STEP Ends After 55 Years of Bringing Students to Scarsdale
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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(The following was submitted by Nan Berke and Diane Greenwald: Co-Chairs of STEP Forward)
After almost 2 years of study, the Student Transfer Education Program (STEP) is discontinuing its mission, and will no longer bring students to Scarsdale. STEP leaves a strong legacy, with over 55 years of improving educational and economic opportunities for students of color. This is a remarkable achievement for a small community organization, and something we can all take pride in during a bittersweet wind down of the organization.
What was STEP?
Begun in 1966 by beloved Scarsdale High School teacher Eric Rothchild (1937-2018), STEP was an immersion educational program that provided opportunities for promising students of color, from underserved communities, mostly in the South, to attend Scarsdale High School for their junior and senior years while living with a host family in the community. Beyond the innovative curriculum of Scarsdale’s public schools, students received intensive college counseling, participated in extracurricular and volunteer activities, and made new friends while exploring the vast cultural opportunities of the greater New York area. STEP was supported and funded solely by community donations and volunteer time.
How was the decision made to discontinue STEP?
During the 2021-22 school year, STEP hosted its last scholarship student, a senior from South Carolina, during the pandemic, which complicated an already logistically complex effort. For the second year, there emerged no viable applicants for the Junior STEP slot. As a small program with limited resources, the STEP Board had to take a hard look at why interest waned.
A 12 member “STEP Forward Committee” was formed to research the program’s challenges and benefits, including consulting a DEI expert, surveying stakeholders, discussing with the School District, assessing volunteer roles, reviewing other similar programs and analyzing programmatic resources. Among other hurdles, the Board recognized that removing high performing students of color from their home environments is an outdated model. New modes for supporting students on their paths to higher education were discussed, but many of the potential solutions under consideration fell outside of what this small volunteer program could successfully achieve, given its resources and limitations.
While still supporting the ideals that STEP was founded on, the committee recommended -- and the board ultimately voted-- to dissolve the organization.
What happens to STEP’s assets?
After 55 years as an active 501 c 3, the non-profit organization has unused funds. New York State law requires STEP to identify “significantly similar” non-profit organizations to receive STEP’s remaining assets. A small committee formed to review and recommend established local organizations that are thriving in their missions to improve educational opportunities for students of color.
These are the organizations:
1) Yonkers Partnership in Education (YPIE) https://www.ypie.org
YPIE is an established local organization whose mission is aligned with the STEP mission by serving high school 
students on an enriching path to higher education. YPIE has support offices embedded in each Yonkers high school and also has an after-school tutoring and enrichment center. In addition, programs are available to support the students during their first two college years. YPIE confronts the challenges of a low-income, urban school district by providing families with equitable access to the critical tools and services necessary for college success. YPIE has many connections to Scarsdale residents and includes the potential for volunteer opportunities.
2) Project Morry – https://projectmorry.org
Project Morry is an established local organization serving students on their paths to higher education. Named for a beloved camp director who died in an untimely plane accident, this project was begun over 20 years ago based on the idea that all children can benefit from the joy and development of summer camp. Project Morry expanded to be a year-round educational support program, offering underserved students, typically of color, and their families 9 committed years of support toward college. Acceptance into the program requires commitment and outcomes are proven with a strong track record of success. The model has expanded in 5 partner locations, and a camp in the Adirondacks, where students enjoy and develop. Project Morry has many connections to Scarsdale residents and includes the potential for local volunteer opportunities, with programs as close as Elmsford, Port Chester and the Bronx.
3) Grad Bag -http://www.gradbag.org
Grad Bag is a newer all volunteer funded local organization with a dual mission. First, they help students headed to college by giving them access to dorm goods that are refurbished from other college students. They partner with other organizations and give students entering college a prep day. Outfitted with useful dorm items, students headed to college can arrive on equal footing with other classmates. This is a green effort too – refurbishing goods rather than tossing them in landfill. Program started in Scarsdale by former STEP board members and is now growing into NY, CT, MA – 22 partners. This program recognized a small but important need, supporting students on their path to higher education and aligns with the STEP mission as a meaningful contributor to positive student experience. Now serving 1200 and hope to get to 2200. Grad Bag has a strategic plan and is hiring an exec director. There could be volunteer components.
