SPACE Meeting
Thursday, December, 3rd
at 6:30
In the Sacandaga Library Media Center
Planning for Googol of games and other activities. Looking forward to some exciting programs and working with the schools to challenge our children.
Childcare will be provided.
Hot Off The Press!!
Guidelines for Developing a Policy on Academic Acceleration
”Over the past year, members of a National Work Group on Acceleration representing IRPA, the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC), and the Council of State Directors of Programs for the Gifted developed a comprehensive document, Guidelines for Developing an Academic Acceleration Policy. The goal of the project is to provide guidance and to encourage the systematic adoption and practice of acceleration in schools across the nation. The Guidelines document can assist schools in writing and modifying acceleration policy that is suited to local needs and adheres to research-based best practices.”
Mark your Calendar
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
7:00 PM
Sacandaga Elementary LMC
A Framework for Understanding Gifted Children
Guest Speaker:
Pat Schuler, Ph.D., NCC, LMHC
|
Pat Schuler, a nationally recognized speaker on issues related to gifted education, will be discussing how some gifted kids today may be out-of-stage intellectually, out-of-phase socially, and out-of-sync emotionally/psychologically from their classmates. Some are Twice Exceptional and have additional behavioral, social and emotional difficulties.
Based on her experience as a classroom teacher, gifted and talented teacher, and now therapist, Pat will also share strategies and techniques that teachers, parents, and counselors can use to better understand and serve gifted kids.
Pat Schuler received a Master's degree in Gifted Education from the College of New Rochelle, a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology as well as a Doctorate in Educational Psychology (Gifted and Talented Education) from The University of Connecticut.
For children of those attending the forum
Chemistry for Kids – presented by John D. Fisher
7p.m. in the Sacandaga Cafeteria
Phase Change – Solids, Liquids, and Gases
|
Students will see demonstrations and participate in hands-on activities of phase changes for solids, liquids, and gases that will give them a new level of understanding and wonder for the world of chemistry! Hands-on activities will include filling balloons with dry ice to observe the change of the solid dry ice into a gas.
Childcare will be provided by National Honor Society Students
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A REQUEST FROM THE OPAL COMMITTEE
The Scotia Glenville District OPAL committee has two parent seats open for the 2009-2010 school year. We are looking for individuals who meet the following criteria:
-
A parent of a child who participates in gifted programming at any level 1 - 12.
-
Has high interest in the needs of advanced learners
-
Willing to sit on this oversight OPAL committee five times per school year
-
If any parents are interested in serving on the district-wide OPAL committee, please send a letter of interest to:
Sarah Cioffi at scioffi@sgcsd.net by October 8, 2009.
Come to our first forum!
Guest Speaker:
Ms. Lee Ann Napolitano, Academic Head of the English Department at Scotia-Glenville
Thursday, October 8, 2009
7:00 p.m.
Sacandaga Elementary LMC
Ms. Napolitano will be joining us to give an overview of the Pearson Reading Street K-5 ELA program that started this September and the efficacy of this series to address the needs of students with differing abilities through it’s leveled reading program. Also, she will discuss the Pearson AMP ELA 6 reading program started last year that involves direct instruction of reading comprehension strategies, and will be sharing information about the Pearson technology that’s available for parents.
Child care will be provided for parents attending the forum.
Future Meeting dates:
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Thursday, December 3, 2009 Tuesday, April 13, 2010 (SAC Cafeteria)
Thursday, February 4, 2010 Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Monday, November 16th @ 7pm
Scotia-Glenville High School
Room A-30
Your Child’s Digital Footprint –
It Can Grow Like a Weed
Identity management in a digital world
Please join us for a
Presentation by Robert Frederick,
- Coordinator of Career and Employment Services at
Schenectady County Community College.
Mr. Frederick will discuss how a person’s digital footprint can affect their future prospects related to:
- College
- Employment
- Other quality of life issues
He will outline how and why employers, colleges and business services are gathering information regarding people’s personal history and will concentrate his discussion on how they can establish stronger profiles or repair weaker digital profiles using the technology and resources available.
PTSA meeting @ 6:15pm (prior to program) in Room B-2
Join us and bring a friend!
Questions? Please call:
Kim Koza 393-8501 or Robert Frederick 381-1368
SPACE in now on FACEBOOK!!
Check it out!
Search for
"Scotia-Glenville Parents Advocating for Challenging Education"
or
Click here to join our
group.
Get your newsflash via Facebook!
