Fall 2025 | This is the online version our newsletter. The print copy is also available for download.
Tomorrow’s success begins today
There are so many incredible things happening throughout the City School District of 91ÌÒÉ« that sometimes it’s difficult to know which one to talk
about first!
Perhaps a good starting point would be the new format of this publication.
As you may recall, for 20+ years Capital Education was formatted as a newsletter. In an effort to provide a contemporary and engaging look at our district, we are proud to unveil this updated magazine-style format (for those of you reading online, be sure to check your mailboxes or the pdf of the print version linked above).
We hope you find it to be a helpful window into what’s happening in our city’s public schools. And there is certainly no shortage of exciting news.
First and foremost, we are thrilled to continue celebrating the completion of our transformational rebuild and expansion of 91ÌÒÉ« High School.
Our city now has the Capital Region’s pre-eminent high school facilities. 91ÌÒÉ« High has truly become the space our students, faculty and staff deserve.
One of the major highlights is that all our Career and Technical Education (CTE) spaces are now located on the main campus, and these spaces are undoubtedly a focal point of our planning for the future.
We also remain committed to offering our students the best possible variety of pathways to success – from the academic to the extracurricular and everything in between. We are excited to be able to deliver all of those exceptional programs in our amazing new state-of-the-art high school.
Not only will this benefit students as they begin to envision and build their own futures, but in many cases it will help them launch those college and career plans as they are still walking our halls – through internships, apprenticeships, community partnerships and more.
Standing on the threshold of the new 91ÌÒÉ« High, our students will be poised to shape the future of our city, our region, our state and our world for generations to come.
With that in mind, in late October we invited elementary and middle school staff from around the district to visit the new campus and get a first-hand look at what awaits their students when they reach ninth grade.
While touring the building, faculty and staff explored how we can best align the educational opportunities of today with the economic growth and innovation of tomorrow. This follows on similar exposure we provided all of our district administrators in conjunction with our official ribbon-cutting ceremony at the end of August.
We will continue to grow opportunities for our students, families and employees to experience the new 91ÌÒÉ« High moving forward as well.
This district-wide collaboration also exemplifies another of our goals: working together across buildings and roles to improve the culture and climate of our organization.
Representatives from each of our unions – teachers, support staff and administrators – have been meeting regularly with Cabinet members since the summer to have frank conversations about how we can move forward together and address long-standing perceptions of culture and climate issues within our organization.
Everyone wins when morale is high. Ensuring all of our employees feel seen, valued and respected creates an atmosphere of success for everyone in our school community.
As always, please know that my door and my inbox are open, and if you see me out and about, be sure to say hello!
Building an enduring legacy of opportunity
When the City School District of 91ÌÒÉ« began planning in the early 2010s for the next generation of 91ÌÒÉ« High School, we did it with a simple vision: Investing in our students. Investing in our community. Investing in our future.
That future arrived Sept. 4, when 91ÌÒÉ« High welcomed students for the first day of the 2025-26 school year. The final phase of the ambitious effort to expand, renovate and rebuild the high school was completed and the Capital Region’s premier high school facilities were now fully available to students.
“New school facilities are about more than just replacing old buildings with new ones,” Superintendent Joseph Hochreiter said during an Aug. 26 ribbon-cutting celebration attended by about 500 people.
“The completion of the final phase of this rebuilding project represents the culmination of the community’s hard-earned support for our vision for the future of public education in our city, and the fulfillment of a promise we made to our community when the school district started on this transformational journey.”
So what does a future-ready 91ÌÒÉ« High look like now that the seven-year construction project is complete?
From the region’s most extensive menu of credit-bearing college-level classes, to classes that explore unique areas of interest, to multi-year Career and Technical Education sequences that offer students certification in career pathways, the high school has long provided a diverse array of options.
The new high school – technologically advanced and alone in the region offering a full menu of CTE programs without leaving the building – now is even better positioned to prepare students for college and careers.
“Together, we haven’t just built a school, we’ve built a legacy of opportunity, excellence and community pride that will inspire generations to come,” Hochreiter said.
