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Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs Offers Community a Screen-Free Summer Camp Experience  

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

(Courtesy of Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs)

The Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs is offering local families a different kind of summer this year, with fully screen-free themed camps designed to give children the space to play, create, and connect with nature and one another. The camp, now in full swing, is open to the wider community, with programs for children ages 3 through rising 5th grade.

Held at the school’s Forest Kindergarten and York Avenue campuses, the camp offers a hands-on, intentional alternative to typical summer programming. At many camps, a planned activity is often followed by stretches of unstructured time filled with phones or other screens. At the Waldorf school, that time is spent outdoors, working with their hands, and engaging in imaginative play—activities designed to support children’s creativity, focus, and well-being throughout the entire day.

The Early Childhood camp at the Forest Kindergarten campus, for children ages 3 to 6, moves through a rotation of themed weeks that invite young children into a season of wonder, blending outdoor exploration with gentle, age-appropriate activities.

For rising 1st through 5th graders at the Lower School camp, each week is crafted to give children a meaningful, hands-on experience rooted in creativity and craft. A few spaces remain in the Lower School camp for families who would still like to join.

“Screen-free” is more than a policy at the camp—it reflects the Waldorf approach to childhood, which emphasizes imaginative play, real-world skills, and unhurried time outdoors as essential to healthy development. The school’s Waldorf teachers guide children through activities that build confidence, curiosity, and community, offering families a summer option that feels different by design.

Families interested in the remaining Lower School camp spots do not need to be enrolled at the Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs to attend and may visit https://www.waldorfsaratoga.org/summer-camp to register. 

For more information, visit www.waldorfsaratoga.org or call 518-587-2224.

Three Sisters Festival at SCHC

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

The Saratoga County History Center at Brookside Museum invites the public to the Third Annual Three Sisters Festival: A Celebration of Native American Culture, honoring the rich traditions, history, and heritage of our local indigenous communities. 

Festival highlights include captivating stories and traditional Native American lore presented by renowned storyteller Joseph Bruchac, Ph.D., an exhibit of Native American crafts and artifacts, and a guided tour of Brookside’s Three Sisters Garden. Visitors can also enjoy a bake sale supporting the museum’s historically themed gardens, as well as freshly popped popcorn and refreshing herbal iced tea. 

The festival’s featured presenter, Joseph Bruchac, Ph.D., is an award-winning author, poet, storyteller, and former Saratoga Springs Poet Laureate whose Abenaki heritage has inspired much of his work. 

The program will be held at Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Avenue, Ballston Spa, on Sunday, August 16, at 2:00 p.m. Admission is free, but advance registration is recommended. 

For more information or to register, contact the Saratoga County History Center at Brookside Museum at (518) 885-4000 or visit BrooksideMuseum.org.

Saratoga Springs Public Library Hosts “Summer Scares Saratoga: Hell, Hysteria, and Horror!”

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

The Saratoga Springs Public Library (SSPL) invites horror enthusiasts and community members to an afternoon of literary chills with Summer Scares Saratoga: Hell, Hysteria, and Horror! on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. As with all library programs, the event is completely free and open to the public.

The event will take place outdoors on the porch of Bailey’s Saratoga (37 Phila Street), located right next door to the library, and features an adult panel of touring horror authors gathering to discuss their work and celebrate new book releases. Guests can enjoy a dark afternoon of dread and drinks, followed by a book signing where attendees can purchase featured titles from the Friends of the Saratoga Springs Public Library, who will be on hand throughout the event.

The discussion will be moderated by SSPL’s own Head of Access and Outreach—and resident horror enthusiast—Trevor Oakley.

“As someone who is passionate about reading horror all year, not just in October, I’m thankful for the Horror Writers Association’s Summer Scare’s program, its sponsors, and the participating authors who are taking time away from their keyboards to share their craft with us,” said Oakley.

The featured author lineup includes C.J. Leede (Maeve Fly, Headlights), Kyle Kouri (The Problem Drinker), Michael J. Seidlinger (Brokeula, Anybody Home), and Christoph Paul (The Last House on Earth, Death Walks South Boston).

This special event is sponsored by Bailey’s Saratoga and the Friends of the Saratoga Springs Public Library’s Saratoga Book Festival. It is presented as part of the Horror Writers Association’s (HWA) Summer Scares program—a nationwide library reading initiative in partnership with Book Riot, Booklist, NoveList, and iREAD, designed to highlight horror fiction for readers across the country.

