A new documentary is being released by the Saratoga History Center on the history of Greenfield Center
The Saratoga County History Center at Brookside Museum has released the fourth film in its documentary series focused on Saratoga County communities, entitled The Town of Greenfield: A Forgotten Crossroads. Earlier films in the Forgotten Crossroads series explored the communities of Rock City Falls, Bacon Hill, and Vischer Ferry.
“By focusing on the entire Town of Greenfield, the History Center has taken on an ambitious project,” said film director Jim Richmond. This film is meant to display the diversity of history, memories and aspirations that make Greenfield a special place to live, and centers around conversations with twenty local residents ranging in age from 13 to 90. “The common theme of the film is their joy, which comes across in the film,” added Richmond.
Greenfield is the largest town in Saratoga County, extending from the outskirts of Saratoga Springs to the foothills of the Adirondacks. Native Americans were familiar with this land long before settlers from New England arrived soon after the Revolution. “Settlements sprung up along the Kayaderosseras Creek,” said Town Historian Duane Cornell. “Early sawmills and gristmills were erected to meet the needs of the surrounding farms.”
Today, descendants of those early families share the town with recent arrivals, seeking the experience of rural landscapes close to the more urban population centers of the county. “The energy of the residents comes across in their engagement in town activities,” said Jenn Zeisler, a recent arrival who heads Greenfield’s Recreation Department. This excitement is expressed in the town’s motto, “Better TOGether.”
The film will be available for public viewing on Thursday, May 7 at 7pm at Brookside Museum in Ballston Spa and on Wednesday, May 20 at 7 pm at the Greenfield Fire Station #1 in Greenfield Center. Reservations for both events are available at brooksidemuseum.org. The Town of Greenfield: A Forgotten Crossroads was directed by Jim Richmond and filmed by David Waite.
On April 26, the National Park Service will unveil the newest attraction to the Saratoga National Historical Park Visitor Center. It will remain on display for the next two years as the park observes the 250th anniversaries of the Declaration of Independence in 2026 and the Battles of Saratoga in 2027.
The 266-year-old French Cannon, named La Poesie (Poetry), is one of 31 cannons of its type, a 4-pounder à la suèdoise (of the Swedish style), which arrived as part of a secret French arms shipment in Portsmouth, N.H. in April 1777 along with large amounts of other weapons and supplies. Ten were sent to the Northern Department, where they played an important role in setting the stage for the Battles of Saratoga.
An unveiling program will begin at 1 p.m. with three speakers taking the stage. Historian Dr. Robert Selig will present “The Politics of Arming America, or: “Why are there no Vallière 4-lb Cannons in France?,” a look at the political environment in France which led to hundreds of cannons arriving just when the United States needed them the most. Park Ranger Eric Schnitzer will share how ten of the recently arrived French cannons came to the American Northern Army and their impact on the Battles of Saratoga.
Curator Christine Valosin will describe the process which brought La Poesie to Saratoga. She will announce another important project, in partnership with the Friends of Saratoga Battlefield, to ensure the French cannons will have a presence on the battlefield itself. Room for the lecture portion of the event is strictly limited. Reservations must be made via email SARA_Reservations@nps.gov. No reservation is required to view the cannon in the Visitor Center.
For more information about Saratoga National Historical Park, please call the Visitor Center at (518) 670-2985, visit www.nps.gov/sara, or find the park on Facebook or X (formerly Twitter) @SaratogaNHP.
The Science Research program at Saratoga Springs City School District provides students with a unique opportunity to engage in original, college-level scientific research through mentorships with professional investigators. This three-year program guides students through the full research process.
During their sophomore year, students explore topics of interest, develop research skills, and design an experimental plan. In their junior year, they collect and analyze data, and as seniors, they draw conclusions and present their findings to a variety of audiences.
Recently, thirteen Saratoga Springs High School students competed at the Regeneron Greater Capital Region Science and Engineering Fair, where more than 100 students in grades 9–12 presented original research projects. This highly competitive event serves as a qualifier for the prestigious International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), the world’s premier science competition.
Saratoga students delivered outstanding results. Senior Ava Otte earned the Grand Prize (1st Place Overall), and junior Isabella Bonitatibus received 2nd Place Overall. Both students were awarded ISEF Finalist honors and will represent Saratoga Springs High School at ISEF in Phoenix, Arizona this May, where they will compete alongside approximately 1,800 students from more than 80 countries and territories.
