SARATOGA SPRINGS — In a letter dated May 4, 2021, 92 school superintendents in the WSWHE BOCES, HFM BOCES, Questar III BOCES, and Capital Region BOCES regions appealed to local legislators to advocate for additional guidance that will allow area students to return to school onsite every day when the new school year opens in the fall of 2021. 

They said, “while the most recent guidance from April 9, 2021 is helpful in many regards, there continues to be many restrictions that will ultimately make a complete return to school impossible.”

In particular, they seek changes in four key areas: cohorts at the secondary level, social distancing on school buses, social distancing in classrooms and cafeterias, and guidance on in-person, virtual, and hybrid learning. 

GALWAY — The Saratoga County Farm to School program has incorporated three new schools to the grant program. One of the newly added schools is Galway Central School District, which celebrated their first Harvest of the Month this past April. 

Amy Thompson, Food Service and Cook Manager for Galway CSD, worked with the Farm to School Grant Coordinator Nicolina Foti (Cornell Cooperative Extension Saratoga County) to put together this activity for Galway students. 

Apples were an easy choice! While it may seem like April is an odd time of year to highlight apples, and since other schools chose apples as a Harvest of the Month in the fall time, it’s a great way to educate students on the importance of cold storage crops. Fruits and vegetables which are harvested in the fall can be kept fresh for many months and enjoyed all year long! 

Galway’s Harvest of the Month was a little different due to the involvement of the elementary art teacher Lynn Wasserman. She opened her classroom to highlighting the Harvest of the Month Apples to all of her classes (pre-K – 6th grade) during their art period. Students were able to taste their apples and give feedback on what they thought about them. If they thought the apples were sweet, crunchy, tart, dry, juicy, soft and/or hard.  They also were able to color some educational apple coloring pages. Lynn Wasserman also spoke to the students about where they can get local apples, and why it is important to eat locally sourced products and produce. The students also learned about the parts of an apple, different types, and the season of an apple tree. 

The first Harvest of the Month for Galway CSD is in the books and a great success! Thanks to all those involved and especially to those in the school district who took the time to find a way to make it work and add to the already busy school day. It is the dedication from these individuals, especially during difficult times, that give these different and immersive experiences to students. 

For more information about Saratoga County Farm to School Program visit ccesaratogacounty.org Agriculture – Farm to School. Or email the Farm to School Coordinator Nicolina Foti at nvf5@cornell.edu.

BALLSTON SPA — LifeWorks Head Start celebrated its 56th birthday on May 18. For over 50 years, they have helped families get their children prepared both socially and academically for Kindergarten. LifeWorks currently has 10 classroom sites spanning the entirety of Saratoga County, and is enrolling now for September. 

One site in particular, Ballston Commons, officially reopened on May 3 for in-person classes. Something that seemed entirely out of reach for both teachers, staff, and families a few months ago had finally become a reality. 

The site, which was previously located at Gordon Creek Elementary School, is now tucked away nicely in the Malta Commons Business Park. The new space allows for more room for both administration as well as students and teachers. 

Head Start Region Manager, Alicia Mutz, noted how the students at Ballston Commons hadn’t been in in-person programs since everything shut down due to COVID-19 in March of last year. Switching from virtual to face-to-face seems to already have done wonders for the childrens’ ability to focus, learn and thrive. The site only runs for two and a half hours each day, Monday – Thursday. Once the location receives its daycare license, the site will be open for six hours a day, Monday – Friday. 

LifeWorks Head Start offers free classroom and home-based programs for income eligible pregnant women, infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. For more info and to apply visit www.lifeworksaction.org/headstart or call 518-288-3206. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Residents of the school district approved the proposed $134,623,813 school budget for the 2021-2022 school year by a vote of 3,318 to 1,152. 

The budget is balanced through a combination of state aid, property taxes, and fund balance, and included a tax levy change of 2.25%. It is in line with the District’s Pathway Vision and enhances academic programs and services such as the addition of an English as a New Language teacher, resources for ELA curriculum renewal, expansion of the extended school year program, a 1:1 device for incoming ninth graders, and a tech support position. 

Also passed by a vote of 3,449 to 1,017 was Proposition 2, the bus bond proposition to spend an estimated $1,165,000 on six 66-passenger buses, three 30-passenger buses, 2 24-passenger buses, and one service vehicle. State aid will reimburse the district for approximately 40%. 

