Ass't Superintendent Says That Scarsdale Schools Use a Range of Materials to Teach Reading
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Once considered a literacy guru, over the last few years, Lucy Calkins, who developed the “Units of Study For Teaching Reading,” has become the recipient of some harsh criticism. Despite the curriculum’s aim “to prepare students for any reading and writing task they will face and to turn kids into life-long, confident readers and writers who display agency and independence,” critics say the curriculum underplayed the importance of using phonics to teach students to read and write and blame the use of it in classrooms for low standardized tests scores.
After a podcast aired in the fall of 2022 which denounced Lucy Calkins’ work, other media outlets began to cover the issue reigniting a long history of “reading wars” which debate the best approach to teaching students to read. While critics of Units of Study say that a focus on phonics is the most effective path to early reading success, proponents of Calkins’ theory (which emphasizes student choice, context and comprehension over phonics but maintains phonics should be taught) believe in order to create life-long readers with a love of reading, that beyond word decoding, it is important to immerse children in meaningful reading experiences and give them opportunities to deepen comprehension through rich conversations, exposure to a range of nonfiction and literature, and time to read voluminously books of their choosing.
Even though Units of Study included some focus on phonics, it seems its vulnerability was not centering phonics or "balancing enough" in that direction. In recent years, it appears that Calkins’ Units of Study has evolved to include more phonics instruction.
Though there are advocates that fall staunchly in one camp or another, there are many educators who believe in taking a more holistic approach to teaching reading and writing which includes both a focus on phonics and whole language instruction. This more comprehensive literacy method for reading instruction looks to be the approach that the Scarsdale School District has long implemented in elementary classrooms.
After a recent Board of Education meeting where a parent expressed concern about the District’s announcement that it will pilot a new program “The Reading & Writing Project at Mossflower” (founded by Lucy Calkins), we reached out to Dr. Edgar McIntosh Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment for clarification. Dr. McIntosh shared the following response:
“Thank you for inviting me to address the parent's concerns regarding the district's literacy instruction tools. Some parents are worried about our continued use of the Units of Study in Reading from the Teachers College Reading and Writing Project (TCRWP) developed during Lucy Calkins' leadership. Her early materials were criticized for lacking sufficient word decoding instruction, such as phonemic awareness, phonics, and sight word recognition, potentially failing to meet all students' needs. As educators, we recognized validity in these criticisms.
The units promote critical thinking, verbal reasoning, student choice, and are reinforced by the TCRWP scholarship, positive aspects overlooked by media coverage of Lucy Calkins. Scarsdale teachers have always had a practice of supplementing units with decoding resources.
Over the past few years, Scarsdale has focused on enhancing reading instruction by emphasizing cohesive word decoding and implementing data-driven support structures for all students. That has led us to pilot (or “try-out” in multiple classrooms before adopting) several literacy tools from various publishers and companies. The result has been our integration of a range of word recognition resources across our schools, while also maintaining the Units of Study language comprehension focus.
It should be noted that the new Units of Study have been updated to integrate word recognition more seamlessly, align fully with the NY State teaching standards, and reflect Scardale’s core values of student choice, inclusivity, and agency. We appreciate that the Units are not a scripted curriculum, allowing us to adapt the materials, use them flexibly to match our students' needs, and innovatively infuse STEM and social studies content when appropriate.
The primary reading assessments we've incorporated for early readers measure both language comprehension and word recognition. Educators use these assessment results to pair student skills and needs with the instruction and texts that will work best. This expands the Fountas & Pinnell (F&P) assessments, traditionally used to evaluate a child’s reading level based on comprehension, by adding phonemic awareness (the ability to hear and manipulate sounds in words) and phonics inventories (assessments of a child's ability to decode words using letter-sound relationships). These additions ensure a more balanced evaluation of both word recognition and language comprehension.
The March 3 Board Meeting featured a curriculum Cabinet Update that included the attached slides. Some community members became concerned when they saw Lucy Calkins' name on the teacher newsletter- inviting teachers to try out recent updates to the units through her new organization, Mossflower.
Those who had followed the negative media coverage wondered why we would further explore materials associated with Lucy Calkins. This led to false speculation that we had a contract with Mossflower, were compelled to use her materials, and - because the newsletter was aimed at and accessible only to teachers - that we were not being transparent about our practices.
Our district is not compelled to only use one resource, publisher, or set of materials. Our decisions to use materials for instruction happen after a process involving the exploration of resources, collaboration, experimentation, and consensus building amongst our educators. We engage outside experts, consult neighboring districts, and invest time and energy into internal research. That said, we will continue to examine resources from Mossflower and other organizations as part of our exploration process.
