Schuylerville Central School District is conducting its 2025 Census to identify children ages 0–4 who live in the district but are not yet enrolled in school. This important initiative helps the district prepare for the future while providing families with valuable resources and support. The information assists with:

• Planning future UPK & Kindergarten classes

• Offering early learning resources and support

• Connecting families with upcoming events

• Making the registration process easier for parents

Information needed

Families will be asked to provide:

• Parent/guardian name(s)

• Address and contact information

• Child’s name and birthdate

• Child’s current setting (home, daycare, etc.)

• Interest in UPK/school updates

How to Complete the Census

Families can easily complete the census by scanning the QR code found on district materials or by visiting the census webpage directly at: http://tiny.cc/SCSCensus. Participation ensures the district can better serve families, support young learners, and prepare for a smooth transition into UPK and Kindergarten. Thank you in advance!

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 and man-made disasters, declared state disaster emergencies involving a communicable disease, local public health emergency declarations, 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. As part of this process, the Schuylerville Central School District annually updates and posts its District-Wide Safety Plan for public review and comment prior to Board of Education adoption.

A public hearing on the 2025–26 District-Wide Safety Plan was held on Monday, Aug. 18. However, due to a late requirement from the New York State Education Department, all school districts must now revise their plans to incorporate a new cardiac arrest annex law. As a result, Schuylerville CSD has updated its draft plan and re-released it for an additional 30-day public comment period.

Public Review and Comment

• Public Comment Period: August 27-Sept. 26, 2025

• Public Hearing: Oct. 20, 2025

• Board of Education Adoption Date: Oct. 20, 2025

As schools re-open across the state, the New York Association for Pupil Transportation (NYAPT) is reminding drivers to be extra careful as they encounter school buses traveling the highways.

According to a statewide survey of school bus drivers conducted by NYAPT, motorists passing stopped school buses in New York continue to be a serious safety problem that endangers students as they travel to and from school.

“Providing New York’s school-age children a safe school bus ride to and from school each day is our top priority, and we urge all motorists to do their part and be extra cautious as schools reopen,” said Marc Medina, NYAPT President and Transportation Director at the Farmingdale School District on Long Island. “We are asking drivers to avoid distractions while driving, be aware that school buses are back on the roads, and always to stop when they see those red lights flashing on a school bus because students’ lives depend on it.”

New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law requires all vehicles to come to a complete stop when approaching a school bus stopped with red lights flashing. Red flashing lights indicate that a child is either boarding or disembarking a school bus. New York State law prohibits passing a school bus that is stopped with red lights flashing, regardless of your direction of travel, even if there is a multi-lane or divided highway.

Penalties for a first-time offense include a fine from $250 to $400, five points on your license and the possibility of 30 days in jail. A second conviction within three years will result in a $600 to $750 fine and up to 180 days in jail; while three or more convictions will result in a fine from $750 to $1,000, mandatory revocation of your driver’s license, and up to 180 days in jail.

 “Riding a school bus is the safest way for a student to get to and from school each day, and we ask motorists who share the road with our school buses to do their part to keep it that way,” NYAPT Executive Director David Christopher said.

NYAPT is also alerting parents and caregivers that the New York school transportation industry, like many other school transportation providers across the country, is still experiencing some levels of shortage in school bus driver staffing. A recent survey of NYAPT membership indicates 60% of respondents need to hire more school bus driving staff.

“While Governor Hochul and the legislature have made important policy changes to assist schools with recruiting and retaining school bus drivers, many school transportation departments are still struggling to address the driver shortage problem,” said NYAPT Executive Director David Christopher. “We ask that parents and caregivers who experience delays in school bus service or have transportation routes temporarily paused due to a lack of drivers be patient and have backup plans for transporting their children to and from school.”

Finally, the Association urges individuals seeking a rewarding part-time job to consider applying to become a school bus driver. The job offers numerous benefits, including a flexible schedule, competitive hourly pay, employer-provided health insurance, the opportunity to be home with your school-age children when schools are closed, and, in many cases, a generous benefits package.

The Saratoga County Career Center in conjunction with the Greater Capital Region Career Centers will hold the following free virtual career workshops during September:  

• September 3 at 10AM & September 4 at 10:30AM: Resume Development – This workshop presents the basics of a powerful and effective cover letter including formatting, tailoring to the job, and getting through the online application process to land an interview. Please have a rough draft of your resume with you. Facilitated by Rensselaer, Columbia-Greene and Schenectady. 

