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Saratoga School District Honors Retirees

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs City School District held a reception last week to honor its 2023-2024 retirees. Each retiree will have a personalized brick added to the Pathway to Innovation at Saratoga Springs High School.

The following staff members were honored at the event:

• Cathey Accettella, Elementary Teacher at Dorothy Nolan Elementary

• Amy Austin, Grade 6 Teacher at Maple Avenue Middle School

• Eileen Battle, Teaching Assistant at Saratoga Springs High School

• Kristen Bobear, Elementary Teacher at Greenfield Elementary

• James Canary, Transportation Mechanic at Transportation

• Kimberly Clifton, Elementary Teacher at Maple Avenue Middle School

• Yvonne Delli Veneri, School Nurse at Greenfield Elementary 

• Susan Demick, Library Media Specialist at Geyser Road Elementary

• David Fudger, School Bus Driver at Transportation

• Mary Goliber, Elementary Teacher at Lake Avenue Elementary

• Karen Grauel, Keyboard Specialist, Saratoga Springs High School

• Suzanne Grennon, Teacher Aide at Division Street Elementary School

• Lillian Hamel, Occupational Therapist at Dorothy Nolan Elementary

• Gerard Ketcham, Custodian at Division Street Elementary

• Julia Kirkland, Teaching Assistant at Saratoga Springs High School

• Andrew Kleinfelder, Head Custodian at Caroline Street Elementary

• Michelle Knight, Elementary Teacher at Dorothy Nolan Elementary

• Lori Lambalot, Teacher Aide, Geyser Road Elementary

• Cathy Lamontain, School Bus Driver at Transportation

• Nancy Lovaglio, Clerk at Saratoga Springs High School

• Amelia Mergendahl, Teacher Aide at Geyser Road Elementary

• Kristina Meys, Special Education Teacher at Saratoga Springs High School

• Greer Miller-Dienst, Elementary Principal at Division Street Elementary

• Lucia Nicholas, School Psychologist at Saratoga Springs High School

• Brian Oligny, Building Maintenance Worker at Facilities and Operations

• Lynn O’Rourke, Reading Specialist at Lake Avenue Elementary

• Marc Roggen, School Bus Driver at Transportation

• Mary Ann Rudolph, School Bus Driver at Transportation

• Kathleen Salaway, Special Education Teacher at Maple Avenue Middle School

• Jeanne Schultz, Teacher Aide at Geyser Road Elementary

• David Shippee, Elementary Teacher at Greenfield Elementary 

• Karen Singerle, Keyboard Specialist at Maple Avenue Middle School

• Barbara Stomieroski, Keyboard Specialist at Maple Avenue Middle School

• Amy Totino, Assistant Principal at Maple Avenue Middle School

• David Wilsey, Cleaner at Maple Avenue Middle School

Saratoga Springs High School Inducts Two Into Hall of Distinction

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Springs High School will induct two of its graduates into the Hall of Distinction at a ceremony on Tuesday, June 4: Heidi Owen West and Harvey R. Fox.

The Hall of Distinction recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of outstanding graduates who have made exceptional contributions and excelled in their chosen fields.

Heidi Owen West graduated from Saratoga Springs High School in 1984. Upon graduation, she moved to New York City to begin her studies at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT). After honing her craft, she returned to the Capitol Region to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in English with a minor in Fine Arts. In 1991, West partnered with her mother, Kay Owen, to open a series of downtown businesses including Indulgence Café, Nostalgia, The Bunny Patch, and the women’s fashion boutique Lifestyles of Saratoga. In 2016, she launched Caroline & Main, a women’s clothing store. In 2019, she launched Union Hall Supply Co.

She currently serves as the Vice President of Saratoga’s Downtown Business Association. She’s also a Board Member for Saratoga County Capital Resource Corporation (SCCRC). She previously held roles with SPAC Action Council, Gateway House of Peace, Saratoga Rowing Association, and Double H Ranch. In 2022, Heidi was awarded the Saratoga County Woman of Influence award for her dedication and service to the community.

