The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

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Inside Westchester Art Studio

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By Amy Shaw

A long and winding road…many forks, twists, turns and here we are…

Alan Reingold and Amy Shaw
Alan Reingold and Amy Shaw

Coming from very different backgrounds, Alan and I formed Westchester Art Studio in the summer of 2015 after creating and teaching art for many years. We recognized a need for an individualized art program that would offer all the elements of teaching and fun that seemed to be missing in many other art schools. We also wanted to have a school that had programs tailored to each student, and have a specific curriculum aimed at enhancing our older student’s portfolio and artistic goals. Our teaching experience in conjunction with professional expertise in the field gives our program the added dimension of tying art to career and the world beyond the classroom.

Now here’s a little bit about us, and why we believe that Westchester Art Studio is the way to go for art … With a BA in fine arts, I veered into a career in graphic design for many years as an Art Director in promotion at Readers Digest and at various Ad agencies in NYC. Meanwhile, I wanted to work with kids and get back into the fine art process, so I created a program teaching children in the Bronx on Saturdays about important artists, art history, the elements of art, etc. They also learned about art in everyday life and how it ties into math, history, science, music, nature and most things we experience. In addition, the students created mini-masterpieces while soaking up relevant historical information.

I was having so much fun teaching art that I thought: why not do this after school in Westchester and Connecticut … and I did just that. Meanwhile my daughter, who was very interested in art,
spent many afternoons studying art with Alan Reingold; her friends from Horace Greeley and their siblings (many went to top rated art schools) studied with Alan as well. He tailors his teaching to the student’s specific interest and needs. For example, if one were working on a fashion or other specialized portfolio he would help in that area. He is currently helping a student with an animation portfolio, and another with fashion design. He has taught at Parsons, MICA, and RISD for over 20 years and evenings in Westchester. In addition, Alan is in the field himself, having been to the White house drawing presidential portraits and illustrating many of the covers on TIME Magazine. With his credentials, patience and direction (and I can’t forget sense of humor), I knew starting Westchester Art Studio with Alan was a great decision.

Looking forward to a creative and fun 2016 at Westchester Art Studio… Vist: www.westchesterartstudio.com

A seven year old student inspired by Monet’s water lilies
A seven year old student inspired by Monet’s water lilies
These brothers are falling for Cezanne’s Apples... Pastel, acrylic and watercolor
These brothers are falling for Cezanne’s Apples… Pastel, acrylic and watercolor
A colorful selection of color shape and texture
A colorful selection of color shape and texture
Twelve year old student created this marvelous beast
Twelve year old student created this marvelous beast

Ready or Not – School is Right Around The Corner

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By Jodi Baretz

Summer is the time we all look forward to–it’s the weather, of course, but it’s also the relaxed vibe and laziness of it all. As summer begins to wind down and the back-to-school craziness begins, one may well wonder how to hold onto some of that tranquility and calm; how to relish the days and not become frazzled and frantic with lives, schedules and children. The weather will inevitably change, and so too our children’s schedules, but that doesn’t have to mean the end of nirvana.

No matter how old one’s child is, chances are their schedules will be chaotic and hectic. This is the nature of childhood these days, and the culture we live in. We tend to fear that if we don’t put our child in every sport, art class or lesson, they will get left behind. If we don’t give them every possible opportunity to excel, they will be stuck in mediocrity for the rest of their lives.Take a step back and ask yourself if they really need to be in so many structured activities. When we over-schedule our children, we take away that crucial unstructured time where they learn to play. We also worry that unscheduled free time will just lead to more screen time, or, perhaps, that we will have to fill it ourselves. I suggest you do allow some down time; it may just let you be with your children–without screaming to get out the door when they’re exhausted, not to mention save you an extra carpool. It will also take some pressure off your children and send a message that it’s ok to recharge, relax and just be a kid. Maybe if we experiment with this concept, and slow down, we will be calmer and better able to enjoy the fleeting time we do have with our kids. Remembering to love and accept every child for themselves, not what they achieve, is crucial to their state of mind and ours.

