Seated around tables in the media center at The Learning Community at Broadalbin-Perth, approximately 20 second-graders excitedly talked about what they achieved during their previous meeting: Programming a robotic car to draw a shape. Constructing a replica lighthouse using snap-together toy tiles. Building a roller coaster that carried an object from Point A to Point B.

Then it was time for the students, all members of the school’s STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) Club, to break out their building materials, and the chatter immediately became much different: “How does it do that?” “Why can’t I get this to work?” “This is so neat!”

Under the direction of TLC teachers Sandy Sullivan and Tammy Staie, students in STEAM Club work in groups to solve problems, meet challenges, test theories, and achieve their goals.

During the STEAM Club meeting that took place Thursday, Oct. 19, students worked at different stations. At one station, students used Legos to build scenes and develop stories that take place in those scenes. At another station, students took turns programming a Pro-Bot car to carry a marker and draw shapes on a piece of paper, while others used a pool noodle, rubber bands, markers and an electric toothbrush to create a different kind of automatic art machine. Next to the metal fire-exit door, students used magnetic rails to create a series of ramps designed to carry a toy gear from the top to the bottom of the structure. Other students used a variety of toy building materials to replicate real-life structures or create new structures born from the students’ imaginations.

In recent years, there has been a growing movement toward STEAM education in schools, and B-P is no exception. Students at all grade levels have extracurricular opportunities in such STEAM-related fields as robotics and rocketry, and the district is adding elective courses at the middle and high school levels in such subjects as marine biology and cybersecurity.

According to Change the Equation, a STEM education advocacy group, STEM jobs in the U.S. are expected to grow 13 percent by 2027, compared with 9-percent growth in non-STEM fields. In New York, unemployment in STEM fields is less than half that of unemployment in non-STEM fields, and median earnings for those in STEM fields is nearly twice that of those in non-STEM fields.

STEAM education is valuable even for those students who won’t end up in a STEM-related career field. STEAM activities help students learn to ask questions, draw connections, solve problems, work in teams, think creatively, and exercise innovation – all skills that are valued by most modern employers.

Here is a rundown of B-P’s Halloween events by school:

• TLC: Students will parade through the village starting at 9:50 am on Tuesday, October 31. In the event of inclement weather, the parade will be held in the HS gym.

• Intermediate School: Students will parade around the walking track at the Perth campus, starting at approximately 10:45 am on October 31.

• Middle School: The Halloween dance is on Friday, October 27 from 6-8 pm in the gym.

• High School: There will be a spooky haunted house in the high school lobby from 6-9 pm on Friday, October 27. Admission is $4 for individuals, $10 for families.

As the parades are school events designed for children, we ask that onlookers do not wear costumes. Children’s costumes are encouraged, but please note that costumes incorporating blood, swords, guns and/or weapons of any kind are strictly prohibited. Additionally, the faces of your children must be visible at all times.

When Beth Tomlinson’s kindergarten students had their first swim lesson at the Fulton County YMCA earlier this month, several of them could not swim at all. Three weeks later, they’re learning to tread water, jumping into the pool like cannonballs and traversing the deep end (with a little help from floaties).

“After just six sessions, the change is drastic,” Tomlinson said from poolside on Thursday, her pant legs rolled up as her students happily splashed in the water a few feet away. “In the beginning, they were very nervous, but now, they’re so comfortable in the water.”

All kindergarten students are currently taking swim lessons at the YMCA, thanks to a generous donation from the Broadalbin-Perth Parent Teacher Organization (PTO), which paid for the transportation costs. Each class goes twice a week for a five week period.

“The goal of physical education is to give each student lifelong physical skills,” The Learning Community PE teacher Tim Cornell said. “Learning how to swim unlocks one more way to keep moving and it’s a great safety skill.”

Take a peek into the lessons by watching the video below. B-P’s young swimmers also have a message for the PTO and the YMCA!

Broadalbin-Perth is proud to announce its annual Veterans Day celebrations at both of its campuses the week of Nov. 6:

• The Learning Community and Broadalbin-Perth High School will acknowledge our local veterans during an assembly on Monday, Nov. 6 at 8:45 a.m. at the Margaret Robin Blowers Auditorium on the Broadalbin campus. After the presentation, all veterans are invited to our high school cafeteria for bagels, muffins, and coffee/juice. If you have a veteran in your family, or if you know of one who would like to be acknowledged, please fill out the RSVP form for TLC’s and BPHS’s event and return it to school with your child by Monday, Oct. 30.
• The Broadalbin-Perth Intermediate and Middle Schools will honor our nation’s veterans with a breakfast celebration on Wednesday, Nov. 8 at 9 a.m. at the Perth campus. If you have a veteran in your family who would like to attend, please share and fill out this RSVP for the intermediate school/middle school event and return it to school by Friday, Nov. 3, or please contact the main office at 518-954-2700.

