February 3, 2012
by Sheila Bernson and Jennifer Mebes Flagg
Tim Bloom, an 11th grade student at Horace Greeley High School, has been chosen by the League of Women Voters of New Castle to attend this year’s Students Inside Albany Conference, organized by the League of Women Voters of New York State.
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January 20, 2012
from CCSD’s “Highlights”
Please join Lyn McKay, Superintendent of Schools, and members of the Chappaqua Education For the Future committee (CEFF), at a Knowledge Café on Wednesday, February 15th from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the Bell Middle School Auditorium (50 Senter Street.)
Read MoreJanuary 20, 2012
by Christine Yeres
With 36 comments since publication
In his draft budget for 2012-2013, Superintendent for Business John Chow provided a rollover figure—the increased cost of continuing the current program—of $2.8 million. Of that, the district is allowed a budget increase of around $1.4 million (labeled “tax cap limit” in Chow’s presentation), leaving administrators and board of ed members to find $1.3 million in reductions, which may include up to five full time teaching positions. Chow’s draft budget—not yet even a “proposed” budget, he emphasizes—also assumes the use of $3 million in reserves.
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January 20, 2012
Editor’s Note: From an applicant pool of over 46,000 this year, Jason Raylesberg, HGHS Class of 2008, has landed a coveted place with Teach for America. Starting in September, he’ll teach for two years—whatever subject is needed—in a school with impoverished students in New York City. NCNOW asked Raylesberg about the application process and why he applied.
Read MoreJanuary 20, 2012
by Christine Yeres
In their January 10 meeting, board of education members voted “No” to send a no-confidence message to BOCES and its proposed $18 million capital improvement project, for which the CCSD, one of 18 member districts, would be billed a $1.5 million share. Members realize that their “No” vote may only result in BOCES returning to answer more questions, since the district is obliged to come up with the funds regardless.
Read MoreMonday, January 9
by Christine Yeres
There are still spots available for CCE’s Winter Session of Beginning Spanish Class on Mondays, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at Horace Greeley High School, beginning Monday, January 23. Teacher Diana Walker, a New Castle resident, says that by the end of the winter session students will have the basics of Spanish conversation.
Read MoreThe next Board of Ed meeting is “Budget Preview” on Tuesday, January 10, 2012, when the board will discuss “How are we responding to the BoE fiscal question?”
December 30, 2011
by Christine Yeres
• The CEFF committee has chosen three action items. What next?
• How many applicants so far for the two principal positions?
• Does the $3.1 million rollover budget figure include last year’s $4+ million of reserves?
• When will the input from the budget Knowledge Cafe be released?
• In a Jan. 31 meeting, board members will discuss the book Getting to Yes. Good reading for the community?
• In a Jan. 31 meeting, the board of ed will consider a third “Strategic Question” on student wellness, both physical and spiritual
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January 6, 2012
Don’t miss out on the fun! Wood, clay, paint, architecture ... the New Castle Art Center, located at 939 Hardscrabble Road, still has spaces available for the following fabulous classes:
Read MoreDecember 16, 2011
With 21 comments since publication
by Christine Yeres
Superintendent Lyn McKay announced Tuesday that she had decided to implement a new schedule of six 55-minute periods and a 38-minute lunch each day in the existing two 5-8 grade middle schools. She then listed her reasons.
Read MoreDecember 16, 2011
With 23 comments since publication
by Christine Yeres
In Tuesday’s board of ed meeting it became clear that board members’ unhappiness with the cost of BOCES’ proposed repairs had more to do with the annual cost to CCSD of membership in the Putnam-Northern Westchester BOCES group—$3 million per year, $1.9 in staff development and curriculum, $1.1 in special education—than with the $1.5 million CCSD must borrow for the capital improvement projects.
