May 17, 2013 - Queensbury residents go to the polls on Tuesday, May 21, from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the elementary school gymnasium to vote on the proposed school budget for 2013-14. Voters are cautioned that high traffic times on campus are during dismissal, beginning with the high school at 2 p.m. through elementary school dismissal at 3:30 p.m. The proposed budget is $54,524,019, which is a 2.20% increase in the year-to-year budget and a 2.93% increase in the tax levy. Additionally, voters will also cast their ballot for three open seats on the Board of Education. Candidates Michael E. Shea, Raymond G. Gordon and Joseph F. Scriver.
Detailed information about the proposed budget, details about reductions and biographical information about the candidates can be found at www.queensburyschool.org/district/budget/index.htm.
May 8, 2013 -
Cumberland Farms is celebrating the grand re-opening for its exit 18 store at the corner of Main Street and Ryan Street in Queensbury by partnering with the Queensbury Middle School to launch Career Café – a new career exploration initiative for students in grades 6–8.
From May 8 through June 4, Cumberland Farms is donating 20¢ for every hot/iced coffee, tea or chill zone beverage sold at the exit 18 store to the middle school to support activities promoting career exploration. The organization has committed to a minimum donation of $1,000, with the potential for more depending upon sales.
Career Café is an opportunity for community members to share information about their careers with students during lunch. Today, Denise Buher, physical therapist and owner of Queensbury Orthopedic & Spine, and Deanna Brayton (QHS ’05), physical therapy assistant, talked about what a typical day is like for a physical therapist, what the education and training requirements are, and the skills and traits an employer looks for in a prospective employee. The Career Café will feature a new field each month.
May 3, 2013 - The Queensbury Middle School Sixth Grade Orchestra was honored with a Gold Medal rating this past Wednesday, May 1, at the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) Major organization Festival at Shaker High School in Latham. This top honor was decided by a combination of NYSSMA judges scoring the students’ performance against a standardized New York State rubric. Under the direction of QMS/WHBI string teacher, Mr. Gregory Verheyn, the group prepared and performed three NYSSMA level one pieces for the adjudicators. They were evaluated on tone, technique, accuracy of performance, and artistry. In addition, the adjudicators examined how well they played as an ensemble. In order to earn a Gold the group had to demonstrate an outstanding level of technical and artistic skill while performing all three selections.
May 3, 2013 -It's time for the 8th annual Spartan Sprint! Sponsored by the Queensbury Parks & Recreation Department, this fun family event is scheduled for Sunday, May 19 on the cross country trails behind the Queensbury Elementary School. Check-in time is from 8-9 a.m., with the Family Fun Run starting at 9:00 a.m., following by the 5K Race at 9:30 a.m.
Download the Spartan Sprint flyer (PDF document), which includes a registration form, information about registration fees and awards.
May 2, 2013 –
The Queensbury Board of Education will hold a budget hearing to review its $54,524,019 school budget proposal for the 2013-14 school year on Monday, May 13, at 6:30 p.m. in the Queensbury Elementary School cafeteria, 431 Aviation Rd.
On May 13, residents can also register to vote on the school budget if they have not already done so. Voter registration will take place from 1-8 p.m. in the Queensbury High School lobby, 409 Aviation Rd. To be eligible to vote, district residents must be U.S. citizens, aged 18 years old or older and residents for at least 30 days prior to the vote. Proof of residency is also required. Those registered with the county for general elections are already automatically registered for school elections.
April 30, 2013 -
The Queensbury High School Concert Band gave a gold medal performance at the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) Major Ensemble festival held at Averill Park High School on April 24. Playing at level six, the most difficult level of music determined by NYSSMA, this is the second year in a row that the concert band has earned this prestigious recognition.
April 29, 2013 -
To celebrate Arbor Day, the Finch Pride Team presented Queensbury Elementary School Principal Patrick Pomerville with a white pine seedling and copies of “The Tree Farmer” by Chuck Leavell and Nicholas Cravotta. Leavell, longtime keyboardist for the Rolling Stones, is also a tree farmer and conservationist. The book is about a tree farmer who takes his grandson on a magical journey through the forest where trees become musical instruments, books, a baby’s crib and more. The story explains the vital role trees have in our lives – such as providing us with wood for furniture, homes and wood pulp for books – and man’s responsibility to protect and care for them.
Pomerville said the tree seedling will be planted in the elementary school library courtyard.
The Finch Pride Team is an employee group that strives to improve the quality of life for Finch employees, their families and communities.
April 22, 2013 –
Queensbury residents must be registered in order to vote on the 2013-14 school budget on May 21. Registration for the 2013-14 school budget vote is May 13, 2013, from 1:00-8:00 p.m. in the Queensbury High School lobby. Proof of residency is required. Residents who are registered with the county for general elections are automatically registered for school elections.