A direct link is also available on our "Links" page
***"What's Happening in Scotia-Glenville Schools"***
showcases exciting events and topics of interest
that are occurring in our district.
Are you curious to learn more about S.P.A.C.E.?
Come join us and discover how SPACE supports Scotia-Glenville's gifted
learners and their
families.
If this is your first time visiting our website click on the link located
above "What is SPACE?"
_________________________________________________________________________
-If you'd like to be on our e-mail distribution list, simply scroll
to the bottom of page, and add your name and e-mail address.
-If you received a link to this page via e-mail, your name is already on the
distribution list, and does not need to be added again.
-If you no longer wish to receive messages from SPACE, please e-mail us to
request that we remove your name from the distribution list. Thanks!
***************************************************************************************
***************************************************************************************
***Budget Update***
Over the past several weeks, the administration and Board of Education sliced about
$1.3 million
from the superintendent's February 23 proposal. Among the reductions:
Young Scholars in grades 4 and 5 will add a math and science component and be taught
by S-G's in-
house gifted and talented teachers for a $25,000 savings. Grades 4 and 5 students will
continued
to be taught humanities by the Young Scholars program through the Warren-Washington
BOCES. Both
the humanities and math/science program, to be called Scotia Scholars as it is in
grade 6, will
be half days each and taught at Sacandaga Elementary School on Wednesdays.
Academic contest entry fees were reduced by $2,500, leaving $5,000
For more information and links look at our "What's Happening in Scotia-Glenville
Schools?" page
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*********
_____________________________________________________________________________
SCOTIA-GLENVILLE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
Meeting of the Board of Education
Monday, February 23, 2009
7:00 PM - Open Session
Middle School -- Library Media Center
Curriculum Report:
OPAL (Opportunities & Programs for Advanced Learners) Update
Joseph Kavanaugh (Director of Curriculum & Instruction), Maria Maynard and
Cily Rueda (OPAL Enrichment Specialists)
The recommendation made to the Board of Education during the presentation was-
Recommendations:
Our primary recommendation this year for OPAL is not a new one. The Young Scholars
program could
be absorbed in our S-G program and taught by both our OPAL teachers. We envision half-
day
programs for grades 4 and 5 in the humanities and science/ math where students qualify
for one
program or the other (or both) using targeted criteria to that program. One teacher
would teach
humanities to grade 4 (am) and then grade 5 students (pm) and our other OPAL teacher
would
mirror that by teaching science and math to grade 5 (am) and then grade 4 students
(pm). These
programs would occur on Wednesdays and be held at Sacandaga. There would need to be a
mid-day
bus run on that day. We estimate no change in other opportunities for our students at
the
building level and would absorb this by restructuring planning time for our OPAL
teachers and by
having the 1O week science unit on Simple Machines in grade 3 at the beginning of the
year
taught
by classroom teachers instead. OPAL teachers would still screen students by going into
grade 3
classrooms and administering activities that would call for creativity, task
commitment, above
average abilities and extensions/connections to the general curriculum.
The OPAL teachers and I look forward to any questions that the Board of Education may
have about
our OPAL program or this report. I especially want to thank the Board for their
openness to new
ideas and for their on-going investment in our most talented academic students.
A complete copy of the OPAL Curriculum Report handout
is available on our "What's Happening in Scotia-Glenville Schools?" page
***Update***
Over the past several weeks, the administration and Board of Education sliced about
$1.3 million
from the superintendent's February 23 proposal. Among the reductions:
Young Scholars in grades 4 and 5 will add a math and science component and be taught
by S-G's in-
house gifted and talented teachers for a $25,000 savings. Grades 4 and 5 students will
continued
to be taught humanities by the Young Scholars program through the Warren-Washington
BOCES. Both
the humanities and math/science program, to be called Scotia Scholars as it is in
grade 6, will
be half days each and taught at Sacandaga Elementary School on Wednesdays.
Academic contest entry fees were reduced by $2,500, leaving $5,000
For more information and links look at our "What's Happening in Scotia-Glenville
Schools?" page
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Monday March 23, 2009
Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library
Connecting Boys with Books with Michael Sullivan, Author
This nationally known speaker is a true advocate of reading, especially for boys.
Parents will
learn tips to engage and sustain sons interest in books.
This event is generously co-sponsored by the Friends of the Clifton Park-Halfmoon
Public Library
and Capital Region BOCES School Library System and
The Early Childhood Direction Center of the Capital Region. This program is part of
the
Librarys year long celebration of 40 years of service to the community.
