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Written by: Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 25 January 2026

Created: 25 January 2026

Last Updated: 29 January 2026

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Though sometimes the weather forecast can miss the mark and predictions of big snowfalls fail to materialize – this time it seems meteorologists were spot on.

With reports of more than a foot of snow coming our way on Sunday January 25, 2026, plans were cancelled, refrigerators were stocked and we were all braced for the storm, which began as planned on Sunday morning. Heavy snow fell all day Sunday, amounting to about a foot by 4 pm.

Then we started to hear freezing rain hitting the window, leaving a glaze of ice over the drifts.

Commenting on the storm on Monday, Village Manager Alexandra Marshall said, "We received about a foot of snow over the past two days. Crews have been out since 5:30AM yesterday and wrapped up earlier this morning. Overnight tonight into the morning, crews will be hauling snow piles from the downtown. This effort will take a couple of days to complete."

We should all have time to dig out on Monday as school is cancelled. But with freezing temperatures forecasted for the week to come, this snow – and ice – will stick around for the foreseeable future.

Did you take any snow photos? If so, please share them with us at [email protected].

Snowy Sunset by Shelley Grafstein

Dusting off the lot by Jon Mark

Snow People Building Contest in Sherbrooke Park

Under the inspiring leadership of co-presidents Kristy Grippi and Levi Litman, the Sherbrooke Park Neighborhood Association sponsored a creative snow "people" building contest on Monday after Sunday's storm.

There was a tie between 9 Dunham (Lupo) - "classic" and 9 Brookline (Taylor) - "creative snowgirl"!

Honorable mention in the classic category to 11 Pinecrest (Anita) and 16 Beechwood (Ali), and in the creative category - "Snow sports guy" 4 Brookline (Arlo and Bryron) and 1 Pinecrest (Dylan - the igloo!!)

And for 14 Dunham... it's a tough job out there building...ok to take a nap this year, but next year...you gotta bring the heat!

See picture below for the final results (Clockwise from upper left - 1 Pinecrest, 11 Pinecrest, 9 Dunham, 14 Dunham, 16 Beechwood, 9 Brookline, 4 Brookline).

Prizes for all of our winners and honorable mentions to be distributed this weekend (weather depending 🙂)

(Clockwise from upper left - 1 Pinecrest, 11 Pinecrest, 9 Dunham, 14 Dunham, 16 Beechwood, 9 Brookline, 4 Brookline)

Scarsdale received a foot of snow.

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Written by: Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 22 January 2026

Created: 22 January 2026

Last Updated: 25 January 2026

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More snow is in the forcast for this weekend: perhaps event a foot of the white stuff. We reached out to the Village to see how they are preparing and for information on what you can do to be ready.

Here's information from Scarsdale Village Manager Alex Marshall on what to expect:

In preparation for inclement weather conditions this weekend, our Public Works staff are out brining roadways today and tomorrow, as well as checking over all snow removal equipment. We have also taken delivery of an additional order of salt this week. Staff will be monitoring the weather conditions this weekend and will adjust our approach as necessary as we gain more clarity about the forecast. I also encourage that all residents sign up for Everbridge, the Village's Emergency Notification System, as we often use this tool to convey important weather-related updates to the community."

Kindergarten Registration

Parents are encouraged to complete online registration for kindergarten by January 30, 2026

The Scarsdale School District offers online Kindergarten registration. Current residents who expect to have a child attend Kindergarten during the 2026-27 school year are encouraged to complete this process by January 30, 2026. Although prospective Kindergarteners may register at any time prior to the start of the school year, completing this process early ensures a smooth screening and placement process. Children whose fifth birthday falls on or before December 31, 2026, may be registered for the 2026-27 school year.

Please visit www.scarsdaleschools.org/registration for instructions on how to register online.

Enrollment in one of the five elementary schools (Edgewood, Fox Meadow, Greenacres, Heathcote, and Quaker Ridge) is determined by the neighborhood in which you reside. Click here for a map of the school district outlining elementary attendance zones. If you do not know which elementary school serves your neighborhood, please call the District Registrar, Nunzia Mauro, at (914) 721-2444 or send an email to [email protected].

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Written by: Wendy MacMillan

Published: 14 January 2026

Created: 14 January 2026

Last Updated: 15 January 2026

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Board of Education President, James Dugan, started the BOE meeting on Monday night with the reminder that the district’s proposed capital bond is the result of a months-long, transparent planning process and not a sudden proposal. He encouraged residents to review the extensive bond materials available on the district’s website, noting that while the information is substantial, it reflects careful consideration of the district’s long-term needs.

Reflecting on Scarsdale’s more than 240-year commitment to public education, he said the community has consistently invested in its schools, helping establish a nationally recognized district known for academic excellence, including National Blue Ribbon awards and strong student outcomes. He described the bond as a critical opportunity to sustain that legacy, modernize aging facilities, and ensure high-quality learning environments for decades to come.

Dugan went on to explain that the proposed improvements would address building deterioration and enhance student learning experiences, emphasizing that failing to act would ultimately harm both students and the broader community. He urged residents to view the bond as an investment in the future of Scarsdale’s schools and its continued leadership in public education.

He also highlighted the board’s ongoing community outreach efforts, noting that the first board coffee of the year was held on January 9 and inviting residents to attend the next session on February 4 at 7 p.m. to continue open dialogue and engagement.

Read more about what was said in regards the recent Bond Survey results in this article here.

While the bond proposal was definitely a hot topic at the Monday night’s meeting, the Board also discussed a few other important issues.