Eligible voters who are unable to vote in person for reasons determined by law may apply for an absentee ballot. Applications for absentee ballots are available and must be returned to the district clerk’s office at least seven days prior to the election if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter (May 14, 2013) or the day before the election if the ballot is to be issued to the voter in person (May 20, 2013). Absentee ballots must be received by the district clerk by 5:00 p.m. on the day of the vote.
Call the Districk Clerk at 824-5604 for more information or stop by the district office at 429 Aviation Rd., Queensbury.
April 19, 2013 - Queensbury Union Free School District reached a significant milestone with its energy conservation program in February – reducing district energy costs by more than $1 million in less than four years. In addition, the district is now recognized as an ENERGY STAR partner by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Read more
April 18, 2013 -The William H. Barton Intermediate School was named an 'Emerging School of Character' by The Academy for Character Education at The Sage Colleges at its 10th Champions of Character event on April 10. The award recognizes efforts by school leaders to embed character education into the school culture through student lessons and programs that promote fairness, respect, honesty, compassion and other positive traits.
April 17, 2013 -
Queensbury Union Free School District is participating in an emergency management exercise with multiple emergency response and support agencies from 9 a.m.-noon on Sunday, April 21. The primary location for the drill is the Elementary School; however, WHBI, Middle School and the LGI will also be used during this exercise.
April 10, 2013 - Four Queensbury High School students competed in the American Chemical Society's Regional Chemistry Olympiad at Albany College of Pharmacy on March 30. The competition involved answering 60 multiple choice questions. All four students placed in the competition and are invited to compete in the National Chemistry Olympiad. Congratulations to: Liam Mulshine, 2nd place; Everett Hall, 4th place; Rachel Molloy, 6th place; and Tyler Raymond, 8th place.
The national competition involves a 3-part exam administered to approximately 1,000 students. The 20 top-scoring students are chosen to attend a study camp for the opportunity to advance to the International Chemistry Olympiad.
April 10, 2013 - Queensbury Union Free School District invites parents to watch a short video about the Common Core Standards and New York State testing, which begins April 16. You may have read or heard about how these tests have changed and the effect these changes are likely to have on your child’s score. District administration has created this video to offer information about the new standards and upcoming assessments. Please take a few minutes to view the video, available through Queensbury’s Qtube channel.
The presentation shown in the video is also available for downloading. Parents are encouraged to contact their child’s building principal with any questions they may have. Contact information is included at the end of the video.
April 9, 2013 –
Queensbury School District was recently awarded the Utica National Safety Award for the fourth consecutive year. The award was acknowledged at the Board of Education meeting on April 8, 2013. The company’s Safety Excellence program helps participating schools enhance overall safety through measurable assessment. The program evaluates schools with their own transportation on 17 categories, from school playground safety to indoor air quality. Utica National insures more than 300 school districts in upstate New York.
The award program has three levels (titanium, platinum, and gold) in which schools can earn meritorious distinction by meeting specific criteria. QUFSD attained the titanium (highest) level. In addition to a certificate, Utica National has awarded $500 to the district for use in furthering its safety efforts.
April 9, 2013 - The NAMM Foundation recently recognized Queensbury Union Free School District for its outstanding commitment to music education with a Best Communities for Music Education designation. Queensbury UFSD joins 307 districts across the country to receive the prestigious distinction this year.
In its 14th year, Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) affirms school districts that have demonstrated exceptional efforts toward maintaining music education as part of the schools’ core curriculum. The BCME survey requires districts to answer detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program and community music-making programs. Responses were verified with school officials and reviewed by the Institute for Educational Research and Public Service of Lawrence, Kan., an affiliate of the University of Kansas.
April 9, 2013 -
A recent news article about Buffalo-based Rich Products Corp, a food supplier for school districts, indicates that "Hundreds of thousands of pounds of frozen food recalled amid an E. coli scare may have been served in schools..." according to The Buffalo News. Queensbury Union Free School District officials have confirmed with Food Services Director Rich Hollander that Whitsons Culinary Group, the district’s food service provider, does not purchase food supplies from Rich Products and that this issue poses no threat to food served in Queensbury cafeterias.
March 25, 2013 –
Queensbury parents are invited to attend an informational evening about anaphylaxis and its treatment on Tuesday, April 30, 2013, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the high school Large Group Instruction room (LGI). Howard Ritz, MPAS, PA-C of the Allergy and Asthma Treatment Center in Queensbury will be on hand to show parents, teachers, school nurses, emergency first responders and others how to recognize and respond to anaphylaxis symptoms from the moment they begin.
March 28, 2013 -
Queensbury High School is pleased to announce the selection of seven representatives for the 2013 New York Boys State Convention to be held in June. Congratulations to Zane Belden, Eric Daley, Christopher Goodemote, Liam Mulshine, Tyler Raymond, Aidan Switzer, and Joseph Tingley. Typically two students are selected to attend with an additional two students identified as alternates. This year the American Legion interview committee was so impressed with Queensbury’s candidates that they decided to sponsor all seven students for the convention.
