Displaying items by tag: SSCSD

SARATOGA SPRINGS — In collaboration with the SPAC School of the Arts, the Saratoga Springs City School District has announced a new after school enrichment opportunity for Saratoga Springs students in grades 2nd–5th. The Arts Discovery Program is designed to introduce students to a variety of art forms with an emphasis on building creativity, curiosity, emotional awareness, and self-expression. Students will be grouped by age and rotate through art forms every few weeks. 

This 11-week program mixes in theatre, music, and dance while building toward a collaborative performance piece. Space is limited and students will be placed on a first come basis. Register online at forms.gle/rC8sJo3L6BLbqCaa7 by Dec. 17. 

All courses will be held at the SPAC School of Arts in Saratoga Springs (99 South Broadway) on Tuesdays from 4:15 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. Program dates are Jan. 4, 11, 18, 25; Feb. 1, 8, 15; March 1, 8, 15, 22 (snow date: March 29). Tuition is $220 per student (make checks payable to Saratoga Springs City School District). Mail tuition checks to WSWHE BOCES, 267 Ballard Rd., Suite 5, Wilton NY 12831. Transportation to the SPAC School of the Arts will be provided; parents are responsible for pick up (must sign student out). 

For more information visit www.saratogaschools.org. 

Published in Education
Thursday, 15 April 2021 13:57

SSCSD Universal Pre-Kindergarten Program

SARATOGA SPRINGS —The Saratoga Springs City School District is currently accepting contact information for the mailing list for the Universal Pre-Kindergarten program (2021-2022 school year). To be eligible for the program, children must be four-years-old on or before December 1, 2021, and must reside in the Saratoga Springs City School District. Visit www.saratogaschools.org/upk for more information.

Published in Education
Friday, 20 December 2019 09:24

Local All-Star Moments

The Ballston Spa Athletic Hall of Fame Requests Nominations for 2020
BALLSTON SPA — The Ballston Spa Athletics Hall of Fame Committee requests nominations for its 2020 induction class. Online nomination forms may be submitted at ballstonspaathleticshalloffame. com until January 15, 2020. The ceremony will take place in May of 2020 at the Ballston Spa High School auditorium. For more information, please visit the website: ballstonspaathleticshalloffame.com.

Blue Streaks Hockey
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs Blue Streaks varsity hockey team played Adirondack on Wednesday, December 11 at the Glens Falls Recreational Center; Saratoga won 4-1. Joe Amodio at one goal and one assist; Andrew Blanchard had one goal; Will Detora had one goal and two assists; Charlie Leary had one goal. Anthony LaMonda had the goal for Adirondack. Saratoga goalie Brad Blake had 15 saves.

Saratoga Regional YMCA Over 50 Basketball League Scores
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11
D’Andrea’s Pizza v. Walton’s Sport Shop
Walton’s-60: Jimmy Parker-23, Mike Bentley-16 D’Andrea’s-53: Mike McMorris-18, Rory Wilson-17

West Side v. Lazy Dog Cookie Company
Lazy Dog-57: Scott Clark-21, Matt Treaux-12 West Side-38: Dave Wolfe-13, Mark Sohl-12

Stephen’s Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Greenwich v. Nemer Chrysler
Nemer-67: Stephen Brown-28, Pat Reidy-19 Stephen’s-56: Pat Killian-18, Paul Gross-16

Turning Point Chiropractic Shop v. Mama Mia’s Restaurant
Turning Point-61: Bob Hanson-33, Mike Scanlon-11 Mama Mia’s-49: Phil Fitzpatrick-24, Lamont Williams-13

Saratoga Springs Wrestling v. Walt Whitman
Walt Whitman HS (WWH) 44.0 Saratoga Springs Sr HS (SSSH) 26.0 99: Lucius Anderson (SSSH) over Dominic Repetti (WWH) (Dec 8-2) 106: Jacob Pratt (SSSH) over Nicholas Campanelli (WWH) (Dec 6-5) 113: Kyle Griskowitz (SSSH) over Jared Goldis (WWH) (MD 10-2) 120: Antonio Encarnacion (SSSH) over Michael Sales (WWH) (Fall 0:12) 126: Double Forfeit 132: Maximo Vasquez (WWH) over Zeph Watkins (SSSH) (Fall 1:33) 138: Griffin Biviano (SSSH) over Angel Catalan (WWH) (Fall 1:30) 145: Sachiel Chuckrow (SSSH) over Grady O`Loughlin (WWH) (MD 10-2) 152: Joseph Feola (WWH) over Eric Griskowitz (SSSH) (Dec 8-2) 160: Liam Villanti (WWH) over (SSSH) (For.) 170: Jakarai MC Kay (WWH) over Justin Garfolo (SSSH) (TF 19-4 4:47) 182: Pedro Benitez (WWH) over Noah Robinson (SSSH) (Fall 0:37) 195: Saul Ulloa (WWH) over David Jenks (SSSH) (Fall 0:40) 220: Adrian Londono (WWH) over Austen Douglas (SSSH) (Fall 1:59) 285: Steven Lainez Gomez (WWH) over (SSSH) (For.)

