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Author: Saratoga TODAY

October 15 – October 21, 2021

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Local Briefs.

Southern Saratoga Art Society Show
SSAS is hosting a group art show for members at the Clifton Park Halfmoon Public Library, “A” Gallery, Moe Rd, Clifton through Oct. 25. Twelve artists will display their works in mediums of oil, acrylic, pastels, mixed media, watercolor, acrylic on foil and colored pencils.  The subjects covered stretch from abstract expressionism to realistic landscapes and a lot in between.  Participating artists are Jack Morgan, Valerie Wolf, Kristine Kelly, Barbara Aldi, Karen Zimmers, Rita Helie, Roberta Moses, Joan Van Alphen, Carol Winterton, Diane Pollock, David Mayack and Barbara Buckly.  Come in and view the exciting show with the talented artists from Clifton Park and neighboring towns.

Saratoga County Stories
A major achievement for the History Center and the Roundtable, comprised of 58 short articles, the collection is a veritable who-what-where-when-and-why of Saratoga County history.  Contributing authors include familiar names of local historians, as well as many regional “history buffs.”  Two in-person events: Saturday, Oct, 23, 2-5 p.m. at Brookside Museum in Ballston Spa and Sunday, Nov. 7, 2-4 p.m. at Historic Grooms Tavern in Clifton Park.  The public will be able to meet contributing authors and the editorial team, purchase copies of the book, and have their editions signed.  For more information, or to pre-order books, go to brooksidemuseum.org or email Jim Richmond of the Saratoga County History Roundtable: saratogacohistoryroundtable@gmail.com. 

Galway Photography Club 
Next meeting will be held on Oct. 27 at the Galway Public Library, located at 2112 East St, Village of Galway, 6 p.m. These monthly meetings provide a safe, relaxed, and friendly atmosphere for those interested in photography to share their photographs and learn how to improve their technical and artistic skills. This month club members Jason Cromie & Dave Waite will be offering practical tips for creating family holiday greeting cards from taking the photos to how to order cards online. Following CDC guidelines, masks and social distancing are required in the library building. For more information contact: Dave Waite, davewaitefinearts@gmail.com

Turkey Dinner Take Out
Trinity United Methodist Church, 155 Ballard Rd, Gansevoort, will hold a take-out only Turkey Dinner Oct. 30, from 4 to 6 p.m.  Price is $12 per adult, $6 per child. Dinner by pre-order only.  To place an order call 518-683-8195 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday-Friday. Cut-off date for orders is Oct. 27. On Oct. 30, please arrive at Trinity UMC, remain in your car, wear a mask and have exact payment. A Trinity UMC volunteer will take your payment and bring your dinners.

October 15 – October 21, 2021

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Calendar.

Friday, October 15 

Congress Park Walking Tours
Saratoga Springs Visitors Center
297 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. 
Learn about the fascinating history of “The Queen of Spas” with a leisurely walk through Congress Park.  Our experienced guides will tell you the story of what journalist Nellie Bly called “The wickedest city in America.” You’ll hear about our “magic water,” the tragic story of the Trask Family and the history of the Saratoga City Museum. Tours are given Thursday-Saturday at 10:30 a.m. through the end of October.  Tickets are $20 adults, $10 children. Book online at www.walkingsaratoga.com 

Fundraiser Dinner 
Principessa Elena Society
11-13 Oak St., Saratoga Springs | 5 – 7 p.m. 
To benefit Saratoga Children’s Museum, curbside pickup only. Open to the public. Menu: Pasta with sauce, meatballs with sauce, sausage with sauce, salad, Italian bread, butter. Cost is $10. 

