Since 1990, the Saratoga Hospital Volunteer Guild has offered scholarships to high school seniors in the Saratoga County area interested in pursuing a career in healthcare.
This year, the Guild is offering up to five $2000 scholarships. Eligible students must be accepted into college for September of 2026, have a grade average of 80 or higher, have a documented record of community service, especially in a healthcare environment, and submit the application with all required documents by the deadline.
Applicants will be expected to submit an essay of approximately 500 words.
Application deadline is March 31, 2026. Recipients will be personally contacted by Volunteer Guild Scholarship Chairperson, Irma Somich, upon decision of the Scholarship Committee. Recipients will be formally announced and honored at the May Guild Dinner, details to follow.
Description, requirements, and application forms are available through local high school guidance offices and online at hltps://albanymed.org/saratoga/volunteering-saratoga-hospital/
A new report has been released by the State Comptroller’s Office showing increased rates of bullying in New York State Schools.
The report, which includes data from 2017-18 school year through the 2023-24 school year, shows that while rates of violent incidents have declined since the pandemic, rates of bullying have trended upwards.
Statewide, schools reported .9 incidents of assault per 1000 students, .5 weapons offenses per 1000 students and .1 sexual offenses reported per 1000 students. This is down from 1.2 assaults, .7 weapons offenses and .3 sexual offenses.
Drug offenses, meanwhile, saw a spike post pandemic but showed year-to-year declines in the latest data. Statewide, the Comptroller’s Office reported 6.5 drug offenses per 1000 students in 2023-24, down from 7.2 in 2022-23. Alcohol offenses meanwhile went from .6 offenses per 1000 students in 22-23 to .5 per 1000 in 23-24.
While rates of drugs, alcohol and violence declined in New York, bullying did not decline. Across the State, New York reported 18.2 incidents of bullying per 1000 students in 2023-24, compared to 9.4 incidents in 2018-2019 and 17.2 incidents per 1000 in 2022-23. The Comptrollers Office noted that bullying had the highest number of total reported incidents.
In terms of how Saratoga Springs and surrounding area did, in 2023-24 Ballston Spa reported eight incidents of bullying, nine incidents of cyberbullying, two assaults, two weapons possession incidents, one bomb threat, 35 drug incidents, three alcohol incidents and one threat of violence.
This equated to 2 incidents of bullying, 2.3 cyber bullying incidents, nine drug possession incidents, .5 assaults, .5 weapons possession incidents and .7 alcohol incidents per 1000 students.
As for Saratoga Springs, the school district reported 3 bullying incidents, 0 cyberbullying incidents, 0 assault or weapons possession incidents, 50 drug possession incidents, four alcohol possession incidents and four threats of violence in 2023-24.
Per thousand students, Saratoga Springs saw .5 incidents of bullying, 8.6 drug incidents and .7 alcohol incidents per 1000 students.
While Schuylerville saw the highest bullying incidents, it had the lowest alcohol and drug abuse incidents of the three school districts. Across all levels, the district saw 16 bullying, seven incidents of cyberbullying, two drug possession incidents and 0 alcohol incident in 2023-24. It also saw 0 assaults or weapons possession incident.
Per 1000 students, Schuylerville saw 11.9 incidents of bullying, five incidents of cyber bullying and 1.5 drug incidents.
In their report, the Comptroller’s Office noted that data may be underreported and may not reflect current conditions at the school.
“Stakeholders should keep in mind, however, that a school reporting zero incidents through the SSEC report may have records of individual disruptive and violent incidents that are stored locally,” The report stated. “For example, records of an individual incident involving fighting or bullying would be maintained by the district if it resulted in disciplinary action, even if school officials determined the incident did not meet the threshold for SSEC reporting.”
Already the numbers have brought about calls to action from one local politician, State Senator Jim Tedisco (R-44), who called on the legislature to pass a law that would require school districts to districts to notify parents if their child is being bullied. The bill, named “Jacobe’s Law” is named for a 13-year-old boy who died by suicide in 2015 after severe bullying.
