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Published: 09 August 2012

Created: 09 August 2012

Last Updated: 13 August 2012

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Scarsdale, a community that prides itself on education, has always devoted a tremendous amount of effort and resources to ensure that its students receive the highest quality of education possible. Maintaining this high standard of educational excellence year after year requires year-round dedication. Summers are spent planning, hiring and exploring new ways to enhance the school year. This summer in particular, hiring and position changes to the school's administrative staff took a front seat in Scarsdale affairs.

It would appear that after hiring the duo of Principal Kenneth Bonamo and Assistant Principal Chris Griffin, Scarsdale would be done with leadership changes for the summer. However, this summer was an active one and there is another major swap to report. Taking over the positions of President and Vice President of the Scarsdale Board of Education on July 9 for 2012-2013 are Elizabeth Guggenheimer and Suzanne Seiden.

After graduating from SHS in 1978, earning degrees at Harvard, NYU and Princeton, and serving five years on the Board of Education, (the last two as vice president), Liz Guggenheimer knows firsthand about the importance of education. We decided to learn a little more about Scarsdale’s new BOE President and her plans for this upcoming year and sent her some questions. Here is what she shared with us…

Please tell us about yourself – what do you do and what are your interests?

I graduated from SHS in the class of 1978. In terms of professional interests, I previously was a litigator, but now I am a nonprofit manager and a nonprofit lawyer – passionate about promoting pro bono legal services, and providing legal help to nonprofit organizations engaged in dynamic work. One my main interests is spending time with family. I have two children. My son Brian is starting at Haverford College and my daughter Laura is a rising senior at Harvard. My husband Randy and I have been married since 1986 and he’s involved in Scarsdale community activities as well. In terms of hobbies, I enjoy anything outdoors, especially if it involves hiking in the woods or being on, near, or in water.

What are you looking forward to this year?

Our teachers, administrators, parent representatives, families, students, and other school staff and residents are connected by our commitment to the schools. In Scarsdale, the community puts a premium on love of learning. This creates exciting opportunities. I am pleased to work with a dedicated, smart group of Board members and I’m looking forward to working with an exceptionally talented, visionary, engaged team from the District office. And with the May passage of the 2012-13 school budget, by a 79% favorable vote, the District is able to proceed on the development of several program improvements and needed facilities projects.

What new initiatives might be under consideration for 2012-13?

In terms of curriculum, we will be starting with further implementation of the Scarsdale Education for Tomorrow: This summer our teachers spent time to enhance curriculum initiatives in balanced literacy, mathematics, inquiry research, special education inclusion and grade level and interdisciplinary assessments. At the High School we are excited to have a new leadership team consisting of new Principal Kenneth Bonamo and new Assistant Principal Christopher Griffin joining continuing Assistant Principals Sue Peppers and Chris Renino. We are adding two high school teaching positions in social studies and math to help offer a variety of courses in the upper grades. At the same time, the District is exploring ways to assess student work through its ongoing collaboration with Columbia University and participation in an international benchmarking initiative with educational leaders from high-performing schools in six countries. Physically, we seek to pay greater attention to school buildings and grounds, both ongoing maintenance and more long-term facilities planning to ensure that space, equipment, and technology will support the educational plan. Several building maintenance upgrades are scheduled for the summer, including the replacement of a non-functioning ventilation system in the Edgewood gym, replacing antiquated lighting and stage-rigging and removing asbestos above the Heathcote stage, widening Middle School exterior steps and repairing the CHOICE building, connecting boilers and heat pumps to generators at the High School, and repairing roofs and adding heat controls throughout the district.

Are the elementary enrollment estimates that were used last Spring accurate?

Estimates are just that, estimates, based on the best information available at the time. As families move in and out of the District there are always changes between spring and fall, and there still may be increases or decreases in enrollment after today before the District determines final section breaks and staffing.

The District projected 2,049 elementary school students in the spring, and we now project slightly more than 2,100 enrolled students, close to the actual number of students we had in October 2011 when we had 2109 enrolled students. Again, this is not a fixed number, and it can go up or down.

