SHS Says Farewell to Beloved Math Teacher Mr. Cappucci

Scarsdale High School will say goodbye to a beloved math teacher Roger Cappucci who will retire at the end of this school year, after the completion of his 50th year at Scarsdale. Cappucci has been a school favorite for the entirety of his time at SHS. Cappucci teaches by the belief that math is an art form that needs to be worked on by a team. His engaging and interactive classes help his students fully grasp complicated math topics, while also forming bonds with him and each other.

Capucci grew up just a few miles from here but a world away from Scarsdale in Arthur Avenue in the Bronx with three other siblings and his italian immigrant parents. Early in his humble start at P.S 74 and then at Cardinal Hayes High School in the Bronx, he loved math and dealing with numbers. He graduated from Fordham University in 1957 and then began his first teaching job at Lincoln High School in Yonkers at just 21 years old. After a couple years at Lincoln he moved to New Rochelle High School, and then finally to Scarsdale High School.

Cappucci says that what he will miss the most at at Scarsdale High School are his many students. He references his 2015-16 B.C. Calculus class as one of his favorite classes of his teaching career. "It's been a real joy with [this year's B.C. Calculus class] because they're so good. They are so good and so giving and cooperative. And you can see it in their faces how they enjoy the learning experiences". B.C. Calculus is the highest level of math available at Scarsdale High School, and he is inspired by the level of determination and devotion that these students show each year. One of his B.C. Calculus students, Aditi Valada, spoke about his dedication to the class. "All of his students have grown very fondly of him and have gotten to know how much of an amazing teacher he is". Another B.C. Calculus student, Stephanie Strek, also praised Mr. Cappucci's dedication. "This class has been pretty tough for all of us, but Cappucci really helped us come together as a class and work together to succeed". Cappucci inspires all of his students, no matter what level math class or level of ability. "Math hasn't always been the easiest subject for me but with Cappucci as my teacher this year I really excelled", said Jake Frishberg, a student in his Pre-Calculus level class.

Although Cappucci has maintained his enthusiasm for teaching over his many years at Scarsdale High School, he has observed many changes in the school. Most obviously, he has witnessed the implementation of widely new technological advances for teaching at Scarsdale. The introduction of graphing calculators, Smart Boards, and even online teacher pages have all changed the ways in which students gain and process information. Mr. Cappucci has also noticed more subtle changes in his students since his start in 1957. "I think they're under more pressure than they were years ago", stated Cappucci. He references the increased competition for grades and colleges for this change. He says that competition in the world today is, "so much more vigorous, and that translates to the pressures that the students have in the school". Although his students may be under more pressure, he hopes he has alleviated the increased competition by creating a welcoming class. "We are all under so much pressure with colleges, AP exams, and parents, but Cappucci makes an effort to make us all feel comfortable and relaxed in his classes. I looked forward to seeing him everyday!", said Strek.

After retiring, Cappucci plans to relax, "play lots of tennis", while continuing to tutor and teach those who are less fortunate. He says he will, "continue to teach and give of myself for those who are in need... to give of myself to them". Cappucci will leave a legacy in Scarsdale High School that will live on through all of his students, past and present. "His legacy has grown by the results of his students and their feelings toward him", praised Valada. "We will all miss you, Mr. Cappucci! Thank you for inspiring all of us", said Strek.