See It First: New Documentary Explores the Remarkable Evolution of the Scarsdale Public Schools
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The Scarsdale Historical Society will premiere its newest documentary, From the First Schoolhouse: A Scarsdale Story, in partnership with the Scarsdale Public Library on Wednesday, December 3rd at 7 PM at the Scarsdale High School auditorium. The film traces how the Scarsdale public school district grew from a one-room schoolhouse to a national model of learning and innovation.
The film transports audiences to a version of the district that is almost unrecognizable - with oil lamps, privies, and bare-bones budgets. As the small farming community grows into a modern suburban village, residents prioritize educating children and building new schools. The schools did not progress by chance, but through civic vision, community commitment, and a lasting respect for public education—principles that remain woven into Scarsdale’s character.
Produced by the Scarsdale Historical Society with documentary filmmaker Lesley Topping, this film features local historians Jordan Copeland, Leslie Chang, and Daniel Glauber, journalist Lori Rothman, former District educators Ruth Friendly and Tony Arenella, and SHS alumnus William Klayer, who share their insights and experiences.
The event will feature an introduction by Drew Patrick, Superintendent of Scarsdale Public Schools. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion with the filmmakers, local historians, and longtime educators who witnessed the district’s transformation firsthand.
“Not every school district warrants its own documentary, but the Scarsdale School District is anything but ordinary,” said Randy Guggenheimer, President of the Scarsdale Historical Society. “The district’s meteoric rise tells a story of vision, determination, and community commitment.”
“We are pleased to co-sponsor this screening, especially in the high school auditorium” stated Elizabeth Bermel, Director of Scarsdale Public Library. “It’s especially moving to show the documentary in the very school that earlier generations worked so hard to build.”
Event Details
Film Premiere: From the First Schoolhouse
Date: December 3, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Scarsdale High School Auditorium
Admission: Free and open to the public
RSVP here:
The premiere marks the first public screening of the film, which will later be made available for schools, civic groups, and streaming through the Historical Society’s digital archive.
About the Scarsdale Historical Society
The Scarsdale Historical Society exists to discover, preserve and disseminate historical information, as well as inspire others to learn about and contribute to the history of Scarsdale and the Central Mid-Westchester Region. The Scarsdale Historical Society accepts grant applications for projects that meet its mission, particularly those that will inspire others to learn about the history of Scarsdale and the surrounding communities. Learn more at www.scarsdalehistoricalsociety.org.
Students Learn Healthy Habits at Red Ribbon Halloweekend Prevention Table
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The STAY Club (Students Taking Action for Youth) hosted a Red Ribbon Halloweekend Prevention Table during lunchtime at Scarsdale High School on Halloween. Many students stopped by to grab candy, learn about Red Ribbon Week, and participate in a “Healthy Habits” activity.
They gave out candy, wristbands, and red ribbons with prevention messages to raise awareness about the dangers of binge drinking and risky behaviors during Halloweekend.
About 80 students participated in an interactive activity where they shared one thing they would do to take care of themselves, promoting self-care and healthy decision-making.
Top responses included:
-Spending time with friends or family (32)
-Getting outside (20)
-Resting (13)
-Working out (10)
-Watching movies (5).
The table was led by Jasleen Virk, Zoe Kofman, Nell Rompala, and Jacob Barr, who did a fantastic job engaging students. It was a fun and meaningful way to initiate conversations about wellness and substance-free choices before Halloweekend.
Scarsdale Mourns Shea Cassidy-Teti
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Scarsdale community members are mourning the loss of former Fox Meadow student Shea Cassidy-Teti who passed away at the age of 17 in a tragic car accident on October 11, 2025.
The Cassidy-Teti family, including parents Aidan Cassidy and Charles Teti lived in Fox Meadow where their twin boys Shea and Nash attended Alcott Montessori School and Fox Meadow Elementary School. Aidan was the President of the Fox Meadow PTA and the family was a prominent part of the community before moving to Connecticut.
Shea Cassidy-Teti, beloved by his friends and neighbors, was a focused and driven athlete who participated in several sports teams. When not playing music or doing art, in his downtime, Shea loved to play video games and still regularly played with his Fox Meadow friends.
News of his passing reverberated through the community last week with many asking how they can help. (See below)
Both Aidan and Charles are home and physically getting stronger every day. The family is healing together and wants to have a celebration of life and focus on all the wonderful things Shea brought to the world.
Twin brother Nash is trying to move forward and has the love and support of not only his family but the entire Kent School community. He has already returned to school and to rowing where he has a supportive community.
Here is the obituary:
Shea Cassidy-Teti
Salisbury, CT: Shea Cassidy-Teti, passed away on October 11th, 2025 in a tragic automobile accident.