Have more people moved in/out than expected and will more teachers need to be hired?

The District has hired three more teachers than initially planned, for 105 rather than 102 elementary school sections. Last year we had 107 sections.

We are anticipating more Kindergarten children. We expect one more Kindergarten section than projected. The other placements will be determined later this summer. We are pleased to be able to continue Scarsdale’s practice of favorable class sizes in the elementary school. K-3 sections can have up to 22 students and Grades 4-5 can have up to 24 students when it’s time to set the teaching assignments.

Any update on the Center for Innovation?

Scarsdale’s faculty and administration are consistently ahead of the curve. The new Center for Innovation is intended to be a fertile source of ideas for how enhanced facilities and technology can enhance new models of instruction and collaboration.

In late July, Superintendent of Schools Dr. McGill, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction Lynne Shain, Director of Technology Jerry Crisci and several District principals and administrators met with Tony Wagner, the first Innovative Education Fellow at the Technology and Entrepreneurship Center at Harvard. The meeting was a chance to discuss and enhance the District’s thinking about the mission, parameters, opportunities, and workings of a Center for Innovation. We will hear more about this meeting when the Board gathers in the early fall.

How is the construction of the satellite cafeteria going – when will this work be done?

You are correct that a budgeted 2012-13 project at the High School is to try to convert unused space that was formerly an auto shop into a “pilot” small group instructional space and satellite cafeteria, with significant Internet capacity.

Planning is underway. Our professional staff will be meeting with architects and those involved in curriculum in the fall. We seek to determine how best to rework the currently underutilized space in and near the former auto shop. Once plans are developed, there will likely be state and other regulatory approvals, before we can begin construction. I’m optimistic that we will be able to complete the planning process this year and begin construction by the summer.

What's happening with the establishment of the School's Foundation?

The Foundation will raise funds to enhance the education of students who attend the Scarsdale schools.

There is a Foundation steering committee that is working hard and thoughtfully on the formation of the Foundation. It was incorporated as a New York State entity in the spring. The initial board, comprised of a subset of the steering committee, has submitted the application to the Internal Revenue Service seeking recognition of 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, which will allow contributions to be tax-deductible to the donor. Plans are underway with respect to identification of major donors and board development. The School Board plans to hear more from the steering committee and discuss the Foundation this fall.

Do you anticipate that there will be further discussion about reducing the undesignated fund balance?

Yes, we discuss fund balance every year. It’s too early to say what the appropriate amount should be for next year. It may go up or down. We will monitor the situation and relevant factors carefully.

What's your view on using these funds?

This is an appropriate matter for the full Board to discuss later in the year, when we are looking at the District’s financial condition and budget as a whole. We will monitor the situation carefully and seek to do what’s best for the District financially in the short and long term.

Is anything happening on the state regulatory front this summer?

Governor Cuomo vetoed a bill that several Westchester school districts, including Scarsdale, opposed. The bill would have required school districts to consider home environment and family background (such as religion) when deciding whether a child should be placed in a private school, and the concern was that this would make it easier for parents to send their children to private or religious school at taxpayer expense.

What is the administration doing to orient the new Principal and Assistant Principal? Are they working during the summer?

The Board is excited about the new leadership team at SHS. The additions, plus our continuing Assistant Principals, bring a wealth of educational and personal qualities that should serve the District well as we offer students a stimulating, comprehensive curriculum.

To orient the new staff, the district has a formal mentoring program for all new faculty members during their first year, including administrators. Current staff are mentors and new staff are mentees. SHS Principal Kenneth Bonamo, who began in early July, will be formally mentored by SMS Principal Mike McDermott. SHS Assistant Principal Chris Griffen, who starts mid-August, will be formally mentored by SHS Assistant Principal Sue Peppers. The entire administrative staff has been working together extensively, to orient the new Principal and plan for the 2012-13 school year. Mr. Griffen will be joining them shortly. There is a lot of support for new faculty from colleagues and the administration.