Published in Sports
Friday, 06 December 2019 10:21

Local All-Star Moments

Photos provided.


Saratoga Springs Gymnastics

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs High School gymnastics team opened their season on December 5th by traveling to Bethlehem High School for the annual Tumble for Hunger Meet. Saratoga is once again the team to beat in Section 2 gymnastics this season with Ava Dallas, last year’s all-around runner-up, and Sophia Damiano, last year’s 3rd place all-around finisher, both returning for their junior year. Dallas placed 13th in the allaround at last year’s New York State Gymnastics Championship meet while Damiano placed 20th. Junior Megan Wishart, last year’s 8th place all-around finisher and state qualifier on the vault, and freshman Erika Sudigala, are expected to emerge as Saratoga is seeking their 19th consecutive Section 2 gymnastics title. Head Coach Deb Smarro, who is in her 14th year leading Saratoga gymnastics, and assistant coach Tiffany Hogben, are excited to get the season underway. “We lost a significant amount of leadership and experience from last year’s team due to graduation. However, some of our younger gymnasts have worked really hard over the summer to acquire new skills and contribute to the team. I also have a few newcomers in senior Miranda Lynch and sophomore Carly Ruschak that I’m looking forward to see compete for us this year,” commented Smarro after a recent practice.

 

Eighteen Saratoga Springs High School Student-Athletes Recognized

SARATOGA SPRINGS — On Tuesday, December 3, 18 student-athletes from Saratoga Springs High School were recognized for their commitment to play intercollegiate athletics. Students shared what schools they will attend, why they chose the school, and thanked the people that supported them.

The students are as follows:
• Aisling Byrne - Rowing Rutgers University
• Dolly Cairns - Basketball University of Rhode Island
• A.J. Cavotta - Golf Southern New Hampshire University
• Kathryn Cuneo - Rowing Cornell University
• Madeleine Duchaussee - Track and Field Northeastern University
• Adelle Feeley - Diving College of the Holy Cross
• Grace Goodell - Rowing University of Texas in Austin
• Issabella Hussey - Rowing University of Louisville
• Madyson Kolligian - Lacrosse Siena College
• Joey (Josef) Laurer - Baseball Siena College
• Catherine O'Hara - Lacrosse Siena College
• Madelaine Oke - Rowing Rutgers University
• Michael Pazderski - Rowing Drexel University
• Maecy Rickman - Rowing Boston University
• Abigail Searles - Lacrosse University of Pennsylvania
• Skylar Shea - Rowing Northeastern University
• Olivia Vavasour - Rowing Brown University
• Sylvie Waters - Lacrosse Boston University

Published in Sports
Friday, 06 December 2019 09:55

Education Briefs: Dec. 6-12, 2019

Photos provided.

Ballston Spa Schools to Host Qualifying FLL Tournament

BALLSTON SPA — Ballston Spa High School’s FIRST Robotics Team 3044 will be hosting a Hudson Valley FLL Qualifying tournament on December 14, 2019. There will be nine FIRST LEGO League (FLL) teams representing area schools competing in the tournament. The top teams have the opportunity to advance on to a Championship Tournament at Dutchess Community College on February 8, 2020. This year’s FLL challenge, City Shaper, requires students to design a LEGO robot that can be programmed to operate independently on the competition table and accomplish several space-related tasks. The teams will be judged based on the robot’s performance, design, core values and on a project. The theme of this year’s project asks students to think like architects, engineers, and construction workers to identify a problem with a building or public space in their community and design a solution to the problem. Through the donations of corporate sponsors, the Ballston Spa Central School District has fielded five FLL teams for the 2019 season. Teams from Gordon Creek Elementary, Milton Terrace Elementary, Wood Road Elementary and the Ballston Spa Middle School will be participating in the competition. The tournament is funded by Hudson Valley FLL, Dutchess Community College and their Foundation, IBM, and NY Tech Valley FIRST. FIRST programs are growing in New York Tech Valley as a result of the overwhelming support of industry sponsors to engage more students in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) and develop the needed workforce to support their businesses. Sponsors for New York Tech Valley include GLOBALFOUNDRIES, GE, ASML, National Grid, KLATencor, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Lam Research, Applied Materials, AMD, Turner Construction, SCREEN USA, infrastructure, Edwards, Regeneron, Pickett Family Foundation, Acumetra, Tokyo Electron and Westerwood Global.

