SARATOGA SPRINGS — March is Mental Health Awareness month and the Saratoga Springs City School District wants to support families, parents, and guardians who continue to go above and beyond to support their children during an especially difficult year.

Join Beth Sabo Novik for the virtual workshop “Calm in the Chaos” on Thursday, March 4 at 6 p.m.  This workshop will teach you simple, quick, easy ways to get calm and be happy. You don’t have to meditate for an hour a day to change your life. Many of these techniques take one minute or less.  Simply changing what we do with our body and our mind can transform how we feel in deeply profound ways. 

For the Zoom link, go to www.saratogaschools.org.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Registration is open for the Saratoga Stress Reduction Program, an eight-week course taught by Selma Nemer, PhD, and Pierre Zimmerman, MS, in which students learn mindfulness-based meditation as a practice for growth and healing. 

This program is offered by One Roof Saratoga, a community of credentialed instructors that have taught locally, nationally, and internationally for more than 10 years, including more than 100 classes in Saratoga with 3000+ graduates.

The Spring online session begins March 13. Classes are held Saturdays from 8:30-10 a.m. Class size is limited. Some insurances accepted. For more information or to register, please call 518-581-3180 ext. 300 or 307 or go to saratogastressreduction.com

BALLSTON SPA — The Ballston Spa Central School District is excited to welcome the class of 2034! To prepare for Kindergarten student registration this spring, a Kindergarten Parent Orientation night will be held on March 10, 2021 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. 

For everyone’s health and safety, this year’s orientation will be held virtually utilizing a video conference meeting. Anyone with an incoming Kindergarten student who has not already contacted the district is asked to call the Registration Office at 518-602-0256. Registered students/parents will receive additional information about the meeting including the links to the presentation before March 10, 2021.

On December 31, 2020, Skidmore College made history when they concluded their largest fundraising campaign ever. 

Creating Our Future: The Campaign for Skidmore raised a record-setting $229.4 million from a whopping 27,193 donors over a seven-year period beginning in October 2013. 

“Strengthening a creative, collaborative and community-centered future for Skidmore has always been at the core of Creating Our Future,” said Skidmore College President Marc Conner in a press release. 

Conner took over the position last July following the retirement of President Emeritus Philip Glotzbach, who, along with Marie Glotzbach, publicly announced the campaign in 2017. 

“Our commitment to this vision for the future remains steadfast,” continued Conner. “This is an incredibly important moment for our college because of what our entire community — past, present and future — has made possible.” 

CHANGING THE GAME
Skidmore, a first-class liberal arts college known for their exceptional humanities, social sciences, and arts programs, is now integrating the sciences more than ever before. 

The campus’ new Center for Integrated Sciences (CIS), which is slated for completion in 2024, will be a 200,000 sq. ft. building housing all 10 of Skidmore’s science departments and programs. 

Equipped with state-of-the art laboratories, advanced safety and energy efficiency features, the building’s 58,000 sq. ft. North Wing opened last September. 

“It’s going to totally change the feel of the sciences at Skidmore and be a game changer,” said Pat Fehling, Associate Dean of the Faculty and Professor for the Health and Human Physiological Sciences Department.

At the school for 28 years, Fehling is looking forward to the sciences being in a centralized location where collaboration can happen between disciplines. 

“We’re relying on science to drive solutions. We are part of that conversation,” she said.

ANSWERS THAT CHALLENGE & INSPIRE
The campaign is also supporting critical priorities through the Skidmore Fund; bolstering scholarships and financial aid; and increasing career development opportunities. 

Isaiah Perkins, ’22, a double-major in Spanish and Religious Studies, said that with three other college-bound siblings at home in Boston, without the scholarships that pay for the majority of his tuition, he’d likely have to work multiple jobs to afford school. 

The remote work experience he got teaching English as a Second Language with LifeWorks Community Action and paid for through the college’s Summer Experience Fund allowed him to sustain himself through the summer.

“Everyone can think back to the teachers that have touched them – who have created and inspired a passion within them. Teaching changes the world,” said Perkins.

CREATIVE THOUGHT MATTERS
Creating Our Future is also enhancing athletics, health and wellness initiatives, and funding innovative programming at the Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery.

Sophia Paulino Adames, ’22, is originally from the Dominican Republic and has lived in New York for four years. In addition to the scholarships that pay for her double-major in Studio Art and French, higher education COVID relief funds allowed her to get mental health support.

“It’s really awesome. It’s great. Honestly, I don’t know where I’d be without all the financial aid from Skidmore. I couldn’t imagine myself anywhere else,” she said. 

Her time here has also fostered her desire for social equality and inspired her to build a better tomorrow. 

“Skidmore is such an interdisciplinary institution. I’ve learned so many things outside of my area of study and I can bring all of that into my art.”

SARATOGA SPRINGS — In addition to being at the forefront of Skidmore’s COVID-19 pandemic response, members of the College’s Health Services staff have been helping to administer coronavirus vaccines to front-line health care workers, educators and other eligible vaccine candidates in the local community.