While admission is free, attendees are asked to register online in advance. For more information or to register for the event, visit the library’s Events Calendar at www.sspl.org.

Saratoga Independent School Launches Middle School Scholarship Program

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

Saratoga Independent School (SIS) is proud to announce the launch of its Middle School Scholarship Program, offering qualified students entering grades 6-8 the opportunity to receive 50% tuition for the 2026-2027 school year.

The scholarship was created to recognize academically motivated students while expanding access to an educational experience intentionally designed for one of the most transformative stages of childhood.

“Middle school is about so much more than preparing students for high school,” said Kristen Mariotti, Head of School. “It is a time when young people are discovering who they are, finding their voice, and building the confidence to take on new challenges. At Saratoga Independent School, we create an environment where students are encouraged to ask questions, take healthy risks, lead with compassion, and develop the resilience they need to thrive. We are excited to welcome students who are eager to grow both academically and personally through this new scholarship opportunity.”

Saratoga Independent School’s Middle School combines engaging academics with a close-knit community where every student is known, challenged, and supported. Small class sizes and low student-teacher ratios allow teachers to build meaningful relationships.

“Our goal is to help students discover what they’re capable of,” said Jeny Randall, Middle School Director. “Whether they’re presenting a project to classmates, participating in community service, or performing through our SPAC dance residency, we believe middle school should be a joyful, engaging experience.” 

Students enjoy a middle school community that includes daily recess, electives, field trips, community service projects, leadership opportunities, after-school clubs, and athletic opportunities including soccer and cross country that are open to all students, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to participate, contribute, and belong.

Graduates leave SIS well prepared for the academic demands of high school while also possessing the confidence, independence, leadership skills, and curiosity that will serve them throughout college and life.

The Middle School Scholarship is available to rising sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students. Scholarships cover 50% of tuition (approximately $9000) for the 2026–2027 school year. Families must complete both the Saratoga Independent School admissions application and the scholarship application. Campus tours are strongly encouraged. Teachers, coaches, mentors, community members, and others who know exceptional students are encouraged to submit scholarship nominations. The scholarship and nomination form are available on the Financial Aid & Scholarships page of the Saratoga Independent School website. www.siskids.org.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until scholarship funds have been awarded, allowing accepted students ample time to prepare for the Fall 2026 school year. For more information, to apply, or to schedule a campus tour, contact the Admissions Office at cfortune@siskids.org or (518) 583-0841. 

Success on the Field and in the Classroom: NYSPHSAA Announces Awards for Academic Achievement 

Written by Aidan Cahill on . Posted in Education, Featured.


The Saratoga Central Catholic Baseball Team were one 15 teams that helped the school earn “School of Distinction” status (SCC Saints Athletic)

Saratoga County schools are well known for their achievements on the field. 

Spa Catholic went back-to-back as champions in Baseball, Burnt-Hills produced an All-American wrestler (see page 30) and Saratoga Springs was one game away from winning a state championship in Football. 

But that success doesn’t end when the students leave the field. The New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) has announced which schools received School of Distinction and School of Excellence status for the 2025-26 academic year, including several Saratoga County Schools. 

These achievements recognize schools with high levels of scholar athletes. To be recognized as a scholar athlete, a student must maintain a grade point average of 90 or above. For team status, the top 75% of a team must be considered scholar athletes. 

At the end of the year, the total number of teams reaching Scholar-Athlete status and awards are given for schools with a high percentage of teams reaching that status. Schools with 75% of their varsity teams reaching the status are considered a “School of Excellence” while schools with 100% of their varsity teams reaching the status are considered “School of Distinction.” 

With all sports seasons over and GPAs finalized, here is a rundown of the Saratoga County Schools that achieved a high in and out of the classroom. 

School of Distinction 

Only one school in Saratoga County achieved school of Distinction status for the 2025-26 school year: Saratoga Central Catholic High School. All 15 of the Saints’ varsity teams achieved Scholar Athlete status with a total of 124 student athletes reaching Scholar-Athlete status across the three seasons. 

Schools of Excellence 

Six schools in Saratoga County achieved School of Excellence status. Here is a rundown of those schools. 

• Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake Senior High School. 28 teams achieved Scholar Athlete team status with 497 athletes achieving status across the three seasons. 

• Mechanicville Junior/Senior High School. 18 teams achieved Scholar Athlete status with 257 athletes achieving status across the three seasons. 

