~ The Schodack SCENE ~

Students Organize Red Cross Blood Drive- Wednesday, February 29

2012-02-22T08:32:00.000-05:00

The National Honor Society is sponsoring a Red Cross Blood Drive at the Maple Hill High School on February 29 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Individuals can e-mail teacher Jennifer Gold to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins are also welcome. Posted 2/16/12.

Look who's $having

2012-02-21T07:44:00.003-05:00

Take a look at who will be shaving their heads for a cause - support a shavee!

Wildcats are asking for your support in the cause to help "Conquer Kids' Cancer" Click here to make a donation on behalf of the Maple Hill High School Team.

Cuomo: NY, union agree on teacher evaluation plan

2012-02-19T14:03:00.003-05:00

"This agreement recognizes that students are more than a test score," Mulgrew said.

Cuomo: NY, union agree on teacher evaluation plan

Posted: Feb 16, 2012 10:09 AM EST Updated: Feb 16, 2012 5:55 PM EST

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - A statewide agreement announced Thursday will bring tougher teacher evaluations to New York public schools and make student performance 40 percent of a teacher's grade, replacing decades-old policies that relied more heavily on classroom visits and colleague opinions.

The deal reached by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, teachers unions, and state Education Commissioner John B. King Jr. would allow 60 percent of an evaluation to be based on classroom observation and other measures not related to standardized tests.

The deal broadly reflects a 2010 law passed by the Legislature to qualify for $700 million in federal education funds. King has said millions more in state aid is also tied to effective teacher evaluations.

Thursday was the deadline Cuomo had set for the parties to end their two years of talks. Otherwise, he threatened to impose his own teacher evaluation plan in a budget bill amendment, taking advantage of the extraordinary powers of a New York governor to insert policy in budget bills.

"Today's a great day for the schools within the state of New York and for schoolchildren within the state," Cuomo said. "I believe this is a better system than any system that had been contemplated or discussed until now."

Cuomo said the system was the best he's seen to reward good teachers and eliminate bad ones. He added that he will contact the U.S. Education Department, but felt confident the deal will secure the millions in Race to the Top funds.

New York State United Teachers President Richard Iannuzzi called the deal historic and said it will put "an effective teacher in front of every classroom."

The state plan now goes to local school districts, including New York City's, where local deals over specific areas such as appeals must be struck within a year. The state education commission will have to approve local teacher evaluation plans - perhaps the strongest element of Thursday's agreement.

If school districts and their unions can't agree on an evaluation system, Cuomo said he will deny a scheduled 4 percent increase in state aid. The increase totaling $800 million includes $300 million for New York City schools alone.

The plan allows for 20 percent of an evaluation to reflect student progress on state tests. Another 20 percent can be from a list of three testing options, including state standardized tests, third-party assessments or tests approved by the state Education Department and locally developed tests subject to state approval.

The agreement also creates a rating system for teachers following the evaluation. A score of 64 percent or lower would rate a teacher as "ineffective," and that could eventually lead to dismissal if the teacher does not show progress under an improvement plan.

A grade of 65 percent to 74 percent would be "developing," requiring an improvement plan and 75 percent to 90 percent would be "effective," the goal for every teacher in a classroom. A rating of 91 percent to 100 percent would be "highly effective" and those teachers would be eligible for any merit increases or other perks, as determined in local labor contracts.

The deal includes the potential for grading on a "curve," but that could be rejected by the state education commissioner.

Teacher Jeff Peneston of the Liverpool district in Central New York said his colleagues understand the need for accountability. But he notes that guidance counselors and teachers in the arts or technology won't be judged by tests because there are no standardized tests for their fields.

"Every teacher that I've worked with believes in the importance of assessment and proving that you're a credible and competent professional. It's right for teachers. It's right for kids," Peneston said in an interview. "It all sounds fine in the big picture. ... this is where I have a problem: Currently half of my colleagues are not tied to a state or national exam. Because of this split, it's a good example of just what a false idol these large standardized tests are."

The deal includes an agreement on an appeals process that had been holding up negotiations on a local evaluation system in New York City. But Mayor Michael Bloomberg and the United Federation of Teachers announced the agreement Thursday on the appeals process. But they must still agree to an overall evaluation plan to secure the $300 million increase, Cuomo said.

UFT President Michael Mulgrew hinted at tension in the local talks, saying in Albany that the deal should show Bloomberg that good education policy is the product of discussion and not simply about closing ineffective schools.

"This agreement recognizes that students are more than a test score," Mulgrew said.

In a written statement, Bloomberg said the deal will benefit generations of students.

