Guilderland Students to Perform in Choir

Lori Hershenhart, music supervisor has announced that fifteen Guilderland students have been selected to participate in the New York American Choral Directors Association Elementary Honor Choir this summer. The ensemble rehearses and performs during the NYACDA Symposium held as part of the NYSSMA summer conference at the Albany Crowne Plaza hotel. Students will sing under the direction of noted composer and conductor Dr. Lori-Anne Dolloff, an associate professor at the University of Toronto. Mrs. Starr Norman, a vocal teacher at Farnsworth Middle School will be the accompanist for this event. The concert, which is open to the public, will be presented at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 12, 2008.

The 5th and 6th grade students selected for this honor include: Rachel Arnold, Leonard Bopp, Casey Conrad Chase, Ruby Collins, Kiera Jaye DeCotes, Andrew Dame, Zibby Eckhardt, Therese Giordano, Cassie Jones, Tyffany Krausse, Quinn McCutcheon, Joey Sipzner, Nicole Ciera Viola, Brandon C. Watt, and Michael Zhu. Congratulations to these fine young singers, and their teachers, Mrs. Diana Ackner, Mrs. Shannon deFrancqueville, Mrs. Kerry Dineen, Mrs. Debbie DiGrado, and Mrs. Michelle Jantson.

Guilderland Program Featured at Regents Meeting

At the June 24th meeting of the Board of Regents Guilderland, Niskayuna and Mohonasen were asked to present a report on the districts Model Transition Program grant as a representatives of all grant recipients in New York State. Congratulations to Steve Hadden, Administrator for Special Programs and his colleagues from Niskayuna and Mohonasen who made this presentation.

Assistant Superintendent Honored

Nancy Andress, assistant superintendent for instruction, has been selected by the New York State Association of Foreign Language Teachers (NYSAFLT) to receive the Senator Paul Simon Friend of Foreign Language Award. This award is given annually to someone who has demonstrated exemplary support for foreign language education. Nancy’s efforts brought the FLES program to Guilderland.

Special Education Administrators Offer Workshop

This month Crystal Fox, FMS special education administrator, and Steve Hadden, special programs administrator, offered a workshop at the School Resource Officer Training. They spoke about dealing with students with disabilities. Congratulations to Crystal and Steve.

Guilderland Nurses Honored by Chamber of Commerce

On June 5th the Guilderland Chamber of Commerce awarded the 2008 Chamber Award of Merit to the Guilderland School District Nurses. The ceremony was held at a dinner at the Italian American Community Center. Congratulations to our nurses for this richly deserved honor.

Micki Nevett Memorial at Eric Carle Museum

Micki Nevett, our beloved Westmere library-media specialist, was featured in “Sowing the Seeds: The Official Newsletter of the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art,” spring and summer edition. Micki was a Carle Museum Member. The museum has received 47 memorial gifts and $2,799 in her name. The article says, “Micki was a remarkable lady who touched many lives. She continually promoted a love of books, life, family and children."

Farnsworth Middle School Student Recognized

Congratulations to Brianna Phillips, an 8th grade student who won the Albany County George Roe Athletic Achievement Award. Kim Buckley was the teacher who nominated Brianna. Neil Breslin gave Brianna the award at a ceremony at State University at Albany.

Guilderland High School Student Recognized

Sheila Elario, art supervisor, has announced that Nick Constantino, a senior in Meredith Best’s Advertising and Design class, won a Nori award for his poster design. This is a prestigious award and is open to professional marketing and publishing companies in the Capital Region. The Nori awards are sponsored by the Albany-based club called the Ad Club and a division is held for high school students. Nick won the high school level.