4) Mt. Vernon Star Scholars - https://www.mountvernonstarscholars.org
Mount Vernon Star Scholars is a non-profit organization helping gifted students at Mount Vernon high schools (primarily service students of color) gain admittance to highly selective U.S. colleges and universities. 2-6 scholars/year are selected. They offer a two-year mentoring program. There is no cost to participate in this competitive program. Once designated as a Mount Vernon Star Scholar, a student will receive one-on-one guidance from a volunteer mentor as well as assistance with: SAT/ACT test preparation, evaluating potential colleges/universities (inc. college visits) and navigating the college application process, and securing financial aid. This small program is substantially similar to STEP and has nearby volunteer opportunities. 
Our hope is that Scarsdale residents will join us supporting these exceptional local organizations through generous donations and/or by volunteering time.
In April, STEP will be holding a final potluck celebration where gifts will be presented to the four organizations. We welcome any who served to contact Nan Berke at Ntberke@gmail.com or Diane Greenwald at dianegreenwald@icloud.com for details.
Please join us to thank the many students, volunteers, educators and community members who have devoted time and energy to helping teens achieve their goals, with open hearts and minds.
Nan Berke, STEP Forward Committee Co-Chairs
Diane Greenwald, STEP Forward Committee Co-Chairs
STEP by the Numbers
STUDENTS: 61
Since 1966, more than sixty students have attended Scarsdale High School (most for the junior and senior year) and gone on to higher education, attending a range of elite institutions. Most (not all) graduated and several went on to earn post-graduate degrees.
Representative Institutions:
Alabama A&M 
Anderson College
Bethel University
Boston College
Brown University
Case Western Reserve
Carnegie Mellon
Columbia University
CUNY / CUNY Brooklyn
Davidson College
Dillard University
Earlham College
Elmhurst College
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
George Washington University
Gustavus Adolphus
Harvard University
Howard University
Ithaca College
Jackson State
Lehigh University
Ohio Wesleyan
Oxford College at Emory
Pace University
Penn State
SUNY Binghamton
Texas Southern University
Tomlinson College
University of California, Riverside
University of Central Arkansas
University of Mississippi
University of Pennsylvania
University of Tennessee
Vanderbilt University
Villanova University
Washington University
Williams College
Yale College
HOST FAMILIES: ~63
Over sixty families welcomed students to live in their homes for one or two years. It was an integral aspect of the program to provide the students with a home life, many perhaps leaving home for the first time, with the warmth of a family atmosphere. Host families provided more than just room and board but forged dynamic and often lasting relationships.
STEP BOARD/ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBERS: More than 300
Over the years, more than 300 people served on the STEP Board and the Advisory Board. They worked tirelessly, because the work was meaningful. Volunteers oversaw the detailed selection process of both students and host families; supported the host family; managed paperwork; oversaw healthcare needs; provided student logistics; welcomed the student on cultural activities, college visits, lessons and tutoring; and fundraised, promoted, advocated and recruited.
SHS Faculty, Deans and administration, and Students: Scarsdale High School welcomed every student as a 
valued member of the school community. Literally hundreds of faculty and administrators providing support, encouragement and opportunity. Local students offered welcome and help to transition through the SHS STEP Club and in the normal course of making friends.
Community Donations: STEP thanks all the organizations and individuals who provided services, tutoring, college counseling, activities, healthcare, college visits, and cultural enrichment.
Letters from Fishman and Berg: Village Should Hire an Independent Telecommunications Expert
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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(This Letter to the Editor was written by Carrie Fishman)
To the Editor: It is incomprehensible that the Village Board of Trustees has not hired an independent telecommunications expert to assist it in understanding and analyzing the many technological issues involved in devising strategies for implementing a COMPREHENSIVE plan to deal with telecommunications coverage gaps in Scarsdale.
Instead, the Trustees, relying on Verizon’s word as opposed to evaluating the variables involved with its own expert, are advancing a plan to use the Police/Fire (“PF”) Headquarters as a cell tower site when that site was thoroughly considered and definitively rejected by the Village Trustees and the village government in the late 1990s.
