Getting a Good Night's Sleep - Without Medication
- Details
- Written by Wendy MacMillan
- Hits: 3514
While most of us are aware of the importance of the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep each night, there are many reasons we Scarsdalians have struggled, at one time or another, to meet that quota. Maybe your daily worries have you tossing and turning all night, or perhaps you are so tightly wound from all of life’s stresses that you find it hard to relax and fall asleep, or possibly you just find it difficult to unplug and go to bed at an hour that will provide you with adequate rest. Whatever has prevented you from getting a good night's sleep, Dr. Shelby PsyD, CBSM just might be able to help. Dr. Shelby is a licensed psychologist with a practice in White Plains as well as a Behavioral Sleep Medicine Clinical Associate Professor at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. What's more, Dr. Shelby recently published a book titled, “The Women’s Guide to Overcoming Insomnia: Get a Good Night’s Sleep without Relying on Medication” (July 2019, Norton Books).
Last week, C.H.I.L.D. (a committee of the Scarsdale PT Council), treated Scarsdale parents to a program featuring Dr. Shelby as the keynote speaker. For those not able to attend the informative event, I had the pleasure of following up with Dr. Shelby whom graciously shared some important highlights about sleep.
W.M: What are a few key reasons why a healthy sleep routine is so important?
Dr. Shelby: Keeping a healthy sleep routine helps to signal to your body and brain that sleep is coming. Sleep isn’t an on/off switch, and we need to wind down gradually to put an end to the day without use of electronics and stress. Following the same routine nightly helps your body know when sleep is about to come and helps keep your body’s circadian time clock in check.
WM: How does lack of sleep impact the body? Mind?
Dr. Shelby: Lack of sleep has been associated with so many things… some include: poorer attention, concentration, memory, slowed reaction time and motor functioning, increased depression, reduced quality of life, more school and work absences, higher engagement in risky behaviors (drugs, sex, alcohol, tobacco) in teens, weight gain, heart disease, stroke, diabetes.
WM: Do you think later school start times make sense for adolescents?
Dr. Shelby: I’m a huge fan of later start times for adolescents. Research suggests that a minimum start time of 8:30am shows benefit for adolescents, and ideally even a tad later would be great though I know it isn’t usually feasible. We are asking so much of our teens in the early morning hours when their natural biological rhythms want them to still be asleep. We’re frequently testing children who are half asleep!
WM: How do sleep patterns change as we age?
Dr. Shelby: As we get older our sleep becomes more broken and more shallow overall, but it is a misnomer that we get significantly less sleep as we age. Instead, we get around the same amount of sleep - it is just lighter and broken, but also supplemented with naps during the day in older adults to account for somewhat less sleep at night for some.
WM: How does Day Light Savings Time affect sleep?
Dr. Shelby: I think the change in the spring is more of an adjustment for adults given the sleep loss that happens (there’s documented negative health outcomes in the first few days after the spring ahead!). In the fall, adults usually love the extra sleep, but the ones who dread it the most are adults with little children at home. It is best to try and adjust kids to the change gradually and know that it takes time to adjust. Our body clocks aren’t meant to abruptly change like this and I’m really not a fan of changing the clocks from a biological sleep-doc perspective.
WM: Can you recommend a few techniques to establish a healthy sleep routine?
Dr. Shelby: First and foremost - get the electronics out of the bedroom. Parents need to establish this as a family rule and set an example for their children. Put a family charging station for all electronics in an area of the house such as the kitchen. Make sure to find at least 30 minutes, ideally 60 minutes to wind down before bed. We need to wind down, slow our bodies and brains down without electronics. We are overscheduling ourselves and our children to the point of missing out on precious sleep time and wind down time - in the hopes that we can fake biology. The reality is that children need sleep to grow, learn, and develop cognitively and emotionally. Without sufficient sleep, we’re doing them a disservice. Keep a consistent bed and wake time as often as possible, 7 days a week - with sufficient sleep every night whenever possible.
WM: When should someone seek more help?