Harvey R. Fox graduated from Saratoga Springs High School in 1971. Born in Saratoga Hospital, he is a lifelong resident who graduated from Eisenhower College in Seneca Falls with a liberal arts degree. After traveling to Peru and throughout the Western U.S., he returned to Saratoga Springs. His parents, Norman and Eva Fox, owned N. Fox, a popular general merchandise business on Broadway. In 1978, Fox purchased the business from his father. In 1981, he married Cassie, a recent Skidmore graduate, and together they began building their business, as well as raising their family. 

Fox has held leadership positions on the Zoning Board of Appeals, the Saratoga YMCA, the Special Assessment District, and the Downtown Business Association. He is a major contributor to The Wesley Foundation, Skidmore College, and Saratoga Hospital.

Ballston Spa Students Compete in Odyssey of the Mind World Finals

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

Students from the Ballston Spa School District pose at the entrance to Iowa State University, where they competed in the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals last week. Photo via @SharonSloomis X account.

AMES, IOWA — Two teams from the Ballston Spa Central School District competed in the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals at Iowa State University in Ames last week. The Middle School team (Division 2) took 17th place in problem 4, and the Malta Ave team (Division 1) finished 12th.

It was the first time in more than 30 years that two Ballston Spa school district teams made it to the finals. The teams earned the trip to Iowa by winning second-place trophies in their divisions at the state finals in Syracuse earlier this year. 

Odyssey of the Mind is an international competitive program. Teams choose from a list of open-ended problems and solve one of them through a combination of an original theatrical sketch performance and engineering solutions using only inexpensive or recycled materials. Each team must also solve a second spontaneous problem.

Second Review Conducted of Saratoga Athletic Program

Written by Jonathon Norcross on . Posted in Education.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — After an independent investigation earlier this year determined that the Saratoga Springs City School District investigated “most, but not all” complaints made against members of its athletic program, the district discussed the results of a second independent review at a May 22 Board of Education meeting.

The review, summarized at the meeting by Dr. Glenn Lungarini, executive director of the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference, praised what Lungarini called Saratoga’s “long-standing culture of excellence,” but also offered some recommendations for improvements.

• Lungarini said that while it’s not uncommon for athletic directors to have multiple roles, assigning too many responsibilities to the position can mean that “you’re resigning yourself to the idea that each of those is going to be done to the best of their ability part-time.”

• Lungarini suggested the district formalize athletic and coach handbooks, an idea previously raised by Superintendent Dr. Michael Patton, so that everyone involved in the athletic program is more aware of their roles and responsibilities.

• Lungarini said the district should be mindful of providing equal access to boys and girls sports, citing the example of the state of the baseball field compared to the softball field, which has a temporary fence.

• “Everybody talked about buses,” Lungarini said, referring to the district’s bus driver shortage. He suggested that parents be notified sooner if there are no buses available so that carpools and other methods of transportation can be arranged. 

The remarks about transportation issues came on the heels of voters approving the 2024-2025 budget, which cut two transportation department positions: a bus mechanic and a bus dispatcher. Both positions sometimes served as bus drivers as well.

Dr. Michael Patton said that the full report from the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference would be posted online so the public could review all of Lungarini’s recommendations.

Mom Prom Raises Nearly $53K

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Mom Prom raised $52,800 for the Saratoga County Children’s Committee last month, making it the most successful event in its ten-year history.

Proceeds will go to helping the committee support children locally through programs and partnerships with other agencies, nonprofits, schools, and social workers. The prom has raised and donated $190,000 in the last nine years, and awarded $15,500 in school scholarships.

The Saratoga Mom Prom is described as a women’s night out filled with tacky dresses, dancing, and activities all in the name of charity.

The Saratoga County Children’s Committee is a volunteer organization that provides more than 1,000 children each year with emergency and basic needs, school supplies, clothing, holiday gifts, and more.