In fact, under New York State’s SEQR environmental review law, Scarsdale acted as the lead agency in the late 90s for a proposed cell antennae site at PF Headquarters and concluded that there was the probability of substantial adverse environmental impact if the project went forward. Scarsdale formally notified the State and the proposed project was dropped.
Moreover, outside telecommunications experts submitted a report to the trustees in 1999 which provided substantive information that rebutted much of what cell carriers told the Trustees at the time. Much of what is in that report covers issues that are still in play today. I have resubmitted the report to the Trustees.
Little has changed in the ensuing years except that now the village wants to proceed with a site that it formally rejected pursuant to New York State environmental law when there are alternative sites and technologies that can take care of the coverage gaps. Other carriers have installed small repeaters, located on existing utility poles, along Route 22 and other state roads within Scarsdale.
The proposal presented last Tuesday evening would place a broadcasting cell tower in a topographically low lying, densely populated area and violate a section of the Village Code regarding cell tower setbacks. The house closest to the proposed tower is only 185 feet away.
The Village Trustees have a fiduciary duty to Scarsdale’s residents to hire an independent expert and thoroughly understand and assess data and question its own expert BEFORE negotiating with carriers, in order to achieve the goal of better cell service while also finding the best and least intrusive way to do so.
Carrie Fishman
Ridgecrest East
(This letter was written by Robert Berg)
Robert J. Berg
17 Black Birch Lane
Scarsdale, New York 10583
(914) 522-9455
robertbergesq@aol.com
February 28, 2023
Hon. Mayor Jane Veron
Trustees of the Village Board of Scarsdale
Scarsdale Village Manager Robert Cole
Village Attorney Nicholas M. Ward-Willis
Village Hall
1001 Post Road
Scarsdale, New York 10583
Re: Resolution Authorizing Entering into Lease Agreements with
Verizon Wireless for Colocation of Wireless Facilities at Village
Hall Roof (1001 Post Road) and at the Police and Fire Station
Property (50 Tompkins Road)
Dear Mayor, Trustees, Village Manager, and Village Attorney:
Tonight is your last opportunity to table the above-referenced Resolution and take the only responsible course of action consistent with your sworn duties to our residents, first responders, and Village staff. My daughter, Zoe, and I have repeatedly advised you of the substantial dangers to human health that come from locating wireless telecommunications facilities in close proximity to residential housing, schools, and occupied buildings such as Village Hall and the Public Safety Building. At the Village Board meeting on February 14, 2023, numerous members of the public likewise expressed their serious concerns about the health risks raised by the instant proposal to have Verizon Wireless install approximately 22 commercial wireless antennas at the 103-foot height level on the Public Safety Building monopole at 50 Tompkins Road and install commercial wireless antennas on the Village Hall roof at a height of 49 feet. You have turned a deaf ear to all of us.
Once the leases with Verizon Wireless have been entered, you intend to enter into a similar lease agreement with AT&T for a like wireless antenna array just below the Verizon Wireless array on the monopole. Having opened this Pandora's box, should another carrier (e.g., T-Mobile) apply to install a third commercial wireless antenna array on the monopole (assuming the monopole can structurally support that array), the Village will be required under federal law to accept the installation. Under the Spectrum Act, the height of the monopole can also be heightened as of right. At the end of the day, the Public Safety Building monopole may eventually host more than 66 commercial wireless antennas if you vote in favor of the above resolution tonight.
Think very carefully about what you are doing. Your decision will affect the health and the lifespans of our professional fire fighters, who live and sleep in the Public Safety Building 24/7 when they are on duty. Our police officers are also headquartered in the Public Safety Building. Quite a number of civilian staff work their entire workday in the Public Safety Building. All of these Village employees will be exposed to continuous wireless radiation emanating from antennas 24/7 on the monopole just a couple of feet outside the Public Safety Building. What are you going to tell our fire fighters when they develop various cancers, diabetes, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, kidney disease, or various neurological conditions that they can trace to their continuous exposure to the wireless radiation from the very wireless antennas that you invited the telecoms to install on the Public Safety Building monopole? What are you going to tell their family members? What are you going to say to our policemen and their families?