Required registration beginning Monday, March 2 in-person or phone the Library at 371-
8622.
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!! A new Visual Spatial Learner page is available on our
website!!
Click on the link above to find out more about this
topic.
SPACE (Scotia-Glenville Parents Advocating for Challenging Education) will
host a forum on
Visual-Spatial Learners (VSLs) on Thursday, February 5th at 7:00pm in the
Sacandaga Elementary
Library.
Visual learners are students who remember what they see, and often forget
what they hear. They
often get the big picture, but miss the details, can be excellent problem
and puzzle solvers,
yet might struggle with organizational skills and sequential tasks. As a
result, they present
unique challenges to their parents and teachers.
Speakers will include Jan Tunison, High School Librarian, and Becki Ayers,
sixth grade
ELA/Social Studies teacher, and Christine McKenna, parent (all mothers of
VSLs) The forum will
discuss the characteristics of a visual-spatial learner, parenting
strategies, and how we can
help them be successful in the classroom.
Child care will be available for parents attending the forum.
View a flyer for this event by clicking on the "Forum and Upcoming School
Events" icon above.
************************************************
SAAC camp to run from July 6 to Aug. 14 at S-G Middle School
The Scotia/Schenectady Academics and Arts Camp (SAAC) is an educational enrichment
program held
for six weeks. Our goal is to provide a safe, fun environment where children can be
creative,
make friends, and continue to learn throughout the summer. Operating under the
philosophy
that "a child is not a vase to be filled, but a fire to be lit," SAAC has enriched the
lives of
thousands of children since its inception in 1963.
It is held at the air conditioned Scotia-Glenville Middle School, 10 Prestige Parkway,
in
Scotia.
Check out the site here: http://www.saaccamp.com/
Link available on "Forum and upcoming School Events" page
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**********
Congratulations!!!
6 Scotia-Glenville students competed in the Science Olympiad Invitational
competition at Ravena-
Coeymans-Selkirk, on Saturday, 1/10/09.
Congratulations to the following students who had a strong performance for
Scotia-Glenville and
walked away with 2 first place finishes, a second place finish and 2 third
place finishes...
Sarah Dean, Katherine Fritzeen, Corey McKenna, Chris Omicinski, Emily
Peterson and Noah Wegener.
Their next competition will be regional finals in March.
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****************
Check Out.........
2009 Saturday Scholars
AN ENRICHMENT PROGRAM FOR ALL CAPITAL AREA STUDENTS IN
GRADES 1-6
Presented by Shenendehowa Advocates for Gifted
Education
(Students in grades 7/8 may enroll in grade 5/6 classes with instructor
permission. Limited
openings are available for Kindergarten students who can read and write
fluently. Please contact
SAGE prior to registration for info.)
Mythic Creatures, Beginning Chess, Journey to India, and All The Worlds A
Stage are just a few
of the fun and exciting classes being offered this year!
Eligibility: SAGE Saturday Scholars courses are designed for students of
above average ability
and/or high motivation. Participants should be prepared for a fast moving,
non-repetitive
learning environment.
Registration: January 24th, 2009 9:00am-10:30am in the Acadia Science
Library (Snow date: Jan
31st) Schedule: Saturdays: March 7, 14, 21, 28 and April 4th, 2009 10:00am
to 12:00 noon (Snow
date: April 5th)
Tuition: $45 tuition fee. Some classes require an additional materials fee
to be collected at
registration.
For additional information on this program including course descriptions and
registration form,
please go to our website at www.worknotes.com/ny/cliftonpark/sage A link to
this is available
at the bottom our "Links" page.
Further questions? Please call Linda DeMasi 877-5813 or contact us by email
at
sagenews@yahoo.com.
*****************************************************************************
*********
SAGE SCIENCE DISCOVERY NIGHT 2009
APRIL 22RD
6:30-8:00PM
GOWANA MIDDLE SCHOOL
Over 30 science exhibitors from around the Capital Region all under one
roof. Come learn what fun science can be! Open to all families in the
Capital Area.
*****************************************************************************
***
From the Academic Outreach Programs Office at
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York!
Everything you need to know about Summer@Rensselaer is available online.
The Web site has been updated and provides information on specific course
and program offerings,
support services, and links to summer programs.
A link to Summer@Rensselaer is available at the bottom our "Links" page
*****************************************************************************
*********
New at Scotia-Glenville High School!
