Displaying items by tag: SSCSD

Thursday, 11 October 2018 11:35

Gun Ban at Saratoga Springs CSD

SARATOGA SPRINGS — After weeks of debate, the Saratoga Springs City School District board of education voted 5 to 4 on Tuesday, October 9, to end the practice of school hallway monitors carrying firearms. In a public forum in the beginning of the meeting, several community members, parents and students alike, came out in favor of voting no, while another community member and teacher urged the board to vote yes to keep the guns.

The people who spoke out against the guns reasoned that the school has not done enough research on the matter, commenting that there was “no task force, no committee, no public forums, no question-and-answer periods.”


Michelle King, a member of Saratoga Conservative Chicks, was in favor of a yes vote, explaining that the hallway monitors are there to protect their children and “they can’t do it without the tools.” Superintendent Michael Patton reminded those in attendance that the district’s main concern is the safety of the students and staff.

Published in Education

SARATOGA SPRINGS - The Saratoga Springs City School District will honor five individuals for their extraordinary contributions to athletics for the 2018 Blue Streak Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony at 4:30 p.m. Friday, October 12 in the Robert Meade Teaching Auditorium at Saratoga Springs High School. The program was established to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of athletes, coaches, administrators and supporters.

This year’s inductees are Brianne Bellon, Claudia Didziulis, Rory Pedrick, Bill Scott, and Lawrence Youngblood.

Brianne Bellon, class of 2010 and member of the undefeated cross-country team, which was the suburban council, sectional, and federation champions for five years. Bellon is the current 800-meter record holder for Saratoga Springs.

Claudia Didziulis, class of 1952, participated in varsity basketball, varsity cheerleading and varsity softball. She received the first ever Section 2 Athletic Director’s Secretary of the Year Award in 1999 at the NYS Athletic Administrators Conference.

Rory Pedrick, class of 2004, participated in varsity football and varsity lacrosse. He earned the National Football Foundation Hall of Fame Scholar Athlete Award. Pedrick went on to play Division 1 Lacrosse at UMASS and made it to the National Championship. Pedrick was the first Blue Streak to be recognized twice on ESPN’s “Play of the Day.”

Bill Scott, class of 1929, participated in varsity football, varsity basketball, and varsity baseball at Saratoga Springs High School. He became the Athletic Director for Ballston Spa where he began the sports program and was the first football, baseball, and basketball coach.

Lawrence “Toby” Youngblood, class of 1975, participated in varsity basketball and varsity baseball. He was awarded Outstanding Male Athlete, Section 2 Leader in stolen base percentage, baseball’s most valuable player, and was a Booster Club Award Winner. Mr. Youngblood is currently involved in the Saratoga American Little League, high school sports, NY Mets semipro baseball team, and Black Student Alliance All-Star Basketball.

Published in Sports

“District Administration is working with the Board of Education to make a decision regarding the authorization of qualified individuals to possess firearms on school district property while performing job duties. The authorization would allow certain members of the District’s security staff, who have retired from service as law enforcement officers and who have been deemed qualified and are licensed pursuant to the New York Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act, to possess a firearm on District property while performing duties for the District. In the past, certain members of the District’s security staff, who were actively employed or retired from law enforcement, did possess a firearm on District property. When District officials determined this practice was not in compliance with current law, grounds monitors were instructed to no longer possess a firearm on school property. The District is fortunate to have a long-standing working relationship with local law enforcement and to have the unique opportunity to hire highly qualified staff, many of which are current or retired members of law enforcement.  The District takes this matter very seriously, and the safety and security of students is the District’s number one priority. The discussion has included a significant amount of research into what security options are available that will best meet the needs of our schools and community.”

Published in Education
Thursday, 06 September 2018 15:31

Saratoga Blue Streaks Football: Let the Games Begin

Photos provided.

The Saratoga Blue Streaks varsity football team kicked off their 2018-2019 season on August 13, heading straight into practice. There are no try-outs or cuts for this team, anyone who shows up is put to work. That means all 48 players hit the field.

“We have some great kids back and we beat one of our rivals, Christian Brothers Academy, last week and we’re getting ready for Albany this week,” explained Terry Jones, head coach.

Last season, the Blue Streaks’ record was 9-1, losing to Troy in the Section II finals. Troy went on to win their second state championship.