Let's go to Village Hall. What are you going to say to the employees who work on the Third Floor of Village Hall who are working right below the AT&T wireless antennas on the roof and who will also be working below new Verizon Wireless antennas? Their health doesn't matter?
What do you say to the hundreds of Village residents who live in the immediate proximity of the Public Safety Building monopole -- the residents on Ridgecrest East, North, and West, Donellan Road, Brewster Road, Dobbs Terrace, Cohawney Road, Tompkins Road, Rugby Lane, Cambridge Road? You don't care if they develop cancer or diabetes or Parkinson's from the wireless radiation exposure? Their kids' lives don't count?
Who's going to pay the compensatory and punitive damages when residents sue the Village and the carriers down the road? Don't you realize that Verizon Wireless and AT&T have no liability insurance against risks of wireless radiation exposure? Nor does the Village? So taxpayers would ultimately be stuck -- and maybe the Village Attorney's malpractice carrier?
Last night, the Scarsdale Chinese Association held a public Zoom meeting to discuss the Village wireless proposal and the health risks of wireless radiation. Village Manager Cole was invited to participate. He declined. My daughter, Zoe, arranged for Dr. Paul Heroux, a distinguished McGill University Professor and scientist to present a brief talk and answer questions about the health risks of wireless radiation. I presented a brief overview of the Village's proposal. Interestingly, Verizon's attorneys attended. I invited them to speak and participate. They remained silent. I invite you to listen to this excellent discussion in advance of tonight's meeting by clicking here.
I also refer you to a newly-published peer-reviewed article in the journal Environmental Research. The article is titled "Problems in Evaluating the Health Impacts of Radio Frequency Radiation," and is authored by four renowned scientists. The article argues that the "precautionary principle" that normally protects the public from potentially dangerous substances, materials, and practices has been utterly ignored when it comes to the public's exposure to wireless radiation, especially from mobile communications and its infrastructure. The article examines the current state of the research on the health impacts from wireless radiation, and will educate you on the dangers your approval of the resolution tonight will unleash upon the community. The article can be accessed here:
Your vote tonight will probably be the most important vote you make as a public official. There is an alternative solution to the existing wireless coverage gaps through the use of small cell wireless facilities installed on existing or new utility poles in the public right of way or on Village or School District property. While such small cell facilities also generate wireless radiation, they are lower powered and can be strategically located so as not to impact our first responders and Village Hall staff and to minimize the impact on residential properties. To date, you have relied upon Verizon for "expert" advice. That's metaphorically the same as relying upon the fox for expert security advice on guarding the chicken house. This Board hires "independent consultants" for everything under the sun -- except here, for expert advice on closing the wireless communications gap in the Village of Scarsdale. It's simply unbelievable to me that the Village Board, which spends hundreds of thousands of dollars per year on outside consultants, refused to hire one here, and instead, chose to rely on the "expertise" of Verizon Wireless and its attorneys, with whom the Village is negotiating.
When I think about how poorly the Village Board has handled this entire wireless matter, I'm reminded most of Hannah Arendt's famous series of articles in The New Yorker, "Eichmann in Jerusalem: A Report on the Banality of Evil. Arendt concludes that Adolf Eichmann, the executor of the Final Solution, simply was an efficient bureaucrat, performing his duties in an efficient, unquestioning manner. Was he simply banal and efficient or unthinkably evil and monstrous? As you contemplate how you will vote tonight, please don't be banal and definitely don't be unthinkably evil or monstrous. Think about the Pandora's box you will be opening. Think about the lives whose health you may impact. There is a better, safer solution at hand. You owe everyone, including yourselves, to table the resolution and hire an independent expert to explore that alternative before steaming ahead with banality.
Respectfully,
Robert J. Berg
Lisa and Jordan Copeland to Receive SFCS Rising Star Award
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Scarsdale Edgemont Family Counseling Service (SFCS) today announced it has selected Lisa and Jordan Copeland to receive its annual Rising Star Award in recognition of their volunteer leadership and contributions to many Scarsdale organizations. The annual Rising Star Award recognizes leaders in the Scarsdale Community who have demonstrated dedicated, impactful and active community service.
The Award will be presented to Lisa and Jordan Copeland at the SFCS 2023 annual benefit gala, Thursday, May 11, 2023, at the Scarsdale Golf Club.