Dr. Shelby: If following basic sleep hygiene hasn’t helped, or you find you (or your child) is snoring or excessively sleepy and/or struggling to awaken during the day, consider getting help from a sleep doctor. A sleep study isn’t always indicated, and if you are asked to get a sleep study, it doesn’t always mean that you’ll have to sleep in the sleep lab - there’s many in-home sleep tests that are really easy to take that you bring home and return the next day.
Dr. Shelby is a wealth of knowledge and as someone who has spent too many sleepless nights counting sheep, I wish we could dive even deeper into this topic. For more information on sleep, or if you or someone you know could use Dr Shelby's help, please check out her website here.
Rice, Soy, Oat, Almond, Coconut, Hemp, Kefir and Good Ol’ Cow’s Milk: Which Milk is Best?
- Details
- Written by Stacie M. Waldman
- Hits: 5597
It’s a conundrum – on the one hand children need to drink milk – but on the other, what kind of milk should they be drinking? The questioning begins at birth. Pediatricians warn new mothers to be sure babies get enough milk after they’re weaned from breast milk or formula. Yet too much milk could interfere with the absorption of other minerals. If the baby is cranky, is lactose the problem? If you substitute soy milk will the estrogens in the milk harm baby girls? How about coconut milk? Everyone seems to be drinking that but what about the saturated fat? And almond milk is also popular with kids but does it contain Vitamin D? What about oat milk or even hemp milk? And should we heed the advice of the FDA commissioner who said these “milks” shouldn’t even be called milk because the nutritional makeup is different and “an almond doesn’t lactate.”
The sale of non-dairy milk increased 61% between 2012 and 2017 while dairy milk sales have been steadily decreasing. The information overload can be overwhelming, so here is what our research showed on the data about dairy alternatives. Is there any reason to even look beyond milk from cows for ourselves and our children?
Soy milk was one of the first non-dairy milk alternatives to become commercially available. Soy milk is shelf-stable until it’s opened and contains about the same amount of complex proteins as milk but with less carbohydrates and saturated fats as compared to whole milk. Soy milk has fiber and has a better overall nutritional make up than almond, rice or coconut milk. It is higher in fat than low-fat milk options and also lower in calcium as compared to dairy milk. Soy milk contains phytoestrogens which research shows may be a hormone disrupter. For a person who can’t consume dairy for health reasons, from a nutritional standpoint Soy milk has the most similar make up to cow’s milk
Almond milk comes in sweetened and unsweetened flavors, like vanilla. Almond milk is very low in calories, has 0 grams of carbohydrates and sugars and provides even more calcium per serving than cow’s milk. Almond milk has no cholesterol or lactose, so this is a good milk alternative for people who are lactose intolerant. It is low in sodium and has magnesium, selenium and vitamin E, all which benefit the body. On the other hand, almond milk is very low in protein compared to soy milk or cow’s milk. It is readily available at most markets and coffee shops, usually for an upcharge.
Oat milk originated in Sweden and is quickly gaining in popularity at coffee shops across the U.S. It can be made at home easily with oats and water but will not be fortified with vitamins A, D, B12 and calcium like manufactured oat milk. Oat milk comes flavored or unflavored. It is high in fiber and beta-glucans which can help boost the immune system but is low in protein and minerals. Oat milk is a good option for people with dairy, nut or soy allergies but is relatively very expensive.
Coconut milk is not actually sold as the milk inside of the coconut. The meat of a coconut is shredded and simmered in water. The fat-rich cream layer is then combined with coconut water to make creamy tasting coconut milk. Although coconut milk is low in calories, it is high in saturated fat and has no protein. Taste-wise, coconut milk easily replaces cow’s milk in recipes.
Rice milk is the most hypoallergenic of the milk options but is also the sweetest and therefore higher in carbohydrates and calories. It is low in fat and contains high levels of magnesium but doesn’t contain as much calcium or protein as dairy. Rice milk is readily available at most markets and coffee shops as a dairy alternative at a higher cost.
Hemp milk is a creamier tasting milk alternative. Made from hemp seeds, hemp milk is filled with omega-3 fatty acids which benefits people who have cholesterol or high blood pressure concerns. Hemp milk has a higher fat content than other milk alternatives. Hemp anything is a very trendy nutritional additive right now.
