Looking for stories about Tamarac schools? Here are recent stories previously posted on various school webpages in one convenient location. Looking for stories from the 2010-11 school year? Visit our archived stories webpage...
Stories About Tamarac
Seniors
Learn About Personal Finance From Guest Speaker
Tamarac High School students received some personal finance advice from a financial planner and analyst on January 11 as part of their economics class. Steven Bouchey, an analyst for YNN News, visited the class to share advice, answer questions and discuss his own challenges of building a business. “I invited Mr. Bouchey into my class to discuss the personal financial challenges students will be encountering within the next year when they go to college,” explained teacher Sara Colaneri. “Mr. Bouchey told the students the best way to minimize debt, save money and plan for a sound financial future. He also discussed the importance of investing money once students graduate college and enter the workforce to prepare for retirement.” Thanks to Mr. Bouchey for volunteering his time to help out students and Tamarac student Amberlea Gokey for taking photos of his visit! Posted 1/13/12.
Congratulations to Tamarac Masterminds Team
The Tamarac Masterminds team defeated Waterford-Halfmoon's team on January 4 by a score of 222-0. Masterminds is a general knowledge competition where schools compete to answer questions posed to them by a moderator. The event was taped for a future television broadcast (date TBA). Congratulations to co-captains Dylan Jones and Kelly Smith, and team members Jacob Houser, Evania Osepa, Jacob Schrom and Lee Vartigian! Posted 1/05/12.
Tamarac
Senior Earns First Place in Engineering Contest at RPI
Tamarac senior Kayla Mulqueen won first place in an engineering contest held at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Kayla, who attends Questar III’s New Visions: Science, Technology, Engineering and Math program, was part of a contest that challenged students to design a product that can be produced cost effectively at RPI’s Advanced Manufacturing Laboratories. Kayla and her teammate Shelby Hayostek of Troy High School earned top prize and a $300 scholarship for their design of a robot clock key chain. Congratulations! Posted 12/20/11.
District
Thanks Local Churches for Donations
Brunswick (Brittonkill) Central School District would like to thank the following local churches who donated gifts and food during the holiday season to students and families in need in our district. Our sincerest appreciation to the Brunswick Church, Center Brunswick United Methodist Church, Church of the Holy Name, and Redeeming Love Gospel Church for their generosity to our students and their families. Posted 12/20/11.
Third Grader Ensures Children in Need Get Toys for Christmas
Thanks to the thoughtfulness of third grader Marissa Lackey, more than 100 children in need will have a brand new toy to unwrap this Christmas. After seeing a story on the news about Toys for Tots, the Tamarac Elementary School student asked her teacher if they could organize a collection at school. “I thought it was a good idea because we get a lot of presents but a lot of kids don’t,” Marissa explained. Read more by clicking here... Posted 12/16/11.
Secondary School Practices Lockdown Drill
As part of efforts to help keep students, faculty and staff safe, Tamarac Secondary School held a lockdown drill on Friday, December 9. A lockdown drill, which is practiced each year, requires all individuals in a school building to enter a classroom or office and lock the door behind them while police walk through the hallways throughout the building. The drill helps prepare the school for an emergency such as an intruder and also helps local police by providing an opportunity for them to become more familiar with the school building. The district would like to thank the Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Department for their assistance with the lockdown drill. Posted 12/09/11.
Students
Volunteer Time to Participate in Winter Walk for Homeless
Members of Tamarac’s senior class volunteered their time on Saturday, December 3 to participate in this year’s Winter Walk for the Homeless in downtown troy. Tamarac students have participated in the walk the last several years to help raise awareness about the issue of local homelessness and to support Joseph's House & Shelter in Troy which provides services for those in need. Great job! Posted 12/05/11.
Flu Guide for Parents and Students from School Nurses
Our school nurses would like to remind everyone we are entering cold and flu season. Below are everyday precautions to minimize the risks. A Parent Guide from the Centers for Disease Control is also available here… Posted 12/02/11.
- Regular hand washing with soap and water, especially before eating
- Keeping hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth
- Covering coughs
- Stay home if you or your child is sick Talk with you primary health care provider about the flu vaccine
- Be extra vigilant if you or your child have a chronic respiratory disease such as asthma, or are immunocompromised
Students Make Blankets to Help
Area's Homeless
Tamarac Middle School students helped the area's homeless stay warm this winter by making fleece blankets for Joseph's House & Shelter in Troy. “This is young people helping people," said teacher and advisor Eric Medved. "Through the efforts of Joseph’s House, this project and others like our various food drives, help people right in our own backyard and that is what being community-based is all about." Read more by clicking here... Posted 12/02/11.