The timing could not be better.
Alongside the State Education Department’s work to develop the Portrait of a Graduate and create multiple graduation pathways for all New York students, new industries and future-focused workforce needs are emerging rapidly across the state, region and city.
Advanced manufacturing and semiconductors, biotechnology, life sciences, healthcare and skilled trades – to name just a few growing business sectors – are becoming economic drivers that will lead career opportunities in the years ahead.
Cutting-edge school facilities are an important element in preparing future graduates to step into those careers, but preparing our own workforce and ensuring that our programmatic offerings also continue to evolve are equally critical, Hochreiter said.
“We are working to better understand the need for clearer alignment between our schools and our business sectors so that everyone in our organization appreciates the need to partner with our region’s economic development engines, and the ways in which each of us can contribute to that,” he said.
To help lead that work, the district hired its first K-12 director of career and technical education last summer, Maggie Palmeri (read more about her below).
91ÌÒÉ« High has been, for decades, one of the few high schools in New York offering its own CTE courses, instead of sending students to a regional BOCES facility. The high school’s facilities project moved those programs onto the main campus from the former Abrookin Career and Technical Center 2½ blocks away, providing easier access and more exposure for all students.
Enrollment in 91ÌÒÉ« High’s CTE programs is thriving as a result.
“The perception of CTE has evolved significantly, thanks to our state-of-the-art facilities, dedicated instructors and the outstanding accomplishments of our students,” said 91ÌÒÉ« High Principal Jodi Commerford.
“As a result of these efforts, enrollment in most of our CTE programs has doubled over the past three years, reflecting strong student interest and community support.”
In addition to supporting and promoting existing CTE pathways, Palmeri’s role includes evaluating and growing that portfolio. Her focus also is on extending grade-appropriate CTE elements to elementary and middle school students.
Engaging students at younger ages – and their families – to help develop a vision for the multitude of options and pathways waiting at 91ÌÒÉ« High, is central to Palmeri’s work, especially as schools prepare for the launch of the Portrait of a Graduate in 2027.
“Our district is uniquely positioned because CTE naturally integrates the skills outlined in the state’s Portrait of a Graduate – collaboration, communication, problem-solving and adaptability,” Palmeri said.
“By expanding this model across all content areas, we can show how academic and technical education work together to develop well-rounded graduates.”
All of that means partnerships and connections so that we are better equipped to share what Hochreiter calls “our best-kept secret.”
“We are beginning to engage our own workforce in discussions that will help ensure that more students and families are aware of what’s happening in the classrooms at 91ÌÒÉ« High and the opportunities our students have – and the opportunities we need to continue creating,” he said.
To that end, the district welcomed partners from the New York State Department of Labor, the Center for Economic Growth and the University at 91ÌÒÉ«, along with outgoing 91ÌÒÉ« Mayor Kathy Sheehan, in late August to talk with district administrators about future-focused workforce opportunities and needs.
Coupled with a tour of the high school’s new facilities, those sessions sent elementary and middle school leaders off to their schools to start the year energized by the possibilities.
“I’m thrilled to see our district expand the CTE program at the high school – it’s a powerful step toward giving every student real-world skills, inspiring career pathways and the confidence to succeed after graduation,” said Pine Hills Elementary School Principal Meghan D’Alessandro.
“These opportunities connect classroom learning to meaningful careers, spark curiosity and ensure our students are prepared for whatever comes next.”
That work continued on a district professional development day on Oct. 24, with elementary and middle school staff visiting the high school for a similar program.
And more opportunities for staff from throughout the district to have the same experiences are ahead.
“We have the opportunity – an obligation – to create lasting pathways of success for every student and family in 91ÌÒÉ«,” Hochreiter said.
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT
91ÌÒÉ« High seniors join Board of Education
Cleana Brummell and Carmen Sampona have made history as the first students on the City School District of 91ÌÒÉ« Board of Education!