Read MoreDecember 16, 2011
by Christine Yeres
Board of Ed member Vicky Tipp reported to board members on the Westchester Putnam School Board Association Legislative Advocacy Committee meeting she attended. The committee’s goal this year is to agree on two or three mandate reform issues on which to concentrate their lobbying efforts this year and announced the group’s schedule of meetings with legislators in both Albany and Washington.
Read MoreDecember 16, 2011
by Christine Yeres
Superintendent Lyn McKay reported that she had met the week before with 50 other superintendents of the Lower Hudson Council of Superintendents and a dozen legislators to discuss the pressures they feel from non-funded or unfunded mandates regulating transportation, fiscal reform and special education in a climate of diminishing funding.
Read MoreDecember 16, 2011
by Christine Yeres
At Tuesday’s board of ed meeting, Lyn McKay announced that in the three days since having placed advertisements for the two principal positions for Roaring Brook Elementary School and Horace Greeley High School, she had received 20 applications for each. UPDATE: As of December 21, the district had received 70 applications for the high school principal position, 95 for the elementary.
Read MoreDecember 16, 2011
by Jackie Rider
Dear Andrew,
Congratulations on your new appointment in the Chappaqua Schools. Many of us wish you all the best and know you will continue to dedicate yourself to serving the families of Chappaqua as you have done for many years.
Read MoreMonday, December 12, 2011
by Christine Yeres
Last Wednesday’s Knowledge Café began with a primer on the school budget process and the 2% tax cap by Assistant Superintendent for Business John Chow, then shifted to a brainstorming session among teachers, administrators and residents on how to cut expenses and raise revenues. [At the end of this piece, add your comments to those of participants.]
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February 3, 2012
by Christine Yeres
The Chappaqua Turf Committee (TCTC) has plans to expand its original $2 million fundraising campaign for turf installation on the Greeley Competition Field to include another $1 million for improvements and additions to the surrounding area. On Tuesday, board of education members voted to accept up to $3 million in private donations TCTC intends to raise. At the same time, the board amended its contract with The WBA Group to include the additional design and engineering services—all contingent upon receiving the funds from the TCTC.
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February 3, 2012
by Cheryl Jacobs Ehrlich
Winter’s wonky this year! Get inspired by the sunshine and start writing! The 32nd Annual Young Writers Contest is now open for entries. Each year the Friends of the Chappaqua Library sponsors the Young Writers Contest, to find and recognize writing of merit in the community. All students, grades 6-12, residing in the Chappaqua Central School district or enrolled in Chappaqua schools may enter the contest.
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Monday, January 30, 2012
by Ellen Davis
The show is cast, rehearsals have started and the excitement builds. On February 10-12, the Seven Bridges Theatre Company will present Seussical Jr., a show that is perfect entertainment for the whole family “no matter how small.”
Read MoreRegistration for Summer Camps begins on MONDAY February 6
See a NCCMC video of last year’s camp in “Read more…”
February 3, 2012
by Matt Nordt
Are you looking for some great day camp, sports camps, or specialty camps for your child this summer? Why send your child away for the summer when there is so much to offer here? On Saturday, February 4, come to our Campapalooza! at the Community Center on Senter Street, from 11:00 a.m to 3:00 p.m. We’ve invited all of our Day Camp administrative staff, Art Camp, our sports camp staff and our specialty camp staff to speak with you and give out information.
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Monday, January 30, 2012
by Vince Canziani
One way to help the children of today succeed in the world of tomorrow is to give them experiences of diversity when they are young. Summer camp is one of the best ways to do this, and Wagon Road’s Summer Day Camp, located on Quaker Road, does it right here in Chappaqua.
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Monday, January 30, 2012
See more photos in “Read more…” and in Photo Gallery
The Chappaqua School Foundation’s annual contest between the Harlem Wizards and the Chappaqua Challengers in which CCSD students come out the big winners played yesterday to a sold-out house. Photos are by New Castle resident Kevan Full, www.kevanslens.com.