March 21, 2013 - SUNY Adirondack is now accepting applications for the 2013 Summer Enrichment Program for youths. This year’s program offers an array of science, language, robotics, drama, arts, and more for students currently in grades 3-9. Registration is open until June 14. Classes will run from July 8-25, 2013. Students in grades 10-12 may apply for a volunteer Faculty Assistant position. Please refer to the Summer 2013 brochure for more information.
March 13, 2013 –
The Queensbury Board of Education has
three open seats for the 2013-14 school year.
Qualified voters who are interested in running
for a position on the school board may pick up nominating petitions beginning Wednesday,
March 13. Petitions must be returned to the district clerk by 5 p.m., Monday, April 22.
Candidates for school board must be:
• At least 18 years old;
• Qualified voters in the school district;
• Able to read and write;
• A resident of the district continuously for one year prior to the election.
Residents will vote for board members at the annual school budget vote on Tuesday, May 21 from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the elementary school gymnasium. Candidates cannot be employed by the board on which they serve and cannot live in the same household with a family member who
serves on the same school board. For more information about the candidacy process, contact the district clerk at 824-5604.
March 14, 2013 -
Come help shape the future of local public education by attending the second community forum of the year hosted by the Queensbury Board of Education on Wednesday, March 27, at 7 p.m. in the Queensbury Elementary School cafeteria, 431 Aviation Rd.
Public feedback really can make a difference when it comes to education and school funding issues, according to Board of Education President Raymond Gordon. “Last year, it helped guide our decision to stay within the district’s tax levy limit for 2012-13. It also showed us that our community supports our ongoing efforts to advocate for their children’s education,” he said.
At the upcoming forum, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Douglas W. Huntley will share updated budget proposal figures for 2013-14, including the latest reductions under consideration. He will also outline financial projections for the next three years and causes for concern in relation to the educational program. Participants will discuss financial and educational priorities – both immediate and long-term – as well as advocacy on state funding issues that negatively impact local students. They will also get some hands-on experience with technology used in Queensbury classrooms during a question and answer activity.
March 13, 2013 -
Check out the article regarding teenage cell phone and computer use that was posted on marketplace.org. Not a lot of surprises in the results of a new study that it discusses, but it is interesting data nonetheless.
March 13, 2013 –
The Queensbury Board of Education has
three open seats for the 2013-14 school year.
Qualified voters who are interested in running
for a position on the school board may pick up nominating petitions beginning Wednesday,
March 13. Petitions must be returned to the district clerk by 5 p.m., Monday, April 22.
Candidates for school board must be:
• At least 18 years old;
• Qualified voters in the school district;
• Able to read and write;
• A resident of the district continuously for one year prior to the election.
Residents will vote for board members at the annual school budget vote on Tuesday, March 21 from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the elementary school gymnasium. Candidates cannot be employed by the board on which they serve and cannot live in the same household with a family member who
serves on the same school board.
For more information about the candidacy process, contact the district clerk at 824-5604.
March 8, 2013 - Two Queensbury Middle School music groups were selected by the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) to perform at the "Music in our Schools Month" celebration held at the Empire State Plaza in Albany on Friday,
March 1. The Chamber Orchestra, under the direction of Greg Verheyn, and Select Choir, under the direction of Laura Lee Conti, performed several musical pieces in the South Concourse Lobby. While in Albany, students, teachers and chaperones went on a guided tour of the Capitol and visited the New York State Museum.
March 3, 2013 -
Step into the enchanted world of Broadway's modern classic, "Beauty and the Beast," where you will be transported to the heart of provincial life in a lovely French town. When Maurice becomes lost in the woods on the way to the fair, he seeks shelter in an old castle. However, the master of the castle is a horrible beast that takes him captive. Maurice's daughter, Belle, must then give up her freedom to save his life. Belle's taming of the unfortunate Beast and his ultimate
transformation back into a handsome prince will enthrall audiences of all ages.
Performances will be held on the evenings of March 7, 8 and 9 in the high school
auditorium. Tickets cost $10 and can be purchased at the door.
February 27, 2013 – Anne-Marie Wells, 8th grader at QMS was recently awarded the President's Volunteer Service Award on behalf of the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards and President Barack Obama for her outstanding dedication to community service. This award recognizes young American's of all ages who have volunteered significant amounts of their time to serve their communities.
Anne-Marie is involved in many volunteer activities throughout our Queensbury community. She is a girl scout, and also acts a teen mentor for a younger girl scout troop. She recently participated in the Relay for life, raising over $800 in honor of both her great grandmother and Juliette Gordon Low, the founder of girl scouts. She has also logged over 40 hours volunteering for the Special Olympics, and worked various holiday functions such as Hometown Thanksgiving Dinner and marching with the National Guard on Christmas Eve to support our troops. Most recently, Anne-Marie began volunteering at Crandall Public Library with a program called "Reading Buddies," in which she helps younger children who struggle with reading.
Anne Marie has found that by helping others provides her with a sense of pride and has taught her to lead by example. She says, "It is humbling to think I helped them, even in a small way."
February 20, 2013 - Queensbury Union Free School District maintains district-owned buses and is looking to hire bus drivers as district employees. If you are interested in a part time position with good pay and more, this is a great job for you. Free training is available and upon successful completion of training. QUFSD offers competitive wages and benefits. For more information, call Ms. Cheri Martindale, Transportation Director, at 824-5660.
February 12, 2013 – ExxonMobil once again proved that it is committed to giving back to the community by presenting the William H. Barton Intermediate School with a $500 grant. Through the generosity of ExxonMobil, the WHBI will be able to provide supplies that are needed to positively impact the students in grades 4 and 5.
The Exxon Mobil Education Alliance program is designed to provide Exxon and Mobil retailers with an opportunity to invest in the future of their communities through educational grants to neighborhood schools. ExxonMobil believes that as members of the community, local retailers are best qualified to work with local educators to help identify schools and programs most in need of support.
February 7, 2013 - Congratulations to Queensbury High School seniors Benjamin Anderson and Molly Stewart for their selection as a finalist for the 2013 National Merit Scholarship program. They are two of only 15,000 high school seniors from across the country who have earned this award. Anderson is interested in attending a university with a top engineering program, such as Cornell, Princeton and MIT, next year. He plans to study mechanical engineering. Stewart is looking at Brown University, Bowdoin College and Haverford, and plans to study English or Spanish. Less than 1 percent of high school seniors earn this recognition, for outstanding performance on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT).
February 5, 2013 - Students in grades 7-11 traveled to the Empire State Plaza on Monday, February 4, for the UAlbany College Exploration Day. Students were exposed to a wide variety of possible career options, including Atmospheric Sciences, Public Health, Social Welfare, Criminal Justice, Nanoscale Science and Engineering, and Cancer Research, to name a few. Live performances by UAlbany students throughout the day highlighted various student activity groups by entertaining guests with live music, dancing and skits. Other highlights of the UAlbany showcase included:
- Learning activities sponsored by the U Albany Police Department and the Five Quad Volunteer Ambulance Service
- Meeting the Great Danes basketball teams and coaches
- Demonstrations by UAlbany faculty about exciting research in robotics, nanotechnology, RNA science and more
- A visit to the Sustainability Center to see how environmental sustainability is making a difference
- A tour of the state capital and watch the Senate and Assembly in action
Students who have an interest in attending UAlbany can participate in the SEFCU $1,000 K-12 Student Essay Competition. SEFCU will award fifteen $1,000 scholarships for students who attend U Albany. Contact your guidance counselor for more information.
January 29, 2013 - During the December concert season, orchestra teacher Gregory Verhyn launched a school supply collection entitled "Concerts for a Cause" to benefit students in Manahawkin, N.J. who were affected by Hurricane Sandy. He asked parents and community members attending one of the many WHBI and middle school to consider bringing a school supply item to donate for the cause. Hundreds of Queensbury families responded, and approximately 1,000 items were collected and delivered to Ocean Acres School in Stafford Township, N.J. by Mr. Verhyn. This week the district received a letter of appreciation from the Stafford Township School District thanking the Queensbury School District and Mr. Verhyn for making a difference in their community.
“The kindness shown by your district has provided our students with enough school supplies to last the entire school year,” wrote Karina Monanian, Community Liaison. “This is a huge relief for our families as they begin to rebuild their homes and lives. Please know that Gregory and the Queensbury School District have truly made a difference for families in Stafford Township.”
January 24, 2013 - Gov. Andrew Cuomo revealed his proposed State Aid for Education budget on Tuesday, Jan. 22, to fund New York State in 2013-14. For Queensbury, the Governor’s budget ultimately results in no state aid increase. Read more
January 24, 2013 -
Congratulations to the Queensbury Middle School ‘Mighty Superheroes’ for winning the Core Values Award at the FIRST LEGO League (FLL) competition at St. Mary’s School in Ballston Spa on January 19. The group won the Core Values award for their poster and presentation on teamwork and ethics. FIRST LEGO League is a robotics competition that is designed to get students excited about math, science and technology while teaching them valuable teamwork and planning skills.
January 23, 2013 - During Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend 50 Queensbury High School students and five chaperones traveled to Washington D.C. to witness the 57th Presidential Inauguration.
Students and chaperones arrived at QHS bright and early Saturday morning to get on the bus for a seven-hour road trip. Once the group reached Washington D.C., they toured many historic sights; including various monuments and memorials, Arlington National Cemetery and George Washington's home estate, Mount Vernon. The group also caught a glimpse of the presidential motorcade, as the entourage exited the cemetery after laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
On Monday, they joined approximately one million people to witness Vice-President Joe Biden and President Barack Obama taking the oath of office for their second term. The students also had the pleasure of hearing performances by James Taylor, Kelly Clarkson, and Beyonce Knowles. The energy and excitement of witnessing a presidential inauguration is a significant, historical event that the group will remember for a long time.