“We ask a lot of parents right now as it relates to being involved in their children’s education,” Sen. Tedisco said. “Shouldn’t parents be made aware of threats of violence to their children so they can take the action they deem appropriate and have input on decisions of how best to protect their children’s safety? Unfortunately, due to a loophole in state law, many parents are not being kept informed about incidents of bullying taking place in the institutions we trust to educate and look after the safety and well-being of our children each day,”
The bill was first introduced in 2016 and has been reintroduced in every legislative session since 2019. To date, however, it has never made it out of committee.
The Waldorf School takes a different approach to learning.
At the Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs, learning is measured not by the speed at which tasks are finished, but by the depth of understanding that students bring to their work. Midway through the academic year, classrooms become spaces of reflection and exploration, where students revisit lessons, projects, and exercises with care, curiosity, and attention.
Whether engaged in handwork, math, literature, or science, students are encouraged to slow down, observe, and reflect on the ideas and meaning behind each assignment. Lessons are approached with the intention of nurturing both skill and insight, allowing students to connect ideas across subjects and to apply their knowledge creatively. This process builds focus, confidence, and a lasting love of learning, reinforcing the school’s commitment to teaching children how to think, not what to think.
This approach to thoughtful learning carries beyond the classroom, equipping students with the patience, perseverance, and insight to meet challenges thoughtfully. Midyear reflection offers an opportunity for students, teachers, and families to recognize growth, revisit accomplishments, and discover new insights in previously explored work.
At the Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs, the measure of success is not in finished tasks, but in the understanding, care, and engagement each child brings.
The Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs is an independent school serving children from early childhood through middle school. Rooted in Waldorf education, the school offers a hands-on, screens-off curriculum that integrates academics, the arts, and practical skills to support the healthy development of the whole child.
For two weekends starting February 20th, Home Made Theater will present Arthur Miller’s classic American masterpiece, The Crucible, at the Anthony “Skip” Scirocco Music Hall in the Saratoga Springs City Hall.
Set against the backdrop of the 1692 Salem witch trials, The Crucible remains one of the most acclaimed plays in the American theatrical canon. While it serves as a gripping historical tale, the play is also a timely parable of mass hysteria and the fragility of justice. The story follows John and Elizabeth Proctor; a farming couple caught in a web of accusations spun by a group of local girls led by Abigail Williams. As the town is consumed by fear, John Proctor must face an agonizing choice: save his life through a lie or preserve his dignity and his “name.”
The Crucible will be directed by Toni Anderson-Sommo, whose previous directing credits include The Wizard of Oz and The Jungle Book with Home Made Theater, A Bad Year for Tomatoes with both Glens Falls Community Theater and Schuylerville Theater, and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee also with Glens Falls Community Theater. As an English teacher, Ms. Anderson-Sommo has been teaching The Crucible to her students for 38 years. When asked why it is important for people, especially young people, to experience this play Ms. Sommo responded “Now, more than ever, Miller’s play, The Crucible seems prescient. Although written as a direct response to the McCarthy Trials and the Red Scare, his themes of mass hysteria, fear, condemnation that sparks cruelty, and intolerance of others, cloaked in morality and religious fervor, is evident in all corners of our society. It is my hope that our production not only moves the audience, but enlightens them, and forces us all to confront the injustices that occur when we fail to learn from our past.”
In alignment with Home Made Theater’s mission to foster a lifelong passion for the arts, the company will host three weekday morning performances specifically for local schools, including Saratoga Springs High School, in addition to the six public performances.
The Saratoga Builders Association is proud to announce their continued monetary commitment to education and will be awarding two student scholarships once again in 2026. One is the $1000 SBA Scholarship award and the other is the $1000 “Bob Best” Memorial Scholarship award. The organization makes these cash scholarships available annually to students who are planning to pursue a construction related education.
These scholarships are open to any high school senior or college undergraduate who lives or works in Saratoga County who is planning to pursue a construction education at a 2 or 4-year accredited college, university, technical school or for students who would like to purchase tools and/or equipment for employment/career or to start a business in the construction industry. Students must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. They must demonstrate current or past involvement in the construction field, including classes taken in high school or college, to be eligible for these awards. Each applicant must also submit a high school or college transcript or list of trade classes taken plus a short essay (or video) describing why they are interested in a construction industry career.
