As eighth graders sat at their desks in art teacher Jackie D’Arco’s newly renovated classroom, they diligently worked to create realistic drawings of a meaningful object of their choice. They used the value scale, as well as a variety of drawing pencils and shading techniques to complete their compositions. 

The students began their projects by analyzing realistic graphite drawings by Armin Mersmann. They also discussed how to make an ordinary object look extraordinary by changing the camera angles, zooming in to the object and creating a successful composition using the rule of thirds. They also photographed their objects and made their photographs monochromatic to further analyze their work. 

“The students choose their most successful compositions to practice on thumbnail sketches – quick, abbreviated, small drawings to test out their different compositions,” D’Arco said. “From these sketches, they chose their most successful composition to create for their final drafts.” 

D’Arco said the students have enjoyed being creative in the newly renovated art room, thanks to the Bronxville School Foundation’s generous support. The renovated room features new tables with storage shelves underneath, as well as new chairs, a trough sink and plenty of storage space for art supplies. 

“I am extremely grateful for the Bronxville School Foundation’s continued support for the arts to allow us to provide a modern learning environment for our students,” D’Arco said. “I am excited to experiment with new art materials in our new art classroom.”

By Lansing Martinelli, VP, Public Relations, The Bronxville School Foundation 

June 4th, 2021: The Bronxville School Foundation announced its 2021 grant awards, giving $567,000 in resources to benefit the Bronxville School’s K-12 student body. 

The grant requests came from teachers, administrators, coaches, parents, and students. This year’s grants supported meaningful projects designed to enrich the educational experience for all grades and facilitate a more flexible learning environment amidst Covid limitations. The grants included professional development, health and wellness initiatives, new equipment, and enhancements to facilities and classrooms, as well as new programs and curriculum updates.

Won Giuriceo, the Foundation’s Vice President of Grants, said, “The Foundation Board was humbled by the faithful generosity of the community especially during this pandemic year. We thank the school administration who worked tirelessly creating multiple plans for the opening of the school last fall. The school administrators, teachers, and students developed thoughtful and innovative grant requests for resources needed to adapt to the changing learning needs throughout the year: academically, athletically, and artistically. The Foundation assessed and approved the funding of these critical off-cycle and end-of-year grant requests. These grants allowed for the technological outfitting of all classrooms K through 12 and the continued innovation of academic and extra-curricular programming in a year where it was a great feat for many other districts to simply survive. The year posed significant challenges, however, the positive offshoot is that the pandemic forced innovation and change at a pace that was not previously thought possible. We are pleased to approve grants that seek to capitalize on the learnings of this past year and that advance these learnings to the next level. Thank you to the community for enabling the Foundation to be a valuable resource to the Bronxville School.” 

Foundation Chair, Lori Beecher, added, “The Foundation is beyond grateful to our donors for the continued support especially in a time like this past year where there was so much uncertainty. Thank you to every teacher, administrator, parent, and student who brought their ideas to the Foundation. They have helped to continue the Bronxville School’s mission of delivering the best possible curriculum and instruction in the most effective and safest learning environment possible. We are so fortunate to have such a strong community that works together to help our exceptional school.” 

Following is a complete list of the approved grants for the 2020-2021 school year: 

Program & Curriculum Development: 

Delivering a Dynamic & Compelling Talk 

Elementary School Math Curriculum Enhancements with Greg Tang 

Winning Mindset Training for Athletes 

Printmaking for Visual Arts 

World Languages Symposium 

Open Your Mind to Language Events 

Food Scrap Recycling Program 

Heimlich Heroes Program 

Lincoln Center Chamber Music Program 

Professional Development: 

Leading Adult Learners – Support for Teacher Leaders 

“Design Thinking” Innovative Strategy Projects for High School – Phase 2 

Health & Wellness: 

“Design Thinking” Debrief Sessions – What We Learned from Covid

Staff Appreciation – Bronxville Adult Education Classes 

Equipment & Materials: 

Bronx River Research II Equipment 

Middle School Science Microscopes 

Portable Podcast Studio 

Audio Systems for Elementary School 

Cable Channel for Bronxville UFSD 

High School Musical – Outdoor Production Assistance 

Video Camera for Bronco TV 

Chambers Field Sound System Updates 

Expansion of First Grade Book Libraries 

Keiser Trainers for Fitness Center 

Football GoRout Technology 

Facilities: 

