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.

The post Learning Through Nature: Lisha Kill’s Butterflies appeared first on South Colonie Central School District – Colonie, NY.

With a rich history of educational excellence and community spirit, the South Colonie School District is now adding an inspiring chapter to its legacy by fostering a culture of kindness that resonates far beyond the classroom walls.

The campaign, conceived to honor the district’s 75 year legacy, is an invitation for students, teachers, parents, and community members to collectively engage in acts of kindness that make a positive impact. The campaign’s design is strategic – focusing on simple acts that collectively create a substantial positive change.

“More than celebrating the passage of time, this campaign is about celebrating the power of kindness that unites us all,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. David Perry.  “Our building level activities committee led by Sand Creek principal Michael Marohn developed this idea with the  aim to inspire not only our students but the entire community to embrace the beauty of giving back.”

South Colonie’s commitment to the campaign is echoed in its curriculum. 

“Community is one of our four pillars,” Perry added. “From having the opportunity for students to support the larger community through activities like our Toys for Tots campaign or iCare students at the high school raising money year round for a cause, community involvement and support is at the heart of what we do.”

Community members can also join the cause, pledging to participate and share their own acts of kindness using the campaign’s official hashtag,  #ProudlyColonie75Acts or by emailing photos to ProudlyColonie@scolonie.org.

As the school year unfolds, South Colonie is set to showcase the impact of these acts through regular updates, demonstrating the positive change that arises from collective kindness.

For more information on our 75th Anniversary and related activities please visit https://www.southcolonieschools.org/proudly-colonie-celebrating-75-years/.  For suggestions and ideas on daily act of kindness, please view our Kindness Calendar here. 

Embrace Kindness: 10 Sample Suggestions

• Ask someone how they are feeling today.
• Tell a friend why you are proud of them.
• Listen to someone and offer encouragement.
• Validate someone’s feelings.
• Use positive self- talk today.
• Apologize to someone.
• Offer to help a classmate or teacher.
• Forgive a mistake.
• Say thank you to a custodian.
• Leave a kind post-it in a library book.

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Supply List by Grade

• • 5th Grade Supply List
  • 6th GradeSupply List
  • 7th Grade Supply List 
  • 8th Grade Supply List

The post Lisha Kill School Supply Information 2023-24 School year appeared first on South Colonie Central School District – Colonie, NY.

Lisha Kill Middle School students, faculty, and families came together to celebrate the eighth-grade students who will be entering the high school in September. 

“It has been my tremendous honor to work with these students this year. In my many years of working with cohorts of students, I cannot tell you how often our staff comments to us on how much they love working with this kind and appreciative group of students,” Lindsay Tresansky, Principal of Lisha Kill Middle School.

Traditional ‘Moving Up’ ceremony elements continued this year including welcome remarks, awards, and of course presentation of the students. The ceremony was accompanied by the sixth and seventh-grade Chamber Orchestra.

Students were addressed by Mr. David Pace, Associate Principal at Colonie Central High School, to welcome them to the new building. Students receiving awards were recognized throughout the program.

“The past four years at Lisha Kill, while you all took different paths to get here, you made it to this important day. You each have had your own unique experiences and have learned different lessons along the way.  Remember that you will continue to take different paths once you leave in search of whatever goal is next,” said Lindsay Tresansky

We also congratulate  Associate Principal at Lisha Kill Mr. Leahey on his retirement after 25+ years of service to the South Colonie Central School District.

The post Celebrating Lisha Kill 8th Graders Moving to High School appeared first on South Colonie Central School District – Colonie, NY.

Classes to be held at Lisha Kill Middle School

Click here for a printable version.

