Niskayuna High School invites parents and students to “Preparing Students for a Global Marketplace,” a technology forum on Dec. 5
On Tuesday, Dec. 5 at 7:00 p.m., high school parents and students are invited to learn more about Niskayuna High School’s evolving technology education program including new and updated curricular options for the 2007-2008 school year.
Nancy Martin, manager of General Electric’s Engineering Leadership Development Program, based in the Global Research Center in Niskayuna, will be the keynote speaker. During a recent high school faculty meeting, Martin shared her knowledge and insights about the rapidly changing technological world and her experiences working for GE locally and internationally.
High school technology teachers will also unveil the new technology education program including specific course offerings such as Energy Systems, Manufacturing Systems, Intro to Applied Systems, and Intro to Mass Media/Communications. Project Lead the Way, a new pre engineering curriculum that has been successful in schools nationwide, will also be introduced. The technology forum will be held in the Little Theater at Niskayuna High School. Read more

Student musicians perform at state conference in Rochester
Bravo and congratulations to the following Niskayuna High School students who were selected to perform at the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) state conference in Rochester between November 30-December 3:
Leo Brown (Violin, Symphony Orchestra); Sean Douglas (Trombone, Symphonic Band); Kelsey Lamb (Percussion, Wind Ensemble); and Emma Ladouceur (Voice, Chorus).
Accepted as alternates:
Matthew Connolly (Double Bass, Symphony Orchestra); Alexander Goldberg (Percussion, Bands, Drum Set, Jazz Ensemble); and Kendra Lamb (French Horn, Bands).
Each spring, as part of the NYSSMA Solo and Ensemble Festivals, students in grades 10 and 11 may audition for acceptance to the New York State Select performing ensembles. Students are selected based on their solo performance, and only those achieving the highest scores are invited to participate in performances at the state conference. The three days of intensive rehearsals culminated in Gala concerts on December 2-3.
Read about Niskayuna students who were selected to participate in the NYSSMA Area All-State Music Festival.

Class of 2007 hosts hypnotic fundraiser on Dec. 8
The Class of 2007 invites you to an evening of mesmerizing entertainment featuring the Leo Chase Comedy Hypnosis Experience on Friday, Dec. 8 at 7:30 p.m. at Niskayuna High School.
The true stars of this interactive performance are audience members who volunteer to be placed in a hypnotic trance. That is when the non-stop surprises, fun and laughter begins!
Tickets are $8 and can be purchased through Friday during lunch in the cafeteria. A portion of the proceeds will be be donated to the Regional Food Bank.

First of two Community Budget Awareness Forums to be held on Dec. 8 at Niskayuna High School
District officials will hold their first Community Budget Awareness Forum on Monday, December 11 at 7 p.m. in Niskayuna High School's Little Theater.
This forum is the first of a two-part series designed to increase understanding of the many factors and considerations associated with the often complex school budget development process. Community members will have an opportunity to learn more about the variables that affect expenditures and revenues, and the challenges of balancing a strong educational program with the concerns of community homeowners and businesses.
The second Community Budget Awareness Forum will take place on Wednesday, January 10 at the Iroquois Middle School library at 7 p.m.
All community members are encouraged to attend.

Stay warm this winter in Niskayuna style
Looking for a unique holiday gift for a Niskayuna graduate or a practical present that will help keep friends and family warm during the chilly winter season?
The Glencliff PTO is raising funds for the school’s new playground by selling fleece blankets embroidered with the Niskayuna emblem.
Niskayuna Polar Fleece Stadium Blankets, in either red or gray, may be purchased for $15 each until the holiday break. Please contact PTO representative Susan Hale at 399-2170 to order yours today.

Fund established for Van Antwerp Middle School student
Julian Mallein, a sixth-grade student at Van Antwerp Middle School, was struck by a car on Balltown Road in November and is recovering from severe head trauma along with multiple other injuries. 
An energetic and entertaining boy, Julian can never do enough for others, which is why friends of his family want to do all they can to help him.
An account has been established at Berkshire Bank to help with Julian's recovery, and you can help make a difference by contributing to the Julian Mallein fund at any branch of Berkshire Bank.

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