BALLSTON SPA — Ballston Spa High School’s FIRST Robotics Team #3044 and FIRST Tech Challenge Team #6945 recently hosted a Hudson Valley FIRST LEGO League (FLL) Qualifying Tournament. Eight FLL teams participated in the tournament. The first-place winner was the BroBots team from Christian Brothers Academy in Albany. They will be moving on to the Hudson Valley FLL Championship Tournament on February 8, 2020 at Dutchess Community College. Other teams that received awards at the tournament include: • Robot Design Award & Robot Performance Award (BSpa Beasts from Saratoga County 4-H) • Project Award (Motors in Action, Wood Road Elementary) • Core Values (Bionic Builders, Ballston Spa Middle School) This year’s FLL challenge, City Shaper, required students to design a LEGO robot that was programmed to operate independently on the competition table and accomplish several design and construction related tasks. The teams were judged based on the robot’s performance, design, core values and on a project. The theme of this year’s project asked students to think like architects, engineers and construction workers to identify a problem with a building or public space in their community and design a solution to the problem. The tournament was sponsored by Hudson Valley FLL, Dutchess Community College and their Foundation, IBM, and NY Tech Valley FIRST. FIRST programs are growing in New York Tech Valley as a result of the overwhelming support of our industry sponsors to engage more students in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) and develop the needed workforce to support their businesses. Sponsors for New York Tech Valley include GLOBALFOUNDRIES, GE, ASML, National Grid, KLATencor, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Lam Research, Applied Materials, AMD, Turner Construction, SCREEN USA, nfrastructure, Edwards, Regeneron, Pickett Family Foundation, Acumetra, Tokyo Electron and Westerwood Global. Additional information is available by contacting Ballston Spa K-12 Science Coordinator Diane Irwin, dirwin@bscsd.org, or at the High School by calling 518-884-7150.

BALLSTON SPA — The Ballston Spa Central School District is currently enrolling students for its Universal Prekindergarten Program for the 2020-2021 school year. An eligible child is a child who resides within the school district and who is four years of age on or before December 1, 2020. A child who is age-eligible to attend kindergarten is not eligible for the UPK program. Agencies that provide the Universal Prekindergarten Program for the district are the YMCA Malta Childcare Center, the Saratoga County Equal Opportunity Center Head Start program at Gordon Creek Elementary School, and the Ballston Area Community Center. To apply to enroll a child at the YMCA Malta Childcare Center, contact Jenna Graber at 518-583-4342. To apply to enroll a child at the Saratoga County EOC Head Start program, contact Lina Sanchez at 518-884-7270, ext. 3484. To apply to enroll a child at the Ballston Area Community Center, contact Kathi Leigh at (518) 885-3261, ext. 16. The application packet is available on the BSCSD website or through the UPK agencies. The application deadline is January 31, 2020. Parents/guardians will be notified in writing at the end of February of placement decisions. For any other questions regarding the program, please contact the Ballston Spa Central School District’s Office of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment at 518-884-7195, ext. 1330. For additional information, visit the district’s Universal Prekindergarten Program webpage via www.bscsd.org

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Marc C. Conner, provost of Washington and Lee University, innovative leader of interdisciplinary academic programs and longtime advocate of diversity and inclusion, has been named the eighth president of Skidmore College. His term begins July 1, 2020. “I have deep respect for what Skidmore has achieved as a model of an excellent liberal arts education, and I am tremendously excited to be part of its future,” Conner said. Conner, a widely published professor of English, has served as provost of Washington and Lee University, a private liberal arts university in Lexington, VA, since Jan. 2016. As Washington and Lee’s chief academic officer, he has led the university in reaffirmation of its accreditation, co-chaired its strategic planning process and overseen the revitalization of its law school. “I’m eager to sit down with the Skidmore community, roll up our sleeves and continue Skidmore’s tradition of academic excellence, collaboration and creativity.” Conner will succeed Philip Glotzbach, who will retire at the end of June 2020.