Applications for the Saratoga Builders Association Scholarship program must be postmarked on or before April 30, 2026. Only the first 25 completed applications will be accepted so please apply early. The winners and their schools will be notified by June 1, 2026. To receive a scholarship application, please contact Barry Potoker, Executive Director at 518-366-0946 or bpotoker@saratogabuilders.org
Stacy Marzullo is to be hired as Schuylerville High School’s new Principal. She currently serves as principal of the elementary school. (Courtesy of Schuylerville Central School District).
The Schuylerville Central School District Board of Education plans to appoint Mrs. Stacy Marzullo as the next principal of Schuylerville High School during its regular business meeting on Monday, Feb. 9, effective July 1.
Marzullo currently serves as Schuylerville’s elementary school principal, a role she has held for the past three years. Since joining the district’s administrative team, she has played a key role in strengthening instructional practices and student support systems. At the elementary school, she helped revamp the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) framework, aligning academic intervention systems with character education and Response to Intervention (RTI.)
This work included implementing Walk to Read structures, strengthening AIS supports to provide more targeted skill-based intervention, and creating consistent opportunities within teacher schedules for professional learning and data review. These improvements have supported stronger instructional alignment across grade levels and a more proactive approach to meeting student needs.
“The Board of Education conducted an in-depth interview with Stacy, which resulted in unequivocal support for her being named the next high school principal,” said Board of Education President, Bernie Buff. “Stacy’s leadership is grounded in collaboration, consistency, and the ability to build meaningful relationships. She has a clear understanding of how a cohesive PreK–12 experience drives student success and has already made a lasting, districtwide impact. We are confident she will bring that same vision, strength, and leadership to Schuylerville High School.”
“I have always had a long-term commitment to Schuylerville,” said Marzullo. “Three years ago, when I pursued the elementary principal position, Schuylerville was the only district I considered because of its incredible reputation. Being selected to serve as principal of one of the top high schools in the area is a tremendous honor, and I’m truly grateful.”
To support a smooth and thoughtful transition, there will be a five-month period of intentional, transitional leadership. This overlap will help ensure continuity and stability at the high school, while allowing for purposeful planning and collaboration. Additionally, Stacy’s continued leadership as elementary principal through the conclusion of the 2025–26 school year will ensure a successful close to the school year for students, staff, and families.
“Stacy brings stability, continuity, and a deep understanding of our district to this role,” said Superintendent Dr. Ryan Sherman. “She is a trusted leader who already knows our students, staff, and community, and that familiarity is incredibly important. Because she is not new to Schuylerville, she can step into the high school principal position with a clear sense of purpose and direction that will continue to drive student success.”
Prior to joining Schuylerville, Marzullo served as Director of Elementary Special Education (PreK–5) for the Niskayuna Central School District. In that role, she led the elementary special education department and served as the CPSE/CSE Chairperson for grades PreK–5, overseeing data-informed decision-making related to student programming, MTSS modifications, resource room services, and related service projections.
Earlier in her career, Marzullo worked for the Hamilton-Fulton-Montgomery County BOCES Special Education Division, serving first as a Curriculum & School Health Support Specialist for two years, and later as an Administrative Coordinator for two and a half years. She began her career as a classroom teacher in the Greater Amsterdam School District, where she spent seven years and also served as a fifth-grade curriculum leader.
“Stacy came to Schuylerville with an impressive resume and a wide range of leadership experience,” said Board of Education Vice-President Katie Brunson. “Over the past three years, she has built on that foundation in a meaningful way through her work at the elementary school. Her impact on students and staff has been clear, and the Board is confident that she is a natural choice to lead Schuylerville High School.”
As she transitions to the high school, Marzullo is eager to build on the connections she has already established, particularly with students she first worked with at the elementary level.
“One of the things I’m most excited about is continuing relationships with the first group of students I had as principal when they reach high school in the next year or two,” she said. “That continuity means a great deal to me.”
Schuylerville will now begin the important process of selecting its next elementary school principal. A committee will be formed to lead the search, ensuring that the next leader upholds the district’s commitment to academic excellence, student well-being, and strong community relationships. The committee will include input from faculty, staff, parents, and administrators to ensure a thorough and thoughtful selection process. Schuylerville parents who are interested in being part of the committee can email Communications Director Taryn Kane (kanet@schuylerville.org) with their contact information by Feb. 13.
