SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Board of Trustees of Saratoga Independent School (S.I.S.) has named Robert C. Ahrens, Jr. as its new Head of School beginning July 1, 2021.

Robert “Bob” Ahrens has worked in independent schools for more than 25 years. For the past 7 years, Ahrens has served as the Assistant Head of School for Academics & Director of Upper School at Andrews Osborne Academy, a co-educational boarding school in Willoughby, OH. Over his vast career, he has worn many hats and served in numerous roles, beginning as a Middle School math teacher and Dean of Students before moving into administrative leadership positions. In addition, he has served as a member of six school accreditation teams as well as serving as a presenter at the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) National Conference. 

Julie S. Fuller, President of the Board of Trustees, stated, “As Saratoga Independent School approaches its 30th Anniversary this September, we will not only be honoring the school’s past by commemorating our thirty-year history, but we will also be embracing its future. With Mr. Ahrens’ consummate vision, leadership, and extensive experience, we will be looking to our Strategic Plan to continue our unprecedented growth, academic success, and financial sustainability as a fully enrolled PreK through 8th grade, accredited institution.”

Ahrens earned a B.S. from Ohio State University and an M.A. in Educational Leadership from Villanova University. Ahrens was a recipient of the National Association of Independent Schools’ E.E. Ford Fellowship for Aspiring School Heads, a yearlong program of leadership development for emerging independent school leaders.

Current head of school, Lisa Brown, announced her retirement to the Saratoga Independent School community in January.  Under her four years of leadership, the school completed a successful $1.7 million capital campaign, launched a new middle school serving grades six, seven and eight, and completed the construction of a new academic wing.

Virtual and private tours are always available for prospective families. Families interested in scheduling a private or virtual tour may visit www.siskids.org/admissions/campus-tour or contact Colleen Fortune, Admissions Liaison, at 518-583-0841 or cfortune@siskids.org.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The League of Women Voters of Saratoga County has produced an online guide for voters for the School District Elections. 

Voters can access the guide at www.Vote411.org and by entering their address or to the League website, lwvsaratoga.org and selecting from the list of School District elections.  Also included is information about how voting will be conducted in each district,

Most of the candidates in the county seeking election positions agreed to participate in this year’s on-line guide. It includes biographical information, and answers to questions posed by LWV Saratoga County,

Information may be found regarding absentee voting, voting machines, military and overseas voting, assistance for voters with disabilities, voting hours, and ID needed for voting, as well as links to the NY State Board of Elections.  Information will be posted next month regarding the Primary Election on June 22. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Ms. Michelle Tsao, Principal of Saratoga Springs High School, announces that Jason Zheng has been named Valedictorian of the Class of 2021 and that Julian Silva-Forbes has been named Salutatorian of the Class of 2021 at Saratoga Springs High School. 

Jason Zheng
Jason Zheng, son of Dun Ming and Mei Zheng of Saratoga Springs, will attend Yale University, and plans to pursue a career as a physician. 

Julian Silva-Forbes 
Julian Silva-Forbes, son of Keith and Sonia Silva of Saratoga Springs, will attend Columbia University and pursue a career in the media industry as a journalist or screenwriter. 

Kara Hausam
Kara Hausam will attend Northeastern University and major in chemistry.

Raquel Cohen
Raquel Cohen will attend Boston College and plans to become a doctor.

Jonathan D’Alonzo
Jonathan D’Alonzo will attend the University of Notre Dame and plans to become a doctor.

Devon “Kale” Kimble-Lee
Devon “Kale” Kimble-Lee will attend Lesley College and plans to pursue a career in art illustration and secondarily as an art teacher.

Kai Farr
Kai Farr will attend Boston University and plans to pursue a career as a film director.

Ava Herzog
Ava Herzog will attend RPI’s 7-year Accelerated Medical Program with Albany Medical College and plans to become a physician-scientist.

Jane Ginley
Jane Ginley will attend Boston College, where she was one of only 25 students selected to be part of its inaugural Human-Centered Engineering program.

Cristina DeMeo 
Cristina DeMeo will attend Harvard University and plans to become a doctor.

Tyler Munter 
Tyler Munter will attend Northeastern University and plans to pursue a career in Engineering.

Cole Zeh
Cole Zeh will attend Colgate University with a premedical path and plans to become a surgeon.

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Last Year of Academic Recognition

Saratoga Springs High School has also announced that beginning with the Class of 2022, they will no longer be reporting the top students of the class, including a valedictorian and a salutatorian. They will start using only an unweighted Grade Point Average (GPA).

This decision was made by the Building Leadership Team (BLT), which is comprised of  members in the school district: students, teachers, parents, school counselors, support staff, and building administration. The BLT presented this to the Board of Education in July 2019, and it was communicated to families the following month. The team used research from college admissions counselors, national organizations, the SSHS Graduation Committee, and other local high schools to form their decision. Student Council received input and feedback from the student body. 

Student Council received input that if a weighted GPA is removed, so should the top rank, as the top rank creates division, anxiety and separation among peers.

