All this week we’re reflecting on 2019 and the great moments from the East Greenbush Central School District. Here’s a look back at some of the biggest accomplishments by our faculty and staff over the last 12 months.
Maria Fontaine Named EGTA Teacher of the Year
School Social Worker Maria Fontaine was named Teacher of the Year by the East Greenbush Teachers Association in May. The annual award, which was first given out in 1970, is voted on by the hundreds of members in the EGTA.
Helen Squillace Receives Special Educator of the Year Award
Helen Squillace, the new Red Mill principal and former director of Pupil Personnel Services, was named the Mary P. Van Derzee Special Educator of the Year by the group Parent Support for Students with Disabilities.
Tom Ross Selected for NYS Master Teacher Program
Columbia High School science teacher Tom Ross was selected as a NYS Master Teacher. As part of the program, Mr. Ross will participate in professional development and attend leadership workshops over the next four years.
16 Educators Receive Tenure
Thirteen teachers and three administrators earned tenure after successfully completing a probationary period of effective teaching and evaluation. They each received certificates and were recognized at a Board of Education meeting in June.
Columbia’s Dan Wagner Named Top Teacher by News Channel 13
Columbia High School Social Studies Teacher Dan Wagner was named Top Teacher by News Channel 13 for the week of March 13.
Columbia’s James Driscoll Named Top Teacher by News Channel 13
Columbia High School Social Studies Teacher James Driscoll was named Top Teacher by News Channel 13 for the week of March 27.
Anthony Servidone Inducted into National Wrestling Hall of Fame
Columbia High School Wrestling Coach Anthony Servidone was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in September in East Syracuse, N.Y. Mr. Servidone, who also teaches Physical Education at Columbia, has coached for 31 years in the Columbia wrestling program, earning more than 340 career wins.
Chris Ciccone Receives Medals for National Guard Service
Columbia High School teacher Chris Ciccone received a Legion of Merit (federal) and the NYS Conspicuous Service Medal (state) on September 8 following his retirement from the New York Army National Guard.
Erin Tarbox Inducted Into Columbia High School Alumni Hall of Fame
Green Meadow Kindergarten Teacher Erin Tarbox was inducted into the Columbia High School Hall of Fame this past spring. Mrs. Tarbox, who graduated from Columbia in 1999, has dedicated her career to the well-being of children for 15 years. She was also honored recently at the March of Dimes Gala for her community service through Brinley’s Bags.
Columbia Students and Teachers Receive YMCA Awards
Columbia Science Teachers Heidi Gleason and Dottie Masiello were honored at the 2019 Rensselaer County YMCA Outstanding Student and Educator Awards at Hudson Valley Community College. The event recognizes service-focused high school students from the YMCA and community, and those educators who are critical to their success.
Local Art Exhibit to Feature East Greenbush Teachers
Seven art teachers from the East Greenbush Central School District had their artwork on display at the “Studio Time: Artist/Teachers of the Capital District” exhibit in the Teaching Gallery at Hudson Valley Community College this fall.
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