THE BEAGLE SCHOOL ALUMNI NEWSLETTER
FIFTH EDITION
Welcome Back to Beagle!
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THE BEAGLE SCHOOL ALUMNI NEWSLETTER
When thinking of The Beagle School and its community of families, there are many endearing words that come to mind. In organizing this issue, the word supportive kept surfacing over and
As many of you have heard or read online, Little Beagle suffered damage after an accident in late June. Thankfully, the school was empty and no one was hurt. Support came quickly from The Saratoga Springs Fire Department, The Saratoga Springs Police Department and The Beagle School community. Little Beagle will welcome students at The Saratoga Children’s Theater for this school year. You can read much more from our Board President, Garrett Gray, on page 18.
Supportive is also a word that comes to mind when we think of our incredible Beagle School Director, Jessica Todtenhagen, and the beloved teachers who put their heart and souls into Beagle every single day. The way they support and have supported current students and alumni is truly remarkable. Spending the day with Ms. Laura in the classroom to feature her for this issue and seeing her in the classroom with my daughter as volunteers opened our eyes to the myriad of ways she teaches and supports her students. That sincere support for students leads them to thrive and in turn, support others. That’s just what our newest Beagle scholarship recipient has done. She is not only a Beagle Alumnae, she returned to support the school in June and helped repaint designs on Beagle’s playground walkways. Congratulations, Taylor!
Last but certainly not least, supportive perfectly describes The Fitzpatrick Family, this issue’s Alumni Family. From Kate’s brilliant Laurie Berkner concert fundraiser to her enthusiasm and dedication to the Saratoga community, she and her family are a true inspiration.
Mary Carlin
& The Beagle School Alumni Newsletter; Jessica Todtenhagen, Jennifer Taylor, Allison Oliver Miller & Kate Green Fitzpatrick ONCE IN THE BEAGLE SCHOOL FAMILY, ALWAYS IN THE BEAGLE SCHOOL FAMILY
A Heartwarming Field Trip
THERAPEUTIC HORSES OF SARATOGA
Exploring, Creating Memories & Discovering
In April, The Discoverers and Beyond Beagle classes visited Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga. Ms. Laura organized this brand new field trip for the classes, which was greatly enjoyed by both students and parents. The experience of Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga offered students the opportunity of bonding with their magnificent equine companions.
Random Acts of Kindness
In February, Beagle students did Random Acts of Kindness at The Saratoga Springs Fire Department, Saratoga Bridges, and SUNY Empire. They even showered Kevin, The Beagle School’s Mail Carrier, with thoughtful gifts including cookies and a book created just for him! Students also gave treats to our neighbors around the school, the Maternity Division at Saratoga Hospital, and employees at Franklin Community Center.
THE BEAGLE SCHOOL’S ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP
TAYLOR PLUE
BEAGLE SCHOOL CLASS PHOTO A GRADUATION PHOTO FROM SARATOGA
TAYLOR’S
SPRINGS HIGH SCHOOL
PHOTOS
TAYLOR PLUE
TAYLOR PLUE: FUTURE TEACHER & BEAGLE ALUM
Recent Saratoga Springs High School graduate and Beagle School scholarship recipient Taylor Plue is now studying English Education in college.
It wasn’t so long ago, Taylor had her very first day at The Beagle School. “My favorite memory of The Beagle School is from a memory my parents tell me all of the time. They were terrified to let me go on my first day at The Beagle School. I had never left them before and had a broken leg on top of that. Despite my leg, I waddled into the school and played with a smile, never once being upset about going to The Beagle School.”
Fastforward to this spring, Taylor came back to Beagle once again during Senior Giveback Day to help repaint and refresh the playground’s walkways.
Taylor hopes to share her love of literature and writing with students for the rest of her life as a teacher. We wish her the very best of luck!
Beagle Moms
CELEBRATING MOTHER’S DAY
BeagleDads
CELEBRATING FATHER’S DAY
THE BEAGLE SCHOOL DIRECTOR'S CORNER
THE BEAGLE SCHOOL DIRECTOR'S CORNER
THE IMPORTANCE OF PLAY IN EDUCATION
“Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.”
- Fred Rogers
After waiting in line at the flower shop middle of the classroom, an eager cu comes to an excited cashier:
“What kind of flowers would you like?”
“The pink ones and the yellow ones, please!”
“That will be $2.00.”
“I have $5.00.”
(A teacher nearby steps in and helps the cashier figure out how much change to give the customer.)
“Ok! If you give me $5.00, I’ll give you your change of $3.00. Have a nice day and enjoy your flowers.”
Whoa! In just a few minutes, these students (aka the customer and the cashier) have practiced patience (waiting in line), manners (please and thank you), color recognition (pointing out color specific flowers), and math skills (subtracting the money).