Science Research Course for 2009-2010
In conjunction with the State University of New York at Albany, Scotia-
Glenville High School is
offering an elective science research course starting in the 2009-2010
school year (pending
board approval).
In this course, students do what professional researchers do, from planning
a project to
conducting research and publicizing the results. As the work progresses,
the student writes
research papers, creates posters, and presents research findings at
available competitions and
symposia. It is open to incoming sophomores and offers the potential to earn
up to twelve State
University of New York credits. All incoming sophomores are welcome to
apply.
An informational meeting will be held on December 2, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. in
room A-30 of the High
School.
Interested students and parents are encouraged to attend.
*****************************************************************************
*************
Odyssey of the Mind
is happening in Scotia-Glenville!
This year Scotia-Glenville has 16 teams with a total of 95 students
participating in this
international problem solving competition.
Odyssey of the Mind teaches and utilizes 21st Century Skills and research
shows that former
Odyssey of the Mind participants grow up to be amazing employees who are
great problem solvers
and know how to work as a team.
For more information about Odyssey of the Mind visit their website at
www.odysseyofthemind.com
A link is available on our "Links" page along with pictures from last years
competition.
*****************************************************************************
**********
2009 Science Bowl Try-Outs
November 4, 5 and 6 at SG Middle School
Tryouts will be held for the Science Bowl Team on November 4, 5
and 6
at SG Middle School.
Tryouts will begin at 2:45 and run approximately one hour.
You must sign up for tryouts with your science teacher in order to
attend tryouts.
Tryouts are open to anyone, yes, even YOU!
See your science teacher today for more information!
Come on out and show everyone that SG students are wicked smart!
Parents, we need your help! If you can help with try outs
please contact Mr Jenkins at- RJenkins@sgcsd.net
Click on "Forum and Upcoming School Events" for more information
and pictures from last years event.
*****************************************************************************
********
!!!!!!!!!!!Hold on to your seats!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
++++ The Science Olympiad is back! ++++
Join SPACE
Thursday, October 30th at 6:30 pm
in the Middle School Library
Randy Jenkins, Academic Head of the Science Department, has secured a spot
for a Scotia
Glenville Middle School team in the Olympiad, which is billed as one of the
premier science
competitions in the nation.
A team consists of a maximum of 15 students in grades 6-9, and will require
the support of
several coaches, parents and mentors. Current 6th through 9th graders and
their parents are
encouraged to attend.
For more infomation click on the "Forum and Upcoming School Events" tab above
We hope you will join us! Bring a Friend!
For more information and link to the Science Olympiad website click on
our Links tab.
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Exploring Engineering Day @RPI
A program for inquisitive boys and girls in grades 3 to 6
who enjoy solving problems!
Saturday, February 21, 2009
(February 28, 2009, back-up date in case of inclement
wearther)
Registration Form is available on our "Worth a Look" page
Completed registration forms will be processed on a first-come, first-served
basis. Space is
limited!
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________
*****Check out our new link AGATE Emails *****
We will be posting emails and news articles that come from AGATE- Advocacy
for Gifted and
Talented Education in New York State
*****************************************************************************
*******
__________________________________________________
2 new opportunities are now available through the
*****SCHENECTADY COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY*****
Super Sunday Family Fun
Pioneer Days and Ways stories and activities
For all ages.
Registration begins March 1, 2009.
Location: Central Library, McChesney Room
Contact: Children's Room, Central Library 518.388.4540
Fun for Families
Pioneer Days and Ways
Stories and activities
Registration begins March 3, 2009
Location: Woodlawn Branch
Contact: Woodlawn Branch Library 518.386.4448
Vacation Week Fun
Make It and Take It
with the Tang Museum
Registration begins March 31, 2009
Contact: Woodlawn Branch Library 518.386.4448
Location: Woodlawn Branch
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Check out our LINKS page for a more information about this
program!!!!!!!!!!!!!
______________________LearningExpress
Library___________________________
LearningExpress Library is a comprehensive, interactive online learning
platform of practice tests and tutorial course series designed to help
patronsstudents and adult learnerssucceed on the academic or licensing
tests they must pass. You'll get immediate scoring, complete answer
explanations, and an individualized analysis of your results.
This site includes:
College Entrance Exams
E-BOOKS
Elementary School Skills Improvement
Math Skills Improvement
Middle School Skills Improvement
SAT Preparation
Writing Skills Improvement
And much more............Check it out!
