Charting a Course to Shared Success: Navigating the 2023-2024 School Year

As we embark on another exciting academic adventure, I extend a warm welcome to all members of our school district community! I hope you had a rejuvenating and fulfilling summer break, filled with precious moments and unforgettable experiences. Now, as we prepare to set sail into a brand-new school year, I want to share with you the concept of rowing a boat together as a team.

Just like rowing a boat, the Ardsley School District is a team effort, where each member plays a vital role in navigating the waters of education, growth, and success. Every rower must have a sense of purpose and be in sync to move forward efficiently and effectively. Our students, parents, teachers, and staff must work in harmony to create a positive and productive learning environment in order to achieve remarkable outcomes. 

Take a moment to reflect on our past and position yourself for the journey ahead. With a new school year, we are presented with a compass and a canvas of endless possibilities. The 2023-2024 school year is no exception. As we embark on this exciting journey together, let us draw inspiration and strength from one another. Our community is composed of people with different backgrounds who bring unique strengths. Our school district cherishes diversity, embracing the richness it brings to our learning community. It is imperative to respect, understand, and celebrate our differences, creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels safe, valued, and appreciated. Together, we will create a supportive, welcoming, affirming, and nurturing environment where everyone can be seen, heard, accepted, and flourish. It is imperative that we row in the same direction, build relational trust, and stand united as one big family of learners and educators.

Rowing requires a skilled leader to guide the team and communicate effectively. Similarly, we have many formal and informal leaders. Ardsley’s teachers and administrators act as sage mentors and leaders, guiding students on their educational journey. Moreover, our students and parents are tremendous leaders. Let's foster open communication between all stakeholders, transparency, and ensure that no voice goes unheard. Our common goal is to provide our students with a well-rounded education that nurtures their minds, hearts, and spirits. We will anchor our commitment to our students through the Ardsley School District’s touchstones: Challenging Minds, Building Character, and Inspiring Excellence. 

We are a very tight-knit and resilient community, one that steps up without hesitation and is ready to lend a helping hand to others in times of need. As we face new adverse conditions during the 2023-2024 school year, let's remember that we are not alone and keep in mind that a strong team keeps pushing forward with unwavering determination. By being nimble and adaptable, we can overcome any obstacle that comes our way. We may not always agree, nevertheless, we must lead first with our students/children in mind with positivity as the driving force that guides us through every opportunity and challenge. Positive energy is contagious and inspires others to be their best selves.

Life is unpredictable. So, let's seize this moment with hope and enthusiasm. We must be in the “now” and be present in order to make this school year a time of growth, well-being, connectedness, joy, and shared success. In this new academic year, let us row with inspiration from the possibilities that lie ahead. Through our work together and efforts “for good”, we will continue to foster a learning environment where kindness, empathy, and understanding thrive. Let's build each other up and celebrate our achievements, knowing that success is not just an individual accomplishment but a collective triumph.

In closing and most importantly, “Welcome back, students!” Our students are the driving force in what adults do for them at home and at school. The love behind the guidance and support is in an effort to provide what is best for each unique student and their life ahead. By building a supportive and caring atmosphere in our schools, where encouragement and kindness thrive, we will inspire our students to reach their full potential. 

All aboard the Ardsley School District’s 2023-2024 boat! Be true to yourself as we collectively row in the same direction, and make this year the best one yet. The journey starts now, and I have no doubt that we will have a fulfilling and fruitful year!

With excitement, optimism, and support,

Dr. Ryan Schoenfeld

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Our Mission

Building on a tradition of academic excellence and success for every student, we cultivate passionate learners and informed global citizens who actively influence their world.

Our Guiding Pillars

Academic Excellence 

Maximizes personal potential and inspires collective achievement, so mastering curricular content is only the starting point and learning is tailored to needs, strengths, and interests.

Success for Every Student

is measured in a variety of ways. Our view of success reaches beyond academic performance and encompasses resilience, flexibility, tenacity, curiosity, creativity, empathy, determination and athletic and artistic expression.

Passionate Learners

Take full advantage of learning opportunities.  They assume responsibility for their own learning, have the courage to explore and take the initiative to discover their interests. They are self-motivated, demonstrate confidence, collaborate freely and share their discoveries.

Global Citizens

Engage in an active inquiry to acquire knowledge that reflects the depth and breadth of the collective human experience. They influence their world by making positive, proactive choices about what to do with what they know to collaboratively effect change.

We believe the success of our district involves the collective efforts of talented and caring faculty, administration and staff, dedicated Board of Education, enthusiastic students and involved parents. Together, we can guide our students to be successful in life, take civic responsibility, be caring and respectful individuals, and become healthy contributors with a lifelong desire to learn. 

Our Vision

Building on a tradition of academic excellence and success for every student, we cultivate passionate learners and informed global citizens who actively influence their world.

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Our Schools

The Ardsley Union Free School District is a great place for students to gain the foundation needed to grow into tomorrow’s business and cultural leaders. Our extensive and broad curriculum, complemented by many after-school offerings, provides students with the opportunity to pursue their individual interests and natural talents, and maximize their learning potential while in the District. The Ardsley School District is made up of three schools:

 

• Concord Road School (https://www.ardsleyschools.org/concord) offers full-time kindergarten through 4th grade and fosters a respectful environment that nurtures creativity, encourages perseverance and inspires the motivation to learn. It is accredited as a National School of Excellence.

• Ardsley Middle School (https://www.ardsleyschools.org/MS) a National Blue Ribbon school, serves grades 5-8 with accelerated programs in math, science and world languages as well as a series of enrichment classes.

• Ardsley High School (https://www.ardsleyschools.org/HS)  a four-year public high school offering a complete program to prepare our students intellectually, socially, and emotionally for the world ahead. Students engage in a rigorous academic program, more than 50 clubs and organizations, a three-season athletic program, and visual and performing arts programs. Ardsley High School is accredited by the New York State Board of Regents and the Tri-States Consortium of Accredited Schools and is a voting member of the College Board.