SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Schools district is seeking four additional parents/community members to join the District Diversity, Equity & Inclusion committee.  Parents and community members are required to be residents of the school district.

Parents and community members who are interested are encouraged to apply by filling out the SSCSD Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee Interest Form by October 29.  Volunteers are expected to attend a monthly virtual meeting and participate on one of several subcommittees.

The District Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee will meet virtually every month and will be held via WebEx. The meeting can be viewed by all community members. The WebEx link for each meeting may be found on the district website calendar.

For more information visit www.saratogaschools.org 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Board of Education will be holding a Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) workshop on Tuesday, Oct. 26 at 6 p.m. The workshop, which is open to the public, will update board members and community members of the work the District Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Committee has been doing and how it aligns with the NYS Board of Regents Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Framework. 

What is Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion? The district describes the work their committee is doing that will be shared with the BOE on Tuesday in the following statement on their website: 

“The District Equity & Inclusion Committee supports our district’s Pathways Vision and ongoing work in creating a more equitable, inclusive, safe, and welcoming environment for all students, staff, and community members. The committee has been engaged in conversation and is developing action plans to recommend policies and implement practices designed to promote diversity, facilitate growth in becoming a culturally competent school community, and improve access, opportunity, and outcomes for all students.” 

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Michael Patton stresses that the district’s DEI policy has never been discussed as, and is different from, Critical Race Theory.

However, some local parents feel the policy is just another name for CRT. 

“Why are whites supposedly automatically racist, and why are minorities supposedly victims,” said Brian B. of Saratoga Springs. “I’ve known plenty of blacks and Latinos who were downright brilliant. These systems hold everyone back. My family is mixed race and these policies make me sick.” 

Another concerned parent was surprised when his son came home and said that the principal at Maple Avenue Middle School had made an announcement that students should wear an orange t-shirt next week to support the district’s commitment to DEI. 

“DEI is just a kinder, gentler way of saying CRT,” stated Ed S. “When you use a term like ‘marginalized students,’ which is a broad label applied to minority students, and the policy is to uplift the marginalized students by having the non-marginalized student realize they are privileged, and because of their privileged status, yield to marginalized students, how is that any different from CRT?” 

Ed added, “When I look at the members of the committee putting this together, it doesn’t seem like a fair representation of conservatives and progressives. I am just looking for it to be a conversation or series of conversations with other concerned parents to share our thoughts collectively on this topic.” 

Want to learn more about the Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion policy and get involved in the discussion? Stay tuned to the district website events calendar at www.saratogaschools.org for links and further information on how to attend the workshop and future District Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion meetings.

NEW YORK — The State Education Department has awarded $14 million to 135 public libraries and systems statewide to support construction and renovation projects. These funds help libraries construct new buildings, create additions, update electrical wiring and computer technology, improve broadband infrastructure, meet energy efficiency standards, renovate facilities to provide full accessibility to library users with disabilities, and provide meeting spaces to accommodate community needs. 

The Capital Region was awarded $894,661. The only library in Saratoga County to apply and receive state aid was Stillwater Public Library in the Southern Adirondack Library System. With the $337,500 they were awarded, the Stillwater library will purchase a former factory, the Fiber Mill at 712 Hudson Ave., to use as a new building. 

Construction funds are allocated to New York State’s 23 public library systems based on formulas in Education Law. Member libraries apply for the State funds allocated to their public library system. Each library system’s governing Board of Trustees then prioritizes the projects and sends approved project applications with recommended project awards to the State Library. After State Library review, applications are then sent to the Dormitory Authority of New York State for final review and approval. 

The $14 million in capital funds for State Aid for Library Construction are provided in the 2020-21 Enacted State Budget. In the 2021-22 State Budget, $34 million was provided for projects that will be announced in summer 2022. The deadline to submit an application for that funding to the New York State Library was Oct. 6, 2021. 

BALLSTON SPA — The Saratoga County 4-H will be hosting an Open House Halloween Extravaganza on Halloween. The event is free and open to the public. Activities will begin at 1 p.m. at the Saratoga County 4-H Training Center on Middleline Road in Ballston Spa, and conclude at 3 p.m. 

The public is invited to join in the fun of trick-or-treating, hayrides, games, arts & crafts, farm animal meet & greet, and more. Costumes are highly recommended. No need to sign up for the extravaganza, just arrive and enjoy. Watch the horses as their riders take them around barrels, over jumps, and in costume at the Fall Fun Horse Show. The Show is free for 4-H youth and $25 for adults to enter in; for class list and registration, email bh548@cornell.edu. Visit 4-H club booths in the main classroom and see what your youth can get involved in. 4-H club members and clubs will have a chance to build, decorate, and submit life-size scarecrows which will then be displayed and judged on creativity during the Extravaganza’s hayrides. Come join 4-H for a spooky day at their Training Center. 

