What an Inspiration
- Details
- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
- Hits: 4291
I had heard that Tony Wagner was a forward thinker, but with limited knowledge of the field of educational innovation I didn't expect to be wowed when I signed up to attend his lecture. Wagner, a Harvard University Professor and author of four books on fostering change in education, was originally scheduled to speak here after Hurricane Sandy but was unable to come due to the storm. His visit was rescheduled for Wednesday, December 5. He spent the day meeting with teachers, parents, administrators and members of the Board of Education and completed his visit with a talk for the community on Wednesday night.
He recently published his fourth book, "Creating Innovators: The Making of Young People Who Will Change The World" and has been on the road to share his insights. According to Wagner, educators have spent the last 30 years thinking about how to bring up the worst performing students while neglecting educational innovation for all. In a world where courses can be taken online and degrees earned without attending school, Wagner is examining the value of education and what should happen in the classroom to create innovators for tomorrow.
To find out, Wagner has interviewed today's business leaders to discern what skills are essential to success and he is convinced that critical thinking and problem solving are foremost. He also believes that those who will thrive have the ability to collaborate across networks and lead across disciplines, are agile, adaptable, innovative and entrepreneurial. They are effective speakers and know how to infuse their writing with a clear voice and perspective.
The big disconnect for Wagner is that many schools in this country, including some of the most prestigious high schools, are singularly focused on conveying content and preparing students for tests. In his view, these schools fail to encourage the skills that students will need most to succeed on the job and in the world.
Contradictions abound ... Wagner points out that:
- The current culture of learning celebrates individual achievement but innovation is a team sport.
- Students are now rewarded for specialization and compartmentalization of knowledge but innovation demands a problem-based interdisciplinary approach.
- The current culture of schooling creates a passive experience with kids sitting at desks and guessing what's on the teacher's mind when the emphasis should be on creating not listening.
- Students are now penalized for failure and discouraged from taking risks, creating a culture of compliance... however innovation requires risk-taking, failing and learning from mistakes.
In Wagner's view, our prevailing mode of education leaves many students bored and unmotivated. He believes that teachers should help students unlock their passion for learning and encourage risk-taking and creativity. Classrooms should be safe, supportive environments were students can experiment rather than being marked down for failures.
He also believes that throughout their school years, students should develop digital portfolios of their work that
can supplement a transcript that shows only grades.
Wagner applauded the Scarsdale Schools for taking bold steps toward innovation in learning. He credited Scarsdale with dropping the test-centric AP curriculum and substituting an AT track that incorporates the values he supports. He also praised the school for developing initiatives that foster critical thinking skills for students at all grade levels such as the Capstone Projects.
Earlier in the day, Wagner spoke to the staff of the high school at an after school meeting. Over 200 teachers signed up to see him, and registration for the event had to be cut off due to limited space in the room. Wagner reviewed presentations from Scarsdale teachers who have received grant funding from the district's new Center for Innovation to pursue projects that further the district's objective to integrate critical and creative thinking skills into many areas of the curriculum. More details about these projects will be available in the coming weeks on Scarsdale10583.
Wagner is a dynamic speaker and a visionary with revolutionary ideas that will make you reconsider what you value in education. If you missed Tony Wagner's talk and want to learn more about him, watch his TED talks here:
Photo credits: Jerry Crisci and Vicki Presser
Mark Seiden and Ronnie Cohn Honored at Congregation Kol Ami
- Details
- Hits: 8317
While the legacy of some congregants to their temple is a name in a prayer book or an inscription on a plaque, the Co-Presidents of Congregation Kol Ami set their sights on a far more ambitious bequest to their synagogue. Mark Seiden and Ronnie Cohn Farley, who have served as Co-Presidents of Kol Ami since 2010, worked tirelessly to gain consensus and raise $4 million to reconstruct the sanctuary to replace one that was badly in need of restoration.
Despite skepticism from some about the feasibility of raising this lofty sum at the time of a serious economic downturn, the two forged on and were successful at seeing the project to fruition. With the help of a committee of dedicated congregants and Mark's wife, Andrea Seiden, they sought donations both small and significant from the congregation, retained architects to design a state-of-the-art sanctuary and oversaw the construction of a dazzling new sacred space.
Construction began in the spring of 2012 with the goal of completion before the High Holidays in September. But, as often happens, a few weeks before Rosh Hashonah it became evident that the sanctuary would not be ready in time for the Days of Awe. What to do? Not many facilities in Westchester have the capacity to hold the entire membership of Kol Ami – along with family and friends that accompany them to services. The staff searched for an alternate venue and considered renting video monitors but then had a brainstorm... why not set up a temporary bima in their social hall? Hard to imagine but it worked – they built a bima, set up folding chairs to accommodate thousands, switched the orientation of the room and held services without a hitch.
