EDUCATION BRIEFS
Week of July 8 – July 14, 2016
SRYMCA Preschoolers Graduate
SARATOGA SPRINGS – Teachers handed out diplomas to 138 happy children at the Saratoga Regional YMCA Preschool and UPK Graduation on June 20. Parents and families filled the Saratoga Springs High School auditorium, taking photos and cheering on their little ones as they crossed the stage with huge grins on their faces.
“We are so thrilled with the growth and development of this program”, said Colleen Girvin, Preschool Director, who has been working in the SRYMCA’s Preschool department for the last 30 years. “Every year, we add activities and lessons to the curriculum to make sure our students are well-rounded and ready for Kindergarten.” All of that hard work has paid off, earning the SRYMCA
Preschool yet another award in 2016 as one of the top Preschools in the area. A more expansive list of programs and classes can be found at www. srymca.org. Slots for the 2016 school year are filling up fast. Register online or for more information, contact Colleen Girvin at 518583-9622, ext. 114 or colleen. girvin@srymca.org.
Adult Machine Tool Technology Students Graduate HUDSON FALLS — A graduation ceremony and reception was held for the third graduating class of the Adult Machine Tool Technology Training Program. Graduates and their families were honored by the employers who helped craft the program, along with the directors and counselors of the Saratoga, Warren, Washington Counties Workforce Investment Board, and the WSWHE BOCES. Of the 12 students originally enrolled in the program, five are looking to advance at the company where they are already employed and three have already secured employment as a result of this training. The 500-hour program was developed to address the current and anticipated need for machinists in Advanced Manufacturing and in specialty machine shops across the region. Classes were held at the Southern Adirondack Education Center.
The customized training was funded in part through a $3 million federal Workforce Innovation Fund grant. The three-year WIF grant was awarded to a consortium of four Capital Region WIBs specifically to build awareness of careers offered in STEM occupations (science, technology, engineering and math) and to fund STEM training initiatives. These training initiatives are designed to meet the growing
Computer Training for 6th Graders SARATOGA SPRINGS — On August 31, during the 6th grade walk-through, Maple Avenue Middle School is offering a 1-hour IT training class for incoming 6th grade students and any middle school students new to the District. There are four sessions to choose from and seating is limited. Training covers the following: logging onto the computer
(different than elementary school log in); logging into and the basics of Office365 (email, calendar, OneDrive); logging into and the basics of SchoolTool for students; and other programs if time allows. Students can register to attend online at www.saratogaschools.org/mstraining6
demand for skilled workers in STEM related industries including nanotechnology, energy, biotechnology, and advanced manufacturing.
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SSCSD Receives Phish Funds SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs City School District has received a grant of $1,500 for its music program from the Mockingbird Foundation, a fan foundation of the band Phish. The Foundation is a volunteer fan-run nonprofit and is sending its donations to a music education program in each of the fifteen cities and in which Phish will perform this summer. Phish performed at SPAC July 1 through 3. The $22,500 in new grants include the 300th Mockingbird grant and bring the Foundation’s
total disbursements to just over one million dollars in 47 states. These grants help bring music from the Phish community to the local community, and are one of many ways fans contribute to the areas in which the band performs. Funds for grant making are generated through donations from a loyal base of fans, as well as through books, recordings, artwork, merchandise, and special events. The Foundation has been operated entirely by volunteer fans of the band, without any salaries or paid staff, since its inception in 1996.
Student Art at County Fair
BALLSTON SPA — The Ballston Spa Central School District’s annual display of student artwork and projects will be installed at this year’s county fair on July 14 from 10 a.m. to noon. The fair opens to the public July 19 through 24 at the Saratoga County Fairgrounds in Ballston Spa. Stop by and view work from all of our schools
and see who wins this year’s prizes. All the student artwork and projects are displayed in the Education Exhibit (under the Grandstand). A list of awards and honors will be posted before the fair opens. The final awards ceremony is on July 24 at 4 p.m. in the Talent Building.