Cow's milk is high in protein and complete proteins which means it has all the essential amino acids the body needs to synthesize protein. It is loaded with calcium (so is good for the bones) as well as vitamin B12 and is fortified with Vitamin D. Dairy has been shown to help prevent tooth decay, particularly in children. Whole milk has saturated fat, but lower fat milks are readily available. Milk is relatively inexpensive and even organic milk tends to be priced lower than milk alternatives. The American Academy of Pediatrics still recommends cow’s milk for growing children.
There is a lot of misinformation about milk online and as the non-dairy milk industry grows, so does the marketing against the dairy industry. So, is drinking and eating dairy contributing to better health or is it putting our health at risk? Vasanti Malik, a nutrition research scientist with the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health says, “Dairy isn’t necessary in the diet for optimal health, but for many people, it is the easiest way to get the calcium, vitamin D, and protein they need to keep their heart, muscles, and bones healthy and functioning properly.”
There is a lot of information out there on the health risks of dairy from websites or groups that do not base their findings on published, peer-reviewed research. Research shows that unless a person has a sensitivity to cow’s milk, the proven health benefits outweigh the risks that have yet to be proven.
Reduce Back-to-School Stress by Practicing Mindfulness
- Details
- Written by Wendy MacMillan
- Hits: 3121
Though the warm weather here in Scarsdale might fool you, the long, lazy days of summer are officially over and to some of us, “Back to School Night” already feels like months ago. Hopefully our kids have all easily settled into their school routines but as the excitement of the new year starts to dissipate and the weight of schoolwork, friendships, homework, and extracurricular activities starts to be felt, it’s important for us to remember to take time to care for ourselves.
One way to keep the stress of school at bay is to practice mindfulness. More and more research proves that practicing mindfulness not only helps to calm and focus the mind and to strengthen our executive functioning skills, but the routine practice of mindfulness can also increase test scores, reduce absences and of topic, help children more easily transition back to school.
Jon Kabat-Zinn, founder of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, defines Mindfulness as “paying attention in a particular way, on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally,” and fortunately, there are a plethora of simple ways school-aged children and teens can practice mindfulness on a daily basis.
One of the easiest practices is Mindful Breathing. First, get your kiddos into a comfy position and ask them to close their eyes. Next, ask how their breath feels as they draw it into themselves, and then as it leaves. If they put a hand on their belly, they’ll be able to feel the rise and fall of their breath. Do this about five times – five inhales, five exhales. After five breaths, guide them to any thoughts and feelings they might be aware of, then invite them to let go of those thoughts and feelings. Ask them to imagine that the thoughts and feelings are bubbles, floating away, as they return to their breathing. Repeat the five breaths – five in, five out – and do this as many times as feels right.
The great thing about mindful breathing is that it can be practiced just about anywhere...waiting for the bus, idling in the drop-off line, sitting in your desk before a test, the possibilities are endless.
Another effortless way to practice mindfulness with children is through craft activities. Drawing, painting, cutting, and coloring are all easy avenues to invite children to pay attention to what is happening in the present moment. For instance, while coloring you might ask your child to focus on how the crayon feels in their hand, how it feels as they press the crayon down on the paper, does the crayon make any sound as you drag it across the paper, ask your child to notice the hues and shades of the colors the crayon creates, and so on and so forth.
So whether your school-aged child is experiencing a little separation anxiety or your high school senior is stressing about college essays, try helping them with a mindful exercise...you might just help yourself right along with them.
Wendy MacMillan is a former teacher and a proud mom of two children. While her background is in psychology and education, Wendy was recently trained in mindfulness at Mindfulschools.org. She has long been passionate about wellness, and as an active member of the Scarsdale PTA, Wendy helped to bring mindfulness to her children's elementary school. In addition, Wendy helped establish and is an acting member of the school's Wellness Committee. For more information about mindfulness check out this site: mindfulschools.org or Watch the video of Jon Kabat-Zinn explaining what mindfulness is ... or contact Wendy MacMillan at [email protected].