• September 4 at 11AM & September 18 at 1:30PM: Transferable Skills – Transferable skills are qualities you have already acquired which can be used in a different job. Make it easy for employers to see the connection between your qualities and the skillset needed to do the job and market yourself as the solution to an employer’s problem. Learn ways to research the employer’s needs then identify and show them that you have these skills. Facilitated by Warren, Washington and Schenectady.  

• September 15 at 10AM: Broadview Financial Well-Being – Your budget is a key that opens doors, guiding you to your money goals. Get ready to take control of your finances and your future! Find out how to organize what you make, spend, and save; set goals to save up, spend down, look ahead; harness the power of mindful spending; and identify budget tactics that work best for you. Facilitated by Broadview and Schenectady. 

• September 9 at 10:30AM: Interview Preparation – Learn how to articulate your strengths, what questions to expect, how to address difficult topics, and ace the interviewing process. Facilitated by Schenectady.  

• September 10 at 10AM & September 23 at 1:30PM: Goal Setting – Goals are what take us forward in life. They are the first step in every journey we take. In this workshop we will explain how goal setting works, why goals are important, and take home more helpful resources to get you started. Remember: “if you aim for nothing, you’ll hit it every time.” Find out how to reach your dreams. Facilitated by Washington, Albany, and Schenectady.  

• September 10 at 10:30AM: Civil Service – Join us for a workshop on navigating the civil service system in local governments! This session will cover essential steps to secure a civil service job, focusing on the hiring process. Participants will learn about competitive examinations, local government positions, and how to prepare for them. Facilitated by Schenectady.  

• September 12 at 11AM & September 16 at 10:30AM: Completing Job Applications – Statistics show approximately 50% of mid-sized companies and almost all large corporations use an applicant tracking system to screen candidates for job opportunities. Learn how to prepare your online application to get the most visibility from hiring managers. Facilitated by Schenectady.  Facilitated by Warren and Washington.  

• September 19 at 10:30AM & September 24 at 10:30AM: Networking – Networking is your strategic tool for cultivating lasting relationships, fostering professional growth, and unlocking opportunities. Join us for an approachable journey to understanding networking. Facilitated by Warren, Albany, and Schenectady.  

• September 23 at 11AM: Overcoming Barriers – Join an informal discussion about how to overcome potential stumbling blocks to finding a job. Whether you’re facing transportation needs, childcare needs, prior justice system involvement, inexperience, health concerns or more, this workshop will provide you with resources and strategies to help you meet your goals. Facilitated by Fulton-Montgomery-Schoharie.  

• September 25 at 1:30PM: Social Media – Your social media presence can make or break your ability to find a job. Learn how to use social media to your advantage in searching for a job and marketing yourself to land the job or career you’ve always wanted. Facilitated by Schenectady.  

Registration is required for all workshops. Visit www.saratogacountyny.gov/workforce to register or call the Saratoga County Career Center at (518) 884-4170 for more information. The workshops are offered as part of the Saratoga County Career Center’s WorkPays! workforce education campaign.  

While summer may be coming to a close, the Brookside Museum in Ballston Spa isn’t .

Here is a rundown of the upcoming events at the museum for the month of September. 

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

Sounds of Summer Concert II: Dennis Searles and the Jazz Ambassadors (Moved to Rain Date) 

Sunday, August 31, 5pm 

Join Dennis Searles and the Jazz Ambassadors for an evening of music and fun on the front lawn of Brookside Museum. This event is free and all are welcome. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs and a picnic dinner to enjoy. This event is sponsored by Brookside Museum, Saratoga Arts, the Music Performance Trust Fund of the American Federation of Musicians and the Village of Ballston Spa Committee on the Arts. 

Seneca Ray Stoddard and Jesse Wooley: Kindred Spirits 

Monday, September 8th, 7pm 

Dr. Way, retired primary care physician from Glens Falls, and Stoddard’s great great nephew, will, through many examples of their photographs, discuss the careers of the well-known, Saratoga County born photographers, Stoddard and Wooley, and examine what little is known about the connections between them. Copies of Dr. Way’s books will also be available to purchase. 

Reservations are recommended. 