Proposed Calendar for the 2026-27 School Year

A topic on the minds of parents who are already planning their vacations for next year, Superintendent Dr. Drew Patrick presented a draft of the 2026–27 school calendar that would begin classes before Labor Day, an uncommon move driven by the late timing of the holiday this coming September. Labor Day falls on September 7, 2026, prompting the district to propose a student start date of Tuesday, September 1, with staff returning in late August for required conference days.

The calendar meets the state-mandated 185 days of session and includes a two-week December recess, a February break aligned with Presidents Day, a spring break during Passover week in April, and an extended Easter weekend. The school year would conclude on June 25, the last day permitted statewide by the State Education Department. Patrick noted that because this date is mandated by the state, there is no flexibility to end the school year earlier.

-First Day of School: Tuesday, Sept. 1st, before Labor Day, with (2) Superintendent Conference Days the last week of August
-December Holiday Recess: Dec.21st - Jan. 1st. Schools reopen on Jan. 4th
-Winter Recess: Feb. 15th - Feb. 19th. Schools reopen on Feb. 22nd
-Easter Recess: Mar. 26th - Mar. 29th
-Spring Break: April 19th - April 23rd - coinciding with Passover on Apr. 21-22
Last Day of School (Rating Day): June 25th (determined by the State)

The draft calendar will return to the board for formal action later this month.

Board members discussed the challenges of aligning breaks with neighboring districts and athletic schedules, particularly in years when Passover and Easter do not overlap. Patrick related that attendance has historically been low on partial weeks surrounding holidays, arguing that longer, clearly defined breaks better support continuity of learning than scattered days off. Several members agreed that the two-week December recess improves instructional consistency and reflects the needs of the district’s many international families.

Board Debates Future of “A School” Building, Weighs Partnership With Village

The Board of Education held an extended discussion on the future of the “A School” building on Wayside Lane, also known as the former Boy Scout House, as village officials express interest in reclaiming the space for community use. The building previously housed the Scarsdale Alternative School and continues to serve as overflow parking for Scarsdale High School.

Dr. Patrick shared that the village has shown increasing interest in using the property for adult education, senior programming, or other community purposes, but the district does not currently have funding or a defined plan to invest in renovating the aging structure. Board members acknowledged that holding the building indefinitely without a clear use may not be a sustainable long-term position and raised the possibility of a shared-use partnership with the village.

Several board members expressed concern that losing the adjacent parking lot would worsen already tight parking conditions at the high school, particularly with the introduction of common lunch, which has increased student movement and demand for parking. Members cited traffic congestion, pedestrian safety, and overflow into nearby residential streets as significant risks if parking were reduced.

Others cautioned against relinquishing a building so close to the high school campus, noting the district’s limited land and potential future need for instructional or support space. Security concerns were also raised about housing students in a detached building that lacks modern safety infrastructure.

Student representatives said the parking lot is heavily used and helps reduce congestion on surrounding streets, even though students view it as a last-resort option. They warned that eliminating it could increase safety risks and time pressures during the school day.|

District officials noted that maintaining the building costs approximately $10,000 to $12,000 annually and that any meaningful renovation would require significant investment. Under the current lease, either the district or the village may terminate use with 90 days’ notice, though village leaders have indicated a preference for a mutually agreed solution.

The board agreed to continue discussions with village officials to explore options, including possible shared use with carefully defined schedules, while seeking greater clarity on the village’s long-term plans and the potential impact on traffic and safety. No decision was made, and administrators said further information would be gathered before any changes are considered.

District Selects New Health Care Consultant

The school district has selected Risk Strategies as its new health care consulting firm to support management of its self-insured health insurance plan following a competitive request for proposals process.

Risk Strategies will provide strategic planning, financial and actuarial analysis, vendor oversight, and member advocacy services, including direct support for employees and retirees navigating claims. Assistant Superintendent of Business, Andrew Lennon said the firm will help manage rising health care complexity and costs while easing administrative workload.

The district emphasized that the change will not affect health care coverage, benefits, or existing vendors, but will add oversight and support.

Online Kindergarten Registration Starts January 15

The Scarsdale School District offers online Kindergarten registration. Current residents who expect to have a child attend Kindergarten during the 2026-27 school year are encouraged to complete this process between January 15 and January 30, 2026. Although prospective Kindergarteners may register at any time prior to the start of the school year, completing this process early ensures a smooth screening and placement process. Children whose fifth birthday falls on or before December 31, 2026, may be registered for the 2026-27 school year.

Please visit www.scarsdaleschools.org/registration for instructions on how to register online.

Enrollment in one of the five elementary schools (Edgewood, Fox Meadow, Greenacres, Heathcote, and Quaker Ridge) is determined by the neighborhood in which you reside. Click here for a map of the school district outlining elementary attendance zones. If you do not know which elementary school serves your neighborhood, please call the District Registrar, Nunzia Mauro, at (914) 721-2444 or send an email to [email protected].

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Written by: Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 13 January 2026

Created: 13 January 2026

Last Updated: 13 January 2026

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Join the New Choral Society as they continue the tradition of presenting their chamber orchestra in a concert of their own. This program of beloved chamber works by everyone’s favorite composers spans the centuries and includes familiar as well as lesser known works. The music is sublime and will warm even the coldest of winter’s nights.

With works by Brahms, Dvořák, Eric Ewazen, Haydn, Vivaldi, Zemlinsky and more!

Featuring Una Tone, Ani Gregorian, Kal Sugatski, Eliot Bailen, Peter Weitzner, Donna Elaine, Ben Fingland, Kathy Halvorson, Michael Green, Patrick Milando, and Margaret Kampmeier.