!!!!!!!!!!!Check out our LINKS page for a more information about this
program!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
_____________________________________________________________________________
_________________
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Schenectady Museum Calendar of
Events!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium is a dynamic destination
just a short drive
from Scotia-Glenville which celebrates science, invention, and imagination.
The Museum explores
the areas rich technological heritage, with some of the regions finest
interactive exhibits; a
must-see for families, tourists, area residents, and other visitors.
Friday, January 16 @ 5:00 7:00 PM
FREE! ART Night: Model Trains & DNA
Come to the Museum during ART Night in January. See the Model Trains run!
And, explore Putting
DNA to Work, an interactive traveling exhibit from the Marian Koshland
Science Museum of the
National Academy of Sciences.
FREE
Saturday, January 17 @ 1:00 PM
Family Discovery Lab: Electrostatic Magic
Dont have a lab at home? Come to the Schenectady Museums Family Discovery
Lab and explore the
properties of static electricity with a Van de Graaff generator. Then build
your own
electroscope! Limited openings. Call 382-7890 x 224 to register today!
FREE with Museum admission
Monday, January 19 @ 12:30 - 3:30 PM
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Kids Activities
Though normally closed on Mondays, the Schenectady Museum will be open for
area school children
to enjoy a day off from school. Enjoy special kids hands-on activities!
FREE with Museum admission
Monday, January 19 @ 1,2 & 3 PM
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Planetarium Shows
Though normally closed on Mondays, the Schenectady Museum will be open for
area school children
to enjoy a day off from school. Enjoy a Planetarium show: 1PM - Our Place in
Space; 2PM - Cowboy
Astronomer; 3PM - Seasonal Sky Tour.
Museum admission plus $2.75
Wednesday, January 21 @ 3:30 5:00 PM
FETCH! Lab: Canine House of Cards
Build a two-story building out of index cards, using just one shape - an
arch or a triangle.
Then see it if can support the weight of a jumbo dog biscuit at the
Schenectady Museum & Suits-
Bueche Planetarium's FETCH! Lab. Come to this exciting weekly program to
learn about science
and do hands-on activities like the ones on the popular PBS tv show!
FREE with Museum admission
Thursday, January 22 @ 3:30 5:00 PM
FETCH! Lab: Canine House of Cards
Build a two-story building out of index cards, using just one shape - an
arch or a triangle.
Then see it if can support the weight of a jumbo dog biscuit at the
Schenectady Museum & Suits-
Bueche Planetarium's FETCH! Lab. Come to this exciting weekly program to
learn about science
and do hands-on activities like the ones on the popular PBS tv show!
FREE with Museum admission
Friday, January 23 @ 3:30 5:00 PM
FETCH! Lab: Canine House of Cards
Build a two-story building out of index cards, using just one shape - an
arch or a triangle.
Then see it if can support the weight of a jumbo dog biscuit at the
Schenectady Museum & Suits-
Bueche Planetarium's FETCH! Lab. Come to this exciting weekly program to
learn about science
and do hands-on activities like the ones on the popular PBS tv show!
FREE with Museum admission
Friday, January 23 @ 6:00 8:15 PM
Saturday, January 24 @ 1:00 3:00 PM
Adventures in Science: Vespa Scooters
Explore a greener way to travel - the Vespa - with members of a dealership
located in
Schenectady. Discover the fuel-saving technology behind Vespa scooters.
FREE with Museum admission
Saturday, January 24 @ 3:30 5:00 PM
FETCH! Lab: Canine House of Cards
Build a two-story building out of index cards, using just one shape - an
arch or a triangle.
Then see it if can support the weight of a jumbo dog biscuit at the
Schenectady Museum & Suits-
Bueche Planetarium's FETCH! Lab. Come to this exciting weekly program to
learn about science
and do hands-on activities like the ones on the popular PBS tv show!
FREE with Museum admission
Wednesday, January 28 @ 3:30 5:00 PM
FETCH! Lab: Hang Time
Build paper helicopters that are similar to the seeds of maple trees at the
Schenectady Museum &
Suits-Bueche Planetarium's FETCH! Lab. Come to this exciting weekly program
to learn about
science and do hands-on activities like the ones on the popular PBS tv show!
FREE with Museum admission
Thursday, January 29 @ 3:30 5:00 PM
FETCH! Lab: Hang Time
Build paper helicopters that are similar to the seeds of maple trees at the
Schenectady Museum &
Suits-Bueche Planetarium's FETCH! Lab. Come to this exciting weekly program
to learn about
science and do hands-on activities like the ones on the popular PBS tv show!
