Light the Dale Brings Holiday Magic to Scarsdale
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- Written by: Sharon Higgins
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Despite the chilly evening, a wonderful crowd of Scarsdale residents bundled up and headed to the Village Center on Friday, December 5 for the annual Light The Dale celebration. From the moment the festivities kicked off at 5pm, the air was filled with holiday music, laughter, and the scent of delicious treats. Hosted by the Scarsdale Parks and Recreation Department, the event was a heartwarming success and a true community celebration.
Boniface Circle buzzed with activity as community sponsored booths handed out goodies, crafts, and treasures. Food trucks lined Chase Road, serving up delicious hot bites that added to the festive atmosphere. Fan favorites included the Scarsdale Fire Department and Volunteer Fire Company, who shared popcorn, pretzels, and plenty of smiles, while Sparky the Dalmatian mascot offered high fives and hugs to delighted children. Scarsdale Action for Youth drew a crowd at their spinning prize wheel, and the Police Department won over everyone with steaming cups of hot chocolate. The Ambulance Corps showcased fun gear, and the Weinberg Nature Center offered seeds for residents to pot and take home. A fantastic face painting booth added an extra splash of color and cheer.
At 5:15pm, the crowd gathered for the long-awaited lighting of the village tree and menorah. The Scarsdale High School a cappella group, For Good Measure, opened with festive songs, followed by the Scarsdale Middle School Vocal Group. The highlight came when both groups joined together for a joyful, blended performance. Mayor Justin Arest welcomed everyone and introduced Rabbi Jonathan Blake of Westchester Reform Temple, who offered blessings for the season. A surprise guest, Congressman George Latimer, shared warm wishes and even led attendees in a crowd-pleasing sing-along of “Let It Snow.”
Then, the moment every child waited for arrived: Santa Claus rolled in on a roaring fire truck, settling into his sleigh for photos and Christmas wish-lists. Before he arrived, there was a drawing of a name from the audience to have the honor of pressing the big candy cane striped button that lit up the Village tree and menorah.
George Dragisity, a second grader at Fox Meadow School was selected and he drew cheers from the crowd as the lights sparkled to life.
Meanwhile, a Scarsdale “Polar Express” trackless train delighted families on Harwood Court, complete with holiday music, inflatable decorations, and even a magical dusting of snow.
Though the temperature hovered around 30 degrees, spirits were anything but chilly. The glow of holiday lights reflected off smiling faces, and laughter echoed through the Village.
Even on a wintry night, the Light the ‘Dale event filled the Village with warmth, joy and a wonderful sense of community, making the season feel especially bright.
Commenting on the event, Scarsdale Supervisor of Parks and Recreation Brian Gray said, “The Light the Dale Tree and Menorah Lighting to bring in the holiday season is an “all hands on deck” event for the Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation.
This year we begin set-up at 1PM on Thursday and work all day Friday setting up. This year’s cold temperatures definitely played a factor in staff comfort, but we warn them ahead of time to keep an eye on the weather and dress accordingly. We provide a hand and toe warmers as well as a warming tent for those that need a quick break from the cold temps. Thankfully the cold was all we were dealing with and it wasn’t windy, snowing or raining.
Power logistics is a job in itself, as we do not only light the tree and menorah. Each activity booth has a power need, as well as the over 25 inflatable’s, snow machines and lighting we deploy throughout the venue. This is performed through power on the light poles, our main power box in Boniface and numerous low-noise generators.
The following Village Departments are instrumental in the success of the event:
-Village Manager’s Office
-Department of DPW
-Facility Maintenance Department
-Police Department
-Fire Department
-Scarvac
Other Village Sponsored organizations assist with activity/refreshment booths including:
-Scarsdale Library
-Scarsdale Action for Youth (Scarsdale Edgemont Family Counseling)
-Weinberg Nature Center
-Scarsdale Department of PRC
In addition to department full time starr, we hire many part timers to assist with activity booths, trackless train, Santa’s arrival, set-up and break-down and clean-up (overall approximately 25 staff members).
I thank all staff, volunteers and elected officials that make this event a success. Happy Holidays.”
The Little Mermaid: A Hit on Land and Sea
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ArielTalented student voices, skilled dancers, bright costumes, beautiful sets, colorful stage lighting, a skilled orchestra and large video screens lit up Scarsdale High School’s new stage with the SHS Drama Club performances of The Little Mermaid from November 21-23, 2025.