Back to schoolHelping your child adjust to the stress of a new school year can feel overwhelming. I can recall the butterflies in my stomach the first day of school every year. Beginnings always produce some sort of anxiety, just like endings can produce sadness. The important thing to remember is that this is normal, and not to trivialize or ignore their feelings, or your own. You might tell them that everyone experiences feelings of nervousness, but the feelings are sure to go away as a routine settles in and that you expect they will soon feel just fine. Telling them that you went through the same thing as a child can also ease their anxiety. We don’t want to push the anxiety away, but shifting it from their head (our minds can make up doomsday scenarios) to feeling it in their body can sometimes diffuse it as well. You do this by asking them what part of their body they feel it in. Can they breathe into it, and simply allow it to be there?

To ease your kids into the back to school structure, you may want to have them start going to bed a little earlier every night, so they are not completely wiped out when the early mornings arrive. Kids may also feel like their screen and play time will be over, so it’s important not to take that away completely in exchange for a rigid schedule. Personally, I am planning to make some screen time rules during homework time. What I’m suggesting is that new rules be implemented, and that they are reasonable, not punitive.

As summer slowly fades away, and a new school year begins, we have a choice. We can approach it with sadness, stress and anxiety, or we can chose to view it as a new beginning, a new challenge with new joys. We cannot change or hold on to the summer months, but we can approach this transition with a sense of wonder, curiosity and gratitude for what it will bring. If things get too stressful and you see the anxiety start to build, remember to STOP–Stop, Take A Breath–open and Observe what you’re feeling, and then Proceed! You might even consider sharing that one with your kids!

Jodi Baretz is a psychotherapist and mindfulness coach, with a private practice at The Center for Health and Healing in Mt. Kisco. In addition to her private clients, she leads a variety of small group mindfulness trainings from busy moms to corporations, teaches mindfulness for Chappaqua Continuing Education, and a “Mindfulness Bootcamp,” four-week program. She lives with her husband and two teenage boys in Millwood. You can reach her at jodibaretz@gmail.com or visit jodibaretz.com.

Dr. William Donohue, Superintendent, Byram Hills Central School District

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Pinksy D'Angelo Studio Photo
Pinksy D’Angelo Studio Photo

By Eileen Gallagher

Admired, respected and well-liked by all, Dr. William Donohue is a name familiar to most, if not all, families in the Byram Hills School District. With the start of the new school year quickly approaching, Inside Armonk caught up with this Big Man on Campus to bring him up close and personal.

What you might be surprised to learn about Dr. Donohue…

He has travelled to 36 countries at last count. Taking advantage of some time off during summer and winter breaks, Donohue visits locations across the globe including exotic destinations such as Cambodia, India, or the Mediterranean. Much of the excitement of his travels comes from sketching out his plans ahead of time. Donohue loves to visit places “with historical or cultural interest.” He is fascinated with everything historic and romantic about ancient culture, and has a collection both at home and in his office of antiquities from Asia and Africa. “I like to understand and learn, where has this been? Who made this?”

What does he love about his job?

Donohue admires institutions.

Describing one of his passions, Donohue phrased it as “trying to build a quality institution that offers something lasting and valuable for the community.”

“Institutions offer so much,” he continued. “You meet a variety of people, and have the chance to learn about those beyond the family.”

Donohue feels that our academic institutions make us civilized. “There is a sense of tradition, of belonging to a community.”

Donohue also enjoys “getting to influence the influencers.” He continued, “I reach many more kids than if I was in the classroom.” He does, however, miss the dynamic conversations with kids that would take place throughout the day in his capacity as a teacher.

How did he become involved in the field of education?

Originally from the D.C. area, he felt as though he “coasted” through his high school years–school was just not something that he put a lot of energy into. It wasn’t until his undergraduate years at the University of Maryland that his interest in studies was awakened. Inspired by his coursework and some of his professors, Donohue pursued a degree in English. He didn’t stop there, however. Continuing his education, he earned a master’s degree in counseling from The George Washington University, and then a master’s in administration from Harvard. Ultimately, he attended Columbia University in New York and received a doctorate in administration.

Donohue, who lives on the Upper West Side, had been an English teacher, guidance counselor, assistant principal, and the director of guidance before serving as the Byram Hills High School principal for 11 years beginning in 1997. “It was a great time–the district was growing, there was a need for programming, and change…”

What would he like parents to know?

Donohue advises parents to make a connection with their child’s principal. The principal is the most important person to contact if there is an issue for a child. Having established a relationship with the principal beforehand, parents will feel more comfortable meeting again should challenging circumstances arise.

What is so special about the Byram Hills School District?

