The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

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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

Growing Up Greeley

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By Tim Bloom

pastedGraphic_1I have lived in Chappaqua my entire life, except for eight summers in Maine and one in China. I loved growing up here, given the beauty of the town, the cohesiveness of the community and the myriad opportunities to do almost anything. There were times, mostly in recent years, where I felt how small Chappaqua is and how insulated we are from what life is really like “out there.” But, that doesn’t mean I didn’t have some defining moments, mostly thanks to some influential figures I had the good fortune to encounter along the way.

Now that I am in college, I can see what a great education I got here; from a terrific kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Kane, at Roaring Brook, to one of my favorite instructors at Seven Bridges,  Mr. Knisely, who taught me how to write and do research. At Greeley I learned how to learn. I also learned how to ask the right questions, but most importantly, I learned how to advocate for myself, and to speak up if something seemed unfair, unethical or just plain wrong. I think it’s hard for some to do that sometimes because the ramifications for speaking up can be significant, but it doesn’t mean we shouldn’t.

There is a sense here that the stakes are high in everything kids do. While that may be true, I am glad I was allowed to screw up sometimes and didn’t always have a backup plan. If we get rescued every time we mess up, we are doomed to repeat those mistakes. There is a lot of pressure on us to always do well, but sometimes that just isn’t possible.  I hope parents let their kids fail sometimes because that is how we learn how not to fail the next time.

tim-babyI played baseball, soccer and eventually football here and was lucky enough to have played for the legendary Bill Tribou at Greeley. He always expected the best from us, and he was a big influence on my determination to always try my hardest at everything I undertake.  I also benefited enormously from joining the Chappaqua Fire Department. I believe real community service should be in one’s community or at least close to it. Being a volunteer firefighter has been one of the highlights for me of growing up here. I don’t think it’s for everyone, but it is a meaningful way to help my friends, neighbors and community.

I am now at a university that is many, many times larger than Greeley and I live in a big city for the first time in my life. I play in the band, am pledging a fraternity, and am on the business staff of a professional theatre company celebrating its 125th year. While it’s exciting and a lot of fun, I appreciate having grown up in a beautiful small town, and having received an education that prepared me very well for college. Don’t know where I will end up living, but I do know how lucky I am to have spent my first 18 years growing up in Chappaqua.

Tim Bloom, HGHS Class of 2013, was Student Council President, a recipient of the Chappaqua Rotary’s Jill Goodman Service award. Tim is a first year student at the University of Pennsylvania, where he is studying Political Science and is a member of the business staff of Mask and Wig Club.  

Great Reasons To Enroll Your Child

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Jennies School for Little Children

1. Sunny, modern, and secure school designed to intrigue and motivate young children.

christmas 2012 at Jennie's 044

2. To develop greater confidence and
a love of learning.

3. Accredited teachers with a passion for educating  preschoolers.

4. To enhance social skills, while making new friends.

5. Music, movement, and science programs by 
outside specialists.

christmas 2012 at Jennie's 0156. Gardening: from germination to harvesting to cooking.

7. K-Link:  Unique pre-K program for early 5’s.

8. “Handwriting Without Tears” development program.

9. After-school enrichment classes.

christmas 2012 at Jennie's 01210. Mini summer camp: art, gardening and water play on our extensive fenced-in playground.

Moving Down Under…Discovering Australia

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By Tyler Sherman

disc-australiaIn first grade, my vision of Australia was somewhat limited. I knew where it was on a map, that kangaroos and koalas lived there, and that it was known as the country “down under,” but basically, that was all. Thanks to my father who was relocated there for business, I have had the opportunity to broaden my perspective of the beautiful “land down under.” Initially, I was upset and scared when my parents broke the news to my brother, sister, and me that we would be relocating to Australia for two years. But quickly this far away country became my second home.

At first, I was frightened. Up to this point in my life, I had only lived in one house, in one small town in Westchester County, New York. It was the only town I had ever lived in, and it was all I had ever known. My house, school, friends, and family were always only a short commute away. By moving to Australia, I was forced to leave everything I knew behind and move halfway around the world to a country that was completely unfamiliar to me. I was moving to a place where I knew no one and no one knew me. A new house and a new school were only two of the many unknowns that awaited me. I was more than frightened, to say the least, but quicker than I could ever have imagined, these unknowns became knowns and Australia became my second home.

On my first day of school, I reluctantly put on a blue button-down shirt, a black and gold tie, gray khaki shorts and black leather dress shoes. Wearing a uniform, I couldn’t help but be leery of what other regulations lay ahead. To my surprise, I was welcomed into my new school by extraordinarily friendly classmates and teachers who were eager to help me feel comfortable. Far from uptight, my new school had a relaxed environment that mandated uniforms to remove the materialistic competition that often exists among youth and teenagers. My new mates came from a variety of nationalities and during classroom discussions, I had the chance to hear about some of their experiences in their native countries. Knowing them and hearing their stories and experiences gave me a perspective on the world that no textbook could ever teach.  This experience has greatly helped me to better connect with and understand people with backgrounds completely different from my own.

Throughout our two years in Australia, we tried to do and see as much as possible. My family and I got to experience and visit many amazing wonders, from the Great Ocean Road and the twelve apostles, to the Great Barrier Reef and the Sydney Harbor Bridge and Opera House; sporting events like Australian Rules Football and the Australian Tennis Open; and of course, multiple visits to see the many indigenous animals of Australia.

My experience in Australia has been life changing for me. My life is now richer and fuller. I learned to became more independent, organized, and to improve my communication skills. While in Australia, I stayed in contact with my friends in New York so that I would feel connected when I moved back home and now, I remain in contact with my friends in Australia.

As a result of my move, I am eager to embrace new places, people and ideas. Australia taught me about accepting change, personal growth and welcoming cultural differences, all qualities that I believe lead to an enriched and fulfilling life.

Tyler Sherman is a freshman at Horace Greeley High School.