• Saratoga Springs High School. 35 teams achieved Scholar Athlete status with 715 athletes achieving status across the three seasons.

• Schuylerville High School. 23 teams achieved Scholar Athlete status with 213 athletes achieving status across the three seasons.

• Shenendehowa High School. 34 teams achieved Scholar Athlete status with 520 athletes achieving status across the three seasons.

• Waterford-Halfmoon Junior Senior High School. 14 teams achieved Scholar Athlete status with 115 athletes achieving status across the three seasons.

Full totals for all school districts statewide can be found on NYSPHSAA.org

Schuylerville District-Wide Safety Plan Hearing to be Held Aug. 17

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

The New York State Safe Schools Against Violence in Education (SAVE) law requires school districts to develop a school safety plan to prevent or minimize the effects of serious violent incidents, natural/manmade disasters and declared state disaster emergencies involving a communicable disease or local public health emergency declaration and other emergencies. 

Project SAVE is a comprehensive planning effort that addresses prevention, response, and recovery with respect to a variety of emergencies in school districts.

A public hearing on the Schuylerville CSD 2026-27 District-Wide Safety Plan will be held at 5:45 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 17. The district’s safety plan is updated annually, posted for 30 days prior to the public hearing for review, and then adopted by the Board of Education.

The plan and a Google Form to submit questions can be found on the district’s website. 

History Center Schedules Five 2026 Walking Tours

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

The Saratoga County History Center at Brookside Museum has announced its popular county-wide walking tour program for the 2026 season. “Our historical walking tours are back and better than ever for 2026!” Says SCHC’s Executive Director, Dr. Anne Hollmuller. “This year, we are delighted to feature two new guides, and to offer a special woodland walking tour through Luther Forest. This year’s selection is not to be missed!” These 90-minute tours will be held from July through September. 

Anchor Diamond Park. Wednesday, July 22 at 10am. Ballston Town Historian Rick Reynolds will lead an historic walking tour of Anchor Diamond Park at the corner of Rt 50 and Middleline Road. The tour will visit the homesites and property of several of Ballston’s prominent early settlers along a two-mile walk on flat trails. 

Dunning Street Cemetery Tour. Wednesday, August 19 at 10am Malta town historian Tom Willams will lead a walk through Dunning Street Cemetery, visiting the gravesites of Revolutionary veterans and early residents of Malta. This event forms part of our Spotlight on Malta History series. 

Waterford Revolutionary War Tour. Wednesday, September 2 at 10am Longtime Waterford Town Historian Russ VanDervoort will lead this walk through Waterford Revolutionary War history. The tour begins at the Visitors Center on Peebles Island, the staging point for American troops during the War, including the Breastworks designed by Tadeusz Kosciuszko. Crossing the bridge into Waterford we will visit the sites of Revolutionary war taverns and the route of the General Knox Artillery Train.

A Walk through Luther Forest. Thursday, September 17 at 4 pm   Michael Gaige, an ecologist and Saratoga County native, will lead a tour of the 100-Acre Wood Trail System in Malta, New York. Together we will explore this publicly accessible trail on the Luther Forest Technology Campus and gain an appreciation for the natural world around us. This event forms part of our Spotlight on Malta History series and coincides with our ongoing temporary exhibition, Luther Forest: A Family, A Woodland, A Legacy. 

Heart of Dublin Tour. Wednesday, September 30 at 1pm   Mary Ann Fitzgerald, retired Saratoga Springs City Historian and co-founder of the West Side Oral Narrative Project, will lead this journey back in time. The tour will begin at the Putnam Burial Ground on South Franklin Street then over to Grand Avenue for traces of the early Irish Community including family businesses, fraternal organizations and festivals that radiate out from the intersection of Beekman & Oak Street in the heart of Dublin.  

Registration is available at the History Center’s website https://brooksidemuseum.org/   Suggested donations for the tours are $10. Specific directions will be made available upon registration.

Saratoga Hospital Family Medicine Residency Celebrates Class of 2026 Graduates

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

Alina Bazarian, MD, Anna Kaoutskaia, MD, Awais Chaudary, MD, Elena Mejery, MD, Carolyn Miller, DO, have all graduated from the Saratoga Hospital Family Medicine Residency Program

Saratoga Hospital proudly celebrates the inaugural graduation of six physicians from its Family Medicine Residency Program, marking a first major milestone in the program’s mission to prepare community-focused physicians to provide high-quality care throughout the region and beyond.

