Parenting

Details: Published: 21 February 2013; Created: 21 February 2013; Last Updated: 21 February 2013; Hits: 4419

Should you spend a spell with Beautiful Creatures? Scarsdale mom-and-daughter team Deborah Skolnik and Clara Enders weigh in with their reviews of the witchcraft film. By Mom Deborah Skolnik - If you're the parent of a tween, you know it's an out-of-this-world experience. No, not cleaning up cast-off sweat socks and listening to cries of "My hair looks hoooorrrible!"—that's the everyday stuff. What I mean is, you're sitting through lots of movies about vampires, werewolves, and other supernatural species. In the case of Beautiful Creatures, you'll be communing with witches—a habit they'd have hung you for in olde Salem, but which in twenty-first century Scarsdale will merely claim two hours of your life. You could do worse.

As the film opens, we're introduced to Ethan Wate (Alden Ehrenreich), a 17-year-old whose interests are broader than the confines of his small Southern town. Tired of his narrow-minded girlfriend, he's intrigued when a new gal shows up at school: Lena Duchannes (Alice Englert). Soon, Ethan is working his way into Lena's heart and secrets. She's a witch—or "caster," as she prefers to be called, in a humorous nod to our P.C. culture.

Problem is, Lena's not sure if she's a light (aka good) or dark witch yet: It'll be decided on her next birthday, and she has no say. In truth, she may already be doomed to darkness, since she's bound in a curse dating back to the Civil War. Oddly, Ethan may play a role in the curse too, since he's had some strange Dixie-era dreams of late. Can the two undo the hex and lead Lena to the Light Side?

If you're as unconcerned about Lena's fate as most adults would be, just sit back and watch the pair's tender romance, spackled with plenty of witty banter, unfold. Guiltily wish, as I did, that Ethan were better looking: Every time the camera lingered on his face, I wanted it to pan out again.

Don't bother investing much in the supporting characters, from eccentric aunts to Holly Roller neighbors, who flit by so briefly they're Beautiful-CreaturesStills meaningless. What's more frustrating is that the dark side's evils aren't explained. Lena's mother and cousin are both dark divas, but all that seems to mean is they wear hot dresses, drive sports cars, and seduce men. Sounds good to me. In fact, the film relies too heavily on shallow, outdated conventions to convey its players' essences . The bad women toss their hair and go "Mwahahaha!", while Ethan's rebelliousness is signaled by his love for a Kurt Vonnegut paperback. When was the last time you saw a teen reading Vonnegut....or a paperback, period?

Despite these drawbacks, Ethan and Lena make a plucky pair, and you'll be rooting for this new generation to upend age-old prejudices and problems. Ultimately, this movie isn't so much about casters as the spell of young love.

Note: This PG-13 film won't leave you struggling to explain the birds and the bees to your wide-eyed 8- or 9-year-old, but scary special effects may freak out more sensitive kids. It's probably best for the 10 or 11-and-up crowd.

By Daughter Clara Enders: I've wanted to see Beautiful Creatures since I began seeing the enticing commercials on TV. The special effects and the cliffhanger movie clips, like the ones of the witches using their powers, pulled me in. Beautiful Creatures is about a girl named Lena Duchannes, who moves to a small town called Gatlin in South Carolina. Some girls in her class accuse her of worshipping Satan, and when they start to recite a Catholic prayer, Lena makes the windows in the classroom explode. When the town hears about this, everyone avoids her, except for one person- Evan Wate. When her car breaks down, he offers her a ride home. She hesitates, but lets him give her a ride anyway. He sees her creepy house, and this intrigues him more. When he goes to her house the next day, he meets her uncle who also possesses such powers. Evan learns that Lena is a witch- or "caster" the term she prefers. Lena has a marking of numbers on her hand, which tells her how many days until she turns sixteen. On her sixteenth birthday she will have her "claiming" and find out if she will be a dark or light caster. Because her late-ish mother is a dark witch, everyone expects her to be a dark caster. She doesn't want to be dark and learns that her family became dark-casters due to a curse that was caste in the late 1800's. She must find a way to reverse this curse, or she will be claimed as a dark caster.

I thought this was a very good movie. Alice Englert and Alden Ehrenreich both did fantastic jobs acting, and I could really feel the emotions in the sad scenes. Emmy Rossum, who is in one of my favorite movies, "The Day After Tomorrow," also did a good job as Lena's evil cousin, Ridley Duchannes. Ridley has two different sides, and Rossum was able to portray both sides very well. The special effects in this film were really believable, like when a member of the Duchannes family used their powers. Because Beautiful Creatures is part of a three book series, I think if other movies are made, this could become the new "Twilight." Both series include supernatural characters, romance, and eccentric families. I thought this was an awesome movie, and would recommend it to anyone who likes supernatural movies, especially "Twilight.