Skidmore Holds 2024 Commencement at SPAC

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

Photo of Skidmore College’s 2024 graduation ceremony via the college’s website.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Skidmore College conferred 650 degrees to the Class of 2024 during its 113th Commencement Exercises at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) on May 18. 

Luis A. Miranda Jr. and Luz Towns-Miranda both received honorary degrees, and were among those to address the graduates. Rather than delivering traditional speeches, the couple engaged in a short dialogue. 

Towns-Miranda stressed the importance of empathy, noting how artists like the couple’s son and “Hamilton” creator Lin-Manuel Miranda take every experience and empathize with multiple points of view through their work.

“Learn the systems, to use the systems, to improve the systems,” Towns-Miranda said. “Believe in the power of your vote and your activism to raise your voice. Use your energy, your skills, your talent to speak out against injustice, to create change where you see it is needed, and to uplift the underrepresented people in our communities.”

School Board and Budget Election Results

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

Residents of the Saratoga Springs, Ballston Spa, and Schuylerville school districts voted on school budgets and board members on Tuesday, May 21. Unofficial results were reported by the districts the following morning. All three districts had their proposed 2024-2025 budgets approved by voters. 

Saratoga Springs

Saratoga Springs City School District residents approved the proposed $148,709,136 school budget for 2024-2025 by a vote of 3,150 to 781. The bus bond proposition was also approved, by a vote of 3,102 to 823. 

Three candidates were elected to the Board of Education: Deb Amory, Matt Kopans, and Connie Woytowich. Vote totals are listed below.

• Deb Amory – 2,503 

• Matt Kopans – 2,201 

• Connie Woytowich – 1,923 

• Amanda Ellithorpe – 1,794 

• Joe Sabanos – 1,425

Ballston Spa

Ballston Spa Central School District residents approved the district’s 2024-2025 budget proposal of $107,179,996 by a vote of 946 to 366. Voters also approved three other propositions on the ballot concerning school vehicle replacements, bus lift replacements, and the collection and contribution of $63,344 towards the operation of the public library. 

Two candidates were elected to the Board of Education: Jason Fernau and Fabrizia Rodriguez. Vote totals are listed below.

• Jason Fernau – 849

• Fabrizia Rodriguez – 655

• Tim Turbiak – 621 

Schuylerville

Schuylerville Central School District residents approved a $39.4 million budget for the 2024-25 school year by a vote of 671 to 295.

Voters also elected two members to the Board of Education: Jennifer Moreau (733 votes) and Robert Thivierge (649 votes).

SPAC Education Celebrates Success; Malta Ave Kids Perform at Venue

Written by Jonathon Norcross on . Posted in Education.

35 students from Malta Ave Elementary performed at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center’s annual meeting on May 16. Photo by Jonathon Norcross.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) celebrated recent education initiatives during its annual meeting on the amphitheater stage on May 16. The event was followed by a spirited performance of Des’ree’s hit song “You Gotta Be” by dozens of Malta Ave Elementary students.

Dennis Moench, Vice President of Education at SPAC, said that educational programming in 2023 reached an estimated 50,000 kids, in partnership with more than 120 local schools and nonprofits.

Last year, SPAC launched its “Access the Arts” program, which provides weekly dance, music, and improvisational theater classes to individuals enrolled in day habilitation programs. The program culminated with a performance featuring more than 100 participants on May 1 in the Spa Little Theater.

“We provide avenues for emotional expression, self discovery, social connection, cognitive development, stress reduction, and empowerment,” Moench said. “We believe that all individuals should have access to these benefits.”

Beginning at 2 p.m. on June 2, SPAC will host the seventh annual Adirondack Trust Company Festival of Young Artists, a free event featuring fine art displays, poetry slams, and food stands. At 4:30 p.m., hundreds of kids will present a concert on the amphitheater stage with productions that combine music, song, poetry, visual art, and dance.

