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Saratoga Children’s Literacy League Celebrates Milestone: 20,370 Books Gifted to Local Children

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

The Saratoga Children’s Literacy League (SCLL), founded in August 2023, proudly announces that it has gifted more than 20,370 books to children across Saratoga County.

Dedicated to fostering a love of reading, SCLL collects gently used children’s books, hosts community book-mending workshops to restore them to like-new condition, and distributes the books to local children, free of charge.

Building on this momentum, SCLL is excited to share that a Book Bus Project is in the works, bringing books directly into neighborhoods across the county. The organization hopes to debut the bus during its 2nd Annual Sunday Supper for Literacy fundraising event, scheduled for Saturday, October 5, 2025.

For more information or to get involved, visit www.saratogaschildrens
literacyleague.org

 Celebrate Women’s Equality Day with The SHEratoga Tour

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

Saratoga Springs —  This Women’s Equality Day, August 26, the Saratoga Springs History Museum and Saratoga Springs Visitor Center invite the public to step aboard The SHEratoga Tour, a 45-minute trolley experience that brings Saratoga’s trailblazing women to life. Far beyond the city’s famed Revolutionary War legacy, Saratoga played a pivotal role in the “Bloodless Revolution” that ultimately granted American women the right to vote. 

The SHEratoga Tour shines a spotlight on the courageous women and influential allies who transformed the fight for democracy. Riders will discover: 

• National Icons like Susan B. Anthony and Carrie Chapman Catt, who strategically gathered in Saratoga to rally the suffrage cause. 

• Local Sheroes such as Kathryn Starbuck and Ellen Hardin Walworth, whose tireless efforts helped shape New York’s—and the nation’s—path to equality. 

• The Power of Legacy, with the fascinating story of Miriam Leslie, who boldly used her inheritance to finance the final push for women’s voting rights. 

“This tour is more than a ride, it’s a celebration of the women whose voices and vision helped reshape our democracy,” said Nancy Brown, Tour Guide. “On Women’s Equality Day, we honor the legacy of these Sheroes and invite our community to connect with the history that still inspires progress today.” 

Following the trolley experience, guests are invited to visit the Saratoga History Museum in Congress Park, featuring a special exhibit on Miriam Leslie and a rich collection of artifacts highlighting Saratoga’s role in the fight for women’s equality. 

Event Details: Date: Monday, August 26, 2025 Tour Duration: 45 minutes Starting Point: The Saratoga Springs Visitor Center Includes Museum Admission 

Seats are limited. Celebrate Women’s Equality Day by experiencing the stories of the women who changed the nation, right here in Saratoga. 

For tickets and more information, visit https://www.saratogahistory.org/events/the-sheratoga-trolley-tour

2025-26 District-Wide Safety Plan Public Hearing to be Held Aug. 18

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

Saratoga Springs High School has been named a 2024-2025 School of Excellence by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association.

The designation is awarded to schools that apply and have at least 75% of their varsity teams earn the Scholar-Athlete Team Award during their respective sports seasons. NYSPHSAA’s Scholar-Athlete Team Award has a proud tradition of celebrating schools that exemplify a commitment to success in the classroom while balancing the demands of athletic participation. 

“Congratulations to our Schools of Distinction and Excellence,” said Dr. Robert Zayas, NYSPHSAA Executive Director. “These prestigious honors represent the culmination of a school year marked by outstanding achievement in the classroom. These accolades would not be possible without the dedication, hard work, and commitment of the student-athletes, coaches, and administrators whose efforts these awards proudly recognize.” 

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 2025-26 District-Wide Safety Plan will be held at 5:45 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 18. 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.

SSHS Receives NYSPHSAA 2024-2025 School of Excellence Award

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

Saratoga Springs High School has been named a 2024-2025 School of Excellence by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association.

The designation is awarded to schools that apply and have at least 75% of their varsity teams earn the Scholar-Athlete Team Award during their respective sports seasons. NYSPHSAA’s Scholar-Athlete Team Award has a proud tradition of celebrating schools that exemplify a commitment to success in the classroom while balancing the demands of athletic participation. 

“Congratulations to our Schools of Distinction and Excellence,” said Dr. Robert Zayas, NYSPHSAA Executive Director. “These prestigious honors represent the culmination of a school year marked by outstanding achievement in the classroom. These accolades would not be possible without the dedication, hard work, and commitment of the student-athletes, coaches, and administrators whose efforts these awards proudly recognize.” 