New Program Will Help Elementary School Children Develop Social Skills
- Details
- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
- Hits: 3222
When you think about Scarsdale Edgemont Family Counseling Service what comes to mind? Parent support groups? Youth outreach at the Middle School? Peer leadership groups at the high school? Now SFCS is offering a program targeted to the younger members of the family – to help elementary school students develop their social skills.
The new program is called S-O-C-I-A-L and will use an evidence-based curriculum called Second Step to help younger children navigate successful relationships. Using a variety of games, videos and interactive lessons children will learn to:
-Make friends
-Regulate difficult emotions
-Be empathetic
-Resolve conflict
Why is this program needed? According to SFCS Executive Director James Genova, “Young children don’t have the language capabilities to put into words what they’re feeling -- and because of their development their ability to self-regulate emotions is limited. When you see children acting out – some might call it misbehaving. We don’t see it this way. We interpret it as a child expressing his or her distress. Behavior becomes a language. They are trying to communicate with adults is that something is not working.”
Who would benefit from the program? Genova says, “All children --will experience normal social conflict and most will resolve it on their own. But if kids are consistently having social conflicts and as a result are more isolated or not able to make friends, that might be an indicator that the child is struggling with their social skills.”
We asked Genova for an example of a group activity that might be utilized. He said, “The lessons are diverse. Kids will learn through games and videos that make learning fun. We might show a video of a vignette of a situation -- perhaps a conflict in the lunchroom -- followed by a discussion of the incident. Kids will be asked, “What might that person be feeling? Do they look sad? What cues are there?” In this way they will learn how to recognize the cues and associated words that go with emotional expression and help children understand how their behaviors might impact someone else.”
The groups will be organized by grade with groups for K-1, 2-3 and 4-5. While the same lessons will be taught in each of these groups, the deliver
y may be different depending on the age of the children.
Genova explained that the philosophy of the agency is rooted in family systems. He said, “We are always dealing with how the individual affects the family and the family affects the individual. This defines what we do. It doesn’t mean that every family member comes to every session. But all of our programs have a family component.”
As a result, this program will include three parent workshops to help the parents of the kids enrolled to understand what they are working on in the groups so they can reinforce it at home. These workshops will give parents a place to express challenges and frustrations and will also help parents to develop a nice network with each other. Genova noted that sometimes parents of children with difficulties feel isolated. These groups will give them an opportunity to interact with other parents.
The groups will be facilitated by Susan Panarella who is a licensed master of social work and has 14 years of experience working with elementary-aged children in both schools and outpatient settings. She is also a mindfulness educator.
The weekly sessions will be held in the SFCS offices in the Harwood Building from 4:30 – 5:30 from October 15 to December 10. Interested? Call Executive Director James Genova to enroll at 914-723-3281.
Back to School Guide 2019: For Kids and Grown-ups Too
- Details
- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
- Hits: 6639
Though the streets of the village are quiet and empty this week, in just a few days families will start returning from vacation, sports practices will begin and Scarsdale will be back in full swing.
Looking ahead to fall and beyond, here is a guide to pre-schools, dance and music classes, prep schools, religious schools, sports programs and college preparatory services for local kids ages two through 18. If you have a toddler, take a look at preschool programs for enrollment for next year. Adults – be sure to peruse the Scarsdale Adult School fall and winter catalogue to take advantage of all they have to offer.
Scarsdale is a wonderful place to raise a family – and there are so many local programs available to enrich your children’s lives and yours as well.
Enrichment and After School Programs:
Hoff Barthelson Music School
Registration for fall is open at Hoff-Barthelson, Westchester's premier community music school!
At Hoff-Barthelson, students find a warm, friendly music school dedicated to the highest standards of education, performance, and community service. Students of all ages – 6 months to adult – aptitudes, and levels of interest enjoy a supportive, joyful learning environment; a focus on the whole person; exceptional teaching; and a multifaceted curriculum.
Hoff-Barthelson Music School students in performance. Photo by Steven Schnur.
Once enrolled for music lessons, all students gain complimentary access to a comprehensive program that includes unlimited musicianship classes and ensembles, myriad performance opportunities, master classes with world renowned guest artists, and workshops.
