The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

The Inside Press

Ossining Union Free School District

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Dear Community Members,

ossining schoolIt is my pleasure to describe our outstanding school district. The Ossining Union Free School District, nationally recognized for its award-winning and innovative programs, serves about 4,900 students in six schools that are organized by grade level: Park Early Childhood Center (pre-kindergarten and kindergarten); Brookside School (grades 1 and 2); Claremont School (grades 3 and 4); Roosevelt School (grade 5); Anne M. Dorner Middle School;
and Ossining High School.

The district sets high standards and expectations and believes all students can learn. It has distinguished itself for its academics, athletics and cultural programs. The National Association of Music Merchants Foundation named Ossining a Best Community for Music Education in 2015 for the fifth consecutive year. Fundamentals of Science Research Program students have received national and international awards for their work.

The district, which is governed by a seven-member board, embraces the diversity of its student body and boasts a dual-language program. Ossining recently expanded pre-kindergarten to a full day. The school system continues to make improvements to facilities, thanks to a $41.5 million bond voters approved in 2012.

The Ossining MATTERS education foundation provides financial support to augment school programs. The district has secured millions of dollars in competitive grants in recent years for the same reason.

Ossining schools place a strong emphasis on communicating with parents/guardians and the community through email, newsletters, social media and other means. Keep up with our activities and news at OssiningUSFD.org, on Facebook at facebook.com/oufsd, and on Twitter at twitter.com/ossiningschools.

Raymond Sanchez
Superintendent of Schools

Ray and Children

Yorktown Central School District Embracing a “Whole Child” Philosophy

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IMG_7171Yorktown Central School District is committed to the education of the whole child. Our programs embrace this whole child philosophy and ensure that our students are prepared academically, socially, emotionally, physically, morally and aesthetically. It is our desire that our students leave Yorktown Central School District with the knowledge, skills and values that they need to competently lead and compassionately serve at their colleges and in their communities. Our dedicated administrators, faculty and staff support our students in the classroom, on the stage and on the fields. Yorktown Central School District encourages student participation on more than 60 teams and 75 clubs.

We see the fruition of our work manifested in our graduates who attend prestigious colleges and universities around the country. This year’s graduating class gave more that 22,000 hours of service to the Yorktown community. They excelled in music, attaining superior ratings at all competitions. They excelled in athletics, with hundreds of students qualifying for scholar-athlete designation. They have been active participants in the science research competition, winning prestigious regional, State and International awards. They have used their time, talent and gifts to make our school district and Town community a better place to grow and develop.

Ralph Napolitano

Yorktown School Superintendent

yorktown.org

More Stellar Schools

For Byram Hills Central School District, visit byramhills.org

For Pleasantville Union Free School District, visit pleasantvilleschools.com

Bedford Central School District: “School the Way it Ought to Be”

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other schools guyIn June, the Fox Lane Class of 2015 received their diplomas and copies of the Constitution of the United States and they embarked on continued learning in the military, full-time jobs, volunteer service, and a tremendous array of colleges and universities across the country.

The Class of 2015 is distinguished with Advanced Placement courses taken by two-thirds of the class; participation in over 100 ASPIRE internships and 80 school clubs; National Merit Semi-Finalists, scholar-athletes and teams and All-State honors in music and world languages; and recognition in science research and innovation competitions, Science Olympiad, and Model Congress. Bedford Central is “school the way it ought to be!”

In September, a new journey begins as the Class of 2028 enters kindergarten. Awaiting them at Bedford Hills, Bedford Village, Mount Kisco, Pound Ridge, and West Patent Elementary schools and continuing at Fox Lane Middle School are high academic standards in literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies; art, general and instrumental music, world languages, and physical education; a full complement of special education programs, learning support, and fascinating electives; and all that we describe as “school the way it ought to be” including field trips, project-based learning, performances, science fairs, spelling bees, and more. There is great pride as our dynamic and diverse schools reflect all that public education should be.