Course Offerings

High School

• English 9, 10, 11
• Algebra 1
• Algebra 2
• Geometry
• Global 9, 10
• U.S. History & Government
• Earth Science
• Living Environment
• Chemistry
• Health
• Economics
• Physical Education
• Spanish 2, 3 (NYCAL Checkpoint A exam TBD)

Middle School

• English 7-8
• Math 7-8
• Science 7-8
• Social Studies 7-8

Summer Calendar

High School & Middle School Hours

Session 1 : 7:30—9:10 a.m.
Session 2 : 9:15—10:55 a.m.
Session 3 : 11:00-12:40 p.m. (if needed)

Important Dates

• Wednesday, June 28; Registration Resident West Wing Cafeteria HS
• Thursday, June 29; Resident and Non-Resident Registration West Wing Cafeteria HS
• Wednesday, July 5; Classes Begin
• Tuesday, August 15; Last Day of Classes
• Thursday, July 13; Deadline for Walk-in Regents Registrations
• Wednesday, August 16; Regents Examinations
• Thursday, August 17; Regents Examinations & Teacher Rating Day

First day of classes is 7/5. Classes run Wednesday to Friday for the first week. Last day is 8/15.

Attendance

Every student is required to attend a minimum of 23 class sessions out of 25 days of instruction. Absence for special events (for example, previously scheduled vacations, sporting events, camps, court appearances, etc.) is not excusable. These absences will count as regular absences. Students who miss more than 2 classes will be dropped from class. A tardiness of 15 minutes or more will be considered an absence. Minutes being late will be added up.

Code of Conduct

No smoking, no vaping, possession of weapons, illegal drugs or alcoholic
beverages. Violence or any disruptive behavior is not permitted at any time. Offenders will be dropped from the summer school program. Summer School is a closed campus. Students are NOT allowed out of the building between classes. All South Colonie Central School District Code of Conduct regulations will be enforced.

Parking: Licensed drivers may drive to Summer School and park on campus.
Vehicles must be registered and insured. Students may park ONLY in the lot closest to Waterman Avenue. Vehicles parked in other areas may be towed.

Dress Code: Hoods must be kept down; No hats.

Chromebooks: Students are expected to bring their Chromebooks with them every day. Students who attend districts other than South Colonie should bring the device issued to them by their home school. Usernames and passwords will be provided to connect to South Colonie’s wifi.

Registration Information

• CCHS student registration will be held on June 28 and June 29 from 8:30-11 and 12:30-2:30 at the West Wing Café.
• At this time school counselors will be  available to answer questions and meet with parents and students.
• Non-resident students must have letter on school stationery signed by an authorized school official and their final report card.
• Fees/Tuition will be refunded only if a class is canceled due to insufficient enrollment. In general, minimum of 10 students is necessary to run a class.
• Requests to take examinations for Regents must be in writing and signed by an authorized school official.

7 and 8 grade student registration

All 7th & 8th grade student DO NOT need to register at the high school. Middle school counselors will sign students up for their subjects. All information (student schedules & bus routes) will be mailed home.

Fees & Tuition

Tuition for non-residents : $400.00 per course

Walk-In examination for non-residents : $25.00 per exam

(Cash or check payable to South Colonie schools. No credit cards.)

Drivers Ed

Please note that the drivers education program will not be running in Summer 2023. We will have certified instructors and staff to resume the program in Summer 2024.

Bus Schedule

Click here to see the bus schedule.

The post 2023 Summer School Program appeared first on South Colonie Central School District – Colonie, NY.

Participation in these festivals builds confidence, self-esteem, musicianship, and leadership.  Congratulations to these talented students from Lisha Kill!