Their appointment is part of a statewide initiative, signed into law by Gov. Hochul, to allow students to serve in a non-voting, advisory role, and to bring that important voice to school districts’ decision-making table.
Both seniors are active in Student Government at 91ÌÒÉ« High School and felt compelled to participate when board members visited school last spring to promote the opportunity.
Brummell (pictured above at left), who moved to 91ÌÒÉ« during 10th grade, aims to leverage her experiences to offer insights that will influence decisions on educational policies and programs.
“I want to be able to make a change,” she said. “That has always driven me, and with this opportunity, I’ll be able to.”
With aspirations of studying political science and law, and an eventual career in politics, Brummell’s leadership has blossomed at 91ÌÒÉ« High.
She has sharpened her public speaking skills and strengthened her ability to advocate on behalf of others by taking courses in civil, criminal and business law, as well as participating in Mock Trial.
Sampona (pictured above at right) started her educational journey in 91ÌÒÉ« at William S. Hackett Middle School in eighth grade after moving from out of state.
At 91ÌÒÉ« High, she discovered a passion for psychology and nursing, and currently is working toward her Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) license through our Career and Technical Education program. She plans to become a psychiatric nurse practitioner.
An officer in Student Government since ninth grade, Sampona has enjoyed guiding and representing her peers. As a student board member, she is excited to extend her advocacy to amplify students’ voices across all grade levels.
After attending their first board meeting Oct. 9, Brummell and Sampona are eager to gather feedback from students throughout the district.
With their unique perspectives, they hope to identify needs and priorities within the student body, informing decisions that will positively impact the future of the entire school community.
Cultivating a fair and positive atmosphere in each school building is essential for student success, Sampona said.
“I just really want to be able to support an environment where students are not only able to feel like the position they’ve been put into is equitable, but also to ensure that they feel happy,” she said.
LEADING THE WAY
Maggie Palmeri
Director of Career and Technical Education
“New” oozed from everything about Maggie Palmeri’s return to the City School District of 91ÌÒÉ« last summer! Appointed to a brand new position that aligned with completion of the new 91ÌÒÉ« High School, her hiring emphasized a new district focus in expanding access and opportunities for all students K-12 to benefit from 91ÌÒÉ« High’s unique CTE pathways. Even her office is in the newly completed final section of the new high school!
In the what’s-not-new category: Palmeri served as a middle school Family and Consumer Science teacher in the district from 2013-19. She moved to Schenectady as assistant director of CTE and secondary programming, and then Questar III BOCES as director of CTE before returning to 91ÌÒÉ«. Here, she is partnering with local industries and organizations to create meaningful, real-world learning experiences to help students turn their interests and strengths into pathways for future careers.
Q: How is CTE different from 20 years ago, and what is your vision for the next 20 years?
CTE today is far from the traditional “vocational” model of the past – it’s rigorous, innovative and aligned with emerging industries like healthcare, engineering and computer science. Over the next 20 years, I envision CTE becoming woven through every facet of education, much like technology and AI are now. CTE isn’t getting a moment, we ARE the moment, and this recognition feels long overdue.
Q: What strengths does 91ÌÒÉ« High’s CTE program have for us to build on?
91ÌÒÉ« High’s CTE programs already have a strong foundation built on exceptional teachers, modernized spaces and hands-on, career-connected learning. We’re committed to expanding access for all students by creating pathways that meet diverse learning styles. We’re also strengthening partnerships to enhance experiences and grow work-based learning opportunities. In addition, we are developing ways to incorporate these experiences in lower grades, knowing that early and frequent exposure helps students make informed career choices.
Q: As one of the few districts in New York that offers its own CTE programs, how are we positioned to lead when the state’s new Portrait of a Graduate requirements start in 2027-28?
We are uniquely positioned because CTE naturally integrates the skills outlined in the Portrait of a Graduate – collaboration, communication, problem-solving and adaptability. Students demonstrate these competencies through authentic projects, industry partnerships and applied learning. By expanding this model across all content areas, we can show how academic and technical education work together to develop well-rounded graduates. 91ÌÒÉ« High can serve as a model for the state, demonstrating how schools can align rigorous, career-connected learning with the new standards to prepare students for college, careers and life.
