The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

CSF

Innovation and “Out of the Box” Experiences Showcased at Chappaqua School Foundation Gala

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By Grace Bennett
In the midst of another packed gala for the Chappaqua School Foundation–with a silent auction and a delicious dinner underway–I managed to steal away CSF president David Gefsky to a quiet spot to talk for a few minutes. He spoke proudly, in particular, of the educational showcase in progress too at the gala, where about a dozen kids from the district “displayed projects that were made possible by some of the investments over the last year, inspired by teachers, and driven for the benefit of the students.”

Jason Lavender (right) and Nate Meyer, 6th graders at Seven Bridges Middle School, described the “bicycle generator” they designed. “The bicycle has a generator that powers a television through a battery, capacitor and inverter that connect to the television."
Jason Lavender (right) and Nate Meyer, 6th graders at Seven Bridges Middle School, described the “bicycle generator” they designed. “The bicycle has a generator that powers a television through a battery, capacitor and inverter that connect to the television.”

The CSF fosters innovation, Gefsky explained, “working in close partnership and collaboration with teachers and administrators enabling them to recognize their creative capacities.” The CSF then raises the money to make that innovation possible.
(L-R) Mia Brown, Charlie Peterson, Teddy Meyer and Neel Roy at “The Maker Spaces project” table. Library media specialists Christine Eidem (Roaring Brook) and Alison Turner (West Orchard) explained that the space is “project based learning” with equipment and tools for kids to build something they designed to solve a problem; and that most importantly, “it’s safe place for them to make a mistake and try again after they analyze what works. It’s an outside of the box experience.”
(L-R) Mia Brown, Charlie Peterson, Teddy Meyer and Neel Roy at “The Maker Spaces project” table. Library media specialists Christine Eidem (Roaring Brook) and Alison Turner (West Orchard) explained that the space is “project based learning” with equipment and tools for kids to build something they designed to solve a problem; and that most importantly, “it’s safe place for them to make a mistake and try again after they analyze what works. It’s an outside of the box experience.”

“We make possible necessary investments that fall outside the normal school budget,” said Gefsky. A Grant Advisory Committee, comprised of teachers, administrators and technology leaders, “help define educational goals and evaluate and assess investment opportunities.”

In the meantime, CSF actively engages with the community for ideas–planning numerous events in which parents are involved. “We constantly speak with parents as groups and on an individual basis; their feedback is instrumental to us in terms of how we set priorities and how we ultimately invest capital.”

Gefsky, together with his wife Jennifer Gefsky, are parents of three children in the district themselves, in grades 7, 5 and kindergarten. He said that heading into the fall, the programming schedule is primarily designed to raise awareness of CSF goals. These include a Mom’s night event, a Dad’s event, CSF participation at Community Day, and a pre-K event for families new to the district. Notable too is The Harlem Wizards game, the second largest fundraiser for CSF, after the gala.

While the dollars raised was not available just yet, this year’s gala, held again at the Trump National Golf Club in Briarcliff Manor, set a record for ticket sales: over 630 tickets sold. Last year, CSF raised $368,000 at the gala, and a total of $433,000 over the year, and Gefsky said his hope was to surpass those numbers too.

For more information, visit www.chappaquaschoolfoundation.org

Chappaqua School Foundation’s Spring Madness

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In Chappaqua, March madness is followed directly by spring madness; an altruistic shopping experience created by the Chappaqua School Foundation.  The purchase of a ticket to CSF’s annual benefit on April 27 entitles patrons to discounts and promotions at a wide variety of local businesses.  Donations from merchants are given directly to CSF and are used to finance enhancements in the school district.

The idea for the program was first presented to CSF by Barry Mishkin of Family Britches.  Participation by merchants has increased substantially over the past few years and the duration of spring madness has been extended to six weeks this year.  From April 1 to May 15, ticket holders reap savings when shopping locally.   “The bottom line is CSF does very well and it benefits the merchants,” Mishkin noted.

Tara Mikolay of Desires by Mikolay, is a huge proponent of spring madness.  “It’s really important for the residents to know that our stores are supporting local charities,” she said.  In addition to offering a 10% discount to all ticket holders during spring madness, Desires will be hosting a cocktail event – open to everyone – on May 5 from 5 to 8 p.m.   During this event, the 10% discount will be offered to all attendees; just in time for mother’s day.

More than 60 businesses have signed up for spring madness.  The following is a brief list of some of the participants and their respective promotions:  Auntie Penny; 25% off one purchase, Quaker Hill Tavern; one brownie sundae per table, Rhododendron; 20% off one item, March Boutique; 10% off one purchase, and Richard Scott Salon; 10% off any one service on Tuesdays or Wednesdays.  Click on chappaquaschoolfoundation.org/index.php/site/springmadness2012 to see the complete list.