PUREZONE Application by GUARDXPRO 

Zoom Classrooms & Teacher Home Use Equipment 

Innovative Designs in Education – Budgets for Classroom Redesign & Technology

Interactive Thermoplastic Surface for Elementary School Playground 

The Bronxville School Foundation depends upon contributions from school families and the community. If you would like to learn more about the Foundation, please contact the Foundation’s Executive Director, Helena McSherry, at 914-395-0515 or visit the Foundation’s website at www.BronxvilleSchoolFoundation.org 

Pictured here: Middle school students and teacher using a portable recording studio in orchestra, courtesy of a Foundation grant. L to R: Sophia Ikiri, Wyeth Tvenge and Kiran Madhavan. Photo courtesy of The Bronxville School Foundation

Bronxville High School teachers Kris Hart, Dana Landesman and Christina Reidel have been awarded Certificates of Excellence by National History Day, a non-profit education organization. They were recognized for their outstanding instruction in historical inquiry, persistence during an unprecedented school year and dedication to their students exploring this year’s topic. 

Hart, Landesman and Reidel have been leading ninth and 10th graders in conducting extensive, original research on historical topics of interest, focused on this year’s theme of “Communication in History: The Key to Understanding.” Through the program, students display their work in one of five ways — paper, website, documentary, performance or exhibit — and compete against students from across the country.

“We love this program and seeing what it has done for our students,” Landesman said. “This work connects to much that we value – strong research skills, authentic student voice and an opportunity to advance diversity and equity in education through student choice. Independent thinking develops in spaces where students’ ideas are listened to, respected and given structure.” 

While the pandemic has provided challenges and opportunities, the teachers and students have remained committed to their historical research. Throughout the school year, students met virtually for meetings outside of the classroom, relied on digitized collections for research and conducted virtual interviews with experts on their topics. 

“History is present in all that we do and all that we are,” Reidel said. “Understanding history allows us to make more sense of the world we are living in. Given the challenges of the past year, this seems more crucial than ever.” 

In addition, the teachers have been committed to their own professional development by taking related graduate courses, presenting at professional conferences and working with other teachers from across the state. 

 “An on-going and critical self-reflection of our classroom practice and continued professional development has allowed us to foster an environment that reflects the principles in the Bronxville Promise,” Hart said.

Principal Ann Meyer said she is thrilled that Hart, Landesman and Reidel were recognized for their outstanding work with students. 

“They have been dedicated to fostering historical thinking skills and engaging students in topics they are passionate about and committed to exploring,” Meyer said. “Teaching in a pandemic has been challenging to say the least and to see the outstanding accomplishments of our students is a testament to the unwavering support these teachers have given in the midst of difficult circumstances.” 

Now in its sixth year, the National History Day program was introduced to Bronxville by Landesman and Reidel after they attended the National Council for Social Studies Conference. Since then, an increasing number of students have won awards in the regional, state and national competitions. Special thanks to the Bronxville School Foundation for funding the teachers’ attendance and continuing to support students by providing them with the opportunity to work with performance coaching experts to enhance their presentation skills.

By Katie Shah, Board Member Bronxville School Foundation

Jan. 28, 2021: The Bronxville School Foundation is pleased to announce the start of its 2021 grant cycle. Faculty, administrators, staff, students, parents, and community members are invited to submit grant applications.

The Foundation is eager to support grant requests that enable students to lead, to innovate, to engage the world, and to think critically, particularly during these uniquely challenging times. The deadline for grant applications is March 1, 2021.

The Foundation’s mission is to raise community funds in order to provide resources beyond the district’s budget across Bronxville’s Elementary, Middle and High Schools. Since its inception in 1991, the Foundation has awarded more than $11.2 million in grants that focus on piloting new programs, pursuing creative ideas, and providing equipment and facilities in the areas of science, arts, athletics, technology, and curriculum development.

“This year has presented significant challenges but those challenges have forced rapid advancements in many areas of technology and the re-examination or re-creation of ‘how things are done,’” said Won Giuriceo, who heads up the grants committee this year. “The Foundation is so impressed by and grateful for the efforts of the administration, faculty, and staff at the school. This year’s challenges have also emphasized the importance of connectivity at our schools and within our community. We at the Foundation are looking forward to partnering with the school to fund grant applications that will advance the school in these and other priority areas.”