4-H is the Youth Outreach component of Cornell Cooperative Extension that connects youth, ages 5-18 years of age, to hands-on learning opportunities that help them grow into competent, caring, contributing members of society. 4-H also looks to create healthy youth-adult partnerships with our network of caring and competent local volunteers. Saratoga County offers a diverse range of programming including veterinary science, robotics, shooting sports, public presentations, master gardener, market auction, wildlife & natural resources, nutrition, and more. 

Saratoga County 4-H Educators have put their best foot forward to work through the COVID-19 pandemic. Saratoga County 4-H is looking forward to offering more in-person programs throughout the new 4-H year. Their new 4-H Educator, Rylie Lear, is creating new opportunities in the animal science area for the youth. 

Saratoga County 4-H is excited to see everyone at the 4-H Open House Halloween Extravaganza on Oct. 31. For more information contact Cornell Cooperative Extension of Saratoga County at 518-885-8995 or visit their website at www.ccesaratoga.org 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Academy for Lifelong Learning (A.L.L.) continues its tradition of presenting educational and social opportunities for adults 55+ by offering eleven classroom/outdoor courses and ten Zoom courses in their second fall session starting the week of Oct. 18. Courses are 5 weeks. Registration is open now. 

Topics for these noncredit courses include music, literature, poetry, solar system, Italian language, genealogy, local walking tours, supreme court, cooking, painting, life stories, environment, writing, hiking, fly casting, investing, Chinese wisdom, speaker series, history, art, science, and more. Join A.L.L. locally for outdoor courses or from anywhere on Zoom options. 

Course brochures are available at local libraries, YMCAs, and retirement communities, or by request at 518-587-2100 ext. 2390 or jeff.shinaman@esc.edu or online at www.esc.edu/all. Registrations will be accepted throughout the term until full. Some courses will sell out. Annual membership is $75 and goes through June 30, 2022. Five-week courses are $50.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — With one month of the school year completed, Saratoga Springs City School District held a Board of Education meeting on Oct. 12 to discuss health & safety and academic quarantine plan updates.

Superintendent Dr. Michael Patton announced that across New York State last Wednesday, schools gathered enrollment and employee data as part of Basic Educational Data System Day, or BEDS Day. As of last Wednesday, Saratoga Springs City School District has 5,989 students enrolled and has close to 1,100 employees. 

Health & Safety Update

As of Oct. 12, there have been 61 total positive COVID-19 cases between students and staff members since school opened in September. Just a few weeks ago, close to 150 students were under quarantine by Saratoga County. As of Oct. 12, less than 10 students in the district are now under quarantine from contract tracing. 

Academic Quarantine Plan Update

Lisa Cutting, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction, & Assessment presented updates and clarifications to the plan made in the past two weeks, since the last BOE meeting. Adjustments have been made in terms of grouping, communication with parents, and iTutor, clarifying the timeline of when a student will begin tutoring and what that entails. 

Students under quarantine will access information on Seesaw and Canvas. If it is determined that a student needs to be under quarantine longer than three days, they will be enrolled into iTutor three days into quarantine at the latest. iTutor is live instructional support online to small groups with certified teachers vetted by the school district. The parents of students under quarantine who will be enrolled in iTutor will receive an email, phone call, and a flyer with information about the tutoring when they pick their child up from school. 

Cutting also addressed some frequently asked questions. They tested a tutoring pilot with retired teachers from the district; however, those teachers were not able to provide the students with a consistent schedule. Also, teachers can record their classes to be posted on Seesaw or Canvas, and students will receive information from the class in many different forms. If your student would benefit from visual or auditory lessons, please contact your student’s teacher or have your student speak to their teachers directly. A plan for support for students with disabilities is still being worked on.

Maple Avenue Pathways Vision 6-8 Program Report

Principal Scott Singer and administration discussed the goal for the 21-22 school year – increase the number of students performing at or above grade level in literacy and math. 

Students already test three times a year in reading and math using i-Ready assessments that show skills mastered, skills ready to learn, and skill deficiencies and gaps needed to address. Teachers have access to this information and an i-Ready tool kit with lessons, resources, and activities. An individual learning path is created for every student to access after their skill assessment. 

i-Ready growth from fall to spring of last year shows an 11% increase in students that are at or above grade level. 

Additionally, the PLT and TILT committees will be working on a curriculum renewal that includes digital learning standards in addition to social studies, math, art, music, and physical education/health. Digital learning standards will include things like cyber security, keyboarding skills, research and how to search properly. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Come see one of Saratoga’s top-rated independent schools. Saratoga Independent School (S.I.S.) provides an excellent education to students in Pre-K through Eighth Grade. On Oct. 18 through Oct. 21, S.I.S. will host Fall Tour Days. During the Fall Tour Days, prospective families will have an opportunity to see the school in action. Admissions Liaison, Colleen Fortune, will take families on private tours of the campus, discuss the mission, philosophy, curriculum, culture, and answer questions about the school. S.I.S. is also welcoming families to request a virtual or outdoor tour. 