Q: What new pathways might make sense to add given future employment and workforce trends in the area?
We’re exploring new pathways that align with regional needs, including computer science, education and public service. The Capital Region continues to grow in technology, advanced manufacturing and healthcare – all areas where students can thrive. By partnering with businesses and higher education, we can ensure that our programs evolve with the economy while creating meaningful work-based learning experiences. This will help students graduate ready for in-demand careers, equipped with the technical skills, problem-solving abilities and professional habits employers value.
ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENT
CJay Philip ’87
CJay Philip knows a thing or two about harnessing the power of music and theater to inspire others.
She was cutting class and hanging out in the old music wing at 91ÌÒÉ« High School when drama teacher John Velie stopped her and asked if she wanted to read some Shakespeare.
It was 1985, her sophomore year. School bored her, but Velie’s offer caught her attention. Soon he was coaching her through Shakespeare monologues, and she was winning local competitions and performing in community theater.
Nearly 40 years later, Philip stood onstage at the 2024 Tony Awards, accepting the Excellence in Theatre Education Award. This fall, she joined the City School District of 91ÌÒÉ«
Hall of Fame.
Philip credits Velie as her first mentor and acting coach.
“He saw a light in me,” she said. And that sparked a transformation.
Philip stopped skipping class and became an “A” student. After graduating in 1987, local performances in The Tempest and The Wiz boosted her confidence and confirmed her love of the stage.
Soon after, she moved to New York City to chase her Broadway dreams. Six years later – after countless auditions, acting gigs and directing jobs – she made her Broadway debut in Big: The Musical.
While in New York, Philip discovered a new calling: theater education. She began leading workshops that used performance to uplift and empower.
In 2010, she brought that mission to Baltimore, founding Dance & BMore, a company devoted to building human connection through music, movement and storytelling.
Her award at the Tonys recognized that work, using the arts to bring people together in an increasingly disconnected world.
“Technology is disconnecting us,” Philip said. “What I can do – what Dance & BMore does – is dance and sing and make human connections in a safe space for families.”
Today, Dance & BMore is a hub where performance and theater projects feature the very young through the very old – from FazaFam Jam, an interactive family concert series, to the Elder Ensemble, a dance troupe for ages 65 and over, to Voices of Carmen, a youth-based musical written by Philip and her husband, Winston Philip.
And much, much more. When asked what drives her, Philip paused.
“Sometimes,” she said, “it’s finding what’s missing and creating to fill the gap.”
On her journey from bored teen sneaking through the halls of her high school to award-winning educator, CJay Philip has spent her life filling those gaps – with art, with purpose
and with joy.
Stop-arm bus cameras in use in 91ÌÒÉ«
The City School District of 91ÌÒÉ« has joined the City of 91ÌÒÉ« and transportation partners this fall on an important new initiative to improve traffic safety for students and the community.
BusPatrol has installed stop-arm cameras on all First Student buses that serve district schools.
Coupled with the school speed-zone cameras the city implemented a year ago, this is another significant step toward making 91ÌÒÉ«’s roads safer
for children on their way to and from school each day.
It is illegal to pass a stopped school bus on any type of road when the bus’ red lights are flashing. Motorists had a month-long warning period before BusPatrol began issuing citations on Oct. 20.
Fines are paid to the city; the school district receives no revenue from the fines.
The fine structure is set by the state: first offense, $250; second offense, $275; third offense, $300.
Superintendent Joseph Hochreiter noted that, according to data reported by 91ÌÒÉ« County, 94% of first-time offenders do not receive a second citation.
“Just as we have seen with the speed-zone cameras, this program helps change behavior, and, most importantly, it helps save lives,” he said.
Bizer blazes through fall season
91ÌÒÉ« High School senior Noah Bizer turned in one of the best seasons for a member of the boys’ cross country team in more than a decade this fall.