FREE with Museum admission
Thursday, January 29 @ 6:00 8:30 PM
Friday, January 30 @ 3:30 5:00 PM
FETCH! Lab: Hang Time
Build paper helicopters that are similar to the seeds of maple trees at the
Schenectady Museum &
Suits-Bueche Planetarium's FETCH! Lab. Come to this exciting weekly program
to learn about
science and do hands-on activities like the ones on the popular PBS tv show!
FREE with Museum admission
Friday, January 30 @ 6:00 8:30 PM
Saturday, January 31 @ 3:30 5:00 PM
FETCH! Lab: Hang Time
Build paper helicopters that are similar to the seeds of maple trees at the
Schenectady Museum &
Suits-Bueche Planetarium's FETCH! Lab. Come to this exciting weekly program
to learn about
science and do hands-on activities like the ones on the popular PBS tv show!
FREE with Museum admission
!!!!!!!!!!!Check out our LINKS page for a more information about current
programs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
_____________________________________________________________________________
_________________
****************Report Sees Cost in Some Academic Gains
*******************************
By SAM DILLON / NEW YORK TIMES
June 18, 2008
A new study argues that the nations focus on helping students who are
furthest behind may have
produced a Robin Hood effect, yielding steady academic gains for low-
achieving students in
recent years at the expense of top students.
A link to this report can be found on our "LINKS" page
A NEW YORK TIMES article can be found on our "WORTH A LOOK" page--
Report Sees Cost in Some Academic Gains
By SAM DILLON /
June 18, 2008
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***************
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On September 8th S.P.A.C.E. hosted an orientation for incoming Young
Scholars in the Sacandaga
Elementary Library.
We had 22 students and their parents turn out for this event which included,
Maria Maynard, the
districts Gifted Specialist and past Young Scholars to answer questions
followed by ice
cream to top off the evening.
Thank you for attending and making this night a success.
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****************
We are in the process of updating our Newsflash list, the best way to hear
about SPACE events in
our school district.
-If you received a link to this page via e-mail, your name is already on the
distribution list, and does not need to be added again.
-If you'd like to be on our e-mail distribution list, simply click below at
the bottom of this
page, and add your name and e-mail address.
-If you no longer wish to receive messages from SPACE, please e-mail us to
request that we remove your name from the distribution list.
sgspace1@aol.com
Thanks!
_____________________________________________________________________________
____________
********* Its Not Too Late!!!!*************
************ WE NEED YOUR INPUT BRIEF SURVEY TO COMPLETE ********
Read below for details
Dear Members and Friends of SPACE,
Scotia-Glenville Parents Advocating for Challenging Education is a chapter
of AGATE, the
Advocacy for Gifted and Talented Education in NYS. At our June 2nd SPACE
meeting, we elected
new officers for the coming year.
They are as follows: President Michelle Kraines, Vice President Sarah
Cioffi, Treasurer
Morena Rizzuto, and Secretary Claire Houlihan.
As we have discussed what we would like to accomplish in the 2008-2009
school year, we
determined that we would love to incorporate your feedback into our planning.
In the past we have hosted several different types of events including:
game nights for students and parents,
forums to instruct parents on topics related to gifted education,
opportunities for parents to interact with personnel in our district
who offer programs
for gifted students
regular monthly meetings to keep you informed regarding decisions
within the district
that affected programming and opportunities to be involved
opportunities for parents to connect with other parents in the
district to support one
another as we parent our high ability learners
*********** Survey Information ************
We would like to invite you to fill out the short survey available on our
web site.
*****Link to "Survey 2008" is available above and on our home
page.*******
We realize that this is a busy time of year so we attempted to make it brief
but if you would
like to include additional comments, wed love to hear them.
Were looking forward to hearing from you!
Sincerely,
The Officers of SPACE
Michelle Kraines
Sarah Cioffi
Morena Rizzuto
It's not too late to get involved. Parent involvement is the key to success
at Scotia-Glenville!
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+++++++
****************** DistrictNews
***********************
The budget was APPROVED today by a vote of 1,160 to 885 and the bus
purchase proposal was
APPROVED by a vote of 1,216 to 745.