“We would like our students to realize at a young age, the importance of the services provided by our veterans, and to know that without our veterans, we would not be experiencing the freedoms we have today,” TLC Principal Brad Strait said.

All veterans are welcome to wear their uniforms to our events. This gives our students a chance to see the different uniforms worn by the various branches of our military.

Rockwood State Forest and Kane Mountain were the scenic backdrops for B-P High School’s Adirondack Humanities class on Wednesday, Oct. 18.

The class took a field trip to meet with local author and OESJ teacher Heidi Sprouse after reading her novel “Adirondack Sundown” this fall. The novel’s setting includes several locations throughout Fulton County and the Adirondack Park, so teachers Dan Simonds and Anthony Mucilli took their students on the road to see the sites. They met with Sprouse to discuss her novel and experience what they had read about in class.

The trip included a walk through the Rockwood State Forest and then an approximate 2 mile hike up Kane Mountain near Caroga Lake.

The Adirondack Humanities class is an elective course that is new to the high school this year. Students examine the pivotal role the Adirondack Mountains has played in the development of the United States.  Students explore specific attributes of the Adirondacks through various lenses to gain a greater appreciation for the region’s position in the advancement of New York state and the nation.

On Wednesday, Oct. 25, students, faculty and staff at B-P Middle School celebrated Unity Day by wearing orange and promoting kindness, acceptance, and inclusion. During their lunch periods, the students also enjoyed sherbet and orange soda provided by Marie and Christian Sanchez and the Stewart’s Corporation.

Unity Day is an initiative of PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center, whose website says: “If you care about safe and supportive schools and communities make your color ORANGE on Unity Day. That’s the day everyone can come together – in schools, communities, and online – and send one large ORANGE message of support, hope, and unity to show that we are together against bullying and united for kindness, acceptance and inclusion.”

B-P senior Evan Smith and junior Jared Eipp on Oct. 25 presented a lunchtime session about technology designed for senior citizens in the community. As part of the Parent University session, the students provided an overview of technology systems to help seniors become more comfortable with technology. During the tutorial, the students helped participants navigate technology, locate and use the internet, and use smartphones.

Parent University is a community collaboration led by Broadalbin-Perth. Through Parent University, Broadalbin-Perth partners with community agencies and organizations to offer free courses, family events and activities that will equip families with new or additional skills, knowledge, resources and the confidence to become full partners in their children’s education. The goal of Parent University is to increase parent involvement in B-P schools and empower parents to raise children who are successful in school and in life. Research has shown that parents can increase a child’s academic success through their involvement with schools and communities. Parental involvement improves student morale, attitudes, and academic achievement across all subject areas.

Bop the Bully, Catch the Bully and the Let’s Whip Bullying pie-throwing contest — these are the names of some of the games you can play at the Broadalbin-Perth Middle School’s inaugural Anti-Bullying Carnival. All community members are encouraged to join us for this event on Saturday, Nov. 4 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the middle school bus loop. Admission is free.

The carnival will feature entertainment, a food vendor, and, of course, the games, which were created by middle school students.

“This is a community event where students can gather to address an important social issue and have fun while doing so,” Middle School Principal Wayne Bell said.

The carnival will mark the culmination of the middle school’s month-long anti-bullying initiative, as October is National Bullying Prevention Month.

The event is made possible thanks to the support of the National Junior Honor Society, the MS Student Council, the PBIS Student Leader Program and the IS Student Council.

Register for this event

Nationally sought-after speaker Rich Johns will present on his pay-it-forward movement, “Act With Respect Always,” for parents at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 2, in the Virtual AP Room as part of Broadalbin-Perth’s Parent University series.

Johns taught and coached tennis in Saratoga Springs for 38 years before becoming a motivational speaker. Act With Respect Always started in Johns’ sixth-grade classroom and on the tennis court, where he stressed the importance of one’s personal character. Emphasizing kindness, love, acceptance and empathy, Johns strives to make everyone aware of their daily actions and the effect those actions have on those around them.

Last month, Johns presented to students at all four B-P schools. During his visits, Johns left behind an Act with Respect Always banner. B-P students signed the banners in their respective school buildings and pledged to uphold the Act with Respect Always mission.