Surveyors from across the northeast came together for networking opportunities and to see the latest products in land surveying technology
The New York State Association of Professional Land Surveyors (NYSAPLS) is celebrating its 67th Annual Surveyors Conference and Exhibition at the Saratoga Springs City Center & Hilton Hotel.
Hosted by the Eastern New York Society of Land Surveyors, the conference is attended by professionals from all over the Northeast, including from New York, Vermont, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Maine, and several neighboring Canadian provinces. As one of the most highly anticipated events of the year in the surveying industry, the conference has a guest list of approximately 700 participants, featuring a broad range of exhibits, seminars, educational courses, and social events.
New to New York this year, the NYSAPLS Education Committee is offering a National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS) Certified Floodplain Surveyors course to help surveyors train to become a Certified Floodplain Surveyor. It is a sold-out event.
In addition to learning opportunities, the 67th Annual Conference offers great networking opportunities for both seasoned professionals and students who are new to the field. On January 27th, NYSAPLS hosted its Young Professionals & Alumni Social, giving graduates and current students from Alfred State, SUNY ESF Ranger School, and Paul Smith’s College a chance to meet potential employers, gain insights from industry experts, and share their experiences with their peers. It’s a well-attended event for aspiring surveyors.
To help students achieve their dream of becoming a land surveyor, NYSAPLS and its members raise funds annually for various scholarships, to encourage the next generation of land surveyors to get into the workforce. During the conference, NYSAPLS is hosting an awards ceremony and new licensee presentation, to recognize the scholarship recipients and highlight and congratulate the 47 newly licensed land surveyors entering the field. Fueling the future land surveying workforce, the scholarships are given to a number of students each year, spread throughout New York universities offering land surveying programs.
Also highlighted this year is Stephen Miller, LS, NYSAPLS Member, WPAPLS, who is this year’s recipient of the Pillars of Excellence award. During the conference, Miller will be honored with the Surveyor of the Year award, which recognizes a professional land surveyor who has not only supported the land surveying profession, but also promoted it, contributing and enhancing the future of land surveying in New York.
The 67th Annual NYSAPLS Surveyor Conference and Exhibition is a huge success thanks to the support of NYSAPLS members, exhibitors, and sponsors. With over 30 courses and nearly 25 speakers, the conference offers many opportunities for New York land surveyors to learn, network, and connect with emerging surveyors in the industry.
Launching Pad Productions is thrilled to celebrate its 25th anniversary with the hilarious musical comedy, Something Rotten! JR.
This year’s production promises to be a spectacular celebration of the drama club’s rich history and incredible talent.
Launching Pad Productions presents Something Rotten! JR., the story of two brothers who set out to write the world’s first musical in this hilarious mash-up of sixteenth-century Shakespeare and twenty-first-century Broadway. Performances of Something Rotten! JR. begin February 5th at the Ballston Spa High School Auditorium.
Set in the 1590s, brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom are desperate to write a hit play but are stuck in the shadow of that Renaissance rock star known as “The Bard.” When a local soothsayer foretells that the future of theatre involves singing, dancing, and acting at the same time, Nick and Nigel set out to write the world’s very first musical. But amidst the scandalous excitement of opening night, the Bottom Brothers realize that reaching the top means being true to thine own self, and all that jazz.
Something Rotten! JR. features large song and dance numbers and a wacky cast of over-the-top characters, each given their own special moment in the show to shine. 130 students are participating in the cast and crew of this production featuring many standout performances including: Carter Kovarovic as Nick Bottom, Evan England as Nigel Bottom, Sonya Jendrasiak as Portia, Hartley Lucia as Bea, Claire DeRosa as Nostradamus, Mason Womer as Brother Jeremiah and Cooper Sausville as William Shakespeare.
Something Rotten! JR. is presented through special arrangement with, and all authorized materials are supplied by, Music Theatre International 423 West 55th Street, New York, NY, 10019, 212-541-4684, mtishows.com.
The Academy for Lifelong Learning has been selected to benefit from the Hannaford Bloomin’ 4 Good fundraiser in February.
For every specially marked Bloomin’ 4 Good bouquet purchased any day in February at the 95 Weibel Avenue location in Saratoga Springs, Hannaford is donating $1 to the Academy.