Perhaps this is why the two Co-Presidents were named the Congregation Kol Ami 2012 Man and Woman of the Year and honored at a dinner during the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy on Sunday November 4th. Just that week, in an effort to help congregants through a troubling time, the temple opened their doors and provided everything a "powerless" family would need. In the words of Ronnie Farley, "Kol Ami is always an amazing community, but this past week surpassed even what we have come to expect. By early Tuesday morning, scores of emails were going back with the subject line "Checking In" and offers of warmth, food, shelter, hot coffee, internet and phone access, and companionship." The following Friday, "Prompted by a couple of congregants, clergy, and others, a late afternoon email went out entitled "NEED HEAT?!" We offered our carpeted social hall and auditorium to those who wanted to bring sleeping bags. We provided heat, light, bathrooms (as well as of course coffee, juice and cookies) instead of their cold, dark homes overnight. Two families stayed Friday night, last night and the offer stands until it is no longer needed."
By Sunday night, an elegant dinner in honor of Seiden and Cohn was held in the same room that hours before had served as a shelter. Introductory remarks were made by Sisterhood President Ellen Kurtz, the honorees received a musical tribute from Rabbi Shira Milgrom and Mayor Tom Roach of White Plains was also on hand to thank the Co-Presidents for their work on behalf of the community.
In his remarks, Mark Seiden, a Scarsdale resident, reflected on the experience of leading a large synagogue where much of the work is done by volunteers." As an attorney, I am necessarily results oriented. While the results we have collectively achieved for Kol Ami are critical, and a source of satisfaction, perhaps more importantly, I have come to realize that it is the process by which these results are achieved, that is as, or more important than the results themselves. It is the process that causes you to work with and bond with a diverse group of people on a regular basis, form new friendships and connect with the community."
"I soon came to realize that getting things done with a talented and committed corps of volunteers, was a very different process from getting things done in a law office. In the "for-profit" environment, there are systemic and obvious rewards and disincentives. However, in a volunteer environment, all that goes out the window. You have to dig deeper and evaluate as to how best to tap into what gives people meaning. You have to facilitate collaboration and empower people to do more. You have to listen carefully and importantly, you have to recognize and thank people. In his "Ted Talk", Simon Senak, the author of "Start with Why" concisely analyzed the phenomena Ronnie and I experience almost every day through our work at Kol Ami. He observed, "If you hire people because they can do a job, they'll work for your money. But if you hire people who believe what you believe, they'll work for you with blood, sweat and tears."
Reflecting on her term as Co-President and Hurricane Sandy, Cohn commented on the power of community: "These acts of good will, through gestures large and small, are further proof of what we already know. When we face adversity, we run towards one another, not away. During the most trying times, we step up for our neighbors and communities." That is why it is a privilege to be a part of this family as well as my own. That is why I am so honored by your tribute."
Photo Credit: Mariela Melamed
Need Help Recovering From Sandy? Call Y.E.S. -Youth Employment Service of Scarsdale
- Details
- Hits: 4700
As we try to return to normalcy after Sandy, we also know the holidays are just around the corner. Need help at home or in your business?
Just say Y.E.S.! Y.E.S. brings together bright, responsible Scarsdale students, 14 years and older, with employers like you in your homes and businesses in Scarsdale. Students can help where you need it. Need a hand to clean out your basement, bring out winter clothes? Rake leaves, stack fallen tree limbs, or shovel snow? Straighten up the house for Thanksgiving dinner or your special holiday party? Hang holiday decorations, or make them? Send out holiday cards or party invitations? Help with your party? Do arts & crafts or bake cookies with your kids while you work?? No need to stress! Just say Y.E.S.!
Students have filled jobs as tutors, baby-sitters, mother's helpers, sales, office and stock clerks, delivery persons, painters, sports helpers, computer/word processors, and much more! Each year hundreds of jobs are listed and FILLED!
If you want to hire a student, go online TODAY at http://scarsdale.ny.hs-ses.com and register as an employer and list the job you need. Students register and search for jobs online as well. For more information, go to http://scarsdale.ny.hs-ses.com, call 723-7343 (messages are accepted 24/7) or e-mail office@scarsdale.ny.hs-ses.com. Y.E.S. also maintains an office at Scarsdale High School. During the school year, the office is open to students Monday through Friday from 11:30am to 1:30pm.