Parents interested in participating in the Nov. 2 Parent University event featuring Johns should complete the online registration form. While registration is not necessary, it is helpful in assisting with planning.

Parent University is a community collaboration led by Broadalbin-Perth. Through Parent University, Broadalbin-Perth partners with community agencies and organizations to offer free courses, family events and activities that will equip families with new or additional skills, knowledge, resources and the confidence to become full partners in their children’s education. The goal of Parent University is to increase parent involvement in B-P schools and empower parents to raise children who are successful in school and in life. Research has shown that parents can increase a child’s academic success through their involvement with schools and communities. Parental involvement improves student morale, attitudes, and academic achievement across all subject areas.

In honor of National Red Ribbon Week, Broadalbin-Perth High School students decorated their advisory room doors with drug-free messages. The drug prevention campaign runs from October 23-31.

Three members of the HFM Prevention Council judged the doors on theme, originality, organization, creativity and special effects. The winning classroms were:

Seniors: Campos and Anadio (tie)

Juniors: Hart

Sophomores: Hills

Freshmen: Spraker

The winners will get pizza and doughnuts during their advisory period on November 3.

There are a lot more photos on the district’s Facebook page.

Broadalbin-Perth’s new nature trail, which doubles as a regulation cross country trail for the district’s teams, is now open and available for use by all district residents. The 1.6-mile trail, located in the wooded area behind the baseball and softball fields at the Broadalbin campus, was created as part of Phase 1 of Broadalbin-Perth’s $39.7 million capital project that was approved by voters in May 2016.

The trail is open dawn to dusk year-round, but it is closed during the school day. Although pets and motorized vehicles are prohibited, residents are encouraged to use the trail for walking, running, biking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. District leaders ask that users respect the trail and carry their trash out, and they note that the trail will be monitored using security cameras.

Trail signs will be installed soon, including trail maps at each trailhead and distance markers along the trail. (Click the image to open a full-size image of the trail map.) Residents are welcome to park in the new auxiliary parking area adjacent to the new baseball and softball fields, near Trail Head B on the trail map.

Members of the school community can stay up-to-date on Capital Project work by visiting the Capital Project page on the district website. In addition, information about any changes to the normal operation or use of school facilities will be posted to the district Facebook page and shared with faculty, staff, parents and residents through email and the B-P mobile app (available for Apple and Android devices).

According to research, students who don’t read during the summer can lose up to three months of reading progress and that loss has a cumulative, long-term effect. Well, these students at Broadalbin-Perth Intermediate School aren’t going to let that happen.

BPIS classes once again participated in the Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge and teachers recently recognized a student, or students, from each grade level who read the most over the summer.

The following students received the “top summer reader” honor:

3rd grade – Vincent Murphy and Alexa Provenzano
4th grade – Allee Jasewicsz and Riley Bakuzonis
5th grade – Laurel Mitchell
6th grade – Logan Aery

Each winner received a lawn sign touting their achievement. A sign was also given to the teacher with the most participating students. Third grade teacher Ms. Wilcox won that honor for the second year in a row.

Senior seminar students on Friday got some help weighing the pros and cons of their prospective colleges.

Each student listed their top choices, along with an assessment that considered each school’s graduation rate, programs, admissions stats, average salary of graduates, location, internships and tuition. 

“We were very impressed,” BPHS guidance counselor Jennifer Grimmick said.

A steady stream of B-P students and their families walked through the bus loop at the Perth campus Saturday, Nov. 4, stopping at booths to buy food and merchandise or to play games during the inaugural anti-bullying carnival.

Middle School Principal Wayne Bell grinned while students pushed whipped-cream pies into his face. Greg Horning, the school’s conduct coordinator, splashed into a small pool of water again and again after students connected with the target at the dunk booth.

Student, parent, faculty and staff volunteers manned the various booths that featured student-designed carnival games, refreshments, prizes, and red t-shirts featuring a smiling emoji and the slogan, “It’s cool to be kind.”

The carnival was presented by the National Junior Honor Society, the BPMS Student Council, the BPMS Shared Decision-Making Team, the PBIS Student Leader Program and the BPIS Student Council.

On Friday, Nov. 3, students in Billy Eipp’s cybersecurity class at Broadalbin-Perth High School huddled around laptops surrounded by beverages in cups and bottles and plates of forgotten slices of pizza, concentrating on the screens in front of them and occasionally conferring with their classmates. The students had just six hours to scour virtual machine images, then find and fix system vulnerabilities as they competed in the first round of the CyberPatriot National Youth Cyber Defense Competition.