New York
State Senator Roy McDonald Visits Tamarac High School's Honors
Seminar Class
After researching his legislative record and positions on issues, Tamarac High School students got an opportunity to ask New York State Senator Roy McDonald questions when he visited the school in November. "You’ve got to do what you think is right. The public needs to understand if you change your mind, there’s nothing wrong with that, we all do that,” Sen. McDonald told students. Read more by clicking here... Posted 11/29/11.
Tamarac Secondary School Announces 1st Quarter Honor Rolls
Tamarac Middle School and High School recently announced its honor rolls for the first quarter. Click on a link below to see a list of students. Congratulations to all our students! Posted 11/28/11.
Troy Public Library Offers Free Tutoring for Students Ages 8 and Up
The Troy Public Library is offering a free tutoring program for students ages 8 and up. “Beyond the Classroom” is offered at the main library on Wednesdays from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. Students can receive help in all subject areas. For more information, visit the Troy Public Library’s website by clicking here or call 274-7071 to make an appointment. Thanks to the Troy Public Library for offering this free service to the community! Posted 11/29/11.
National
Junior Honor Society Students Donate to Community Center
Ninth grade National Junior Honor Society students created Thanksgiving food baskets that were donated to the Hope 7 Community Center in Troy. All items including the food, paper products and baskets were donated by students. These baskets helped feed local families who otherwise would not have been able to afford a traditional Thanksgiving meal. Students in NJHS demonstrate outstanding achievement in scholarship, leadership, service and character. The service quality is defined through voluntary contributions made by a student to the school or community, done without compensation and with a positive, courteous and enthusiastic spirit. “This service project was suggested, organized and fulfilled by the students themselves, demonstrating compassion and generosity,” explained advisor Allison Malloy. Posted 11/29/11.
Six Varsity Teams Named Scholar/Athletes for Excellence in Academics
Six of Tamarac's fall varsity teams earned at least a 90% team average for the first quarter, earning the teams recognition as Scholar/Athlete Teams by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association. Congratulations to the boys and girls cross country teams, boys golf team, boys and girls soccer teams, and girls volleyball team! Posted 11/29/11.
Senior
Class Thanks Community Members Who Supported Fundraiser
Tamarac seniors spent the morning of Saturday, November 19 serving community members breakfast at Applebee’s Restaurant in East Greenbush as part of a fundraiser for the Senior Class. Class Advisor Theresa Hilton said students enjoyed the experience, even though it required students to get up quite early on a Saturday morning, and they would like to thank everyone who came out to support them. Posted 11/29/11.
Secondary
School Parents Can Now Check Student Attendance, Schedules and
More Online
To help parents follow their students' progress, the district is rolling out the ParentPortal in eSchool, the district's student management system. The ParentPortal allows parents of middle and high school students to view attendance, student schedules, report cards, progress reports and more. To learn how to sign up for an account to this free service, click here… Posted 11/15/11.
Understanding New York's Property Tax Cap Law
Did you know that New York's Property Tax Cap Law does not cap a homeowner's tax bill to a 2% increase? Instead, the law that New York State passed applies to the tax levy - or the total money the district collects in property taxes - not a homeowner's tax bill. To help our community understand how the Tax Cap Law works, the district has created a webpage with information on "Understanding New York's Property Tax Cap Law" which is available by clicking here... Posted 11/22/11.
District Adds New Science Course Offering for Tamarac Seniors
Tamarac seniors next year will be able to take a new Advanced Placement Environmental Science class, a full-year course including a lecture and lab work. “The course challenges students to use innovative, creative and critical thinking skills to tackle the complex problems facing our society and planet,” explained Teacher Mary McManus. Read more by clicking here… Posted 11/22/11.
Students
Recognize Veterans Day and Learn About Honor Guard
Brunswick (Brittonkill) Central School District recognized Veterans Day on November 14 (as the district was closed for Veterans Day) with a visit from Donald Roy, Director of the Military Forces Honor Guard. Mr. Roy discussed the importance of the New York Honor Guard and its history with students. Mr. Roy also helped teach students the proper method for folding the United States flag while students at the assembly shared how many have veterans in their families. Posted 11/22/11.
Senior Citizens Concert and Luncheon a Hit with Community
The 17th Annual Senior Citizens Concert and Luncheon was once again a hit with the community on November 9 as hundreds of senior citizens enjoyed music and a free meal thanks to Tamarac students. The Tamarac High School Band, Jazz Ensemble and Choralaires drew a standing ovation from guests who enjoyed the concert. Senior citizens then filled tables in the high school gymnasium to enjoy a lunch prepared and served by the High School Key Club and National Honor Society. To see a photo slideshow of the event, please click here... Posted 11/09/11.