District residents also voted to elect three candidates to the Board of Education for three-year terms. Connie Woytowich received 2,851 votes. John Ellis received 2,344 votes. Amanda Ellithorpe received 2,251 votes. Casey Putnam received 2,232 votes. Christina Kraszewski received 2,208 votes. 

*Please note that the budget vote and Board of Education election results were unofficial at the time this was written. They were reviewed and verified at the Board of Education meeting on May 19. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Faith’s House, the new childcare center at Saratoga Race Course, is set to begin serving families and children of the backstretch community in summer 2021.

Located on the Oklahoma side of the Saratoga backstretch, the 4,300-square-foot facility will provide childcare and early education programs for infants, toddlers and preschool-aged children. The center will be open seven days a week from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. to accommodate the schedules of backstretch workers and horsemen. 

The building was funded by Michael and Lee Dubb and is named in honor of Faith Dubb, the late mother of The Belmont Child Care Association, Inc. (BCCA) founder and board chairman Michael Dubb.

Faith’s House will feature dedicated rooms to serve infants, toddlers and preschool aged children. Upon entering the new childcare center, visitors are greeted by an oversized black and white mural of a thoroughbred racehorse.

The facility is designed to accommodate up to 35 children and includes numerous cribs for newborn infants. Two rooms within Faith’s House are dedicated to serving preschool aged children with an array of educational resources, including books, dictionaries and writing and drawing materials. A fenced-in play area is located outside the rear of the building with eco-friendly, rubber tiles and flooring to provide a safe and forgiving playground surface.

The Saratoga facility will complement BCCA’s sister childcare center Anna House, which serves families of the Belmont Park backstretch. More than 1,000 students have participated in Anna House’s programs since its opening in 2003. 

The annual summer meet at Saratoga Race Course brings approximately 950 backstretch workers and their families to the Spa. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Come see Saratoga’s top-rated independent school, Saratoga Independent School (SIS). SIS provides an excellent education to students in Pre-K through eighth grade. Enrollment has begun for the 2021-2022 school year. From May 17 – May 20, SIS will host open house tour days. During the open house tour days, prospective families will have an opportunity to meet Lisa Brown, Head of School, as well as other faculty and staff in a safe way. Members of our faculty will take families on private tours of the campus, either in-person or virtually, discuss the curriculum, and answer question about our school. This is an excellent opportunity to see what SIS has to offer. For more information and to register, please visit www.siskids.org/admissions/open-house.cfm.

Registration for tours will be required and reservations can be made online or by contacting Colleen Fortune, Admissions Liaison, at cfortune@siskids.org or 518-583-0841. SIS will also schedule tours with families on any other day that is convenient. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — A Saratoga Springs High School teacher invited local BLM leaders to speak to his class, coinciding with a new “Anti-Racist” book being used in the school’s English curriculum and a new policy being adopted. 

The English teacher allegedly violated district rules by having unapproved guest speakers talk to his class. The guest speakers, Chandler Hickenbottom and Lexis Figuereo, are leaders of the local Black Lives Matter organization “All of Us.” Their organization calls for the defunding and abolition of the local police department, and they have been organizing protests around Saratoga Springs and the Capital District for the past year. Their group was responsible for shutting down Broadway and harassing restaurant patrons in Saratoga Springs this past summer. Figuereo was arrested in Albany at the end of April for being a part of a group attempting to destroy the Albany South Police Station. 

During a Board of Education meeting on April 29, it was announced that the Saratoga Springs City School District is using a new book in the ELA curriculum for grades 9-12. This book, titled “Letting Go of Literary Whiteness, Antiracist Literature Instruction for White Students,” has sample lesson plans for teachers to introduce discussions on the topics of White Privilege and White Supremacy; the lessons are calling for “Alternative Voices” to be presented to the students. 

At the same April 29 meeting, the Board of Education had their first reading of an Equity, Inclusivity, and Diversity in Education policy that they were looking to adopt. The policy was adopted at the May 11 meeting, and the administrative regulation was tabled so that it could be further discussed by the policy committee. 

“On April 22, a Saratoga Springs High School English teacher violated school protocol by allowing local leaders of Black Lives Matter to give a lecture to his class.
This past weekend the district admitted that the teacher acted improperly.”