Writer David Candell graduated from Scarsdale High School in 2011 and recently completed his freshman year at Boston University.

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Published: 30 July 2012

Created: 30 July 2012

Last Updated: 30 July 2012

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As most of you know, this past school year at SHS has been an active one in terms of hiring. Following the departure of some key members of the Scarsdale High Schools administrative staff (Principal John Klemme and Co-Principals Kelly Hamm and Fred Goldberg,) SHS leadership was left with a void. Superintendent Michael McGill faced the daunting task of hiring a new set of principals to continue the course of educational excellence set by the departing staffers. Former Principal John Klemme will be replaced by Kenneth Bonamo and Dr. Chris Griffin will be taking over as a new Assistant Principal. Not to be confused with Chris Griffin of the popular TV series “Family Guy”, Dr. Griffin is neither animated nor a teenager. In fact, he was formerly a head counselor in the Katonah-Lewisboro school district. Just to recap: not animated, adult, former head counselor. While this information is helpful, it doesn’t paint a clear enough picture of SHS’s soon to be new administrator. And we figured it would be a good idea to find out a little more about him, so Scarsdale10583 sent him some questions. This is what he shared with us…

What influenced you to choose education as a career?

I enjoy working with people - especially young people. As a young adult, I did some volunteer work that involved teaching English to young men who were beginners with the language. The process of teaching and learning was so exciting that I decided to make a career out of it.

How do you see your administrative style meshing with that of SHS’s new principal Kenneth Bonamo?

Even in the short time that we have spent together, it has become clear to me that Mr. Bonamo enjoys his work and cares deeply about students. I look forward to working with Mr. Bonamo and my other administrative colleagues and I am confident that we are going to make an outstanding team.

What do you think it takes to be successful as a Assistant Principal?

I think that a successful Assistant Principal is one who enjoys working with students, is excited about the process of teaching and learning and is willing to work hard to help keep the school running smoothly.

What has been your most rewarding accomplishment in education, thus far?

I just received an email from a former student who graduated six years ago. He wanted to update me on his progress and also check in with me. Those connections are, by far, the most rewarding accomplishments I enjoy as an educator.

What is your philosophy on discipline?

I believe that everyone has a strong need to belong. When students feel disconnected from the school community, they are likely to act out. My goal is to help students get connected with their peers, teachers and counselors so that they feel a sense of belonging in school. When someone feels connected to a community, you can expect great things from them.

Bullying is a perpetual problem that plagues nearly all high schools. As a counselor, what was your approach to bullying in the Katonah-Lewisboro school district? And how, as vice principal, will you attempt to deal with bullying related issues here at SHS? Do you feel that the difference in your position will affect your approach?

Bullying is again, in many ways, a function of a student’s sense of belonging in school. A school system must promote, through programming, professional development and policy, a community that values respect for both self and others. Students who feel respected are likely to feel connected within the community and are less likely to engage in bullying. And a strong community is less likely to tolerate mean and hurtful behavior. No matter how hard a school system works to promote community, there will always be incidents of bullying. Counselors, teachers and administrators must work with both the victim and the aggressor to put an immediate stop to the behavior and then to work long term to ensure that the behavior doesn’t continue. Although the counselor’s and assistant principal’s approaches may be different, the goal is always the same – to put an end to bullying.

What were the greatest challenges you faced in your counseling position in Katonah-Lewisboro? What do you feel will be the biggest challenges as Assistant Principal of SHS?

One of the greatest challenges I faced as a director was helping counselors manage the pressure and complexity of a caseload of high school students. As an Assistant Principal, I will be working closely with half of the student body and will most likely feel these same pressures. With that said, I look forward to having the opportunity to work closely with students and to help them make the most of their high school experience.

What aspect of your new position are you most excited about?

As a Director, I did not have a specific caseload of students. In my new position, I am looking forward to having more direct contact with students and helping them navigate the high school experience. I am also excited about spending more time in the classroom, observing teachers and students engaged in the learning process.