Details: Published: 14 February 2013; Created: 14 February 2013; Last Updated: 14 February 2013; Hits: 4168

SchoolSecurity In response to the tragic events that occurred at Sandy Hook on December 14, school administrators, teachers, and students are giving SHS security a lot of thought. Assistant Principal Chris Griffin said his personal view definitely changed after December's tragedy. "If you weren't thinking about school security and safety, then I don't think you were alive. The days after the tragedy, there was a lot of emotion, and when people are emotional they look for immediate, severe changes ... now, we are trying to make prudent decisions as opposed to reactive decisions."

Currently, SHS has a building emergency response team comprised of teachers, administrators, parents, a police officer, a representative from Buildings and Grounds, a psychologist, and the Director of Counseling. The administration is reviewing the school's safety measures and will make recommendations to the Board of Education. However, the decisions it makes will not be easy. "It's difficult because people's opinions are all over the place. Some people think we should remain the way we are, and other people think our security should be tighter, so our job as a team is to evaluate all that information," Mr. Griffin explained.

One of the measures that teachers and students alike support is locking most of the entrances during the day and leaving only a few main doors open, such as the ones on Brewster and Post Roads. This plan includes locking doors by a certain time each day; For example, doors could be locked after second period, as homeroom occurs between second and third periods. Guests and visitors would have to enter through one of two main doors on Brewster or Post and obtain guest passes from the office. This plan would most likely utilize a system of "greeters," who would stand by these doors to monitor who enters the building and issue visitor passes. "I think it's very important that we watch who's coming into the building," commented Biology teacher Margret Siegrist. While some find this plan unnecessary and feel that it would interfere with the welcoming environment of the school, senior Phil Meyers argued: "It's not a perfect system, but it's better than what we have now." Visitor passes would make it important for teachers, administrators and staff to wear their identification badges so they can be easily identified as employees. "People often assume that the random adults they see walking in the hallways are teachers or parents," noted Charlie Blatt, a junior. Identification badges and visitor passes would help prevent such confusion.

Food deliveries pose additional problems. Some students order pizza or meals from Buon Amici or Nonni's, to be delivered to the school between periods three and six. Although these deliveries do not appear to be a security threat, they do allow people who are neither students nor faculty the freedom to access the campus. "We have to be very careful about deliveries coming to the cafeteria, and who's coming to deliver them. They should have one of the cafeteria aids over by the door so students don't directly come in contact with who is there," suggested Ms. Siegrist. Many students agreed that taking away this privilege would upset them and do more harm than good.

Another thought is to lock all the doors and issue swipe cards to both teachers and students. This plan shs2 would involve each teacher, or possibly each student, being given a swipe or key card to carry with them in order to enter the building through any door. However, this idea doesn't seem to be at the top of administration's checklist because it probably would not have a strong effect. It is especially not a priority for students, who could abuse the privilege of having constant access to the school. "It is something that is definitely being considered...[but] I wouldn't expect us to issue student swipe cards within the next couple of weeks," Mr. Griffin explained.

There is also debate regarding SHS' open campus policy, which allows juniors and seniors to leave campus during free periods at any time during the day. This policy distinguishes the high school's security system from those of the other six schools in the district. Few students agree with getting rid of the open campus policy. As Charlie Blatt put it: "Removing the open campus policy would be an unnecessary restriction that would make students sad." French teacher Sandra Chan agreed and said, "I don't think that goes along with the spirit of the school."

When asked, many students said that they feel safe at Scarsdale High School. Junior Solange Azor, next year's Senior Class President, articulated a common thought: "I have never felt vulnerable or like I'm in any immediate danger." Freshman Samara Jacobson agreed, adding: "The chances of something happening in Scarsdale are very small because events like this don't occur often, and Scarsdale is generally a very safe area." Some, including freshman Sarah Bowen, feel that "all of the safety measures we have in school are enough." While Charlie Blatt agrees with locking doors and issuing visitors passes, she added, "any other restrictive measures are just fear mongering."

However, not everyone feels this way, especially after the shootings at Sandy Hook. "I didn't feel unsafe here until after Sandy Hook. And I think that at the Middle School it was a different situation because the kids were younger and we didn't have an open campus," observed Sandra Chan. English teacher George Olivier said that events like Sandy Hook "wake people up and remind them. When Columbine happened, people woke up and we put security cameras in the building. It makes people realize, 'Oh yeah, that's right, that's a good measure.'"

