The South Colonie Central School District held a day of celebration as it inducted the Colonie Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2023 during its annual Homecoming festivities. This year’s induction held a special significance as it occurred amidst the backdrop of the school district’s 75-year legacy.

The celebration took place before the Homecoming game on Friday, Oct. 6 at Colonie Central High School. 

The following were inducted into this year’s class (Name, HOF Category, Graduation Year, Sport):

• • Kyle Brown – Athlete, (2000) Baseball
  • Brian O’Keefe – Athlete, (2011) Baseball
  • Barbara Leicht-Bowers – Teacher/Coach, Boys and Girls Bowling
  • Paul Mason – Athlete, (1972) Basketball, Football, Track
  • 1970-1971 Boys Basketball Team

“We were immensely proud of the achievements of our athletes and the spirit they had brought and continued to bring to our school community,” said South Colonie Athletic Director Bill Roemer. “This Hall of Fame induction is not just about acknowledging past accomplishments; it is about inspiring current and future generations to push boundaries and embrace competition and sportsmanship.”

The ceremony was a moving tribute, showcasing the extraordinary feats and dedication of the Class of 2023 inductees. Their accomplishments, both on and off the field,  serve as a testament to South Colonie’s sports legacy.

Link to Program: Read all about our 2023 inductees here.

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How did this project get started?

In 2018, Ms. Corigliano and her students read an article in the Time For Kids magazine about the monarch butterfly. They learned all about this wondrous creature but we also learned that the monarch population was declining at an alarming rate. In the article, scientists shared their concern about the eventual extinction of this species and shared some solutions to help prevent this extinction. They decided that they wanted to be a part of the solution. That 2018 class started this whole project by planting their very own milkweed garden.This would help to provide their monarchs with the host plant they rely on for survival. This same milkweed garden continues to offer Lisha Kill’s monarchs a safe haven year after year, as more fifth grade classes follow in the footsteps of their predecessors, releasing these life-giving pollinators back into the local ecosystem.

What is the lasting impact of this project?

This project has such potential for students to make positive changes that this team of teachers wanted to include it into their science class as a yearly tradition. In September of 2019, Ms. Corigliano ordered Monarch larvae and the students became caregivers, observers, scientists as we watched this creature grow. Although the original focus was never on the life cycle of the butterfly, participants found it impossible not to be amazed at this metamorphosis. Students’ natural curiosity led to investigation and research.  The students learned so much about this insect as they watched them grow. The release was magical and all the students walked away with an unforgettable experience and for some, a new love and passion.

This unforgettable experience has become a staple for Lisha Kill’s fifth grade science learners. By learning that even the smallest of insects have so much to offer us, students not only take away invaluable lessons about the complexities of the world around us, but also the importance of patience, and taking a moment to enjoy every process of life, and growth, no matter how small.

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Colonie Central High School welcomed former world class professional lacrosse player and coach, Rex Lyons to the classroom this week. Lyons shared his personal story with students highlighting the significant cultural and spiritual connection he has with lacrosse.

“We wanted to bring Rex Lyons to our school because of his unique story,” said associate principal Melissa Judge. “Not only does it align with our DEI initiatives but we believe that learning from someone as passionate and knowledgeable as him can inspire our students to appreciate the deeper significance of sports and how they can contribute to building a stronger, more united community.”

Lyons was on the original Iroquois Nationals lacrosse team (now Haudenosaunee Nationals). He  currently serves on the Haudenosaunee Nationals Board of Directors and is president of the Haudenosaunee Nationals Development Group, a non-profit organization he co-founded. 

When sharing with the students, he spoke about how lacrosse is an extension of who he is and his culture. ¨Lacrosse is our gift to the world…When you’re holding the stick you’re holding the past, present and future.¨ He went on to further explain that the community formed from the game and its generational importance which is a sentiment he hopes to pass down to his grandchildren.

In addition to his personal connection to the game, Lyon discussed how lacrosse teaches students the value of hard work, dedication and commitment. “The team environment makes kids grow together and work together,” he said.  “To give back and make a difference.” 

Lyons concluded his presentation while sharing his knowledge and love for the sport of lacrosse. Not only did he share the essence of the sport but also imparted a timeless message of unity, commitment and community-building leaving a lasting message for students.  “My hope is for all of us to look away from our phones once in a while and see we are in charge of making a difference not only for ourselves but for the larger community.” 