After a string of outstanding performances during the season, Bizer turned in another impressive outing at the Section 2 championships Nov. 8 to qualify for states. He is just the third Falcon to reach the state meet since 2012 (the Nov. 15 state meet occurred after Capital Education went to print).
Neel Chittur was the last Falcon to reach states in cross country in 2022. He was the first to do so in the sport since Philo Germano won the Section 2 championship a decade earlier.
On his way to states this fall, Bizer broke the course record at the Broadalbin-Perth Invitational Sept. 20, earning Times Union boys’ athlete-of-the-week recognition for that achievement.
He set another course record in winning the Maple Hill Invitational on Oct. 10, and he also won the Division I meet at the Oct. 4 Grout Invitational in Schenectady.
In Suburban Council regular-season competition, he crossed the line first in meets against Ballston Spa, Columbia and Schenectady on Sept. 9, and against Shenendehowa and Averill Park on Oct. 7.
Bizer finished fifth in the 91ÌÒÉ« County championships Oct. 17, and seventh in the Suburban Council championships Oct. 25, earning conference all-star recognition. He finished sixth at the Section 2 meet Nov. 8 to earn his trip to states.
Congratulations to Bizer on a tremendous season!
Hall of Fame Class of 2025
The City School District of 91ÌÒÉ« celebrated the exceptional achievements of six graduates at the annual Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at 91ÌÒÉ« High School on Oct. 11:
- Taofeek Abijako ‘16
- Carlton Kippins ‘14
- Ariel Miller ‘07
- CJay Philip ‘87
- Dr. Arlene Reed-Delaney ‘58
- Gina Torres ‘12
The members of the Class of 2025 – the 17th class inducted since the Hall of Fame’s inception – once again represent the strength, talent and dedication of our school district and the 91ÌÒÉ« community.
“They stand as shining examples of what is possible when talent meets determination, and when education is met with opportunity,” said Superintendent Joseph Hochreiter.
We established our Hall of Fame in 2009 to recognize accomplished graduates, exceptional district staff people and community members whose efforts support 91ÌÒÉ«’s public schools.
Visit our Hall of Fame section to read more, and to learn how you can nominate a candidate for a future class.
Nominations for the Class of 2026 will be accepted through April 1.
Falcons earn musical accolades
Lots of exciting music news for our Falcons this fall!
First, junior Celine Casasola was accepted to perform in the extremely competitive Treble Chorus of the Conference All-State Music Festival later this year!
Approximately 6,500 sophomores and juniors statewide compete for a spot in the All-State bands, chorus, orchestra and jazz ensembles honors groups.
An invitation to take the stage in Rochester at the prestigious Eastman School of Music at the All-State Music Festival is extended to just 600 students.
Next, senior Anna Ustin received an invitation that many students hope for, but few achieve: the opportunity to intern with 91ÌÒÉ« Pro Musica, an elite, professional-caliber choral ensemble here in the Capital Region!
And last but certainly not least, Casasola, Ustin and four other brilliant 91ÌÒÉ« High musicians were selected to participate in the Area All-State Music Festival of the New York State
School Music Association on Nov. 22 at Proctors Theatre!
Margaret Ardrey, along with Casasola and Ustin, will perform in the mixed chorus, while Eli Stanwicks and Cameron Volk will perform in the symphonic band, and Aidan Carlson will perform in the symphony orchestra.
Congratulations to our Falcon musicians for these outstanding accomplishments! We also commend guiding teachers Brendan Hoffman, John Halvorsen and Anthony Berman for creating instructional environments that cultivate a passion for music that spurs students to mastery in vocal and instrumental performance!
Bouget named National Merit semifinalist
91ÌÒÉ« High senior Kailas Bouget has been named a semifinalist in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Competition!
Bouget’s tremendous score on the 2024 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT) placed him in the top 1% of the 1.3 million juniors from approximately 20,000 high schools who took the exam nationwide.
From over 16,000 semifinalists, more than 15,000 are expected to advance to the finalist level, and National Merit Scholarships will be awarded in the spring.
