Friday, April 17, 2009

Six Achieve Tenure

The Bronxville Board of Education awarded tenure to five faculty members and one administrator at its April meeting, based on the recommendations of Superintendent David Quattrone. BTA President David Katz also offered his congratulations to all. The six will also be recognized at the PTA-sponsored Recognition Tea on June 3rd.

As probationary teachers, faculty members are observed formally at least three times annually, with multiple evaluators in their tenure year. Tenure recommendations indicate a combination of proficient and distinguished ratings, supplemented by administrative assessments of capacity for future growth, leadership, and contributions to the department and school. Quattrone gave brief testimonials about each person.

Terry Barton, High School Principal
Mr. Barton has established a positive school climate, making decisions from a student-centered perspective and supporting numerous student-initiated projects. He has implemented improvements in school facilities, the master schedule, and expanded applications of technology. Through communication with students, parents, and teachers, he solves problems by listening, encouraging communication, and flexible approaches designed to help each student succeed.

Brian Senior, Elementary Physical Education
Mr. Senior brings to his teacher a strong foundation in child development. His teaching relates physical activity to other subject areas, and his team participation indicates strong connections with other faculty members and the broader interests of the students. Senior has also served as Boys Varsity Basketball coach.

Jean Windels, Middle School Science
Ms. Windels has distinguished herself as school leader and forward-looking teacher. She has represented the Middle School on the staff development Policy Board and served as 8th grade team leader. She has transformed the science club into a competitive and successful Science Olympiad team. Her teaching is characterized by a solid inquiry approach designed to foster thoughtful analysis and reasoning by her students.

Chris Yi, Middle School Mathematics
As Middle School curriculum leader, Mr. Yi has strengthened the communication and coordination with both Elementary and High School teachers, so that there is shared knowledge about expectations and clear criteria regarding placement. His leadership has also led to more consistent use of technology and and common assessments for common courses. His high expectations of students have contributed to our long-term effort to increase the number of students who have completed algebra by the end of eighth grade.

Dana Landesman, High School Social Studies


Ms. Landesman emphasizes collaborative group work in her classroom, with students taking responsibility for presenting information and learning from each other. Technology is well integrated into her teaching. Her dedication to content mastery is balanced with her genuine regard for young people. Her lessons are highly organized. She has collaborated successfully with colleagues, and is active in professional work beyond the school.

Ann Meyer, High School Science

Ms. Meyer has brought rigor, commitment, and enthusiasm to her work as a classroom teacher and as a positive force on the faculty. She has played a vital leadership role both within her department and across the school. As an advisor to the Student-Faculty-Legislature she has help launch and sustain school-wide events on global warming, human rights, and world hunger. She has also organized and implemented science seminars designed to interest students in careers in math and science. She brings a global perspective to her teaching, and as such she has been a strong advocate of high academic expectations, interdisciplinary approaches, and service to others.

Board Adopts 2009-10 Budget

After a series of budget workshops and public meetings, the Bronxville Board of Education adopted a $44,115,561 budget for 2009-10. The budget-to-budget increase is 1.11%, the lowest increase in over a decade, and one of the lowest in Westchester County. The estimated tax levy increase is 1.48%. The spending plan includes reductions of 5.4 positions. Following a budget hearing on May 7, residents will be asked to vote on the school budget on May 19th.

A budget newsletter providing the public with budget detail will be mailed to all residents in the next few weeks. The Board presentation is here.

Thursday, April 16, 2009

March Mayhem



On Saturday, March 28, 2009 the Bronxville School’s Parent Teacher Association (PTA) held its major fundraiser for 2009: The March Mayhem Bash. The event was a great success with over 400 people in attendance and over $200,000 raised for the school. In addition to dinner and dancing, the event included an extensive silent auction of internship opportunities, vacations, sports tickets and an extensive wine auction. And as luck would have it, one of the most exciting games in the March Madness tournament was played on Saturday night and aired on a big screen at the club, providing great entertainment and revving up the enthusiasm in the room. The PTA is incredibly grateful to the event co-chairs, Melinda Dempsey and Jennifer Mackesy, and to their entire committee of volunteers for all of their hard work. Many thanks are also owed to the greater school community – administrators, teachers, custodial staff, parents, students and local residents - for supporting the event in its organization, attendance, and in auction participation. It was a terrific school-wide effort and a great testament to the strength of the Bronxville School and community.

Foundation Considers 2009 Grant Applications


The Bronxville School Foundation meets next week to consider a variety of grant applications aimed at supporting, enriching, and improving the Bronxville Schools. Applications include requests for student leadership development, professional development, technology, instructional equipment, and supplementary classroom materials.

The photo shows a wind turbine project in the AP Environmental Science course, funded by the Foundation.