In addition to her second-place finish, Isabella Bonitatibus was awarded a $50,000 scholarship to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, recognizing the exceptional quality of her research.
Several students also received special awards for their work:
• Ava Otte (Grade 12) – Stockholm Water Prize, recognizing excellence in research related to water quality and environmental protection
• Isabella Bonitatibus (Grade 11) – Momentive Performance Materials Award and SI Group Smart Chemistry Award for innovative and environmentally focused research
• Rose Janicke (Grade 12) – American Society for Microbiology (Eastern New York Branch) Award
• Maxwell Vogel (Grade 12) – U.S. Metric Association Award for excellence in quantitative measurement
These achievements reflect the dedication, curiosity, and hard work of Saratoga Springs’ student researchers, as well as the strength of the district’s Science Research program. The district congratulates all participants and wish Ava and Isabella the best of luck as they advance to the international stage.
The Saratoga Springs History Museum invites the public to an evening of intrigue, crime, and captivating storytelling with More Gangsters of Saratoga, presented by former Saratoga Springs Police Chief Greg Veitch, on Thursday, April 16, 2026 at 7:00 PM at the Canfield Casino.
Saratoga Springs is widely celebrated for its elegance, culture, and historic charm, but beneath that polished surface lies a lesser-known past shaped by crime, corruption, and vice. In this engaging program, Veitch brings to life the city’s shadowy underworld through a collection of true stories drawn from his acclaimed books, All the Law in the World Won’t Stop Them and A Gangster’s Paradise.
From murder cases and bootlegging operations to illegal gambling networks and fixed horse races, these stories reveal a time when Saratoga was as notorious as it was glamorous. With a unique perspective shaped by his years in law enforcement, Veitch combines historical research with firsthand insight to deliver an evening that is both informative and entertaining.
“This program offers a fascinating look at a side of Saratoga’s history that many people have never encountered,” said James Parillo, Museum Director. “It’s a reminder that behind the city’s reputation for refinement lies a complex and compelling past.”
The event is open to the public and is ideal for history enthusiasts, true crime audiences, and anyone interested in uncovering the hidden stories of Saratoga Springs.
Event Details:
What: More Gangsters of Saratoga
Who: Greg Veitch, former Saratoga Springs Police Chief and author
When: Thursday, April 16, 2026 | 7:00 PM
Where: Saratoga Springs History Museum, 1 E. Congress Street (Canfield Casino)
Admission: Free for Museum Members | $10 for non-members
Kristen Mariotti will take over as head of the Saratoga Independent School (Courtesy of SIS)
The Board of Trustees at Saratoga Independent School has announced the next Head of School. Following a thoughtful, inclusive, and comprehensive national search, Kristen Mariotti has been appointed to lead Saratoga Independent School effective July 1st, 2026.
“As SIS looks ahead, we’re excited about the energy and ideas Kristen brings,” said Michael Buckley, SIS Board of Trustees President. “She will build on what already makes SIS strong while helping us continue to improve how we teach, support every student, and stay connected as a community. We’re confident that, with her leadership, SIS will remain a place where students feel supported, challenged, and inspired to succeed. We also want to thank our current Head of School, Bob Ahrens, for his leadership at SIS. His commitment and stewardship have helped shape the school into the community it is today.”
Kristen brings nearly three decades of distinguished leadership in independent schools, with deep expertise in enrollment management and community building, and a steadfast commitment to equity, student growth, and mission-driven education. Kristen holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Southern Connecticut State University, a K-8 Teaching Certification from Prescott College, and a Masters of Education in Independent School Leadership from George Mason University.
For the past five years, Kristen has served as Head of Enrollment Management at Emma Willard School in Troy, NY. In this role, she oversaw admissions, financial aid, and enrollment strategy and served as a key member of the senior leadership team. She partnered closely with school leadership and the Board across a range of areas, including marketing, development, communications, academics, and student life.
“I’m inspired and honored to join the Saratoga Independent School community,” Kristen said. “Great schools are built on authentic relationships, shared values, and an unwavering belief in every child’s potential. I look forward to growing alongside students, families, and faculty in this next chapter.”
Prior to Emma Willard, Kristen served as Assistant Head of School at Stoneleigh-Burnham School in Greenfield, MA, where she played a central role in strategic planning and operations. Throughout her leadership career, she has also been central in launching equity and inclusion initiatives and providing leadership development programs for students, faculty, and staff.
