Our hearts are heavy as we say goodbye to two beloved members of our community: Julie Ford and Theresa Geoghegan.

Julie worked at Concord Road School for 23 years as a physical education teacher, and after retiring earlier this year she continued to run the after-school program. She passed away — surrounded by her loved ones — after a courageous 5-year battle with pancreatic cancer. We will miss her positivity and passion for learning and our hearts go out to her family. Please consider donating to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at pancan.org or caringbridge.org in Julie’s memory.

Known as Ms. G. to students, Theresa played an important role in our CRS school community for the past 8 years. She started as a substitute teacher, worked as a teacher aide in the health office assisting with attendance, and also worked at the Ardsley Children's Center afterschool program.

We miss them both dearly. It has been a difficult year for the CRS community, and we encourage you to use grief resources to navigate feelings and conversations.

Help make a difference

Want to be more involved in your kids’ schools? Ardsley PTA has several roles opening up next year.

It’s fun, you'll have lots of support and no experience is needed — although we’d love to hear about your unique skills!

(While you're at it, have you renewed your PTA membership? Click here.)

Three positions are opening up on the PTA Executive Board:

Fundraising

Treasurer

Secretary

We are also seeking committee co-chairs for next year:

CRS and AMS Book Fairs

Artwork Original Works

International Day

School Photos

…and more!

OPEN POSITIONS

Five Questions

Genevieve Jaffe, AHS English Teacher

This past fall, AHS students attended the Columbia Scholastic Press Association annual fall conference — supported by a grant from the Ardsley PTA.

Can you share a bit about your professional background?

I worked in journalism for about 5 years before I became an English teacher. This is now my sixth year teaching at Ardsley after teaching all over Westchester and in Chicago.

What do you enjoy about teaching in the Ardsley community?

The great thing about being here that we have the ability to teach what we’re passionate about. We've been able to run a creative writing program for the first time in a while. We also have small-group Literature Circle to see what engages students.

How was the Ardsley PTA grant used for the English department?

Students from the creative writing program and others who submitted an application were able to join the Columbia Scholastic Press Association conference this fall.

What were the highlights from the program?

The sessions were taught by professional journalists and college professors. It was impressive how much the kids from Ardsley participated in the larger seminars. They were sharing their writing and ideas, and they felt comfortable in that space.

What was some feedback you heard from the students?

I was able to talk with the creative writing students the next day, and they absolutely saw that there is a place for their creative input. It also gave them a sense of what it’s like to be a college student, to be independent and to look forward to what's next.

The Ardsley PTA Grant deadline has been extended through March 15, 2023. Teachers, please click the link below to apply today (or share this email with an Ardsley teacher).

APPLY FOR A PTA GRANT

Show us your spirit (wear)

After a thrilling day with the Harlem Wizards, we’re ready for what’s next! Keep your eyes open for our Spring Flowers, Original Works and the just-announced NYC Football Club match – on sale until March 30!

Right now, it’s time for our SPIRITWEAR BLOWOUT. Stock up on all your spring Ardsley Panthers gear today. Supplies are running low, but the deals are ️‍️‍🔥.

GET YOUR SPIRITWEAR

Volunteer at International Day!

Come share a piece of your culture, heritage or traditions during International Day at Concord Road on May 17.

- Share regional cuisine

- Create a craft

- Play musical instruments

- Teach a dance

- Have more ideas? Share them with us!

Share your voice

The PTA DEI committee is looking for volunteers to record themselves reading a story related to Women's History Month for social media and to share with CRS teachers. It can be any age-appropriate book or poem about women in history.

Please reach out to ArdsleyPTADEI@gmail.com for more information.