While Americans were focused on the pandemic and economic recovery, a dangerous ‘woke’ movement quietly swept through education systems across America. Under the guise of social justice, this relatively new theory (Critical Race Theory or CRT), is an academic movement of activists who seek to critically examine issues of race and to challenge traditional liberal approaches to racial justice. This ideology goes by several names, such as anti-racism, identity politics, and intersectionality, among others.

 While this philosophy may sound good on the surface, a deeper dive into its history and practice exposes disturbing realities. ‘Anti-Racism’ appears to reject the lessons of the Civil Rights Movement.  In doing so it suggests that society should judge everyone based on their inherent characteristics such as race, sex, and sexual identity rather than evaluating everyone on the content of their character. This flies in the face of Martin Luther King Jr’s dream that children “will one day live in a nation where they will be judged not by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.”

 Anti-racists are explicit about their views. They often say things like; “All white people are born racist” and “All people of color are victims.” Doesn’t that paint a beautiful picture of humanity? This is morally repugnant and completely unacceptable.

These “Woke” actors believe that concepts such as meritocracy, delayed gratification, and being on time are examples of “Whiteness,” and designed to oppress people of different ethnic backgrounds.  It positions everyone into one of two groups.  Either you are an Oppressor, defined as White, Male, Straight and sometimes Asian, or you are Oppressed, defined as a person of color (Asians excluded), female and gay.

Americans have spent enormous amounts of time, money and blood breaking free from the chains of oppression, yet many CRT proponents claim racism has not improved? They claim racism is woven into the fabric of the nation and is “in the air we breathe.” If children are taught they are either oppressors or victims, what sort of future does that hold?  I am a firm believer that people either rise, or fall, to the level of their expectations.

The good news is parents and concerned community members across the country are fighting back.

Last week two Saratoga Springs Board of Education Trustees began to ask questions about some of the language included in the district’s new Equity, Inclusivity and Diversity in Education policy. The policy guidance includes eleven items that the district and Board of Education must implement, and is built off a framework provided to the school by the New York State School Board Association and the Board of Regents. 

Included in the eleven-point plan is a call to “Model Anti-Racist Language and Action.”

What exactly does it mean to “Model Anti-Racist language and action?” Interestingly, when two Trustees began asking questions of fellow board members, no two members answered the question in the same way.

Language is very powerful, and words matter. I want to know exactly what is meant by “Model Anti-Racist Language and Action.” This is like building a nuclear weapons lab, but some people are using the metric system, some are using the imperial system, and some think they are building a coffee shop.

Ibram X. Kendi, author of the book, “How to Be An Anti-Racist,” states: “The only remedy to racist discrimination is antiracist discrimination. The only remedy to past discrimination is present discrimination. The only remedy to present discrimination is future discrimination. The defining question is whether the discrimination is creating equity or inequity.  If the discrimination is creating equity, then it’s antiracist (good).  If discrimination is creating inequity, then it’s racist.”

Discrimination, defined by Anti-Racists, is any unequal outcome between groups.

So if a law firm is full of Asians and whites, and not blacks, that’s “racism” even if everybody was hired based solely on their qualifications and not their race. 

Fundamentally the modern Anti-Racist movement is not against discrimination, it’s against inequity, which in many cases makes it pro-discrimination!

As Mr. Kendi puts it, “When I see racial disparities, I see racism.”

Let’s take a look at the actual practice of ‘anti-racism;’ in education:

Parents for Defending Education, a non-for-profit organization, has documented more than 200 instances of inappropriate curricula and lessons taught to students as young as five years old. Examples:

• In California, 3rd graders in Cupertino were forced to deconstruct their racial identities, create identity maps and rank themselves according to their “power and privilege.”
• In Illinois, a Loyola Academy H.S. assignment asks students to apologize for the color of their skin.
• In Missouri, middle school teachers were forced to locate themselves on an “oppression matrix,” and watch a video of “George Floyd’s last words.”
• In NY, a Rockville Centre High School assignment asserts that police are the sixth leading cause of death for young Black men after cancer.
• In Rhode Island, the Moses Brown School unveiled a ‘Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion’ plan with ‘concept of intersectionality;’ which segregates children by race.
• In Irvington NY, Union Free School district hosted a Zoom meeting with invitees from the NYU Metropolitan Center on Equity and the Transformation of Schools. During the event it was stated that “all white children are born racist” and that we all “have to undo our whiteness.”
• In NYC, a group of concerned parents sent an open letter to the Dalton Community regarding the school’s “anti-racism curriculum,” referencing classes with an “obsessive” focus on race and diversity, racist cop reenactments in science, de-centering whiteness in art class, learning about white supremacy and sexuality in health class, and wildly age-inappropriate issues.