"It will help us to create a rigorous and comprehensive evaluation system that will ensure that teachers who are rated `ineffective' can be given the proper support they need to grow - or be moved out of the classroom," Bloomberg stated. "While there are still issues that the City and UFT will be discussing in order to finalize an evaluation system, this resolves the lion's share of the most difficult issues."

King said the plan was "an extraordinary example of effective collaboration." It also creates a model that will be used to rate school principals.

"The goal is and always has been to help students - to give them every opportunity to succeed in college and careers," King said. "To make that happen, we need to improve teaching and learning. We owe it to our students to make sure every classroom is led by an effective teacher and every school is led by an effective principal."

State schools Chancellor Merryl Tisch, head of the policy-setting Board of Regents, called the agreement a significant improvement over the broader 2010 law.

"But our work is by no means over," she said. "The Regents have adopted a major education reform plan, and teacher and principal evaluations are just a part of that reform."

Make some plans!

2012-02-17T10:27:00.003-05:00

Check out What To Do!

Pizza Night @ Schodack Valley Tonight

Breakfast at Castleton Firehouse
Turkey Dinner at St. Davids and don't forget...
Fish Fry @South Schodack Fire Company

The South Schodack Fire Company will again offer Fish Fry dinners on Friday evenings from 5:15 to 7PM, at 1563 Bame Road in Castleton during Lent. Dinners will begin on Friday, February 24th. Dinners will be $8.50. Hot dogs, chicken and clam chowder will also be served. Eat-in or Take-out. Phone 732-2082.

The crew has the system down pat and serves hundreds of Fish Fry Dinners every week. 732-2082.

It's all good!

Schodack Democrats Scholarship

2012-02-16T21:06:00.005-05:00

Schodack Democrats
Contact: Linda Underwood 732-4050
News release - for immediate release - Feb. 16, 2012

Schodack Democrats Scholarship Application Now Available
The Schodack Democratic Club awards scholarships annually to high school seniors who are Schodack residents. The purpose of this non-partisan award is to encourage future student participation in and study of the United States government at the local, state and national level.
There will be two scholarships awarded prior to graduation for college bound students, one award to a graduating senior from Columbia High School and one award to a graduating senior from Maple Hill High School. A $250 scholarship will be given towards freshman year expenses at an accredited 2 or 4 year college. The scholarship will be awarded at the high school awards ceremony.
Qualifications:

Resident of Schodack
A graduating senior from either Maple Hill High School or Columbia High School who is in good standing
Has shown potential in understanding American democracy
Has successfully completed the PIG (Participation in Government) class

Application Requirements:

Complete Scholarship Application form, available at Guidance Counselor’s office (or download a copy at the Schodack Democrats website: www.schodackdemocrats.com)
Two letters of recommendation: One letter from a social studies teacher at the student’s high school and a second letter from an adult - such as a scout or other volunteer leader, employer, clergy, etc. - who has knowledge of the student's work ethic, volunteerism or community involvement.
Essay 500 – 750 words Choose one of these topics.

                    1. What does it mean to be a good citizen in a democracy? Use Schodack as an example.
                    2.   How would you put into action what you have learned in school to be a better citizen of the United States?
                    3.   What does the phrase 'All politics are local' mean to you? Use examples.

Deadline: April 20, 2012
Submit Application To:
                                 SchodackDemocratic Club Scholarship
                                 PO Box 145
                                 East Schodack NY 12063

Schodack Dems Hold Spring Fling

2012-02-16T20:46:00.001-05:00

Schodack Democrats invite you to ~Save the Date for Schodack Dems’ Spring Fling Get-together

Schodack Democrats are holding a gathering to bid good-bye to winter and hello to spring. So save the date: Monday, March 5 at 6 p.m. at Samson’s on Route 9 in Schodack. All interested individuals are welcome but space is limited so pre-registration is required. Please RSVP at our website www.schodackdemocrats.com. This is NOT a fund-raiser. The $15 price is our cost for each meal, which includes lasagna, sausage and peppers, vegetarian eggplant, salad, bread, soft drink or coffee and one glass of house wine or draft or bottled beer.
Shake those winter blues away and enjoy great conversation with your neighbors and friends.
In addition to the $15 charge for the meal, those attending the Schodack Democratic Club's Spring Fling are asked to bring a non-perishable food item that will be donated to the Food Pantry at the Anchor as part of our spring food drive.

To support Lisa Harrington

2012-02-16T19:26:00.002-05:00

I just made a donation the Susan G. Komen 3-Day™ www.the3day.org

I just made a donation the Susan G. Komen 3-Day™, a 60-mile walk for women and men who want to make a personal difference in the fight to end breast cancer. How will you make a difference?