This marks the third consecutive year that Broadalbin-Perth has competed in CyberPatriot, which was created by the Air Force Association to inspire students toward careers in cybersecurity or other science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. The program is meeting its goal at B-P, where all three members of the school’s top-scoring team from last year’s competition have gone on to enroll in college programs in either cybersecurity or computer science.

The CyberPatriot competition consists of multiple rounds, with students participating in early rounds at their schools or other community locations, such as libraries. B-P’s teams will compete again in December and January, striving to earn top scores and a spot in February’s national semifinals. The top teams in the nation earn all-expenses paid trips to Baltimore, Md., for the national final, where they can earn national recognition and scholarship money.​

According to Eipp, B-P’s top team missed the cut-off for the national semifinals by just three points last year. This year, B-P has entered five teams into the Open Division of the competition, which includes 2,757 teams nationwide. The top 12 teams in the Open Division advance to the national final, which will take place in April.

As Veterans Day approaches this week, B-P’s youngest learners got the opportunity to thank local veterans for their service at The Learning Community’s annual assembly on Monday, Nov. 6. Highlights of the event included patriotic songs and student remarks as they recognized the bravery and sacrifice demonstrated by all soldiers, past and present.

Veterans had the opportunity to stand in front of the assembly and introduce themselves and their student family members. Broadalbin-Perth thanks you for your service!

“We would like our students to realize at a young age, the importance of the services provided by our veterans, and to know that without our veterans, we would not be experiencing the freedoms we have today,” TLC Principal Brad Strait said.

Here are the Broadalbin-Perth Middle School students of the month for November. From left to right, Gabriella Lanzi, 7th grade; Ephram Harvey, 6th grade; Andrew Mayer, 8th grade; Maddalena Minkler, 8th grade.

The word used to select these students was “responsibility”.

Register for this event

Almost every day, local and national news outlets share stories about the ongoing opioid epidemic, which is affecting individuals and families in our area and across the country. Broadalbin-Perth’s Parent University will take on the topic of addiction with a panel discussion at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 14 in the Virtual AP Room at BPHS.

The panel features two former addicts, Nic Pfenning and Chris Gabriel, along with Nic’s mother, Carrie Pfenning. After experimenting with prescription pills and illegal street drugs in his early teens, Nic Pfenning is now a substance abuse counselor in Portland, Maine, and has been sober from narcotics for more than seven years. Gabriel was an NCAA Division II collegiate athlete who, during high school, began experimenting with prescription pills and illegal narcotics including heroin. He has now been sober for more than seven years and has helped many young men and women who are struggling with addiction. Carrie Pfenning will share how she navigated her son’s addiction and how Nic’s abuse of drugs affected his family.

Participants will come away from this session with local resources to help both parents and youth who are struggling with addiction. Free childcare will be available. Advance registration is requested to help with planning; those interested in attending can register online.

Parent University is a community collaboration led by Broadalbin-Perth. Through Parent University, Broadalbin-Perth partners with community agencies and organizations to offer free courses, family events and activities that will equip families with new or additional skills, knowledge, resources and the confidence to become full partners in their children’s education. The goal of Parent University is to increase parent involvement in B-P schools and empower parents to raise children who are successful in school and in life. Research has shown that parents can increase a child’s academic success through their involvement with schools and communities. Parental involvement improves student morale, attitudes, and academic achievement across all subject areas.

During a science symposium Tuesday, Nov. 7, students in Kelly DiNatale’s Marine Biology class at Broadalbin-Perth Middle School presented their research on a variety of ocean threats, including coral reef destruction, overfishing, oil spills and acidification. The symposium was the culmination of the 10-week student-led elective course, which is new this school year.

According to BPMS Principal Wayne Bell, middle school students don’t have a lot of opportunity to take elective courses because so many courses are mandated by New York state. However, the school can squeeze 10-week courses – including Marine Biology and Outdoor Life, which is also new this year – into students’ schedules while also making sure students are taking the required courses.

The 10-week Marine Biology course, which is open to eighth-graders, invites students to take control of their own learning. For example, two weeks before the science symposium, DiNatale presented students with the theme of “ocean threats” and then let the students decide what topics they wanted to research and present.

“This is a self-motivating, self-directed class,” DiNatale said. “There have been times when the bell has rung and I’ve had to push them out the door. They have surpassed my expectations.”

A new group of eighth-graders will have the opportunity to take Marine Biology during the second quarter.