SOUTH GLENS FALLS — Beginning in 1978, South Glens Falls High School has hosted a marathon dance to raise money for local families and charities in need. Raising $1,500 that first year, which was donated to a local EMS Squad, every year the numbers have climbed. High school students in grades nine through twelve gathers for 28 hours of dancing for a crowd that fills the entire bleachers. Donating to a dancer is not the only way to contribute; vendors, raffles, and silent auctions also fill the school and donate their proceeds. At the end of the dance, awards are presented to the students who raised the most money, the raffle awards, the live auction, and the highly anticipated tally of the money raised. The 43rd annual South High Marathon Dance will be held March 6-7, 2020 at the South Glens Falls Senior High School. Last year, the dance raised $837,859.97 for 40 beneficiaries, bringing the 42-year total to more than $8.1 million raised for 530 beneficiaries. The South High Marathon Dance Inc. is registered with the state of New York as a charitable corporation and has been determined by the IRS to be a public charity under section 501 (c) (3). Accordingly, all donations are tax-deductible.

FUNDRAISING IN THE NAME OF SOUTH HIGH MARATHON DANCE

Part of the success of the South High Marathon Dance is attributed to the significant number of fundraisers and events which take place throughout the community prior to the weekend of the Marathon Dance. If you would like to conduct a fundraiser or event, or to verify the legitimacy of one which is scheduled, please contact our Events Committee at Events@ SHMD.org. All fundraising activities or events, the use of the South High Marathon Dance (SHMD) name, icons, images and logos are subject to approval of the Corporation. Any event or fundraiser raising money for a specific student’s fundraising goal MUST also receive approval, and clearly state on all flyers and advertisements that the proceeds of said activity will be attributed to that student’s total; this includes money jars at businesses.

DONATIONS OF GOODS AND SERVICES

This year, all donations must be received no later than Friday, February 21. Donations received after that date will be inventoried for the 2021 Marathon Dance. No donations for auctions or prizes will be accepted at the Dance. Many businesses, individuals, and organizations donate goods or services to the dance to be used as auction items, rewards for dancers, or to provide food for dancers, recipients, or the concession stand. If you are interested in donating a good or service, please contact donations@SHMD.org. Please provide information about the goods or services you would like to donate as soon as possible. The Marathon Dance will use your donation as it deems most appropriate. If you are approached by someone representing the South High Marathon Dance, but unsure of their legitimacy, please reach out to verify their identity.

SOUTH GLENS FALLS — Beginning in 1978, South Glens Falls High School has hosted a marathon dance to raise money for local families and charities in need. Raising $1,500 that first year, which was donated to a local EMS Squad, every year the numbers have climbed. High school students in grades nine through twelve gathers for 28 hours of dancing for a crowd that fills the entire bleachers. Donating to a dancer is not the only way to contribute; vendors, raffles, and silent auctions also fill the school and donate their proceeds. At the end of the dance, awards are presented to the students who raised the most money, the raffle awards, the live auction, and the highly anticipated tally of the money raised. The 43rd annual South High Marathon Dance will be held March 6-7, 2020 at the South Glens Falls Senior High School. Last year, the dance raised $837,859.97 for 40 beneficiaries, bringing the 42-year total to more than $8.1 million raised for 530 beneficiaries. The South High Marathon Dance Inc. is registered with the state of New York as a charitable corporation and has been determined by the IRS to be a public charity under section 501 (c) (3). Accordingly, all donations are tax-deductible.

FUNDRAISING IN THE NAME OF SOUTH HIGH MARATHON DANCE

Part of the success of the South High Marathon Dance is attributed to the significant number of fundraisers and events which take place throughout the community prior to the weekend of the Marathon Dance. If you would like to conduct a fundraiser or event, or to verify the legitimacy of one which is scheduled, please contact our Events Committee at Events@ SHMD.org. All fundraising activities or events, the use of the South High Marathon Dance (SHMD) name, icons, images and logos are subject to approval of the Corporation. Any event or fundraiser raising money for a specific student’s fundraising goal MUST also receive approval, and clearly state on all flyers and advertisements that the proceeds of said activity will be attributed to that student’s total; this includes money jars at businesses.