“The community and schools are so closely tied. Everyone from the superintendent to the teachers feels accountable to the community.” Donohue spoke of how everyone has worked to build a coherent system from top to bottom, as a team.

Armonk also has a very active “succession planning initiative.” According to Donohue, about half of the administrators in the district have come from within. As such, some administrators have given up tenure up to three times as they moved into higher positions, including the superintendent.

There is a culture of high expectations in Armonk. As such, the Board of Education has set in place a Five Year Renewable Tenure plan, ensuring that teachers maintain the high standards that are so valued in the district.

What does education look like going forward?

Technology is about to bloom in education, similarly to industry in the 80’s. There is a shift from teachers as information providers to helping students manage information and solve problems with it. Physical classrooms are becoming more dynamic, with students having access to information at any time and from other sources.

What would Donohue change about education if he could?

The current reform obsession. “It is a one size fits all method, with sizes often being determined by someone who hasn’t been inside a classroom since their own school days. This is careless, dangerous, and arrogant.”

Growth and change are part and parcel of a highly sought-after school district such as Byram Hills. With Donohue at the helm, the Byram Hills School District is in excellent hands.

Eileen Gallagher is a freelance writer and frequent contributor to Inside Chappaqua and now Inside Armonk. The mother of a college junior and high school senior, and former teacher and PTA chairperson, she has a great deal of respect and admiration for those in the field of education.

 

 

 

 

 

A Community that Shines

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dawn and ben
Dawn with Ben, 9, on a family vacation in Ogunquit, Maine

By Dawn Greenberg

When my kids were toddlers, I felt pure relief as summer came to an end–finally a bit of respite from tantrums, diapers and long, long days. My boys would soon fall back into the welcoming arms of their preschool teachers.

These days when September looms, I feel quite sad at the speed with which our summers fly by and wish we could have just…one…more….week….please!

I feel not a little anxious about what the new school year brings: the familiar knot in my belly worrying about different classmates and new routines to conquer. Particularly with kids who struggle a bit, my anxieties are multiplied but also eased by the support of other friends and parents and by the knowledge that our teachers are warm and welcoming–and ready for anything!

Luckily, we all soon fall back into our roles and routines (with the occasional backward glance at beach days, leisurely dinners on the deck and fireworks). I’ve always felt that our town is at its best during September/October: a slight coolness in the breeze, the leaves just beginning to turn, then an acceleration of activities like Community Day, fall festivals and Halloween. This is why we chose this time of year for the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival. Down in the hollow of St. Mary the Virgin’s lawn, you can imagine you’re in a quintessential New England town with yellow tips just starting to appear on trees on nearly hills. The morning of the CCBF, I’m at Bell school by 5 a.m., so excited and anxious for our 85+ authors to soon populate our big tent. Even more exciting is 10 a.m., when the eager readers pour in…and keep coming!

Our “little engine that could” book festival, has grown from a modest dream (maybe we’ll draw 1,000 kids!) to becoming the biggest children’s book festival in the metropolitan area, in only three years. It would be impossible to pull off without the year-round work of our core group of volunteers, plus hundreds more who magically appear on book festival day. Our sponsors are pivotal to helping us be the best we can be for the thousands of visitors who arrive. It’s a day for our community to shine!

We also knew that Chappaqua was a welcoming place for readers; after all, we are all about our good schools and teaching our kids about the wide world outside of our borders. What could be better than encouraging a love of books to remind us of our place in the universe and to expose kids to every corner of the globe? I’ve always known that an early love of reading puts you in good stead for life and it’s something I’m eager to encourage in every kid I meet. In interviewing Dr. Lyn McKay for this issue, I was thrilled to hear her amplification on the vital role of reading in kids’ academic and emotional development.

It has also been so uplifting and exciting to be involved in founding Chappaqua Cares with my partner Jessica Reinmann. Whether gathering food for the many food pantries with exploding need in our area, helping out a resident who finds herself in a painful situation or even gathering dolls to contribute to a parenting class for immigrant parents at Neighbor’s Link, we find our days to be intensely rewarding with a new challenge around every corner.