Miller’s Backyard Barbecue 

Friday, September 5, 3-6PM 

Include Brookside Museum in your dinner plans for Monday, September 5th; order some delicious Millers Backyard Barbecue and pick it up from Brookside Museum. Chicken and pulled pork dinners are available for $15.00 and beef brisket dinners for $20.00 (beef brisket by pre-order only). All dinners include baked potato, coleslaw and corn bread. An 8 oz. serving of mac & cheese is also available for $5.00. And also, first time being offered here, there is a 16oz serving of chili, available for $10.00. Drive-thru pickup/take out only. There will be some additional meals available without pre-ordering (but not brisket). 

From the Ground Up: How Responsible Metal Detecting Connects Us to Local History 

Thursday, September 25, 7-8:30PM 

Join us for an engaging and informative talk that delves into the fascinating world of metal detecting, a hobby that connects us directly to the past. Over the last 8 years, local detectorist Brandon Dingeman has traversed Saratoga County and beyond, bringing to light incredible stories through relics hidden just beneath our feet. In this session, you will learn the fundamentals of responsible metal detecting, including the “golden rules” for ethical detecting, essential equipment and site strategy. We’ll explore the critical role of historical research and the use of digital tools to find sites of interest and record crucial situational context of items found.

The Saratoga Springs History Museum is proud to announce a special reading and celebration of Saratoga ABCs: The Alphabet Book of Saratoga Springs, written and illustrated by local artist Lauren Magina, on Saturday, September 27 at 11:00 AM in the High Stakes Room of the historic Canfield Casino in Congress Park.

Saratoga ABCs is a beautifully illustrated children’s board book that takes young readers, and Saratoga enthusiasts of all ages, on an alphabetical journey through the rich history and beloved landmarks of Saratoga Springs. From A is for Adelphi to R is for Racetrack, the book shines a spotlight on the unique people, places, and icons that define the city’s charm and legacy.

In addition to a live reading by the author, the event will feature a presentation by Museum Executive Director James Parillo, who will offer deeper historical context behind the sites and stories featured in the book.

To welcome the community, the History Museum will waive admission fees from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM on the day of the event. The reading is free and open to the public, no reservations required. Copies of Saratoga ABCs will be available for purchase, with opportunities to meet the author and have books signed.

Lauren Magina, who moved to Saratoga Springs in 2016, owns a graphic design and advertising business but has become known locally for her detailed illustrations of Saratoga’s architecture and equestrian culture. Her work has been featured in Saratoga Living and is sold in several downtown stores. Saratoga ABCs is her debut children’s book.

“Saratoga has such a vibrant history, it was a joy to bring that to life for kids and families in a playful, educational way,” said Magina. “It’s an honor to celebrate its launch at the Canfield Casino, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.”

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) announced the creation of “Students to the Starting Gate”, an initiative tied to the donation of 500 backpacks containing essential school supplies to community-based organizations serving families in Queens, Nassau and Saratoga Counties. 

On Tuesday, August 26, NYRA staff and the Saratoga Race Course mascot, Gallop, visited the Saratoga City Center to help distribute backpacks and school supplies to students at the 2025 Salvation Army Back to School Expo. 

 “Young people deserve the tools to succeed in school, and we hope these contributions will generate excitement for the upcoming school year,” said Robert Hines, NYRA Community Affairs Manager. “NYRA would like to thank the non-profits and community organizations who partnered with us in launching Students to the Starting Gate.” 

 Downstate, NYRA provided students in the Elmont Union Free School District in Elmont, NY, with backpacks during an event on August 9 organized by the Jamaica Square Improvement League. 

 “New backpacks can help children feel confident, especially when they pick it out themselves, which they do,” said Claudine Hall, President of the Jamaica Square Improvement League. “This program is helping to make a difference in the lives of a lot of students and their families.”

 In addition to the Salvation Army, NYRA is donating backpacks to communities and non-profit organizations including: 

• Showing Hearts Foundation (Queens County) 

• Corinth Central School District (Saratoga County) 

• Mechanicville Area Community Services Center (Saratoga County)

• Gateway Youth Outreach, Inc. (Nassau County)

• Franklin Community Center (Saratoga County)

• Universal Interactions (Nassau County)

The Children’s Museum at Saratoga (CMAS) capped off a record-breaking summer of feeding minds and bellies with a Summer Bash on August 21, to celebrate the success of the Summer Meals Collaborative and a landmark two-year commitment from GlobalFoundries to fund STEM education for underserved children. 

