[Photo Gallery] Taking a peek at farm life
Indian Ladder Farms showcases baby animals and activities
Baby animals returned to Indian Ladder Farms in Altamont on Saturday, May 4, with children clamoring to chicks, ducklings, bunnies, lambs, pigs and goats.
Growing green habits
Family-friendly Go Green Day to feature recycling, demos, good eats
Go Green Day 2013 will be held Saturday, April 27, at Farnsworth Middle School in Guilderland. Several area groups worked together to create the educational event and recycling drop off, along with opportunities to donate a variety of items to local causes and organizations.
Stress test
New standardized tests have parents, educators worried about effects on students
On Tuesday, April 16, students in third to eighth grade across New York will sit down for the first day of standardized tests that adhere to the Common Core Standards. But it has been months now that parents and educators have worried pupils are being pushed too far with the sudden shift to more rigorous standards.
Cracking the Common Core
New York’s students will start taking new standardized tests this year in the name of improving performance. So why are kids expected to fail?
Students in third to eighth grade will face English language arts and math tests adhering to Common Core Standards, national standards that were developed by looking at what students should achieve to be prepared for college.
Ramping up wellness
Voorheesville holds Wellness Day to encourage an active, healthy lifestyle
Voorheesville Central School District’s Wellness Committee held its second Wellness Day at the high school and middle school Thursday, March 21, which was kicked off with BMX riders soaring into the air off a ramp in the gymnasium.
Comic timing
Voorheesville workshop takes a graphic approach to storytelling
Elementary students were creating their own characters instead of reading about them Friday, March 15, at Voorheesville Public Library Friday, during a workshop hosted by Matthew Laiosa.
Pedaling with a purpose
Two Guilderland ‘Red Riders’ prepare for Tour de Cure
Pedaling for 50 miles on a bicycle would be an accomplishment for most, but for an 11-year-old with Type 1 diabetes, it is about more than just the ride.
NYSUT calls out tax cap
Area legislators ask for increased state aid to schools
Public schools are in the budget limelight as local lawmakers call on Gov. Andrew Cuomo to modify aid distributions guidelines, while at the same time the state’s largest teachers union is suing to challenge the constitutionality of the state tax cap law.
Lasting legacy
Niskayuna Boy Scout collecting flags at drop boxes for proper disposal
After several years of dedication to Boy Scout Troop 34, Brandon Fine is collecting old, worn American flags for his Eagle Scout project, which was inspired by his late grandfather.
Outside the box
Unique chocolate treats offer break from Valentine’s Day tradition
While chocolate is often seen as a can’t-fail Valentines gift, the traditional heart-shaped box of sweets might strike some as clichéd. But for those looking to stray from convention will be met with a sweet surprise at Capital District candy shops.
Robotics power mental sports
Niskayuna and Mohonasen students compete at FIRST Tech Challenge
Niskayuna and Mohonasen students recently competed at the regional FIRST Tech Challenge Championship Tournament at Pace University in Pleasantville, and were among 36 teams of high school students bringing robots they spent months creating into the limelight.
Niskayuna schools drop federal lunch regulations
District: Students balk at meals; participation down as food waste up
The Niskayuna Board of Education unanimously approved terminating the district’s participation in the National School Lunch Program effective April 1. The district’s lunch program is at a net operating loss of almost $70,500 from the start of this school year through December.
SCCC expands reach into Albany
Satellite campus touted as boon for education and downtown businesses
Three years after discussions began, SCCC announced Friday, Jan. 18, its footprint is expanding into the county’s building at 112 State Street in Albany. The college is renovating nearly 10,000 square feet of former Albany County offices on the second floor for classrooms and will lease the space from the county.
Educators skeptical about Cuomo’s reforms
Area school administrators grade governor’s education proposals
Gov. Cuomo linked education to the economic recovery of the state and laid out several proposals to enhance the quality of the state’s public schools. Area school administrators say district funds are tapped and are wondering how initiative will be funded.
Family ties run deep on these slopes
Maple Ski Ridge to host 50th anniversary celebration
To celebrate Maple Ski Ridge’s 50th anniversary there, will be a weekend of events from Thursday, Jan. 17, to Sunday, Jan. 20. The business has largely tailored itself to suit its customers, serving as a family-friendly destination and welcoming seniors who are still hitting the slopes.