Dropping the Units of Study and switching to a scripted program would undermine a thoughtful and iterative process by which we have arrived at a place of alignment of reading instruction that makes use of multiple tools supporting word recognition and language comprehension. Such a drastic move would be educationally, ethically, and financially irresponsible.
In my March 3 Cabinet Report, I highlighted the importance of tenacity and humility in curriculum change. We must be tenacious in adhering to the science of student learning, regardless of the latest podcast, headline, or social media post. Maren Aukerman, a Werklund Research Professor at the University of Calgary, offers a compelling analysis of bias in literacy reporting I've linked here.
The role of humility is essential, too. Recently raised concerns teach me that we need to communicate more clearly and more frequently about the process we use to improve curriculum and the rationale for our changes. We have made updates to the ELA portion of the district website and will look for more opportunities to invite and answer questions from parents.
Our research-based exploration of materials from a range of sources will continue and our priority is to always measure using a lens that is critically aimed towards what will work best for all our students.
What’s more Dr. Sue Luft, one of the District’s ELA Coordinators who facilitates the review of materials, adds, "Of all the recently published materials we have previewed, the Units of Study closely embrace the Lifelong Practices of a Reader which cultivate the habits, mindsets, and behaviors that turn students into real readers for life."
Scarsdale Trustees Voice Opposition to Proposed Con Edison Rate Hikes
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The following letter was sent by the Scarsdale Board of Trustees to the Public Service Commission)
February 26, 2025)
Public Service Commission
Rory M. Christian, Chair
New York State Public Service Commission Empire State Plaza
Agency Building 3
Albany, NY 12223
Subject: Urgent Concern Over Con Edison Rate Hikes and Public Service Commission Oversight
Chair Christian and Members of the Public Service Commission,
On behalf of the Board of Trustees and residents of Scarsdale, I write to express deep frustration over the continued failures of the Public Service Commission (PSC) to safeguard ratepayers from excessive and unjustified rate increases by Con Edison. Year after year, Con Edison posts significant profits while continuing to raise rates, placing an unnecessary burden on residents, including those on fixed incomes. These continual increases have rightfully sparked outrage in our community, as ratepayers see costs rise without a corresponding improvement in service. The PSC’s primary responsibility is to protect the public interest, yet it appears to have done little to check these increases, undermining confidence in the regulatory process and leaving residents frustrated by an apparent lack of oversight and accountability.
The recent and proposed rate hikes are unacceptable. In 2023, Con Edison increased electric rates by approximately 9.0%, adding about $10.49 to the average monthly residential bill in Westchester County. This was followed by a 4.2% increase in 2024, adding another $5.38 per month, and a further 1.5% increase in 2025, adding $1.96 per month. Now, Con Edison is proposing an additional 11.4% increase in electric rates and a 13.3% increase in gas rates for 2026. If approved, these hikes would result in the average customer paying nearly $1,848 more per year compared to five years ago.
These increases are often justified under the guise of infrastructure investments that have resulted in nothing but prolonged inconvenience and disruption for Scarsdale residents. Alleged “upgrade” projects have led to street closures, noise pollution, and unreliable service without any clear benefit to those who are paying the price. Meanwhile, Con Edison’s shareholders continue to profit handsomely at the expense of working families, seniors on fixed incomes, and small businesses struggling to keep up.
Furthermore, there appears to be little incentive for Con Edison to operate efficiently or implement meaningful cost-saving measures, particularly when it can continue to rely on rate increases to sustain its operations. Our experience in Scarsdale suggests that the only apparent cost-cutting efforts are in areas such as communication with impacted residents—an essential function that has been noticeably absent in projects within our community. The lack of proactive engagement has left residents frustrated and uninformed about work being done in their neighborhoods. A company granted such significant authority over essential services must be held to a higher standard of accountability, transparency, and operational efficiency.
We acknowledge that Governor Hochul has publicly expressed opposition to these proposed rate hikes, directing the Department of Public Service to thoroughly scrutinize Con Edison’s request. While this is a commendable first step, it is imperative that these words translate into concrete actions. The PSC must exercise its regulatory authority to reject these unjustified increases and implement measures that protect consumers from future exploitation.
The PSC is mandated to regulate utilities in a manner that balances corporate profitability with consumer protection. This balance has been utterly absent in recent decisions. Instead of rubber- stamping Con Edison’s never-ending demands for higher rates, the Commission must take decisive action to rein them in.
Ultimately, the responsibility for addressing this issue rests with Governor Hochul, who appoints the members of the PSC. As the leader of this state, she has the authority to ensure that regulatory bodies serve their intended function—protecting residents, not enriching corporations. We urge the Governor and this Commission to reject any further increases and take decisive action to prevent unchecked rate hikes that place an undue burden on New Yorkers.