The grant application, information about the application process, and summaries of recently approved grants are available on the Foundation’s website, www.BronxvilleSchoolFoundation.org.

For further information or inquiries, please contact vice president of grants, Won Giuriceo, at wgiuriceo@gmail.com, or the Foundation’s executive director, Helena McSherry, at hmcsherry@bronxvilleschool.org.

Pictured here:  Greg DiStefano and his Middle School Technology Class students using robotics kits, courtesy of a Foundation grant.

Photo courtesy of Helena McSherry.

By Nancy Marshall, Board Member Bronxville School Foundation

Jan. 27, 2021: The Bronxville School Foundation will accept nominations through February 8, 2021, to fill open positions on its Board of Directors for the upcoming year.

Candidates are village residents who would work with current board members to raise funds and support grants that will enhance educational programs in the Bronxville School district.

Senior citizens, parents of current students and graduates, alumni, and community members without children are encouraged to express interest. The directors reflect a broad and diverse cross-section of the community.

The Foundation was established as a nonprofit in 1991 by the Trustees of the Bronxville School Board of Education, citizens in the community, and supporters of the school who understood that raising private funds from school families and village residents to supplement the district’s budget was important to maintaining excellence at the Bronxville School.

The Foundation’s Board of Directors consists of thirty people, including one member of the Board of Education, the Superintendent of Schools, and the Vice President of the PTA.

The primary role of the Foundation’s Nominating Committee is to identify motivated, hard-working leaders for possible nomination to the Bronxville School Foundation.

The Committee considers recommendations from within the board itself as well as from individuals who express interest through the
Foundation office.

To express your interest, propose candidates, or learn more about the Foundation, please contact Executive Director Helena McSherry at 914-395-0515 or via email at hmcsherry@bronxvilleschool.org. Written correspondence should be forwarded to Helena’s attention at The Bronxville School Foundation, 177 Pondfield Road, Bronxville, New York, 10708, and include specific information about involvement in the community and the school. Other details regarding background or relevant experience should also be included.

Additional information about the Bronxville School Foundation can be found at www.bronxvilleschoolfoundation.org.

Photo by H. McSherry.

As a critical piece of the district’s diversity, equity and inclusion work, K-5 students and members of the International Club will connect with award-wining author and illustrator Grace Lin during a virtual visit on Feb. 8-11. 

During her visit, which was generously sponsored by the Bronxville School Foundation, Lin will provide the elementary school students with insight into her writing process and the inspirations for her books. She will also read stories from her novels and engage the students in interactive activities, including teaching them how to draw a dog and a Chinese dragon. There will also be an opportunity for Q&A. In addition, Lin will share her story with faculty members during a virtual districtwide assembly and will connect with high school students to discuss her experiences of growing up Asian in upstate New York. 

According to the author, her experiences have influenced her books, including her Newbery Honor, “Where the Mountain Meets the Moon”; her Geisel Honor, “Ling & Ting”; her National Book Award finalist, “When the Sea Turned to Silver” and her Caldecott Honor, “A Big Mooncake for Little Star.” Lin is also a radio commentator and podcast host and recently gave her TEDx talk, “The Windows and Mirrors of Your Child’s Bookshelf.” Lin has been recognized by former President Obama’s office as a Champion of Change for Asian American and Pacific Islander Art and Storytelling, and in 2016, her art was displayed at the White House.

In its fourteenth year, the Annual Katie Welling Memorial Run/Walk had to adapt and adjust as so many of us have in the last nine months. This wonderful Bronxville tradition, which benefits the Bronxville School Foundation, normally takes place on the Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend. This year, however, given Covid-19 restrictions, safety and flexibility became the chief goals as Katie’s Run pivoted to a virtual event.

From November 16th to the 30th, friends, school faculty and families, community members and alumni were invited to run/walk/bike on a safe route anywhere or indoors on treadmills or stationary bikes. “Our hope was that by having the virtual event run for two full weeks and inviting participants to run, walk or bike any time and anywhere, it would offer the most flexibility,” said Lori Beecher, Bronxville School Foundation Chairperson. “While still honoring Katie, we could complete the race in any way we wished and safely.” 