“Jake Williams is taking over as quarterback, he was a sophomore last year, but he wasn’t our starting quarterback. He’s taken over the reigns as our quarterback and we’re excited about what he brings to the table,” Jones said. Wes Eglintine was quarterback last year and graduated.

“We feel good about the kids that we have. Jake was with us last year and saw a lot of time. It’s the high school process, kids graduate and move on and the next group must step up. Jake played a great game Friday night and we expect great things out of him this year,” Jones complimented.

This is Jones’ 28th coaching year overall and 12th year as head coach for the Blue Streaks.

Published in Sports
Thursday, 06 September 2018 15:28

Local All-Star Moments

Photos provided.

Ballston Spa Boys Soccer
BALLSTON SPA — Utica-Proctor visited Ballston Spa on Friday, August 31. The first goal was scored by Utica-Proctors Somow. Ballston came back with a goal by Brayden Box assisted by Ethan Waters to tie it 1-1. In the second half Ethan Cook scored to make it 2-1. Final score 2-1 Ballston. Whitesboro visited Ballston Spa on Saturday, September 1. Whitesboro scored two goals in the first half by Stuhlman and Gorgas. Ballston scored one goal by Ethan Waters. In the second half Whitesboro scored with a goal by Williams. Final score 3-1 Whitesboro.

Shaker at Saratoga Field Hockey
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Shaker at Saratoga (at the Dome) First Half: Toga 2 v. Shaker 0 Lindsey Frank-1 Olivia Vukelic from Dani Geils Second Half: Lindsey Frank-2 goals Kylie Folts from Lindsey Frank Grace Sablich from Lindsey Frank Final Score Toga 6 v. Shaker 0 Corners: Toga-24 | Shaker -2 Shots: Toga 28 | Shaker 2 Toga Goalies: Kristen Rodecker and Emma Piccirillo - 2 saves Shaker Goalies: Kassie Egan and Davin Testo - 13 saves Toga 1-0 | Shaker 0-1

SRYMCA/Saratoga Honda Summer Youth Basketball League
JUNIOR DIVISION:
Cudney’s Launderers  33 v. PJ’s BAR-B-QSA  24 
After falling behind in the first half, the Cudney’s Launderers Team got a scoring burst and pulled away from the PJ’s BAR-B-QSA  for a 33 to 24 win in the 2018 championship game. Cudney’s was led by Channing Adriance with 10 points, teammates
Bryant Savage had eight points, Antone Robbens, Nick Scalo and Ian O’Rourke rounded out the scoring with five points apiece. PJ’s got 11 points from Christian Mello along with five points from Sam Chaucer, four points from Jacob Bader and three points from Jacob Hernandez.

SENIOR DIVISION:
Berkshire Hathaway Blake Realtors  46 – Saratoga PBA  44
This game lived up to the hype and we got the championship game we had all hoped for, a twopoint victory. The game was nip and tuck the whole time with many leader changes throughout the game. The Realtors finished their season undefeated but had their hands full with PBA. The victors got scoring from Niko VanValis 15 points, Logan Bevan 11 points, Tom Villano and Stephen Bebee eight points apiece, four points Jacob Armer and Gabe Berube with two points.  PBA was led by Aiden Dunn, Alex Cutler and Trey Stanislowski 11 points each, Connor Johnson had eight points, Alexander Savage two points and Neil Graber with one point.

Published in Sports
Thursday, 06 September 2018 15:24

Blue Streaks Undefeated 5-0

Photos provided.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs Varsity Golf Team only has ten golfers, but they’re already 5-0 this season. The team is the defending champion of the Section II title and they are aiming to hang on to that title. Coach Mike Hall, only in his second season coaching, says he has a very strong team this season, even with a “few new guys” and six returners.

“Our new guys have worked their way into the lineup very well and that makes us even stronger,” Hall complimented.

Try-outs began on August 13 and Hall ended up with three seniors, three juniors, three sophomores, and one freshman.

“To be honest, with golf, it’s 98 percent the kid’s talent and 2 percent coaching, at best,” he laughed.

“I tell the boys on day one that they are all significantly better golfers than I am. My main job is to get them organized, get them to where they need to be, and help them focus on the game,” Hall explained.

He started golfing his freshman year of college, about 24 years ago.