The College has worked closely with Saratoga County Public Health Services (SCPHS) — and in accordance with the latest New York state and Centers for Disease Control guidance — in developing and implementing comprehensive health and safety measures on campus. 

The Skidmore Health Services team has been vital to organizing COVID-19 surveillance testing, quarantine and isolation, and contact tracing efforts. 

Six members of the Health Services team also serve in the county Medical Reserve Corps, which supports disaster relief groups, community safety organizations, emergency medical services and community public health efforts. 

“‘The time is always right to do what is right.’ You could (and should) start right now by doing a small part to treat people with dignity, courtesy and respect.”  – Carol Daggs 

We are a multicultural nation. Instead of being something that divides us, our diversity can be a great source of strength – broadening our knowledge,  expanding our resourcefulness and our resilience when faced with the demands of our changing world. 

February is Black History Month and MLK Saratoga is using this time to honor diversity through a variety of educational offerings stemming from the vision of Dr. Martin Luther King and others.

“What many people may not understand or appreciate is the reality of how race can impact our experience at school and in the workplace,” said author Carol Daggs. 

Daggs was born and raised in Saratoga Springs, and her book, Saratoga Soul Brandtville Blues traces her family’s history in the area. 

It’s the Saratoga Public Library’s Saratoga READS! adult book selection for the Read Woke Challenge, just one of the many activities happening this month. 

WE SHALL OVERCOME
MLK Saratoga will not be deterred from spreading their message, even by the unusual challenges of the past year. Co-chairs Lezlie Dana, Holly Hammond, and Garland Nelson overcame them and activated their 2021 theme, “Let’s Talk, Saratoga! – Changing the Conversation.” 

In January, MLK Saratoga spearheaded a four-day Dr. King Celebration Weekend.  By partnering with more than 15 local organizations, the weekend showcased 25 regional artists, performers, and writers covering a broad range of social justice topics. More than 200 participants registered for the events, and many more watched live on Facebook and YouTube.

Offered remotely and free to the public, these workshops, performances, trainings, and keynote address from Professor Loretta J. Ross, who spoke on Calling Out Culture, were made possible through the generosity of MLK Saratoga supporters, including their primary underwriter, Skidmore College, as well as through the work of Soul Session Edu-tainment, Inc., the Spring Street Gallery, and others.

BUILDING BRIDGES
Education, discussion, and greater awareness creates the bridges that connect people to each other. 

Illuminating, sharing, and elevating the lesser-known stories (that include both suffering and triumph) – give each of us the opportunity to see ourselves in others. This knowledge is the bridge that can heal our communities. 

It also inspires action, including MLK Saratoga’s Day of Service during which a variety of remote independent projects were encouraged. Collections were taken to benefit the Franklin Community Center, Code Blue, Shelters of Saratoga, and SNACpac. Temple Sinai received 1,700 children’s books to promote literacy through The Red Bookshelf project. 

OPENING DOORS, MINDS & HEARTS
As parents, teachers, mentors and community members, we are responsible for bringing richer, fuller experiences to our children that put us on common ground. 

To open doors, minds, and hearts, and to teach children their voices are valued today, free copies of Wishtree by Katherine Applegate are available for Saratoga Springs students in grades 4 through 6. To receive a copy, email saratogareadsjr@gmail.com 

On Tuesday February 23, at 7 p.m., the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation is hosting a ZOOM presentation with Carol Daggs to talk about her book Saratoga Soul Brandtville Blues. 

MLK Saratoga is promoting happenings by organizations including The Underground Railroad Education Center of Albany, The Sanctuary for Independent Media, All of Us, Northshire Bookstore, NYCLU, Saratoga Book Festival, the Urban Park Rangers, and others.

For a full calendar of events and opportunities go www.mlksaratoga.org, and follow them on Facebook and Instagram. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS ­—The Saratoga Independent School (S.I.S.) Board of Trustees would like to congratulate Lisa Brown, Head of School, on her upcoming retirement and announce the search for a new Head of School for the 2021-2022 school year.

Lisa Brown has served as Head of School since 2017. Among Ms. Brown’s many contributions to the School are:

• successfully leading the recent $1.7 million Capital Campaign, the largest in the school’s history; 

• the build-out of the new academic wing, completing the now nearly 40,000 square foot facility; 

• the launch of a Middle School encompassing grades 6-8, soon to be graduating its first 8th grade class; 

• adding a competitive S.I.S. soccer team for grades 5-8 and a school mascot, Thunder the Moose; and 

• enhancing and expanding curriculum for all grades.

“My plan when I came to S.I.S. was to be here for four years, and I have loved my time and the people, especially the students, who are always a joyful part of my life. For almost thirty years, S.I.S. has been focused on all that is best for children, cherishing the richness of childhood while inspiring an appreciation for learning that is out of the ordinary. The mission of our school is to empower students to be curious and confident learners, capable of critical thinking, problem solving, teamwork and articulate expression. As an inclusive, nurturing community that values diversity and mutual respect, we strive to cultivate in our students the knowledge, skills, work ethic, and character to lead purposeful, healthy lives,” said Lisa Brown.