The residents of Scarsdale deserve fair rates, reliable service, and a Commission that upholds its duty to regulate in the public interest. We urge immediate and meaningful action to stop this pattern of unchecked rate hikes and corporate favoritism.
Sincerely,
Justin K. Arest Mayor of Scarsdale
cc:
Governor Kathy Hochul
State Assemblymember Amy Paulin
State Senator Shelley Mayer
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins Westchester County Legislator Ben Boykin
A Gifted Athlete with a Big Heart
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Chloe Paquin, a senior at Scarsdale High School, is a gifted athlete with a big heart. Wanting other children to be able to enjoy the sports she loves so much, Chloe has been volunteering with Able Athletics, a wonderful organization that supports athletes with special needs, for four years.. According to their website, Able Athletics’ mission is to, “Empower children with disabilities through tailored sports programming, while providing educational training for volunteers in order to inspire a more inclusive future.”
In her time with Able Athletics, Chloe has acted as a sports clinic volunteer, has been a social media intern for the organization and even co-founded and served as the President of the SHS Able Athletics Club. She has also designed and run information sessions for Scarsdale High School and Middle School students on Non Sibi Days, Global Citizenship Days, and Human Rights Days where students are exposed to the challenges faced by children with special needs.
What’s more, Chloe also has also helped to run many Able Athletics “dedicated” games in collaboration with Scarsdale High School sports teams. Most recently, on Friday January 21st, Chloe organized a successful basketball game with her Girls’ Varsity Basketball team. As part of the game, the girls wore “Able blue” socks and all the families and fans participated in a point-a-thon where they pledged a small dollar amount per point the girls scored. The team had an exceptional scoring game where they scored 61 points and the point-a-thon ended up raising $2,250 for Able Athletics!
Describing her time as a volunteer, Chloe said, “I can honestly say that volunteering for Able Athletics has been my favorite and most rewarding experience throughout my four years in high school. Working with the Able athletes and watching them succeed, whether that means scoring a basket or simply running through an obstacle course, brings me a huge amount of joy and pride. I have been lucky enough to have developed close bonds with so many of the athletes and I feel incredibly grateful to be a small part of their success as they try to navigate the challenges that come along with being an athlete with special needs.”
Chloe added, “I’ve enjoyed getting to know the Able Community- not only the athletes, but the Able Athletics administrative team, as well as my peer volunteers. I feel that I have grown as a person and the Able athletes have taught me so much more than I could ever teach them. I have learned about inclusion and empathy and I will continue to champion these values both on and off the playing fields.”
Find out more about Able Athletics and learn how you can get involved here https://ableathletics.org/
Emily Giovanni Brings a Wealth of Experience to Scarsdale Village Hall
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Scarsdale has a new Assistant Village Manager. Emily Giovanni was officially appointed at the February 11, 2025 Village Board meeting and brings a wealth of educational and work experience to the Village. Most recently she served as the Assistant Village Manager in Croton on Hudon and also worked in Planning in Suffolk County and as the Communications Director of a NYS State Senator. See below for her impressive resume of public service and what she hopes to contribute to Scarsdale Village Government.
Tell us about your background and education.
I hold a Bachelor’s degree with a dual major in Politics, Philosophy, and Law (PPL), and English, as well as a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Binghamton University. My professional background includes several years of experience in communications, municipal administration, and public service. I previously worked in the Planning Floor Office of the Suffolk County Executive, where I gained insight into county-level operations and strategic planning. I later served as Communications Director for New York State Senator Kevin Thomas, where I oversaw messaging, media relations, and constituent communications. Most recently, I served as Assistant to the Village Manager for the Village of Croton-on-Hudson, where I gained valuable experience in municipal operations and community engagement.
I grew up in Suffolk County, Long Island. My now-husband and I decided to draw a line between our hometowns — mine on Long Island and his in New Jersey. That line met right here in lower Westchester, and we've been happily calling it home ever since. On weekends, you’ll often find us cycling along the Bronx River Parkway during Bicycle Sundays or exploring the Saxon Woods Park trails.
How did you become interested in public administration and village government?
My interest in public administration developed through my experiences working at the state and county levels, where I gained valuable insight into the broader frameworks of government operations. However, I found local-level municipal services to be the most hands-on and rewarding, as they offer the opportunity to see the direct impact of government initiatives on residents' daily lives. I enjoy the variety of challenges that local government presents, and appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with residents, elected officials, and staff to implement practical solutions that benefit the community.
What were your responsibilities in Croton-on-Hudson? What are some initiatives you worked on?
In the Village of Croton-on-Hudson, I served as Assistant to the Village Manager, providing administrative support for day-to-day municipal operations, assisting with budget preparation and analysis, overseeing grant applications, and coordinating community events, while also managing public communications, collaborating with department heads on infrastructure and sustainability projects, and spearheading process improvements through the implementation of new software and technology to enhance operational efficiency and better serve the community.