Saratoga Book Festival
Saratoga Springs City Center
522 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 7 p.m.
Russell Banks will provide the opening keynote address to kick off the festival.  On Saturday there will be upwards of a dozen author events around downtown Saratoga at various venues including the Saratoga Springs Public Library, Saratoga Arts, and Caffe Lena, spotlighting emerging local and regional authors, poets, children’s book authors and illustrators, along with nationally known bestselling authors upstate New York readers love and appreciate.  A diverse range of authors, genres, and formats like panels, moderated discussions, interactive programs, accompanied by author readings, signings, and more.” For more information, visit: www.saratogabookfestival.org 

Saturday, October 16

Fly-In Breakfast
Empire State Aerosciences Museum
250 Rudy Chase Dr., Glenville | 8:30 – 10:30 a.m. 
Pancakes, French toast, eggs, sausage, potatoes, juice, coffee, tea, fruit and more. Breakfast is open to the public. At 10 a.m., Vermont Aviation Historian Brian Lindner will present a talk about Vermont’s most infamous air disaster, “B-24 Liberator Bomber Crash on Camel Hump Mountain” that killed nine Air Force crewmen while on a training mission in 1944. Pilots: Tower Frequency 121.3; Ground 121.9. Land at Schenectady County Airport and taxi to Richmor Aviation North. Tell them you are going to ESAM.

Genealogy Day 
Zoom Presentation | 9:30 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.
Heritage Hunters of Saratoga County will offer a series of four genealogy talks in one day featuring certified genealogist Margaret R. Fortier. Lost in Translation: Deciphering Foreign Names, Places and Documents; Bay State (Massachusetts) Bonanza:  Four Centuries of Vital Records, An Identity Case Study; French-Canadian Genealogy.  Cost is $15 for members and $25 for non-members. The $25 will include HH membership for 14 months, access to the free monthly meeting programs, bi-monthly newsletters, and can share their family search names in a listing distributed annually. For registration form and zoom link, pleqase call Ginny at 518-885-9309 or email bhumphre@nycap.rr.com

2021 Saratoga Showcase of Homes
Various Locations | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Presenting an outstanding lineup of magnificent homes on display in Saratoga County this year, and they are also planning other special events surrounding this milestone event anniversary. Tickets are $25 each and conveniently available online, at any showcase home, and other locations. Children under 12 are admitted free. Every ticket purchased will be entitled to receive one free commemorative Showcase of Homes shoe bag tote at the first home you visit. October 17 is the last day of the tour. www.saratogashowcaseofhomes.com 

Jump Into Fall
Pitney Meadows Community Farm
223 West Ave., Saratoga Springs | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Pitney Meadows and the Waldorf School present Jump Into Fall, a family celebration of the season. The festival will have interactive activities for children, music and stories throughout the day, sheep shearing, a drum circle to join in, a scavenger hunt through the farm woods, and so much more! There will also be healthy snacks from some local restaurants, a community-supported bake sale, and lots of wonderful like-minded businesses will be joining the event! Admission is free, you just have to pay-to-park. $12 pre-pay or $15 day of the event. Contributions will support both organizations, foster future collaborations, help Pitney Meadows to grow and distribute produce donations to neighbors in need, and support the Waldorf “Within Reach” tuition assistance program. Sponsorship from Four Seasons Natural Food, Adirondack Trust Company, and Stewarts Shops.

6th Annual Soup-er Saturday
South Glens Falls United Methodist Church
15 Maplewood Parkway, South Glens Falls
11:30 – 1 p.m. | This Fundraiser will be a drive-thru/pick-up luncheon. We will be making three soups in our Church kitchen. Customers will get three bowls of soup (one of each) plus bread & dessert. Soups will be packed and delivered to your car. The price will be $8. We will be taking pre-orders. Our phone # is 518-793-1152. Contact the church for details. 

Takeout Meatloaf Dinner 
Ballston Spa Elks Lodge #2619, 10 Hamilton St, Ballston Spa
4 – 6 p.m. | The menu will include salad, meatloaf, mashed potatoes, gravy, vegetable, roll, and homemade dessert. The cost is 2 for $25 or $15 each (cash only). Preorder strongly encouraged, place your order at 518-885-1149 by October 15 from 4 to 6 p.m. or email dinners2619@gmail.com. Limited quantities available at the door. Proceeds support Elks Charities.