Jere Hochman

Bedford School Superintendent

bcsdny.org

Downtown Chappaqua: Charm and Convenience

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gazebo
Story and Gazebo Photo by Marianne Campolongo

With chic boutiques, restaurants to suit every palate, goodies for the younger set from toys to ice cream cones, galleries, salons, and a host of other enterprises housed in quaint storefronts, shopping and dining local in downtown Chappaqua is a pleasure. Whether your tastes run to antiques or modern art, practical clothing or the latest fashions, you are sure to find what you need in one of the shops along the tree-lined streets of town. The downtown area, which runs from the top of Bedford Road (Route 117) down King Street and then branches out along North and South Greeley Avenues, offers more than just shopping and dining convenience. Interspersed among the shops are lovely private homes and houses of worship with lushly landscaped lawns that border the sidewalk, making for a pleasant walking and shopping experience. Bits of history, such as the Horace Greeley House, add to the charm.

On a lovely spring day, start at the top of King Street and walk downhill along the path under lush star magnolias in bloom. Within a few feet you can purchase clothes, get marketing or spiritual advice, pick up convenience store necessities, wines and spirits, do your banking, have someone do your nails and hair (and your furry friend’s as well), get your clothes dry cleaned, grab a sandwich, pizza, or cup of coffee, dining in or to go, and you’ve just started out.

As you proceed down King Street, past beautifully maintained period homes, dentists and doctors, veterinarians and therapists, photographers and plumbers, architects and surveyors, bankers and financial planners, and a myriad of other professionals can help you out without straying beyond the boundaries of downtown Chappaqua.

New Castle teens at the Goldsmith Center for Adolescent Treatment in Hawthorne where a a sports pavilion, picnic tables, and benches were dedicated, built with $25,000 the boys raised. Photo Courtesy of UJA-Federation of New York
New Castle teens at the Goldsmith Center for Adolescent Treatment in Hawthorne where a a sports pavilion, picnic tables, and benches were dedicated, built with $25,000 the boys raised.
Photo Courtesy of UJA-Federation of New York

As summer approaches, many restaurants have outdoor seating so meet a friend or take the family out to dine al fresco for breakfast, lunch or dinner. A new restaurant at the Chappaqua Train Station has just been opened for commuter or anytime convenience. Or grab a bite and settle in on one of the benches in the charming pocket park or up by the waterfall at the duck pond. On Wednesday nights in July, it’s time for a full-blown picnic on the ballfields by the gazebo (bring your own picnic basket or choose from the local vendors on hand) when the Summer Concert Series is in full session. And do not miss the weekly farmer’s market or the annual Sidewalk Sale!

As autumn approaches and the nesting urge takes hold, decorators, antique shops, galleries, and other home goods stores can help you complete your home decor, or simply pop into town for a bouquet of flowers to brighten up your home. Make room for new purchases by donating older items to local consignment shops, pick up a charming find at bargain prices, or get DIY advice at the local hardware store.

As winter rounds the bend, find a good book at the library to curl up with by the fire, or a sled or shovel for outdoor activity. The beachwear and sandals you purchased in summer give way to warm coats, snow boots and other outdoor wear. Beautiful cocktail dresses and finely tailored suits are also on the agenda, with sparkling jewels to round out your outfit. You might even spy one of the Clintons completing their holiday shopping.

Though it is only about a mile long, you can find nearly everything you need from shopping to dining to services in Chappaqua’s downtown district. So, before you trek off to the crowded mall, try shopping local. You will be glad you did.

Chappaqua Farmers Market

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Photo by Carolyn Simpson
Photo by Carolyn Simpson

Chappaqua Farmers Market celebrates its 5th Season with shoppers from all over Westchester discovering our gem of a market. CFM is committed to bringing locally raised and produced foods to the community, creating a connection between shoppers and small­ scale food producers in the Lower Hudson Valley. Every Saturday morning, CFM brings a sophisticated vendor mix, Provencal vibe, stress-­free parking to the shady, promenade location right in front of the historic Chappaqua Train Station.

Vendors and farmers are located within approximately a 200-­mile radius of CFM, to lessen negative environmental impact while ensuring fresh products. The market offers farm-­fresh produce, meats, poultry, fish, dairy, bread and prepared foods, accompanied by live music, children’s activities, cooking demos, and philanthropy events. CFM relishes the opportunity to act as a de facto “town square” by offering a venue for community groups, entertainment, and serendipitous meetings, and by drawing residents and visitors to downtown Chappaqua.