The Manager’s Office oversaw several major initiatives, including the installation of solar canopies at the Croton-Harmon Train Station — a transformative project designed to generate renewable energy while offering covered parking for hundreds of vehicles across the commuter lot. One of the most rewarding projects I led was the planning and execution of the Village’s annual Summerfest, where I worked hand-in-hand with a resident-lead committee to organize a vibrant celebration of the Village’s 125th Anniversary, coordinating dozens of vendors, performances, and activities to bring the community together in a memorable way.
Beyond event planning, I took the lead in modernizing the Village's communications and operations by authoring digital Village newsletters and enhancing community outreach. I spearheaded the transition to the Everbridge emergency notification system, significantly improving the Village's ability to communicate urgent information to residents. Additionally, I advocated for and implemented more tech-friendly, efficient municipal processes by introducing and optimizing software platforms like CivicPlus, WebTrac, and GovOS, making it easier for residents to pay bills, renew licenses, and sign up for recreation programs online.
Tell us about your new position in Scarsdale. What will you be working on? In my new role as Assistant Village Manager in Scarsdale, I’ll be supporting the Village Manager with the day-to-day operations of local government, working closely with department heads across public works, public safety, and recreation. I’ll assist with policy development, budgeting, and financial oversight to help ensure efficient and effective service delivery. Additionally, I’ll be involved in grant writing, project management, and community engagement efforts—collaborating with residents, businesses, and local organizations on initiatives that enhance village life. A key part of my role will also involve overseeing communications to ensure residents stay informed about important projects, events, and village decisions. I’m looking forward to contributing to Scarsdale’s vibrant community and supporting its continued growth and success.
What do you enjoy about working in Village government?
What I really enjoy about working in village government is the opportunity to connect with so many different people—residents, business owners, and colleagues—who all care deeply about their community. I love being part of a team that helps make daily life run smoothly, whether that’s through coordinating projects, supporting events, or improving services. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how the work we do directly impacts the community in positive ways. I also enjoy the problem-solving aspect, finding solutions that help the village operate more efficiently and meet the needs of its residents. There’s something special about contributing to the sense of community that makes a village feel like home.
In the few weeks you have been here, what are the differences in the way Croton-on-Hudson and Scarsdale Village Government work? In the few weeks I’ve been here, one noticeable difference is the scale and sophistication of Scarsdale’s operations. With a larger population and a more extensive municipal structure, Scarsdale has a level of specialization that sets it apart. The departments here have dedicated teams with distinct areas of expertise, allowing for a more streamlined and efficient approach to delivering services and implementing initiatives. In Croton-on-Hudson, the smaller size often required staff to juggle multiple roles across departments to accomplish projects. In Scarsdale, the resources, staff capacity, and operational structure create an environment where initiatives can be executed with remarkable precision and effectiveness. I’m excited to continue learning about these intricacies and to contribute to the high standards of service that Scarsdale is known for.
What opportunities, if any, do you see for improvements or enhancements here in Scarsdale?
It’s still early in my tenure, but I already see opportunities to build on Scarsdale’s strong foundation. There’s potential for process optimization, particularly in streamlining internal workflows to enhance efficiency. Additionally, exploring new technology upgrades could further improve service delivery and communication with residents. I’m also excited to collaborate with colleagues and community members to identify innovative community programs that reflect Scarsdale’s vibrant spirit. I look forward to working together to explore these opportunities and continue enhancing the exceptional services the Village provides.
Anything else you wish to add is welcome.
I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve the Village of Scarsdale and look forward to contributing to its continued success. With a focus on collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to exceptional public service, I’m excited to build on the Village’s strong foundation and help support its bright future.
On a lighter note, I’m a big sausage-egg-and-cheese enthusiast—always on the lookout for the best in Westchester. If you have a favorite spot, I’d love to hear about it!
Scarsdale Celebrates the Year of the Snake
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Two lively celebrations for the Year of the Snake were held by the Scarsdale Chinese Association at Scarsdale Congregational Church on February 1, 2025. 350 people showed up at two sessions to enjoy traditional Chinese dancing, crafts and Chinese food in a wonderful display of community engagements.
Elaine Wang, President of the Scarsdale Chinese Association said, “As a tradition, authenticate Chinese food was served by a city restaurant; local talented dancers and singers gave a spectacular performance on stage and there were retail booths selling Chinese desserts, pearl jewelries, crafts, books and more.”
The Scarsdale Chinese Association Leadership Team
Deputy Mayor Dara Gruenberg attended the event and wished the Scarsdale Chinese Community a happy year of the Snake. The whole event was filled with joy and laughter for a happy start to the Chinese Lunar New Year.