Sunday, October 17

Wild Ones Program
Zoom Presentation | 2 p.m.
Local chapter of the Wild Ones: Native plants, natural landscapes, all-volunteer, non-profit organization. The focus is to promote the practice of using native plants in landscapes to preserve biodiversity in the area. Master Gardener Martie Teumim will give a presentation through Zoom on ‘Gathering Native Plant Seeds from Your Own Backyard’. She will show you how to harvest, save, and plant native seeds found in your own backyard. The talk is free. Please register at mteumim@gmail.com to receive the Zoom link for the talk. 

Monday, October 18

Commemoration of the American Victory at Saratoga 
Fort Hardy Park beach, Ferry Street, Schuylerville | 9:30 a.m.
Join the School, Village and Town for the 244th anniversary of the Battles of Saratoga surrender with cannons, patriotic speeches, wreath laying, reenactments, and the tradition 13 toasts. 

Academy for Lifelong Learning Fall Courses
The Academy for Lifelong Learning continues its tradition of presenting educational and social opportunities for adults 55+ by offering 11 classroom/outdoor courses and 10 Zoom courses in their second fall session. Courses are five weeks. Registration is open now. Course brochures are available at local libraries, YMCA’s and retirement communities or by request at 518-587-2100 x2390 or jeff.shinaman@esc.edu or at www.esc.edu/all. Registrations will be accepted throughout the term until full. Annual membership is $75 and goes through June 30, 2022. Five-week courses are $50.

Saratoga Parkinson’s Support Group
Ballston Area Community Center, 20 Malta Ave., Ballston Spa | 1 p.m. 
Mark Boudreau, personal trainer at MY GYM, in Ballston Spa, will be speaking on Exercises for Parkinson’s patients. He will show us some exercises so wear comfortable clothing. The meeting is free and open to anyone dealing with Parkinson’s Disease, their families, friends, and caregivers are welcome to attend. For more information, contact Kevin McCullough 518-222-4247 or Marie Thorne 518-810-8483. 

Tuesday, October 19

Pierogi Sale Pick Up
Christ the Savior Church, 349 Eastline Rd., Ballston Lake
Pick up 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.  | As usual we will have potato/cheese, sauerkraut, and farmer’s cheese pierogies. All pierogi orders are $10/dozen. We will also have a limited supply of stuffed clams for purchase.  Please call to place your order 518-363-0001. 

Fall 2021 Dancing Through Time Virtual: The Golden Age of Hollywood
Zoom Presentation | 1 – 2:15 p.m.
A unique six-week series on Tuesdays through Nov. 16. Each 75-minute class begins with a virtual tour with film clips by Hollywood poster collector Mike Kaplan followed by a 55-minute thematic movement class for all level participants. Cost is $10 per class. Oct. 19 class is “Vamping on the Vaudeville Stage with Robin Gifford.” Registration is now open at www.dancealliance.org/dancing-through-time-registration 

Malta Rocket Test Station 
Round Lake Library, Malta Branch
1 Bayberry Dr., Malta | 6:30 p.m.
Malta Town Historian Paul Perreult will talk about the Malta Rocket Test Station where early rocket motors, including the captured German V-2 rockets were tested in Luther Forest. Masks are required and advanced registration at roundlakelibrary.org or 518-682-2495 is requested.

Town of Greenfield Historical Society Meeting
Community Center, 25 Wilton Rd. Greenfield Center
7 p.m. | Program: Saratoga PLAN – Casey Holzworth, a member of Saratoga PLAN’s Palmertown Guidance Committee and staff at NYS Parks, will update us on the exciting things that are happening in the Palmertown Range and the Sarah B. Foulke Friendship Trails. This planned network of trails in Northern Saratoga County, emphasize celebrating friendship, building community, and connecting people from all walks of life to nature and to each other. If you have a friend, neighbor, or family member interested in this program please bring them along. Non-members are always welcome.