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The online store will be open until October 15 with a delivery window of Oct. 30- Nov. 3. Shop the 75th Anniversary Merchandise Store now 

The 75th Anniversary Merchandise Store isn’t just a platform for purchasing items; it’s a way to connect with the school’s history and be part of a special milestone. Proceeds from merchandise sales will support the 75th Anniversary Scholarship Fund, contributing to educational opportunities for Colonie students.

Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to be part of Colonie’s history and celebrate 75 years of excellence. 

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In the heart of our school district’s rich history lies a story of creativity. Our Alma Mater, a symbol of pride and unity, was born in 1956 through the collaboration of two talented students, senior Patrick Longo and junior Judy Hoffman. Set to the timeless melody of “Love Me Tender” by Elvis Presley, the Alma Mater has become an enduring emblem of our district.

But did you know that the melody itself carries a history that predates the Alma Mater’s creation? “Love Me Tender” may have been popularized by Elvis in ’56, but its roots trace back to the Civil War Era. The original tune, known as “Aura Lee,” was written by William Whiteman Fosdick, and composed by George Rodway Poulton. This remarkable connection between our Alma Mater and this Civil War-era folk song adds a unique layer to our district’s legacy.

The Alma Mater holds a special place in our hearts and is a testament to the enduring spirit of our students and their dedication to participating in the preservation of our legacy. It is a song that resonates with generations of alumni and current students alike. At significant events such as Graduation and pep rallies, the Alma Mater comes to life through the performances put on by our high school Chamber Singers. Their renditions evoke a sense of unity and nostalgia, reminding us of the bonds that tie our school community together.

As we continue to celebrate our district’s history and the legacy of our Alma Mater, let us remember the creativity of Patrick Longo and Judy Hoffman, who penned its heartfelt lyrics. Their contributions have left an indelible mark on our district, serving as a testament to the talent and dedication of our students over the years. Our Alma Mater remains a cherished tradition, a song that echoes through the halls of our schools, connecting past, present, and future generations.

The Colonie alma mater as written and published in the 1955 Rougetor reads:

“Gathered round, our banner bright,

Our hearty cheers we’ll raise.

Alma Mater we will sing,

United in our praise.

Chorus:

Solemnly, reverently, praises do we sing. 

Truth and goodness gave thou us, 

Our loyalty give we.

Quickly though the years pass by

And when at last we leave thee,

Colonie we’ll ne’er forget

The joys we’ve shared with thee.” 

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Forest Park Elementary School kicked off the new school year with a message about responsibility during their first morning program assembly. This week’s assembly took place in the school’s cafeteria, where students and staff gathered to explore the theme of responsibility.

ENL teacher Briana Gualtieri opened the assembly with a warm welcome, emphasizing the vital role these assemblies play in creating a sense of community and shared values among students. This month’s theme, responsibility, was chosen to instill in the students the importance of taking ownership of their actions.

“Character development, also known as character education, plays a vital role in shaping our students and fostering a positive school community, “said Forest Park Principal William Luke. “Research has shown that character building initiatives can have a range of positive effects on students and their educational experience including higher academic performance, improved overall attendance, and enhanced self-esteem.”

During the event, students engaged in trivia, celebrated September birthdays, and delved into this month’s Mindful Life Lesson Bulletin Board project.

The assembly concluded with the entire school reciting Forest Park’s mission statement: Forest Park citizens will demonstrate good character and work together to achieve our personal best.

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The dedicated teachers at Roessleville Elementary School recently gathered the entire student body for a special assembly focused on understanding and managing emotions. The event, held in the school’s cafeteria, aimed to introduce students to a valuable tool known as the “Zones of Regulation.”. 

The assembly provided information on the simple yet powerful framework designed to help students recognize and manage their emotions effectively. 

A critical aspect of this curriculum is that all team members know and understand The Zones language. This creates a comfortable and supportive environment for the student to practice their self-regulation skills. It also helps the student learn the skills more quickly and be more likely to apply them in many situations.

“The assembly concluded with the message that It’s okay to feel all emotions, but it’s important to know how to manage them effectively,” said Roessleville principal Marybeth Tedisco. “Our teachers emphasized that recognizing how you are feeling and having the strategies to help regulate your emotions will not only improve emotional well-being but also academic performance and relationships with peers.”