The switch to use only the unweighted GPA was made because the BLT believes that the dual GPA system is not only confusing, but inconsistent when used to determine scholarships, merit awards, and rank. Therefore, they will no longer be reporting class rank on a student’s transcript. 

The BLT believes that their decision will impact the school culture by fostering an environment in which students will place more importance on learning and personalizing their schedules. With the weighted GPA system, students are more likely to prioritize their grades over their interests, passions, and academically challenging themselves. College admissions counselors have reported they like to see students taking courses that are challenging, yet appropriate, for their
academic interests. 

SARATOGA COUNTY — Residents of Saratoga County who wish to pursue a degree or career in the Agriculture industry will now have an opportunity to apply for a $2,000 scholarship. The Saratoga County Sundae on the Farm Agricultural Scholarship is currently accepting applications for the 2021 award. The scholarship is available to a person(s) who resides within Saratoga County and is successfully attending and pursuing an agricultural degree at a college or university and/or pursuing an agricultural career to seek employment in the agricultural industry entering their sophomore year of any academic year beyond, including graduate studies. Previous recipients have included students attending establishments such as Cornell University, Murray State University, and SUNY Cobleskill while studying such subjects as animal science, agricultural education, and agricultural business.

Visit ccesaratoga.org/agriculture for full details, including requirements, and an application. Submissions MUST include a 500-word (or less) essay describing interest and experience in agriculture, how educational and career goals relate to the field of agriculture, and agricultural volunteer experiences. Bonus points for anyone who has volunteered for Sundae on the Farm. All applications must be postmarked by June 1, 2021 for consideration and mailed to CCE Saratoga – Ag Promotion Committee, 50 West High St, Ballston Spa, NY 12020. 

This scholarship is made possible by all those who volunteer, support, and contribute each year to Saratoga County’s Sundae on the Farm.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Stewart’s Shops honored SUNY Empire State College for their 50th anniversary with a dedicated ice cream flavor. This flavor will be known as SUNY Empire Blue Ha-Ha, originally known as Brew Ha-Ha. The flavor is affectionately named after the SUNY Empire school mascot, Blue.

SUNY Empire Blue Ha-Ha is a Richer Roast coffee ice cream with espresso bean flavored chocolate flakes and will be available at the cone counter at all Saratoga Springs Stewart’s Shops through Sunday, August 29.

Stewart’s Shops president, Gary Dake says, “We believe in the power of education and congratulate SUNY Empire on 50 years of providing educational opportunities to students of all ages and backgrounds.”

Stewart’s Shops and SUNY Empire have partnered for years to offer student scholarships through the SUNY Empire Foundation. Graduates are encouraged to apply for a Stewart’s Shops $1000 scholarship. Applications are being accepted online through July 31. For more information please go online to: www.esc.edu/stewartsshops.

For more information on SUNY Empire visit www.esc.edu.

In honor of Autism Acceptance Month, Chris never ceases to amaze us. We believe his eloquence, profoundness, and ability to express himself are his true Super Powers. All of us encourage him to continue harnessing his creative language because it is exceedingly impressive! Special thanks to Sandy Izzo, who is a patient, dedicated mentor to Chris. 

– Saratoga Bridges 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Nine local WSWHE BOCES CTE/ECCA students have earned the title of New York State SkillsUSA Champion.

The Washington-Saratoga-Warren-Hamilton-Essex BOCES Career and Technical Education (CTE) division, which includes the Early College Career Academy (ECCA), participated in the SkillsUSA State Leadership and Skills Championships from April 12 to April 22. The championships were conducted virtually, with some competitions being recorded and some being livestreamed with judges from across New York State. There were 600 students from New York State who competed, and nine local students were declared champions in their respective fields. 

Brendan Lee, a senior from Salem in the Construction Trades program, won first place in Carpentry. The contest required him to frame walls using wood studs; cut and install common, hip, and jack rafters; stair stringer and install drywall, siding, sheathing, baseboard molding, and window trim. He was assessed on accuracy, workmanship, the ability to read and interpret blueprints, and the proper use of tools and equipment. 

Brandon Coulter, a junior from Queensbury in the ECCA IT Essentials Program, won first place in Job Interview. The Job Interview contest was evaluated in three parts: resume, completion of an employment application, and an interview with industry professionals. 

Tyler Brooks, a junior from Whitehall in the ECCA IT Essentials Program, won first place in Job Skill Demonstration Open (team of two); his teammate, Mathew Richard, is a junior from Lake George. The contest assesses each contestant’s ability to demonstrate and explain an entry level technical skill used either in the occupational area for which he or she is training or outside the training area. 

Patrick Fayette, a senior from Queensbury in the Culinary Arts Program, won first place in Restaurant Service. The Restaurant Service competition focuses on guest service/relations in the dining room and “front of the house” skills of guest hospitality and food and beverage services.