An ornamental end to the holidays
‘Cirque Dreams Holidaze’ to light up Proctors with fantasy and wonder
Before ringing in the New Year, the Mainstage at Proctors will round off the holiday season with four performances from Friday, Dec. 28, to Sunday, Dec. 30, of “Cirque Dreams Holidaze."
Nurturing nature
Birchwood PTO holds event rallying for nature park restoration
The Birchwood PTO on Friday, Dec. 7, sponsored a Nature Exploration Event and Nature Park Rally at the Niskayuna school, which is competing for grant funding to restore its nature trail.
Books down, steering wheels up
Scotia-Glenville students test drive alternative-fuel vehicles
Scotia-Glenville students in Rick Warren’s 12th-grade English class went from researching alternative fuel motor vehicles to seeing four models up close on Friday, Dec. 7.
‘Warriors and angels’ grace these greens
Local family starts Childhood Cancer Awareness tree in honor of daughter
About 200 gold ribbons adorn a tree in front of Jennifer Rathbone’s home on Campbell Avenue in Schenectady. The Christmas tree stands more than 10 feet tall and shines brightly alongside the busy street, as lights illuminate the golden ribbons that each hold a different child’s name honoring the “warriors and angels” of childhood cancer.
Private school drops anchor
Saratoga Academy leasing Maritime Center for new middle school
The Saratoga Academy for the Arts and Science and Maritime Center officials announced on Monday, Dec. 3, an agreement to create a new middle school serving fifth to eighth graders, at the Alplaus facility along the Mohawk River.
School bus carries precious cargo
Scotia-Glenville schools staff fills bus with donations for City Mission
Scotia-Glenville School District staff on Wednesday, Nov. 21, filled a bus with donated gifts and wrapping supplies for the City Mission of Schenectady’s Holiday Toy Store.
Students honor those who served
Brown School hosts ceremony paying tribute to local vets
Brown School students gathered to sing songs and show off special projects to local veterans at a Veterans Day ceremony on Friday, Nov. 9. This year’s event hit close to home for an English teacher at the school, whose son is being deployed to Afghanistan.
Educator recognized for dedication
SJCC PTO honors longtime early childhood educator with celebration
The Parent Teacher Organization at the SJCC organized a retirement celebration for Ellen Carpenter, of Schenectady, who taught youngsters for more than three decades and helped shape programing.
Touchdown for charity
Niskayuna Youth Football and Cheer to hold inaugural benefit
Youngsters in one youth football program will be playing for more than points this coming weekend.
The Toys for Tots train chugs on
Volunteer Marines association takes over holiday program
The Marine Corps League kicked of this year’s Toys for Tots campaign on Tuesday, Oct. 23, at its new home in Hannaford Plaza in Rotterdam. The program transitioned this year from the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve to the volunteer association.
Educators protest cuts to schools at regional forum
Five districts converge to bemoan slashes in state aid alongside tax cap
Educators from South Colonie, Niskayuna, Schenectady, Schoharie and Cobleskill-Richmondville school districts met at Sand Creek Middle School to share their financial struggles. The districts represented a cross section of communities throughout the Capital District to show the similarity of challenges schools are facing.
Curtain up at café
Brown School hosts open mic at new music café, welcomes community
A performance at a café on a Friday night isn’t an uncommon experience, but a primary school isn’t typically where the nightlife is found.
Students become a symbol of hope
Mohonasen students form peace sign as part of anti-bullying campaign
On a windy Friday, Oct. 12, students gathered outside the Mohonasen school, which teaches third through fifth grade, to form a school-wide human peace symbol likely large enough for airborne travelers to see.
Spotty fall on tap
Foliage forecasts differ on color quality; state pegs fall tourism at $13B
A dry, hot summer could mean a loss of fall’s beauty, as the state’s colorful landscape is blossoming earlier and with less vibrancy.
Oktoberfest planners hope for sun
Glenville to host third annual German festival, with more attractions for kids and teens
Attendance at last year’s Oktoberfest in Glenville was washed out as Mother Nature rained on the festivities, but event organizers this year are planning for the worst and hoping for the best.