For more information and to register, please visit www.siskids.org/admissions/open-house.cfm. S.I.S. is encouraging families to start thinking about the 2022-23 school year now as they do anticipate waitlists. 

Advanced registration for tours will be required and reservations can be made online or by contacting Colleen Fortune, Admissions Liaison, directly at cfortune@siskids.org or 518-583-0841. S.I.S. is happy to schedule tours with families on any other day that is convenient. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS – On Wednesday, Oct. 13, the Saratoga Springs City School District Emergency Response Team will share ways that the district is keeping the schools safe every day. The presentation will be held in the Saratoga Springs High School Teaching Auditorium at 6:30 p.m. and include: an overview of safety measures in the district, COVID-19 pandemic guidelines and updates, an explanation of safety drills, and an overview of the reunification process. The school community is invited to attend in-person. In addition, a link to watch the presentation virtually will be added to the district website, https://www.saratogaschools.org/index.cfm. 

SARATOGA and WARREN COUNTY — The beginning of every school year comes with a degree of uncertainty for students. As Mitch and Tiasha prepared their three children to return to their classrooms in Glens Falls, they packed their backpacks with pencils and erasers, but also purchased extra hand sanitizer and face masks. 

“After snack I wash my hands and use hand sanitizer anyway,” said Gianni, who isn’t bothered by having to take extra safety precautions. 

Mitch and Tiasha’s children, like many across the country, spent the last school year in a virtual classroom interacting with other students and teachers only via computer screen. Going back to in-person learning with potential restrictions has created unique challenges. 

“As students prepare to return, they will be facing a host of intensified challenges,” said Anthious Boone, an elementary school principal in Pennsylvania. He cited numerous difficulties, including the need for students to learn to socialize with peers after a period of extended isolation. 

But parents can help to prepare their children for what may be a tough transition. 

“As parents endeavor to help their children cope with potential back-to-school anxiety,” Boone said, “it is absolutely imperative that they stay well-connected with both the school and their children.” 

Mitch said he wants his kids to follow procedures the school is implementing. Tiasha added, “We have a nice rapport with the principal and teachers. The school communicates regularly with the parents as things are constantly being updated.” 

While coronavirus variants have stoked pandemic anxieties, Mitch and Tiasha are alert to other challenges their children may face. The family engages in activities throughout the week. Thursday evenings are set aside as family time when they address topics relevant to their specific needs and interests as they arise. As Jehovah’s Witnesses, they look for practical Bible-based advice to help with any issues or concerns. 

One of their favorite resources is jw.org, the official website of the Jehovah’s Witnesses that is free to all. Topics like “What’s a Real Friend?” and “Beat a Bully Without Using Your Fists” are addressed there in a video series for young people. The whiteboard animated video “Beat a Bully Without Using Your Fists” can be found at the following link: www.jw.org/en/bible-teachings/teenagers/whiteboard-animations/beat-a-bully-without-using-your-fists/  

For more information, please contact Jehovah’s Witnesses United States at 718-560-5600 or pid@jw.org. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Pitney Meadows Community Farm and the Waldorf School with sponsorship from Four Seasons Natural Food, Adirondack Trust Company, and Stewart’s Shops. present Jump Into Fall festival taking place at Pitney Meadows Community Farm, 223 West Ave, Saratoga Springs on Oct. 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

The festival will have interactive activities for children, music and stories throughout the day, sheep shearing, a drum circle to join in, a scavenger hunt through the farm woods, and more.

Healthy snacks from local restaurants, a community-supported bake sale, and lots of wonderful like-minded businesses will be joining the event as well. 

Admission for the event is free, you just have to pay-to-park: $12 pre-pay or $15 the day of the event. 

Pitney Meadows Community Farm’s mission is to celebrate and explore agricultural education, healthy food production, and recreation. They offer a broad array of opportunities to engage with the land and our community, including a Community Garden, Community Supported Agriculture Program, education programs, and an accessible trail system that is open to visitors from dawn to dusk. In addition, the Farm donates more than 20,000 pounds of produce annually to food pantries and other social service organizations in the region. 

This year, the Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs celebrates 40 years of education in the Saratoga Springs community. At the Waldorf School of Saratoga, the healthy development of the whole individual, in mind, body, and spirit is placed in high importance. Through a focus on academics, music, art, and movement, their curriculum – based on establishing and evolving Waldorf principles – inspires creative thought, discourse, human connections, and experiential learning. 

Contributions from this event will support both organizations, foster future collaborations, help the farm to grow and distribute produce donations to neighbors in need, and support the Waldorf “Within Reach” tuition assistance program.