The spectacular performances were a fitting opening for the long awaited $5 mm auditorium which re-opened with state of the art technology, new seating and décor last year.
It was a complex and ambitious production, coordinating the actors, the orchestra, and a large tech crew to produce what Director Barbara Malecki called, “the largest scale endeavor to date, a huge feat for our tech crew.”
Abigail Loeser as Ariel, sang, danced and held the spotlight as the beautiful mermaid who fell for Prince Eric, (Sergey Yanovsky). They made a sweet pair who held the audience in suspense, waiting for the magical kiss that could bring Ariel above the sea.
Uma Scher as the sorceress Ursula was a show-stopper, as she taunted Ariel who she used as a pawn in her battle for Atlantica with the powerful King Triton (Peter Robelon). With Flotsam (Alex Klatsky) and Jetsam (Rowan Baer) circling her skirt and stirring up mischief they made a powerful trio, singing “Daddy’s Little Angels.”
James McNally gave a deft and wicked and comic performance of Chef Louis singing “Les Poissons” wielding a knife as he chased Sebastian the crab (Daniel Bornstein) around the stage in an effort to fry him for dinner. Bornstein, who is a freshman, perfected his Caribbean accent and moves and had everyone signing along to his rendition of “Under the Sea.”
Ursula
The show featured many song and dance numbers by the Meristers in bright costumes. They were expressive and entertaining and had great stage presence. The sailors on the boat rowed and crooned and the entire ensemble performed without a hitch.
Though we couldn’t see the orchestra in the pit – their overture launched the show and they provided a perfect accompaniment to the score.
Commenting on the show, Director and Chemistry Teacher Kevin Viviano said, “Personally, I would add that I am humbled and privileged to have worked with such a fantastic group of students on this production. It’s always rewarding to work collectively on something, outside of the classroom, where grades aren’t the driver of success-but a shared goal of putting on a production we are all proud of is.”
A round of applause for the 100 members of the cast, crew, orchestra along with the costume designers, choreographers and stagehands who pulled off a major production feat to initiate the new auditorium at SHS.
See the program and credits here:
Prince Eric
Chef Louis
Sebastian and Chef Louis
King Triton
Flotsam, Ursula and Jetsam
School Budget Statements: SHS PTA Says "Make Students the Priority," and C.H.I.L.D Requests Data
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SHS PTA Executive Committee Preliminary Comments on 2025-26 Budget Planning November 17, 2025
Good evening. I am Erika Rublin, SHS PTA President and I am speaking on behalf of the Scarsdale High School PTA Executive Committee and Budget Study Chair.
The Scarsdale High School PTA Executive Committee and Budget Study Chair thanks the District Administration and Board of Education for holding a Budget Priorities’ Session for the community. The SHS PTA EC and Budget Study Chair firmly believes that early, proactive, and frequent engagement with parents and the broader school community, is an essential aspect of a thorough budget process.
Over the next few months, as the Board of Education and the District work through the Budget Priorities for the 2026-27 school year we ask that you continue to keep our students as the driving priority. We encourage a focus on teaching and learning, keeping in mind the District’s “Portrait of a Graduate”.
The SHS PTA EC and Budget Study Chair would like to emphasize our continued support for maintaining student choice for class selection and levels of learning, providing comprehensive student support and promoting teaching practices that nurture the development of the whole child and differentiated teaching. We encourage initiatives that prioritize student mental health, well being and the creation of an inclusive environment where all students feel a sense of belonging. Furthermore, we endorse a continued commitment to the creation and implementation of innovative, best-in- class curriculum practices, and encourage ongoing professional development to strengthen these critical elements of the student experience.
The SHS PTA EC and Budget Study Chair thanks the District for its transparent and thoughtful process in the ongoing development of a proposed bond for capital projects. We recognize that this process is ongoing and as the scope of the bond project becomes finalized, infrastructure needs at the high school for budget priorities may develop. We appreciate the proposed capital projects at the high school and encourage continued investment in our classrooms and science labs so that Scarsdale High School can continue to offer the highest level of instruction.
The SHS PTA EC and Budget Study Chair recognizes with great appreciation, the District’s thoughtful look at technology-usage and the development of the Students and Internet Enabled Devices Policy to comply with the new New York State law. We encourage continued, ongoing attention to technology in the classroom and the impact of Artifical Intelligence on our students, our curriculum and teaching/learning.