Laying Foundations: Second Annual Girls Construction Camp Wraps Up First Week

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


A Dodecahedron — a 12-sided sphere like object — is a common tool used by NCTWC to teach teamwork and woodworking skills. During the week, the girls made several of these to help hammer in soft skills (Aidan Cahill). See Story pg. 13

The second annual Girls Construction Camp recently wrapped up with girls in middle school learning about trades. 

The camp was put on by the Northeast Construction Trades Workforce Coalition (NCTWC) and took place at the Whitbeck Construction Education Center in Gansevoort. The camp was the first of two to be held this year — the second being an advanced course. 

Doug Ford, the president of the Northeast Construction Trades Workforce Coalition said the idea for the camp came from State Assemblywoman Cathy Woerner. Ford said that Woerner was looking for a way to bridge the gender gap in the trades by exposing girls to careers in the trades at a young age. 

“We really want to make sure that young women know that the trades are an opportunity,” Ford said. “There’s no reason for them not to go into the trades with the technology that exists today.” 

Ford said that only 10% of jobs in the trades are filled by women. Part of the mission of the camp was to also show that the trades weren’t just physical labor, according to Ford. 

“When you talk about the trades, we always seem to focus on the physical aspect,” Ford said. “But there’s a lot of jobs that are part of the trades that aren’t necessarily physical. Project management, design, logistics — all these jobs associated with the trades that never get talked about.” 

Job security was a benefit of the trades emphasized by Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh (R-112) who addressed campers during the closing ceremony of the camp. 

“Jobs are always going to be around,” Walsh said. “You’re always going to need a plumber, you’re always going to need an electrician, you’re always going to need somebody to do HVAC, you’re always going to need a good carpenter. So, there are always going to be really good jobs in the trades and the jobs are only getting better.”

During the weeklong camp, the girls learned about the trades, went on field trips to job sites, saw firsthand the importance of soft skills like communication and got hands on experience working with common tools and materials. 

Nora Chanese, an incoming ninth grader at Queensbury High School, talked about how communication on the job site was one of the major challenges the girls faced in the camp.

“It’s definitely been challenging our communication skills,” Chanese said.  “There’s been times where we just absolutely fail at communicating and then we just can’t build.” 

Chanese said she learned about the camp through a BOCES program that exposed incoming high schoolers to different paths. While Chanese said she is focusing more on sciences for now, she’s very grateful for the skills she learned at the camp. 

“This is obviously a needed skill in the future,” Chanese said. “It means I don’t have to always call someone if something breaks — I can fix it myself.” 

Under the direction of Matt Whitbeck, Vice President of NCTWC and owner of Whitbeck Construction, the girls built charcutier boards, Viking chairs, flower boxes, sawhorses and other wooden objects. 

In addition, the girls participated in team-based competitions, got a look at quarry operations and cared for their respective mascots — two dogs named Buster and Bella. They also learned that the one naughty word on a construction site is “perfect,” according to Whitbeck. 

One of the issues Ford said the camp didn’t have to deal with was distractions from smartphones. He said during the camp, they didn’t have to tell a single camper to put away their phones. This lack of distractions was noted by another camper, incoming eighth grader Joe Kelleherstark. 

“It was actually really nice,” Kelleherstark said. “Sometimes in school, you don’t have that much teamwork because you’re normally allowed to go on your phone. You’re never talking to your friends at lunch and stuff. This time there were no phones, no nothing. And we were actually focusing very well on each other and helping each other.” 


One of the projects the girls worked on was a viking chair. The chair was comprised of two boards interlocking ( Aidan Cahill).

Both Kelleherstark and Chanese said they were exposed to the trades growing up through their grandfathers — Chanese’s was a general contractor while Kelleherstark said hers was involved in building houses. 

Kelleherstark said she was considering carpentry as a career since she’s always been building things as a kid. One of the things she was most happy with was how well people got along. 

“I’m pretty happy about how people are working together,” Kelleherstark said. “It’s very exciting to see people working together, because sometimes people are just on their own.” 

Schuylerville High School Named 2024-25 NYSPHSAA School of Excellence

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.


NYSPHSAA logo provided.

Schuylerville High School has been named a 2024-25 School of Excellence by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA). To earn the School of Excellence Award, 75 percent of a school’s varsity teams must qualify and receive the Scholar-Athlete team award. Schuylerville has 26 total teams that compete during the fall, winter, and spring seasons.

