Pair of Niskayuna teachers named "Educator of Week"
Not one—but two Niskayuna Central School District teachers have been named WNYT Educators of the Week. Dan Matthews is a second-grade teacher at Rosendale Elementary School, while Chris Pierson teaches English at neighboring Iroquois Middle School. Read more
UPDATE: The Educator of the Week segment featuring Chris Pierson was broadcast on Wednesday, January 9 during the 5:30 p.m. news.

Niskayuna Central School District community mourns the loss of longtime social studies teacher
The Niskayuna Central School District community is mourning the loss of a dedicated educator and friend. Van Antwerp Middle School social studies teacher Susan Burke passed away unexpectedly on January 11, 2008. Known for her leadership abilities, Ms. Burke helped support her colleagues and served as a mentor to new teachers at Van Antwerp School. Throughout more than 23 years teaching social studies, her love of learning never ceased. Two years ago, she seamlessly made the transition from teaching Grade 8 to Grade 6, and was in the process of exploring new instructional strategies with her colleagues.
“Susan’s enthusiasm for teaching and love of children and colleagues only grew with time,” said Superintendent of Schools Kevin Baughman. “As a parent, teacher and person, Sue was a role model we all can learn from.” more

Board of Education considers Elementary Class Size Reduction and Management Plan
The Board of Education is currently considering recommendations to establish an Elementary School Class Size Reduction and Management Plan designed to preserve neighborhood schools and address Niskayuna’s elementary class sizes in future years. This plan manages existing class sizes permitting the district to take quick action before a grade level becomes larger than projected. The Class Size Guideline established by the Board of Education is used to initially develop new class sections for the beginning of each school year.
Parents and community members will have an opportunity to learn more about the proposed plan and provide feedback prior to the Board of Education taking action to establish a plan for future elementary enrollment during its Jan. 28 meeting. Read more about the plan
Presentations at each of the elementary schools are scheduled as follows:

• Glencliff: Monday, January 7, 6:30 p.m.
• Birchwood: Tuesday, January 8, 6:30 p.m.
• Hillside: Tuesday, January 15, 6:30 p.m.
• Craig: Tuesday, January 15, 7:30 p.m.
• Rosendale: Thursday, January 17, 7 p.m.

Your attendance at the presentations is encouraged. Call or e-mail Superintendent Kevin Baughman or your school principal if you have questions or comments prior to the presentation.

Craig Elementary School chorus performs at Schenectady County celebration honoring the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
More than 30 Craig Elementary School chorus students, under the direction of music teacher Theresa Fitzmaurice, performed at a program honoring the late civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Sunday, January 20. The program, “Over My Head I See Freedom in the Air,” featured guest speaker Neil Yetwin and musical performances by the Craig Elementary School Chorus and The King Choir, which includes singers from throughout Schenectady County. The event began with a march at Veteran’s Park in Schenectady.

Community Education winter classes begin in January
The winter 2008 Community Education catalog has been mailed to all district residents. Catalogs may also be downloaded here.

Van Antwerp String Gala rescheduled
The VA String Gala originally scheduled for Thursday, January 17, has been rescheduled for Thursday, January 24 at 7 p.m.

January exam week schedule available
Regents and local exams will take place at Niskayuna High School from January 22-25, 2008. Download the schedule of exams. (PDF)

Board of Education adopts Elementary Class Size Enrollment Management Plan
During its Jan. 28 meeting, the Board of Education adopted an Elementary Class Size Enrollment Management Plan designed to help preserve neighborhood schools and address Niskayuna’s elementary class sizes in future years. District officials and school board members held a series of meetings at the elementary schools to discuss the plan and gather feedback from parents and the community before taking action. View the plan

Healthy Initiatives Program for elementary school students and parents
If one of your family goals in 2008 is to get healthy and fit, then this is the program for you! The Niskayuna Community Action Program (N-CAP) is presenting an interactive Healthy Initiatives Program for all elementary school parents and students at Rosendale Elementary School on Thursday January 31, from 6:30–8 p.m. The program will raise awareness of the risks of unhealthy living with a focus on how to attain a healthy lifestyle nutritionally, physically and emotionally. More information

Niskayuna High School seeks Hall of Fame nominees for 2008
Nominations are currently being accepted for the 2008 Niskayuna High
School Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame was established to recognize Niskayuna High School graduates who have made significant contributions to their professions or communities.
A committee, which includes community members, students, faculty and administrators, will select the inductee from nominations submitted by the public. Nominating forms are available in the Niskayuna High School Main Office at 1626 Balltown Rd., the District Office at 1239 Van Antwerp Rd., at the Town Supervisor's Office at Town Hall, 1 Niskayuna Circle. Completed forms must be returned to the high school principal by Thursday, January 31, 2008. Read more

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