Wednesday, October 20

Olde Saratoga Senior Citizens Meeting
Town Hall, 35 Spring St., Schuylerville | Noon
A sandwich luncheon, dessert will be provided.  There will be a Teacup Auction. New members and guests are welcome. Any questions or for more information contact Pat Temple at 518-338-2329

Chicken Parmigiana
Saratoga Wilton Elks, 1 Elks Lane, Saratoga Springs
4:30 – 6 p.m.  | For curbside pick up only. Call Monday and Tuesday between 10 a.m. – Noon to place an order, 518-584-2585. Menu: Chicken Parmigiana, penne pasta, tossed salad, garlic toast. Dinner for 2, $25. Cash only. 

BINGO
Knights of Columbus #246, 50 Pine Rd, Saratoga Springs 
4:30 p.m. | Due to the ongoing concerns regarding Covid, masks must be worn, temperatures will be taken at the door for all workers and patrons, and only the larger room will be open for players. Doors will open at 4:30 p.m., food service will start at 5:30 p.m., bingo cards will be sold at 6 p.m., and the first game will be at 7 p.m. There will be a limited food menu available.

Thursday, October 21

Korean War Veterans Luncheon
The Parting Glass, Lake Ave. Saratoga Springs 
12 p.m. | Hosts are Jean and Paul Nolan. Veterans who served anywhere during the Korean War, in Korea at any time, spouses, widows, friends and relatives are all invited to attend. Please call your reservation in to the Nolan’s at 518-893-3379 by Tuesday, October 19. For further information or an application to join the organization, please contact Comm. Paul O’Keefe at 518-603-4186.  Annual dues are $10 for veterans and $5. for all others.

Saratoga Springs MediSpa GRAND OPENING 
7 Wells Street, Saratoga Springs | 3-6 p.m. 
Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery, PC, the office of board-certified cosmetic and plastic surgeon Steven Yarinsky, MD, announces the Grand Opening of their newly expanded MediSpa. Offerings include refreshments, prize drawing and procedure/treatment booking specials. The event launches a new menu of services, including couple’s massage, CBD oil massage, advanced medical skin care facials, body treatments and will offer spa packages that cater to those seeking some “me” time as well as special packages designed for two, such as the “Forever Friends Massage & Facial Package”.  Please RSVP 518-583-4019 weekdays before 4 p.m. 

Expert Next Door Series
Zoom Presentation, | 7 p.m.  Join Eric Schnizter, military historian, and park ranger at Saratoga National Historical Park, as he presents his talk: “My Zeal and Cause for My Country: Benedict Arnold in 1777.” Register www.bit.ly/3ihLwdE 

Scents of Autumn

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Food.

Hello my Foodie Friends! 

I love the scents of autumn. Everyone has a favorite season. It’s the one that makes them feel energized or serene. For me I have a favorite smelling season. While spring is my favorite part of the year visually, autumn is my favorite smelling season. My nose hits overdrive when October rolls around, and it has nothing to do with allergies. There’s a reason we love the smell of autumn. Think of all of the spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin spice. This is also why we covet fall-themed desserts. Cinnamon is the earthy spice that we all love in the fall and winter. I take it to the next level and add cinnamon sticks to the slow cooker with sliced oranges and a good amount of water. They simmer all day, and my home smells like a warm hug. Pies and autumn go hand in hand. Taking someone a pie represents love and comfort and pies are a wonderful way of bringing people together. Pies seem to generate a nostalgic longing for days gone by and simpler times. During the end-of-the-year holiday time, pie is a seasonal reminder of nature’s bounty and even though there is a pie to celebrate almost every month of the year, the fall is when they shine the brightest. Who doesn’t love the smell of a pie baking in the oven!!

Having the right tools to bake a pie is important. Virtually all pie-making equipment will prove useful for other baking chores as well, so each piece will be sure to earn its keep. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up, these are the pie-making essentials. It is difficult to make a great pie without a great pie plate. Pie plates come in a variety of styles, and the differences aren’t just aesthetic—a pie plate’s material, thickness, and color all affect the final product.

A pastry brush is the easiest way to apply a thin, even egg wash over pies with a double crust, like a classic apple pie. Choose between the natural (or thin nylon) bristles or the thicker silicone style.