The SHS PTA EC and Budget Study Chair appreciates and recognizes the fiscal considerations with respect to budgeting. We encourage your continued focus on updating and refining expense and revenue projections and we encourage the administration to consider the long term fiscal issues associated with the budget. We encourage you to continue to maintain transparency and to continue to provide clear explanations through this process.
We encourage you to continue engaging the community this budget season so that the budget reflects a shared goal for our District as we move forward. The SHS PTA EC and Budget Study Chair looks forward to engaging in this work with you.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Scarsdale High School PTA Executive Committee and Budget Study Chair Erika Rublin, SHS PTA President
Megan Simon, SHS PTA President Elect
Radhika Dewan, SHS PTA Treasurer
Tina Lin, SHS PTA Vice President of Programming
Jenny Simon Tabak, SHS PTA Vice President of Membership Melissa Brown Eisenberg, Recording Secretary
Kelli Halyard, Corresponding Secretary
Diksha Mudbhary, SHS PTA Budget Study Chair
Statement to the Scarsdale Board of Education
Delivered on behalf of Scarsdale C.H.I.L.D. (Children Having Individual Learning Differences)
This statement is made on behalf of Scarsdale C.H.I.L.D.,a part of PTC and a long-standing organization representing families of students with disabilities and learning differences. This statement is prepared by Vice Chair Connie Beyer-Hense and co -chairs, Rachana Singh and Erin Rudensky. We have written this statement in collaboration with CHILD School representatives. We have included feedback from many families with students receiving special education services/and or related services.
Our community is grateful for the District’s commitment to serving all learners. But the experiences of our families make one thing clear: we need greater transparency, stronger data, and more targeted planning to ensure every child in Scarsdale receives an equitable education.
Tonight, we are asking for concrete steps the District can take this year to strengthen special education and support meaningful inclusion across all schools. We have identified key themes as we listened carefully to the CHILD community and our representatives in all the seven school buildings.
We are asking for three items:
-Anonymous Special Education Survey
-ICT and Placement Data
-Transparency on Out-of-District placement and Nonresident enrollment
1. Anonymous Special Education Survey: Centering the voices of Parents and Teachers
Families and teachers are essential partners in special education. Yet their experiences often remain invisible in district-level planning.
Recently, the District conducted the state mandated Indicator 8 Parent Involvement Survey. We ask that those results be shared and discussed with the community.
Furthermore we are asking the District to administer an anonymous, district-wide Special Education Survey of both parents and teachers. This survey would provide critical information, including:
-The quality of communication and collaboration between home and school,
-Strengths and weaknesses of IEP and CSE/CPSE processes, and
-The effectiveness of current programs and supports.
-Most importantly, these findings must inform the 2025–26 budget and planning process. Families deserve to see their lived experiences reflected in district decisions.
Next we believe it would be beneficial to know the
2. ICT and Placement Data: Understanding Equity and Access
To advocate for our students, we need a full and accurate picture of how placements are currently functioning. That requires transparency on the data the District already has,
We are asking for the following district-wide information:
-The number of students with IEPs;
-How many attend schools other than their home school;
-How many are placed out-of-district; and
-How many families have declined ICT placements because those placements required a non–home school setting.
This data is essential for understanding equity across our schools, especially in light of the recent redistricting debate.
We are also urging the District to expand ICT classrooms—to all elementary schools, across all grade levels, and to Scarsdale High School. Consistency matters. Students deserve a continuum of services that does not break down just as coursework becomes most challenging.
To plan thoughtfully and to set everyone up for success, we kindly request a detailed cost-benefit analysis that includes
-Special education teaching FTEs needed
-Required aide/paraprofessional support, and
-Potential cost savings from reducing out-of-district placements and strengthening inclusive practices in-district.
This is not only about budgeting—it is about galvanizing a system that meets the needs of learners where they are.
Finally, we want to address:
3. Out-of-District Placements and Nonresident Enrollment: Transparency for Responsible Planning
We are calling for full transparency around out-of-district placements and nonresident enrollment. These decisions profoundly affect students, families, and the District’s finances.
We ask for clear data on:
-How many Scarsdale students with IEPs attend out-of-district programs (broken down by elementary and secondary);
-The number and capacity of all in-district special class programs such as 8:1:2 and 12:1:1;
-Tuition revenue received for nonresident students with disabilities; and
-How many out-of-district students are enrolled in our programs.
Given the figures in the 2025–26 Nonresident Tuition Report, this transparency is essential for responsible budgeting and for building the inclusive continuum our students deserve.