Our biggest production, building on the wonderful original Empty Bowls program begun in Chappaqua by Penny Vane, will be an amazing celebration in November called Empty Bowls Westchester (see Jessica’s article in this issue). We have high aims to provide funding not only for the Mount Kisco Interfaith Food Pantry but for many other pantries in our area. In fact, my amazing artistic neighbor Mindy Kombert and her friends in the Northern Westchester Artists’ Guild have worked tirelessly to help local folks find their inner artist to create gorgeous bowls to be given away at the event. So far we have created close to 100 bowls, with approximately 50 more needed–each a work of art and passion.

Whatever your fall brings–and I hope your expectations are high–I wish you an easy back-to-school transition with time still set aside to play…and read! We hope you’ll find some time to volunteer, too, and get involved in our wonderful, vibrant, giving community.

I’m very proud to call Chappaqua home.

-Dawn

 

 

A New Season for the Byram Hills PTSA

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The 2015-2016 BHPTSA Executive Board, shown left to right. Back row: Edi Lentini, Toni Nieves, Rob Fermann, Abby Woodworth, Robin Jacobs, Petrie Verma, Lara Stangel. Front row: Khatija Lad- hani, Nanci Keltz, Leslie Goldman, Dana Goldman, Hollie Levy
The 2015-2016 BHPTSA Executive Board, shown left to right. Back row: Edi Lentini, Toni Nieves, Rob Fermann, Abby Woodworth, Robin Jacobs, Petrie Verma, Lara Stangel. Front row: Khatija Lad- hani, Nanci Keltz, Leslie Goldman, Dana Goldman, Hollie Levy

By Deborah Notis

It is an exciting time in the Byram Hills school district as the BHPTSA, the Parent Teacher Student Association, is growing and re-branding itself. The BHPTSA is dedicated to creating a sense of community and unity for the parents, teachers, school administration and students in the Byram Hills school district. With the extremely capable Abby Woodworth at the helm, the BHPTSA will continue to foster a familiar, safe and productive environment for the children.

“I’m so proud to say that there is a renewed and reinvigorating spirit among our community as parents recognize the amazing and important programming we provide for their children and them, and they want to be a part of that,” states outgoing BHPTSA president, Lara Stangel. Stangel, who served as BHPTSA President for the past two years, oversaw approximately 14 BHPTSA Board Members, 20 Assistant Vice Presidents, and 200 class parents. This valuable group of volunteers helps to unite the Byram Hills families, the teachers and the district administrators into a cohesive community.

Throughout her tenure, Stangel spearheaded multiple groundbreaking initiatives such as revamping the school spirit-wear line, creating an Advocacy Committee, and moving the Byram Hills PTSA directory online. The effect of these programs resonated throughout the district.

The completely new school spirit-wear line, organized by Merchandising Committee Chair Hollie Levy, brought innovative ideas to make Byram Hills-wear more current. This had an even greater impact as the increased sales have helped to fund several other programs, including the Health and Safety program and the Author Book series.

The new Advocacy Committee provides parents, teachers and community members with a forum in which to gather information regarding ever-changing, state-based educational expectations like the common core, budget cuts and teacher assessments. The Advocacy Chair, Danielle Fox, took the community’s feedback to Albany during the last year, to hopefully help them to make real and effective changes in the education system.

Bringing the BHPTSA directory online was a significant accomplishment, only made possible by the hard work of long-time members, Diane Rowan, Susan Deangelos, Katie Herbert, and Deepak Thadani. The new, eco-friendly directory is available on computers, iPads, and mobile phones, giving the Byram Hills community easy access to all of this information.

Incoming BHPTSA president Woodworth is hoping to enhance the programs that Stangel implemented and to build several other programs designed to strengthen the bonds amongst community members and the school district. She is working to increase enthusiasm for the new online directory, understanding that some families still appreciate that hard copy, go-to book. Woodworth is also trying to fill the bucket of BHPTSA volunteers, creating an even stronger support network for the schools, the children, and the community. “In past years, we were begging for volunteers. This year, we plan to reach out to the community as early as possible to encourage greater involvement from the get-go.”

Coman Hill Vice President Petrie Verma stresses the importance of encouraging families with younger children to join the BHPTSA right away. “The most important thing is the children,” notes Verma, who is excited about the “recent infusion of parents with younger children getting involved with the BHPTSA.”

