updating the site, and posting calendar events.
Highlight: "Definitely the process behind writing an article. I like to see the article come together, from just an idea or a request, to a few questions or a conversation, to a bit of background research, and some opinions. I really like seeing the challenge all the way through, it's rewarding and exciting."
