Niskayuna pilots new online competition designed to engage students in learning science, technology, engineering and math

Niskayuna school officials begin planning 2009-10 budget based on bleak economic news from State Capitol
With the release of Governor Paterson’s proposed state budget in mid-December, Niskayuna school officials are preparing for a potentially significant loss of state aid next year. The Governor’s plan calls for a nearly $700 million cut in education funding statewide, a 3.3 percent reduction from the current year.
To bridge the state’s multi-million dollar budget gap, the Governor is seeking a deficit reduction measure that for Niskayuna schools could result in a $1.86 million decrease in state aid next year, a 12 percent decline from the 2008-09 level of funding. A second proposal would shift 15 percent of costs related to preschool special education to school districts—a responsibility once maintained by the state and counties. As a result of this proposed new mandate, Niskayuna would be forced to absorb an additional $95,000 in next year’s and subsequent school budgets. Overall, these two measures would amount to a total reduction in state aid in 2009-10 of more than $1.9 million for Niskayuna schools. More

Niskayuna foreign language teacher earns National Board Certification
Spanish teacher Lainie Christou has always set lofty goals for herself. That is why her latest accomplishment—earning National Board Certification, the highest achievement in the teaching profession—is a tremendous source of pride.
“I was initially inspired by some of my foreign language colleagues who had already achieved their National Board Certification, and also by my persistent desire to achieve the highest goals available,” she said. “Personally it means that I have grown and am still constantly growing as a teacher. It also means that I set a goal for myself and I achieved it, which is a tremendous feeling!”
In December, Christou received word from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) that she had successfully met the criteria for achieving the nation’s highest standards for teaching. She completed the rigorous evaluation process and achieved certification in two-and-one-half years. The process, which can take up to three years to complete, requires teachers to submit materials that present evidence of their subject knowledge and ability to develop lessons that engage students in learning. More

Isolated cases of MRSA reported to Niskayuna school officials
Niskayuna Central School District officials have confirmed three isolated cases of methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in the district over the past month.
One case was in an elementary school and two were at the high school. The district is required to monitor cases and report to the Schenectady County Health Department only if a cluster of three or more cases occur in any one school building.
In each of the cases, the school nurse was contacted by the parents and the students were treated by their family physicians (with the appropriate antibiotics), and remained out of school for the duration of the infection, returning to school only after receiving clearance from their doctors.
The staff at Niskayuna continues to practice universal precautions in caring for individuals with suspected infectious diseases including MRSA, and rigorously follow existing procedures to clean and disinfect classrooms and other common areas in the schools. To further ensure the health of students and staff, dispensers containing hand-sanitizing gel are available at key locations in the elementary and middle schools, such as in cafeterias and gymnasiums. Dispensers are also available in the weight room, the Blatnick gym and concession areas at the high school.
All building administrators, nurses, maintenance and transportation personnel are aware of the symptoms and precautionary measures related to MRSA. More information

Kindergarten registration scheduled for Friday, January 16
Kindergarten registration will take place from 8:30 a.m-2:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 16. To register for kindergarten, children must be 5 years old on or before Dec. 1 of the year they enter kindergarten. Parents/guardians of eligible children identified through the previous district census are sent registration packets in the mail before registration day. Families who have not received notification about kindergarten registration should call the main office of the school that their child is expected to attend.
Birchwood Elementary School: (518) 344-2910
Craig Elementary School: (518) 377-0156
Glencliff Elementary School: (518) 399-2323
Hillside Elementary School: (518) 377-1856
Rosendale Elementary School: (518) 377-3123

Niskayuna High School seeks Hall of Fame nominees for 2009
Nominations are currently being accepted for the Niskayuna High
School Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame was established in 1983 to recognize Niskayuna High School graduates who have made significant contributions to their professions or communities. Nominating forms can be downloaded here or are available in the Main Office at Niskayuna High School, the District Office, or in the Town Supervisor's Office at Town Hall. Completed forms must be returned to the high school principal by Friday, January 30. Read more

High School Art Show now open at District Office
The High School Art Show featuring a collection of student artwork including ceramics, photographs, drawings, sculpture and more is currently open at the district office at 1239 Van Antwerp Road. All are welcome to view this assortment of outstanding art created by students in grades 9-12 during regular office hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. The exhibit concludes with an artists' reception on January 13 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

District thermostats set at 67 degrees to save on energy costs
As part of several cost-saving measures enacted recently, thermostats will be set at 67 degrees during the day in all district buildings. For this reason, it is important that children dress appropriately by wearing or bringing to school clothing such as sweaters or sweatshirts. more

Program presentations/reviews highlight Niskayuna's educational programs
Parents and community members are invited to learn more about the academic programs and educational services provided in Niskayuna schools during program presentations throughout the 2008-09 school year. Three program presentations and two program reviews are scheduled to take place this year during select Board of Education meetings. Department directors, faculty and staff will present a comprehensive overview of programs, which include examples of students' educational experiences and expectations at different grade levels, and a discussion of the department’s long-term goals. Program reviews focus on core curriculum and include additional information, such as student achievement data and instructional strategies used in the classroom to help all children meet or exceed New York State learning standards. Program presentations/reviews for the 2008-09 school year are scheduled as follows:

• Nov. 3: K-12 Counseling (presentation)
• Dec. 1: Health and Physical Education (presentation)
• Feb. 9: English Language Arts K-5 (review)
• Feb. 23: English Language Arts 6-12 (review)
• Apr. 20: Business and Family & Consumer Sciences (presentation)

Niskayuna introduces Model Transition Program to help students with disabilities transition to life after high school
Niskayuna Central School District’s Office of Student Support Services has partnered with the Guilderland and Mohonasen school districts to present a series of workshops for parents and students with disabilities to help plan for life beyond high school—whether that includes continuing their education at college, participating in vocational training or joining the workforce.
The New York State Model Transition Program (MTP), an initiative between the New York State Education Department (NYSED), Cornell University, and the University at Buffalo, is designed to help students with disabilities and their parents become acquainted with many of the issues related to post-high school planning. Parents are invited to attend any or all workshops.
Download the program brochure for more information and a list of upcoming workshops. Contact Carol Wall, Training Coordinator, 518-352-2511 ext. 4085 to sign up for the workshops.

Summary available of 2008 survey on student perceptions of drug and alcohol abuse More Information