“Congratulations to our Schools of Distinction and Excellence,” said Dr. Robert Zayas, NYSPHSAA Executive Director. “These prestigious honors represent the culmination of a school year marked by outstanding achievement in the classroom. These accolades would not be possible without the dedication, hard work, and commitment of the student-athletes, coaches, and administrators whose efforts these awards proudly recognize.”

Congratulations to Schuylerville CSD athletes, coaches, teachers and parents for their diligence and commitment to developing the district’s well-rounded student-athletes!

WSWHE BOCES Driver Education Program Offered in Saratoga

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.


Drivers Education Program- Courtesy of WSWHE BOCES

Saratoga Springs, July 18, 2025 – Employment Training for Adults (ETA), a division of the WSWHE BOCES, is offering a Driver Education program this fall. 

In response to requests from area students and schools and in recognizing the need for more availability, ETA is again offering a 48-hour non-credit Driver Education program designed to educate students on appropriate driving skills and habits as well as playing a responsible role in the highway transportation/safety system.

In addition to the classroom time (24 hours), there will be 24 hours of concurrent in-car instruction (6 hours behind the wheel and 18 hours of observation). Successful completion of this course will satisfy the 5-hour pre-licensing course requirement. 

Classroom and driving instruction will take place at the WSWHE BOCES  F. Donald Myers Education Center, 15 Henning Road, Saratoga Springs, NY.

The program is not, by itself, intended as a means to pass the road test. Additional behind the wheel practice is required by DMV (at least 50 hours) in order to take the road test and be ready to obtain a driver’s license.

Orientation and classes start in September. Registration is open now. 

For more information or to sign up for the Driver Education Program, visit the ETA website at https://www.etaprogram.org/apps/pages/DriverEd.

Saratoga Snowmobile Association Announces 2025 Scholarship Recipient

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

Each year, the Saratoga Snowmobile Association offers a $1,000 scholarship to a graduating high school seniors who plan to attend a four-year college, two-year college, or technical (trade) school.

This year’s scholarship winner is Daniel J. Breslin. To qualify, Daniel submitted a transcript, letter of recommendation, and provided an essay to the organization.

The Saratoga Snowmobile Association, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and was recognized as the 2021 “Club of the Year” by the New York State Snowmobile Association (NYSSA). The organization maintains over 70 miles of groomed snowmobile trails in northern Saratoga County.

For more information, visit: https://saratogasnowmobile.com

Upcoming Events at the Clifton Park Halfmoon Library 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

The following programs will be offered during the week of July 28-August 3. Details and registration information for each program can be found at www.cphlibrary.org or by calling 518-371-8622.

Summer Story Time – Mondays & Thursdays at 10 am: July 28 & 31

– Nurture your child’s love of reading with stories and songs on our Back Lawn. Visit our website and social media for weather-related updates. 

Meet & Greet: Tad and Archie the Jr. Archivist – Monday, July 28 at 10:15 am

Join us as Tad our library frog welcomes his friend Archie the beaver, mascot of the NYS Archives Partnership Trust. The two mascot friends will stop by to visit at the end of our 10 am story time. They will be available for photos, hugs, and high-fives! For all ages, with an adult. 

Learn to Knit – Monday, July 28 at 4 pm

Knitting time! Learn to cast on, knit, purl, and read simple patterns. No experience needed—just bring your creativity! For grades 6-12. Registration required. 

United States Government 101 – Monday, July 28 at 6:30 pm

Become a more informed citizen. The League of Women Voters will present information on how the United States government works, the Constitution, and how the League interacts with our government. Registration required. 

Google Maps – Tuesday, July 29 at 10:30 am

Explore how Google Maps can make getting around easier and more enjoyable—learn to travel from point A to point B with confidence and peace of mind. Registration required. 

Tuesday Crafternoon: Play with Clay – Tuesday, July 29 at 2 pm

Join us for a fun afternoon of crafting with clay. For grades K-5, with an adult.  

ZOOM: PJ Story Time – Tuesday, July 29 at 7 pm

Get comfy in your favorite PJs, grab a blanket, and tune in for a special story time with Miss Chrissie. Registration required.  

Wacky Wednesday: Touch a Truck – Wednesday, July 30 at 10 am

Get ready to have some wacky outdoor fun at this drop-in program when the Clifton Park Highway Department stops by with a variety of construction vehicles. Get an up close look at some BIG trucks! For preschool-grade 5, with an adult. 