Fun for All Ages at Galway's Hour of Code

GALWAY — Galway Central School District invites the entire Galway School Community to its second annual Hour of Code on Monday, December 9 from 6-7:30 p.m. All ages are welcome. Participants can expect to have fun and learn about computer coding, play with robots and drones and experience Virtual Reality travels, and more! The Robotics Club will be selling food and baked goods in the High School Cafeteria.

Children's Programs at Saratoga Arts are Back!

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Arts is again offering art programs for kids during school breaks. There will be varying programs for ages five through 14. Imagination Rules for five to seven-year-old children, and Camp Creativity for eight to 14-year olds. Both programs will run December 26-27 and January 2-3. To learn more or register, visit www. saratoga-arts.org/education/ school-break-summer-camp.

Essay Contest for Capital Region High School Students

SARATOGA SPRINGS/ ALBANY — Capital Region high school students are eligible to enter “How Our Veterans Protect Our Constitution and Why” essay contest, which is being sponsored by Capital Region Patriot Flight. Patriot Flight is a hub of the National Honor Flight Network that provides World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War and Cold War veterans with a free one-day excursion to visit war monuments and other historic sites in Washington, D.C. Patriot Flight participants fly to and from the Albany International Airport. The writers of the two best essays will win a one-day all expense paid trip to visit memorials and historic sites along with the veterans in Washington, D.C. Deadline to submit an application and a 300 to 500-word essay is Jan. 30, 2020. Applications are available at schools or can be downloaded from Patriot Honor Flight website at www.patriotflight. org or contact Lois Wilson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 518-732-2793. Winners will be announced on March 20, 2020 at the Gateway Diner in Albany

The Kindness Closet

SOUTH GLENS FALLS — The South Glens Falls (SGF) Kindness Closet will celebrate its grand opening on Saturday, Dec. 7 at 9 a.m. The Kindness Closet, started by Tanglewood Elementary School teacher Jamie Metivier in the building a few years ago, was initially created to address the changing socio-economic dynamics at Tanglewood. But last fall, Metivier won a $100,000 grant from Farmers Insurance through their Thank America’s Teachers® Dream Big Teacher Challenge® to expand the Kindness Closet for all families in the district. The money was used to build a freestanding structure for supplies and will enable the district to offer household items to families who need them. Families in need are invited monthly to shop at the closet for the items they need, no questions asked. Items include everything from gently used clothing to household supplies. In addition to household items, the Dec. 7 Grand Opening will include toys for holiday gifts. Anyone interested in donating to the SGF Kindness Closet can email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

“The Kindness Closet is a perfect example of the lessons we are trying to teach our children on a regular basis.

Ballston Spa Students Present Annual Winter Concerts

BALLSTON SPA — The Ballston Spa Central School District Music Department is presenting several winter concerts during the upcoming weeks. The concerts are free, and members of the community are welcome at all venues. The High School Winter Concert series began with performances by the Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Orchestra on Thursday, Dec. 5. The series continues with performances by the Concert Band and Orchestra on Monday, Dec. 9. The final concert features the High School Choirs and Jazz Bands and will be held on Thursday, Dec. 19. All performances begin promptly at 7:30 p.m. and will be held in the Ballston Spa High School Auditorium at 220 Ballston Ave. The Middle School Winter Concerts will begin on Tuesday, Dec. 3, featuring the 7th Grade Band, Chorus and Orchestra. On Tuesday, Dec. 10, the 8th Grade Band, Chorus and Orchestra will perform. The middle school concerts conclude with the 6th Grade Band, Chorus and Orchestra performing on Monday, Dec. 16. All middle school concerts begin at 7 p.m. and are held in the High School Auditorium. The Milton Terrace Elementary School will host a Winter Concert featuring the Orchestra, Band and Chorus on Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. in the Cafetorium, 200 Wood Rd. The Gordon Creek Elementary School will host their annual Winter Concert featuring the Orchestra, Band and Chorus in the Gymatorium, 50 Wood Rd. on Dec. 17 at 7 p.m. The Wood Road Elementary School will host a Winter Concert featuring the Orchestra, Band and Chorus on Jan. 9, 2020 at 7 p.m. in the school’s Cafetorium, 300 Wood Rd. The students from Malta Avenue Elementary School will present a Winter Concert on Jan. 14, 2020 at 7 p.m. in the Malta Ave. Auditorium at 70 Malta Ave.