DONATIONS OF GOODS AND SERVICES

This year, all donations must be received no later than Friday, February 21. Donations received after that date will be inventoried for the 2021 Marathon Dance. No donations for auctions or prizes will be accepted at the Dance. Many businesses, individuals, and organizations donate goods or services to the dance to be used as auction items, rewards for dancers, or to provide food for dancers, recipients, or the concession stand. If you are interested in donating a good or service, please contact donations@SHMD.org. Please provide information about the goods or services you would like to donate as soon as possible. The Marathon Dance will use your donation as it deems most appropriate. If you are approached by someone representing the South High Marathon Dance, but unsure of their legitimacy, please reach out to verify their identity.

SOUTH GLENS FALLS — Beginning in 1978, South Glens Falls High School has hosted a marathon dance to raise money for local families and charities in need. Raising $1,500 that first year, which was donated to a local EMS Squad, every year the numbers have climbed. High school students in grades nine through twelve gathers for 28 hours of dancing for a crowd that fills the entire bleachers. Donating to a dancer is not the only way to contribute; vendors, raffles, and silent auctions also fill the school and donate their proceeds. At the end of the dance, awards are presented to the students who raised the most money, the raffle awards, the live auction, and the highly anticipated tally of the money raised. The 43rd annual South High Marathon Dance will be held March 6-7, 2020 at the South Glens Falls Senior High School. Last year, the dance raised $837,859.97 for 40 beneficiaries, bringing the 42-year total to more than $8.1 million raised for 530 beneficiaries. The South High Marathon Dance Inc. is registered with the state of New York as a charitable corporation and has been determined by the IRS to be a public charity under section 501 (c) (3). Accordingly, all donations are tax-deductible.

FUNDRAISING IN THE NAME OF SOUTH HIGH MARATHON DANCE

Part of the success of the South High Marathon Dance is attributed to the significant number of fundraisers and events which take place throughout the community prior to the weekend of the Marathon Dance. If you would like to conduct a fundraiser or event, or to verify the legitimacy of one which is scheduled, please contact our Events Committee at Events@ SHMD.org. All fundraising activities or events, the use of the South High Marathon Dance (SHMD) name, icons, images and logos are subject to approval of the Corporation. Any event or fundraiser raising money for a specific student’s fundraising goal MUST also receive approval, and clearly state on all flyers and advertisements that the proceeds of said activity will be attributed to that student’s total; this includes money jars at businesses.

DONATIONS OF GOODS AND SERVICES

This year, all donations must be received no later than Friday, February 21. Donations received after that date will be inventoried for the 2021 Marathon Dance. No donations for auctions or prizes will be accepted at the Dance. Many businesses, individuals, and organizations donate goods or services to the dance to be used as auction items, rewards for dancers, or to provide food for dancers, recipients, or the concession stand. If you are interested in donating a good or service, please contact donations@SHMD.org. Please provide information about the goods or services you would like to donate as soon as possible. The Marathon Dance will use your donation as it deems most appropriate. If you are approached by someone representing the South High Marathon Dance, but unsure of their legitimacy, please reach out to verify their identity.

SOUTH GLENS FALLS — Beginning in 1978, South Glens Falls High School has hosted a marathon dance to raise money for local families and charities in need. Raising $1,500 that first year, which was donated to a local EMS Squad, every year the numbers have climbed. High school students in grades nine through twelve gathers for 28 hours of dancing for a crowd that fills the entire bleachers. Donating to a dancer is not the only way to contribute; vendors, raffles, and silent auctions also fill the school and donate their proceeds. At the end of the dance, awards are presented to the students who raised the most money, the raffle awards, the live auction, and the highly anticipated tally of the money raised. The 43rd annual South High Marathon Dance will be held March 6-7, 2020 at the South Glens Falls Senior High School. Last year, the dance raised $837,859.97 for 40 beneficiaries, bringing the 42-year total to more than $8.1 million raised for 530 beneficiaries. The South High Marathon Dance Inc. is registered with the state of New York as a charitable corporation and has been determined by the IRS to be a public charity under section 501 (c) (3). Accordingly, all donations are tax-deductible.