“That’s the one nice thing about why these guys are so strong, they started at such a young age. They get a chance to naturally develop their swing. The big thing with golf, especially, is it’s one of
those sports that no matter what kind of athlete you are, you have to commit the time to be good at it. Very few people just pick up a golf club and are consistently good. Even the best golfers in the world aren’t very good unless they’re out playing a ton,” Hall explained.

The team is constantly at class and lessons on the golf course together, which has led to a very tight-knit group.


“It’s interesting that on the course they can talk and give each other advice out there because they know each other’s game so well,” he said.

Their home course is McGregor Links where they are accompanied by Bob Cain, the pro at McGregor Links. Anders Mattson is Cain’s counterpart at Prime, where he runs Anders Academy, a lesson program the entire team also attends. Hall commends the team on all of the effort and investment they and their families put into the game, citing that as the reason the team is so strong.

“I joke with them that I could play my best and their worst for us to be about even,” Hall chuckled.

For a schedule of the golf teams matches, check out our Sports at a Glance page.

Published in Sports

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The National PTA has recognized Division Street Elementary School as a 2018-2020 PTA School of Excellence for their commitment to building an inclusive and welcoming school community where all families contribute to enriching the educational experience and overall well-being for all students.

“Research shows that when families and schools work together, students do better in school and schools improve,” said Jim Accomando, president of National PTA.

“Division Street Elementary School and the Division Street PTA have worked hard to strengthen their family-school partnership and create an environment where all families feel welcomed and empowered to support student success. We are pleased to recognize them as a National PTA School of Excellence,” Accomando continued.

National PTA’s School of Excellence program helps PTAs become partners in identifying and implementing school improvement initiatives based on PTA’s National Standards for Family-School Partnerships. Schools that exhibit improvement at the end of the school year are honored as a National PTA School of Excellence, a distinction that spans two years.

“Division Street School is delighted to be recognized as a National PTA School of Excellence,” said Dr. Greer Miller, Principal of Division Street Elementary School.

“Our school is such a collaborative environment where the teachers work hard to engage the families in their students’ education, and to provide a wellrounded educational experience for all students. The PTA also does a phenomenal job with providing our students a strong Cultural Arts Program of assemblies and classroom presentations on a variety of topics.  Parents and staff work jointly on different school-wide initiatives, goals, and moving our school forward,” Dr. Miller stated.

Division Street Elementary School and the Division Street PTA are one of only 278 PTAs and schools nationwide recognized as a 2018-2020 School of Excellence.

“I would also like to thank Mrs. Connie Woytowich for doing an outstanding job as the PTA President for the past two years and assisting with the submission of our application for this wonderful award,” said Dr. Miller.

Congratulations to Division Street Elementary School on this outstanding achievement.  For more information about the National PTA School of Excellence program, visit www. PTA.org/Excellence.

Published in Education

Photo provided.

SARATOGA SPRINGS - Michele Whitley, the K-12 Administrator at Mohonasen Central School District, has been appointed as principal at Geyser Road Elementary School. The appointment is effective July 1. Ms. Whitley has spent the past 12 years working at Mohonasen Central School District as a K-12 administrator for literacy, a principal, and an academic ELA administrator. Prior to that, she served as an assistant principal in the Ballston Spa School District and as teacher in the Mohonasen Central School District.

“We were very fortunate to have a number of highly qualified candidates who applied for the Geyser Road Elementary Principal position. The interview committee was very impressed with Ms. Whitley’s strong instructional leadership background, collaborative approach, and passion for working with children and their families,” said Superintendent of School Michael Patton, Ed.D. 

“Ms. Whitely brings valuable experience as an elementary principal, k-12 literacy specialist, and as a classroom teacher.  She has worked closely with teachers on curriculum and instructional initiatives, has created interventions to support student learning, and promotes strong character development for all students.  We are very excited to welcome Ms. Whitely to Geyser Road Elementary School in July,” Patton continued.

Ms. Whitley earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from SUNY Oswego in 1998, a master’s degree in reading from The College of Saint Rose in 2000, and a master’s degree in educational administration from University at Albany in 2006.  She holds a permanent certificate from New York State as a school district administrator and as a teacher for pre-k, kindergarten and grades 1-6.

“I am excited to join the Geyser Road School community and honored to be a part of Saratoga Springs City School District. I feel very fortunate to have been selected by a district that is known for its collaborative environment and commitment to academic excellence,” said Michele Whitley.