These new initiatives totaling $282,475 were included in the proposed
budget:
Elementary
Program for Children with Autism
Increase in Social Work Services at Glendaal
Establish Elementary Club Funds
Increase in Physical Education Time in grades K-3
Increase in Teacher for the Gifted and Talented
Maintain Current Young Scholars Program
Middle School
Teen Elective Class
High School
Increase in Transition Planning Time
Tech Valley HS Student
CISCO IT Essentials Class
District-Wide
Increase District support for Academic Contests
Increase in Head Bus Driver Hours
Hockey and Athletic Expansion at Middle and High School
Increase in hardware for Computer Replacement
Increase in software funding
Network Upgrade Study Total Long Range Planning
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******
Schenectady/Scotia Academic and Arts Camp
The annual Schenectady/Scotia Academic and Arts Camp (SAAC), a summer arts
enrichment program
for children, will be held at the Scotia-Glenville Middle School this year.
It has previously
been held in the Schenectady City School District.
The dates are July 7-Aug. 15.
Campers participate in arts, computer literacy, mathematics, music, physical
education, science
and theater arts. There are other activities and a weekly field trip for
each camper.
Students must have completed grade 1 to be eligible for the camp. The camp
is held from 9 a.m.
to 3 p.m. each day. Transportation is provided from various locations in the
Scotia-Glenville,
Schenectady and Niskayuna school districts.
The cost is $100 per week with a $25 registration fee.
More information is avalable on the Scotia-Glenville School District main
home page or by
calling 356-5328 or 763-5445
Peter Rizzo, who teaches music at Scotia-Glenville, is the camp director.
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*****
Right now is the time to re-new your AGATE membership!
AGATE, Advocacy for Gifted and Talented Education in New York State, is the
statewide advocacy
group for gifted education. SPACE is a local chapter of AGATE, their
website is
http://www.agateny.com/index.html. A link is available on our links tab.
If you wish to join AGATE or re-new your current membership please contact
Michelle Kraines, our
treasurer at dkraines@nycap.rr.com
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*********
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***
-------------------------------Science Bowl News-----------------------------
-----------
Eleven Scotia-Glenville students competed on March 1 at the GE Research and
Development Center
in Niskayuna in the Middle Level Science Bowl.
Randy Jenkins, academic head for science, and teachers David Swain and Amy
Casella accompanied
the students at the science bowl. Students had to build and race a hydrogen
fuel cell car and
compete in a "buzzer" style competion by answering science and math
questions.
Out of 11 teams from schools from the Capital Region, both Scotia-Glenville
teams were in the
final four playoff. In the end, the S-G teams placed 2nd and 4th overall.
These students were involved with the Science Bowl:
2nd place overall
Corey McKenna
Alexis Yagielski
Sarah Dean
Chris Omicinski
Becky Celorio
4th place overall
Emily Peterson
Noah Wegener
Emily Houlihan
Abby Pietrow
Mitchell Forshey
Check out pictures from the competition from the link on our links page!
****************************************************************************
Check out the pictures in our Photo Gallery from our
January 15th program
Advocating for Optimal Match
Featuring Anna Sugarman and
Exotic Animal Show for Children with Joe Biss
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*****
UPDATE: CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL!
Several Scotia-Glenville teams received ribbons for placing in the top three
at the Region 7
Odyssey of the Mind competitions on Saturday. One team, coached by Gene
Terwilliger and his Glen-
Worden crew, placed first in the Road Rally problem (pictured below) and
will go on to the state
competition in Binghamton on March 29.
Dozens of Scotia-Glenville students will put their creativity, engineering
skills and teamwork
to the test during competitions at Mohonasen High School and Draper Middle
School on Saturday,
March 1.
The Scotia teams - from Glendaal, Glen-Worden, Lincoln and Sacandaga have
involved parents,
students and staff working toward solving a unique problem since late last
year. There are three
primary teams (grades K to 2) and 11 division teams (grades 3-5) from SG
this year. Last year,
there were just three teams entered from Scotia-Glenville.
Each team constructs its own props, develops it owns skits and must work
toward the solution in
a uniform way outlined at this Odyssey web site: www.odysseyofthemind.com
The schools work through the Capital Region BOCES. Here is the BOCES press
release about the
upcoming competition.
