Starting Monday, March 23, our local PBS station, WMHT Public Media, is offering an educational programming block targeted to support in-home learning for students in grades pre-kindergarten through 12 while area schools are closed. 

From 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, WMHT WORLD will offer programming for students in grades 4-12. Each full day line-up will cover a range of subjects including science, math, social students, history and literature. 

WMHT will also continue to offer educational programming for pre-k through grade 3 students during the day on WMHT-TV and all-day on WMHT’s 24/7 PBS Kids channel and streaming service.

For the complete programming schedule, related resources, and additional home learning opportunities, visit wmht.org/homeclassroom.

To find any WMHT channel on your television, visit wmht.org/findwmht.

The post WMHT supports at-home learning with on-air and online educational programming appeared first on North Colonie Central School District, Latham, NY.

Participate in our virtual spirit week March 23-27!

Daily Themes

Move-it Monday (March 23): There is no better way to start our second week at home than to get up, get moving and dance like no one is watching. Let’s see how North Colonie likes to move it!

Talent Tuesday (March 24): As has been said, singing has not been canceled. Art has not been canceled. Magic tricks have not been canceled. Kazooing has not been canceled. Let’s share our talents as a North Colonie community!

Workout Wednesday (March 25): You may be home, but that doesn’t mean you are not exercising, playing tag, running, doing sit-ups or practicing your planks. Let’s see how your family gets out their energy in the middle of the week!

Throwback Thursday (March 26): Nothing beats passing time by visiting a decade gone by. Leg warmers from the 80s?  Perhaps. Flannel shirt around the waist from the early 90s? Why not? How about your favorite tie-dye from the 60s?  Peace and love, my friends. We want to see what time period you choose to relive!

School Spirit Friday (March 27): We may not be in school together at this moment, but we can show our spirit no matter where we are. Doesn’t matter if you are a Southgate Gator or Shaker Bison, it is time let us see your love of our North Colonie Schools!

Use #NCSpiritWeek or email your photos to communications@ncolonie.org.

The post Participate in the North Colonie virtual spirit week March 23-27 appeared first on North Colonie Central School District, Latham, NY.

Dear North Colonie Families,

I hope that you were able to relax and find some time to rest over the weekend. I appreciate all that you are doing to support our students at home during this time. I know it is tough for many, so please remember, we are here for you and would like to assist you in any way we can. Do not hesitate to reach out to a teacher, principal or me.

We will continue to send you updates and new information as it becomes available. Please read the important information below.

WMHT supports at-home learning with on-air and online educational programming

Starting today, our local PBS station, WMHT Public Media, is offering an educational programming block targeted to support in-home learning for students in grades pre-kindergarten through 12 while area schools are closed. We hope many of you had a chance to take a look!

From 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, WMHT WORLD will offer programming for students in grades 4-12. Each full day line-up will cover a range of subjects including science, math, social studies, history and literature. Read more here.

A message from Albany County Executive Dan McCoy

Albany County Executive Dan McCoy shared a message with me over the weekend that he wanted to share with our families. Please read his letter here.

Our IT department is still here to help you!

If you or your student need IT assistance, please create a helpdesk ticket at https://nccshelpdesk.ncolonie.org. To submit a ticket, use your student’s username (without the @nccsk12.org) and password. You can also email help@ncolonie.org from your student’s email account and a ticket will automatically be created for you.

Board Meeting and Budget Committee Meeting on Wednesday, March 25

Please note the Board of Education meeting originally scheduled for Monday, March 23 has been moved to Wednesday, March 25 and will be held with the regularly-scheduled Budget Committee meeting. The meetings begin at 7 p.m.

Following CDC guidelines, these meetings will NOT be open to public attendance, but we will share a livestream link with the community on Wednesday morning. The link will also be located on the district homepage.

Child Care for Essential Personnel

The Colonie Youth Center (CYC) is working with the North and South Colonie School Districts to provide childcare for your children, grades K-6. This full day program will be located at the Rudy A. Ciccotti Family Recreation Center at 30 Aviation Rd in Colonie. 

Initial registration will include Wednesday, March 25 – Friday, April 3, and will be extended as directed. The cost is $40 per day per child. Lunches will be provided by the school districts and snacks will be provided by CYC. The structured program will run from 7am-5pm and include self-directed educational time, arts and crafts, and gym time. There will be no access to the aquatic center. Electronic devices are permissible; Wi-Fi will be available.

Transportation is not provided. Subsidized care is not available at this time. 

For more information, visit https://www.colonieyouthcenter.org/programs-services/before-after-school/. To complete an application, visit http://www.123formbuilder.com/form-5347757/form.

Social Worker Request Form

If your child is experiencing an emotional wellness concern during this unsettled time, please do not hesitate to reach out to us through this form, and one of the district’s social workers will be in touch with you to discuss strategies, skills and supports. This information will be kept confidential.

Note: this is not a request for emergency services. If your child is having a psychiatric emergency, or you fear they are a danger to themselves or others, please call 911 immediately.

Virtual Spirit Week

This week, we’re hosting a virtual spirit week on our district social media platforms! Each day has a different theme and you can learn more about them here. Be sure to participate and use the hashtag #NCSpiritWeek when sharing. We can’t wait to see what everyone comes up with each day!

I know this hasn’t been an easy time for many. If you can, I would encourage you to support the small businesses in our community. They need our help and we can all rally together to give them the boost that they need right now. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Joseph Corr
Superintendent of Schools

The post An update from the superintendent – Monday, March 23 appeared first on North Colonie Central School District, Latham, NY.

Dear North Colonie Families,

I want to thank you for your continued support as we work diligently for all of our students. I am in awe of the creativity that our students and staff members have shown since our school closing.

We will continue to send you updates and new information as it becomes available. Please read the important information below.

AP Exam Information

The College Board, which administers Advanced Placement (AP) exams nationwide, has announced that it will conduct online exams for the 2019-20 school year. The exam content will only cover material taught through early March.

This will ensure that students currently enrolled in an AP course and who pass the course will still receive college credit.

The AP tests will be administered as 45-minute online free-response exams at home. Students will be able to take the streamlined exams on any device they have access to—computer, tablet or smartphone, according to The College Board. Taking a photo of handwritten work will also be an option.

Beginning Wednesday, March 25, students and teachers can attend free, live AP review courses, delivered by AP teachers from across the country. These mobile-friendly classes are:

• Designed to be used alongside work that may be given by schools.
• Will be recorded and available on-demand so teachers and students can access them any time.
• Will focus on reviewing the skills and concepts from the first 75% of the course. 

Students in need of mobile tools or connectivity can contact The College Board.

Additional info and course-specific exam information.

Child Care for Essential Personnel

The Colonie Youth Center (CYC) is working with the North and South Colonie School Districts to provide childcare for your children, grades K-6. This full day program will be located at the Rudy A. Ciccotti Family Recreation Center at 30 Aviation Rd in Colonie. 

Initial registration will include Wednesday, March 25 – Friday, April 3, and will be extended as directed. The cost is $40 per day per child. Lunches will be provided by the school districts and snacks will be provided by CYC. The structured program will run from 7am-5pm and include self-directed educational time, arts and crafts, and gym time. There will be no access to the aquatic center. Electronic devices are permissible; Wi-Fi will be available.

Transportation is not provided. Subsidized care is not available at this time. 

For more information, visit https://www.colonieyouthcenter.org/programs-services/before-after-school/. To complete an application, visit http://www.123formbuilder.com/form-5347757/form.

Board Meeting and Budget Committee Meeting on Wednesday, March 25

Please note the Board of Education meeting originally scheduled for Monday, March 23 has been moved to Wednesday, March 25 and will be held with the regularly-scheduled Budget Committee meeting. The meetings begin at 7 p.m.

Following CDC guidelines, these meetings will NOT be open to public attendance, but we will share a livestream link with the community on Wednesday morning. The link will also be located on the district homepage.

Virtual Spirit Week

This week, we’re hosting a virtual spirit week on our district social media platforms! Each day has a different theme and you can learn more about them here. Be sure to participate and use the hashtag #NCSpiritWeek when sharing. We can’t wait to see what everyone comes up with each day!

As always, I am proud of our district and cannot thank you enough for your support. We make a great team.

Sincerely,

Joseph Corr
Superintendent of Schools

The post An update from the superintendent – Tuesday, March 24 appeared first on North Colonie Central School District, Latham, NY.

The North Colonie Central School District will be holding a Board of Education and Budget Committee meeting tonight, Wednesday, March 25 at 7 p.m. A live stream of the meeting can be found here.

The post March 25 Board of Education & Budget Commitee meeting appeared first on North Colonie Central School District, Latham, NY.

Dear North Colonie Families,

I want to remind everyone that if you have any questions or need assistance in any way, please do not hesitate to reach out to a teacher, principal or myself. We are here for you and we want to help.

We continue to follow updates from state and local agencies and we will be sure to send you any new information as it becomes available. As of right now, there are not many updates, but I want to stay connected with you all. For now, please read the information below.

Board of Education/Budget Committee Meeting Tonight

The North Colonie Central School District will be holding a Board of Education and Budget Committee meeting tonight, Wednesday, March 25 at 7 p.m. A livestream of the meeting can be found here. If you have any questions during the meeting, please email them to communications@ncolonie.org and we will get back to you by the end of the week.

Send messages to Shaker Place

If children and families wish to send a message or pictures to residents at Shaker Place Rehabilitation and Nursing Facility who are unable to receive visitors right now, e-cards can be sent to AlbanyCountyKidsCare@albanycountyny.gov. 

Virtual Spirit Week

This week, we’re hosting a virtual spirit week on our district social media platforms! Each day has a different theme and you can learn more about them here. Be sure to use the hashtag #NCSpiritWeek when sharing. We love what everyone has come up with so far. Thank you for participating!

I hope everyone is staying healthy and taking time for themselves as needed. We appreciate all of your support and all you are doing to keep your student engaged during this difficult time.

Sincerely,

Joseph Corr
Superintendent of Schools

The post An update from the superintendent – Wednesday, March 25 appeared first on North Colonie Central School District, Latham, NY.

The Board of Education approved the 2020-21 school year calendar at its meeting on Wednesday night. See the dates below. View a printable copy of the calendar.

2020-21 School Year Calendar

• July 3 – Independence Day Observed
• Aug. 13-14 – Regents Testing
• Sept. 7 – Labor Day
• Sept. 8, 9 – Superintendent Conference Days, no school for students
• Sept. 10 – Classes Begin, Gr. K-12
• Sept. 28 – Yom Kippur
• Oct. 9 – Early Release Day
• Oct. 12 – Columbus Day
• Oct. 23 – Elementary Students Half Day
• Oct. 28 – Elementary Students Half Day
• Nov. 3 – Election Day/Superintendent Conference Day, no school for students
• Nov. 11 – Veterans Day
• Nov. 19 – Elementary Students Half Day
• Nov. 25-27 – Thanksgiving Recess
• Dec. 24 – Winter Recess Begins
• Dec. 25 – Christmas Day
• Jan. 1 – New Year’s Day
• Jan. 4 – Classes Resume
• Jan. 18 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• Jan. 26-29 – Regents Testing
• Feb. 15 – Presidents’ Day
• Feb. 15-19 – Mid-Winter Recess
• Mar. 19 – Superintendent Conference Day, no school for students
• April 2 – Good Friday
• April 5-9 – Spring Recess
• April 20-22 – ELA Gr. 3-8 Test Admin.
• May 4-6 – Math Gr. 3-8 Test Admin.
• May 25-June 4 – Science Gr. 4 & 8 Perf. Admin.
• May 31 – Memorial Day
• June 7 – Science Gr. 4 & 8 Written Admin.
• June 16-24 – Regents Testing
• June 25 – Regents Rating Day
• June 25 – Last Day of School
• June 26 – SHS Graduation

The post Board approves 2020-21 school year calendar appeared first on North Colonie Central School District, Latham, NY.

Dear North Colonie Community,

Earlier this month, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that due to ongoing public health concerns related to COVID-19/coronavirus, all schools in New York state would close for two weeks, effective Wednesday, March 18. Accordingly, as of right now, we will remain closed through Tuesday, March 31. We understand that there are many questions surrounding the closure and many are wondering if it will be extended. We continue to wait for guidance from the state and we will let you know if the closure is extended as soon as we know.

Right now, our number one priority is the health and safety of our school community. We also care about the education of our students and we are doing our very best given the circumstances. Please read the important information below.

A Message on Instruction

Last Friday, I shared in my message to the community that this week would be a “transition week” for us all. On Monday, teachers began posting assignments and resources through digital platforms that they have been using throughout the year to share information with their students and their families. These platforms include Google classroom, Bloomz, SeeSaw, and Class Dojo.  

Unlike other states, New York state does not have a digital learning platform. We continue to respond to changes in real time, and we are joining other districts in the region in establishing not just digital resources but a framework for distance teaching and learning that will best meet the needs of all children should we have an extended closure.  

I also want to remind families that all students in grades 7-12 should be checking their North Colonie email for messages from teachers, in addition to Google classroom.

Tomorrow, I will be sharing a video message with the community in regard to curriculum, instruction, and where we stand moving forward. 

2020-21 School Year Calendar

The Board of Education approved the 2020-21 school year calendar at its meeting on Wednesday night. The calendar dates can be found on our district website.

Thank you for your continued patience and support. 

Sincerely,

Joseph Corr
Superintendent of Schools

The post An update from the superintendent – Thursday, March 26 appeared first on North Colonie Central School District, Latham, NY.

Dear North Colonie Families,

As of today, the Governor has extended the school closure until April 15. We still have no updates from the New York State Education Department as to the June Regents exam administration. We are closely monitoring the situation at the state and local level and will let you know if that closure is extended. 

Instruction Update

With the announcement of an extended closure, we have put together a detailed plan for instructional expectations for students. This plan will come in a separate email and it will also be featured on our district website and coronavirus updates, information and resources page.

Information for Parents about Google Meet

As the district has recently pivoted to a remote learning model for a time, you may have noticed that your child is connecting with their teacher and class through a software program called Google Meet. This powerful software is one of the 14 apps that are part of Google’s Apps for Education suite of tools. All of the Google Apps for Education are fully compliant with all federal and state student privacy regulations (FERPA, COPPA, and NYS Education Law 2-d) and are approved for use by all district elementary and secondary students. The district has a signed contract with Google providing a guarantee of a very high level of student data security. The district takes the protection of all student data very seriously. 

Our settings are such that students are not able to initiate or schedule any video conferencing on their own. However (because kids are clever) some students have found a loophole that allows them to enter a teacher initiated Google Meet video conferencing session after the teacher has finished with the session. Currently the teacher is not able to “close” or delete the completed session. However, Google has updated its Google Meet software to allow teachers the ability to close or delete Google Meet sessions once they have finished using them. This update should take effect within a couple of weeks. In the meantime, we wanted you to be aware that students can chat unsupervised with each other within Google Meet and, although student interaction and socialization is certainly encouraged, we discourage this practice in unsupervised settings.

Food Services

Even though our buildings are closed, our Food Services Department is still providing “grab and go” meals to any student in the district. There are two times for pickup, where families can receive both breakfast and lunch items. The meals will be handed out each day from 8- 8:45 a.m. and then again from 11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. The following sites are open to all of our families: Forts Ferry, Blue Creek and Shaker High School.

Families who cannot pick up meals can contact Food Services at LisaOstrowski@ncolonie.org and arrangements will be made for the meals to be delivered.

Budget Committee Meeting on Monday, March 30 postponed

The Budget Committee Meeting originally scheduled for Monday, March 30 has been postponed until Monday, April 6 at 7 p.m. Following CDC guidelines, this meeting will NOT be open to public attendance, but we will share a livestream link with the community that morning. The link will also be located on the district homepage.

We will be sending a detailed instruction plan for students and families shortly. In the meantime, I encourage everyone to unplug, spend time with their families and get outside (while practicing social distancing). Stay safe.

Sincerely,

D. Joseph Corr
Superintendent of Schools

The post Update from the superintendent – Friday, March 27 appeared first on North Colonie Central School District, Latham, NY.

Dear Members of our North Colonie Community,

As we indicated in our earlier email, the Governor has extended the school closure until April 15. Beginning Monday, March 30 we will be shifting into more of a digital learning mode with the introduction of new instruction. 

During this last week, we have worked diligently as a district and as part of a larger region under the auspices of Capital Region BOCES to establish digital resources and a framework for distance teaching and learning that will best meet the needs of all children. This shift to learning at home is designed to support students in their journey through K-12 education. Student learning remains vital as it provides the foundation for future grades, courses, and in some cases postsecondary plans. While continued learning is essential, our number one priority has always been the health and safety of our students and staff, and that priority must continue. As we work to expand instruction for students, we are mindful of the uncertain nature of the times and the stressors that our students and their families are facing. Equity in opportunities and outcomes is a vital charge of our work and actions.

What will digital instruction look like?

• Teachers have created meaningful learning opportunities for students with assignments that can be completed easily while students are at home. 
  • The instruction will focus on key learning standards for the discipline or grade level.
  • All new instruction will be recorded and will include teacher demonstration so students can watch at a time that is convenient for them.
  • Students may watch instructional videos created by their own teachers, videos created regionally or instructional videos from Khan Academy or other vetted, high quality sources for the discipline. 
  • Assignments will be able to be completed with limited resources. For example, you will not need poster boards, craft supplies, etc.
  • Resources will be directly linked to Google Classroom or the learning management system used by the teacher 
• Teachers will check their email daily and be available to students with office hours for a minimum of one hour each day.

How was the curriculum for digital learning determined?

• Teachers, working with their supervisors, have prioritized learning standards to create a focused curriculum model which provides exposure to and instruction in the most important standards/foundational learning for a course/grade. In particular, standards that are foundational for future learning in other courses/grade levels have been prioritized.
• Teachers of college courses are following instructions they have received from the affiliated colleges/universities.
• Teachers of Advanced Placement courses are following information provided by The College Board aligned with the updated exams that are being developed based on content covered from September through early March. See the College Board website for more information.

How much time should I expect my child to be spending on school work?

We all recognize that this is an incredibly stressful time. For some families, a school-like routine makes sense and provides stability. For other families, a flexible schedule works best and provides needed relief from the stress of the times. We developed these recommendations in order to be true to our mission of supporting students academically as well as socially and emotionally. One could argue that in addition to physical health, everyone’s social and emotional health is a priority right now. 

Accordingly, working internally and with other schools in the region, we have developed guidelines around how much time students should be spending on academic work. 

Each week, students should be expected to spend no more than the following amount of time on their school work at home, including: learning new material, watching instructional videos, participating in class chats, and completing assigned work:

• K-2: 3-4 hours total (all subjects) per week
• 3-4: 5 hours total (all subjects) per week 
• 5-6: 7.5 hours total (all subjects) per week
• 7-8: 1.5-2 hours for each core subject (ELA, math, science, social studies and world language) per week and 1 hour for each special area subject per week
• 9-12: 2.5-3 hours per credit bearing course per week
• Additional optional resources will be provided

These guidelines were structured as weekly guidelines with the intent of giving families the flexibility of creating daily schedules that work best for them.

How will student work be assessed?

Grades for students and awarding of course credit must be aligned with guidance from the New York State Education Department and our school district policies. We will, however, proceed with an abundance of caution with an understanding of the extraordinary times in which we are living and the extraordinary pressures families are facing. Accordingly, during this time, students will receive feedback on all work but will not be graded for their work. 

• Teachers will use varied forms of informal assessments and assignments with opportunities for revision, resubmission and remedial supports.
• Feedback will be provided to students on assignments that are submitted. Feedback will indicate whether or not the student has demonstrated learning of the content and standards. 
• If in-person classes resume prior to the end of the year, the district’s traditional grading practices will resume.

During these unprecedented times, we realize more than ever the strength of our community. We are proud to be your partners in this endeavor and we are here to support you as we navigate our new reality together.

Take care of yourselves, your loved ones, and each other.

Sincerely,

D. Joseph Corr
Superintendent of Schools

Kathleen Skeals
Deputy Superintendent

The post An update on instruction – March 27 appeared first on North Colonie Central School District, Latham, NY.

Dear North Colonie Community,

As we begin another week away from one another, I want to remind you that we will continue to share important updates as we get them. Please read the new information below.

Chromebook Distribution

We have a limited number of chromebooks available (primarily for grades K-4). If you need a chromebook, please fill out this form as soon as possible. You’ll receive a confirmation email letting you know when a chromebook has been assigned and prepped for your student. Your confirmation email will indicate the date, time and location to pick up your chromebook.

April Middle School Forums Postponed

With the extended closure, our middle school forums scheduled for April 1 and April 20 have been postponed. We are currently re-assessing and we will inform parents once we have established new dates.

Nonpublic Transportation Deadline Extended to April 15

Today, the State Education Department extended the deadline for requests for transportation to charter and nonpublic schools from April 1 to April 15, 2020. More information and a request form can be found on our district website.

Thank you for all you are doing to support our students. As always, please reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

D. Joseph Corr
Superintendent of Schools

The post Update from the superintendent – Monday, March 30 appeared first on North Colonie Central School District, Latham, NY.