The School celebrates its 75th Anniversary, with a number of new classes and program enhancements including group piano and ukulele classes; songwriting workshops; classes in improvisation, piano history and literature; “Scarsdale Singers,” a chorus for adults; classes in the Alexander Technique; Dalcroze Eurhythmics workshops for all ages; and the implementation of online resources published by the Royal Conservatory of Music to support the School’s long-established grade-level appropriate learning goals.
The school year begins Monday, September 9th. Families wishing to learn about early childhood classes for children ages 6 months through kindergarten are invited to attend an Open House on Friday, September 6, from 10 to 11:30 am, which features a demo class at 10:30 am. For more information and to register, call 914-723-1169, visit www.hbms.org, or e-mail [email protected]. Hoff Barthelson, 25 School Lane, Scarsdale
JCC of Mid-Westchester
Education at the JCC of Mid-Westchester: Feeding the Minds and Bodies. Pre-school learners all benefit from the full service nursery schools, fitness and sports facilities and professional teaching staff throughout the JCC. A year round indoor pool, fitness programs, arts programs and special needs programs. ALL UNDER ONE ROOF!
For family conveniences JCCCMW Nursery School offers early drop off late pick up available. Summer Art Center (SAC), a one of a kind program that provides a non-competitive, nurturing and flexible environment for all children with a passion for the Arts, continues throughout the year! Classes are all taught by professional artists and teachers and offers high quality instruction in Fine Arts, Dance, Theatre and Music. This year we welcome back Sandbox theatre as our resident community theatre. The Dance School provides extensive programs for pre-schoolers, teens, and adults. The Academic Center offers everything you need to prepare your kids for college entrance. One of the best things about having more than 250 programs for the whole family is that we can offer discounts to our patrons. JCCMW is open to all -- no membership required. NEW this year is a pre-K Mandarin language program in addition to Spanish immersion class! Register online, or Contact JCCMW for more information on its more than 250 programs offered throughout the year, or to schedule a tour: 914-472-3300, www.jccmw.org.
Scarsdale Ballet Studio
Scarsdale Ballet Studio celebrates 27 years of awesome memories and looks forward creating many more. Artistic Director Diana White, former ballerina of the NYC Ballet, says, “We share our love of ballet with students from pre-school through high school, to college, and beyond. We welcome anyone to try ballet, including children with special needs and older adults. All can enjoy the benefits of formal dance training: physical fitness, confidence, self-expression, mental focus, collaborative skills, and lasting friendships.”
“We are known for our authentic curriculum, our encouraging and supportive atmosphere, and for quality performances, including The Nutcracker.” Faculty are former professional dancers of international caliber. Guest faculty include SBS alumna, star of American Ballet Theater, Skylar Brandt, and Associate Artistic Director of NYCB, Wendy Whelan. SBS students are regularly accepted to the most prestigious professional and college dance programs. They are high achievers in many professional fields besides dance, and carry their expertise and love of dance throughout life. The studio also offers ballet classes in Japanese. The spacious professional studios are located in the rear of Vernon Hills Shopping Center on Route 22. Visit scarsdaleballetstudio.com (914) 725-8754.
Steffi Nossen School of Dance
Join us at the Steffi Nossen School of Dance Open House, Saturday, September 7th. Sample classes, meet faculty and student ambassadors: plan your dance year, purchase dancewear, enjoy refreshments in our White Plains studios. During Free Week of Dance September 23 – 29 try all level and age appropriate classes. We have a class for you!
Steffi Nossen Scarsdale student Evelyn Leung with teacher Tami Mele. Credit: Ellen CraneDancers of all abilities have a home here. Through the discipline and joy of dance in a nurturing environment, dancers develop grace and fitness, build confidence and poise, and experience the creative process. We offer classes from Dancing Tots to a Pre-Professional Program for tweens and teens. In Dancing Tots for 1 – 3 year olds and parent/caregiver have a fun-filled opportunity to express themselves through movement while working on balance and coordination. Pre-schoolers choose from Creative Movement, Tap/Ballet, and an energy-filled Boy's Only! Try our Core Programs in Modern, Ballet, Jazz, Tap and Hip-Hop, a Pre-professional technique Program, and Moving Wheels and Heels a unique adaptive classes - there is dance that everyone can enjoy.