Support Lisa - click here to donate.

Solar Panel Installation Progresses Quickly

2012-02-16T18:43:00.001-05:00

The solar panel system would only generate a small percentage of the district’s electricity. But the district would save about $12,000 a year or approximately $360,000 over the 30-year life of the system.Monolith Solar has installed similar systems on other public buildings including the Rensselaer Public Library and the Schodack Highway Garage.

Schodack CSD would be the first school district in the county to have solar panels.

$1.5 Million Budget Gap

2012-02-16T18:34:00.000-05:00

Superintendent Robert Horan provided an overview of the preliminary 2012-13 budget to the Community Budget Advisory Team on February 8, explaining how the district faces a $1.5 million budget gap and cuts possibly twice as deep as last year unless state aid is increased.

Columbia HS Students Make the Grade

2012-02-16T17:25:00.001-05:00

Columbia Students winning awards and making the grade and gaining recognition ~ locally, regionally and nationally!

2012-02-15T17:18:00.000-05:00

Click here----

Maple Hill High School's Social, Economic, and Global Awareness class is asking for your support in the cause to help "Conquer Kids' Cancer" and make a donation on behalf of the Maple Hill High School Team.

Shavee volunteers Join this St. Baldrick's event, and whether you decide to shave your head, volunteer, or donate, we hope you'll be a part of the excitement.

Winter Break at the Library

2012-02-15T16:42:00.005-05:00

Check out the library calendar!

February 18th: Mrs. Miller’s Story Hour @ 10:30 Feed the birds with Mrs. Miller! Make bird feeders and learn about how we can help birds during the winter!

February 23rd: Teen Movie Night

Join us Thursday @ 6 PM to watch "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1" (Rated PG-13) Popcorn will be served!

February 24th: Family Movie Night

Join us Friday @ 6 PM to watch "Puss in Boots" (Rated PG) Popcorn and juice will be served!

Story Hour!

Join us every Thursday @ 11:30 for our weekly Story Hour! Enjoy stories and crafts! All ages are welcome to attend.

LEGO CLUB

Meets the first Monday of the month @ 6 PM The next meeting is March 5th.

Did you know...?

2012-02-15T09:30:00.000-05:00

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE GRANT (TAG) AWARDED

A Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) has been awarded to "United Neighbors
Concerned About GE Dewey Loeffel Landfill (UNCAGED)" for the Dewey Loeffel
Landfill Superfund Site. TAG funding allows qualified community groups to
contract with independent technical advisors who can interpret and help the
community understand technical information about their local Superfund site.
More information about TAG's is available at

http://www.epa.gov/superfund/community/tag/

New! * New Document Available re: the Dewey Loeffel Landfill Site
*Dewey Loefel Update (Dec 2011) EPA update
Earlier Info can be found in Archives

SCCP

2012-02-13T08:25:00.000-05:00

Schodack Castleton Community Partnership

A community partnership working together to build a safe, respectful and substance free environment that utilizes local resources to encourage tolerance and healthy character.

Dear friends of the Schodack Castleton Community Partnership;

Please join us on Monday, February 13th at 7pm in the Maple Hill High School Library for an opportunity to help plan for the future of the coalition.

It has taken the dedication and hard work of many over the years to foster positive change and provide healthy activities in our community. At this time, our coalition is struggling to continue to carry out the mission that has served Schodack and Castleton so well.

SCCP is looking for direction and input from the people it serves. You will find attached the coalition's most recent action plan, including prevention activities and programs. Feel free to look over this document and identify the pieces that you feel are valuable and sustainable in our community.

In addition, the SCCP website is a great way to stay in touch with the coalition and all of the ongoings of the group. Visit www.schodackcastletoncoalition.org

Please RSVP to koflach8@hotmail.com if you will be able to attend this important meeting. Agenda below.

Respectfully,

Mr. Kolby Flach
Chair, SCCP

Coalition Meeting February 13, 2012 7:00pm-8:00pm
Agenda

1. Review of 1/9 Coalition meeting/minutes
2. Current Status of SCCP
3. Identifying Strategies for Leadership
4. Funding Opportunities
5. Prevention Efforts Update
6. New Business
7. Adjournment

Coalition will next meet on: March 12th, 2012 7:00pm @ M.H.H.S Library

For Immediate Release

2012-02-10T23:26:00.002-05:00

Book donations for the Castleton Library's Spring Book Sale

Contact: Nina Martino 732-7023

Subject: Friends of the Castleton Public Library Accepting Book Donations

In preparation for an upcoming Spring Book Sale, the Friends of the Castleton Public Library are accepting donations of very good condition books, DVDs and CDs. Donations can be placed in the back hallway of the Library/Village Hall (85 South Main Street, Castleton). All donations are greatly appreciated.

Schodack

2012-02-08T17:29:00.002-05:00

Schodack Blotter - the new look of the Blotter

I thought this would be so easy - I don't like it! No details, I may have to go back to the old way.

Donate today!

2012-02-08T10:08:00.001-05:00

I love this woman!

It's easy to donate. Just do it and help Lisa reach her goal!

2012-02-07T20:49:00.002-05:00

2012-13 COMMUNITY BUDGET ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Maple Hill High School Library
6:30 p.m.

AGENDA
1. Welcome Back
2. Overview of Governor’s Budget
3. 2012-13 Budget Challenges
a. 3 year previous budget reduction totaling $1.26million
b. 2012-13 budget reduction of up to $1.5million
4. Comments/Concerns
5. Adjourn

Prop 8 overturned

2012-02-07T20:15:00.001-05:00

Prop. 8 overturned in California, court says state can’t ban gay marriage

By Liz Goodwin

National Affairs Reporter

"Proposition 8 serves no purpose, and has no effect, other than to lessen the status and human dignity of gays and lesbians in California, and to officially reclassify their relationships and families as inferior to those of opposite-sex couples," Judge Stephen Reinhardt wrote in the decision. The court concludes that the law violates the 14th Amendment rights of gay couples to equal protection under the law. Access to gay marriage will remain on hold pending appeals to the decision.

Read more...

The Nook

2012-02-07T17:39:00.001-05:00

photo contributed

About 50 people gathered at the Castleton Public Library on Saturday, February 4th to officially inaugurate the Ruth Spieske Reading Nook. Ruth Spieske, who spent most of her adult life in Castleton, was a teacher by trade and a major supporter of the local library. She was on the Library Board of Trustees from 1938-1975! Mrs. Spieske died in 2007 at age 99, and bequeathed a generous gift to the library. The Trustees thought the best way to honor Mrs. Spieske was to create an area where people could gather to enjoy all the library has to offer. The cozy corner has beautiful window treatments, a colorful rug and four comfy chairs around a table, and has already proven to be extremely popular.

photo contributed

Mrs. Spieske's daughters, Evelyn Dufur and Elaine Short, cut the official ribbon to welcome the reading nook. Several of her former students were also in attendance. The daughters remembered their Mom fondly, sharing stories of her personal strength and determination and her great passion for the library.

photo by Catherine Sager

State Assemblyman Steve McLaughlin and Rensselaer County legislator Alex Shannon, both strong supporters of the library, were also in attendance. The Friends of the Library served delicious refreshments. Library Director Amy Peker and the Board of Trustees invite the entire community to come see the new reading area, grab a book, and mingle with the community!

2012-02-06T19:06:00.002-05:00

Lisa's fight! Let's help!

Lisa Harrington's Donation Page

"Regardless of your age. Regardless of any family history you may have. I want everyone to take their breast care seriously. Early detection is key. I want every woman to have the opportunity to get those monograms. For all of these reasons I am walking in this 3 day event. I will walk to pay it back for all of those who raised money before me for research that has made my treatment that much more successful. I am raising money to pay it forward for research to finally put an end breast cancer."

I love this woman.

NFL.com Blog

2012-02-06T08:19:00.004-05:00

Super Bowl
Brady, Patriots confront another grim defeat to G-Men

By NFL.com Staff | Published: February 6th, 2012

INDIANAPOLIS — Tom Brady sat slumped at his locker, facing away from reporters — away from the world — pulling up his socks.

With the stark reality of Super Bowl XLVI sinking in, the Patriots QB moved in slow motion. Expressionless. It’s the Brady you’d imagine seeing 20 years from now.

Across the locker room at Lucas Oil Stadium, DT Gerard Warren talked about an opportunity lost.

“It’s tough to take,” Warren said. “I mean, like I said, you get to the peak of the mountain. You can’t take that last step to get all the way to the top, stick your flag up and crown it. … It’s tough to take.”

In between reporters’ questions, the room was still, painfully hushed. Warren was asked if he’d taken a look at his quarterback sitting alone.

“I didn’t see him over there,” he said. “I know the whole team’s probably disappointed, the whole organization right now. Like I said, our goal wasn’t to just get to the Super Bowl, it was to finish it out the right way. We’re on the short end of the stick.”

At the lip of the room, Patriots owner Robert Kraft leaned into a confidant and asked, “What should we do?”

Someone mentioned moving on to some obligatory postgame party, but it was the furthest thing from anyone’s mind in this room.

