SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs City School District held a Board of Education meeting on Dec. 7. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Michael Patton gave a district health & safety update, and the Transportation Department gave their annual report. To view the full meeting and the annual report on district transportation, visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4DiZ5odXow. 

During the public comment period, several district residents spoke to garner support for a new capital project that would include an indoor pool on school grounds. They stated that the varsity and modified swim/dive teams rely on the Saratoga Regional YMCA and Skidmore College for pool time. A pool would save the district money and generate revenue, as well as provide opportunities to host meets and tournaments and for grade schoolers to take swimming lessons. 

Health & Safety Updates 

Superintendent Dr. Michael Patton announced that the seven-day rolling average for positivity rate in Saratoga County is at 7.2%, and that increase in positive COVID cases are consistent with other regions across the state. Since the beginning of the 2021-22 school year SSCSD has had 284 cases of COVID among students and staff, and 105 are currently in quarantine. 

By encouragement of the County and State Departments of Health, school districts are asked to continue offering vaccination clinics. As long as there is a high demand for the vaccinations in the district, including for the next eligible age group of 5- to 11-year-olds, SSCSD will be scheduling additional clinics in January. 

Dr. Patton was also able to provide and update on South Glens Falls “Test to Stay” pilot program. Over three weeks, they have tested 1,000 students, and those tests have saved over 900 instructional days for kids who would otherwise be quarantined. 

Due to the supply chain demand, there is currently an issue in getting these rapid tests, but local school district officials were scheduled to have a meeting on Dec. 8 to discuss the potential of implementing the “Test to Stay” protocols across Saratoga County. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) Committee of the Saratoga Springs City School District has picked four new community members to join the board, while parents’ concerns about the committee are still not being addressed. 

In an email sent out to members of the district, and at the Nov. 22 DEI Committee meeting, the names of the four individuals picked to join the committee were announced. Over 60 parent/community member interest forms were received, but applicants heard nothing about the progress of their applications until the announcement. 

Amy, a parent who applied for the DEI Committee confirmed that after submitting her interest form, she received no further correspondence from the committee regarding her application status. 

 “The committee is not being transparent,” said Amy. 

The first element from the NYSED DEI Framework, which the Saratoga Springs City School District had adopted, is governance – “Establish a district Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee that is representative of all stakeholders.” 

Brian, a conservative parent from a minority family, applied for the DEI Committee and was not selected. He can attest that this governance element is not closely followed.

“The committee is not representative of the conservative district members,” said Brian. 

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Michael, another minority parent who is conservative, also submitted an application. He expressed similar concerns to Brian’s. 

“There is not an equal an opportunity for a diversity of races to be on the committee,” said Michael. 

According to Superintendent of Schools Dr. Michael Patton, “A subcommittee (student, staff member, two community members, and two building administrators) volunteered to review the interest forms to select four new members. This subcommittee reviewed each individual’s response of why they were interested in serving on the committee and their personal or professional experiences that will assist the work of the committee.” 

Although Amy added that from a parent’s perspective, “there is no real mission statement.” 

Board of Education (BOE) President Anjeannette Emeka added that the board trustees on the committee serve by invitation, just like any other stakeholder. 

Parents in the SSCSD have real concerns about DEI/CRT, as do countless other parents across the country. All DEI Committee meetings are available to the public and can be watched via WebEx; meeting links can be found on the events calendar on the district’s website: www.saratogaschools.org. At the BOE Workshop on Oct. 26, Dr. Patton announced the possibility of an open forum with community members to address their concerns about the DEI policies, but no further information has been posted. 

ALBANY — St. Anne Institute, an agency that has been providing therapeutic programs and services for young women, individuals, and families for over 100 years, has recently received a $100k donation from Business for Good. 

Founded by local philanthropists, Ed and Lisa Mitzen, Business for Good is a non-profit committed to investing in people and communities by providing access to resources and support to the underserved and those in need. BFG’s donation will help jump start the capital improvements that are needed to modernize and repair some of the older structures at the agency. 

Business for Good and St. Anne Institute both believe in helping others. Their partnership will allow St. Anne Institute to improve and modernize its currently successful offerings and advance the positive impact on their clients, including gained confidence and applicable skills that make them better equipped to overcome crisis in their lives. 