Visit our website, www.steffinossen.org or contact us at [email protected] or (914) 328-1900. Steffi Nossen School of Dance; 216 Central Avenue, White Plains.
The Music Conservatory of Westchester
The Music Conservatory of Westchester in White Plains opens its 90th anniversary year with expanded quality musical opportunities. The nonprofit community music school invites prospective students and their families to go Back to Music this fall to explore music classes for toddlers, children, teens, and adults.
First Notes early childhood classes will jumpstart your child’s development with a three-level curriculum: Bravo Babies (3-18 months), Toddler Tunes (1 ½ -2 ½ years), and Preschool Prodigies (3-4 years). Children explore musical sounds and rhythms, and learn songs from around the world in interactive classes with their parent or caregiver.
If you’re looking for an ideal first instrument for your child, the guitar is a perfect choice. At the Conservatory, beginner guitar classes (ages 4 and up) foster children’s creativity and collaborative spirit, preparing them to specialize in their favorite style of music - classical, jazz, or rock - when they reach middle school.
This fall, the Conservatory will launch MCW Prep – a unique and exciting college preparatory program for advanced high school musicians. Students will have the rare opportunity to train intensively with master musicians of the New York Philharmonic, Metropolitan Opera, Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, and Broadway. To schedule an audition, contact Dr. Douglas Bish, Dean of Students and Faculty: [email protected].
The Conservatory has also developed unique programming just for adults. In addition to private lessons, the school’s group piano and guitar classes, women’s vocal ensemble, and chamber ensembles create a fun, social atmosphere for adult music students.
Attend Open Houses and register for classes online today! Music Conservatory of Westchester, 216 Central Avenue, White Plains, NY 10606. Call 914-761-3900 or visit www.musicconservatory.org.
College Prep
Deborah Skolnik, Ivy Edge College Essay Editing
Let me help transform your child's college essay into sparkling, standout prose! Locally famous for my popular Gentle Scarsdale Satire poems, I'm also an award-winning editor and writer with more than 30 years of experience at many of America's leading magazines and newspapers. For years, I've helped local and overseas students refine their essays into attention-grabbing works with a distinctive voice, crafted to stand out in a sea of applications. My own essays have appeared in iconic publications including The New York Times and Reader's Digest. Doesn't your child deserve the best chance at being admitted to the college of his or her choice? Please contact me at [email protected] or 917-301-6562. Mention this ad for a special discount!
SLB Education Consultants 
SLB Education Consultants provides independent college advising services right here in Scarsdale. With 15 years of experience, the team at SLB offers its extensive expertise to guide families during this critical, exciting and often overwhelming time. SLB counsels students on all aspects of the application process, including academic and extracurricular planning, standardized test strategizing, individualized college list guidance and preparation for interviews. In addition, SLB works one-on-one with students as they complete the Common Application personal statement, as well as all supplemental writing. For more information, contact Jake Beckman at 914-713-3462 or [email protected]. You can also visit the SLB website at www.slbeducationconsultants.com.
Soundview Prepartory School
For more than 30 years, Soundview Preparatory School's purpose has been to provide a college-preparatory education in a supportive and non-competitive environment that requires rigorous application to academics, instills respect for ethical values, and fosters self-confidence by helping each student feel recognized and valued. Soundview, an independent, coed day school for grades 6 – 12 is located on a 13 acre campus in picturesque Yorktown Heights, New York. In addition to a stellar academic program, Soundview offers a unique and outstanding Music, Art and Art Design program in their state-of-the-art Music Conservatory and Top Tier Design Studio. Soundview Preparatory school remains committed to the belief that students thrive in small classes and investing intensely in each individual student while holding them to a high standard in both academic pursuits and personal conduct. Soundview Preparatory maintains a 100% college acceptance rate and operates under a rolling admission policy. Students are accepted throughout the year based on: an interview with the Director of Admissions, prior academic record, student visit, recommendations, and a writing sample. Soundview Prep serves students from Westchester, Putnam and Rockland Counties in New York State and from Fairfield County in Connecticut, as well as from New York City. Approximately 30% of students receive some form of tuition discount.