Parent University Programs at Saratoga Springs CSD

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Springs Central School District (SSCSD) puts on Parent University programs, a series of free, informative topics yearly, beginning in the fall of the school year and merging into the new year. Programs generally benefit the parenting adult, but teenagers may find some of the programs beneficial as well. These programs are open to all community members, district staff, and teachers. SSCSD is also open to suggestions for any university topics you’d like to see and they can be sent to Maura Manny at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. There are five classes left and they are as follows:

Thursday, January 23: “Being the Grownup: Love, Limits, and the Natural Authority of Parenthood” with Author Adelia Moore. In partnership with Northshire Bookstore, Clinical Psychologist and author Adelia Moore will discuss her book Being the Grownup in the Maple Avenue Middle School Large Group Instruction room at 6:30 p.m. If you are a parent, it is your job to provide shelter and safety, to make decisions about education, childcare, health and nourishment, and to create the habitat that is the context of family life. The book helps parents translate their determination to care for and Photo provided. protect their children into the clarity they need to communicate authority with a firm confidence, whether for bedtime, screen-time or mealtime. Just as she would in a clinical conversation, the author shifts the focus away from disciplinary strategies and back to the core of parenthood, the relationship between parents and children as it evolves, moment to-moment, from the dependence of infancy to the autonomy of young adulthood.

Monday, February 3: Managing Technology: presented by Dr. Randy Cale.

Thursday, March 5: "Battling an Eating Disorder: An 11 Year Old’s Journey to Recovery" with Flutters of Hope Inc. This program will be held in the Maple Avenue Middle School Large Group Instruction room at 6:30 p.m. A current SSCSD student will share her journey through an eating disorder, how she recovered, and the tools she used to do it. Her mother will discuss the myths of eating disorders and the tools she used as a parent. Both speakers will share how hard it was to overcome, but that recovery is possible and that there is hope.

Tuesday, March 31: A Discussion about Anxiety and Depression with Jaimen McMillan. This program will be held in the Maple Avenue Middle School Large Group Instruction room at 7 p.m. Depression is not about being sad. Depression paralyzes the will. Sufferers feel powerless…hopeless…and see no possibility of moving on. Anxiety is gripping a growing number of children who instead of joy and wonder, experience unfounded fear and trepidation. Among the many factors involved in depression and anxiety, perhaps the most overlooked component is the element of space. The prevailing definition of the human being is so narrow and confining that its delineation is a likely cause of depression. This lecture on Depression and Anxiety will expand this constricting concept. We will experiment with Spacial Dynamics® exercises and experience that the human being is meant to be a free individual who can learn to live in many different spaces. Each space allows for opportunities and possibilities that the others do not. Depression and anxiety do not know age-barriers. Children, teens, and adults all suffer from these afflictions. They share the complaint of feeling trapped. It is for those who want to create and establish new spaces and dynamics that allow for healthy choice, wholesome human interaction, and ultimately, to unrestricted use of their own wills.

Tuesday, April 28: "Talking about Consent" presented by Wellspring. This program will be held in the Saratoga Springs High School Library from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. This program is designed for parents and guardians of graduating seniors going to college on how to talk to them about consent. The program provides participants with an understanding of consent as a concept and provides context as to why having discussions with young people about consent is crucial. Facilitators will provide information on when and how to have these discussions.

 

Published in Education
Thursday, 20 December 2018 12:09

Safe Schools Update

SARATOGA SPRINGS —
 At Monday night’s security forum, NYSIR made the recommendation to add one more SRO at Maple Avenue Middle School. One more for the entire district.

