Shenendehowa first grade teacher Olivia Grant will take over as Division Street Elementary School principal this month.
Olivia Grant has been appointed Principal of Division Street Elementary School and will begin her new role on August 17, 2026. Ms. Grant replaces Dana Bush, who was recently appointed as the District’s Director of K-12 Humanities and Elementary Instruction.
Ms. Grant brings a wealth of experience in elementary education and instructional leadership to the position. She currently serves as a first-grade teacher at Shatekon Elementary School in the Shenendehowa Central School District. In addition to her classroom experience, she has served as Assistant Principal of the Extended School Year Program, Building AI Coordinator, and District Coordinator of the Title I STEM Program.
“We are excited to welcome Olivia Grant as the new principal of Division Street Elementary School,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Michael Patton. “Olivia has strong leadership experience serving on several district-level committees dedicated to supporting student success. Her passion for elementary education and commitment to students will make her a great addition to the Division Street school community.”
Ms. Grant earned a Bachelor of Arts in Childhood/Early Childhood Education from the State University of New York at Potsdam, a Master of Science in Special Education and Literacy from the State University of New York at Albany, and an Advanced Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership from the State University of New York at Fredonia. She holds an initial New York State certification as a School Building Leader.
The Sugar Plum Farm Foundation is helping children discover that their future is limited only by their imagination.
This summer, students from ROOTS Academy – formerly Philip Schuyler Achievement Academy, the elementary school attended by Anthony “Tony” Malatino – spent their days at Camp Sugar Plum, where they built confidence through hands-on experiences in entrepreneurship, agriculture, leadership, and teamwork.
At Camp Sugar Plum, children learn by doing. Campers care for farm animals, develop culinary skills, help operate the Sugar Plum General Store, and launch their first businesses through the camp’s signature Lemonade Wars challenge. Along the way, they develop practical skills in teamwork, problem-solving, communication, customer service, financial literacy, and leadership skills that extend far beyond the farm.
“The Lemonade Wars is about much more than selling lemonade,” said Robin Malatino, founder of The Sugar Plum Farm Foundation. “It’s about giving children the confidence to dream bigger, the courage to try something new, and the opportunity to discover what they’re capable of. Because our campers attend the same elementary school that my late husband, Tony, once attended, their mantra is simple: ‘If Tony could do it, I can do it.’”
Malatino added, “We aspire to inspire the next generation. If these children leave believing in themselves just a little more than when they arrived, we’ve accomplished exactly what we set out to do.”
The Sugar Plum Farm Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing transformative educational experiences through agriculture, entrepreneurship, and hands-on learning. By combining meaningful mentorship with real-world experiences, the Foundation empowers children to build confidence, develop lifelong skills, and imagine a future filled with possibility.
Dr. Joseph Greco, Director of Personnel Development for the district, has been named the recipient of the 2026 Trailblazer Innovation Award by ASBO New York.
Greco was recognized during ASBO New York’s Annual Awards & Inauguration Celebration, held as part of the organization’s Education Summit & Expo in Saratoga Springs. The Trailblazer Innovation Award honors school business officials who demonstrate exceptional creativity and innovation in school finance and management through initiatives that positively impact students, schools, and their communities.
Greco was recognized for implementing Saratoga Springs High School’s participatory budgeting initiative, which gives students a direct role in identifying school needs, developing proposals, creating budgets, and voting on projects that improve their learning environment. The initiative also provides students with hands-on experience in civic engagement by mirroring the local election process through the use of official ballots and voting machines.
“Joe is a natural leader,” Assistant Superintendent for Business Bobby Yusko wrote in his nomination. “A teacher at heart, Joe is always looking to help people learn and is never afraid to jump into something new.”
In recognition of the award, ASBO New York will donate $1,500 to the Saratoga Springs City School District to support the district’s participatory budgeting initiative.
Carol Leakakos, Judith Ehrenshaft, Emily Starks, Director of Community Relations (Courtesy of Congregation Shaara Tfille)
The Tikkun Olam (“Repair the World”) Project, under the umbrella of the Sisterhood of Congregation Shaara Tfille, has once again demonstrated its commitment to serving the community through its annual school supply drive.
In partnership with the Mechanicville Area Community Services Center in Saratoga County, members of the Tikkun Olam Project collected 23 bags of essential school supplies, including backpacks, notebooks, folders, pencils, pens, crayons, and other classroom necessities. This annual initiative has helped ensure that local children begin the school year with the supplies they need to succeed.
23 bags full of essential school supplies were purchased for kids in need. (Courtesy of Congregation Shaara Tfille)
The donated items will make a meaningful difference for local families who may be facing financial challenges in purchasing back-to-school necessities. The Tikkun Olam Project enables students to start the school year prepared, confident, and ready to learn.
23 bags full of essential school supplies were purchased for kids in need. (Courtesy of Congregation Shaara Tfille)
“This annual project reflects the true meaning of Tikkun Olam – repairing the world through acts of kindness and compassion,” said Judith Ehrenshaft, President of Congregation Shaara Tfille. “We are grateful to our Sisterhood members and everyone who contributed so generously. Together, we are helping local children and families while strengthening the bonds within our community.”
The Saratoga County History Center at Brookside Museum will present Saratoga and the Civil War: The 115th “Iron-Hearted Regiment” at War, its second program in our 2026 series Americans at War on Wednesday, August 26 at 7 PM. David Brooks, the Education Director at Schoharie Crossing State Historic site in Fort Hunter, will bring to life the unique experiences of the 115th Regiment, which mustered soldiers into service 165 years ago on this date – August 26, 1861 in Fonda, New York. Regimental companies were formed from Fulton, Hamilton, Montgomery and Saratoga Counties.
Under the leadership of Colonel Simeon Sammons, a local farmer and militia officer before the war, the regiment participated in several campaigns that took them to both well-known and little-known battlefields, gaining them recognition as the “Iron Hearted Regiment.”
Brooks will follow the regiment’s journey from Harpers Ferry to Chicago and into the deep south before returning to Virginia in the last year of the war, recounting the battles they faced on the front line and those experienced from within.
David Brooks is a member of the Board of Trustees for both Fulton and Montgomery Historical Societies and former past president of the Mohawk Valley Museums Consortium. As David tells us, “The 115th has a story unlike most upstate NY regiments during the Civil War, though their experiences are not all that unique during a time of crisis for the country. As a child I learned of this regiment and it’s service in family stories and directly from letters written during the war between brothers and the family on the home front.”
This event is presented with the support of Adirondack Trust Company, and is free with registration. Registration and more information regarding for this event is available online at Brooksidemuseum.org
The Beagle School recently completed an expansion of a renovation that tripled its square footage.
The Beagle School, the longest-running preschool in Saratoga Springs, celebrated the completion of a $1.4 million renovation of its “Little Red Schoolhouse” at 115 Regent Street.
The project more than tripled the school’s square footage, brought both of its locations under one roof, expanded the school from one classroom to three and will allow Beagle to increase enrollment for the school year and summer camp. The celebration included a visit from New York State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Assemblymember Carrie Woerner, who announced $500,000 in state operating support for the school.
Founded 54 years ago on the belief that children learn best through play, The Beagle School has long served children ages two through five from Saratoga Springs and surrounding communities. Its founders embraced the idea that every child is a natural explorer, and the school’s mission remains to provide a place where children feel safe to explore, ask questions, solve problems, and discover the world around them.
“This project was 40 years in the making, and it reflects what our community can accomplish when dedicated board members, community partners, teachers, families and public leaders work together on behalf of young children,” said Jessica Todtenhagen, Director of The Beagle School. “At Beagle, the moments children experience through play are where confidence, collaboration and learning come together. This renovated building honors that mission while giving children and teachers the space they need to learn, explore and grow.”
Speaker Heastie and Assemblymember Woerner joined Senator Tedisco, members of the Saratoga City Council, school leaders, families and community members for the ribbon cutting ceremony and toured the renovated preschool space. The $500,000 announced at the event is in addition to $250,000 in operating funding and a $150,000 capital grant for playground equipment previously secured for the school, support that will help ensure Beagle’s financial stability as it continues preparing students for kindergarten and beyond.
