2007-08 Program of Studies distributed to high school students
In December, the Niskayuna High School 2007-08 Program of Studies was distributed providing students an opportunity to review curriculum offerings for the coming school year with their parents and begin planning course selection. In mid-January, high school students will meet with their counselors to discuss teacher recommendations and begin the scheduling process for next year. On Jan. 24, the high school counseling department will host a guidance program for parents of Grade 8 students at 7 p.m. in the high school auditorium. Two weeks later, on Feb. 8, the high school will host Grade 8 Parent Orientation Night with administrators and department directors at 7 p.m.
Download a copy of the 2007-08 Program of Studies

Iroquois Middle School students test their math skills in regional MathCounts competition
With pencils sharpened and graphing calculators in hand, Iroquois Middle School students participated in the MathCounts competition at the General Electric Global Research Center on Saturday, Feb. 3.
To prepare for the competition, the eight-member team began meeting with their coaches twice a week after school in the fall. For the MathCounts contest, students compete in rounds individually and as a team to solve arithmetic problems involving algebra, geometry, probability and statistics. The Iroquois team placed seventh among the 25 area schools that participated. Team members include Gabrielle Kosoi, Richard Reitz, Amy Yao, Elizabeth Parizh, Kristjan Salasoo, Nikhil Sekher, Samir Goel and Bradley Johnson. Thanks to coaches Anil Tolpadi, Jixian Yao and Lembit Salasoo for volunteering their time and effort.

Niskayuna girls’ soccer standout signs letter of intent with Boston College
With the stroke of a pen, Niskayuna High School senior Brooke Knowlton made it official – she will play for the Boston College Eagles' Women's Soccer program next year. By signing a letter of intent with the NCAA Division I school, the high school soccer standout will receive a full scholarship that covers tuition, room and board, and other expenses for up to five years.
“I looked at a lot of different schools across the country,” she told the local news media, “and decided on Boston College because academically, athletically and geographically it made sense.”
Knowlton was joined by her parents, Jean and Glenn, Niskayuna head girls’ soccer coach Bryce Colby, school district officials, and dozens of friends and well-wishers for the signing ceremony during National Letter of Intent Day, a day in which select student athletes across the nation officially declare the college or university that she or he will attend in the fall. Read more

Local jazz saxophonist headlines Niskayuna Jazz Fest 2007
Jazz saxophonist, composer and recording artist Keith Pray will join Niskayuna middle and high school jazz ensembles, and Studio Singers, for Jazz Fest 2007 on Wednesday, February 7 at 7 p.m. in the high school auditorium.
A member of the International Association of Jazz Educators, Pray will host workshops with the middle and high school jazz ensembles February 6-7. Jazz Fest 2007 is sponsored by the Niskayuna Central School District and hosted by the Niskayuna Friends of Music. The concert is free and open to the public.

Craig Elementary School hosts first Diversity Night
Students and families sample food, song, dance and traditions from around the globe
While some students were learning the merengue, the national dance of the Dominican Republic, others were constructing paper boats in Thailand. These were just a few of the activities Craig Elementary School students and their families enjoyed as they traveled the world during the school community’s first Diversity Night celebration. While sitting at a small table in her kindergarten classroom teaching visitors a popular Thai game that is similar to jacks, teacher Stephanie Venerus credited Craig parents.
“Response was wonderful,” she said. “So many of our students' parents volunteered their time to represent their home countries in our classrooms and teach others about their cultures and traditions.”
As in real life, travelers were required to follow certain rules during Diversity Night. They first had to pick up their passports, then they had to select the four countries they would most like to visit, having their passports stamped at each destination. Of course there was no running in the hallways, and all food had to be consumed in the cafeteria. Read more

New Tech Valley High School accepting applications for 2007-08 school year
Tech Valley High School is currently recruiting students for its first freshman class. A joint venture between Questar III BOCES and Capital Region BOCES, Tech Valley High School will open in September 2007 and will offer an innovative educational program―focusing on math, science and technology. During its inaugural year, this new public high school will be open to 48 students who will be selected from 48 school districts in seven counties, including Albany, Columbia, Greene, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady and Schoharie. To apply, students must be on track to complete the eighth grade. Applications are available in Van Antwerp and Iroquois middle schools and must be submitted to the middle school counseling offices by Friday, Feb. 9. Visit Tech Valley High School for more information about the application process, or download an application.

Former school board member appointed to fill vacancy
During its Feb. 12 meeting, the Niskayuna Board of Education moved to appoint Markley Opdyke to fill a seat left vacant following the resignation of longtime school board member Richard Mathews. Opdyke is a retired foreign languages teacher and previously served three consecutive terms on the school board from 1992-2001. His appointment will remain in effect until the annual school board election on May 15. With Mathews resignation, a total of four seats will be up for election in May. Nominating petitions for those interested in running for the Board of Education are available in the district office. The deadline to file for candidacy is April 16. The three top vote-getters will each serve three-year terms beginning July 1. The fourth will serve out the remainder of Mathews’ term, which ends June 30, 2008.

Collaborative exhibition presents high school art in 3-Dimensions
Niskayuna High School has teamed with Schenectady's Sayles School of Fine Arts and the Capital Area Art Supervisors to present the second annual 3-D High School Regional Exhibition. Students from 13 area high schools submitted more than 200 pieces of work, 77 of which were selected for display at the Nisk-Art Gallery and the Butzel Gallery in Schenectady through Thursday, Feb. 15. Artwork includes photography, mixed media, ceramics and more. Closing receptions will be held the evening of Feb. 15 at Nisk-Art Gallery beginning at 6:30 p.m., and Butzel Gallery beginning at 7:30 p.m.  More information

Voters to decide safety referendum on February 27
Improvements proposed to enhance student safety and increase energy efficiency at no additional cost to local taxpayers
Since September, three separate and tragic acts of violence in schools across the country have refocused attention on school safety and security. The Niskayuna Central School District has an opportunity to significantly enhance safety and building security for students and staff, and further promote energy conservation — at no cost to local property owners.
During its Dec. 18 meeting, the Board of Education authorized the proposal of a $4.7 million project that would increase school building and campus safety including additional exterior and perimeter lighting, intrusion detection devices, a comprehensive closed circuit television security system, new exterior doors equipped with electronic access controls, a modification of main entrances, and direct digital control equipment to better monitor energy consumption. Read more
A questions and answers page has been created to address questions that community members may have about the safety enhancement and energy conservation project and Feb. 27 vote. Please visit the new Q&A page.

Niskayuna voters approve EXCEL/Safety Enhancement Project by a wide margin
On Tuesday, Feb. 27, residents in the Niskayuna Central School District approved a proposed $4.7 million project that will further strengthen student safety and campus security at each of the district's eight buildings. A tally of votes showed that 80 percent of voters approved the project with 640 yes votes to 157 no votes. Read more

Spring 2007 Continuing Education session catalog available
Want to learn how to conquer clutter, speak Italian, or step into shape with Step Aerobics? These and many other exciting courses are being offered during the Spring 2007 Continuing Education session. The Spring course catalog is in the mail to district residents, and copies are available in the main office of each school, Niskayuna Town Hall and the Niskayuna town library, or you may download a PDF of the catalog.

School census mailed
School census forms were recently mailed to residents who, school records indicate, have no children currently registered with the Niskayuna Central School District. Accurate census information allows the district to project enrollment and plan quality educational programs accordingly. Please complete the census and return it in the envelope provided. Families who have children enrolled in the schools will receive a census form at the end of January. Information on this form must be updated or corrected, then returned to the district. Your assistance is appreciated.

to top