Founded in 1992, the Academy is a nonprofit membership organization whose members share a love of learning. A self-funded entity, A.L.L. is designed to offer lifelong learning and comradery among seniors. A.L.L. offers spring, fall and winter courses, Special Interest Groups, (SIGs) and special events that are held throughout the year. Winter courses start the week of January 26.
If you would like to register for courses, support the Academy by becoming a member, or get more information, contact the Academy at (518) 290-6988, email jeff@allsaratoga,org, or go to www.allsaratoga.org.
To learn more about this Hannaford program, please visit Hannaford.2givelocal.com.
Saratoga Jewish Community Arts presents its twelfth annual Matthew M. Neugroschel Jewish Storytelling Program, with a generous grant from the Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York and the sponsorship of Temple Sinai of Saratoga Springs, on Tuesday, February 10 at 7 pm at Temple Sinai in Saratoga Springs and on Zoom.
A Beloved Tradition
Remember the little song when you were a child: Tell me a story, tell me a story, tell me a story, and then I’ll go to bed. You promised me, you said you would, you got to give in, ‘cause I’ve been good. Tell me a story, then I’ll go to bed. Here’s your chance to re-live that feeling! Everyone loves a story, not just the little children but rather children of all ages.
For the Jewish people, storytelling has been a means of defining the Jewish identity, their ethnic distinctiveness as Jews. In fact, almost every culture has storytelling in its long-ago history. It was the way, long before books were available, that custom, culture, and morality passed from one generation to the next. Listening to stories connects us to our history, to each other, to deeper parts of ourselves, and to the vast possibilities that life can hold.
Today, with readily available books, movies, podcasts and other media, storytelling is still a popular genre. Storytelling events are popular throughout the country and are geared to every age group, from the incredibly young to the most senior, in person and online.
Annually, Saratoga Jewish Community Arts brings together a group of talented storytellers who make us smile and touch our hearts. There is a captivating gift for storytelling. It is an enthusiastic interpretation of a tale so that the listeners are transported through time and to places they have never been. The love for storytelling is what storytellers have in common.
This year’s storytellers include some long-time favorites, including Sylvia Bloom, Beth Sabo Novik, Sandy Schuman, Rabbi Ilana Symons, and Martina Zobel, as well as some new voices.
Remembering Matthew M. Neugroschel
SJCA’s popular Annual Storytelling program was renamed in 2021 in memory of Matthew M. Neugroschel, a frequent contributor to Saratoga Jewish Community Arts and the Saratoga Jewish Cultural Festival, and a remarkable storyteller, whose life was cut short in 2020 at the age of 49.
“Matthew was knowledgeable in so many areas,” says Phyllis Wang, Coordinator of SJCA. “Even today, I will be working on a project and say almost out loud, ‘Let me call Matthew and talk to him about this.’ However, it cannot be, as sadly, he departed from life almost six years ago.”
Matthew loved to try new things and was a long-time follower of the SJCA Storytelling program. In 2020, already quite ill, Matthew nonetheless committed to trying his hand in our annual, staged storytelling program. He had been working on a story that came from his dad’s childhood in the Bronx, and he passionately wanted to present it. He chose a Bronx version of A Golem’s Tale.
Matthew was unsteady on his feet, so in place of a cane, he brought an old-fashioned walking stick, adding to the imagery of his narration. His tale was witty, thoughtful, and extraordinarily well received. Audience members who grew up in the Bronx were thrilled with the fond memories of locations, street names, and substance; experienced storytellers embraced their new fellow bard. “The offering of this story was very important to Matthew,” says Wang. “It was a way to honor his father, whom he had tried to protect from his failing health.”
Matthew held degrees in literature, fine art and law, and concentrated on the American Civil Rights Movement. He worked in the fields of Domestic Violence Advocacy and Family Law. He principally taught at SUNY Albany in the fields of American History and American Studies, and instructed in such fields as culture and diversity, literature, art, law and business.
We are pleased to announce that SJCA has published Matthew’s story in a hard-covered edition called The Golem of Davidson Avenue. The book will be for sale at our Annual Storytelling event on Feb. 10.
Join us on February 10. Doors will open at 6:30 pm for a dessert reception, followed by the evening’s selection of stories to fill the heart and soul. Zoom access will also be available.
A $10 donation per person is requested at the door, or by mail to Temple Sinai, 509 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Pre-registration is required. Click the URL address below or enter it in your browser:
