Niskayuna service members honored with Quilts of Valor at Glencliff Elementary
"Stitched with care and presented with pride, three Niskayuna military service members received a warm thank you at Glencliff Elementary School when they were wrapped in handmade patriotic quilts.
The red, white and blue quilts were crafted by the Southern Saratoga County Quilters as part of the national Quilts of Valor initiative, which seeks to cover service members and veterans touched by war with comfort and healing.
During the event, student speakers took to the stage to share the duties of military personnel and the importance of thanking them for their service. The student body also performed “The Star-Spangled Banner,” “This Land Is Your Land,” “Welcome Home” and “God Bless America” as a slideshow of lyrics and student drawings played behind them.
U.S. Army Reserve Warrant Officer Jonathan Coupal, U.S. Navy veteran David Hilton and U.S. Marine Corps Chief Warrant Officer Justin Staples were honored.
For Coupal, it was a privilege to have his family in the audience, including his wife, who teaches at Glencliff.
“Being in the military, sometimes I can’t be there for certain events,” said Coupal. “It’s always nice to share those moments with them.”
Staples also had family in attendance, including his two children who attend the school. His family nominated him for the honor and kept the details of the ceremony a secret until the big reveal.
Hilton, affectionately nicknamed “Bus Driver Dave,” also received a quilt at the event. He loved hearing the kids sing and sharing the moment with the students, many of whom are on his regular bus route in the district.
In the months leading up to the assembly, Glencliff students and families raised money through coin drops and other fundraising efforts to support the creation of the quilts.
“It is a privilege for Glencliff to be the first school to partner with this local chapter in such a meaningful way,” said Principal David Zadoorian.
The post Local service members receive quilts of valor appeared first on Niskayuna Central School District."
Niskayuna High School seniors sign workforce commitments at CTE ceremony
"Four Niskayuna High School seniors officially committed to entering the workforce after graduation at the annual Capital Region BOCES National Signing Day ceremony.
Students signed letters of intent with their future employers at the Career & Technical Education (CTE) Center’s Albany Campus, joining more than 70 students from other area districts.
Congratulations to the following Niskayuna students!
Xavion Sutton, New Visions: Emerging Technologies, NY Creates – Micron Apprenticeship Program
Wukianos Abbatiello, Plumbing Technology, NY Creates – Micron Apprenticeship Program
Nathanial Chotkowski, Plumbing Technology, NY Creates – Micron Apprenticeship Program
Nathan Edouard, Plumbing Technology, UA Local 7 Plumbers and Steamfitters Apprenticeship
Read more about the variety of education opportunities available to Niskayuna students.
The post Niskayuna High School students commit to workforce at CTE Signing Day appeared first on Niskayuna Central School District."
Cohoes Board of Education to Meet June 17
"The Cohoes Board of Education will meet at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, June 17 in the Middle School library. Doors will open at 5:50 p.m.
The agenda will be available on the Board of Education page.
A link to a recording of the meeting will be posted to our Board of Education page shortly thereafter.
Public Comment
Public comments should adhere to the guidelines set forth in Board Policy #1230 regarding public participation at meetings.
The post Cohoes Board of Education to meet on June 17 appeared first on Cohoes City School District."
Cohoes Students Beautify Community for Global Youth Service Day
"Cohoes High School seniors and middle school eighth graders traded the classroom for the outdoors this morning as they worked to beautify locations across the City of Cohoes in honor of Global Youth Service Day (GYSD).
Students wearing brightly colored t-shirts spent the morning weeding, raking, mulching, cleaning and bagging debris at many parks and other sites around the city. A handful of students also spent time in the classrooms of Abram Lansing, Harmony Hill and Van Schaick and visited seniors at the Cohoes Senior Center, where they played card games, set tables for lunch and even washed windows.
Students also visited St. Agnes Cemetery in Cohoes and St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Waterford where they placed flags on the graves of veterans as a tribute to their service and sacrifice in honor of the upcoming Memorial Day holiday.
GYSD is the largest youth service event in the world, celebrating the impact of young volunteers in their communities. Coordinated by Youth Service America, the event brings together millions of students, schools, organizations, and mentors to address community needs and create positive change.
Volunteering at a young age teaches students valuable lessons about responsibility, compassion, and community involvement. Events like this allow them to see firsthand how their efforts can make a meaningful difference, inspiring them to continue giving back throughout their lives.
They worked at several sites across the city:
Berkley Park
Cohoes Senior Center
Cohoes City School District Central Office
Cohoes Waterford Elks
Connect Center
Craner Park
Dooley Park
Eddy Village Green
Grestini Memorial Park
Holy Trinity
Lansing Park
Sunset Park
Tech Valley Office Interiors
United Church of Cohoes
West End/Memorial Park
The day concluded with cookouts at their respective schools to celebrate their hard work and accomplishments.
Thank you to the district’s social workers who organized this event together with city officials, business officials and church leaders: Elaine Flatow, Leni Ferner, Dana DelGenio and Kortney Conley.
The post Students beautify Cohoes community for Global Youth Service Day appeared first on Cohoes City School District."
Niskayuna honors fallen alumni and military-bound seniors at 33rd Memorial Day service
"The Niskayuna High School community gathered for its 33rd Annual Memorial Day Service to remember fallen alumni and recognize graduating seniors entering the military.
At the ceremony, district leaders, Class of 1964 alumni and members of the former VFW Lt. Vernon F. Hovey III Post in Niskayuna honored the memory of three Niskayuna High School graduates who were killed in action during the Vietnam War.
A wreath-laying ceremony honored Lt. Robert S. Cragin Jr. (Class of 1962), Lt. Vernon F. Hovey III (Class of 1964), and Pfc. Richard W. Starkey (Class of 1965).
Several special guests in attendance who served in various branches of the military were also recognized. As the organizers do every year, the 54 Niskayuna alumni veterans who passed away were also honored.
Graduating seniors planning to enter branches of the military were presented with certificates honoring their commitment to serving our country. That includes five members of the class of 2026.
Senior Sarwat Rahman enlisted with the U.S. Navy for educational opportunities and the ability to serve her country.
“After serving in the Navy, I want to work for the New York State Police as a cybersecurity specialist,” said Rahman.
Fellow senior Carter Steele plans to attend the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy after graduation.
“Military service is a big thing in my family,” said Steele. “I’m very excited to continue the legacy.”
The ceremony also featured special musical performances by students in Bel Canto Voices and Concert Band.
The post Community remembers fallen Niskayuna High School alumni at Memorial Day ceremony appeared first on Niskayuna Central School District."