“Business for Good is aligned with St. Anne Institute’s mission of changing lives for the better by providing the tools and resources to help people thrive,” said Ed Mitzen, Business for Good Co-Founder. “We are excited to support their next phase of success.” 

The Capital Campaign was launched in August of 2021 with a goal of reaching $4.5 million to provide the improvements and modernization to the Agency. Projects such as a much-needed elevator to updated air filtration improvements are a few in the long list of items on St. Anne’s checklist. The $100,000 donated by Business for Good will be used to begin such projects. St. Anne Institute is grateful for the generous support from BFG, which will allow them to continue the mission to help any child, adult, or family entrusted to their care.

For more information on how you can help, please contact Sandy Tarkleson, Director of Fund Development & Grants Management at 518-437-6563 or starkleson@s-a-i.org or you can donate online at www.stanneinstitute.org. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga’s Credit Union is offering local high school seniors a chance to win scholarships for college. Saratoga’s Credit Union is participating in the New York Credit Union Association’s statewide credit union college scholarship program, which provides credit union members with scholarships. In 2021, scholarships awarded ranged from $500 to $1,500. 

To be eligible, students must be high school seniors attending two- or four-year accredited educational institutions for the first time in the fall of 2022. They must also be members of Saratoga’s Credit Union or another participating New York credit union. 

Students/applicants will be competing against other credit union members from across the state. Applicants will be judged based upon academic achievements, extracurricular and community activities, and the quality of written essays. Last year, the New York Credit Union Association awarded $30,750 in scholarships to 41 students through the program. In addition, Saratoga’s Credit Union will award a $1,000 scholarship to two local students. 

“Saratoga’s Community Federal Credit Union has been awarding scholarships to deserving students for many years,” said Don Denofio, CEO. “Recipients are selected by a volunteer Scholarship Committee and are chosen based on academic achievement, leadership activities, service to the community, and responses to an essay question. We are pleased to continue to award these scholarships and support education in our community.” 

For more information about the scholarship program, contact the credit union at 518-583-2323. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — U.S. News & World Report has ranked Skidmore No. 38 in the National Liberal Arts Colleges category of its 2022 Best Colleges rankings. Schools are ranked according to their performance across a set of widely accepted indicators of excellence. The publication has once again named Skidmore in the top 50 for “Commitment to Undergraduate Teaching” as well as “Best Value School.” 

The Princeton Review has also named Skidmore to its 2022 overall list of the Best 387 Colleges. In addition, the publication has identified Skidmore as a “Best Value College” for the educational opportunities it affords students and has ranked Skidmore among the top 20 schools for “Best Financial Aid.” 

Skidmore was also recently recognized as one of the 2022 Best Colleges in America by the Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education College Rankings. 

Since rankings cannot capture the distinct and complete nature of any college, prospective students are invited to learn more about Skidmore at skidmore.edu/admissions. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Coral & Blue Paper Co., a local children’s stationery company, is on a mission to encourage gratitude, thoughtfulness and creativity by helping continue the tradition of writing Thank You notes. 

After forging a relationship with a school in Africa, the company has recently gained support from St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Saratoga Springs to boost the school’s charitable efforts.

Burundi is one of the poorest nations in the world and has experienced civil war, political strife, genocide and ethnic cleansing within the last 15 years. Traditional schools are only available in the cities, with little access to education among the mostly rural population.

Named for the colors of classic elementary lines, Coral & Blue Paper Co. creator Ashely Campbell designed the stationery after searching the market unsuccessfully for a product that met the needs of elementary-aged children. 

Connecting with a school in Burundi, Africa, the company provided paper stationery supplies to its students in a country where blank paper is a novelty. With access to these supplies, they are practicing penmanship, reading, writing, art, and public speaking using the cards.

“The people of Burundi stole my heart from day one and it has been such an honor to learn about the country and its beautiful people through this connection,” Campbell said, in a prepared statement.

Over the last year, this partnership has evolved from providing the school with stationery in their native language to delivering a fully sponsored school program attended by more than 5,000 children supplying drinks, food, school supplies to the attendees at the cost of approximately $2,500. Last Christmas, Coral & Blue also provided supplies and small gifts to the children purchased in-country to help support local economies.

This holiday season, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Saratoga Springs supports Coral & Blue’s Burundi Mission by continuing to provide support to the school. The public can donate to the mission by clicking on the church’s giving portal, which may be accessed by going to: spalutheran.org. Donations are also accepted by mail or church drop-off, located at 149 Lake Ave. Please include a note that the donation is for the Mission to Serve. 