We congratulate Bouget on this wonderful accomplishment and wish him the very best as he completes his senior year at 91ÌÒÉ« High!
Teachers recognized for excellence
We are proud to celebrate three teachers who have earned recognition for their outstanding work!
ELA teachers Amie Chermack and Hannah Krengel have been selected as recipients of the Educator of Excellence award by the New York State English Council (NYSEC).
Chermack teaches at 91ÌÒÉ« High, and Krengel at 91ÌÒÉ« International Academy in the Newcomer Program. NYSEC recognized both at statewide events this fall.
Also, Tammy Schillinger – who teaches third grade in the Newcomer Program at 91ÌÒÉ« International Academy – was named the NYS TESOL Teacher of the Month for September (TESOL stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages).
Congratulations again on these well-deserved awards!
District student wins county design contest
When you cast your vote Nov. 4, you likely left your polling place with a piece of art crafted by a City School District of 91ÌÒÉ« student.
Annie Morton, a fifth-grader at Montessori Magnet School, was the landslide winner this fall in the “I Voted” sticker contest sponsored by the 91ÌÒÉ« County Legislature, the 91ÌÒÉ« NAACP and the League of Women Voters of 91ÌÒÉ« County.
Morton’s design beautifully combined Nipper, a tulip bed and the city’s iconic skyline. Her design was selected from dozens submitted by students throughout the county, and from just 10 that made it to the final round of voting.
The 10 finalists also included two other district students: 91ÌÒÉ« School of Humanities (ASH) fourth-grader Edward Gargiulo, and Roots Academy at West Hill second-grader Alisa Sunday.
Athletics recognized for sportsmanship
Congratulations to our Athletics Department for receiving a well-deserved Sportsmanship Promotion Award for the 2024-25 school year!
We were granted the award from the New York State Public High School Athletics Association for putting forth exemplary effort in promoting sportsmanship through a variety of methods that foster a positive environment for spectators, officials, coaches, opponents and student-athletes.
We are grateful for the leadership of Director of Health, Physical Education and Athletics Kimberly L. Pilla and her team, along with the support of our coaches and student-athletes, for their focused efforts towards promoting respect, hospitality and integrity at sports practices and competitions for all involved.
STUDENT VOICE
What do you enjoy most about fall?
My favorite thing about the fall is going to school, seeing my friends and learning. Not everyone likes school, but I love school and learning! So far this year, I really enjoy doing math and ELA in the morning.
Athena Powell
Fourth Grade | Montessori Magnet School
Fall is the time when my family gets together to celebrate. We celebrate being together and enjoying each other’s company. My favorite thing is going to a field that has apple picking, a pumpkin patch and a park with a show going on for the kids. We try to go every year, and it’s always been a great time.
Angelica Diaz
Senior | 91ÌÒÉ« High School
One of the things I enjoy most about fall is raking up piles and piles of colorful leaves. I don’t just do it to keep the yard clean, I do it so I can jump right into the big, crunchy pile! Fall is also when it is Thanksgiving, which is one of my favorite holidays. I enjoy helping my family cook yams, mashed potatoes, ham, and of course, a big turkey for this special day. Fall is such a wonderful time filled with fun, family and amazing food!
Mason Lundy
Fifth Grade | Arbor Hill Elementary School
I love fall because you see more warmth in the colors. I love to walk the streets and see the red and orange leaves that have fallen down on the sidewalks. I like to hang out with my friends at the park. This season calms me down because it’s quiet and peaceful. I love spending time at Thanksgiving with my family.
Aleyshka Lugo Vazquez
Eighth Grade | Stephen and Harriet Myers Middle School
I like fall because when the leaves fall, it looks cool. The colors are nice and I love playing in the leaves. The best part of fall is going apple picking and drinking apple cider with my mom, my sister and my grandma. It’s a lot of fun outside time, and it’s really fun to play in this weather.
Kashmiere Dillon
Fourth Grade | Roots Academy at West Hill
STAFF PERSPECTIVE
What is your favorite part about starting a new school year?