Roessleville Elementary School’s commitment to nurturing the emotional well-being of its students shines as a beacon of hope. Through initiatives like this assembly, they are not just educating young minds but also empowering future generations with the tools to navigate life’s emotional challenges with confidence and resilience. The success of this assembly proves that knowledge, when shared with love and dedication, has the power to change lives for the better.

More about the Zones of Regulation can be found here https://zonesofregulation.com.

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Here are some key details about the new EV chargers:

Availability

The EV chargers are open for use by the public. We kindly request that only EV users park in these designated spaces to ensure access for those who need to charge their vehicles.

Charging App

To access and utilize the EV chargers efficiently, please download the Livingston app, which will help you locate and utilize the charging stations with ease. The app is user-friendly and provides real-time information on charger availability.

• Apple App Store: Download Here
• Google Play Store: Download Here

Pricing

The initial pricing for EV charging will be $0.30 per kWh, subject to adjustments as necessary.

Questions

If you have any questions regarding the EV chargers, please do not hesitate to contact Jacqlene McAllister at mcallisterj@scolonie.org. She will be  assist you with any inquiries you may have.

Technical Issues

In the event of technical problems or issues with the charging stations themselves, please direct your concerns to Livingston, our EV charging service provider.  Information about how they can be reached is available on the charging station.

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Celebrating 75 Years of Excellence

Since its inception, South Colonie School District has been a beacon of excellence in education. For 75 years, we’ve been committed to providing our students with the tools, resources, and support they need to succeed academically and in life. Our anniversary is not just a celebration of our history; it’s a tribute to the generations of students, educators, and community members who have contributed to our success.

South Colonie partners with Dollars for Scholars

To mark this extraordinary milestone, South Colonie is launching the “Dollars for Scholars in Honor of 75 Years” Campaign in partnership with Dollars for Scholars. We warmly invite you to contribute to the South Colonie Alumni Scholarship Fund, which symbolizes our district’s 75 years of remarkable progress.

The funds raised through the “Dollars for Scholars in Honor of 75 Years” Campaign will directly benefit South Colonie’s alumni scholarship fund, which provides vital financial assistance to deserving students pursuing higher education. Your donation, whether it’s $1, $5, $10, or more, has the power to significantly impact a student’s educational journey, whether they aspire to attend college, vocational school, or pursue a career in various fields.

How to Contribute

Contributing to the “Dollars for Scholars in Honor of 75 Years” Campaign is a straightforward and meaningful process. You can make your donation securely online through our partnership with Dollars for Scholars. Either scan the QR code below or make a donation here. Each contribution, no matter the amount, contributes to our shared legacy of providing educational opportunities for South Colonie’s students.

Celebrating Together

Join us in making a profound impact on the lives of South Colonie students. Your contribution to the “Dollars for Scholars in Honor of 75 Years” Campaign is a tangible way to shape the future of our community and uphold South Colonie’s legacy of excellence.

Thank you for being a part of this special journey! More information about our 75th Anniversary can be found here. 

More information about dollars for scholars can be found here: https://southcolonie.dollarsforscholars.org.

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Colonie Central High School senior, Ryan Staley, has achieved the impressive status of being named a Semifinalist in the 2024 National Merit® Scholarship Program. The announcement was made on September 14 by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, based in Evanston, IL. This prestigious recognition is part of a nationwide competition that offers nearly $28 million in scholarships in the upcoming year.

Out of a pool of over 1.3 million juniors from approximately 21,000 high schools who entered the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2022 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®), Ryan Staley has distinguished himself as a Semifinalist. This achievement places him among an elite group, representing less than one percent of high school seniors in the United States. The number of Semifinalists in each state is proportional to the state’s percentage of the national total of graduating seniors.

Senior Class Principal Brian Scalzo commended Staley, stating, “To be recognized as a National Merit Finalist is a huge honor for students because it represents years of hard work and dedication to learning. Congratulations to Ryan on this honor. We are proud of his accomplishment and commitment to his future.”

The next step for Staley and the CCHS faculty is to compile a comprehensive scholarship application. This application will include details about Staley’s academic record, school and community involvement, an essay, and supporting SAT or ACT scores, all of which demonstrate his exceptional performance in the preliminary examination.

The final roster of 2024 National Merit Scholarship winners will be unveiled nationwide beginning in April. For more information about this achievement, please visit https://www.nationalmerit.org.

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