• Andrew Auger – Level 3 Snare Drum
• Nathan Bautista – Level 3 Alto Saxophone
• Ikenna Emuchay – Level 1 Alto Saxophone, Perfect Score!
• David Fiadjoe – Level 1 Trumpet
• Robert Greco – Level 2 Trombone
• Audrey Hall – Level 2 Clarinet
• Owen Hinckley – Level 1 Snare Drum
• Easton Hunsaker – Level 1 Trumpet
• Avery Mackenzie – Level 2 Clarinet, Perfect Score!
• Ellington McCoy – Level 3 Trombone, Perfect Score!
• Sara McDowell – Level 1 Flute
• Keegan Niekarz – Level 3 Trombone
• Aiden Potka – Level 3 Tuba
• Eddie Robertson – Level 2 Marimba
• Zach Rowe, Level 2 Snare Drum
• Nathan Sacks – Level 1 Alto Saxophone
• Noah Silverman – Level 2 Alto Saxophone
• Olivia Strohmeier – Level 2 Clarinet
• Tran Thieu – Level 4 Baritone
• Sean Willcoxen – Level 2 Snare Drum 
• Armani Acosta – Level 2 Bass
• Kendall Barrett – Level 2 Viola
• Anna Bender – Level 2 Viola, Perfect Score! 
• Emily Bernard – Level 2 Violin
• Elijah Blankson – Level 2 Cello 
• Alison Counsell – Level 1 Viola
• Samantha Cutler – Level 2 Bass, Perfect Score! 
• Rami Fox – Level 3 Violin 
• Evan Graves – Level 2 Violin 
• Samantha Hansen – Level 2 Viola 
• Natalie Hoffman – Level 2 Violin
• Braeden Jachym – Level 4 Cello
• Joseph Kahil – Level 2 Bass
• Anna Koon – Level 1 Viola, Perfect Score! 
• Danielle Marra – Level 2 Cello
• Ella O’Hare – Level 2 Violin
• Audrey Owens – Level 2 Cello 
• Abbi Purvis – Level 4 Cello
• Mikaella Ruff – Level 2 Cello
• Kaylyn Tran – Level 3 Viola 
• Kennedy Triblet – Level 2 Viola
• Abby Santspree – Level 2 Chorus

The post Lisha Kill Band & Orchestra Students Attend NYSSMA Solo Festival appeared first on South Colonie Central School District – Colonie, NY.

Last week, the 7th-grade students at Lisha Kill had an absolute blast during a day filled with laughter, camaraderie and exciting adventures! From start to finish, the day was filled with moments of teamwork and collaboration that truly showcased the incredible spirit of our students. 

To kick off the day, the students demonstrated their ability to work together by creating a mesmerizing Human Rain Storm. Then, they hopped onto buses and set off for Colonie Town Park, where a series of team-building activities and games awaited them including an exhilarating obstacle course, a hilarious human ring toss, Cheerio art, and topping off the activities with an exciting wiffle ball game.

As the day drew to a close, our fantastic students returned to Lisha Kill, where delicious pizza awaited them, fueling their energy for even more games and laughter. Throughout the day, they exemplified the values of cooperation, teamwork, and a positive attitude. A shoutout to all of our teachers for planning, organizing, and supervising this fun-filled day!

The post Lisha Kill 7th Grade Team Day appeared first on South Colonie Central School District – Colonie, NY.

We are thrilled to announce that Kaidra Cody, an eighth-grade student from Lisha Kill Middle School, has been selected as a winner in the 26th Annual Black History Creative Expressions Contest.

The contest, open to students in grades 3-12 across the Capital District, called for original entries that celebrated the impact of Black individuals, groups, events, experiences, or movements on people of color. Participants were encouraged to express their ideas through a variety of artistic mediums, including poetry, paintings, songs, and more. A distinguished panel of judges carefully evaluated the submissions and selected 28 winners, with Cody among the esteemed group.

“Kaidra’s exceptional talent and creativity have secured her a well-deserved place among the winners of this competition,” said Lisha Kill Principal Dr. Lindsay Tresansky. “Her submission beautifully showcased the essence and significance of Black history through a unique artistic lens, captivating the judges and inspiring countless others along the way.”

To commemorate this outstanding achievement, the Albany (NY) Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority held a reception in honor of the winners. Kaidra Cody was joined by her teacher, Jessica Lafex, to receive the award. The event was held on Sunday, May 21 at the New York State Museum Cultural Center.

The post Lisha Kill Middle School Student Wins 26th Annual Black History Creative Expressions Contest appeared first on South Colonie Central School District – Colonie, NY.

Ms. Corigliano is a math teacher at Lisha Kill Middle School who has been with the district for 28 years and found her home teaching fifth grade. 

“I am in love with this age group, they are so excited, they love to learn and they have this great energy,” said Corigliano about her class. 

It is easy to see the passion Corigliano has for the profession. Her parents were both teachers and she knew she wanted to follow in their footsteps in kindergarten, when she was given a chalkboard and recruited her younger sister as her first student. Corigliano was nominated for “Meet the Pack” by students who noted that she is always willing to help out someone in need and makes learning fun and accessible for all.

As students left the classroom to head into New York state testing, you could see that they all wore similar bracelets. This is not a TikTok trend, it is a Perseverance Bracelet from Ms. Corigliano! 

That morning, Corigliano distributed these gifts to all of her students as a reminder that a test can only measure certain abilities and that they all are “incredible, smart, hardworking, kind and amazing.” Students needed only to look at their wrist to be reminded of the support given to them in the classroom.

This is just one example of the extra steps Corigliano is willing to take for her students. She sees each student as unique, and the methods she uses to teach must adjust according to their needs. 

“I do not just pull out a binder from the previous year,” she explains. “I look and see what these kids need. How can I make this concrete in their minds so they can apply it in new situations?” 

Each year is different, and Corigliano accepts the challenge of tailoring the lesson to each class. Believing that it is her job to show kids that they can succeed in math, she employs different teaching tools to see which the students react to best. 

“If one year you have a lot of kids that are energetic and have trouble focusing, I would meet them there, and we would do more out-of-your-seat learning,” shared Corigliano. Simply getting students to move around the classroom, having them write their work on a chalkboard, or even giving out whiteboards helps transform the lesson from just a math class into an interactive session.

Corigliano credits her approach to her own experience in school, explaining that math was not always her favorite subject. As a student, she wanted to understand exactly why the rules were there in math, and not just memorize answers. 

“I struggled so much with math when I was in school. It makes me able to reach those kids a little bit easier. I am able to predict what we need to put more time into for my lessons,” she explained. Because she has been in their position, she knows how to reach out to students that need more help.

The students give the same love and respect back to Ms. Corigliano. She shared that she often has students come back after they have graduated from her class. Some visitors are still students at Lisha Kill, but others are high schoolers or college students looking to check-in and get advice from their favorite teacher. 

“It is pretty reassuring that I must be doing something right,” shared Corigliano.

Throughout the years, Corigliano has gotten to see the district of South Colonie go through different stages, and is happy to see the direction the school is going in. 

”I believe in a growth mindset, social, educational, emotional learning, All these things that I knew worked, the school district is also saying that we need these things,” said Corigliano. “They put the time, the money and the effort into doing what the kids need to support the teachers, this gives us ample opportunity so we can continue our learning to be the most beneficial teacher.”

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Lisha Kill seventh-grade student Mallania Holloway has been volunteering at a Capital Region organization to help local families facing food insecurities. This organization A GAPE is affiliated with the community service department of the Capital Region City Seventh Day Adventist Church.  Holloway spends her time after school handing out food packages to those in need.

“Volunteering is very important for students,” said Lisha Kill principal Dr. Tresansky. “Many organizations in our community rely on volunteers to continue services for families in need. Students who are able to get involved have the opportunity to learn transferable skills, develop leadership traits and have a better understanding of the community in which they live. It is really refreshing to see students like Mallania develop a commitment to serve others.”

This experience has allowed Holloway to value the act of giving-back to various families and individuals in need.  

“Volunteering for this organization with her grandmother is something I am exceptionally proud of her for,” said her mother Sha-netta Willis.  “I hope to encourage and continue to nurture her willingness to give back to the community around her.  She is learning that ‘whoever sows generously will reap generously’. She is also learning that it’s more blessed to give than receive!”

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