The Character Trait of the Month for July is Wellness.

District seeks proposals for Universal Prekindergarten Program

The Cohoes City School District is accepting proposals from qualified providers to join in collaboration with the district in the provision of Universal Prekindergarten Program services. To view the Request for Proposals, click here.

Students, art teachers create mastodon replica as part of regional history celebration

What's nearly 6-feet tall, made of heavy-duty Styrofoam and took an entire school year to create? Why "Henry," of course!

Henry, a large mastodon replica who was created by the district's art department to commemorate the 400th anniversary celebration of Henry Hudson's trip up the Hudson River, was unveiled to the Cohoes community on Wednesday, June 17, at 6:30 p.m. in the Cohoes Middle School Library. MORE

H1N1 influenza (swine flu) virus information being sent home

The Albany County Department of Health asked school districts in the region to share a letter with parents and guardians. To view the letter, click here.

In the Cohoes City School District, we have had no reported cases of H1N1 influenza (swine flu) virus. As always, the importance of basic hygiene is stressed in the schools and our cleaning staff continues its vigilance.

Anyone with questions or concerns is welcome to contact the superintendent's office.

Thank you Cohoes residents. The 2009-10 school budget passed--358 to 217.

Additionally, the two open seats on the Board of Education will be filled by Steven Lackmann and Patrick Butler.

Henry Hudson Visits Cohoes Schools

In celebration of Henry Hudson's 400th anniversary voyage, the district invited Henry Hudson--a life-sized replica--to visit with students and learn about the time period of his voyage. "Henry" was on loan to the Cohoes Public Library from the Albany Institute of History & Art.

Congratulations Mrs. Giller

Mrs. Giller is the recipient of the Judith A. Martens Secretarial Award of Excellence. The award is presented by the New York State Athletic Administration Association, and states: "In its quest to increase the quality of athletics in New York, the NYS Athletic Administrators Association recognizes Margaret Giller in 2009 in appreciation for the extra effort to athletics."

Swine Influenza Information

With recent news attention on confirmed cases of swine flu in New York City, the district is providing information as a resource for parents and community members seeking facts and information about this strain of the flu virus.

Parents are reminded that NO children with flu-like symptoms should come to school, and that the best way to prevent the spread of this and other regular seasonal types of flu is to follow basic hygiene rules—such as washing your hand frequently with soap and hot water and using a tissue when you cough or sneeze. MORE

District reveals new PBIS logo

Members of the Cohoes community will likely see a new logo popping up the schools and in the windows of area businesses.

The new blue and gold logo, created for the district's Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support program (PBIS), incorporates the program's message, "Respect, Responsibility and Safety," a motto students in the elementary and middle schools are taught to abide by. The program is being developed in Cohoes High School for freshman. MORE

Van Schaick Grade School named "Model School"

Van Schaick Grade School, recently designated as a “Model School” by the New York State Education Department, is one of more than 70 model sites statewide recognized for using effective practices that improve student performance.

Van Schaick Grade School was nominated through the Supporting Successful Strategies to Achieve Improved Results (S3TAIR) after information related to the effective use of practices was submitted to the state. Van Schaick was chosen for the project because S3TAIR coordinators saw the school as a learning center that uses evidence-based practices to help all students achieve. Successful completion of the S3TAIR validation process included a written nomination, completion of an online survey and phone interview, as well as two site visits by representatives from the State Education Department and higher education. MORE

Student artwork on display at Cohoes Visitor Center

Students in grades four through 12 have created Artist Trading Cards that are on display at the Cohoes Visitors Center.

With the help of members from the Spindle City Historic Society, students have studied the historic trade cards of Cohoes. The trade cards dated back to the 1860s when Cohoes was a growing village. Many of the trade cards were from businesses on Remsen and Cayuga Street and served as a very common way of advertising a company's goods. MORE

Cohoes Middle School named "Model School"

Cohoes Middle School is one of 72 model sites recognized by the New York State Education Department as using effective practices that improve student performance and will be designated as a "Model School."

The middle school was nominated through the Supporting Successful Strategies to Achieve Improved Results (S3TAIR) after information related to the effective practices was submitted to the Education Department. CMS was chosen for this project because S3TAIR coordinators saw the school as a learning center that uses evidence- based practices to help all students achieve. MORE

District holds 10th Annual Employee Recognition Day

Nov. 4, 2008—John Wilhelm was recognized as the district's longest employee with 37 years of service at the Cohoes City School District's 10th Annual Employee Recognition Day.

The event, which was held during the Superintendent's Conference on Election Day, honored more than 90 employees for their service to the district. MORE
 

District energy conservation results in national award

Five buildings in the Cohoes City School District were recently awarded the federal government's ENERGY STAR Label, an award that is presented to the most energy-efficient school buildings in the country. The district as a whole was also named an ENERGY STAR Leader for its overall energy savings.

"We are very pleased to receive this recognition," said Cohoes City School District Superintendent Robert Libby. "Our energy conservation efforts are saving taxpayer dollars and during difficult budget times, this savings is crucial." MORE