“This award recognizes that Lisa and Jordan have transformed their backgrounds in law, business, and education into careers of civic and social service engagement,” said James Genova, LCSW, executive director, Scarsdale Edgemont Family Counseling Service.
“Together, they are using their experiences to benefit others, with specific focus on healthy youth development and care for those with mental health needs. This is why we honor this dynamic couple as two of Scarsdale’s finest rising stars.”
The Copelands moved to Scarsdale to raise their three sons: Caleb (20, SHS grad, attending college at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute), Henry (16, 11th grade), Aidan (13, 8th grade). They also have two rescue dogs, Trixie and Spike.
Lisa Copeland
A former New York City public elementary school teacher, Lisa became a “professional volunteer” after moving to Scarsdale. She is a long-time member and former president of the Junior League of Central Westchester, committee chair and treasurer of Cub Scout Pack 60 for seven years, and spent many years as Class Parent Coordinator for the Edgewood PTA. Lisa has also served on the Drake-Edgewood Neighborhood Association, where she created newsletters and planned community-wide social activities. Currently, Lisa is serving her sixth year as Board Chairperson of Family Services of Westchester, one of the county’s oldest and largest social service and mental health nonprofits. Lisa is also currently serving on the board of The Sharing Shelf, a clothing bank for children.
Lisa is an owner and director of her family business, which provides services, resources and information for foundations, corporations, individuals and families. Lisa is also an owner of Andersen Corporation, the window and door manufacturer founded by her great-great-grandfather.
Jordan Copeland
Jordan has also done a lot of volunteer work in Scarsdale. Currently he serves as Associate Village Historian. One of his largest projects so far has been a widely-viewed presentation on the History of Black People in Scarsdale. He also serves on the boards of the Scarsdale Public Library (finance officer), Scarsdale Adult School (finance chair), Scarsdale Historical Society (vice president) and is an Assistant Scoutmaster in Boy Scout Pack 4. Jordan was formerly the Cubmaster of Cub Scout Pack 60 (of Edgewood School) for 7 years, and chaired the School Board Nominating Committee, the joint committee of the SBNC, the Advisory Council on Youth, and the Education Committee of the Scarsdale Forum, and was a Little League coach for six years.
With degrees in law and in education, Jordan clerked in federal court for a year, and then was a public defender in the Bronx for ten years. He also taught fifth grade in a Bronx public school for seven years. The past three years Jordan has been spending most of his time writing and recording music and volunteering in the community. He also has been a Director of Andersen Corporation since 2003, and is chair of its Environmental, Social, and Governance Committee.
Scarsdale Edgemont Family Counseling Service
Scarsdale Edgemont Family Counseling Service (SFCS) is a nationally recognized family service agency accredited by the Council on Accreditation. The agency has been an anchor in the community for almost 100 years, providing counseling services and supportive programs to local individuals and families in all stages of life. Our mission is to strengthen and support family life and to contribute to the well-being of our residents. We believe families matter and that healthy families are the cornerstone of a healthy community.
Tickets will go on sale shortly. Click here for more information, or call (914) 723-3281.
What You Missed at the Scarsdale Democrats February Meeting
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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The Scarsdale Democratic Town Committee is the local branch of the national Democratic Party: all are welcome to monthly meetings to discuss politics and policy with our county and state elected officials and plan volunteer efforts to campaign and raise funds to help elect Democrats to county and state offices.
Here’s what you missed at the Scarsdale Democrats February Meeting
The club was joined by State Senator Shelley Mayer, Assemblywoman Amy Paulin, County Executive George Latimer, and County Legislator Ben Boykin who presented and answered questions about the environmental impact of Indian Point, challenges to the state and county health budgets, improvements to policing technology for school safety and crucial judicial nominations.
All are welcome to the Scarsdale Democrats' monthly meetings. The next meeting will be March 16, 8 pm in the top floor meeting room of Village Hall.
Your locally elected Democrat District Leaders will be knocking on doors in the coming weeks to collect the signatures needed to put candidates on the ballot in November. To learn more about getting involved in the local party, ask them and visit: www.scarsdaledemocrats.org.