FUNDRAISING IN THE NAME OF SOUTH HIGH MARATHON DANCE

Part of the success of the South High Marathon Dance is attributed to the significant number of fundraisers and events which take place throughout the community prior to the weekend of the Marathon Dance. If you would like to conduct a fundraiser or event, or to verify the legitimacy of one which is scheduled, please contact our Events Committee at Events@ SHMD.org. All fundraising activities or events, the use of the South High Marathon Dance (SHMD) name, icons, images and logos are subject to approval of the Corporation. Any event or fundraiser raising money for a specific student’s fundraising goal MUST also receive approval, and clearly state on all flyers and advertisements that the proceeds of said activity will be attributed to that student’s total; this includes money jars at businesses.

DONATIONS OF GOODS AND SERVICES

This year, all donations must be received no later than Friday, February 21. Donations received after that date will be inventoried for the 2021 Marathon Dance. No donations for auctions or prizes will be accepted at the Dance. Many businesses, individuals, and organizations donate goods or services to the dance to be used as auction items, rewards for dancers, or to provide food for dancers, recipients, or the concession stand. If you are interested in donating a good or service, please contact donations@SHMD.org. Please provide information about the goods or services you would like to donate as soon as possible. The Marathon Dance will use your donation as it deems most appropriate. If you are approached by someone representing the South High Marathon Dance, but unsure of their legitimacy, please reach out to verify their identity.

Skidmore College to host annual American Culinary Federation Competition

Top college and university chefs from the region will compete 
in a “Chopped”-style competition in Saratoga Springs, Jan. 8-10

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Skidmore College will host the ninth annual American Culinary Federation (ACF) Conference and Competition, Jan. 8-10. The conference will culminate in a “Chopped”-style contest featuring chefs from colleges and universities across the Northeast.  

The annual event is organized by Skidmore’s Dining Services. It provides staff development and continues to raise the standards of the College’s award-wining dining program.

This year’s contestants hail from 10 institutions across New York and Massachusetts: Binghamton University, Bonnie Briar Country Club, Cornell University, Skidmore College, St. Lawrence University, State University of New York at Albany, State University of New York at Cobleskill, State University of New York at Geneseo, Tufts University and Williams College.

“Skidmore College looks forward to hosting this exciting competition once again,” said Mark Miller, director of Dining Services. “Participants have the chance to be inspired by one another’s culinary creativity. The event offers professional development in a fun and dynamic setting. Our chefs enhance their culinary skills and come away with innovative dishes that can be put into practice — and onto the plate — in our own dining hall.”

Skidmore’s team has won gold medals each of the past six years of the ACF competition. Skidmore’s food service has achieved wide recognition, including a No. 4 ranking for Best College Food in New York in 2020 from Niche.com based on meal plan costs and student reviews. Top-ranked colleges offer outstanding on-campus dining and provide easy access to healthy, quality food across a wide range of cuisines and dietary preferences.

As part of the competition, each four-person team must prepare both a four-course menu and buffet platter serving 10 from the same ingredients. Each team has one hour to develop the menu and then several hours to prepare and serve the dishes.

A panel of seven professional chefs will judge the teams on originality, taste and presentation, and may award or deduct points for timing, teamwork, utilization of food, skills, sanitation and overall preparation.

The ACF-sanctioned competition begins in Skidmore’s Murray-Aikins Dining Hall at 6 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 10. Teams will prepare and present their courses until 1 p.m., when final judging gets under way. Awards will be presented at approximately 3 p.m. The public is welcome to view the event at any time during the day. Admission is free.

Top college and university chefs from the region will compete in a “Chopped”-style competition in Saratoga Springs, Jan. 8-10. Photo provided.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Skidmore College will host the ninth annual American Culinary Federation (ACF) Conference and Competition, Jan. 8-10. The conference will culminate in a “Chopped”-style contest featuring chefs from colleges and universities across the Northeast.  