He is the beloved son and brother of parents Aidan Cassidy and Charles Teti and his twin Nash Cassidy-Teti.
Shea was born on June 29th, 2008 in Farmington, CT.
He attended the Fox Meadow Elementary School in Scarsdale, NY, Weston Middle School in Weston, CT and Indian Mountain School in Lakeville, CT. He was currently continuing his studies as a senior at The Kent School in Kent, CT.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at St. Joseph's Chapel, The Kent School, 1 Macedonia Road, Kent, CT on Sunday, November 9th at 11:00AM.
All other services are private.
Scarsdale Boys Soccer Team 1-1 vs. New Rochelle
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Junior midfielder Rafael Rosenthal (8) celebrates with senior forward and captain Connor Meschweski (7) after Scarsdale’s goal.The Scarsdale High Boys Varsity Soccer Team traveled to New Rochelle High School on Wednesday, October 15. The Raiders struck first in the opening half on a goal by senior forward and captain Connor Meschweski (7). The second half featured physical, competitive play, and New Rochelle scored late to knot the score.
With the 1–1 tie, Scarsdale’s record now stands at 8–3–2, with their final regular season game set for October 16 at home against Port Chester before the start of the playoffs.
Photos by Dave Taber of Shots of the Game
To see more game photos and/or download photos, please visit https://www.shotsofthegame.com/
Sophomore midfielder Francesco Fogli (23) controls the ball while scanning the field for an open teammate.
Junior defender Roan Forray (16) passes the ball upfield.
Senior midfielder and captain PJ Rosenthal (10) pushes the ball forward.
Senior defender Nicholas Faraco (3) controls his dribble.
Sophomore forward Hilton Schurle (30) races down the wing in transition.
Junior midfielder Gavin Waldman (12) battles for control near midfield.
PJ Rosenthal (10) drives a pass forward.
Sophomore midfielder Jeffrey Chen (28) extends for a contested ball.
Roan Forray (16) clears the ball in front of his opponent.
Scarsdale Girls Varsity A Tennis Team Finishing Strong at the End of the Regular Season
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With just a few matches remaining for the Varsity A Girls Tennis Team’s regular season the coach shuffled the line-up for their home match against Mamaroneck at home on Monday October 6, 2025. Singles players teamed up to play doubles, and doubles players got the opportunity for some one-on-one singles play.
As always, the team has had a strong season, winning all their league matches except for the two against a powerful team at Horace Greeley.
Monday’s match was somewhat different, as the four doubles courts won and made up for losses from the less experienced singles players on courts 1-3.
Playing first doubles, Isabel Lin teamed up with Jalyn Ryu and made quick work of the match, defeating their opponents 6-1, 6-4. Beautiful deep cross court shots from the baseline set up the net player for decisive put aways.
Playing second doubles were the senior team of Maya Kossakowski and Sophie Landa who focused on consistency, communicated well and avoided their opponents player at the net, closing that match 6-1, 6-4.
In third doubles, Chloe Jin was matched with Isabelle Wu. The two usually play first doubles and had a longer match – ultimately defeating Mamaroneck 6-4, 7-5.
Isabel Lin and Jalyn Ryu
The fourth doubles team of Alexa Galante and Fallon Krane looked pleased as they came off the court with a decisive 6-0, 6-2 win. The two said they focused on being aggressive yet consistent, communicating and remembering to yell “Switch!.”
Matches were tougher for the singles players. Sophomore Arabella Succar, who usually plays second doubles, moved up to first and was defeated 2-6, 3-6. Anna Xu played very long points against her opponent in a match that went to a tie breaker. She ran her opponent back and forth across the court, winning the first set 7-6, losing the second 1-6 and ultimately had a narrow 8-10 loss in a tiebreaker.
Last Caroline Wu was matched against Mamaroneck’s Lucy Bevelaqua, who has been recruited to play lacrosse at Penn State. Though tennis is only her second sport, Luchy defeated Caroline 2-6, 2-6.
Mindy Kahn and Keila Patel, who usually play third doubles played an expo match against Mamaroneck.
The team is coached by Jennifer Roane, now in her 31st year of coaching, assisted by Michael Kumaresan, whose adorable daughter has become the team's mascot. Roane explained that the team has five new players who have adjusted to A level play. Three of the team’s former top players opted not to join the high school team this year in order to play tournaments, and the Varsity team clearly felt their loss. If the three had decided to play, Scarsdale might have had a chance to compete at the states, where they have 
Sophie Landa and Maya Kossakowskirecently won twice. But without them, it’s a long shot.
Next up: the team enters post season play at Harrison High School, Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
Mindy Kahn and Keila Patel
Fallon Krane and Alexa Galante
Chloe Jim and Isabella Wu get some advice from their coaches.