Board President, Julie S. Fuller, expressed her gratitude to Ms. Brown for all that she has done to strengthen the school during her tenure and for skillfully guiding the school through the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The S.I.S. Board of Trustees has created a Search Committee to work with the assistance of a NYSAIS consultant to facilitate the search process for the next Head of School. The deadline for applications is March 15. 

For more information about Saratoga Independent School, the complete job description, and instructions on how to apply, please visit www.siskids.org/about/hossearch.cfm.  Application materials should be sent to HOSSearch@siskids.org.  No phone calls, please. The Board of Trustees plans to announce the appointment of Head of School by June 1, 2021. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS ­—Three hundred teachers were vaccinated against COVID-19 in Saratoga last week at a group clinic set-up by Saratoga County Public Health and WSWHE BOCES.

Each of the schools in this group; Shenendehowa, Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake, Mechanicville, Ballston Spa, South Glens Falls, Galway, Corinth, Edinburgh, Saratoga Springs, and WSWHE BOCES were allowed to have 30 educators vaccinated. 

This was the second round of vaccinations for these districts. In the first round, each school sent 15 teachers. Those teachers will get their second dose of the vaccine on Feb. 26.

The vaccines were administered by the school nurses from each school, who were given a four-hour training by the Saratoga County Department of Health.

Winter break week is a time to relax and recharge. As the pandemic continues, vacations and going out are still off the menu for many.  Luckily, there are still plenty of ways to make memories and stay entertained this week. Here are some ideas to get you started. 

GET ACTIVE:

• Build a Snow Sculpture. The Children’s Museum of Saratoga wants to see your creations! Take a short (no more than 30-second video) and send it to digitalmedia@cmssny.org

• Dance like you’ve never danced before. The Virtual Flurry Festival: Dancing in the Cloud, is happening Feb. 12-14. 150 Zoom sessions and optional 6-month access available. Ticket prices $25- $115/each. For more info go to www.flurryfestival.org

• Socially-Distanced Snowy Slow Roll. Cold weather bicycling. Feb. 14. 1 pm. Palette Café. 493 Broadway, Saratoga Springs. Recurring event. Find out more by visiting www.thepalettecafe.com

• The Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park is hosting a whole week of family-friendly hikes. For details, go www.wiltonpreserve.org/calendar. To register, call the office at 518-450-0321 or email info@wiltonpreserve.org.

• NYS Free Fishing Weekend. February 13th & 14th. Anyone can fish the fresh waters of New York State and no fishing license is required. For details, go to www.dec.ny.gov

• The National Museum of Dance hosts the Ageless Dancer Ballet Barre class for older adults ages 50 +, offered by Mary Anne Fantauzzi beginning Feb. 22nd. To register, visit www.nationalmuseumofdance.org/calendar

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ENTER A CONTEST:

• Heart Scavenger Hunt. The Schuylerville Public Library, Hudson Crossing Park, and Greenwich Free Library invite you to find a heart, take a picture and post it to Facebook with the hashtag #thegreathearthunt to enter the drawing to win a $50 Battenkill Books gift card.

• Forests in Focus Photo Contest. Love nature photography? Enter your photos for a chance to be published in American Forests magazine. Details at www.americanforests.org

LEARN SOMETHING NEW:

• Foreign Language: Learn that in India they hear the same commercials we do and more when you listen to the instantly available music being broadcast from radio stations all over the world, starting with the one closest to you, at radio.garden

• Try any of the free 12 at-home activities prepared by The Children’s Museum of Saratoga, attend their online story time and more. Go to cmssny.org and follow them on Facebook. 

• Saratoga Arts High School All Stars Exhibition. Until Feb. 28th check out a virtual exhibition featuring artwork created by high school students in Saratoga, Fulton and Montgomery counties. Visit www.saratoga-arts.org/High-School-All-Stars

• Activity kits and online classes are happening all week through the Saratoga Springs Public Library. For a full list of what’s available, go to www.sspl.org

Ballston Spa — The Ballston Spa Business & Professional Association (BSBPA) is once again offering a $500 scholarship to a Ballston Spa High School graduating senior.

High school students who hold jobs in the community, while maintaining good standards in their schoolwork and deportment, should be recognized for their diligence and responsibility. The Ballston Spa Business and Professional Association Scholarship shall be awarded to a graduating senior who has demonstrated professionalism in his/her place of employment and responsibility in their school community.

Students can pick up the application information sheet at the Ballston Spa High School guidance office.  A printable version is also available on the BSBPA website, www.ballston.org. 

Submit completed applications to the BSHS guidance office, emailed directly to the BSBPA at info@ballston.org, or mailed to: BSBPA Scholarship, PO Box 386, Ballston Spa, NY 12020. Submission deadline is Thursday, April 1, 2021.