THE BEAGLE SCHOOL DIRECTOR'S CORNER
This is just one of many play- based interactions that happen each day at The Beagle School. For over fifty years, the mission of our school has been to provide a quality early education experience that fosters the sense of wonder and discovery that naturally exists in all children, with an emphasis on play-based learning. Research has shown that this type of learning is crucial in early development.
“Scientists have recently determined that it takes approximately 400 repetitions to create a new synapse in the brain- unless it is done with play, in which case, it takes between 1020 repetitions,” according to Dr. Karyn Purvis, a developmental psychologist. Play improves a child’s cognitive and social/emotional intelligence, as well as their physical skills. Preschoolers are constantly expanding their vocabulary, working on problem solving, using their imagination, working together, learning math skills, letter sounds, and more, all through playful activities.
As we get older, it’s easy to lose sight of the learning that takes place in what seems like a simple childhood interaction; however, watching these children play and thrive, reminds me each day that there is nothing quite as amazing as a child’s brain and the connections that are made throughout play.
Jessica Todtenhagen
Our Board President Garrett Gray
Dear Beagle Families,
On behalf of the Board of Directors, welcome to this edition of our Alumni Newsletter! I hope this letter finds you and your loved ones well. It was nice to see so many of you at Beagle Summer Camp the last couple of months and it’s hard to believe that it is the start of a new school year.
The summer months are typically quiet for our board as we close out one school year and begin to plan for a new one, but all of that changed on June 30 when we found out that a drunk driver drove into our Little Beagle location on Circular Street. Although it is a blessing that no one was injured in the accident, it did cause damage to the structure that will take many months to repair. I was out of town during the accident, but our Vice President, Audrey Moore, and teacher Miss Linette were quickly on the scene and spent hours that evening assisting in any way they could, and for that our entire board and staff and is very grateful.
It is in these moments of adversity that we find our greatest opportunities for growth, both as individuals and as a community So many individuals and businesses, whether they had ties to the Beagle community or not, reached out to lend their support in any way they could The Beagle School and Saratoga community’s continued support and dedication to our school and our students’ growth, even in the midst of challenges, are what make this place so special.
Once it became clear that we would need to start the school year at a new location, our entire board took time out of their summers to reach out to dozens of places to find an alternative location. Members from our executive team, buildings and grounds committee, and teaching staff toured many locations in hopes of finding a space that would work in creating a welcoming environment for our incoming two-year-olds. We think we found just that in The Saratoga Children’s Theater. The leadership and staff of the theater greeted us with open arms and were willing to accommodate our primary needs of safety and a dedicated space. Our board is extremely grateful to them for their generosity.
On another note, we welcomed four new members to our board this past June. These individuals come from diverse backgrounds that will support our mission of making The Beagle School the best place it can be. Our secretary for the past three years, Maddie Patterson, ended her term on the board I thank Maddie for her role on our executive committee and all of her contributions to our school Thank you for continuing to be a part of our Beagle family Together, we will continue to nurture the resilience, creativity, and joy that our children bring to the world, no matter what challenges we face.
Lucky Lemonade
The Beagle School continues to raise money to help with the expenses from the damage to Little Beagle in June The QR Code below will link you to The Beagle School’s “Lemons to Lemonade” on Donorbox.
Over the summer, The Beagle School had two lemonade stands in Saratoga, which included one on Travers Day.
A huge thanks to Audrey Moore, Vice President on the Board of Directors, who also happens to be a former Beagle student, for organizing the lemonade stands
Little Beagle’s new location at The Saratoga Children’s Theater is now ready to welcome lots of smiling faces this school year thanks to the hard work of The Board of Directors, community and our truly incredible Beagle School Teachers and Director.
Thank you for your continued support of The Beagle School during this difficult time!
THE BEAGLE SCHOOL ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
The Fitzpatrick Family
Building Community With Hard Work and LOTS of Heart
by Jennifer Taylor
If you were a Beagle family between the years 2014 and 2021, you probably know the Fitzpatricks. The energy, commitment and fun they exude is incomparable, and there are few families that have done as much for Beagle as Kate and her husband Jamie. While serving on the Board from 2015 to 2021, Kate’s leadership, passion and creativity helped the school grow in many ways. She has been a force behind the scenes of events and fundraisers, as well as a guide in the overall direction the school has taken in the last decade.
Beagle’s continued success has been driven by its incredible families – and we are so thrilled to feature the Fitzpatricks as this issue’s Alumni Spotlight
What brought the Fitzpatricks to Beagle? It was love at first sight!
“Our experience at Beagle started when I was pregnant with our oldest, Liam, and I started searching for preschools. The second I found Beagle’s website and clicked through the pictures, I knew we belonged there,” recalls Kate.
