From left, Devon Schwartz, who runs the Hillside Kid's Time site; JCC Executive Director Mark Weintraub, JCC President Andrea Golub; Niskayuna Superintendent Susan Salvaggio; Niskayuna School Board President Jeanne Sosnow; and Hillside Principal Shireen Fasciglione.

Superintendent Susan Salvaggio addresses the reception at the JCC.

The partnership between the district and Schenectady County Jewish Community Center leaders is all about making a difference for kids and families.

That theme was clear as leaders from both organizations ceremonially cut the ribbon to the JCC’s new Kid’s Time afterschool program at Hillside Elementary School on Wednesday evening, Sept. 14.

Our mission is supporting youth, and this is another way we are doing that,” said JCC President Andrea Golub, who along with Executive Director Mark Weintraub, welcomed district leaders to the center for the event. “We are so happy to partner with you in yet another school.”

The opening of the Hillside site means that Kid’s Time is now operating in four of the district’s elementary schools, including Birchwood, Craig and Rosendale. The program provides afterschool care for elementary school children in a supportive environment with access to expanded educational and recreational opportunities.

“Kids are in a place they know, where families are comfortable. That’s the best environment we can provide for our children,” Salvaggio said. “We are grateful for our partnership, and looking forward to seeing it continue to grow.”

Salvaggio was joined at the reception by Niskayuan School Board members and some district administrators, including Hillside Principal Shireen Fasciglione.

Golub and Weintraub were joined by JCC Board members, volunteers, and childhood/youth programming staff members, including Devon Schwartz, who runs the Kid’s Time site at Hillside. The program opened at the start of the year, and he said things were going great so far.

Weintraub reported that the Hillside site had 39 students enrolled as of that afternoon, and that there were 180 in the four programs across the district.

“My hat is off to the staff and everyone for that accomplishment,” he said. Let’s keep figuring out ways for the youth in this community to continue to be supported. Thank you, and have a great school year!”

 

JCC Executive Director Mark Weintraub speaks before the ribbon cutting.	The event offered an opportunity for district leaders and JCC members, leaders and volunteers to visit with one another.