“This would mean that 6 of the 8 schools would be left defenseless if an active assailant presented on campus. The average police response time to nonpolice initiated calls in the city of Saratoga Springs is 7.7 minutes,” said the press release.

“I don’t carry a weapon here anymore, not allowed to, it would be against the law,” said Mark Leffler, who after 28 years with the Saratoga Springs Police Department joined the district staff in August.

“I feel that we are less safe now than we were.” John Catone, the city’s assistant police chief, also said the district’s schools were less safe without armed monitors.

For years the district employed former police officers as monitors who carried concealed weapons, but that practice was ended in the spring after district officials determined it was out of line with state law. The school board this fall voted against authorizing the monitors to again carry firearms.

“I think you are less safe now, because to me it was an overreaction to a problem that didn’t exist,” Catone said of disarming the grounds monitors. Asked about the assessment from Leffler and Catone that the schools are less safe now than when the monitors were armed, Patton said, "That’s their opinion.”

Published in Education
Thursday, 13 December 2018 12:08

Athlete of the Week: Devin Crowe

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Photos provided.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —  Devin Crowe, a 17-year-old senior at Saratoga Springs High School has been wrestling since the fifth grade.

“I got involved because my cousins were wrestling, and I just decided that I wanted to do it. A lot of the kids in the program made me decide to stick with it. Brant Robinson was wrestling at the same time and so we all just started together on modified and then we just kept going,” Crowe explained.

Crowe is a co-captain this year with Brant Robinson and Doug Cooper.

“I like being captain. I like showing the younger guys what is expected of you, how to carry yourself in school, and also how to help the team out when you need it. Maybe when you’re not necessarily supposed to win a match, you’ll still go out there and you’ll fight the entire match. Just don’t have a quitting attitude no matter what the situation is,” Crowe stated.

Crowe was also a captain on the football field where he plays right tackle and defensive end.

“Wrestling definitely helps me with a lot of balance and footwork and stuff like that. During the off season we’re lifting for football so that helps me get a lot stronger. The only thing it doesn’t help you with is getting bigger,” he laughed.

“You’re trying to be bigger for football and smaller for wrestling,” he explained.

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Crowe manages it all by only focusing on one sport at a time. He isn’t mid-football and thinking about what weight he needs to be to wrestle.

“You just take it one sport at a time and go with it,” Crowe said. Crowe manages his wrestling weight, 182, by not eating constantly and not snacking as often. His favorite go-to snack when he can pig out is ice cream. So far this season, he is 8-2.

“Obviously with football, it doesn’t matter how you’re feeling for that individual day. You’ve got to get the whole team on the same page but when it comes to wrestling, you’ve got to get everyone just to have a goal. You have to have a goal in mind for every match and then if you can get everyone to think of that and put their best foot forward, that’s all you can ask them to do. Obviously, you want to win as a team, but you can’t always dictate what the other guys do,” Crowe said, stating the difference between football and wrestling season.

Crowe loves both sports but does have a preference for football, simply because, “you can eat as much as you want all the time,” he laughed.


He is considering playing football in college and is thinking of studying mechanical engineering. His “senioritis” hasn’t hit him yet, he’s averaging a 93 for the school year so far. His biggest support system is his parents, Mike and Cindy, and his grandpa, Dave Gougler.

To catch Crowe in action, check out Sports at a Glance game schedules on page 42.

Published in Sports
Friday, 09 November 2018 10:12

Up in Arms

Photos provided.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The never-ending battle between the Saratoga Springs CSD Board of Education and Saratoga Parents for Safer Schools (SPFSC) continues to rage on. After the school board voted 5-4 on October 9 to end the practice of school resource officers carrying firearms, some parents and community members decided to fight back. This included the creation of Saratoga Parents for Safer School, “an organization built by parents and community members in the wake of the Oct 9, 2018 decision by the Saratoga Springs Board of Education to remove the historically proven armed security monitors from campus.  The organization’s goal is to reauthorize the armed grounds monitor program.”

On Thursday, November 1, SPFSC met with school administrators and board members to discuss school safety and the next steps. With the meeting lasting about an hour, all topics related to school safety were discussed. According to a press release from SPFSC, the members left the meeting with a commitment from the board to do the following:

1. Conduct a risk assessment survey with the Department of Homeland Security.
2. Engage with the Saratoga County Sheriff’s department about adding more School Resource Officers throughout the district.
3. Engage with the Saratoga Springs police department and city government about adding School Resource Officers and other ideas to improve school safety.