“It was a pleasure to be in Saratoga with Assemblymember Woerner and to see these great community resources for learning, curiosity and fun,” said Speaker Heastie. “I was also proud to see the newly renovated Beagle School preschool building that will expand class sizes and continue to serve generations of local families through childhood development and education.”
“The Beagle School preschool has been an integral part of the Saratoga community for decades,” said Assemblymember Woerner. “The addition of three new classrooms will allow Beagle School to provide an inclusive educational space for children to learn and grow for years to come. It was great to be there with Speaker Heastie, and I was proud to see the incredible success Beagle School has had in fundraising and renovations.”
The project moved forward with the support of Beagle’s Board of Directors and community partners, including Balzer & Tuck Architecture, The LA Group, Black Diamond Construction and M&T Bank, along with teachers, families and donors who helped make the long-awaited renovation possible.
“This renovation represents the dedication, persistence and generosity of the entire Beagle community,” said Garrett Gray, President of The Beagle School Board of Directors. “For years, board members, families, teachers and community supporters have worked toward a shared vision of bringing Beagle’s programs together in a space that reflects the quality of its education and the warmth of its mission. We are thrilled to see that vision become a reality for today’s students and for the generations of Beagle children who will follow.”
The Beagle School also provides tuition assistance for families, helping make its play-based preschool experience accessible to more children. The school’s long-standing approach encourages children to become active, creative explorers who build confidence, collaboration skills, and a love of learning that carries into kindergarten and beyond.
“We are beyond grateful to Speaker Heastie and Assemblymember Woerner for their support,” Todtenhagen said. “This investment will have a tremendous impact on future students by helping ensure The Beagle School can continue delivering on its mission for generations to come.”
The Oliver Winch display in the Parks-Bentley 1812 Schoolhouse now features signage about Winch, funded by SHMD 2026.
Parks-Bentley Place in South Glens Falls proudly debuts special interpretive signage in its 1812 one-room schoolhouse. The signage, funded by this year’s South High Marathon Dance (SHMD), is designed to provide visitors with historical facts about the schoolhouse, 1800s school life, and Oliver Winch, noted educator for whom the South Glens Falls Middle School is named.
This marks the second time that SHMD has supported the Historical Society of Moreau and South Glens Falls and Parks-Bentley Place – the Society’s headquarters. In 2006, SHMD granted a large amount of the money required to move the 1812 Schoolhouse from its original location on Nolan Road to the 53 Ferry Boulevard historic complex. The money then was used to disassemble the building, notate the placement of each piece, and move them all to Parks-Bentley, where the building was reassembled on a new foundation.
Visitors to Parks-Bentley Place can tour the schoolhouse, along with the historic house, tool shed, and summer kitchen, on Saturdays from noon to 4 pm. Saturday tours are free to the public, and private or group, fee-based tours of the property can be arranged. The Historical Society also offers a number of history education projects that can be provided at the Ferry Boulevard site or off-site. Private and group tours and program arrangements can be made by contacting the Historical Society at parksbentleyplace@gmail.com.
The house on the Parks-Bentley property is the oldest area building that is open to the public. The original portion of the structure was built in 1776. For more information about Parks-Bentley Place, visit the Society’s website at parksbentleyplace.org.
The Board of Trustees of the Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library has announced the proposed 2027 budget, to be voted on by Library tax district residents. The total tax levy is $5,908,702 and the total 2027 proposed budget expenditure is $6,069,282.
The Library Budget Vote and Trustee Election will be held on Thursday, September 10 at the Library, from 7 am to 9 pm. Registered voters, both renters and property owners, living in the library tax district are eligible to vote. Voters must be registered at least 30 days prior to the vote. Absentee ballot applications are now available in the library or on online at www.cphlibrary.org for those who are unable to vote in person on September 10. Residents of Clifton Park will also vote on one trustee position, and Halfmoon residents will vote for two open trustee positions.
For more information about the budget or the trustee candidates, the public can attend the Budget Information Session on Thursday, September 3 at 7 pm at the library.
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.
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.