January 15, 2013 -
On December 8, QHS art teacher Anthony Aquino and eight of his Photography I students set up a studio at the Open Door Mission in Glens Falls to take portraits for people in need. Part of a global community service project called Help-Portrait, 25 people had their portrait taken, printed and delivered to them by the student who took their picture. Many of these people had not been photographed in years, and all were very grateful. Students were moved by the stories of the people they met and just how appreciative they were of having their picture taken, which made them feel good about helping others.
The photographs captured at the soup kitchen that day were among 76,000 portraits taken worldwide by more than 3,000 photographers participating in the Help-Portrait project (help-portrait.com). The organization was founded by celebrity photographer Jeremy Cowart, who had a vision of photographers across the world coming together to use their photography skills to give back to their local community.
Queensbury students who were involved in the project are Rebecca Adams, Emily Carberry, Kayla Chetney, Michaela Choppa, Brooke Deckert, John Lines, Holly Raesly and Julia Slayton.
January 11, 2013 -
Queensbury Union Free School District is continuing a series of community forums with its first forum of the school year on Thursday, Jan. 31, from 7-8:45 p.m. in the Queensbury Elementary School cafeteria, 431 Aviation Road. As schools continue to face financial pressure for the 2013-14 school year, district officials will look to community members for their feedback about a potential tax rate increase in order to maintain the district’s current academic and extracurricular offerings. The Queensbury Board of Education will use participants’ feedback as it crafts a 2013-14 school budget proposal.
Community members are asked to RSVP online at www.queensburyschool.org, by e-mail at budget@queensburyschool.org or by phone at 518-824-5615. Those who RSVP and provide an e-mail address will receive discussion materials via e-mail in advance of the forum.
January 9, 2013 - According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of people contracting the flu continues to increase across the country, with most areas now experiencing high levels of influenza-like-illness. Influenza (the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and can be especially dangerous for children. Parent Today, an online resource for parents, has released a Flu Facts sheet for parents. The handout outlines common flu symptoms to look for and offers advice about protecting children against the flu, what to do if your child gets sick, and more.
January 4, 2013 – After such a mild winter last year, the snow and cold temperatures we have experienced in the past few weeks are a reminder of what winter is really like in the Adirondacks! The Cornell Cooperative Extension and the Warren County Disaster Preparedness Office have teamed up to publish a Winter Safety booklet that provides comprehensive and valuable information for winter weather preparedness and response. Topics including protecting plumbing during the winter, carbon monoxide poisoning, staying warm in an unheated house, and many more winter weather precautions. Download the 26-page document (PDF) today and be prepared for whatever ‘Old Man Winter’ brings our way this year.
December 13, 2012 -
Time is running out for public schools on the issue of sequestration of school aid. Queensbury is facing a loss of $100,800 in federal aid each year for the next 10 years unless the House and Senate address the sequestration provision of the Budget Control Act before the end of 2012. This loss of aid will result in a reduction in student support services in essential areas such as additional reading support.
You can become an advocate for public schools and children by adding your voice to the call for action. Contact our elected officials via mail, email and/or phone and ask them to rescind the sequestration provision of the budget Control Act of 2011 before it becomes effective on January 2, 2013. Visit the district’s advocacy website to learn more about sequestration and to view sample letters to legislators that you can copy/paste into a new document and personalize. This is an important issue and you have a voice; let it be heard.
December 14, 2012 -
Students in Ms. Rogge’s high school skills class have taken on the challenge of supporting homeless pets by collecting change to benefit the SPCA of Upstate New York. In October the class raised $125 for the cause, and they recently received a letter from the SPCA thanking them for the donation and letting them know that several of the dogs they sponsored have been adopted.
December 10, 2012 - Thirty Queensbury High School students are traveling to Rockaway Beach in Queens on Tuesday, December 18, to help with hurricane relief efforts. Chaperoned by high school administrators and teachers, the group will be working with the Beach Church Relief center.
December 4, 2012 -
High school students will be dismissed at 1:35 p.m. on Monday, December 17. The early dismissal is planned to facilitate PLC training for teachers and staff.
November 30, 2012 - On Thursday, November 29, Queensbury High School seniors Casey White and Dylan Borkowski signed National Letters of Intent to to play lacrosse for James Madison University and LeMoyne College, respectively, in 2013-14. Both student-athletes led their respective teams to Section II titles last spring and they are the first Queensbury student-athletes to receive a college scholarship for lacrosse.
November 29, 2012 – More than 60 people turned out for a forum on community advocacy held on Wednesday, Nov. 28, at Queensbury High School. The event spotlighted the essential role community members can play in securing mandate relief for public schools. Such relief would allow school boards to address rising mandated expenses that are outpacing revenue and threatening school programs, services and staff.
“Advocacy is a pretty simple thing to do,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Douglas W. Huntley told participants, including local parents, educators, school board members, senior citizens, and a legislative representative as well as concerned citizens from several other school districts. “All you really need is one prerequisite: Passion. You don’t need to be an expert.” Read entire article
November 26, 2012 - The holiday concert season is underway! Parents and community members are invited to enjoy the talents of Queensbury student musicians in grades 4-12 as they take to the stage to perform favorites of the season. Concert schedule
November 26, 2012 - The annual Grandparents' Breakfasts begin tomorrow, November 27. With this fun and exciting event comes an increase in morning traffic on campus from 7-9:30 a.m. Grandparents' Breakfasts are scheduled for November 27, 28 and 30, December 3, 4, and 5. If you drive your children to school each morning, please adjust your schedules a bit and be patient as we welcome our grandparents to our schools.
November 20, 2012 - Queensbury Union Free School District is pleased to announce the availability of a free online energy tracking tool for community members. The free website, named GreenQuest, is a personal energy dashboard that enables community members to track and analyze the energy use for their home or place of business. According to Curt Harrington, QUFSD energy specialist, the district is providing GreenQuest to the community in order to educate, raise awareness and promote energy conservation. Read the entire story
November 16, 2012 - Excitement was high as second and third grade students entered the elementary school cafeteria after school recently to attend LEGOmania – part of the PTSA sponsored After School Creative Network. The first of what Patrick Pomerville, principal, hopes to be a regular occurring event at QES was a huge success. Read the entire story
November 15, 2012 - The Queensbury Board of Education is hosting a forum on community advocacy called “We Need Your Voice, Too!” on Wednesday, Nov. 28, from 7-8:15 p.m. in the Queensbury High School Large Group Instruction Room, 409 Aviation Rd. At the advocacy forum, participants will discover easy ways to add their voices to the call for mandate relief for schools. Read the entire story
November 14, 2012 - Fifteen eighth grade Queensbury Middle School students recently had the opportunity to get a close-up look at the health care industry during a career exploration day at Inter-Lakes Health in Ticonderoga. On November 13, they took part in a Medical Academy of Science Math (MASH) camp - a day long program that gives students a glimpse at careers available in health care. Wearing green scrubs and hospital IDs, students met with medical professionals in a variety of health care careers in the hospital setting. They participated in hands-on activities such as mock casting, intubation and laboratory testing. They also attended presentations on physical therapy, infectious disease and dentistry.
MASH camps are sponsored by the Hudson Mohawk Area Health Education Center (HM AHEC) located in Queensbury. A collaboration between HM AHEC, schools and Inter-Lakes Health facility, MASH camps were designed to expose students to medical career options at a young age.
November 6, 2012 -
Queensbury school groups are collecting items to help vicitims of Hurricane Sandy. This list will be updated as new collections/drives are announced. Read the entire story
October 30, 2012 -
There are several changes to regular start and dismissal times for students in November.
Thursday, November 1 is a one-hour delayed arrival. These one-hour blocks of time are used by staff members for professional development and replace the Superintendent’s Conference Day typically held in March.
The district’s annual Emergency Go Home Early Drill is scheduled for Friday, November 9. This drill is required annually by the commissioner of education. Each school will dismiss 15 minutes early (barring any bus run delays) and all students must leave the building. Students who have after school activities will be allowed to re-enter the building after a brief wait.
One-half day parent conferences are scheduled as follows:
- Thursday, November 15 - Grades K-5
- Friday, November 16 - Grades K-8
- Monday, November 19 - Grades K-5
- Tuesday, November 20 - Grades K-5
November 5, 2012 - Queensbury High School invites seniors and their parents to an informational session about applying for Financial Aid and the Financial Aid Process on Tuesday, November 13, beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium. Seniors and their parents are strongly encouraged to attend this event to learn about the various types of financial aid available. The evening is also open to other high school students and their parents who wish to begin planning for the college application process.
November 5, 2012 - Queensbury High School is hosting an International Baccalaureate (IB) informational night for all parents and students in ninth grade on Thursday, November 15, from 6-7 p.m. in the High School LGI. A consultant from IB will be present and available to answer questions.
November 2, 2012 -
WHBI students participated in the Every Kid Votes mock election, a nationwide program that teaches children about civic responsibility and the voter registration process. The program allows students to vote for the presidential candidate of their choice electronically and the results are posted online at www.studiesweekly.com/vote/. Students prepared for casting their ballot by researching the candidates and their stand on important issues, and learning about the voting process, Electoral College and voter registration process.
A reminder to our parents and community members that the WHBI school is a polling site and, as a result, campus traffic is likely to be heavy on Tuesday, November 6. Please drive safely – and remember to make your voice heard by casting your vote on Election Day.
October 30, 2012 - There are several changes to regular start and dismissal times for students in November. Thursday, November 1 is a one-hour delayed arrival. These one-hour blocks of time are used by staff members for professional development and replace the Superintendent’s Conference Day typically held in March. The district’s annual Emergency Go Home Early Drill is scheduled for Friday, November 9. This drill is required annually by the commission of education. Each school will dismiss 15 minutes early (barring any bus run delays) and all students must leave the building. Students who have after school activities will be allowed to re-enter the building after a brief wait.