Kate, Jamie, Liam & Charlie with Harry
Photo by: Terri Comer/TC Photography
Falling in love with the 1980’s nursery school vibe, Kate and Jamie thought it would be the right community for their growing family. “The application process has changed over the years, but when Liam was ready for the 2-year-old program, all interested families submitted a paper application and waited for a letter of acceptance in the mail. We were SO excited when ours arrived!”
From beginning at Little Beagle in 2014, the Fitzpatricks became a fixture at school.
“Through the years, our boys were loved, supported and taught in what I can only describe as the perfect way. They have very different personalities and were always met right where they needed to be.”
“When I think I think of The Beagle School I am immediately brought back to the warmth you feel walking through the doors.” Kate remembers the smell of the building with a nostalgic smile. Although her boys, Liam and Charlie, have graduated on to Saratoga Springs Public Schools, the little red schoolhouse is where she met her first community of “mom friends” and the boys made their first friends.
“A specific memory I have from our time at Beagle is Miss Linette fully embracing our Charlie’s LOVE for dinos. Charlie adored Linette!”
Beagle holds an important place in Kate and Jamie’s hearts because it was their children’s first experience being out of the home. Kate feels “it gave them the foundation to feel comfortable when away from family, and fostered a love of community, even at such a young age.”
“I am so thankful for the amazing teachers we were lucky enough to work with – for staff who always made us feel welcome, and continued to greet me with smiling faces when I stayed on as a Board member.”
Liam’s first day at The Beagle School
Charlie’s first day at The Beagle School
Miss Sarah, Miss Linette, Charlie & Miss Barb display their t-rex claws.
The Beagle Board of Directors
Kate joined Beagle’s Board of Directors in 2015. “Early in my tenure, the school’s Director announced her departure, leaving the position open. I volunteered to sit on the hiring committee. One of my happiest, proudest moments was when the committee named Jessica Todtenhagen as the new Director of The Beagle School.”
With shared aspirations, complimentary working styles and strong bonds to the school, Jessica and Kate worked together for several years. Kate joined the Executive Committee and chaired an incredibly successful, and very busy, Fundraising Committee.
“We were able to achieve some amazing goals for a non-profit and usher in a community-based feel in regard to the stye of fundraisers and events we provided.”
Of note was the school’s first concert in 2018 - headlining the one and only Laurie Berkner!
“Jess and I, along with the Board, worked for months to plan the event and it culminated in a wonderful weekend that was hugely successful for the school.”
In the following years other noteworthy events included Steve Songs in concert, an annual “Day of Play” each Fall, Crafts and Cocoa with Santa, family nights at The Children’s Museum, and many other community builders.
Kate and Charlie at the Day of Play
Liam and Charlie
“During my time on the Board, Jess and I wanted to have unique and customized events. I enjoyed every minute of my time on the Board so much that I stayed on for 2 years after my boys had graduated.”
“Being on the Board and Executive Committee opened a door for me. It gave me the confidence to join other Boards, to speak up, and to find creative ways to better the communities we are involved in.”
Life after Beagle and the Board
Liam and Charlie are currently in middle and elementary schools in the SSCSD. Liam, 12, recently finished his first year at Maple Avenue and will be a 7 th grader in the Fall. Charlie is now 10 and will be entering the 5th grade at Division Street this September.
Sports keep the Fitzpatrick boys moving. Both Liam and Charlie will be playing flag football this Fall – but during other seasons Liam opts for baseball, while Charlie loves to play soccer.
Building on her volunteer experience at Beagle, Kate has continued to play a very active role in both the school and sport communities. “I took my volunteer skills into our current season of life and sit on the Saratoga Springs Little League Board, various PTA positions over the years, and am the team manager for Charlie’s soccer team. Jamie coaches two of Liam’s baseball teams.”
The Fitzpatricks give so much back to the Saratoga Springs community. “I feel very strongly that our children seeing us donate our time and ideas is such an important lesson that they will take with them into adulthood. Organizations need volunteers to run smoothly and be successful.”
Kate and Jamie, pictured with Jessica and Steve Todtenhagen (next page) , joined the fun when The Beagle School celebrated its 50th anniversary back in 2023. The gala, held at the historic Canfield Casino in Congress Park, was a chance for them to enjoy the fruits of their time and skills –and to celebrate their family’s first community.
A Special Thank You!
THANK YOU TO THE FITZPATRICKS FOR THE MEMORIES SHARED WITH THE BEAGLE SCHOOL…AND FOR ALL THAT YOU DO FOR SARATOGA SPRINGS AND ITS FAMILIES!
