Education

BOCES takes to cyberspace

Blog aims to inform and engage community on education issues

When it comes to conversations about public education, the Internet has taken up a place along with the coffeehouse and PTA meetings as a preferred forum. And the educational services group BOCES is getting in on the action.

Stress test

New standardized tests have parents, educators worried about effects on students

On Tuesday, April 16, students in third to eighth grade across New York will sit down for the first day of standardized tests that adhere to the Common Core Standards. But it has been months now that parents and educators have worried pupils are being pushed too far with the sudden shift to more rigorous standards.

South Col. budget would exceed tax cap

Savings use trimmed back while tax levy would grow 5.4 percent

The current 2013-14 budget proposal for the South Colonie Central School District would hold expenses to a 0.74 percent increase, but hike the tax levy by 5.4 percent, a full percentage point above the district’s limit under the state tax cap.

Sustainable programs fly high

In tough times, Farnsworth’s Butterfly House and garden exist through fundraisers

Farnsworth Middle School is holding a garage sale fundraiser for the student-run Butterfly House and Organic Garden programs.

Voorheesville schools to stay under cap

Board eyes 3.2 percent tax levy increase, around $450k in reductions

Despite being able to adopt a budget up to the property tax cap of a 3.9 percent increase, Voorheesville Central School District Board of Education members directed administrators to hold the line at 3.2 percent.

18th century, meet 21st century

Shaker history comes alive through virtual reality project in Watervliet

The Shaker Heritage Society is sharing the Shakers with the modern world by creating Virtual Watervliet (VWV), a digital reconstruction of their historic settlement.

Cracking the Common Core

New York’s students will start taking new standardized tests this year in the name of improving performance. So why are kids expected to fail?

Students in third to eighth grade will face English language arts and math tests adhering to Common Core Standards, national standards that were developed by looking at what students should achieve to be prepared for college.

Play’s set is something special

Loudonville actor takes over production of ‘Drums Along the Mohawk’

This summer, Loudonville actor/producer Steven O’Connor will be the director of Drums Along the Mohawk Outdoor Drama. Emphasizing New York State’s relevance to the American Revolution, for the second year in a row DAMOD will showcase a historical fiction play before a live audience directly on the soil where the action took place hundreds of years ago.

Guilderland budget cuts questioned

Students, parents plead to keep assistant coaches and enrichment

The two cuts proposed by Guilderland school officials causing the most concern among meeting attendees Wednesday, March 20, were dropping the middle school enrichment program and eliminating assistant coaching positions.

Cartography takes center stage

Rare historical maps on display at two historical Colonie locations

Running through May 5, the Historical Society of the Town of Colonie and the Albany County Historical Association are sponsoring the “Rare Historic Colonial Maps Exhibit” at the Pruyn House in Latham and King’s Place in Albany. More than 70 pieces are hanging in the two historic buildings, including maps ranging from the 1750s and 1760s depicting early colonies and drawings from the Revolutionary War, French and Indian War and Fort Ticonderoga.

Ramping up wellness

Voorheesville holds Wellness Day to encourage an active, healthy lifestyle

Voorheesville Central School District’s Wellness Committee held its second Wellness Day at the high school and middle school Thursday, March 21, which was kicked off with BMX riders soaring into the air off a ramp in the gymnasium.

Colonie music gets national recognition

North and South Colonie districts selected among best communities for music education

Both North and South Colonie school districts have been recognized as two of the best districts at which to receive a music education nationwide.

Students show love for NOLA

Group from St. Rose spends spring break in Big Easy repairing homes

Though the world’s attention was fixated on New Orleans in 2005, in the years that followed the spotlight shifted elsewhere. But for Ashley Hartman, a sophomore studying communication sciences and disorders at The College of St. Rose, out of sight does not necessarily mean out of mind.

Colonie grad lays down voice for school system

Rapper B. Martin’s ‘SUNY Anthem’ racks up views on YouTube

Brendan Martin turned his words into positive messages and not too long after graduating UAlbany 2010, and he showed off his skills to the entire SUNY system by writing “The SUNY Anthem,” released on YouTube on Feb. 27.

Students extend a helping hand

Blue Creek classes collect books, PJs for Parsons Center Head Start kids

Charitable donations tend to skyrocket during the holiday season, but they’re also traditionally followed by a lull when the snow starts to melt. But for programs like the Parsons Child & Family Center’s Early Head Start, assistance is needed year-round.

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