The annual event is organized by Skidmore’s Dining Services. It provides staff development and continues to raise the standards of the College’s award-wining dining program.

This year’s contestants hail from 10 institutions across New York and Massachusetts: Binghamton University, Bonnie Briar Country Club, Cornell University, Skidmore College, St. Lawrence University, State University of New York at Albany, State University of New York at Cobleskill, State University of New York at Geneseo, Tufts University and Williams College.

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“Skidmore College looks forward to hosting this exciting competition once again,” said Mark Miller, director of Dining Services. “Participants have the chance to be inspired by one another’s culinary creativity. The event offers professional development in a fun and dynamic setting. Our chefs enhance their culinary skills and come away with innovative dishes that can be put into practice — and onto the plate — in our own dining hall.”

Skidmore’s team has won gold medals each of the past six years of the ACF competition. Skidmore’s food service has achieved wide recognition, including a No. 4 ranking for Best College Food in New York in 2020 from Niche.com based on meal plan costs and student reviews. Top-ranked colleges offer outstanding on-campus dining and provide easy access to healthy, quality food across a wide range of cuisines and dietary preferences.

As part of the competition, each four-person team must prepare both a four-course menu and buffet platter serving 10 from the same ingredients. Each team has one hour to develop the menu and then several hours to prepare and serve the dishes.

A panel of seven professional chefs will judge the teams on originality, taste and presentation, and may award or deduct points for timing, teamwork, utilization of food, skills, sanitation and overall preparation.

The ACF-sanctioned competition begins in Skidmore’s Murray-Aikins Dining Hall at 6 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 10. Teams will prepare and present their courses until 1 p.m., when final judging gets under way. Awards will be presented at approximately 3 p.m. The public is welcome to view the event at any time during the day. Admission is free.

Ballston Spa Schools Receive Support of GLOBALFOUNDRIES
BALLSTON SPA — The Ballston Spa schools were among the community organizations selected to receive funding from the GLOBALFOUNDRIES – Town of Malta Foundation as they announced their awards for 2019. The district received $3,500 in funding for the annual Tech Valley Robot Rumble Off-Season Robotics Competition held at the Ballston Spa High School in the fall. The Ballston Spa FIRST Robotics Team #3044 was also awarded a $4,000 grant to support the team’s participation in regional competitions. The district’s Scotties BackPack program received $5,000 in support to provide food for students on the weekends and the Malta Avenue PTA received $1,550 to provide science programs in the school. The Ballston Spa Middle School’s Launching Pad Productions received $1,500 to support their performance of Frozen Jr! in February. The Ballston Spa High School’s Student Book Club received $2,000 to purchase books and support club activities, the Young Adult Reading Project received $750 for books, and the drama department received $2,500 for sound equipment. The Ballston Spa High School PTSA was awarded a $4,000 grant to help with Arts-In-Education programs and the annual After-Prom activities implemented by the parent organization each spring. The GLOBALFOUNDRIESTown of Malta Foundation recently presented its 2019 slate of grants totaling over $160,000, supporting over 40 local organizations and community projects. The Foundation was developed to fund organizations, programs and projects that provide tangible benefits of a public nature to diverse groups serving the citizens of the Town of Malta, including not-forprofit corporations, charitable organizations, community arts and theater groups, community historical sites, special events, education programs, and sports and recreation activities. For more information, visit the Foundation’s web site at sites.google.com/site/ gfmaltafoundationorg/home. For more information on school programs, please visit the Ballston Spa Central School District website at www.bscsd. org or call the District Office at 518-884-7195.

Saratoga Springs CSD Thanks Donors
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Throughout the year, the District receives tens of thousands of dollars in donations from community partners, parent organizations, and individuals. The donations vary from money towards school supplies, outstanding school lunch debts, and field trips to donations of technology and classroom equipment. These donations are greatly appreciated, and they make a huge impact on our students, staff, and schools. “Our District is pleased to be able to accept many generous donations throughout the school year,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Michael Patton. “These donations are a reflection of the wonderful community that we live in,” Patton stated.