For more information about Coral & Blue, go online to: coralandblue.com

MAYFIELD — Transitions, a premier program designed to advance college and career success for young adults with autism spectrum disorders and other learning differences, announces its first-ever day camp at the program’s new Downtown Albany location. Camp is being held on Saturday, Dec. 4 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and allows individuals with autism between ages 15 and 27 to see if the program is a good fit. 

Students are guaranteed to have fun and grow while learning valuable skills and applying them in real-world situations. Transition camps are filled with activities that bring students closer together in a carefully structured, nurturing, and supportive environment designed to help them create lasting friendships with like-minded peers. 

As part of the day camp, students will experience a full range of activities focused on Transitions core curriculum, enrichment classes, and extracurricular activities. Skill building is woven into all activities, and peer mentors are fully trained and vetted to provide students with a safe and transformative experience. Lunch and dinner are included. 

“Our camps give a glimpse of our full year program,” said Penny Rivenburg, Senior Director, Transitions. “If you join us, you will experience Transitions, you will meet current students and mentors, and learn tools that will help you in your future. Best of all, you will have fun.” 

Transitions was founded in 2015, with its main campus in Mayfield, NY. The program opened its second location in Albany in September of this year. 

The Downtown Albany campus is in partnership with Mildred Elley and allows students to access local colleges and universities while benefiting from the supports offered under the Transitions model. The new campus hosts full year programs and can accommodate both residential and day students. 

The day camp costs $65 per student. To register, email admissions@transitionsusa.org or call 518-775-5384 or 518-661-6617. 

Saratoga Springs Central School District 

Dec. 1 – Concert Band at 6:30 p.m. (Loewenberg Auditorium)

Dec. 1 – Jazz Band at 7:15 p.m. (Teaching Auditorium)

Dec. 1 – Symphonic Band at 8 p.m. (Loewenberg Auditorium) 

Dec. 8 – Concert Orchestra at 7 p.m. (Loewenberg Auditorium) 

Dec. 8 – Symphonic Orchestra at 7:30 p.m. (Loewenberg Auditorium)

Dec. 8 – Chamber Orchestra at 8 p.m. (Loewenberg Auditorium)

Dec. 15 – Chorus at 7 p.m. (Loewenberg Auditorium)

Dec. 15 – Choraliers at 7:30 p.m. (Loewenberg Auditorium)

Dec. 20 – Orchestra 7 at 6 p.m. (Maple Ave, Trombley Auditorium) 

Dec. 20 – Orchestra 8 at 6:30 p.m. (Maple Ave, Trombley Auditorium) 

Dec. 20 – Band 7 at 7 p.m. (Maple Ave, Trombley Auditorium) 

Dec. 20 – Band 8 at 7:30 p.m. (Maple Ave, Trombley Auditorium) 

Ballston Spa Central School District 

Middle School and High School Concerts:

Dec. 9 – 7:30 p.m. Special Concert featuring the 7th Grade Band, Concert Band, and Wind Ensemble 

Dec. 13 – 7:30 p.m. JV Concert with Concert Jazz, Concert Choir, and Concert Orchestra

Dec. 14 –7 p.m. 7th Grade Choir and Orchestra

Dec. 16 –7:30 p.m. Varsity Concert with High School Jazz, Festival Choir, and Symphonic Orchestra

Dec. 21 –7 p.m. 6th Grade Orchestra, Choir, and Band 

All Elementary School Concerts: 
All the BSCSD Elementary winter concerts have been rescheduled to March 2022 and relocated to the High School Auditorium.

March 1 at 7 p.m. – Milton Terrace Elementary School 

March 3 at 7 p.m. – Gordon Creek Elementary School 

March 8 at 7 p.m. – Wood Road Elementary School 

March 10 at 7 p.m. – Malta Avenue Elementary School 

Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake Central School District 

Dec.6 – O’Rourke Winter Concert #1 (Orchestra 7/8, Band 8, & Chorus 8) at 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 7 – O’Rourke Winter Concert #2 (MS Jazz Band, Band 7, & Chorus 7) at 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 9 – HS Winter Concert #1 (Symphonic Band, Mixed Chorus, & Orchestra) at 7:30 p.m. 