If you’ve always felt anxious about rolling out pie dough, it’s worth playing the field to find a rolling pin that makes you feel confident in the kitchen. While choosing the best rolling pin is a highly personal process, I love the simplicity of a French pin, which is lighter and more maneuverable. After you’ve rolled out pie dough, a sturdy bench scraper will make quick work of any mess. It will scrape up all the flour and stubborn dough scraps left behind, helping you clean up in a few easy swipes. Plus, it’s handy for dividing blocks of dough without scratching the counters.

Hopefully, trying out fall pie recipes is at the top of your list of things to do this season. Making pies is a classic way to enjoy the season’s best flavors while pleasing your sweet tooth. Not much can beat the tastiness of a homemade pie! 

Stop by Compliments to the Chef, your Neighborhood Kitchen and Cutlery store located at 33 Railroad Place. Pick up the cool tools for cooks to help you with your Autumnal delights.  Remember my Foodie Friends, “Life Happens in the Kitchen.”

Take Care,
John & Paula

 

Using the Whole Vegetable: Root to Stem Cooking

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Food.

One of the great benefits of shopping at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market is having access to the whole form of a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. When making my recipe for sheet pan chicken with carrots, potatoes, and carrot top pesto, you can gather most ingredients from local farms at the farmers’ market.

You will find brightly colored piles of fresh young carrots in the fall with their vibrant green tops still attached. Carrot tops are highly nutritious and packed with vitamin A and vitamin C and a decent amount of calcium and iron. Carrot tops can be used just as any other dark leafy greens and can be stirred into soups, sauteed with butter and garlic, or blended into a flavorful fall pesto. 

If carrot tops are unavailable, you can make this recipe with fresh parsley instead. The carrots are sold with their tops attached, freshly harvested and have tender skin that does not require peeling. Just scrub the carrots well to remove any dirt and ensure the carrot tops are clean. You can leave 1-2 inches of the stems attached to the top for added visual interest for this dish. If your carrots vary in size, cut the larger ones in half lengthwise so they have a similar diameter to the smaller ones to ensure even roasting. 

Potatoes work well in this recipe, but other in-season fall vegetables such as delicata squash, sweet potatoes, cauliflower, or brussels sprouts would be delicious as well. You can use any size of potatoes, but, just like the carrots, make sure they are all cut to be about the same size. Cut smaller potatoes in half and larger ones into quarters. 

Any leftover carrot top pesto can be stored in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. This pesto also makes an excellent spread for grilled sandwiches, a topping for fried eggs, or a base for homemade salad dressing. 

I enjoy developing recipes and sharing wholesome food using my background in nutrition and culinary arts. For more seasonal, whole-food recipes for the everyday home cook, visit my Instagram @Lemon.thyme.kitchen. And visit the Saratoga Farmers’ Market for the freshest, locally sourced ingredients.

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Wednesdays from 3 to 6 p.m. at High Rock Park. Find us online at www.saratogafarmersmarket.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram. 

 

FM ChickenSpinachSalad

State Education Dept. Announces $14 Million for Public Library Construction Projects

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

NEW YORK — The State Education Department has awarded $14 million to 135 public libraries and systems statewide to support construction and renovation projects. These funds help libraries construct new buildings, create additions, update electrical wiring and computer technology, improve broadband infrastructure, meet energy efficiency standards, renovate facilities to provide full accessibility to library users with disabilities, and provide meeting spaces to accommodate community needs. 

The Capital Region was awarded $894,661. The only library in Saratoga County to apply and receive state aid was Stillwater Public Library in the Southern Adirondack Library System. With the $337,500 they were awarded, the Stillwater library will purchase a former factory, the Fiber Mill at 712 Hudson Ave., to use as a new building. 

Construction funds are allocated to New York State’s 23 public library systems based on formulas in Education Law. Member libraries apply for the State funds allocated to their public library system. Each library system’s governing Board of Trustees then prioritizes the projects and sends approved project applications with recommended project awards to the State Library. After State Library review, applications are then sent to the Dormitory Authority of New York State for final review and approval. 