A team of four seniors from the ECCA Business Program – Justin Garfolo (Saratoga Springs), Elizabeth Radyn (Lake George), Aeryn Brewer (Corinth), and Ella Crossman (Glens Falls) – won first place in Entrepreneurship. The team was evaluated on their success to formulate a business plan, present a business presentation, and respond to changes that may occur during operation. They submitted a resume, business plan, and did an oral presentation. 

In addition, twenty local students earned second and third place at the state competition. In terms of medals won at the State Championships, WSWHE BOCES is one of the top New York schools. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Central Catholic School will host Career Day 2021, and school alumni will return virtually to their alma mater for the event. 

Career Day 2021 will take place on Friday, April 23 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., at Saratoga Central Catholic School, 247 Broadway, Saratoga Springs. The morning will include presentations by alumni sharing the career paths they chose since their high school experience at SCC. Alumni will also highlight what they enjoy about their professions. Students in grades 9-12 will pre-select the presentations they are interested in attending. The event is virtual this year so that students in school, as well as students who are attending classes remotely, can both participate. 

This year’s list of over 20 participating alumni includes SCC graduates who have pursued careers in dentistry, law, nursing, voice acting, military service, writing, accounting, software engineering, culinary arts, theater, professional sports, education, funeral direction, social media/digital marketing, medicine, law enforcement, building/carpentry, TV and film production. The 2021 selection of presenters come from graduation years that span 1968-2013. Some of the participating alumni live locally, while others live as far away as California. 

For more information about Career Day 2021, call 518-365-3459. 

GALWAY — Galway Central School District is proposing a $3.1 million dollar Capital Improvement Project for urgent repairs.

On March 29, the Galway CSD Board of Education passed a resolution to put forth a Capital Improvement Project for voter consideration. The NYS Education Department requires districts to complete a Building Condition Survey (BCS) every five years, and this Capital Project is addressing problems that arose in the most recent. CSArch, the district’s architects, categorized all recommendations in the BCS as an immediate need and called for them to be addressed in the first year of the project.

The project includes the following to be done at the bus garage:

Replacing underground gas and diesel tanks with above ground storage tanks. Replacing the fuel dispensing system with a modern system that will help with fuel use and efficiency. Replacing underground fuel oil heating tanks with above ground storage tanks. Remediating soil as necessary. Replacing two vehicle lifts. Repairing concrete floors in service bays and providing epoxy floor in service bays and parts room. Reconstructing pavement with heavy duty asphalt at various locations. And, replacing the oil/water separator that is too small and not functioning well.

Galway CSD emphasizes that these improvements will assist their mechanics, Scott Hollbrook and Denis Ryder, in their efforts to keep the district’s fleet, drivers, and students safe. And, that getting students to school safely takes commitment and effort from many professionals. At the foundation of it all is having a fleet of safe buses and a safe facility in which to work on them. Galway CSD is rated as a Preferred Carrier by the New York State Department of Transportation (DOT). 

The project will also: 

Replace an underground fuel tank in front of the Junior/Senior High School that was installed in 1988. Replace the pavilion at the track that collapsed in the winter of 2020, shifting its location to add two separate restrooms, a sink and storage for future concessions, and with a custodial closet. Replace the storage shed near the track with a larger building that can accommodate storage for athletic equipment. 

To maximize State Aid, the proposed 2021 Capital Project will contain minor renovations to the following areas that were not touched in the 2016 Capital Project including: restrooms near the auditorium, restrooms near offices, and flooring near the entrance to the auditorium and gymnasium.

The full cost of the proposed capital improvement project will be $3.1 million. The district will utilize $100,000 from the Capital Reserve, which results in $3 million bonded over 15 years. For aidable expenses, New York State Building Aid will reimburse 78.7% of the proposed Capital Improvement Project. After subtracting retiring debt and funds from the Capital Reserve, along with NYS Building Aid, the net local share will be approximately $65,000/year. 

If the proposed Capital Improvement Project is approved, design and construction documents will be finalized in the Fall of 2021. Approval by the NYS Education Department will be in Winter 2021-22. The bidding process will take place in Winter 2022, and construction will begin in Spring/Summer 2022. 

Residents of the Galway Central School District will have a chance to learn more about the proposed Capital Improvement Project during the following information sessions: 

Galway faculty and staff: Tuesday, April 27, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. Virtual, link will be posted on www.galwaycsd.org.

Residents of Galway CSD: Tuesday, April 27, 2021 at 7:15 p.m. Virtual, link will be posted on www.galwaycsd.org.

Annual Budget Hearing: Thursday, May 6, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. In-Person, HS Library

Residents will vote on the proposed Capital Improvement Project during the regular school budget vote on Tuesday, May 18, 2021.

Monday, April 19
Homecoming Week, Grades 9-10 BSHS

WEDNSDAY, April 21
Board of Education Meeting, Proposed Budget Presentation
High School Library | 7 p.m.

MONDAY, April 26
Homecoming Week, Grades 11-12 BSHS

THURSDAY, April 29
National Honor Society Induction/Junior Awards Ceremony
High School Auditorium | 7 p.m.