Kristen is widely recognized as a leader in her field. In 2024, she received the Values & Vision in Leadership Award from the Association of Independent School Admission Professionals (AISAP). She currently serves as a Trustee at Cheshire Academy, an Advisory Council member for The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS), and as a faculty member and cohort leader for AISAP. She is also a mentor with the Enrollment Management Association (EMA).
Her work is defined by a collaborative spirit and a remarkable ability to connect with students, families, and colleagues from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Kristen’s leadership philosophy centers on cultivating school communities where every student feels known, valued, and supported.
“Beyond her extensive experience and education in independent school leadership, Kristen brings a wholehearted love of learning and an enthusiasm for growth and challenge,” Erica Fuller and Jayne Kirber, Search Committee Co-Chairs, Trustees said. “She is energetic, thoughtful, kind, and genuine, qualities that will serve SIS well in the years ahead. We are thrilled to welcome her to Saratoga Independent School and look forward to all that we will accomplish together.”
Saratoga Springs High School is transforming civic learning through an innovative Participatory Budgeting (PB) process that empowers students to take an active role in shaping their school community. Through this authentic experience, students identify needs within the school, design capital improvement proposals, and make real decisions about how funding is allocated.
Participatory Budgeting focuses on civic engagement, giving students a real-world connection to how decisions are made in a community. As future voters, students learn how to evaluate spending, work together, and share their voices through a structured voting process.
Throughout the PB cycle, students engage in hands-on learning by identifying school needs, developing ideas for improvement, and working collaboratively with school leaders and staff to refine proposals, assess feasibility, and create detailed plans that include budgets, timelines, and long-term sustainability. Students also take on leadership roles in organizing the process, from developing proposals and creating ballots to communicating ideas and encouraging peer participation, fostering critical thinking, collaboration, problem-solving skills, and a strong sense of student voice.
The 2026 final projects included on the ballot consist of privacy upgrades in restrooms, the addition of an outdoor water source, a grill for the cafeteria, feminine product dispensers in bathrooms, and the addition of bocce courts to support Unified Sports programs.
On March 24 and 25, high school students cast their votes during social studies classes to determine which projects would move forward. A total of 1,645 students, nearly 90% of the entire student body, participated in the election. Students selected a grill for the high school cafeteria as the winning project, with bathroom privacy upgrades receiving the second-highest number of votes. Students were also given the opportunity to “pitch” future ballot ideas on a Post-it note board as they exited the polling location. Students will now play a role in supporting the purchase and installation of the project as it comes to life in their school.
Marissa Macey has been announced as the next principal at Schuylerville Elementary ( Courtesy of Schuylerville Central School District)
The Schuylerville Central School District Board of Education plans to appoint Mrs. Marissa Macey as the new principal of Schuylerville Elementary School at its April 13 meeting. Macey currently serves as elementary principal of Kensington Road School in the Glens Falls City School District, where she has served since July of 2024. A 15-member search committee interviewed eight candidates and unanimously recommended Macey as the sole finalist for Board of Education consideration.
“Throughout her time spent with the Board, Mrs. Macey demonstrated a clear, student-centered vision for the elementary school, and a strong commitment to fostering a positive school culture,” said Board of Education President Bernie Buff. “She has an energetic and collaborative approach to leadership and her passion for educating students and creating a place where they can truly thrive was evident in every aspect of her interview.”
Macey brings more than a decade of experience in education to Schuylerville, including prior leadership and classroom roles. Before becoming principal at Kensington Road School, she served as assistant principal at Sanford Street Elementary through WSWHE BOCES, where she supported student interventions, coordinated with families and outside agencies, and helped strengthen academic and behavioral systems. Earlier in her career, Macey was an elementary classroom teacher in the South Glens Falls Central School District for nine years, teaching multiple grade levels and serving as a district-wide instructional teacher leader. Within that role, Macey mentored colleagues, led professional development sessions on foundational literacy strategies, and piloted innovative curriculum approaches adopted district-wide. She began her career as a third grade teacher in the Minerva Central School District.
“I am deeply honored to be joining Schuylerville Elementary School and becoming part of a community with such a proud tradition of excellence,” said Macey. “The warmth and dedication I have already experienced reflect what makes this school and district truly special. I look forward to working alongside staff, families, and students to continue that tradition and build upon it together.”
Macey earned a Bachelor of Science in Childhood Education from the State University of New York College at Oneonta, as well as a Master of Science in Literacy B-6 and Special Education 1-6, from the University at Albany. She also holds a Certificate of Advanced Study in School Building Leadership (SBL). Macey lives in South Glens Falls with her husband and two daughters, ages 7 and 4. She will begin at Schuylerville on or about July 1.
“We are very proud to welcome Mrs. Macey to Schuylerville,” said Superintendent Dr. Ryan Sherman. “The search committee’s unanimous recommendation speaks volumes about her leadership, experience, and the impression she made throughout the process. We are confident she will be a tremendous addition to our team and look forward to the positive impact she will have on our school community.”
Here are some of the events upcoming at Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park
Wilton Wildlife Hosts FrogWatch with Saratoga Springs Public Library
On Friday, April 17, at 7:00 p.m., Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park will host an engaging FrogWatch program in collaboration with Saratoga Springs Public Library, which will take place on the trails of Camp Saratoga on Scout Road in the Town of Wilton.
This program invites participants to immerse themselves in frog identification by learning to identify frogs and toads by sight and sound. Children will have the opportunity to view a brief film about local frogs, then take a walk with Wilton Wildlife educators around vernal pools, listen to frogs, and learn about their adaptations. This program is designed for young explorers, aged kindergarten and up, and promises to be a memorable experience filled with exploration.
Participants are encouraged to dress for the weather and bring their own flashlight as this is a nighttime program.
To register for FrogWatch, please visit Saratoga Springs Public Library’s website, sspl.org, or call the Children’s Room at 518 584-7860, ext. 305.
Historic Cornell Fire Tower Opens for the Season
Climb an authentic fire tower without having to climb a mountain! Get a gorgeous treetop view of Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park and visit a re-created fire ranger cabin complete with a vegetable garden. The Historic Cornell Hill Fire Tower will be open on the weekend of Saturday, April 18, and Sunday, April 19, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
If there is inclement weather, the tower will close. Parking can be found in Parking Lot #3 on Scout Road. Children under the age of five are not permitted to climb the fire tower. The Historic Cornell Hill Fire Tower is owned and maintained by the Town of Wilton and is staffed by volunteers on behalf of the Town.
Additional upcoming dates this spring include the weekends of May 16 and 17, May 31 (during the Annual Wildlife Festival), and June 21 and 22.
For up-to-date trail conditions or program information, please visit the Wilton Wildlife website at wiltonpreserve.org or follow on Facebook or Instagram @wiltonpreserve. Wilton Wildlife’s mission is to provide environmental education and opportunities for outdoor recreation while supporting conservation of ecological systems and natural settings.
A 70-year-old Benjamin Franklin passed through the Saratoga region in the spring of 1776 on a mission that failed in the moment but helped shape the American Revolution. Saratoga 250 will commemorate the 250th anniversary of that journey on Tuesday, April 14 at 7 p.m. at the Champlain Canal Region Gateway Visitors Center.
The presentation, “Benjamin Franklin Slept Here,” will be delivered by Town of Saratoga Historian Sean Kelleher. It explores Franklin’s attempt to persuade Canada to join the revolutionary cause and examines why the effort failed. Traveling north in poor health, Franklin faced harsh conditions, limited support, and political resistance, ultimately returning without achieving his objective.
Kelleher emphasizes Franklin’s age and experience at the time. At 70, he was one of the oldest figures in the revolutionary leadership, bringing decades of diplomatic skill but also confronting the physical limits of travel in wartime. Historians note that the failure of the Canadian mission influenced Franklin’s later success in France, where he secured the alliance that proved critical to American independence.
The talk also connects Franklin’s journey to the Saratoga region’s later significance during the Battles of Saratoga, which helped convince France to support the American cause.
The program is part of Saratoga 250’s broader effort to prepare for the Semi quincentennial through heritage tourism and public history programming. The event is free and open to the public. Registration is required, details are at https://saratoga250.brightrtravel.com/s/event/benjamin-franklin-slept-here
Pete Carner works with students during a lesson using the Gemini AI platform. (Courtesy of Schuylerville Central School District.)
“AI can be a helpful tool, but it should support learning—not replace it.”