The task of deciding what measures should be taken is very difficult. "I think the administration/district should try to come up with a middle ground solution that appeases everyone," suggested Solange Azor.

chrisgriffin Despite differences in opinion on how to make the school more secure, Assistant Principal Griffin spoke for everyone when he said, "What happened at Newtown is inexplicable, horrific, and tragic." To that end, the administration and the community are working together to find an agreeable solution and once it is implemented, we hope all SHS students will cooperate.

This article was contributed by SHS students Marie Ceske and Carly Glickenhaus

Details: Published: 16 January 2013; Created: 16 January 2013; Last Updated: 16 January 2013; Hits: 4492

This information was forwarded to us by the Board of Directors of the Scarsdale Little League: While the calendar may still say January, it's time to turn our thoughts to spring and the start of another Scarsdale Little League season. SLL is proud to be the largest independent sports organization in Scarsdale, with nearly 90 teams and 1,200 participants from K-8th grade.

To better coordinate pre-season preparations for preparing coaches, structuring teams, and ordering uniforms, SLL is holding registration and tryouts earlier than in years past, so please register today. Tryouts for 5th – 8th grades will be on Sundays January 27 and February 10 at The Underdome in Mount Vernon .

Registration is now open on www.scarsdalelittleleague.com for SLL's in-house grade-based leagues as well as a slate of selective travel teams for players in grades 5-8, with discounted early registration until January 22, 2013.

Important: Players interested in trying out for Atlantic League or Travel Teams MUST be registered by January 22 (this would apply to interested ball players in 5th – 8th grades).

In-House League

SLL offers in-house leagues available for all players from Kindergarten through 8th grade.

Players in grades Kindergarten through fourth grade will play in leagues exclusively within their own grades. K-2 teams will be organized by elementary school and 3-4 grade teams will include a mix of players from different schools.

Fifth and sixth grade players will play together, separated into two stratified leagues: the Atlantic League (upper league), which requires tryouts; and the Pacific League (lower league). All fifth and sixth grade travel players must play in the in-house league. If you would like to play in the Pacific League, you do not need to attend the tryout but you still need to register for baseball season on the website.

Seventh and eighth grade players will all play together in one non-stratified Junior League. Travel players have the option of playing in the in-house league or not.

Travel Leagues

SLL will have travel opportunities for 5-8 grades. Each travel team will be lead by a professional coach and play teams primarily from Southern Westchester. While the teams' age requirements generally have players of the same grade playing together, the rosters will be filled by merit within the age limitations rather than strict grade adherence. SLL plans to field age-based teams for 11U (11 and under, as of April 30), 12U and 13U. Due to Village of Scarsdale policy, no players under 5th grade are permitted to play in the travel leagues. 5th and 6th grade travel players must also play in the in-house league, while 7th-8th grade travel players may opt-in or opt-out of the in-house Junior League.

Tryouts

SLL will hold two rounds of tryouts to give the players adequate time and opportunities with the professional, unaffiliated evaluators. Tryouts for both the in-house leagues and travel teams will be held on January 27 and February 10 at the Underdome facility in Mount Vernon. Players interested in playing in the 5-6th grade Atlantic League or joining a travel team are required to attend both tryout sessions. 5-6th graders with last names between A-L will have tryouts between 5:00-6:45; 5-6th graders with last names M-Z will have tryouts from 6:45-8:30, and 7-8th grade tryouts will be from 8:30-10:00.

Sponsorship/Donations

SLL is offering businesses and individuals the opportunity to sponsor teams and/or the League, with proceeds used principally to improve the conditions of the playing fields and other avenues to enhance the program and facilities. Team Sponsorship offers the sponsor his company name on the back of team uniforms, a signed team photo at the end of the season, and an advertisement link on the SLL website. Team Sponsorship costs $250 for K-2nd grade team (Minor League) and $400 for 3-8th grade team (Major League), with a discount for multiple team sponsorship: 2 Minor League teams and 2 Major League teams for $1,200. Additionally, SLL is offering banner-advertising opportunities on our newly-redesigned website, the primary source for scheduling, team communications, and other information throughout the regular season and playoffs. Please visit our website www.scarsdalelittleleague.com and click on the "Sponsor SLL" tab on the left for more information on sponsorship or to simply make a donation to the league. The League thanks you for your generosity.

Registration For Players And Coaches By January 22

The SLL Board of Directors is very proud to offer the Scarsdale community another year of Little League baseball, and the opportunity to have local businesses align themselves with SLL. As always, we remain greatly appreciative to all the parents who volunteer to coach and manage the in-hose leagues, developing the skills and knowledge of the players for a lifetime of enjoying our national pastime. Parents interested in managing, coaching, or simply volunteering to help out their player's team can register with the league while registering their player on the website.