Teachers
ARE THE HEART OF BEAGLE
FAVORITE PROJECTS TO DO WITH THE CLASS
MS. LINETTE / VOYAGERS, DISCOVERERS, & BEYOND BEAGLE
“ I LOVE TO DO WATERCOLOR ART ON WATERCOLOR PAPER, ALWAYS REALLY FUN TO SEE WHAT THE FRIENDS COME UP WITH SOMETIMES ART IS REALLY LITERAL WITH THE FRIENDS, IF THEY MAKE AN ANIMAL IT TENDS TO END UP HOW THEY ARE FEELING THAT DAY "
MS. LAURA / DISCOVERERS & BEYOND BEAGLE
" MY FAVORITE ART PROJECT IS “MOUSE PAINT” WE READ THE BOOK “MOUSE PAINT” BY ELLEN STOLL WALSH, THEN USE RED, YELLOW AND BLUE FINGERPAINT TO MIX COLORS ON CUT OUT MOUSE SHAPES WE TRY TO MAKE ORANGE, PURPLE AND GREEN THE CHILDREN GET SO EXCITED WHEN THEY MIX TWO COLORS AND MAKE A NEW ONE!”
MS. SARAH / VOYAGERS & DISCOVERERS
" IN LAURA’S CLASS I LOVE TO DO THE “APPLES ON TOP” PROJECT WHERE THEY STACK APPLES ON A PHOTO OF THEMSELVES AND SPELL OUT THEIR OWN NAME AND IN LINETTE’S CLASS I LOVE THE APPLE SUN CATCHERS THAT WE HANG IN THE WINDOWS OF THE CLASSROOM ”
Teachers ARE THE HEART OF BEAGLE
FAVORITE PROJECTS TO DO WITH THE CLASS
MS. LINDA / VOYAGERS
“ I’D HAVE TO SAY A FALL PUMPKIN PROJECT THAT IS BASED OFF THE BOOK, ”SPOOKLY THE SQUARE PUMPKIN ” THE STORY TEACHES US TO NOT JUDGE OTHERS BY APPEARANCES AND THAT WE ALL HAVE SPECIAL STRENGTHS AND GIFTS TO SHARE MAKING OUR WORLD A BETTER PLACE ”
MS. ANNA / LITTLE EXPLORERS
" ONE OF MY FAVORITE ART PROJECTS IS PAINTING WITH MAGNETS THE CHILDREN LOVE MAKING SPIDER WEBS WITH WHITE PAINT ON BLACK PAPER AND USING A MAGNET WAND AND MAGNET BALL TO DESIGN THEIR VERY OWN WEB!”
MS. KARA / LITTLE EXPLORERS
”MY FAVORITE PROJECT THAT THE KIDS DO IS THE LITTLE MITTENS THEY MAKE THAT WE HANG TO “DRY ” THEY LOVE HEARING THE STORY “THE THREE LITTLE KITTENS” AND THEN MAKING THEIR OWN LITTLE MITTENS THEY LOOK SO CUTE HANGING IN THE CLASSROOM ”
Teachers ARE THE HEART OF BEAGLE
A DEDICATED, CARING & COMPASSIONATE LONGTIME TEACHER
8 YEARS AT BEAGLE
“BEING ABLE TO WORK WITH 4 AND 5YEAR-OLDS TRULY MAKES ME HAPPY, SO I FEEL VERY BLESSED TO HAVE A JOB THAT I LOVE.”
Laura O’Brien or Ms. Laura says she is blessed to be a Beagle School Teacher. Seeing her in the classroomteaching, encouraging, smiling, reading, guiding and inspiring students every day - it is clear her students in Discoverers and Beyond Beagle are incredibly fortunate to have her as a teacher.
Ms. Laura has worked as an early childhood educator for an impressive 30 years. She joined The Beagle School in September 2018. “At Beagle I am able to work with an amazing staff led by an incredible director. We all have the desire for our school to be the best environment it can be and to meet the needs of all of our students. We fully support each other, really know each other, work together to solve problems and brainstorm ways we can improve or make things better when we face challenges.”
TEACHER
Ms. Laura
It’s hard for Ms. Laura to choose only one favorite aspect of being a Beagle teacher or one favorite memory. She says one memory that stands out is the resilience of the children when the school re-opened in September 2020 with COVID guidelines in place. “I quickly noticed that the children were not phased at all by the changes...they were so happy to be at school and be together that I realized none of that mattered! Their joy and excitement really was contagious and reminded me how accepting and adaptable children often are.”
Ms. Laura is a proud teacher and a well-loved Beagle teacher who loves to see her students thrive. “It is also incredibly exciting and rewarding for me to observe the growth and development the children demonstrate from September to June each year.”
TEACHER
Ms. Laura
“OUR SCHOOL IS A HAPPY PLACE! WE ALL STRIVE TO GIVE THE STUDENTS IN OUR CARE THE MOST POSITIVE, FUN, AND EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION POSSIBLE.”
-MS. LAURA
Congratulations
to Ms. Laura on 6 amazing years of dedication, kindness, and inspiration to everyone at The Beagle School!
THANK YOU TO OUR LITTLE BEAGLE TEACHERS
Here’s to a Great New School Year!