“While we appreciate the school administration’s willingness to listen to our concerns, our organization made it clear to the administration that these commitments were not enough and do not fully address our safety concerns. Saratoga Parents for Safer Schools will continue to work with the board, and community to regain the same level of school security that the district had over the past 30+ years,” the press release continued.

SPFSC brought their resolution to the City Council on Monday, November 5, and it was adopted 5-0.

The City Council resolution calls for “trained, educated, experienced and certified individuals, namely active law enforcement personnel, to carry firearms” and recommends a collaborative plan between the city council, the school district, the county board of supervisors and the Saratoga County Sheriff’s office be put in place “which will again permit appropriately trained and certified individuals to possess a firearm while on school grounds including, but not limited to, the potential expansion of SROs to all schools within the District.” This resolution is the first step towards increased safety within our schools.

“However, we will continue to work diligently to ensure these suggested measures, and more, will be adopted by the school district. With the current city shortage of Police Officers, we still need to pursue the option of allowing recently retired, skilled and qualified Officers to protect our children,” the SPFSC stated.

According to News 10, who received a statement from the Board of Education:

“The Saratoga Springs City School District is committed to creating a safe and supportive learning environment for all students, staff, and visitors. The Board of Education and District Emergency Response Team place a strong emphasis on utilizing a comprehensive approach to school safety. This includes supporting the social and emotional health of all students, maintaining strong partnerships with local law enforcement, ongoing training and drills to prepare for emergency situations, and continuous improvements to our safety and security infrastructure and procedures. For the past several months, district administration worked with the Board of Education to research the authorization process of qualified individuals to carry firearms on school property while performing their job duties. The Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990 prohibits anyone from knowingly possessing a firearm on school grounds without proper authorization. In the past, some grounds monitors possessed a firearm on district property without knowing that prior written permission was required from the Board of Education. When district officials determined that the practice was not in compliance with the current law, grounds monitors were instructed not to carry a firearm on school property until proper authorization was obtained. School district officials and the Board of Education did their due diligence by researching this topic for several months gathering feedback from our partners in law enforcement, our school district insurance carrier, our school district attorney, listening to public comments, learning about best practices from neighboring school districts, and a presentation from the District Emergency Response Team. At the October 9th Board of Education meeting, the Board voted against approving the authorization. Safety is an underlying theme in everything that we do and the safety and security of students is our number one priority. The Board of Education appreciates the dedication and support of our full-time School Resource Officer who is an active duty, armed City of Saratoga Springs Police Officer. The district also continues to staff both full and part-time grounds monitors who help maintain a safe and orderly environment in and around our schools. The District is in the process of evaluating our current safety and security procedures, including conducting a risk/ threat assessment of all schools by an independent school safety specialist. The District will continue to gather feedback from all stakeholders and will be hosting a school safety community forum in the upcoming months to share the results of the threat assessment and recommendations that the BOE will consider to help improve our overall safety plan. The District appreciates the support that has been offered by the Saratoga Springs City Council and the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors for sharing in the responsibility of ensuring that our schools are safe for all students.”

SPFSC is unsatisfied with these developments, claiming that the BOE did not take the recommendations of the Saratoga Springs Police Department, nor did they talk to the Sherriff’s office, or speak to anyone at National Associate of School Resource Officers (NASRO), among other things. The next BOE meeting will be held on November 13 at Maple Avenue Middle School.

Published in Education
Friday, 19 October 2018 10:48

Athlete of the Week: Ashton Capone

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Ashton Capone, a senior at Saratoga Springs High School, recently reset the school’s record for number of touchdowns in a game with six, following up with five touchdowns the game afterward.

“Honestly, it felt like a big accomplishment but like I’ve said before, all of the credit has to go to the line, obviously, because without them the hole wouldn’t open up,” Capone said.

Capone has been playing football since he began Pop Warner in sixth grade; he is a running back and outside linebacker. Before his record-setting game, his most touchdowns in a game this season was two. He recently decided to stop playing baseball in order to focus solely on football and the sport that would help him succeed the most at football, track. He runs in the winter and spring.

“Growing up, I really enjoyed baseball and looked forward to it and then eventually, I played it for the school, and then after that I decided to just play travel. After travel, I’m coming down to where it’s, you know, getting later in my years and I’ve got to start focusing on football,” Capone said.