Defenders of Anti-Racism in education will claim that these examples aren’t being “properly contextualized.”  But I ask them, in what context is it acceptable to demand students apologize for the color of their skin or to teach them that “all white people are born racist,” or “all people of color are victims?”

Kudos to the two board members who had the courage to ask pertinent questions about this vaguely written policy. It’s certainly not easy for anyone these days to stand up and ask a simple question to the ‘woke’ mob. Doing so can get a person harassed, cancelled, and shunned from polite society.

Interestingly, nowhere in the model guidance from the Board of Regents or the NYSSBA is the phrase, “Model Anti-Racist Action and Language.”  Why exactly is Saratoga Springs attempting to add it to the district policy?

The examples provided above may give Saratogians a glimpse into what the future of education may look like in the Saratoga Springs School District. Hopefulely they will give the Board of Education reason to pause, and carefully evaluate the policy language being debated this month.

I, along with Saratoga residents, overwhelming support more diversity and inclusion in the school system.  However, reasonable people should be able to agree that the school district must erect appropriate safeguards to prevent the most extreme examples of Anti-Racist Action in education, especially those that promote discrimination, from becoming a reality in Saratoga Springs. Now is our opportunity to make a difference on this topic…

Mark Your Calendars: On Tuesday, May 18, residents will be asked to vote for their new school board members. I urge you all to take this ‘right’ seriously. Do your own research and understand the values and beliefs of the candidates. For those who are interested, I endorse the following candidates for Saratoga Springs: Amanda Ellithorpe, Connie Woytowich & Christina Kraszewski.

Written by Chad Beatty, Publisher of Saratoga TODAY

SARATOGA SPRINGS — YAL backs ADF’s decision to take legal action against Skidmore College after denying student Hannah Davis to form a chapter of the organization on campus earlier this spring.

The Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) sent a demand letter to Skidmore College last Friday (May 7), threatening litigation against the college if they do not immediately recognize Davis’s Young Americans for Liberty (YAL) chapter to assemble. 

ADF’s Center for Academic Freedom is a legal team dedicated to protecting students’ freedoms of speech and association. YAL is the nation’s most active libertarian youth organization, with nearly 5,200 members at more than 400 colleges and universities across the country. In response to ADF taking legal action, YAL is officially speaking out in support of Davis and ADF. 

“It’s a shame that Skidmore College has chosen to sacrifice the values of truth, civil discourse, and real tolerance in the name of social justice,” YAL’s Chief of Staff, Sean Themea, said in a statement. “YAL stands with Hannah Davis, applauding this swift legal action from Alliance Defending Freedom to uphold her right to speak freely.”

ADF’s demand letter addresses Skidmore College President, Marc C. Conner, and begins as follows: 

“We represent Hannah Davis and Young Americans for Liberty, a student organization that seeks official recognition from your College…Your College promises every student robust freedom of speech and freedom to associate and form organizations on campus. But you have denied Ms. Davis the ability to form a YAL chapter because the student government labels YAL as a hate group. This is false and is quintessential viewpoint discrimination that violates Skidmore’s promises to its students. We urge you to rectify this decision immediately to avoid unnecessary litigation.”

The letter continues on, addressing how the college’s policies and promises to protect students’ First Amendment rights, as listed in the college’s Student Bill of Rights and the SGA Constitution have been violated.  The letter also details the hostility that Davis has experienced from fellow peers. ADF states that by refusing to allow the chapter, the college is “engaging in deceptive trade practices and false advertising under the New York Consumer Protection Act.” 

Saratoga TODAY reached out to Skidmore College for a comment. The college responded that, at this time, they do not have anything to share regarding the letter. 

ADF has given the college a deadline of May 21, 2021 to allow Davis to form her student chapter before legal action is taken. 

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.