Niskayuna staff are busy! Congratulations to the following staff for their many awards and achievements, including:

Iroquois teacher Kelly Millett-Wilson was asked to present at the University of Oxford in England over the summer. Her presentation was on teaching literacy through classroom discussion. That same topic -- which Millett-Wilson has been researching with SUNY Albany's Center for English Learning and Achievement -- is also featured in a new Scholastic book that will be released this fall. (September 2005)

The Latin Program, including teachers Meghan Miller and Tom Caffrey, has been named "Outstanding Latin Program in New York State" by a state-wide association. The award recognizes quality Latin programs and Latin teachers of strong dedication and creativity. (August 2005)

High School teacher Peter Melito was selected to participate in the Fulbright Memorial Fund Teacher Program. He will travel to Japan for three weeks in November 2005, learning about the Japanese culture and educational system. (May 2005)

High School teacher Joe Carosella will be honored at Cornell University on May 24 for being named "most influential secondary teacher" by Niskayuna High School alumnus Thomas Wei. Wei is a senior at Cornell and is honoring Carosella as part of his Merrill Presidential Scholarship. (May 2005)

Health Education and Services Director Bob Winchester has been named the 2005 Community Role Model by Niskayuna Youth to Youth. The annual award recognizes Niskayuna community who consistently demonstrate their belief in the value of young people, and support efforts to promote a safe and healthy community for youth. (April 2005)

Iroquois Middle School teacher Carol Baldwin was named Middle School Educator of the Year in Physical Education for the Capitol Zone of the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance in March. Carol was honored at an awards luncheon at Skidmore College. (March 2005)

Niskayuna High School physical education teacher Michael Vorgang was named a New York Lottery Educator of the Week by WNYT, TV-13. (March 2005)

Niskayuna High School business education teacher Michelle Stopera was nominated for the Outstanding Educator Award from the Schenectady Branches of the Capital District YMCA. (March 2005)

District Health Education Director Bob Winchester has been selected by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to be one of 30 national reviewers of health curriculums. The review will be used to select curriculum for schools and communities across the country. (February 2005)

Niskayuna teachers recognize community with Annual Cookie Drive
The Niskayuna Teachers Association (NTA) held its annual cookie drive on February 10, delivering boxes of cookies to 14 Niskayuna agencies, to thank them for their service to the community. Organizations receiving cookies included the Niskayuna police and fire departments and Alterra Wynwood staff. Shown in the photo, middle school students helped with boxing the cookies, which were donated by teachers from around the district. (February 2005)

Congratulations to the following teachers, who recently achieved National Board Certification: Mary Hanchar, Monica Judd, Kelly Linehan, Connie Soron and Lisa Stanziano. The certification is considered the highest credential in the teaching profession, and involves a rigorous assessment process. (December 2004)

Iroquois Cook-Manager Jackie Koreman recently received three scholarships from the New York State School Food Service Association, which she will use to complete a registered dietitian and nutritionist degree from Russell Sage College. (October 2004)

What do these staff members have in common?
Garry Boomhower, Carolyn Bourgeois, Ann Coleman, Brian Fisher, James Haber, Kristine Maxwell, Glen McCormack, Bob Nevulis, Diane Schermerhorn and Bob Winchester? Answer (Fall 2004)

Niskayuna High School Teachers Paul Scott and Catherine Snyder received the first Edwards B. and Sally Murray Awards for Excellence in Education from the Niskayuna Community Foundation. They were chosen for the award because they represent the overall excellence of the high school staff and educational program. (June 2004)

The Niskayuna High School Foreign Language Department won Metroland's Cover Contest and was featured in the March 16 magazine. The article was titled "Speaking in Tongues: Fourteen funloving and feisty foreign-language teachers at Niskayuna High School place levity right up there with learning." The contest asked readers to suggest interesting, unusual or compelling stories for the magazine to feature. (March 2004)

Niskayuna High School Teacher Lonnie Wilson was named Outstanding Educator by the Schenectady County branches of the YMCA. The annual award honors one outstanding teacher from Schenectady County. (March 2004)

Niskayuna High School Social Studies and English teachers joined together to develop and present a conference on effective practices for interdisciplinary instruction at Union College. The event was a resounding success and attended by more than 70 teachers from all over the Capital region. The teachers were: Catherine Snyder, David Bloom, Mike Peters, Brandi Weidman, Carol White and Kristin Richard. (March 2004)

Niskayuna High School Choir Director Paula Brinkman was named New York Lottery Educator of the Week on WNYT TV-13. (December 2003)

Retired Niskayuna High School Teacher Cathie Currin received The Galatti Award from AFS Intercultural Programs. The award is given to one or more volunteers in the AFS worldwide network for providing outstanding support to AFS at the grassroots level over a sustained period of time. (December 2003)

Nine Niskayuna teachers achieved National Board Certification in November. The certification is considered the highest credential in the teaching profession, and involves a rigorous assessment process. The teachers are: Melissa Bergin, Mary Eads, Catherine Snyder, Stacey Dawes, Marna Lehnert-Chaky, Sean O'Connell, Dee Steeley, Michelle Sausa-Gatta and Jackie Albanese. (November 2003)

Many Niskayuna math faculty are actively involved with the Association of Mathematics Teachers of New York State (AMTNYS). At the association's annual conference, several staff made presentations: Stephanie Graseck, Chris Monahan and Michelle Stantora. Two teachers also hold positions in AMTNYS: Irene Jovell is executive secretary, while Chris Monahan is program chair for the 2004 AMTNYS Annual Meeting. (November 2003)

District Math Director Doug Lohnas has been elected president of the New York State Association of Mathematics Supervisors.

The following staff were recognized for 25 years of service to the district: Donna Bashor, William Bandura, Cathal Carr, David Dean, Robert Kingsley, Carol Piccirillo and Frank Tedesco. Thank you for your dedication to Niskayuna schools! (September 2003)