The inaugural Class of 2026 includes:

Alina Bazarian, MD (Chief Resident 2025–2026)

Awais Chaudary, MD

Anna Kaoutskaia, MD (Chief Resident 2025–2026)

Elena Mejery, MD

Carolyn Miller, DO

Zeynep Ovacik, MD

Established through a collaboration between Saratoga Hospital, Albany Medical Center and Hudson Headwaters Health Network, the Family Medicine Residency Program provides comprehensive training in both hospital and outpatient settings, with an emphasis on community health, behavioral health, addiction medicine and leadership development.

What sets the program apart is its unique partnership between Saratoga Hospital and Hudson Headwaters Health Network. Residents train in a variety of clinical settings while working alongside multidisciplinary teams to deliver patient-centered care. The program also prepares physicians to address the healthcare needs of rural and underserved communities and to become leaders and advocates within their profession.

“Our graduating residents have demonstrated exceptional dedication to their patients, colleagues and communities throughout their training,” said Ephraim Back, MD, Program Director of the Saratoga Hospital Family Medicine Residency Program. “We are proud of their accomplishments and confident they will make meaningful contributions wherever their careers take them.”

“Strong communities depend on access to high-quality primary care, and that starts with investing in the next generation of providers,” said Tucker Slingerland, M.D., CEO, Hudson Headwaters Health Network. “We are proud to celebrate these graduates and the dedication they have shown throughout their training. Their contributions have helped strengthen the health care workforce in our region and ensure that patients and families in our communities can continue to receive the care they need, close to home. We congratulate them on this achievement and are grateful for the role they will play in helping to keep our communities, and beyond, healthy, vibrant and well cared for.” 

“We are incredibly proud of these graduates and the impact they will have on the health and well-being of the communities they serve,” said Jill VanKuren, President and CEO of Saratoga Hospital. “This program plays an important role in developing the next generation of family medicine physicians, and we congratulate the Class of 2026 on this significant achievement.”

The graduation ceremony also recognizes the contributions of the residency program’s faculty and leadership team, including Ephraim Back, MD, MPH, Founding Program Director; Sean Roche, MD, Program Director; Colleen Quinn, MD, Associate Program Director; Abigail Lubin, MD, Associate Program Director; Deidre Cirillo, RN, Executive Director of Medical Education, and Starla Hooks, Residency / ACGME Program Coordinator.

Upon graduation, family medicine residents begin the next chapter of their careers as independent physicians or pursue fellowship training in specialized areas of medicine. Whether they remain in the Capital Region or practice elsewhere, they help strengthen the physician workforce and expand access to high-quality primary care for the communities they serve.

Lions Club Honors Scholarship Winners

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

Six Saratoga Springs High School Seniors have been awarded at least $25,000 combined in Scholarships by the Saratoga Springs Lions Club. 

The seniors were awarded on June 9 at the Special Lions Dinner in Saratoga Springs. 

The winners are as follows: 

• Daniella Fleming, $7,500 academic scholarship

• Carina Schneider, Leos Club Member Scholarship

• Madison Finn, $2,500 academic scholarship

• Ava Otte, $2,500 academic scholarship

• Katherine Morrone, $5,000 academic scholarship

• Arissa Gillani, $7,500 academic scholarship

Dana Bush Appointed as Director of K-12 Humanities and Elementary Instruction

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

Dana Bush has been appointed as the Saratoga Springs City School District’s new Director of K-12 Humanities and Elementary Instruction starting on July 1st.  Mrs. Bush will replace Dr. Michele Whitley, who has accepted the position of Superintendent of Schools at the South Glens Falls Central School District. 

Mrs. Bush brings nearly two decades of experience in education and leadership within the Saratoga Springs City School District. Over the past 19 years, she has served the district in several roles, including reading specialist, principal of Dorothy Nolan Elementary School, and most recently, principal of Division Street Elementary School. 

“Dana brings a tremendous amount of knowledge, experience, and passion for education to her new district leadership role,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Michael Patton said. “Her leadership and commitment will continue to support strong teaching and learning opportunities for students across the district.” 

Mrs. Bush earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary and special education from Providence College in 2000, a master’s degree in reading and literacy education from the University at Albany in 2002, and a certificate of advanced study in educational administration from SUNY Plattsburgh in 2014.