How do you plan to help students relieve some of the stress associated with attending a high-pressure school system such as Scarsdale?

The quick answer is - one student, one interaction at a time. I am accustomed to working with students who put a great deal of pressure on themselves. These students need a friendly, supportive and trusted adult who they can process their experience with. I believe in achievement and hard work, but I also believe in the need for rest, recuperation and reflection.

What is your opinion on the role of parents in a students’ educational development? Do you feel that the current level of parental involvement is appropriate?

Parents should be, and must be, involved in the lives of their children. A parent’s voice and influence is critical in the success of their children. Particularly in high school, some parents make the unfortunate mistake of trying to manage all aspects of a student’s school life. Parents need to find the balance of being a supportive and guiding presence while also allowing some space for their child to grow. Adolescents need to experience freedom and autonomy, particularly with regard to the day to day realities of being a high school student, so that they can develop important decision making abilities and critical personal attributes such as resilience.

Academics aside, what are some of your hobbies and interests?

I have three children (9, 6 and 2) that keep me very busy. I love to read books on history, philosophy and religion. I have enjoyed studying martial arts for many years. Lastly, I love to hike; I feel my best when I am breathing fresh air and enjoying the beauty of nature.

Writer David Candell graduated from Scarsdale High School in 2011 and recently completed his freshman year at Boston University.

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Published: 18 July 2012

Created: 18 July 2012

Last Updated: 18 July 2012

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Scarsdale’s Jared Sugarman (13) and Polly Adler (11) flew to Los Angeles recently to compete in USA Fencing’s Summer Nationals, which was attended by more than 1,000 competitors. Sugarman placed a strong 55th out of 220 competitors in Y12 (13 and under) men’s foil and 79th out of 199 competitors in Y14 (15 and under) men’s foil in fierce competition. He finishes the fencing year ranked 20th in the U.S. for Y12 men’s foil and 51st for Y14 men’s foil. Adler, who will be entering 6th grade in September, fought her way to a gold medal in Y10 (11 and under) women’s foil, beating out 85 other competitors, including her best friend for the title. Adler placed 9th out of 136 competitors in Y12 women’s foil and went on to finish 25th out of 115 competitors in U16 (16 and under) women’s foil. Adler finishes the year as the Y10 national champion and overall finished third in the U.S. for Y10 women’s foil. She qualifies now to fence in the Junior Olympic Fencing Championship in February and is working toward gaining a spot on the U.S. fencing team for the 2020 Olympics.

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Published: 12 July 2012

Created: 12 July 2012

Last Updated: 16 July 2012

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The community is still reeling from the tragic loss of SHS student Tyler Madoff. Madoff, age 15, would have been a junior this upcoming school year. Madoff was on a tour on the big island of Hawaii, when a rogue wave hit his tour group, carrying him and another boy, Matthew Alzate, out to sea. This occurred while the group was resting at a tidal pool near the shoreline. Alzate was rescued, and is recovering at a hospital in Honolulu, but Tyler was not found, and is now presumed dead.

Andrew Mork, the leader of the tour, which was run by Bold Earth Teen Adventures, ignored warnings that it would be dangerous to travel to the tidal pool due to rough ocean conditions. Madoff’s parents also claim that Mork lied to them. In addition, the group running the kayaking tour did not have a permit to travel to the tidal pool, and Bold Earth Teen Adventures tour guides were apparently uncooperative in helping search for Madoff. In a press conference,  Madoff’s parents scolded Bold Earth Teen Adventures, and are now considering pressing charges against the company.

Friends and classmates of Madoff have covered his Facebook page with stories and memories of him.   They have also set up a ceremony for him at Scarsdale High School this Saturday, July 14 (details to follow).

Madoff, who was on high-school swimming, football, and crew teams, was known for being courageous, genuine and kind-hearted. “He was a great friend who was loved by everybody in school and on the football field. He was always good to be around, and will always be remembered in our community,” stated Spencer Planit, a friend and teammate of Madoff.