• Past Scarsdale C.H.I.L.D. Meetings and Events 2019-20

    Below are the meetings and events that have already occurred for the 2019-20 academic year. Click on the tabs on the Table of Contents for previous years' meeting topics and links to videos of guest speakers, where applicable.
    Parent Coffees: Speak directly with school and District special education staff and administrators
    • Elementary School: Thursday, September 26, 2019 at 9:30 a.m.
    • Middle School: Thursday, October 17, 2019, at 9:30 a.m.
    • High School: Tuesday, September 17, 2019, at 9:30 a.m.
    Parents are invited to coffee at a local parent's home with Eric Rauschenbach, Director of Special Education and Student Services, and other administrators and teachers, to ask questions, raise issues for discussion, and provide feedback on programs and support. RSVP to ScarsdaleCHILD@gmail.com for the address.

    Get Your Kids the Sleep They Need
    Speaker: Dr. Shelby Harris
    Wednesday, October 23, 2019 @ 7:30 p.m. at Fox Meadow
    We all know that sleep is important, but making sleep a priority is a struggle for many families. Approximately 30-40% of school age children suffer from a sleep disorder at some point; not getting the proper amount of sleep on a regular basis can negatively affect mood, academic and sports performance as well as growth and development. Dr. Harris will discuss the various reasons why sleep is important for kids and address specific steps to take to create an ideal sleep environment for your children so they -- and you -- can get a better night's sleep. Finally, Dr. Harris will touch upon some typical sleep issues that occur in children (nightmares, night terrors, sleepwalking, apnea) and when you should consider an evaluation or treatment.
    Dr. Harris is in private practice in White Plains, NY where she specializes in the use of Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) for anxiety, depression and sleep disorders. She is board certified in Behavioral Sleep Medicine (BSM) by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and treats a wide variety of sleep disorders using evidence-based non-medication treatments. She currently holds a dual academic appointment as Clinical Associate Professor at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in both the Neurology and Psychiatry Departments. Dr. Harris has been an invited columnist for the New York Times "Consults Blog" and is frequently in the media, including The Huffington Post, New Yorker, Wall Street Journal, Today Show, and Good Morning America. She recently released her self-help book, The Women's Guide to Overcoming Insomnia.
    Follow this link to view the recorded video of this event on the District's website.

    Breakfasts and Evening Gatherings for Parents
    CHILD Representatives are hosting school specific get-togethers for anyone whose child has an IEP or 504 Accommodation Plan or receives related services, or for any parent seeking to learn more about special education in Scarsdale. These casual events will be great opportunities to have your most burning questions answered by fellow parents who have been through similar things and to meet parents across different grade levels within your school who have unique experiences to share. You are welcome to attend another school's gathering if you are unable to attend your own. RSVP for location.
    • Edgewood: October 28, 2019, at 9:30 am
      RSVP to Annie Katzenberg
    • Heathcote: October 29, 2019, at 9:30 am
      RSVP to Nicole Warren
    • Greenacres: October 30, 2019, at 9:00 am
      RSVP to Patty Schwartz
    • Fox Meadow: November 4, 2019 at 7:30 pm
      RSVP to Jill Spielberg
    • Quaker Ridge: November 6, 2019, at 10:00 am
      RSVP to Laura Thierer
    • Preschool Families: November 14, 2019, at 9:30 a.m.
      RSVP to Jessica Freede
    • Middle School Families: November 18, 2019, at 9:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.
      RSVP to May Cowan

    Tuesday, January 14, 2020, at 7:30 p.m. at Scarsdale Middle School Auditorium
    Resilience and the Power of Self-Advocacy
    Featuring Rebecca Alexander with Q&A moderated by Eric Rauschenbach, Director of Special Education and Student Services, and a Panel of District Staff: Elliot Cohen (SMS Psychologist), Janelle Brown (Elem Psychologist), Chris Griffin (SHS Assistant Principal), Felix Gil (QRS Principal), Kristin Oliverio (SHS Psychologist)
    Rebecca Alexander is a psychotherapist with two master's degrees from Columbia University, a fitness instructor and an award-winning author. Rebecca is also an extreme athlete, summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro, swimming from Alcatraz to the shore in San Francisco Bay and regularly competing in Civilian Military Combine races, to name a few.
    Superwoman, right?
    At 40 years old, Rebecca is almost completely deaf and blind. She was born with a rare genetic disorder, Usher Syndrome (type III) which has caused her to slowly lose both her vision and hearing. Despite these challenges, Rebecca refuses to lose her drive and zest for life.
    Rebecca Alexander will speak to the Scarsdale community about her incredible journey and the challenges she has faced along the way. She will share how resilience and self advocacy have been a major part of her success. Following her presentation, we will hold a panel discussion with Rebecca and District Staff to discuss how Scarsdale Schools are teaching our students these important life skills.

    Transitions from Preschool to Elementary School, Elementary School to Middle School, Middle School to High School
    Thursday, February 4, 2020, at 7:30 p.m. at SHS Room 170-172
    Meeting for parents with children transitioning to the next level of education.

    Mixer with District Special Education Staff and Administrators
    Wednesday, December 18, 2019, at 7:30 p.m. *NEW DATE*: Thursday, March 26, 2020, at 7:30 p.m.
    Community building event to get to know district administrators and staff in a casual setting. Our CHILD Mixer gives parents an informal setting to get to know district administrators and staff, including Eric Rauschenbach, Director of Special Education and Student Services. Join us at a volunteer's home for small-group discussions with District representatives on specific topics or areas where you may have concerns. Learning Resource Center educators will be on hand to talk you through the difficulties your child is having in math and/or reading. Psychologists will be available to discuss anxiety, ADD, social skills and more. Speech and OT professionals will be available as well. RSVP to ScarsdaleCHILD@gmail.com for location.

    Thursday, March 26, 2020, at 7:30 p.m. at Fox Meadow NMPR
    Topic TBA