The $14 million in capital funds for State Aid for Library Construction are provided in the 2020-21 Enacted State Budget. In the 2021-22 State Budget, $34 million was provided for projects that will be announced in summer 2022. The deadline to submit an application for that funding to the New York State Library was Oct. 6, 2021. 

Saratoga County 4-H Hosts Halloween Extravaganza

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

BALLSTON SPA — The Saratoga County 4-H will be hosting an Open House Halloween Extravaganza on Halloween. The event is free and open to the public. Activities will begin at 1 p.m. at the Saratoga County 4-H Training Center on Middleline Road in Ballston Spa, and conclude at 3 p.m. 

The public is invited to join in the fun of trick-or-treating, hayrides, games, arts & crafts, farm animal meet & greet, and more. Costumes are highly recommended. No need to sign up for the extravaganza, just arrive and enjoy. Watch the horses as their riders take them around barrels, over jumps, and in costume at the Fall Fun Horse Show. The Show is free for 4-H youth and $25 for adults to enter in; for class list and registration, email bh548@cornell.edu. Visit 4-H club booths in the main classroom and see what your youth can get involved in. 4-H club members and clubs will have a chance to build, decorate, and submit life-size scarecrows which will then be displayed and judged on creativity during the Extravaganza’s hayrides. Come join 4-H for a spooky day at their Training Center. 

4-H is the Youth Outreach component of Cornell Cooperative Extension that connects youth, ages 5-18 years of age, to hands-on learning opportunities that help them grow into competent, caring, contributing members of society. 4-H also looks to create healthy youth-adult partnerships with our network of caring and competent local volunteers. Saratoga County offers a diverse range of programming including veterinary science, robotics, shooting sports, public presentations, master gardener, market auction, wildlife & natural resources, nutrition, and more. 

Saratoga County 4-H Educators have put their best foot forward to work through the COVID-19 pandemic. Saratoga County 4-H is looking forward to offering more in-person programs throughout the new 4-H year. Their new 4-H Educator, Rylie Lear, is creating new opportunities in the animal science area for the youth. 

Saratoga County 4-H is excited to see everyone at the 4-H Open House Halloween Extravaganza on Oct. 31. For more information contact Cornell Cooperative Extension of Saratoga County at 518-885-8995 or visit their website at www.ccesaratoga.org 

A.L.L. Second Session of Fall Courses Begins Oct. 18

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Academy for Lifelong Learning (A.L.L.) continues its tradition of presenting educational and social opportunities for adults 55+ by offering eleven classroom/outdoor courses and ten Zoom courses in their second fall session starting the week of Oct. 18. Courses are 5 weeks. Registration is open now. 

Topics for these noncredit courses include music, literature, poetry, solar system, Italian language, genealogy, local walking tours, supreme court, cooking, painting, life stories, environment, writing, hiking, fly casting, investing, Chinese wisdom, speaker series, history, art, science, and more. Join A.L.L. locally for outdoor courses or from anywhere on Zoom options. 

Course brochures are available at local libraries, YMCAs, and retirement communities, or by request at 518-587-2100 ext. 2390 or jeff.shinaman@esc.edu or online at www.esc.edu/all. Registrations will be accepted throughout the term until full. Some courses will sell out. Annual membership is $75 and goes through June 30, 2022. Five-week courses are $50.

SSCSD Board of Education Meeting: Updates as of Oct. 12

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — With one month of the school year completed, Saratoga Springs City School District held a Board of Education meeting on Oct. 12 to discuss health & safety and academic quarantine plan updates.

Superintendent Dr. Michael Patton announced that across New York State last Wednesday, schools gathered enrollment and employee data as part of Basic Educational Data System Day, or BEDS Day. As of last Wednesday, Saratoga Springs City School District has 5,989 students enrolled and has close to 1,100 employees. 