To that end, Woodworth is implementing several “get to know you” activities, targeting kindergarten families and families new the school district. First, she is planning a kick-off event for younger families to become acquainted with each other and the BHPTSA. This event will hopefully be held off school grounds, at a volunteer’s home, so that people can become acquainted in an informal, relaxing setting. She is hoping to have several movie nights and other school-based events to get families together, inside the schools throughout the cold winter months.  And, she wants the kindergarten to host an end of the year picnic to celebrate the children’s first school year in the district. She is counting on the support of current BHPTSA volunteers to make all of this possible.

“I have an all star team of volunteers. My job is really easy because most of our volunteers have been helping the BHPTSA for years. They are the pros,” states Rob Furman, H.C. Crittenden Middle School’s Vice President. He stresses that much of the heavy lifting–the organizing, the managing, and the implementing of programs–is done behind the scenes by a skeleton of volunteers. As a result, Furman thinks that it is these “invisible” volunteers who have the greatest impact on the Byram Hills community.

While he likes to let his committee chair people run their programs on the middle school level, Furman sees his role as a facilitator for Crittenden and the entire district. “As members of the Executive Board, the Vice Presidents work for all Byram Hills schools and all budgets.” The Executive Board’s team works exceptionally well together, and Furman credits Treasurer Nanci Keltz for getting rid of bank fees for the BHPTSA and facilitating the DiCicco’s supermarket donation program, a program that gives one percent of all DiCicco’s sales directly back to the school district.

While the Executive Board works together to oversee the programs throughout the school district, one of President Woodworth’s most important responsibilities is to organize class parents in every school. Class parents play an invaluable role in the BHPTSA, acting as the link between the teachers, administration and families. Woodworth will work closely with her Vice Presidents, Toni Nieves at Byram Hills High School, Furman at H.C. Crittenden Middle School, Sharon Eder and Dana Goldman at Wampus Elementary School, and Verma at Coman Hills Elementary School, to make sure that the class parent program is running smoothly.

Abby Woodworth (L), the incoming president, Dr. Donohue and Lara Stan- gel share a moment at the BHPTSA Spring Luncheon honoring retirees as well as the outgoing and incoming executive board.
Abby Woodworth (L), the incoming president, Dr. Donohue and Lara Stan- gel share a moment at the BHPTSA Spring Luncheon honoring retirees as well as the outgoing and incoming executive board.

The class parents, vice presidents, and President Woodworth are also responsible for getting the word out about upcoming programs offered by the district. This year, the BHPTSA is proud to sponsor several programs for parents and children, and to help enhance the classroom experience. This year, parents can look forward to a seminar led by Ron Lieber, author of The Opposite of Spoiled and A Global Village Cookbook, and students will participate in activities like Halloween Window Painting, Nutrition Week, and Colonial Crafts Day. Woodworth credits the BHPTSA volunteers for their work behind the scenes to make sure that the activities run seamlessly.

Woodworth is also contemplating re-branding the BHPTSA during her tenure. In the past, the BHPTSA had a student representative on board to act as a direct liaison to the students rather than relying on their parents’ voices. However, since there has not been a student representative in several years, Woodworth thinks that it might be time to drop the “S” and become the BHPTA.

Woodworth has another vital role as a liaison with the Board of Education. A member of the Board of Education is always at the BHPTSA meeting, and the BHPTSA President works closely with the Byram Hills Superintendent, Dr. William Donohue, to update the Board of Education as a voice for the community. Both Stangel and Woodworth rave about their experiences with Donohue. “I’m so grateful and lucky to have worked collaboratively with Dr Donohue during my term. His support and guidance have been key to the BHPTSA’s success,” states a smiling Stangel.

Dr. Donohue, who meets with the BHPTSA president and officers every month, sees himself as a partner, helping them to enhance their productivity. In Donohue’s opinion, the BHPTSA “makes our schools into a community for every child. They provide ready-made channels of communication. In addition, they are important advocates for our schools, providing information to parents.” Overall, this helps to create a much    tighter community.

Ultimately, Coman Hill Vice President Verma credits the incredibly close-knit community with creating a successful parent-teacher organization. And Stangel agrees, stating, “This community has a team that is exceptionally dedicated to its schools and children. I’m so proud of all we have done as a group over the last two years during my presidency.” She graciously passes the torch, offering, “I’m confident our incoming President, Abby Woodworth, who is absolutely amazing, will continue this work and strive to fulfill the mission of the National PTSA, making every child’s potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children.”

Deborah Notis is a freelance writer and owner of gamechanger, LLC, a free referral service connecting Westchester families to highly qualified instructors.