Saratoga Taxi 2.5x2.5 Lo c a l
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I n d e p e n d e n t
Volume 9 • Issue 51 • December 31 – January 8, 2015
by Stephanie Hale-Lopez Saratoga TODAY
Vision 2018
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs City School District Board of Education recently heard progress reports from school administrators regarding Vision 2018, the fiveyear plan approved by the board in 20213 that focuses on planning for students’ future. During each of the five years, the district will develop action steps to achieve goals and outcomes for each school in the district. The Saratoga Springs City School District is home to a school that has been nationally recognized as having a standard of high excellence – Lake Avenue Elementary. In 2012, the school was designated a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education and was one of 19 New York state schools to win the award. ”It [National Blue Ribbon designation] was such an honor,” said Dr. Barbara Messier,
“We just want to make a difference and we’re trying to figure out what we can do to improve. We have a very committed district and board of education that help us in reaching our goal of Vision 2018.” – Dr. Barbara Messier, Principal
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principal. “When you put yourself out there like that, it is something that you have to be sure you’re living up to and everybody in the building realizes that. It’s a standard that you need to live up to.” But even with such a high accolade, Lake Avenue is still evolving and striving to give students the best, most well-rounded education they can offer – part of Vision 2018. To help achieve Vision 2018, Lake Avenue created a building leadership team made up of teachers, staff and parents. The BLT then divided into four subcommittees, each with a different focus: combat bullying, enrichment opportunities, increasing the involvement and achievements of economically disadvantaged students and students with disabilities, and the physical needs of the school – like healthy eating and healthy living habits. “The BLT is looking at what can we do outside of the classroom,” said Messier. “They’ve See Vision pg. 10
A New Record!
First Night
Stewart’s Holiday Match Raises Over $1.5M for Children’s Charities SARATOGA SPRINGS — Donations to the Stewart’s Holiday Match program set a new record in its 28th season; raising funds which will help support hundreds of local children’s charities year round. From Thanksgiving Day through Christmas Day, Stewart’s customers donated over $770,000 to the program, which is then doubled to more than $1.5 million with the Stewart’s match.
This impressive number was made possible by the generosity of Stewart’s customers, many regularly giving their spare change and others who contributed larger gifts, as well
Twins Sign Stauffer
See Stauffer pg. 29
Skidmore Culinary Challenge See Skidmore pg. 17
Inside TODAY Blotter 5 Obituaries Business
12, 13
Education 14 Pulse 22-24
as the hard work of Stewart’s partners and support from media partners. “Each year our customers meet the challenge of raising more funds for children’s charities,” said Stewart’s Foundation President Susan Dake. “We are so grateful to our customers for their generosity and loyalty to Stewart’s Shops.”
Sports 29-32
Weekend Forecast FRIDAY
34|19 SATURDAY
39|25 SUNDAY
See Stewart’s Holiday Match pg. 9
6, 7
See pgs. 22–23
37|14