Contact Karen S. Teich, Director of Admissions at 914-962-2789 ext. 107 or visit their website. Soundview Prep, 370 Underhill Avenue, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598
Religious Schools
Bet Am Shalom
"Torah La'am" is our engaging, progressive and creative K-12 Jewish Education Program. We bring Jewish learning to life in inspiring,
joyful ways for the whole family through art, music, intergenerational social action projects, family programs, and parenting workshops. Our children bake challah and desserts for our communal Shabbat dinners and, in grades 4-6, read Torah and lead prayers on Shabbat. We focus on building communities in which students live Jewish values by listening and valuing a variety of perspectives and helping each other grow. We provide teens with many leadership roles in our community, and a Monday night program where they are challenged to think deeply about their Jewish identity and learn from each other. To learn more or to schedule a visit, contact: Abby Reiken, Education Director, [email protected], 914-946-8851.
Scarsdale Synagogue Religious and Chai School for Pre-K through Grade 12
Welcome to Scarsdale Synagogue's Religious School and Chai School! Our mission is to care for and nurture our students and their families, and to cultivate a culture of growth, friendship, and Jewish community. Just the right size for your family, we offer a robust program even as we know your child's particular passions and needs.
Our programs are vibrant and innovative thereby engaging your children in a meaningful way. Classes are small and individualized programs are available for students with special needs. Both teachers and students are encouraged to think outside of the box; every avenue to deeper, more exciting and fun Jewish learning is explored with joy and zeal. Our school meets on Sunday mornings (K - 6; Pre-K meets monthly) and Wednesday afternoons (Grades 4-6). And our fun and engaging Chai School (Grades 7-12) meets on Wednesday evenings. Each grade enjoys its own curricular focus as they learn about Jewish traditions and cultures, past and present. Children choose engaging electives that teach Hebrew vocabulary through sports, cooking, yoga, art and more.
For more information, please contact Rabbi Glickman at [email protected] or call 914-725-5175 x 121 or visit our website. Scarsdale Synagogue is a reform Jewish community located at 2 Ogden Road, Scarsdale, NY 10583.
Sports
Maroon and White
Maroon and White is the Scarsdale parent organization supporting interscholastic athletics, physical education, and health at the high school. All Scarsdale families are welcome as members and can join through our website, www.maroonandwhite.org. We regularly raise funds through membership, from the sale of Raider merchandise and spiritwear, and from family and business ads in the M&W SHS Sports Journal. We are presently accepting ads through our website or by emailing the Journal Committee at [email protected]. Ads placed by October 15, 2019 will appear in all three printings of the Journal (i.e., Fall, Winter, and Spring). Please come out and support our fall athletes. Click here to see the schedule of games and matches.
Scarsdale Youth Lacrosse
FALL REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!
Once again, Scarsdale Youth Lacrosse (SYLA) will be offering Fall Lacrosse Programs in 2019. The 
program will focus on improving skills, game IQ development, playing games against other town teams, and having fun playing lax in the beautiful fall season. These programs are offered for Boys & Girls K-8, all levels of players from beginner to advanced.
SYLA is dedicated to promoting lacrosse at the youth level for families residing in the village of Scarsdale, NY. We strive to develop strong fundamental skills and teamwork while adhering to the standards of sportsmanship, respect for all participants and a sense of fair play. Visit their website for more information and registration.
Scarsdale Youth Soccer Club
The Scarsdale Youth Soccer Club (“SYSC”) is a non-profit organization administered by Scarsdale parents. SYSC in conjunction with our professional coaching partner, Stay-in-Town Soccer, organizes and coaches boys' and girls’ soccer teams to play in travel soccer leagues and tournaments in the Westchester and NYC area. SYSC fields travel soccer teams from U8 - U14. In general, the club fields around 40 teams each year between girls' and boys' teams. These teams are registered in the Westchester Youth Soccer League (“WYSL"). The WYSL is a league that is part of both the US Club Soccer and the United States Youth Soccer Association ("USYSA"). More information about SYSC can be found at www.scarsdalesoccer.net.