Published in Education

Photo provided.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — In 1998, Saratoga Springs girls’ lacrosse team won the Section II final with Erinn Dennis-Kolligian on the field. Exactly 20 years later, they’ve won again. This time, Madyson Kolligian, Dennis-Kolligians'  daughter, was on the winning team while Dennis-Kolligian, lacrosse coach, stood on the sidelines helping coach Elaine Anton-Lotruglio coach the team to victory. Dennis-Kolligian was an AllAmerican lacrosse player who played collegiately at John Hopkins University. Following in mom’s footsteps is sophomore daughter, Madyson. The only difference is, Dennis-Kolligian played midfield and Kolligian is a defender.

“I got involved in lacrosse because of my mom, I started at an older age than most. Seventh grade is when I wanted to join a school sports team and found my passion in lacrosse,” explained Kolligian.

“I was first introduced by Chuck Waterstram, my elementary gym teacher at Dorothy Nolan, who also influenced my older brother to start playing. My first ‘real’ introduction was getting rolled up in a carpet, helmet on my head and bungee corded into a goal cage by my brother and his friends because they didn’t have a goalie. I figured then that I better learn quick,” Dennis-Kolligian laughed.

“In eighth grade I was able to try out for Saratoga. Coach Carney, who I have had the pleasure to coach with the last two years, gave me a chance at this amazing game 26 years ago,” Dennis-Kolligian explained.

Kolligian just wants to make her mom proud and continue her lacrosse legacy.

“I’ve always been one to want to impress my mom, it’s some big shoes to fill but I’ve been working hard to try and continue what she essentially started. My mom and I have a different relationship. We are very close, we have a lot of laughs but as most mother/daughters we have our disagreements. It’s hardest trying to find the parallel between her being my mom and my coach,” Kolligian explained.

This mother/daughter duo are more alike than they are different. Dennis-Kolligian said they differ most in terms of technology, she has no interest in social media.

“We must have a similar taste in clothing, since I’m always catching her and her sister with my clothes on! We don’t take things too seriously and try to keep life in perspective. We are caring and often put other people first. Mady has a heart of gold. We enjoy playing lacrosse at home with her younger three siblings; Payton, Cate and Karsen,” DennisKolligian said, explaining how else she and her daughter are alike.

Dennis-Kolligian returned to assistant coach for the team in 2015, after a hiatus to raise her two youngest children, when head coach Elaine Anton-Lotruglio called to ask her if she would consider coming back to coach.

“The void inside me, that I didn’t know was there, was instantly filled. I love this game! I love playing it, I love coaching it, I love teaching it, and love that other young girls get to be passionate about it too. We all know that our lessons from a game reach far beyond a sports field and to get to be a part of that, it’s hard to describe. Knowing what Sue Hoffman, Mike Carney, Janine Tucker, Ricky Fried and Lellie Swords did for me. The hope of giving back and paying it forward, even a fraction of what they gave to me, would be priceless,” DennisKolligian stated.

While the current team has had the game date, June 9, in their minds since the first day of the season, Dennis-Kolligian is able, to fully reminisce about her teams winning season.

“I’m so happy that these young ladies get to feel what a sectional win is like. They understand the magnitude of it, and more importantly get to see that hard work, teamwork, hustle and effort do get rewarded! They have inspired the generation of young girls coming up behind them and ignited a new tradition,” DennisKolligian said proudly.

“My favorite part of this season is getting to know these girls. It’s a sisterhood and I know everyone always has my back, including my mom no matter what sideline she’s on,” Kolligian said.

Published in Sports
Friday, 25 May 2018 10:49

Local All-Star Moments

[Photo provided]

Spa Catholic Charity Game Raises $3,375 for Kelly’s Angels
SARATOGA SPRINGS — On the evening of May 5, Saratoga Catholic and Whitehall High School baseball teams played a charity game in support of Kelly’s Angels, Inc. Through donations, 50/50 sales, and a raffle for New York Yankees tickets, the teams and their families raised $3,735 to help Kelly’s Angels assist Capital Region children who have lost a parent or sibling to cancer. For more information about Kelly’s Angels, please visit www.kellysangelsinc.org.