My favorite part is seeing the growth in our students and welcoming them back – it’s always inspiring to witness how much they’ve matured and how excited they are to return. I also really enjoy meeting our incoming families and helping them feel supported from the very beginning. Another highlight is my colleagues. There’s something energizing about coming together and catching up as we plan for a successful school year.
Kenny Griffin
91ÌÒÉ« School Coordinator | Eagle Point Elementary School
A new school year equals a fresh new start! I get super excited about the new 24 (nervous) smiles looking back at me on week one. My students are what I love most about teaching. Discovering their learning styles keeps me on my toes! I love embracing new opportunities for growth and meeting new people. It is the perfect time to establish a culture of growth mindset and love in our classroom.
Djemila Stevens
Fifth-Grade Teacher | 91ÌÒÉ« International Academy
Some of my favorite parts are old things, and some of my favorite parts are new things. I get to go back to my same building where I have relationships already established. I look forward to seeing returning staff and students. It’s nice to see how the students from the previous year have evolved over the summer. I look forward to meeting and greeting new staff, parents and students.
Rene Dixon
Receptionist | Giffen Memorial Elementary School
What I love about the new school year is the fresh start – the scent of sharpened pencils, the buzz of excitement and the bright colors of new beginnings. After 32 years in education, it never gets old. Each fall brings wonderful possibilities –another opportunity to level up, strengthen our climate and culture, and lift staff and student voice. I can see, hear and feel the promise of growth all around us.
Andrea Piper
Principal | North 91ÌÒÉ« Middle School
The first day is always a time of butterflies for both my new patch of second-graders and myself, but I love all the new beginnings. New students, new smiles, new energy, new staff, new goals. I look forward to watching my students learn and grow, form relationships with teachers and peers, experience new things and most of all having those heartwarming “teachable moments.”
Kathleen Axtmann
Second-Grade Teacher | New Scotland Elementary School
A LOOK AROUND OUR DISTRICT
91ÌÒÉ«coming Weekend 2025 was an incredible celebration, and we are thankful to all the students, faculty and staff, coaches, community leaders, family members and friends who made this a memorable experience for our Falcons! Full of athletic events, our Hall of Fame induction, the return of our 91ÌÒÉ«coming parade, tailgating and more, it was a truly outstanding weekend!
William S. Hackett Middle School seventh-graders Justin Crayton and Jackson Dolan were focused on learning the art of the triple beam balance during their Sept. 18 science unit on mass.
91ÌÒÉ« School of Humanities (ASH) third-grader Zaid Al-Maliki was already hard at work when students returned to kick off the new year on Sept. 4!
Pine Hills Elementary School Principal Meghan D’Alessandro and Assistant Principal Allisen Brodie went all out to celebrate their students during their Clap-In on Sept. 18. – including the Allen sisters Zhy’anna, Faith and Leah who posed for this pic!
91ÌÒÉ« High junior Sofia Kovaci played with determination, energy and passion during the varsity girls’ tennis match against Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake on Sept. 22.
Sheridan Preparatory Academy music teacher Chenya D’Arcangelis helped kindergarteners Cyana Moore and Noah Johnson learn the basics during their Sept. 30 lesson on ukulele and shakers!
Tony Clement Center for Education math teacher Colleen Maguire and junior Zaniyah Miller took some time to pose for a photo together on the first day of school!
On Oct. 6, our friends at the Wildlife Institute of Eastern New York taught Delaware Community School students about some notable birds of prey before handlers brought each bird around the cafeteria so students could get a good look at these magnificent creatures!
The Thomas O’Brien Academy of Science and Technology (TOAST) community – including third-grader Isabella Fortys – had a ball at their annual Color Run on Oct. 4!
Led by our wonderful partners at the Vegetable Project – including Bill Stoneman pictured with eighth-grader Alexander Tiburcio – students at Stephen and Harriet Myers Middle School explored outside on Oct. 1 to see what cooler temps and less daily sun do to our fruits, vegetables, plants and trees.
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