Student Art in Juried Show

Congratulations to three Guilderland High School ninth graders, Jordan Duke, Elizabeth Heuter and Taylor Johnston whose art work was selected for the annual juried high school exhibit entitled, “Horsing Around With the Arts” at the National Museum of Racing in Saratoga, New York. The winners of the exhibit will be announced at the opening reception May 9th at 7 p.m. The show runs from May 9th to June 7th.

Guilderland High School Student Research Included in Article

Congratulations to Cassie Lin, grade 11, who has done research work with practicing scientists. The science department identified high achieving juniors that would be interested in participating in a research project at the Ordway Research Institute. After reviewing student ability to meet time and academic demands of the program, students were interviewed by Dr. Lin and Mr. Bender. Cassie Lin was the student selected to participate as an assistant to the researchers. Cassie worked side by side the project's researchers leaning about research techniques and the topic of the study. The project was focused on Human Ovarian Cancer.

Concerto Competition

Each year the Guilderland High School music department holds a concerto competition. With so many talented students throughout the department the choice is difficult and highly competitive. The winner of this competition gains the privilege of a spring solo performance with one of the large ensembles. This year the music department is pleased to announce that senior, Liz Barber, will be performing the first movement of the Mozart horn concerto accompanied by the High School Symphony Orchestra.

The performance will take place in the high school auditorium on Wednesday, May 7, 2008 beginning at 7:30 p.m. The concert will also feature performances by the Concert Choir and additional orchestral works.

Congratulations to Liz for this honor.

Westmere Elementary Student Recognized in Local Essay Contest

Congratulations to Westmere fourth grader, Joseph Petitti, who participated in an essay contest sponsored by Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory. The topic was the space shuttle. He was runner up and one of the youngest entrants. Joseph’s essay will be published on May 16th in the Schenectady Gazette. On May 7th he will receive his award certificate and a savings bond at the Schenectady Planetarium. An astronaut will present the awards. His essay is attached. Amy Martin is Joseph’s teacher. She is very proud of his efforts.

Guilderland High School Teacher & Students Help with Make-A-Wish

Guilderland High School science teacher, Stacey Haas and her husband are volunteer wish granters with the Make-A-Wish foundation. They have been working on a wish for a seven year old boy in the South Glens Falls area. His wish was to have a bedroom makeover done in the spirit of “Extreme Home Makeover” in a skateboard theme. Two Guilderland High School students volunteered their time to help. EJ Genzano and Patrick Gaitor, both in grade 11, gave up a day of their vacation to drive from Guilderland to South Glens Falls to “graffiti” the doors in the boy’s room. Stacey reported these two students were excellent representatives of our district. Members of the family were present while they worked and they commented repeatedly on the politeness and work ethic of these two individuals. EJ tagged the doors with the phrase “Stay Hopeful” which actually brought the family’s grandmother and aunt to tears. Stacey writes, “Every day, I feel blessed to have the honor of teaching our future generations, but I also feel blessed to work in such a great district with tremendous kids.”

Congratulations to Stacey and her husband, EJ and Patrick for their kindness.

Farnsworth Middle School Named Finalist for Intel Schools of Distinction Awards - Farnsworth Middle School Honored for Innovative Programs Supporting Student Achievement in Science

The Farnsworth Middle School was recently named one of nine national finalists for the Intel® Schools of Distinction Awards in the Science Excellence category. The annual program honors schools for implementing innovative and replicable math and science programs that produce positive educational results. Farnsworth Middle School was recognized specifically for innovative use of technologies and extensive community service opportunities linked to its science programs. The grant was written by Demian Singleton, Supervisor of Math and Science.

As a finalist, Farnsworth Middle School will receive a $2,500 grant from the Intel Foundation. The money will be used for acquisition of new and updated science technologies (e.g., probeware and microscopy units).

Farnsworth Middle School has been recognized for its innovative and progressive science education program. The school has remained committed to community service while maintaining strong science assessment results and a rich inquiry-based curriculum. This grant will allow for a continuation of these efforts. Demian will be notified in June if Farnsworth has been selected from the pool of nine schools as a national winner of the Intel prize worth an additional $7,500 of grant funding and $150,000 of materials and supplies from the Intel Corporation.

Congratulations to Demian and the science staff for their leadership in science education.