SLL also thanks all the families whose participation in SLL continues to support the success of the largest and most inclusive independent sports offering in Scarsdale. Registration for the 2012 season for all grades is now open on the SLL website through January 22. Late registration after January 22 involves an additional fee, so don't wait to sign up your ballplayers!

We look forward to another successful year of SLL. littleleague2
The Scarsdale Little League Board of Directors

Details: Published: 22 January 2013; Created: 22 January 2013; Last Updated: 22 January 2013; Hits: 4130

adamgidwitz Adam Gidwitz, the award-winning author of A Tale Dark & Grimm and In a Glass Grimmly will give the keynote address at the 18th Annual Scarsdale Young Writers' Workshop. The event is for third to fifth graders and is scheduled for Saturday, March 16, from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon at Scarsdale Middle School.

Gidwitz's first novel, A Tale Dark and Grimm, is a New York Times Bestseller and was named one of the best children's books of the year by School Library Journal and Publishers Weekly. His second book, In a Glass Grimmly, was named a best book of the year by Publishers Weekly, the New York Public Library, the Chicago Public Library and School Library Journal, which wrote, "Gidwitz is back with a second book that, if possible, outshines A Tale Dark & Grimm." Mr. Gidwitz, a sought-after visiting author to schools, also will be conducting two interactive "Master Workshops" for students.

In addition, more than 40 top creative professionals from the New York area will be on hand to share their talents. This year, workshop leaders will include an Emmy Award-winning producer, a Grammy-nominated composer, a presidential speechwriter, a congressional advisor, and numerous Scarsdale journalists, authors, educators and entrepreneurs. These experts will help students develop skills in a wide range of media, from writing for radio and television, song composition and public speaking, to criticism, story and character development and the art of the interview.

The Young Writers' Workshop also welcomes cultural partners Writopia Lab (Hartsdale, NY) and Jacob Burns Film Center (Pleasantville, NY). Both will provide teaching artists to inaglassgrimly participate in the event.

As in past years, students will have the opportunity to give back to local communities by donating gently used books at the workshop. Our goal is to collect 2013 books, which will be donated to elementary school libraries in areas affected by Hurricane Sandy.

Registration is now open online at www.youngwritersworkshop.eventbrite.com through February 14. Those who register after February 14 will be charged a $10 late fee and are subject to workshop availability. (Registrations will not be accepted after February 26.)

Details: Published: 09 January 2013; Created: 09 January 2013; Last Updated: 10 January 2013; Hits: 6964

ask.fm ask.fm is a popular social networking website that allows users to anonymously ask questions to other users – and this power starts a conflict. The anonymity seems to inspire the worst in people, leading to posts that are provocative, and obscene. In the past, some posts caused victims of this type of cyber-bullying to commit suicide, including 16-year-old Jessica Laney. Despite this danger of harassment, the website is still frequently used by high school and middle school students.

Ben, a student at Scarsdale Middle School, claims that about 85% of his friends have an account. "ask.fm does have some fun features that let people find out users' interests or funny stories. But, I have seen the site cause problems because of rude comments which is why I avoid the website," he said. ask.fm allows rumors to be quickly spread through the Internet, as well as through schools or towns. "People would say embarrassing things about others that weren't true and would make the person look bad," said Sarah Abbe, another Scarsdale Middle School student who recently deleted her account, "I think the website should be banned because it just isn't safe."

Scarsdale High School students are active on the site as well, often linking their ask.fm accounts to Facebook or Twitter, which allow even more people to view and ask sometimes vulgar questions. "Although the site can fuel bullying, it also promotes honesty," said Lawrence Rosenstadt a Scarsdale High School student, "the bullying part can be prevented if there were no option to ask anonymous questions on the website; I think that should be changed."

The anonymity of the site creates a perfect environment for users to express how they really feel, without the fear of getting caught. "When there is a computer screen between people, exchanging cruel messages is easier because of emotional disconnection," said Jennifer Walker the Co-President of Rockland County Psychological Society and a high school psychologist. Walker advises parents to be aware of their children's activities on the Internet, as some website accounts can lead to harassment. She suggests the best way for parents to be involved is by demanding a password for a child's social networking account. "Cyber bullying is happening a lot... It is a community as well as a parenting issue," she said.

Examples of questions I've come across on different ask.fm accounts:

I'm gonna f*** you with barbed wire and rusty nails

I have one class you and you're so nice and pretty and we should talk!

Would you hook up with Johnny, Michael, or Joe?

Who is the hottest girl in 7th grade?

Can I ask a boy out or does he have to ask me out?

You seem nice and have great style... I want to get to know you better but I'm too scared to talk to you in person.

Are you gay?

Why are you friends with John? He's a loser.

If you were stuck on a deserted island with one person, who would you want it to be?

Stop being so conceited and you're so f******* annoying

Are you a virgin?