Many of these projects would not have been possible without strong parent,
student and community
support. These businesses donated more than $4,000 to purchase supplies, pay
Odyssey of the Mind
fees and other items needed by the teams along the way:
Guyer Construction, Inc
S-G Lions Club
Scotia Insurance Agency
First national Bank of Scotia
KAPL/Lockheed Martin
Scotia Rotary
Frank and Sons Body Works, Inc
Subway/Newp, LTD
S-G PTA Council
S-Tech/Wayne Shuster
Elks Club of Scotia
Dan Maynard
More information and pictures are availavable on the Scotia-Glenville School
website, a link is
avalable on our links page.
http://www.scotiaglenvilleschools.org/odysseyofthemind/2008/odyssey2008.html
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*******************
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******
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*****************
+++++++++++++++++++RPI Summer Programs++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
This summer Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is offering a range of programs
for elementary,
middle, and high school students. Below is a list of summer programs!
Each summer program is individually priced. Check out the program listing
online
(http://summer.rpi.edu) for additional information. Applications are
required for some programs.
Refer to the web site for details. We hope you will be able to explore and
discover the
Summer@Rensselaer!
Please contact Mike Gunther, Program Manager for Recruitment, with your
mailing address and
details on your student (grade and school name) to be added to the outreach
mailing list at RPI!
+++++++++++++++++++++++++Elementary School
Students++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
* Creative Writing
* LEGO Robotics Engineering Academy
* Samaritan-Rensselaer Childrens Center RPI Summer Day Camp
*Young Actors Guild (YAG)
* Rensselaer Football Camp
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++Middle School
Students+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
* Creative Writing
* LEGO Robotics Engineering Academy
* VEX Robotics Engineering Academy
* The Magical World of Flight
* Whodunit? The Science of Crime Scenes
* Young Actors Guild (YAG)
* Rensselaer Football Camp
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++High School
Students++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
* Architecture Career Discovery Program
* Computer Game Development Academy
* ASM Materials Camp
* Build Your Drawing Portfolio
* Creative Writing
* VEX Robotics Engineering Academy
* The Magical World of Flight
* Video Production: Through the Eyes of the Lens
* Young Actors Guild (YAG)
* Rensselaer Football Camp
Michael L. Gunther
Program Manager for Recruitment
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Outreach Programs Office
110 8th Street, CII Suite 4011
Troy, NY 12180-3590 USA
Phone: 518-276-8351
Fax: 518-276-8738
E-mail: gunthm@rpi.edu
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****
A Recent Article in the Glenville Spotlight:
------------------Parents support gifted students----------------------------
--
Posted on: 01/16/08
Written by: Jennifer Farnsworth, Contributing Writer
email: news@spotlightnews.com
For parents like Don and Michelle Kraines, ensuring that your child is being
challenged
academically can sometimes be, well, a challenge. The Kraines are a part of
a group called
SPACE, or Scotia-Glenville Parents Advocating for Challenging Education, is
holding an
informational session for parents this month as a way to let parents know
they can actively take
part in giving their children educational opportunities.
We are what the booster club is to sports, Kraines said. We are a group
of parents who want
to support our children through giving them every chance to learn and grow.
We look to see how
we as parents can work together with the district to improve on academic
programs.
The school district has in fact listened to the concerns of parents of
academically successful
students and responded with a program called OPAL, or Opportunities and
Programs for Advanced
Learners. OPAL is an academic enrichment program for students in
kindergarten through 12th
grade. The goal of OPAL is to promote self-esteem as they work on advanced
material with
interdisciplinary approaches to solve challenging problems or develop high-
level skills. Each
building in the district has its own OPAL Study team, which is composed of
teachers and
administrators who work to identify students who qualify for OPAL. A
referral is then sent home
to parents asking if they are interested in having their child in the
program.
Kraines said OPAL is something that will be discussed at the SPACE meeting.
She said many new
parents are unaware of the specifics of programs like OPAL and that the
meeting gives them an
opportunity to ask questions. She said the districts curriculum director,
Joe Kavanaugh, has
assisted SPACE parents.
Kavanaugh organized forums for parents last year to introduce the OPAL
program.
Offering advanced courses and challenging opportunities is very important
to our district, and
we want parents to know that. We want parents to know they dont necessarily
need to look
outside our district if they have an academically gifted child, said
Kavanaugh.
In addition to OPAL, SPACE has worked with the board of education to create
honors English
programs at the middle school levels. They have also worked with OPAL
teacher Maria Maynard on
the Odyssey of the Mind competition, which has grown in popularity within
the district. Odyssey
is a worldwide problem-solving competition that mixes fun with creative out
of the box
thinking.
Over the past several years we have seen a lot of improvements to our
advanced learning
programs. The board has a commitment to offer educational opportunities to
all levels of
learners, said board president Margaret Smith.
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