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See more photos from last year’s event in “Read more…”
January 20, 2012
by LaVerne Srinivasan
On January 29, the Chappaqua School Foundation will once again host the annual showdown between the Harlem Wizards and the Chappaqua Challengers. Who are the Challengers? Teachers from across the Chappaqua school district!
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Tuesday, January 17, 2012
by Christine Yeres
Editor’s Note: After publishing Two New Castle high school seniors are Intel semi-finalists last Friday, NCNOW made a big discovery: Among the Ossining High School INTEL semi-finalists, there was a third New Castle resident, 18-year-old senior Emily Prentiss, pictured above (second from the right) with classmates Amelia Clements, Evan Olin (also of New Castle) and Frances Russell.
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January 13, 2012
by Christine Yeres
At 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday Intel Science Talent Search 2012 announced the names of the 300 semi-finalists who will compete for $1.25 million in awards. Among the 300, chosen from an applicant pool of 1,839 in 2012, are two New Castle residents: Evan Olin of Ossining High School and Davis Wertheimer of Horace Greeley High School. Both are 17-year-old seniors. Fourteen Intel semi-finalists were from Westchester County.
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January 2, 2012
by Matt Nordt
Along with middle school coaches Jeff Knisley (Seven Bridges) and Jason Lummel (Bell), the New Castle Rec Department is starting a bowling program for grades 6-8 to replace the one that was cut from schools. Seven Bridges Principal Martha Zornow approached us and asked whether we’d be willing to do it. So we contacted three or four bowling alleys, then put the costs together—and starting Tuesday, January 24, it’s a go!
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Sam, in crow pose on Capri, returns to teach yoga at Breathe during his six-week holiday break.
December 16, 2011
by Sam Fuhrer
For a semester abroad, I have been enrolled in an actor’s training program at the Accademia dell’ Arte in Arezzo, Italy, for the past three months. Arezzo is an ancient Tuscan town, about 45 minutes by train from Florence. The Accademia is located on a hillside in the midst of many beautiful orchards and vineyards leading up to a fabulous mountain range.
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Monday, December 12, 2011
by Jim Nottingham
The Chappaqua Turf Committee (TC2) has been busy at work raising funds—$400,000 so far —for the artificial turf field at Horace Greeley High School that will benefit our many school and town sports teams. The new field will save the district considerable field maintenance, busing and cancellation costs. Help build this field of dreams and take advantage of the tax deduction this year by donating now.
More photos in “Read more…”
Monday, December 12, 2011
by Noah Bressman
“Eww, he’s drinking fish water!” exclaimed a young girl at the Chappaqua Farmers Market. And it was true. Using a LifeStraw, we drink water straight out of a fish tank containing a simulated ecosystem with fish, crayfish, and plants. And it’s perfectly safe!
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December 9, 2011
by Aoi Senju
You’re all invited to another great program tonight at 8:00 p.m. in the Greeley auditorium, carefully crafted for an audience of all ages! Come support the Horace Greeley Symphony Orchestra with your entire family and hear the wonderful music we’ve prepared for you! See our rich program of Mendelssohn, Offenbach, Rodgers and Hammerstein—and others—below:
Read MoreDecember 9, 2011
by Christine Yeres
Last on Tuesday November 29, Putnam-Northern Westchester BOCES (“Board of Cooperative Educational Services”) Assistant Superintendent Tom Higgins informed Chappaqua Board of Education members that BOCES must make capital repairs to its 40-year-old buildings and that all 18 school district members of Northern Westchester/Putnam BOCES will have to chip in. CCSD’s portion of the $18 million BOCES needs is $1.57 million. The cost will not be felt in the district’s budget until 2014-2015, in that year around $47,000.
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December 9, 2011
by Joan Kuhn
On Saturday, December 3, 2011, returning KenKen champion, Molly Olonoff, HGHS junior, soundly defeated stiff competition from 80 other contestants to win the first place prize.
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