Y.E.S., a nonprofit community organization, has been providing its services for more than 40 years, to students and employers at no charge. What could be easier?
Y.E.S. is not funded by the school district or any PTA or other organization and depends solely on donations from the community to cover its costs to provide its services.
Dr. Rhoda Narins Honored by American Society for Dermatological Surgery
- Details
- Hits: 5117
Scarsdale's Rhoda Narins, M.D., received the Samuel J. Stegman, MD, Award for Distinguished Service at the 2012 Annual Meeting of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) in Atlanta. The Samuel J. Stegman, MD, Award for Distinguished Service – established in 1996 – honors individuals who have made major contributions in furthering the goals of the ASDS. The areas of these contributions can be in education, organizational service or research.
Dr. Narins, a dermatologic surgeon, serves as Clinical Professor of Dermatology at New York University Medical Center and has her own private practice – Dermatology Surgery and Laser Center – with two offices in New York. She earned her medical degree and completed her dermatology residency at New York University.
For more than 30 years, Dr. Narins has been a generous teacher and mentor to countless dermatologists. She has made several major contributions to the field of dermatology but is perhaps best known for teaching and being a pioneer in liposuction.
Dr. Narins has more than 75 peer-reviewed articles to her credit and has additionally authored numerous textbooks and book chapters. She has given more than 100 lectures worldwide. She has led 25 research projects and trained numerous fellows. Dr. Narins has served on the editorial board of several journals and is an Assistant Editor of Dermatologic Surgery. She has been a valuable member of the ASDS since 1982, lecturing regularly at the Annual Meetings and serving on a variety of committees, task forces and holding offices – culminating in being elected president in 2004. She continues to support the ASDS, serving on several work groups and is a Founding Member of the Stegman Circle.
"Rhoda has been an invaluable leader for the ASDS from its earliest days," said William Coleman III, MD, a fellow Stegman Award winner. "She has always managed to bring fun to the table while at the same time exhibiting a great talent for problem-solving. She knows how to bring out the best in people."
Dr. Narins and her husband, David Narins, M.D., have two children – Jon and Valerie – and four grandchildren: Sydney, Peyton, Willow and Hudson.
Hero of the Hurricane: Al Porpora of Heathcote Gulf
- Details
- Hits: 7143
Almost two weeks without power, compounded by a snowstorm and a gas panic left residents stressed to the max. Not sure when their heat would come on or if they would have enough gas to leave town, many were unsure where to turn. The word quickly spread that there was someone who could help: Al Popora of the Heathcote Gulf Station at 1 Weaver Street, Scarsdale. Al, his brother and the staff of the station rose to the occasion and were a reassuring presence for many cold, disheartened residents.
What did Al do?
The station was able to secure daily gasoline deliveries at a time of shortages elsewhere around town. Since they had power and ample gas, they filled up cars, but more importantly filled gas cans to fuel home generators. As the generators were keeping families warm, Al reserved enough gas each day so that people could always fill their gas cans, even when the automobile line was shut. Throughout the power outage he opened at 6 am and didn’t close until 8 pm at night to make sure that customers would have enough gas for their generators.
He also helped to calm nerves and assure gas to those who needed it most. He allowed the Scarsdale taxi drivers to come to 
the front of the line, figuring that those who ran out of gas could rely on the taxis to take them where they needed to go.
And when the gas line got too long, Popora stood at the end of the line, checked people’s tanks and asked those who already had more than half a tank to return the following day to permit others with empty tanks to fill up. When the gas line extended all the way down Weaver Street past Dunkin Donuts, Al stood at the end of the line to maintain order and clear the way for traffic on this busy thoroughfare.
For Al, the crisis this week brought to mind another gas shortage in 1973 when he was just 16 years-old. His Dad owned the station at that time – and Al was called on to help keep the calm as people waited for gas. At that time, he had a sign made for the back of his truck that said “Last Customer.” This week, 39 years later, he pulled out that same sign to use again.
According to one of his customers, Al has “infinite patience, can “handle 100 people at the same time” and makes everyone believe they are “special customers.”
Today Al was quick to deflect the credit to the community. He thanked all the first responders including the police, firefighters and public works employees for their hard work. He said the police did a terrific job of keeping him safe as he stood out in the street to manage the line-up on Weaver Street.
And most of all he thanked his customers, saying, “if it wasn’t for such a great community this would not have gone so smoothly.”
Say thank you to Al and send in the names of more Heroes of the Hurricane in the comments section below.