Dear North Colonie Families,

As you are likely aware, on March 27, Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued an executive order closing schools until at least April 15. During this time, schools are required to provide continuity of instruction, meals for students and childcare resources every weekday, including days originally part of the previously scheduled spring break. Accordingly, we at North Colonie will continue to provide remote instruction for every weekday between now and April 15.

We will continue to monitor all available guidance and directives and keep you informed if anything changes.

Please visit our website for the following information:

• Instructional resources and information for students and families;
• Meal distribution times and locations; and
• Childcare resources for families of essential workers.

We recognize that this is a stressful and challenging situation. We’re here to support you through it, and know that you are managing many personal and professional responsibilities. We would like to remind you of something that we often tell our students: All we can do is our best. We’ll get through this together.

Thank you all for your continued patience, understanding and support.

Sincerely,

D. Joseph Corr
Superintendent of Schools

The post An update from the superintendent – Tuesday, March 31 appeared first on North Colonie Central School District, Latham, NY.

Dear North Colonie Families,

Thank you for your continued support. We wanted to share some important updates with you.

Annual School Budget Vote and Board Elections Postponed

According to the governor’s executive order released last week, any school board, library board, or village election scheduled to take place in April or May of 2020 is hereby postponed until at least June 1, 2020, and subject to further directive as to the timing, location or manner of voting for such elections. We will continue to keep the community updated as we learn more.

Additionally, circulation, filing, and collection of any designating petitions, or independent nominating petitions for any office that would otherwise be circulated or filed pursuant to the Election Law, Education Law or any other consolidated law for any office commencing March 31, 2020 are hereby postponed. This includes petitions for Board of Education candidates.

Charging Chromebooks

I want to remind our students and families NOT to charge Chromebooks (or any device) on soft surfaces such as beds, couches, plush chairs, etc. This could potentially cause a fire and we want to make sure everyone is charging their devices in a safe environment.

Assignments for Students in Grades 7-12

Beginning tomorrow, teachers will track assignments that are turned in using Infinite Campus. Instead, we are using this tool to keep in touch with families and try to track student progress at home. We realize these are challenging times for our families. Please note that the purpose of checking assignments is not to place additional pressure on students or families, but as a means by which we can make sure that our connection to our students remains strong.

Pursuant to our instructional guidelines, we will not be grading any work that is submitted. We will only be providing feedback and assessing student progress and growth.

Please continue to take care of yourselves and set aside some time to unplug. I am proud to be part of the North Colonie community.

Sincerely,

D. Joseph Corr
Superintendent of Schools

The post An update from the superintendent – Wednesday, April 1 appeared first on North Colonie Central School District, Latham, NY.

Check out the “Blue Creek Shows Peace” video that was posted on district social media.

We miss you all!

The post Video: Blue Creek Shows Peace appeared first on North Colonie Central School District, Latham, NY.

Alvira (r) poses with her first place trophy.

In late February, junior Alvira Tyagi became the first Shaker High School student to win the regional Brain Bee competition at Albany Medical College.

The Brain Bee is a neuroscience competition where 40 students from around the region compete against one another. The goal is to motivate students to learn about the brain and to inspire them to pursue careers in neuroscience so they can help treat and find cures for brain disorders.

“Studying and researching in the field of neuroscience has been vital in showing me the complexity of the brain, and how critical it is to understand the nervous system thoroughly, as it not only works to produce thoughts and emotions, but it also controls immensely important body functions such as breathing,” Alvira said. “Studying for the Brain Bee, along with researching for my lab, has allowed me to take on my own part in working to improve the lives of the 50 million afflicted dementia patients worldwide. I am so grateful for everything this field has given me and all of the powerful knowledge I have gained as a result of my work.”

Alvira does research in a lab at Albany Medical College that studies neurodegenerative disorders, specifically Alzheimer’s, and how gender affects cerebrovascular pathology, and thus contributes to dementia. One of her long-term goals is to help develop gender-specific therapeutic strategies to improve cognitive function in Alzheimer’s patients.

Alvira will now move on to the national USA Brain Bee Championship at Northeast Ohio Medical University, which has been postponed due to the coronavirus.

The post SHS junior Alvira Tyagi wins local Brain Bee competition appeared first on North Colonie Central School District, Latham, NY.

Check out this special video message from our friends at Forts Ferry that was posted on the district’s Facebook page.