– Marc Sessler

Hannaford Settles Tax Certiorari Lawsuit with Town

2012-02-01T23:02:00.003-05:00

The agreement, approved by the town in December, will settle the tax certiorari case which dates back to the 2008-09 tax year. As a result of the lowered assessment, Schodack Central School District will have to pay $190,547 in back taxes.

However, due to the $10.4 million reduction in Hannaford’s assessed value, property taxes for the town and school district going forward will fall more heavily on homeowners in future years.

“We anticipated this case would be resolved at some point so we put money in our tax certiorari reserve fund to cover the back taxes,” said Monica Kim, Director of Business and Support Services for Schodack CSD. “No money from our general fund will have to pay for this settlement.”

Read more...

Peace, Love and Soul

2012-02-01T22:24:00.003-05:00

Don Cornelius, ‘Soul Train’ Creator-RIP

I remember..

The formula for the show did not change much over the years, though the sets were updated and the music evolved from Motown to funk and eventually to rap. As the host every week, Mr. Cornelius, tall and powerfully built, would play the hottest songs and corral a few performers to be interviewed. They would do a song or two, sometimes live, sometimes lip-synching. He signed off each show by intoning ”Love, peace and soul.”

2012-01-31T17:30:00.005-05:00

Dollar Tree cancels meeting amid complaints from community

Posted: Jan 31, 2012 12:11 AM EST By Robert Boyd - email

Dollar Tree was supposed to hold a public meeting with the Schodack Planning Board Monday night but it was canceled after receiving several letters of complaint from members of the community.

Dollar Tree wants to develop a one million square foot distribution center in Schodack near the junction of Routes 9 and 20.

However, people who live near there are upset.

"In all their distribution centers, I believe there are eight or nine distribution centers, this is the first one that comes into a residential area," said Robert Wiltsie.

Wiltsie is one of dozens of Schodack residents concerned about Dollar Tree building a $1 million dollar distribution center less than 150 feet away from their neighborhood.

"This is a very quite area, if you come here in the afternoon at about three o'clock it's one of the quietest neighborhoods you would want to be in," said Wiltsie. "And we're really concerned because we think 150 trucks a day, particularly 24/7 in the middle of the night, if you've ever heard the back ups and the beep, beep, beeps, you know it's going to be a real problem."Wiltsie is also concerned about health issues regarding their water supply.
"We all have wells in this particular area and we have an aquifer and we're very concerned it's going to affect our aquifer," said Wiltsie.

The Dollar Tree did not return calls from News10 regarding the cancelation of the meeting.The planning board said they will not make any decisions until they have information from all sides.

I wonder if their decision will be based on the threat of a lawsuit.

Schodack neighbors retain attorney; Dollar Tree puts project on hold Read more...

~ The Schodack SCENE ~

Students Organize Red Cross Blood Drive- Wednesday, February 29

Look who's $having

Cuomo: NY, union agree on teacher evaluation plan

Cuomo: NY, union agree on teacher evaluation plan

Make some plans!

Schodack Democrats Scholarship

Schodack Dems Hold Spring Fling

To support Lisa Harrington

Solar Panel Installation Progresses Quickly

$1.5 Million Budget Gap

Columbia HS Students Make the Grade

Maple Hill High School's Social, Economic, and Global Awareness class is asking for your support in the cause to help "Conquer Kids' Cancer" and make a donation on behalf of the Maple Hill High School Team.

Shavee volunteers Join this St. Baldrick's event, and whether you decide to shave your head, volunteer, or donate, we hope you'll be a part of the excitement.

Winter Break at the Library

February 18th: Mrs. Miller’s Story Hour @ 10:30 Feed the birds with Mrs. Miller! Make bird feeders and learn about how we can help birds during the winter!

Did you know...?

SCCP

For Immediate Release

Book donations for the Castleton Library's Spring Book Sale

Schodack

Donate today!

Prop 8 overturned

Prop. 8 overturned in California, court says state can’t ban gay marriage

The Nook

NFL.com Blog

Super Bowl Brady, Patriots confront another grim defeat to G-Men

By NFL.com Staff | Published: February 6th, 2012

Hannaford Settles Tax Certiorari Lawsuit with Town

Peace, Love and Soul

Don Cornelius, ‘Soul Train’ Creator-RIP

I remember..

Dollar Tree cancels meeting amid complaints from community

Posted: Jan 31, 2012 12:11 AM EST By Robert Boyd - email

I appreciate my readers and all of the comments but let's remember, we're all neighbors. Let's keep it civil people :)

Super Bowl
Brady, Patriots confront another grim defeat to G-Men