One-half day parent conferences are scheduled as follows:
- Thursday, November 15 - Grades K-5
- Friday, November 16 - Grades K-8
- Monday, November 19 - Grades K-5
- Tuesday, November 20 - Grades K-5
October 18, 2012 - State-wide changes to curriculum and testing will have a major impact on students’ academic success, now and in the future. Parents of students in grades K-8 are invited to learn more about those changes by attending the “Common Core and Your Family” presentation on Wednesday, Oct. 24, from 7-8 p.m. in the Queensbury High School Large Group Instruction (LGI) Room, 409 Aviation Rd.
October 16, 2012 - Queensbury High School Principal Damian Switzer is pleased to announce the Top Ten students for the Class of 2013. Listed in alphabetical order, congratulations to: Benjamin Anderson, son of Glen and Jennifer Anderson; Lauren Bolz, daughter of Edwin and Sheila Bolz; Alexander Castonguay, son of Pierre and Ruth Castonguay; Troy Kelly, son of David and Sally Kelly; Christopher Ostwald, son of Paul and Teresa Ostwald; John McCauley III, son of George and Trish Penrose; Charles Peltz, son of Peter and Kathryn Peltz; Trevor Perkins, son of Thomas and Amy Perkins and Kevin and Crystal Ordway; Molly Stewart, daughter of Daniel and Wendy Stewart; and Rachel Sung, daughter of Steve and Linda Sung.
October 12, 2012 - Thanks to our staff members who participated in the Power of Pink Charity Volleyball Tournament vs Lake George last night! A great time was had by all and more than $1,200 was raised for the American Cancer Society!
October 11, 2012 - Queensbury Dollars for Scholars (QDFS) will conduct its annual phone-a-thon October 15-17 from 5-8 p.m. each night. Queensbury High School students will be making calls to ask for contributions that support the scholarship program.
October 10, 2012 -
As a safety precaution, Queensbury school cafeterias are placing a voluntary temporary hold on all peanut products in response to a recent recall of 240 Sunland, Inc., products. That recall was prompted by a Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) investigation of Salmonella outbreaks in 19 states. No local instances have been reported, but Queensbury schools will continue this precaution until otherwise informed by the FDA. Visitwww.fda.gov/Food/FoodSafety/CORENetwork/ucm320413.htm to learn more about the recall, the investigation and Salmonella.
October 1, 2012 - Budding TV journalists at Queensbury High School got a behind-the-scenes look at news reporting thanks to a recent visit by LookNews Channel 8 reporter Magen MacDavid, class of 2004. She returned to her alma mater to speak with students taking a media production class. Read more
September 19, 2012- Queensbury High School is proud to announce the selection of seven music students to perform at the 2012 New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) Winter Conference in Rochester on November 29 - December 2. The NYSSMA Winter Conference is a highly selective and competitive event for music students from across New York State. The following students earned this honor by scoring a perfect 100 on their spring audition:
Benjamin Baker - Trombone - Symphony Orchestra;
Devin Camp - Violin - String Orchestra;
Ryan McDonnell - Violin - Symphony Orchestra;
Christopher Ostwald - Bb Clarinet - Symphony Orchestra;
Christopher Redmond - Bassoon - Symphony Orchestra;
Alexander Castonguay - Bass II - Mixed Chorus; and
Paul Amengual - Bass II - Mixed Chorus (Paul will not be able to participate because of academic commitments). Additionally, two QHS students were selected as alternates: Kurtis Miner - Tenor II,
Liam Mulshine - Double Bass. Congratulations to all!
September 11, 2012 – Eliane Hack, School Psychologist at Queensbury Elementary School, was published this summer as a contributing author for the 8th edition of Psychological Testing and Assessment: An Introduction to Tests and Measurement, a text book widely used for undergraduate psychology courses. Ms. Hack’s contributions to the text were incorporated in part 3, chapter 11, titled Assessment for Education, and she is featured in the chapter Meet an Assessment Professional section.
September 13, 2012 - Queensbury High School seniors Ben Anderson, Lauren Bolz, Alex Castonguay and Mike Vasiliou got a head start on their final year of high school last month when they were invited to spend a week working in a research lab at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute last month. The students performed experiments related to solar energy and discussed ongoing research in the alternative energy field with Assistant Professor Peter Dinolfo, Ph.D., and first year graduate student Marissa Civic. read more
September 11, 2012 - The beginning of the school year brings an annual rite of passage - school photos for students. Each building has scheduled two days for school photos this week and next: high school (underclass) September 12 and 13, middle school September 13 and 14, WHBI school September 17 and 18, and elementary school September 18, 19 and 20.
September 11, 2012 - Eliane Hack, School Psychologist at Queensbury Elementary School, was published this summer as a contributing author for the 8th edition of Psychological Testing and Assessment: An Introduction to Tests and Measurement, a text book widely used for undergraduate psychology courses. Ms. Hack’s contributions to the text were incorporated in part 3, chapter 11, titled Assessment for Education, and she is featured in the chapter Meet an Assessment Professional section.