We miss you all!

The post Video: Forts Ferry Rainbow Message appeared first on North Colonie Central School District, Latham, NY.

Dear North Colonie Families,

As you may be aware, Governor Cuomo has extended our closure and announced earlier today that schools will now be closed until April 29. We will continue to instruct and support our students and families through this time and I want you to know how much I appreciate your help as well. This is certainly a time we could have never anticipated, but with your help, we are working through it and will continue to do so. We are in this together and that will not change.

Please read the following updates:

Regents Exams

Also announced earlier today, the New York State Education Department cancelled Regents exams for June. We are expecting significant guidance from the state as to what this means for our students. We will update families as soon as we learn more.

Food Services Update

On Thursday, April 9, families who are picking up meals will receive meals for Thursday and Friday. There will be no pick-up on Friday, April 10. Normal pick-up days will resume on Monday, April 13. If you have any questions, please contact Lisa Ostrowski.

Budget Committee Meeting Tonight, Monday, April 6

The North Colonie Central School District will be holding a Budget Committee meeting tonight, Monday, April 6 at 7 p.m. A live stream of the meeting can be found here. If you have any questions in regard to the presentation, please email communications@ncolonie.org and we will get back to you by the end of the week.

While today’s message from Governor Cuomo was encouraging, we must remain vigilant and do our part to stay safe and flatten the curve. Thank you.

Sincerely,

D. Joseph Corr
Superintendent of Schools

The post An update from the superintendent – Monday, April 6 appeared first on North Colonie Central School District, Latham, NY.

Below are links to Dr. Lobdell’s weekly call out videos:

• Week of March 30
• Week of April 6

The post Forts Ferry Weekly Call Out Videos appeared first on North Colonie Central School District, Latham, NY.

Dear North Colonie Families,

We received clarification that Governor Cuomo’s closure announcement is through April 29. The earliest we would return to school is Thursday, April 30. We will continue to update you if this changes and as we learn more information.

Please read the following updates:

Course Credit Update

The New York State Education Department (NYSED) has announced that students will be able to earn diploma credit for courses without taking regents exams as long as they pass those courses. More information about the details of these requirements will be provided to affected students in the days ahead.

Food Services and Instruction

Per New York State Education Department directive, we are now providing meals to ANY student under the age of 18, no matter what school they attend. They do not need to live in the North Colonie School District.

Our teachers have been in contact with students and their families to provide instructional materials, and will continue to do so throughout this extended closure in accordance with the district’s plan for continuing instruction. More information on both topics can be found on our district website.

Thank you for your continued patience and support. We will provide you with more information as it becomes available and continue to communicate with families via email and our district website.

Sincerely,

D. Joseph Corr
Superintendent of Schools

The post An update from the superintendent – Thursday, April 9 appeared first on North Colonie Central School District, Latham, NY.

Dear North Colonie Families,

I hope you all had a relaxing weekend. For those who celebrated recent holidays it was certainly different this year. I hope you were all able to make the best of it as we continue to work our way through this challenging time. As we start another week meeting and teaching through online platforms, we want you to know we are doing our very best to keep students engaged. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher or school principal.

Please read the following updates:

Kindergarten School Placement

We understand that parents of registered kindergarteners were told they would find out their child’s building placement at the end of this month. Due to the school closure, these decisions will now be delayed until early June. We will be following up with another email to all impacted families.

Spring Break Clarification

In a previous update (on March 31) I mentioned that Governor Cuomo is requiring schools to provide continuity of instruction, meals for students and childcare resources every weekday, including days originally part of the previously scheduled spring break. This was sent when our original closure was only until Wednesday, April 15. Now, we are currently closed through April 29. Accordingly, we will continue to provide remote instruction for every day this week, which was previously deemed spring break.

Jr. High/High School Update

For all families with students in the junior high or high school, please be on the lookout for an email coming from Principal Chamberlain and Principal Murphy regarding third quarter grades.

Online Learning Flyer

Please view this flyer with some reminders and tips for online learning. We hope this will serve as a reminder that it’s important to have a schedule/routine, reach out for help and do your best.

Never forget, we are in this together. We are here to help. Stay healthy and safe.

Sincerely,

D. Joseph Corr
Superintendent of Schools

The post Update from the superintendent – Monday, April 13 appeared first on North Colonie Central School District, Latham, NY.