3992 NY 2 • Troy, NY 12180 • P: 518.279.4600, ext. 2003 • F: 518.279.0612 | Karen Lederman, Principal
Due to the Valentine’s Day Dance being cancelled twice due to snow storms, all elementary students will be treated to a summer treat (ice pops) during the last week of school thanks to the Brittonkill PTSA. Posted 6/18/13.
The PTSA is seeking to fill three positions for next year: Co-President, Elementary Vice President and Book Fair Chairperson. Please contact Sheila Hyde Stillman or Jenn Harrington Brock if interested. Thank you. Posted 6/18/13.
BEEP (Brittonkill Educational Enrichment Program) had another successful year with more than 200 children participating in the Elementary School afterschool program. Students learned a variety of skills including sign language, basketball, cake decorating, playing guitar and much more. “On behalf of the BEEP student participants and their families we would like to thank the efforts of the more than 65 instructors and volunteers,” said organizer Vickie Russell. “Without your efforts this program would not be possible.” Click here for a photo slideshow… Posted 5/21/13.
Grandparents & Special Friends Day proved once again to be one of the most popular days of the year at Tamarac Elementary as hundreds of proud grandparents and other family members visited the school on May 8 and 9. “I want to thank everyone who visited our schools over the past two days,” said Principal Karen Lederman. “Our students get so excited to welcome their grandparents and special friends to their classrooms. It’s wonderful to see them together.” Click here for a photo slideshow… Posted 5/09/13.
Air Force Squadron Thanks Students for Their KindnessTamarac Elementary students received a pleasant surprise when one of the teddy bears they sent to troops overseas was returned by an Air Force squadron who signed the bear for students. The bear also arrived with a poster of a combat plane and a note that said the stuffed animal had flown in the plane. “The crew of TALON 71 and the silent professionals of the 7th Special Operation Squadron appreciate your devotion to all our brothers in arms and to the United States of America,” the squadron wrote. Students originally sewed the teddy bears and sent them with letters and stars from retired flags just before Valentine’s Day to thank those who serve our country. Posted 4/30/13.
Elementary
Teachers Honored with Team Leadership AwardTamarac’s 5th grade teachers were honored on April 10 with a Team Teaching Leadership Award by the Academy for Character Education at The Sage Colleges. Each year, the academy honors educators who foster positive character development in schools and communities during its Champions of Character Awards. “A true team, they create a positive, caring, inspirational atmosphere meeting the academic and emotional needs of their students,” the awards program stated. Congratulations to teachers Heather Cipperly, Sue Delano, Kelly Hindes, Nicolle Motzer, Angelica Roddy and Dana Rosenberg! Posted 4/15/13.
Students Perform Skit for Community Celebration at SUNY
AlbanyThe 2nd and 3rd grade Odyssey of the Mind team, coached by Kim Fortun and Michelle Rose, was invited to perform their skit-solution at the Persian Speaking Cultural Community celebration of Nourouz (the Persian New Year) on March 24 at the University at Albany. Their performance, which won 2nd place at the March 9 regional Odyssey of the Mind competition, featured the Nourouz celebration of 1597 in the Ali Qapu palace in Isfahan, Persia (now Iran). Congratulations to students Dimitri Cerrone, Kora Fortun (substituting for Madyson Moss), Lena Fortun, Abby Greenberg, Eloise Ring, Kyla Rosen and Rosie Wienman! Posted 4/01/13.
Dignity
for All Students Webpage Helps With Efforts to Stop BullyingAs part of the district’s continued efforts to address bullying and harassment, the district has created a webpage that provides parents with characteristics of bullying, ways to stop it and contact information to report concerns. Click here to see the webpage… Posted 10/18/12.
Troops serving overseas received letters and handmade teddy bears for Valentine’s Day from Tamarac Elementary students. As part of a service learning project, students in Sanada Bailey’s and Ira Share’s classrooms sewed teddy bears, with the help of volunteer Ginny Hanby. Students also wrote letters and enclosed stars from retired flags to thank those who serve our country. The project concluded with a trip to the post office to see their package off. “This was such a wonderful project that brought two classes together and taught cooperation, teamwork and compassion,” said Ms. Bailey. Click here for a full screen photo slideshow... Posted 2/19/13.
Educators Review Safety Procedures With Local Police AgenciesIn response to the tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut, school administrators met with state police and the sheriff’s department on Dec. 20 to review school safety procedures. “We have student safety plans in place but we wanted to sit down and see if there was anything additional we could do. You can never be too safe when it comes to the safety of our students,” said Superintendent Lou McIntosh. Police and school officials agreed to plan more opportunities to work together in the future to ensure strong working relationships and excellent communication between the school and local law enforcement. Posted 12/20/12.