Stillwater Central School District 

Dec. 2 – HS Winter Concert at 7 p.m. 

Dec. 7 – ES Winter Concert at 7 p.m. 

Dec. 9 – MS Winter Concert at 7 p.m. 

Corinth Central School District 

Dec. 7 – HS Winter Concert at 7 p.m. 

Dec. 9 – Elementary Winter Chorus Concert at 6:30 p.m.

Dec. 16 – Grades 5 & 6 Winter Concert at 7 p.m. 

South Glens Falls Central School District 

Dec. 7 – Moreau Winter Concert at 6:30 p.m. 

Dec. 9 – Ballard Winter Concert at 6:30 p.m. 

Dec. 13 – Grades Choir Concert at 7 p.m. 

Dec. 14 – Harrison Ave. Winter Concert at 6:30 p.m. 

Dec. 15 – Grades Band Concert at 7 p.m. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — SUNY Empire State College Officer in Charge Nathan Gonyea has announced the SUNY Empire State College Center for Autism Inclusivity’s new name, Center for Autism Advocacy: Research, Education, and Supports, during the college’s inaugural conference, Partners in Applied Behavior Analysis. Gonyea also announced an endowment from Susan and Jack Turben that funds the center’s director role in perpetuity.

The Center for Autism Advocacy’s new name more closely represents the center’s goal of supporting students with autism, providing the autism community with up-to-date research on autism spectrum disorders, and education faculty and staff on how to mee the needs of students with autism in online and in-person learning environments. 

SUNY Empire State College also announced that the Center for Autism Advocacy’s directorship is permanently endowed thanks to a gift from SUNY Empire alumna and child-development expert Susan ’72 and Jack Turben. In recognition, the role, currently filled by Dr. Noor Syed, is now the Susan H. Turben Director for Autism Advocacy. 

In August of last year, SUNY Empire and Anderson Center celebrated the launch of the Center for Autism Inclusivity to provide educational support and research to better serve individuals with autism in the classroom and the workplace. In partnership with Anderson Center, the center promotes workforce development for professionals serving individuals with autism, creates autism-inclusive learning environments, and helps meet the growing demand for professionals working with children and adults with autism spectrum disorders. SUNY Empire’s Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis, which launches in spring 2022, prepares students to address the educational, emotional, and social needs of individuals with autism. 

“Over the past 50 years, we’ve built upon the diversity of our students – developing, implementing, and assessing approaches to learning that recognize and adapt to their distinct needs,” said SUNY Empire State College Officer in Charge Nathan Gonyea, Ph.D. “The Center for Autism Advocacy: Research, Education, and Supports is a shining example of our mission, and its new name encompasses the full continuum of services we provide.”

“As we collaborated more extensively with our autistic colleagues, we realized that the Center for Autism Inclusivity’s name did not fully represent the scope of our goals,” added SUNY Empire State College’s Susan H. Turben Director for Autism Advocacy Noor Syed, Ph.D. “Our new name, Center for Autism Advocacy: Research, Education, and Supports, better reflects our mission of working with, listening to, and learning from the autistic community to engage in initiatives that best support autistic and neurodivergent values.” 

For more information about the Center for Autism Advocacy: Research, Education, and Supports and it its programs, visit www.esc.edu/autism. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS/WESTBURY — The New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) has announced a return to the Rochester Riverside Convention Center and the historic Eastman Theatre on Dec. 2 – 5 for the 2021 All-State Festival and Winter Conference, after the pandemic forced a cancellation in 2020. 

Maxwell Novik, a senior at Saratoga Springs High School, has been selected as a Bass I to the 2021 Mixed Chorus. He will participate in a concert held in the Eastman Theatre in Rochester during the annual NYSSMA Winter Conference. Maxwell will be accompanied by SSHS Choir Director Karen Houlahan. 

During his time there, Maxwell will participate in several rehearsals with students from across New York State. He will be completing Zoom sectionals and recording part checks to submit to the Mixed Chorus chairperson to demonstrate his preparation of the challenging repertoire. 

Maxwell is an extremely dedicated, active, and accomplished singer, signing as a member of the SSHS Choraliers, participating in the NYSSMA Solo Festival, taking private vocal lessons, and as a member of SCHWA Capella, a student-led after school signing ensemble. 

For more information about the New York State School Music Association, or to purchase All-State Concert ticket, go to www.NYSSMA.org.