Maple Leaf Childcare Center in Malta Has License Suspended Due to Safety Concerns

Written by Jonathon Norcross on . Posted in Education.

 

MALTA — The New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) suspended the license of the Maple Leaf Childcare Center at 2737 Route 9 in Malta last week due to “evidence that the public health or a child’s safety or welfare is in imminent danger.”

The center can end the suspension one of two ways; either they can resolve the issues cited by OCFS as the reasons for the suspension, or they can successfully challenge the decision to suspend the license. OCFS can also decide to revoke the center’s license completely. 

The childcare center’s OCFS inspection history over the last two years contained a number of alleged violations, including the use of corporal punishment, children left without competent supervision, and staff members unable to fulfill their responsibilities. Since April 17, 2023, the OCFS recorded nine substantiated complaints against Maple Leaf in Malta.

In the violations, OCFS defined corporal punishment as “punishment inflicted directly on the body including, but not limited to, physical restraint, spanking, biting, shaking, slapping, twisting or squeezing; demanding excessive physical exercise, prolonged lack of movement or motion, or strenuous or bizarre postures; and compelling a child to eat or have in the child’s mouth soap, foods, hot spices or irritants or the like.”

The company also faced scrutiny in April of this year, when a former employee at their Halfmoon location was arrested and charged with child endangerment and harassment.

Maple Leaf did not respond to requests for comment from Saratoga TODAY. 

More details about alleged violations at the Maple Leaf Childcare Center in Malta can be found on the OCFS website at the following address: https://hs.ocfs.ny.gov/DCFS/Profile/Index/633801

Saratoga School Data: Chronic Absenteeism Declining, Graduation Rates Steady, Enrollment Down

Written by Jonathon Norcross on . Posted in Education.

A slide from a presentation delivered at the May 9 Saratoga Springs City School District Board of Education meeting shows a screenshot of ParentSquare, an automated notification system that allows parents to communicate directly with attendance clerks.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — At the Saratoga Springs City School District’s Board of Education meeting on May 9, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Lisa Cutting led a presentation that cited 2022-2023 data regarding the district’s chronic absenteeism, graduation rates, and enrollment numbers, among other figures.

Dr. Cutting discussed the data alongside Dr. Danielle Bouton-Wales, Director of K-12 Stem and Secondary Instruction; Dr. Michele Whitley, Director of K-12 Humanities and Elementary Instruction; and Mrs. Abigail Adams-Snell, Director of Assessment, Accountability and Improvement.

Chronic Absenteeism

Chronic absenteeism, defined by the New York State Education Department as students missing at least 10% of the school days for which they are enrolled, declined from 2021-2022 to 2022-2023, according to the data. 

After skyrocketing in 21-22 to 17.8%, or 660 students, chronic absenteeism rates among 1st through 8th graders declined to 15.5%, or 571 students, in 22-23, which is about 10% less than the state average. Similarly, 9th through 12th grades hit 28.1% (553 students) in 21-22, but then declined to 25.5% (505 students) in 22-23, which is about 5% below state average.

“For four years, I’ve been talking about chronic absenteeism,” said Board President Tony Krackeler. “It’s a topic that is very important to me. I want to give you congratulations on real progress in combating that. The numbers show it’s a big success story of this district.”

One change in dealing with absenteeism is the district’s use of ParentSquare, a service that sends automated absentee notifications and allows parents to communicate directly with attendance clerks.

Graduation Rates

Graduation rates have remained relatively consistent over the last few years, remaining in the range of 91.9% to 93.8%. These rates are notably higher than the New York State average of 86%.

Student Enrollment

K-12 enrollment decreased from nearly 6,000 in 21-22 to 5,798 in 23-24. When broken down by ethnicity, enrollment has remained relatively steady across all groups. But the district is seeing an increase in economically disadvantaged student enrollment, from 1,435 (or 24% of all students) in 21-22, to 1,687 (29%) in 23-24.