Sarah Gibbs Wins Tamarac Spelling Bee
Correctly spelling the winning word "irresponsible," 7th grader Sarah Gibbs won this year's Tamarac Spelling Bee after an hour of competition on Nov. 4. Seventh grader Camille Gardner, who won the Spelling Bee last year, was the runner up. Sarah will represent the district at the Regional Spelling Bee at Proctor's Theatre. "All these students are grade level spelling champs," noted Superintendent Lou McIntosh before the event. "All of you are already winners or you wouldn't be here on this stage." To see a photo slideshow, please click here... Posted 11/07/11.
Pumpkin Carving Day Brings Dads to Tamarac Elementary
The annual Pumpkin Carving Day at Tamarac Elementary School was a big hit once again this year as fathers and grandfathers visited kindergartners in class to carve pumpkins together. “It’s a nice way for them to visit their children and get involved in our school community,” said Principal Karen Lederman. “And the students absolutely love it.” To see a photo slideshow of Pumpkin Carving Day, please click here... Posted 11/01/11.
Students Learn About Energy Through Water Taste Test
Why do more Americans drink water from bottles than the faucet? That was the question Tamarac High School teacher Andrew Welkley posed to his science classes this year as part of a unit on energy. To get students to think about how energy is used, Mr. Welkley had students try a blind taste test to determine whether bottled water in fact tastes better than municipal water. Read more by clicking here… Posted 11/01/11.
Brittonkill
Educational Foundation Funds New Music Opportunities
Thanks to the Brittonkill Educational Foundation, Tamarac students have the opportunity to learn a new musical instrument - steel drums - at no cost to the district. The Foundation, which provides funding for innovative and creative programs at Tamarac schools, funded the purchase of steel drums for use in music classes and to allow the creation of a new student steel drum band. Read more... Posted 10/28/11.
Girls Soccer Team Volunteers Time to Walk for Juvenile Diabetes
Research Foundation
The Tamarac Girls Soccer Team volunteered their time on Sunday, September 25 to participate in the Walk to Cure Diabetes at Corporate Woods in Albany. "Thank you again for your support of the JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation)," wrote Karen Patterson of JDRF. "By raising money at the walk, you have helped us get one step closer to finding a cure for type 1 diabetes." Congratulations! Posted 10/28/11.
Students
Help Out Local Food Pantry
The Brunswick Cares Community Food Pantry is receiving much needed food donations thanks to Tamarac Middle School students. Students held a food drive on October 21, collecting 548 items for the food pantry. Erin Hvesdack from the Food Pantry visited the school to thank students and tell them how their donations help local community members. According to the Regional Food Bank of Northeast New York, 1 in 8 people are in need of food assistance and that number is on the rise. Thank you to Stewarts Shops for donating doughnuts to celebrate the food drive. Posted 10/25/11.
District Welcomes New Business Official on October 24
For the first time in nearly 12 years, Brunswick (Brittonkill) CSD will have a new school business official on October 24. Lyn Derway, an experienced business official most recently with the Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk CSD, will succeed Gail Lathrop, the district’s Director of Business Operations since 2000 who is retiring. “I believe Brunswick is a district where I’ll be able to build on past successes,” said Ms. Derway. “They are in a good fiscal condition and have a supportive community that cares deeply about their schools.” Read more by clicking here… Posted 10/18/11.
Teaching
Assistant Saves Student's Life
Muriel Denue, who's worked as a teaching assistant at Tamarac
Elementary School for the past 20 years, saved the life of a
third grade student on September 20 by performing the Heimlich
maneuver when the student started choking during lunch. "It was
just a quick reaction. Thank God I was there at the right
moment," Ms. Denue said. "I'm so glad it worked. I think anyone
in the same situation would have done the same thing."
BOE Recognizes Students for Excelling at Odyssey of the Mind
At its October 6 meeting, the Board of Education recognized Tamarac Elementary students who participated in the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals in May. The team of students qualified for the World Finals by finishing first in regional competition and second in state competition. Students also received a Certificate of Merit from Assemblyman Steve McLaughlin. To read about the students trip to World Finals, click here… Posted 10/07/11.