And as redistricting concerns continue—particularly within the Fox Meadow community—we believe this data is critical. For years, many special education students have had to attend non–home schools or move between buildings to access services. Understanding this long-standing reality will help situate today’s concerns within a broader conversation about equity for all families,
In Closing
Our requests reflect the voices of families across Scarsdale. Currently, 1 in 4 children in Scarsdale receive some form of support services, and 14% of our students have an IEP. These numbers underscore the importance of building a system that is equitable, transparent, responsive and reflects years of lived experience. Our request reflects a deep commitment to the belief that every child deserves a fair, inclusive, and high-quality education within their own community.
We are asking the District and Board to:
-Listen to parents and teachers through a district-wide survey;
-Ground decisions in transparent, accessible data; and
-Invest in inclusive practices, including a full ICT continuum from elementary through high school.
These are not abstract proposals. They are actionable, achievable, and aligned with the values Scarsdale holds dear.
We believe these steps will strengthen outcomes for students with disabilities and learning differences and, ultimately, benefit all Scarsdale students. Together, we share the same goal—to ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive and every resource is used thoughtfully and effectively.
Thank you for your time and your partnership—and for your continued commitment to every Scarsdale student
Rachana Singh & Erin Rudenskey - Co Chairs
Cornelia Beyer-Hense - Vice Chair
Amy Paulin to Hold Rally in Scarsdale to Urge Governor Hochul to Sign the Medical Aid in Dying Act
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On Thursday, November 13, at 5:00 p.m., Assemblymember Amy Paulin will host a rally at Chase Park in Scarsdale to urge Governor Kathy Hochul to sign the Medical Aid in Dying Act (A136/S138) into law. The bill, which passed both houses of the New York State Legislature earlier this year, would give terminally ill, mentally capable adults with a prognosis of six months or less the option to request medication to peacefully end their suffering if it becomes unbearable.
At the rally with Paulin will be Westchester Reform Temple Rabbi Jonathan Blake, Calvary Baptist Church Rev. Erwin Lee Trollinger, NYS Senator Shelley Mayer, and many local advocates including Indivisible Scarsdale and Scarsdale Democrats.|
Assemblymember Paulin, the bill’s longtime Assembly sponsor, called its passage “a truly historic and compassionate step forward for New York,” and emphasized that the law “is about easing needless suffering and honoring deeply personal choices.” The legislation includes strict safeguards and mirrors laws already in place in 11 states and Washington, D.C.
Supporters say the measure is about autonomy, compassion, and comfort. “Knowing I can access medical aid in dying has freed me from fear of the future and allowed me to live what remains of my life as fully as possible,” said Dr. Jeremy Boal, a New York physician with ALS who supports the bill.
Thursday’s rally will bring together local advocates, faith leaders, medical professionals, and residents calling on the Governor to make New York the 12th state to authorize medical aid in dying. Attendees are encouraged to join Assemblymember Paulin and lend their voices to this compassionate cause.
WHEN: Thursday, November 13, 5–6 PM
WHERE: Chase Park, 32 Chase Rd, Scarsdale, NY 10583
SHS Students Bring Community Together at Charity Dinner
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- Written by: Sharon Higgins
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SHS 10th grade student government members singing Sweet Caroline at Karaoke.On Monday November 3, the Scarsdale Student Government hosted a Community Dinner in the SHS cafeteria, bringing together residents of all ages for an evening of food, fun, and philanthropy. The event featured delicious offerings from local favorites, Pizzarelli’s, Giannoni’s, and Jade Spoon, with yummy desserts donated by the PTA. There was entertainment for all ages, including arts and crafts, music, and games, provided by various student groups, creating a lively and inclusive atmosphere. 
SHS Student Government seniors Gabe Green and Zachary Weinberg.SHS Student Government President of the Class of 2028, Sammy Cascade commented "I love how the Community Dinner brings students, families, administrators and teachers together for a fun night with a purpose. This year’s event was no different, and it was incredible to see the community come together for such an important cause." The event raised over $7,000, with all proceeds donated to My Sisters’ Place, supporting the organization’s important work in the community. Check out the festivities below with fun photos from the event.
SMS 6th Grader Reuben Peled playing 🏓 ping pong against Student Government Sophomore Emmitt Klingsberg (not shown).
Gerry O’Neill, SHS student government seniors Gavin Tieng and Anish Mehta.