That’s the guiding mindset at Schuylerville Central School District, where teachers and students alike are exploring the role artificial intelligence can play in the classroom. Over the past six months, educators have been experimenting with AI in lessons and activities, culminating in a Superintendent’s Conference Day dedicated to learning about the powerful ways these tools can support everyday teaching. One of the tools is MagicSchool, an Ed Law 2-D compliant AI platform designed with safety measures in place that suggests age-appropriate prompts and resources to support student learning.
Elementary School
Pete Carner’s 4th grade classroom utilizes thinking classroom strategies on a daily basis. This approach gives students opportunities to work in small groups on collaborative tasks, using vertical, moveable whiteboards. Students actively engage in problem-solving and discussion, creating a more student-centered learning environment. Within this structure, Carner’s 4th graders use Gemini, an AI chatbot developed by Google. In one classroom activity, students used Gemini to create a variety of mini projects based on the short story “Fireflies.” Working in small groups, students took on different creative roles, including designing Kahoot quizzes, writing poetry inspired by the story, developing a test for the class, scripting short plays, and producing character interviews.
“AI was used as a support tool to help generate ideas, outline content, and guide the creative process,” said Carner. “But ultimately, students remained responsible for refining, verifying, and presenting their final work.”
During the activity, one group discovered an error in a Kahoot question generated with help from Gemini, prompting a real-time discussion about accuracy and critical thinking.
“It was a great learning moment,” Carner said. “Students saw firsthand that AI isn’t always accurate, and that they need to review and check their work. At the elementary level, it’s about giving students early exposure to AI so they can learn how to use it responsibly as they progress through school.”
Middle School
At the middle school level, teachers are experimenting with a variety of AI tools to enhance instruction. Seventh grade social studies teacher Rebecca Nesbitt has explored MagicSchool’s multiple translation tool to help students better understand new vocabulary. In English Language Arts classes, Kerri Brennan’s students used an AI idea generator to brainstorm and expand ideas for narrative writing assignments, while other AI tools are being incorporated throughout the unit to support writing feedback, sentence starters, literary devices, and proofreading. In addition, technology teacher Mark Belden is helping students build foundational skills through a digital literacy course, ensuring they understand how to responsibly and effectively interact with emerging technologies.
Three Schuylerville Middle School students—Timothy Larson, Natalie Maisano, and Sandra Price—also shared their experiences using the AI platform MagicSchool. The students described the tool as helpful for brainstorming ideas, improving their writing, and gaining a better understanding of lesson topics.
Rather than viewing AI as something that simply provides answers, the students emphasized how it can serve as a starting point that helps them think through problems and strengthen their own work.
“If you don’t understand a lesson, you can use AI to help you,” said Natalie Maisano, highlighting the tool’s role as a learning aid rather than a shortcut. “It’s there to help you improve on what you’re doing but not give you the answers.”
High School
At the high school level, English teacher Anna Flores is incorporating AI into writing instruction in several creative ways. Each fall, students are asked to write a narrative that features a monster encounter. Flores encourages those who struggle with creative writing to use an AI chatbot that asks guiding questions to help them develop ideas while still maintaining their own creative direction. She also uses AI-generated paragraphs with intentional grammar and editing mistakes to help students practice revising and identifying errors. In argumentative writing units, students use AI to generate potential counterclaims, allowing them to better understand opposing viewpoints and strengthen their own arguments.
In science classes, Tom Robinson has been experimenting with ways AI can support students as they develop ideas for projects and assignments. He encourages students to use AI as a starting point to help generate ideas or explore different approaches to a topic. In his anatomy class, Robinson has experimented with creating a study bot designed to guide students toward answers to unit essay questions without simply giving them the answer. As students build background knowledge in the unit, he plans to expand its use.
“These teachers represent just a few of the many educators in the district who are exploring how artificial intelligence can support instruction and student engagement,” said Director of Curriculum and Instruction Amy Steele-Whitney. “When used thoughtfully, AI can act as a catalyst for learning, but it should never replace the thinking and creativity that students bring to the process themselves.”
Professional Development Day
During the March 13 Superintendent’s Conference Day, K-12 teachers participated in breakout sessions focused on how they can use artificial intelligence and digital tools in meaningful ways. The day was planned and coordinated by Schuylerville Director of Curriculum and Instruction Amy Steele-Whitney, in alignment with the district’s goal for the 2025-26 school year.