Adult Learning
Scarsdale Adult School
Scarsdale Adult School is an award-winning, continuing education program that provides enriching 
curriculum for lifelong learners. Established in 1938, SAS is an independent, not-for-profit organization charted by the New York State Board of Regents. Nourishing the mind, body, and soul, SAS boasts a wide array of courses in history, culture, current events, art appreciation and literature as well as writing, walking tours, photography, personal finance, arts and crafts, fitness, card and board games, food and beverage, hobbies and edutainment, health/wellness and self-improvement classes. Class locations, days, and times vary by course, but all are housed venues in or convenient to Scarsdale. Classes are open to all, regardless of residency, and courses fill on a first-come/first-served basis. View course offerings at ScarsdaleAdultSchool.org and call 914-723-2325.
Preschools
Congregation Kol Ami
The Early Childhood Program at Congregation Kol Ami is dedicated to providing a comprehensive and developmentally appropriate curriculum teaching and modeling Jewish values. We believe that children learn best through experiential play and provide for these rich experiences within warm, accepting, and nurturing surroundings. All of our Head Teachers have Masters Degrees in Early Childhood or N-6 or related educational fields. We offer a wide range of programs for children (from 1 to 5 years old) and their families. Our A Step Ahead! program for Fall 5 year olds provides full day Pre-K learning. For more information, contact: Nan Blank, ECP Director at [email protected] or call her 914-949-4717 x107.
Mazel Tots
Mazel Tots® at Scarsdale Synagogue provides a warm and stimulating environment, which encourages children's curiosity and helps them to grow socially, emotionally, physically and intellectually. Our warm and nurturing staff will guide the children through a curriculum filled with a variety of child-centered and developmentally appropriate activities that are safe, fun and friendly. The children's spiritual growth will be enriched by the study of Jewish holidays, traditions and family values. We also offer a group of special activities such as sports and games, music, creative movement, sign language, nature, yoga, karate, science, art atelier, dance and more! We have two beautiful playgrounds and gardens, plus a fully equipped indoor play space featuring ride-on toys, gym equipment, giant blocks and stepping stones just to name a few! Our Early Childhood Program serves children from 18 months through those Kindergarten-bound! We also have afternoon Enrichment Programs which extends the fun and the length of the day! For more information please contact Jody Glassman, Early Childhood Program Director at 914-723-3001 or [email protected]. You can also visit our website. Scarsdale Synagogue is located at 2 Ogden Road, Scarsdale, NY 10583. 914.725.5175.
Early Childhood Center at Westchester Reform Temple
At WRT’s Early Childhood Center (ECC), we strive to create an environment that fosters social, emotional, physical and cognitive growth as well as creativity, and confidence. Our warm, nurturing teachers provide children with the tools they need to communicate with each other and with the world around them. Children learn and practice Jewish values and become confident members of our Jewish community. Our families are partners in the work that we do and are invited to participate in the learning process. We emphasize STEAM concepts through hands-on science, technology, engineering, art, and math investigation which encourage young learners to achieve developmental goals. Through inquiry and play-based instruction, we provide students with an opportunity to learn language arts, math and handwriting readiness skills that prepare them for Kindergarten and beyond. We facilitate learning through small groups and foster relationships between our children and their teachers, specialists and our clergy. Lunch and afternoon/ enrichment classes are available for older children. For Toddlers between the ages of one and two we offer Mommy and Me Temple Tots classes, facilitated by our school Social Worker and ECC staff as well as a Toddler Time class facilitated by experienced ECC teachers. Any loved one is welcome to attend this class with their child. Both classes are wonderful opportunities for making friends for adults as well as children.
End of the year Mini Session and Summer Play Place camp offered.
Registration for the 2020-2021 school year begins in November. Currently a few spaces are available in our threes classes as well as the Toddler Time class for the coming school year. For information, and to schedule a visit to our pre-school, please contact ECC Director [email protected] or call us at 914 723-5493.