Saratoga Regional YMCA Basketball  [Over 25-year-old League]
TEAM WINK 88 - TEAM REED 79 Brian Travis had a game high 25 points and teammates J.R. Michael and Matt Scoons each dropped in 22 points along with Kurt Troyer’s 15 points, which all helped Team Wink get an 88 to 79 win over Team Reed. Colin Fuller got 20 points while Vonzel Legal and Garris Ramsdell contributed 19 points apiece in the loss.
TEAM DUFF 91 - TEAM LOMBARDO 67 Team Duff Ran their record to 7 and 0 with a 91 to 67 win over Team Lombardo in what was a closer game than the final score displayed. The winners were led by Rich Duff who scored 21 points while Corey Harkins and Josh DeMarais
had 17 points each. Team Lombardo got 26 points from Alex Ventre and another 19 points from Tim Harrick.
TEAM EMERY 73 - TEAM SIKORA 71 Team Emery got off to a fast start and had a 20-point lead at half-time but a gutsy Team Sikora fought back to make this game a real nail biter at the end. Team Emery got the two-point victory over Team Sikora. Team Emery’s Andrew Armstrong scored 25 points, Chris Cameron 16 points, while Travis Ramsey and Blake Rizzi each had 15 points in the win. Camdon Spencer exploded for 40 points and Rick Sicari dropped in 19 points in the loss.  

Spa Catholic Softball
SARATOGA SPRINGS — On Monday, May 21, Saratoga Central Catholic defeated Corinth, 10-5 in the opening Sectionals game. Julia Murdick had three RBIs and a double and Molly O’Reilly had three RBIs.

Saratoga Springs Girls Lacrosse
SARATOGA SPRINGS — On Tuesday, May 15, Saratoga Springs played Shaker and won, 18-8. Reilly Hogan had five goals and one assist; Lindsey Frank had three goals and two assists; Katie Wendell had three goals and one assist; Katie Silver had two goals and two assists; Jackie Sauer had two goals; Sophia Burke had one goal and two assists; Ella Payer and Catherine O’Hara each had one goal; Sylvie Waters had one assist; and Abigail Searles had three saves.
On Monday, May 21, Saratoga Springs played Shenendehowa and won, 14-10. In the first half they tied, each team scoring seven goals. Lindsey Frank saw five goals; Katie Wendell and Reilly Hogan each had two goals and one assist; Katie Silver had two goals; Jackie Sauer had one goal and one assist; Sophia Burke had one goal and two assists; Sylvie Waters had one goal; Ella Payer had two assists; and Abigail Searles had seven saves.

Saratoga Wilton Youth Baseball  Hosts Local Competitions
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Wilton Youth Baseball recently hosted the 2018 local competitions for Major League Baseball’s Jr Home Run Derby and Pitch, Hit & Run.  Winners in both competitions will advance to the Sectionals, with a chance to compete at Yankee Stadium and ultimately at the 2018 MLB All Star Game.
JR HR DERBY:  Tad D’Andrea
PITCH, HIT & RUN  7/8 YEAR OLDS: Cody Mills, Finnegan Crowe
PITCH, HIT & RUN  9/10 YEAR OLDS: Jack Collier, Pierce Byrne Jack Rigabar, Brady Mills
PITCH, HIT & RUN  11/12 YEAR OLDS: Jesse Mullis, Addison Sperry, Tyler Weygand.

Published in Sports
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  • New York State Police The New York State Police announced that it issued 5,576 tickets during this year’s St. Patrick’s Day enforcement initiative. The campaign began on Friday, March 15, and continued until Sunday, March 17. During the campaign, funded by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, State Police utilized sobriety checkpoints, additional DWI patrols, and underage drinking and sales to minors detail. State Police also ticketed distracted drivers who use handheld electronic devices. State Troopers arrested 132 people for DWI and investigated 199 crashes, which resulted in 25 people being injured and no fatalities. As part of the enforcement, Troopers also…

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  • BALLSTON Heather DiCaprio sold property at 473 Garrett Rd to Justine Levine for $288,000 Sharon Willman sold property at 99 Jenkins Rd to Charles Lemley for $165,000 CORINTH George Montena sold property at 422 Oak St to Stephen James for $142,250 Mark Makler sold property at 313 Oak St to Sabrina Sinagra for $195,000 GREENFIELD Landlord Services of Upstate New York sold property at 1935 NYS Rt 9N to Cochise Properties LLC for $210,000 MALTA  Linda LaBarge sold property at 35 Snowberry Rd to Qu Haozheng for $270,000 Dennis Mitchell sold property at 60 Village Circle North to BGRS Relocation…
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