Sound Bath Meditation – Wednesday, July 30 at 10 am

Sound healing is the use of sacred instruments or voice to release energetic blockages to induce a state of ease and harmony in the body and achieve profound states of relaxation, helping to restore the normal vibratory frequencies of the cells in our bodies. Sound therapy can also improve brain health and memory by direct stimulation with sound frequencies. Registration required. 

Art in the Afternoon: Tang Museum – Thursday, July 31 at 2 pm 

This program will be run by the Tang Museum’s Traveling Art Program. Create a scene inspired by Ghost River, a painting by artist Tyson Reeder, out of air-dry clay and card stock. For grades 3-5. Registration required. 

ZOOM: Virtual Author Talk with Pria Anand – Thursday, July 31 at 2 pm

Neurologist and author Pria Anand will chat about her new book The Mind Electric: A Neurologist on the Strangeness and Wonder of Our Brains, which uses case studies, history, fables, and memoirs (all that the medical establishment has overlooked) to look at the complexity and wonder of our brains–and the stories that our brains tell us. Registration required. 

Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia – Thursday, July 31 at 7 pm

The Alzheimer’s Association will provide a general overview of Alzheimer’s and dementia for people who are facing a diagnosis, as well as those who wish to be informed. Risk factors of the disease, general stages, and approved treatment methods will also be covered. Registration required. 

Kids and teens can begin turning in Summer Reading booklets to redeem them for raffle tickets to enter our grand prize drawing and earn a free book coupon for the next Friends of the Library used book sale. All entries must be received by August 31. 

Free Ebooks for Kindle – Friday, August 1 at 10 am

Learn how to use the Library’s free resources to access ebooks on your Kindle. Registration required. 

Low Bridge: The Erie Canal in Saratoga County – Friday, August 1 at 10:30 am

Celebrate the bicentennial of the Erie Canal as we journey from Cohoes to Schenectady and witness historical and contemporary views of the canal. Presented by Clifton Park Town Historian and NYS Museum Senior Historian Emeritus John Scherer. 

Upcoming Events at the Brookside Museum

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

Here is a rundown of the upcoming events taking Place at the Brookside Museum. All events take place at Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Ave Ballston Spa, NY 12020. Unless noted. For more information check www.brooksidemuseum.org

Brookside Explorers Club: Art Show & Landmark Creations | Saturday, July 19, 10am-Noon 

Join us for our next meeting of the Brookside Explorers Club, a new history and learning club for kids! Artwork from the “Artists Inspired by Their Community” program, an exciting collaboration with Ballston Spa Middle School, will be displayed in the History Hunters Hangout from July-September. And on July 19th, History Scouts can join the fun by learning about some of Saratoga County’s most important landmarks through a learning activity, craft, and play in this engaging and educational event. Kids of all ages are welcome to join the fun! Parental supervision is required and there is a cost of $5.00 per child. 

Summer Garden Program: The Victorian Fascination with Plants | Sunday, July 20, 2pm 

The Victorian language of flowers, floriography, was one of several nonverbal languages used by Victorians. Dr. Catherine Golden will speak more to this, using passages from Victorian literature as examples. Guests will also have the opportunity to make a tussie-mussie (flowers generously donated by Suzanne Balet of Balet Flowers and Design). Registration is required and donations are appreciated. 

Twelve Years a Widow  | Thursday, July 24th, 7pm 

Join Yale historian and Middlebury College teacher, Connor Williams, as he sheds some light on the story of Anne, not only about her life, but also about the challenges of uncovering that story. Anyone who has done historical research knows the difficulties in tracking down the stories of women, particularly working-class women, and especially women of color. The story of Anne Hampton Northup is remarkable. A much sought after cook, she was born free in Washington County, and is best known for being the wife of Solomon Northup, who was kidnapped in 1841 and subsequently enslaved for twelve years. But who was Anne, and how did she manage as a single woman, bringing up three children, for twelve years until her husband’s return? 

Overhearing History a Revolutionary Saratoga Story – A Reading and Book Signing with the Author | Thursday, July 31st, 1pm 

Join historian and author Anne Clothier for a reading of a new children’s publication Overhearing History a Revolutionary Saratoga Story

Travel back to Revolutionary Saratoga with 12-year old Nathaniel. Living in his family’s tavern, he overhears exciting, worrying – and sometimes confusing – talk about freedom and big changes coming to his town. This graphic novel, illustrated by Alex Portal, brings Saratoga’s Revolutionary story to life for young readers. After the reading there will be a book signing with the author and the book will be available for purchase.

 All events take place at Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Ave Ballston Spa, NY 12020. Unless noted. For more information check www.brooksidemuseum.org