Since early July, more than 700 visitors have joined CMAS on site through the Summer Meals Collaborative. In addition to nutritious lunches for children, each visit offered hands-on STEM and art activities designed to inspire curiosity, problem-solving, and creativity. 

GlobalFoundries’ two-year funding ensures these science activities and take-home kits will continue next summer and throughout the school year, reaching children across the Capital Region who might not otherwise have access to these opportunities. 

“We believe that learning should be nourishing in every sense of the word,” said Sarah Smith, Executive Director of the Children’s Museum at Saratoga. “With the help of GlobalFoundries’ support, we’re giving kids the fuel they need in healthy food and inspiring, hands-on science to imagine, explore, and see themselves as the innovators of tomorrow.” 

This fall, CMAS and GlobalFoundries will launch an expanded outreach program, bringing interactive lessons on light and color, size, and coding to schools and community events throughout the Capital Region. The initiative aims to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers by making STEM accessible, engaging, and fun for all children, regardless of background. 

“Investing in STEM education is an investment in our future workforce and in the communities where we live and work,” said Hui Peng Koh, senior vice president and general manager, GF Malta. “By partnering with CMAS, we’re helping ensure that every child has the opportunity to discover their potential, whether they’re building a robot, exploring the science of color, or coding their first program.” 

The Summer Meals Collaborative is a partnership with United Way of the Greater Capital Region (UWGCR) and Hunger Solutions New York, and local community partners across the Capital Region, including the Saratoga Springs City School District who provides the summer meals at the Children’s Museum site.

The Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library will hold its annual Library Budget Vote and Trustee Election on Thursday, September 11 at the Library, between 7 am and 9 pm.  Registered voters, both renters and property owners, living in the library district are eligible to vote. 

Voters must be registered at least 30 days prior to the vote. Residents of Clifton Park will also vote on three open trustee positions, and Halfmoon residents will vote for one open trustee position.

Incumbents Suzanne Dugan and Cornelia Mogor, and newcomers Rose-Robin Lamb and George Berry of Clifton Park have submitted their petitions and declared their intentions to run for the three Clifton Park trustee positions. Incumbent Jennifer Schlegel of Halfmoon has also declared her intention to run for the open Halfmoon trustee position.

Those who are unable to vote in person on September 11, can find an Absentee Ballot application online at www.cphlibrary.org or at the Library. In order for ballots to be mailed, applications must be received by the Library no later than the close of business on Tuesday, September 2.

The Library Board consists of 11 trustees: 7 representing Clifton Park and 4 representing Halfmoon.  Trustees serve a five-year term, attend monthly board meetings, serve on assigned committees, and contribute their expertise to benefit the library and the served community. 

What do you do with a broken radio? Or with a lamp that won’t work? Or with a favorite shirt that is ripped? Toss it? No way! Schuylerville Public Library is organizing a Repair Café on Saturday, September 20th from 10am until 12pm. 

At Schuylerville Public Library (52 Ferry Street) on Saturday September 20 everything centers on making repairs. Starting at 10am and ending at 12pm, various volunteer repair experts will be available to help make all possible repairs free of charge. Most tools and materials will also be on hand. People visiting the Repair Café will bring along their broken items from home. Limit of two items per person. Small appliances, lamps, hair dryers, radios, clothes, toys… anything that is broken and small enough to carry is welcome and can more than likely be repaired. The Repair Café specialists almost always have the know-how. 

By promoting repairs, the library wants to help reduce mountains of waste. According to Library Director Caitlin Johnson, “By repairing instead of tossing, we lessen the strain on our environment.” 

Interested in volunteering for this event, as a repairer? Simply contact Caitlin Johnson at cjohnson@sals.edu or 518-695-6641. Schuylerville Public Library wishes to organize a Repair Café on a regular basis. News about dates of up-and-coming editions will follow as soon as possible! 

Repair Café Foundation 

The Repair Café concept arose in the Netherlands, in 2009, and was formulated by Martine Postma, at the time an Amsterdam-based journalist/publicist. In 2010, she started the Repair Café Foundation (see Repaircafe.org). This foundation provides support to local groups around the world wishing to start their own Repair Café. The foundation also supports the Repair Café in the Schuylerville Public Library.