He cites track as “playing a big role in building speed for football.”

“I found out that I did fairly well in spring track and managed to take a sectional title, so I’m focusing on that in spring and winter,” he explained.

He played shortstop and was a starting pitcher on the baseball field.

“I already knew my plans in what I wanted to pursue, and that was football, I’ve always had a passion for football. So, it has basically come down to what is going to help me for football and baseball wasn’t really that. I knew my weakness going into this season was going to be speed because I worked all summer on building strength; and so I knew that I had to compliment it with speed. So I knew I had to give up baseball because it came around the same time as track and when it came down to it, my main priority was to build speed,” he stated.

Capone plans to continue playing football in college, he just explored SUNY Cortland and is visiting Pace soon. He wants to study physical training. To him, this football season isn’t all about winning. His team is a group of friends who get together every Thursday night to play video games, eat dinner, and talk.

“Everyone’s friends. It’s all about bringing each other up and never bringing each other down,” he explained.

He credits his parents, Fahren and Patrick Capone, as his biggest supporters. The Longest Yard is his favorite football themed movie.

“That’s a favorite from my younger days,” he explains.

Published in Sports

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs City School District continues its communityfocused mission of supporting families and community members through Parent University, a series of free, informative programs.

Parent University recognizes that behind each successful student are supportive families, teachers, school staff and community members who actively participate in a student’s education. 

Upcoming programs include:

• Tuesday, October 23: “Why Kids Give Up Too Easily, Lack Grit and Fail to Take Initiative!” presented by Dr. Cale.  This program will be held in the Dorothy Nolan Elementary School Cafeteria at 9:30 a.m. Kids today give up when things get tough, choosing the easy path instead. Learn about raising kids with GRIT, which contains the power of resilience, persistence and passion. These tips will teach your kids the value of “giving it your all” in order to reap deep rewards in life.

• Tuesday, October 30: “Supporting Our LGBTQ+ Loved Ones” presented by James Shultis. This program will be held in the Maple Avenue Middle School Large Group Instruction room (on the second floor) at 6:30 p.m. Join our community for a interactive evening to bolster our support for youth who identify as LGBTQ+. Learn about gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, and the resources available to ensure youth and their families are supported and connected in their identities and experiences.

• Wednesday, November 7: “Right Under Your Nose” presented by the Prevention Council.  This program will be held at the Saratoga Springs Public Library.  Would you know what to look for if you suspected your teen of using drugs or alcohol? Walk through our mock teen room and see if you can spot cause for concern.

• Thursday, November 8: Sweethearts and Heroes Parent Program.  The parent presentation promises to be as engaging and value packed as the student presentations. The focus is for attendees to gain new perspective on many topics related to technology, cyber bullying, bullying vs. conflict, adolescent brain science and best parenting practices.  This program will be held at Lake Avenue Elementary School at 6 p.m.

Published in Education
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Blotter

  • Saratoga County Court  Kathleen M. Callanan, 62, of Saratoga Springs, was sentenced to 1 year in local jail, after pleading to felony grand larceny.  Cassandra R. Barden, 38, homeless, was sentenced to 1-1/2 to 3 years incarceration after pleading to felony attempted assault, charged in Milton.  Ashley Vetrano, 35, of Glens Falls, pleaded to felony robbery, charged in Moreau. Sentencing May 23.  Gabrielle Montanye, 63, of Stillwater, was sentenced to 5 years probation, after pleading to felony attempted identity theft, charged in Ballston Spa.  Daniel J. Koenig, III, 53, of Round Lake, was sentenced to 2 to 4 years incarceration, after…

Property Transactions

  • BALLSTON Eastline Holdings LLC sold property at 12 Aspen Dr to Shaun Scott for $596,673 Sunmark Credit Union sold property at 15 17 & 19 Main St to Landmark Holdings 2023 LLC for $240,000 CORINTH Gary ONeil sold property at 115 Hollister Dr to Aaron Schips for $345,000 GREENFIELD Jeffrey Fuller sold property at 4 Lanie Dr to Jacob Brooks for $221,700 Bernice Moeller sold property at 395 North Creek Rd to Devin Vernon for $270,000 MALTA  Maureen Weise sold property at 13 Pepperbush Pl to Robert ONeill for $245,000 MECHANICVILLE Robert Murphy sold property at 406 Park Ave to…
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