Since participants could not be together in person, the Foundation’s team found ways for them to share in the event virtually.  Frequent social media posts allowed participants to stay connected, a virtual photo album was created, and a beautiful video in honor of Katie and this wonderful community event was produced by Peter Coquillette and Sean McGrath in Bronxville High School’s TV studio. 

The way that Bronxville’s school faculty and families, alumni and community members rose to the occasion was remarkable.  The virtual event raised more than $20,000 from over 200 participants and donors. 

A silver lining was that friends far and wide were able to participate even though they were not in Bronxville.  Katie’s virtual event this year clearly showed that the bonds built in this community stretch far wider than our one square mile.  Beyond the Bronxville area, people participated from California, Colorado, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.  

People of all ages, many donning masks, came up with creative ways to participate — running, walking or biking.  “The photo gallery is just incredible,” said Lansing Martinelli, the Foundation’s Public Relations Chair. “Some participants completed the race on Peloton bikes and treadmills, while others jumped on real bikes or took runs or walks getting back to nature.” Still others honored the beloved traditions of the event that they could by taking their photos at the Bronxville School track where the race finishes each year.  

Katie Welling, a 2002 Bronxville High School graduate, died in an off-campus fire at Miami University in Ohio. She had just turned 21. Katie’s Run was established  by Katie’s many friends and her family to commemorate Katie’s wonderful sense of humor, infectious laugh, and love of life. 

Thanks to the support of the Bronxville community, Katie’s Run has generated nearly $240,000 since its inception.  Contributions to Katie’s Run allow the Foundation to fund grants for equipment, curriculum, and specialized programs at the Bronxville School. The Foundation’s work is now more critical than ever as we help the school to navigate the challenges of the pandemic.

“We are so happy that we were able to continue this very special community tradition safely and honor Katie,” said Lori Beecher.  “The spirit and love for Katie were evident, even with our unique circumstances this year.”

For more information on Katie’s Run/Walk and to view the full photo album from the 2020 virtual event, please visit https://www.bronxvilleschoolfoundation.org/ or contact Executive Director, Helena McSherry, at hmcsherry@bronxvilleschool.org.

Article written by Helena McSherry, Executive Director of the Bronxville School Foundation.

The Annual Katie Welling Memorial Run/Walk will be conducted virtually in this, its fourteenth year. This beloved Bronxville tradition, which benefits the Bronxville School Foundation, is typically held the Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend. This year, however, due to Covid restrictions Katie’s family and the Foundation have decided to honor Katie’s memory with a safe, contactless event.

The traditional Run/Walk will be a Run/Walk/Bike this year. Participants are invited to complete a 2.5-mile run/walk or bike any time between November 16^th and 30^th. Friends, community members and alumni are encouraged to run/walk/bike on a safe route anywhere or at home on treadmills or stationary bikes. To preserve the wonderful sense of community Katie’s Run always creates, participants are asked to upload photos of themselves, families and friends “competing” to a community photo album on the event’s registration website. “Although we can’t be together this year, hopefully seeing friends, alumni and neighbors upholding this wonderful Village tradition will preserve that special sense of community all of Bronxville feels during Katie’s Run,” said Lori Beecher, Bronxville School Foundation Chairperson.

Katie Welling, a 2002 Bronxville High School graduate, died in an off-campus fire at Miami University in Ohio. She had just turned 21. Katie’s Run was created by Katie’s many friends and her family to commemorate Katie’s wonderful sense of humor, infectious laugh, and love of life. 

Katie’s Run has been supported throughout the years by a loyal group of Katie’s friends, village residents, Bronxville School faculty and staff and Village merchants.  Thanks to their efforts, and the enthusiasm of the entire Bronxville Community, Katie’s Run has generated nearly $220,000 since its inception.  Contributions from Katie’s Run have allowed the Foundation to fund grants for equipment, curriculum, and specialized programs that the Bronxville School would not otherwise have been able to afford.  

To register for the 14^th Annual Katie Welling Run/Walk, please visit: https://www.bronxvilleschoolfoundation.org/.

There is no registration fee this year, but a tax-deductible contribution would be welcomed.  All donations will benefit The Bronxville School Foundation.

For more information on Katie’s Run/Walk or the Bronxville School Foundation, please contact Executive Director, Helena McSherry at (914) 395-0515 or hmcsherry@bronxvilleschool.org.

Article written by Kristen Evans, Bronxville School Foundation Board member.