Health & Safety Update

As of Oct. 12, there have been 61 total positive COVID-19 cases between students and staff members since school opened in September. Just a few weeks ago, close to 150 students were under quarantine by Saratoga County. As of Oct. 12, less than 10 students in the district are now under quarantine from contract tracing. 

Academic Quarantine Plan Update

Lisa Cutting, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction, & Assessment presented updates and clarifications to the plan made in the past two weeks, since the last BOE meeting. Adjustments have been made in terms of grouping, communication with parents, and iTutor, clarifying the timeline of when a student will begin tutoring and what that entails. 

Students under quarantine will access information on Seesaw and Canvas. If it is determined that a student needs to be under quarantine longer than three days, they will be enrolled into iTutor three days into quarantine at the latest. iTutor is live instructional support online to small groups with certified teachers vetted by the school district. The parents of students under quarantine who will be enrolled in iTutor will receive an email, phone call, and a flyer with information about the tutoring when they pick their child up from school. 

Cutting also addressed some frequently asked questions. They tested a tutoring pilot with retired teachers from the district; however, those teachers were not able to provide the students with a consistent schedule. Also, teachers can record their classes to be posted on Seesaw or Canvas, and students will receive information from the class in many different forms. If your student would benefit from visual or auditory lessons, please contact your student’s teacher or have your student speak to their teachers directly. A plan for support for students with disabilities is still being worked on.

Maple Avenue Pathways Vision 6-8 Program Report

Principal Scott Singer and administration discussed the goal for the 21-22 school year – increase the number of students performing at or above grade level in literacy and math. 

Students already test three times a year in reading and math using i-Ready assessments that show skills mastered, skills ready to learn, and skill deficiencies and gaps needed to address. Teachers have access to this information and an i-Ready tool kit with lessons, resources, and activities. An individual learning path is created for every student to access after their skill assessment. 

i-Ready growth from fall to spring of last year shows an 11% increase in students that are at or above grade level. 

Additionally, the PLT and TILT committees will be working on a curriculum renewal that includes digital learning standards in addition to social studies, math, art, music, and physical education/health. Digital learning standards will include things like cyber security, keyboarding skills, research and how to search properly. 

S.I.S Fall Tour Days

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Come see one of Saratoga’s top-rated independent schools. Saratoga Independent School (S.I.S.) provides an excellent education to students in Pre-K through Eighth Grade. On Oct. 18 through Oct. 21, S.I.S. will host Fall Tour Days. During the Fall Tour Days, prospective families will have an opportunity to see the school in action. Admissions Liaison, Colleen Fortune, will take families on private tours of the campus, discuss the mission, philosophy, curriculum, culture, and answer questions about the school. S.I.S. is also welcoming families to request a virtual or outdoor tour. 

For more information and to register, please visit www.siskids.org/admissions/open-house.cfm. S.I.S. is encouraging families to start thinking about the 2022-23 school year now as they do anticipate waitlists. 

Advanced registration for tours will be required and reservations can be made online or by contacting Colleen Fortune, Admissions Liaison, directly at cfortune@siskids.org or 518-583-0841. S.I.S. is happy to schedule tours with families on any other day that is convenient. 

Employment Considerations – Deciphering the Latest Statistics

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

SARATOGA COUNTY— The August unemployment rate in the Capital Region was 4.7%, which beats the state’s rate of 7.1% and the national 5.2% rate. This represented a drop of 3.3% in the past year, largely attributed to the resilient nature of our diverse economy of this part of the state. Other areas, with a larger resilience on certain segments such as tourism or, in the case of New York City, the hospitality/restaurant sector, remain at much higher level, according to information released by the New York State Department of Labor. 

Saratoga County, of course, does have a larger reliance on tourism dollars than other counties do, and yet in July the unemployment rate was at 4.2%. The reason is that tourism was on the rise in this county this year, and Saratoga Springs itself did very well, in contrast to a rather rough 2020 season. 

Where it gets interesting is in considering how the various curves of job growth, labor force participation rate, industry opportunity, and, unfortunately, COVID statistics intersect. 

Read the full story on Saratoga Business Report www.saratogabusinessreport.com