Art and friendship on display at quilt show
Group prepares to hold biennial event featuring founding members
Two hundred works of art will be on display later this month in Schenectady, and it is something fans of the medium will get wrapped up in.
Time to go Greek
St. George church holds annual festival featuring culture
Two tons of food fuels a festive three-day celebration of culture that invites people to go Greek for at least a few days.
The new lunch line
Guidelines require schools to meet stringent nutrition standards
School districts throughout Schenectady County are preparing to offer a slightly different fare to students at breakfast and lunch after new federal food service regulations were implemented in July.
A competition for not-so-hot rods
Schenectady Kiwanis Club’s Ugly Car contest fundraiser returns
The Kiwanis Club of Schenectady is holding its second Ugly Car Contest on Saturday, Sept. 15, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., in the parking lot at the corner of Liberty Street and Nott Terrace in Schenectady.
An event that’s for the dogs
APF to hold 20th annual Fireplug 500 Walk for Animals; town approves expansion
The Animal Protective Foundation is hosting its 20th annual Fireplug 500 Walk for Animals on Saturday, Sept. 8, from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Central Park in Schenectady. The event raises money to support the nonprofit’s animal care, adoption, and spay and neuter programs.
RC plane hobbyists take to the sky
Fun Fly event at Maalwyck Park is a miniature air show for all ages
The Glenville Electric Powered Aeromodelers Club on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 4 and 5, hosted the John Maggs Memorial Fun Fly, which had all-electric radio controlled model plans zipping above Maalwyck Park.
SCCC unveils lavish living
Student housing aimed to increase enrollment, facility tailored to program offerings
Student housing and upscale, modern living rarely coincide, but one local college hopes to find success with this unlikely combination.
Revving up for little people
Motorcycle ride raises awareness and support for dwarfism
Every time one 11-year-old leaves his house, he faces long stares, pointing and laughing, just because he looks different from the crowd.
Swimmers splash into Olympic spirit
Nisky team hosts ‘Splash Bash’ to raise funds for local charity
Shortly after the world’s best athletes were welcomed to the London 2012 Olympic Games, a group of local swimmers held their own poolside kick-off party.
Schenectady County library begins new chapter
New 6,700-square-foot Children’s Wing opens at Central Branch
The Schenectady County Public Library on Monday, July 30, opened its new 6,700-square-foot Children’s Wing at the Central Library Branch in downtown Schenectady.
The drum beats on
Keepers of the Circle host annual pow wow celebrating heritage
To the beat of a drum, people gathered around a fire to celebrate their culture and strengthen friendships.
Schenectady Museum set for lift off
Transformation includes annually rotating exhibits, name change
The Schenectady Museum is set to become a little less static and a lot more hands-on to create an education center unique to the Capital District.
Race organizers want runners to get good and messy
Maple Ski Ridge to host first mud run, raise funds for veteran center
Maple Ski Ridge is transforming its slopes for a wild, muddy race through an array of obstacles for a good time and a good cause.
Study would focus on Aqueduct property
Friends of Niskayuna Rowing seeks new boathouse with community facilities
A group of Niskayuna rowers are looking to alleviate tight space at a local club with plans for a new boathouse.
Collins Park beach closed for season
Sediment deposits from Irene affect Scotia swimming, reopening date unclear
The effects of Hurricane Irene stretch on at a popular Scotia swimming destination, meaning people won’t be able to beat the heat there this summer.
Nisky High School becomes one with nature
Biology teacher unveils ‘outdoor science classroom’
Hands-on learning will be taking on an entirely new meaning at Niskayuna high school next year.
Winging it at Jefferson Elementary
Butterfly garden brings classroom lessons to life
Elementary students are always excited to be free from homework and test prep, but a recent effort spearheaded by a second-grade teacher wed getting outside with learning.
New tech blossoms in old growth
Bilingual audio tour unveiled at Lisha Kill Preserve
Don’t forget to bring your smartphone the next time you trek into nature.
Splashing safely into summer
Capital District YMCA kicks off water safety program in Glenville
Pools can provide a cool relief to scorching summer heat, but they can also prove to be a hazard for young, inexperienced swimmers.
Turning pens into profit
Glenville 11-year-old’s handiwork goes from hobby to personal business
Parents: the next time your kids want to take up a new hobby, you may be able to think of it as a business proposal.
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