Students Transform No. 2 Pencils into Drawings
Students in Tamarac High School's Drawing classes recently completed a project where they were challenged to transform No. 2 pencils into other images. Students chose a variety of images, including musical instruments, animals, people and sportswear. To see a slideshow of the student artwork, please click here… Posted 10/06/11.
Students
Create Artwork to Help Those in Need
A class art project is helping to ensure families in need have enough food and money for fuel this winter. Students in Helen Findlay's art class created more than 100 clay bowls this year to donate to an Empty Bowls event in Bennington, Vt. on Nov. 13. The event, where participants pay for a handcrafted bowl and soup, will fund a non-profit effort to make sure families in need have money for food, rent and utilities. Read more by clicking here... Posted 10/04/11.
Ben Gardenier Named Troy Record's Male Athlete of the Week
Tamarac High School student Ben Gardenier was named Male Athlete of the Week by the Troy Record on September 28. Ben has medaled in all of the Bengals golf matches this year. See a video interview with Ben on the Troy Record website by clicking here... Congratulations! Posted 10/03/11.
Ninth Grade Students Come Together to Discuss High School
In an effort to help students with the transition from Middle School to High School, Tamarac's ninth grade students spent a morning together on Friday, September 23 to discuss their concerns and listen to advice from classmates, faculty and staff. The event, which featured a breakfast and breakout discussion groups, was organized as a way to help students get off to a successful start in High School. "We wanted to try to make them feel more like they're together as a class," explained High School teacher Tim Jacques. Read more by clicking here... Posted 9/26/11.
Tamarac to Showcase Honors Seminar Class at Statewide Conference
Tamarac High School students, faculty and staff will get an opportunity to talk about the school's Honors Seminar Class at a statewide conference in October. Tamarac was invited to discuss the program at the 4th Annual Capital Region Conference on the Inquiry Approach to Research, which will be held at Hudson Valley Community College and will feature educators from across the state. Read more by clicking here... Posted 9/26/11.
Students Get to Work On First Day of School
A rainy morning couldn't dampen the spirits - or smiles - of Tamarac students as Brunswick (Brittonkill) Central School District opened its doors to a new school year on Sept. 7. Despite the wet start to the day, students in both school buildings wasted little time getting to work on the first day of school. Click here to see a photo slideshow of the first day of school… Posted 9/07/11.
District Thanks Town and Fire Department for Assistance
Brunswick (Brittonkill) CSD would like to offer its sincere appreciation to the town of Brunswick and the Eagle Mills Fire Department for helping the district clean up after the recent storm. Due to flooding, the school parking lots were covered with an inch or two of muddy silt. The town helped the district power brush the mud away and the Eagle Mills Fire Department helped wash away the remaining dirt. The fire department also helped the district pump out its basements after they flooded. Buildings and Grounds Superintendent Neil Haley noted that any flooding in buildings was clear, ground water, not the muddy water that flooded the parking lots. "Both the town and fire department have been tremendous, as has our employees in getting everything back to normal," said Mr. Haley. Posted 9/02/11
Students Volunteer to Paint Patriotic Mural
Throughout the month of July, students Caitlin Beaudry, Kiersten Bonesteel, Jenna Keefer, Diana Lang and Carissa Seror and art teacher Jillian Sheffer volunteered to paint a mural for the Schaghticoke Fair. The fair is transforming part of the Freihofer building into a veteran's hall for Rensselaer County Veterans. The mural is one of the main focus points of this new veteran's hall. The mural illustrates the Rensselaer county landscape, letters mailed to and from soldiers, a solider returning home from duty and the landscape transforming into an American flag. To see a slideshow, click here… Great job! Posted 7/25/11.
Tamarac Alum Matthew McGrath Rings Bell at New York Stock Exchange
Tamarac alum Matthew McGrath '81 was part of the management team that rang the bell on the New York Stock Exchange on July 21. Mr. McGrath is Senior Vice President of Sunoco and was instrumental in putting together a spinoff company, SunCoke (SXC). The company was instantly valued at more than $1.1 billion. To see video of the bell ringing, click here… Mr. McGrath is on the far right of the group. Congratulations! Posted 7/22/11.
Congratulations to the Class of 2011!
Congratulations to Tamarac's most recent alumni! A total of 106 graduates walked across the stage at the 52nd Annual Commencement Ceremony held June 24. A total of 43 students earned Regents Diplomas, three students earned Regents Diplomas with Honors, 25 students earned Regents Diplomas with Advanced Designation, 23 students earned Regents Diplomas with Advanced Designation with Honors, and four students earned Career & Technology Endorsements. Congratulations and best of luck! A list of the Class of 2011 is available here... Posted 7/05/11.