Saratoga Foundation for Innovative Learning (SFIL) Awards $25,652 in Grants
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Foundation for Innovative Learning (SFIL), the education foundation for the Saratoga Springs City School District, has awards seven grants totaling $25,652 to staff. SFIL is a non-profit organization that strives to empower the school community to ignite the love of learning in all by supporting innovative opportunities. Below are the 2019 grant recipients and grant information: Jamie Hansen and Michele Sperber for Ozobots for Grades K-2 STEM: Using simple programing techniques (from drawing lines on paper to using iPad commands for speed, direction, etc.), Ozobot programmable robots will give students the opportunity to use critical thinking and perseverance to solve problems in a fun and engaging way. The robots come with pre-developed lessons that are linked to the NYS Science Learning Standards. Jennifer Spoor for Instructional Play Materials for First Grade: As an alternative to “Skill and Drill” instruction, this grant will to provide first grade teachers with resources that will encourage purposeful play. Students will use puppets during ELA lessons to act out portions of a book. Students will also use math games to improve their fact fluency and build endurance. Finally, students would have access to various building materials to help during STEM activities allowing for hands-on problem solving. Carrie Jackson for Drum Circle Materials for Elementary Music and Chorus Elementary: Students throughout the district will have an opportunity to use World Percussion Instruments (WPI). Using items from five-gallon buckets to 24-inch Djembes, students will take part in various drum circles to immerse themselves in world cultures and communities, gaining a deeper understanding of their rhythms, dance, music and instruments. Talia Brower, Diana Kakaty, Lynne McGee, Michele Slone, & Alexandra Zanetti for a Sensory Room for Elementary Students: The room will include items such as interactive bubble tubes and switches, fiber optic light strands, and glow panels. These items, in conjunction with other purchased materials, will help to outfit a sensory room. The room will be a place where students in distress can deescalate safely so they can return to their classroom. Colleen Belanger for Heart Rate Monitors for Physical Education Students: This grant will will supply high school PE students with heart rate monitors to wear during class. As an alternative to traditional assessments, the teacher will use the data to assess students on their physical effort and growth over time. Erin Bell for Interactive Science Software: This grant would provide chemistry laboratory software to high school students. The program (Pivot Interactives) provides online simulations of experiments that are either done in the HS laboratory, or are too dangerous or expensive to conduct in school. Not only are students able to enhance their learning with these simulations, but they also provide an alternative learning environment for students unable to attend school due to medical conditions. Jennifer McGuinness for Standing Desks for the Maple Avenue Learning Center: This grant would help to provide standing desks and stools to Maple Ave students in the Learning Center. These desks and stools provide an alternative furniture choice for students to give the Learning Center a different look and feel than a traditional classroom.

League of Women Voters Accepting Applications for Students Inside Albany
SARATOGA COUNTY — The League of Women Voters (LWV) of Saratoga County is accepting applications for High School Juniors residing in Saratoga County to attend Students Inside Albany. The SIA conference, sponsored by the League of Women Voters of New York State Education Foundation, Inc., is designed to increase students’ awareness of their responsibility in representative government and provide the tools necessary for meeting that responsibility. This interactive conference will bring together high school students from across the state to learn about New York State government and the process by which citizens can participate in the policy making arena. As part of this program, students will also tour the Capitol and observe both the Senate and Assembly in action by spending an afternoon shadowing their legislator. The Conference will be held on May 17-20, 2020 and is an intensive four day training experience designed to immerse students in the process by which public policy is proposed, enacted and changed in New York State. All conference expenses for the successful candidate will be covered by the LWV of Saratoga County. Applications are due to the LWV Saratoga by January 25, 2020 and may be found on the LWV website: www.lwvsaratoga. org. For more information contact lwvsaratoga@gmail.com or call 518-728-5201.