September 7, 2012 - Five members of the Class of 2013 have received recognition as Commended Students and Semifinalists in the 2013 National Merit Scholarship Program based on their performance on the 2010 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). Congratulations to Commended Students Benjamin Alexander, Benjamin Baker, Alexander Castonguay, Molly Stewart and Michael Vasiliou. Anderson and Stewart were also recognized as semifinalists in the competition. Commended Students represent the top five percent of more than 1,500,000 juniors in United States high schools who entered the competition by taking the PSAT/NMSQT. Semifinalists represent less than one percent of the highest-scoring students on the 2012 PSAT/NMSQT in individual states.
August 29, 2012 - On Tuesday, Aug. 28, Queensbury Union Free School District was notified that 16-year-old Jonathan Vasiliou, a Queensbury High School student/athlete, was taken to the Albany Medical Center on the evening of Monday, Aug. 27, with a very serious infection. Last night, district officials sadly learned that he passed away.
Jonathan was entering his junior year at the high school and was a member of the Queensbury varsity football team. He was also involved in Key Club, Academic Quiz Bowl team, Youth & Government, Mock Trial team, and was a Student Senate Officer.
“On behalf of the entire district, I extend my heartfelt sympathy to Jonathan’s family at this difficult time,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Douglas W. Huntley. “Jonathan was very involved in our school and will be missed for many reasons. He was a great kid, someone who was well respected by faculty, staff and students alike.” Read full release
August 15, 2012 - On Monday, Aug. 13, the Queensbury Board of Education set the school tax rate for the 2012-13 school year at $18.172 per $1,000 of assessed property value. read more
August 14, 2012 - Last night, the Queensbury Board of Education selected Joseph Scriver to fill a vacanct seat on the board. Scriver was sworn in at the end of the meeting and will serve the remainder of Frank Miller’s board term until the annual Board of Education election to be held on May 21, 2013. Miller resigned for personal reasons at the end of June. Scriver, his wife, Karen, and daughter, Rebecca, have lived in Queensbury for many years.
August 14, 2012 - The Board of Education made three administrative appointments at the monthly meeting last night. Congratulations to Richard Keys, Middle School Principal, Michael Brannigan, Middle School Assistant Principal and Jessica Rossetti, WHBI Assistant Principal. Complete press releases are available by clicking on the links above.
July 27, 2012 - Whitsons School Nutrition has replaced the district’s previous food service provider. The change will lead to healthier, higher quality foods and more dining variety for students on the Queensbury campus. In operation for more than 30 years. It currently provides food services – from customized menus and cafeteria management to nutrition education programs and catering – at nearly 40 school districts in New York. Visit www.whitsons.com to learn more.
July 24, 2012 - Damian Switzer was recently named principal of Queensbury High School, a place where he previously taught and served as assistant principal. In his new administrative role, he will be responsible for building leadership, instructional leadership and for maintaining quality relationships with students, parents, employees and the larger community. Press release
July 10, 2012 - Timothy Dawkins was recently named an assistant principal at Queensbury High School after spending the last eight years as the 10th- through 12th-grade guidance counselor. Among many new responsibilities, Dawkins will assist with added evaluation requirements under new state regulations related to annual professional performance reviews for teachers. Press release
July 9, 2012 - Parents who wish to have their child/children transported to or from a bus stop other than the child’s primary, legal home address must submit a completed sitter/alternate location request form to the district’s transportation office by August 13, 2012. This includes transportation to or from day care, a grandparent or other relative’s residence or other before/after school arrangements. Please contact the transporation office at 824-5660 for more information and clarification about making sitter/alternate location requests for the 2012-13 school year. The sitter/alternate location request form is available at www.queensburyschool.org/departments/transportation/index.htm.
July 6, 2012 - Jaysen Henderson, a 2012 graduate of Queensbury High School, won second place in photography at the national SkillsUSA competition, held in Kansas City June 25-27. Jaysen was a graphic arts student at the BOCES Southern Adirondack Education Center in Hudson Falls.
July 2, 2012 – The goal of the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA), which took effect July 1, is to provide students with a safe, supportive educational environment that is free from discrimination, intimidation, taunting, harassment and bullying. Some of the law requirements include updating and/or establishing anti-harassment and discrimination policies and regulations, creating school training programs and incorporating or embedding civility, citizenship and character education into the curriculum for every grade level.
Queensbury schools already meet the DASA standards in many respects. From in-school sessions led by counselors to after school clubs, students at all grade levels are exposed to the ideas of tolerance, compassion and respect. Most recently, Queensbury High School launched a safety messaging system that allows students to anonymously report instances of bullying via text message. The assistant principal in each school building has been designated as a Dignity Coordinator in compliance with DASA who is responsible for training staff and students about the Dignity for All Students Act, as well as responding to bullying concerns from students and staff.