Submitted by Eugenie Rosenthal.
Dr. Patrick Unveils Proposed 2023-24 School Calendar
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- Written by Ann Klein
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After much discussion about the inclusion of new holidays into the Scarsdale School calendar, Dr. Patrick unveiled the proposed 2023-24 school calendar at the Board of Education Meeting on January 31.
This proposed calendar, as Dr. Patrick noted, was the culmination of a new process for Scarsdale involving students, parents and the input of teachers. Dr. Patrick reminded everyone of the need to balance sometimes opposing needs, and the desire to be more inclusive of the diverse student body. He acknowledged that the calendar is not perfect for everyone.
The proposed calendar includes a pre-Labor Day start date of August 31, with the trade-off of a two week December break. The calendar includes celebrations of Diwali, Lunar New Year, and Eid al-Adha, with Eid al-Fitr observed as a Superintendent’s conference day. The elementary school conference days have been moved to be contiguous with weekends. Dr. Patrick also pointed out that the late end date of June 26th is set by the state. The date for graduation and rain date have not yet been decided.
There were two comments about the calendar:
Cecilia Schiera of Lockwood Lane spoke of the importance to her family of celebrating the end of summer, including Labor Day weekend. For Ms. Schiera and her husband, the end of summer is an easier time to at work to take time off, and it has been their tradition to travel and see family at this time. She also noted that as a working parent, it is harder to schedule childcare for the two week December break.
Former Board Member Art Rublin of Donellan Road praised the process, agreeing with the board that it was well-managed. He gave his support to the inclusion of the new holidays, noting that around 25% of the student population of Asian heritage.
The draft calendar will be presented to the board to be voted on at the February 13th meeting.
Board members Jessica Resnick-Ault, Suzie Hahn Pascutti and Ron Schulhof all had questions and comments regarding the draft calendar. Schulhof noted that the two week December break could accommodate travelling and would also met with students request for time to decompress.
Other Business
Dr. Patrick and others shared some of the goings-on about the district, including the Lunar New Year celebrations at the elementary schools.
Eric Rauschenbach, Assistant Supertindent for Special Education and Student Services reported on the lockdown system integration, which is expected to launch either after spring break or next fall.
Personnel
Dr. Jigar Jadav has been recommended for appointment in the tenure area of Mathematics and will be assigned to the high school, while three teachers announced their retirements. They are Janie Fitzgerald, Scarsdale Middle School teacher, who has served the district 32 years; Nancy Pavia, Elementary Math Coordinator, who has served the district 34 years; and Pamela Winders, Fox Meadow teacher, who has served the district over 36 years. All present wished them well.
Policies
Mr. Rauschenbach updated the board on two policy changes, one on the use of Timeout Rooms, Physical Restraints and Aversives (note: Scarsdale does not use aversives, which are defined as negative stimuli, as in punishments) and a policy update on homebound instruction.
Rauschenbach noted that New York state does not allow the use of aversives and they are never used in Scarsdale. He explained what a Timeout room is and how it could be used but said that Scarsdale does not currently have any students who require a Timeout Room. However this policy outlines how they are to be used if required in an I.E.P. He also explained how physical restraints are used in the event of an emergency where no other intervention can keep the student safe, and how parents are notified if this occurs.
Regarding the updates to the policy for homebound instruction, Rauschenbach noted that 15 hours of secondary and 10 hours of elementary homebound instruction have been the practice in Scarsdale since Covid. This is for students who need medical leave, say for surgery or a long illness. This is not the same as homeschooling. Both of these policies may be found on the Board website.
New Textbooks
Dr. Edgar McIntosh, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment presented a proposal for four new textbooks. He noted that they are recent works, two published in 2022, which is a way to outsmart A.I. programs like chatGPT, since the artificial intelligence doesn’t have much to say about them. All four are for the ELA curriculums. Two middle school novels, both by Aisha Saeed are Amal Unbound and Omar Rising. Both books examine issues around class, equity and the agency students have for social justice reforms. The two high school books are Sigh, Gone by Phuc Tran, a memoir proposed for 11th grade and Trust, for AT English by Hernan Diaz.
The meeting concluded, with the announcement of many School Budget meetings on the calendar.
