All this week we’re reflecting on 2024 and the great moments from the East Greenbush Central School District. Here’s a look back at some of the top stories from our schools over the last 12 months.
You can find more news on our News Archive page.
East Greenbush CSD Launches Podcast
January 2, 2024
The East Greenbush Central School District launched a podcast in January 2024, creating another way for the school community to learn about school news and important information. The podcast is titled Let’s Learn Together and it is hosted by Superintendent Jeff Simons. Episodes have covered school safety, mental health, reading instruction, and pre-k.
Goff Cell Phone Policy Leads to Improved Academics and Behavior
January 25, 2024
Howard L. Goff Middle School’s cell phone ban resulted in fewer distractions in school, fewer behavior issues and a renewed focus on academics.
2023 NYS Assessment Report: East Greenbush CSD Ranks #1 in ELA and #2 in Math in Capital Region
February 9, 2024
Students in the East Greenbush Central School District who took the NYS Grades 3-8 Exams in Spring 2023 scored 67% proficient in English Language Arts (1st in Capital Region) and 74% proficient in Mathematics (2nd in Capital Region).
Shondra Conyers Selected as a NYS Master Teacher
February 16, 2024
Donald P. Sutherland Elementary School kindergarten teacher Shondra Conyers was selected as a NYS Master Teacher. She is one of 10 educators selected to the program from the Capital Region.
Columbia Kicks Cancer Raises $90,000 for Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
March 8, 2024
The Columbia Kicks Cancer team led by Patrick Donnelly ’24, Cole Durivage ’24 and Corey Hamilton ’24 won the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s 2024 Student Visionaries of the Year by raising more than $90,000. The money was donated to LLS for blood cancer research, treatment and care. This marks the fourth year in a row that Columbia students have raised money for LLS.
East Greenbush CSD Expands Pre-K Program for 2024-25
April 11, 2024
The East Greenbush Central School District expanded its pre-k program, increasing the number of slots from 97 in 2023-24 to 165 in 2024-25. The increase in capacity was made possible by approving additional pre-k classes at community service providers at no additional cost to the district. Each of the providers will be paid $5,400 per student by the district, and the district will be fully reimbursed through NYS UPK State Aid.
East Greenbush CSD Voted ‘Best School District’ in the Capital Region
April 25, 2024
For the third year in a row, the East Greenbush Central School District was voted “Best School District” in the Times Union Best of the Capital Region contest, which was announced in a special publication.
East Greenbush CSD Voters Approve School Budget and Capital Project
May 21, 2024
East Greenbush Central School District residents approved the proposed school budget for 2024-25, as well as a $116 million capital project and the purchase of eight new school buses with the highest voter turnout since 2017 (excluding mail in vote of 2020).
Columbia Wins Girls’ Flag Football Regional Championship, Advances to NYS Final Four
May 28, 2024
The Columbia Girls’ Varsity Flag Football team continued its historic inaugural season, defeating Corning-Painted Post, 12-0, at Shenendehowa High School to win a regional championship. With the victory, the Blue Devils advance to the final four of the New York State Flag Football Championships.
Building Toolboxes and Skills
June 5, 2024
With a hammer in one hand and a nail in the other, Green Meadow 4th grade students got to work building wooden toolboxes. The students also used screwdrivers and power drills, all under the guidance of local contractors and their teachers.
New Genet Playground Opens
June 21, 2024
The East Greenbush Central School District officially opened the new Genet Elementary School playground at a ribbon cutting event after school. Students, staff and families attended the event so they could see the new playground and celebrate this important upgrade to the school campus.
East Greenbush CSD Offering Free Meals in All District Schools Starting Next School Year
June 25, 2024
The East Greenbush Central School District announced it will be offering free breakfast and lunch to all students starting in the 2024-25 school year. The free meals are being offered based on expanded access to the federal Community Eligibility Provision, increased funding from New York State, and the percentage of students directly certified for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) or Medicaid.
Congratulations to the Columbia High School Class of 2024!
June 29, 2024
There were feelings of pride and joy on display throughout the Columbia High School Class of 2024 Graduation Ceremony on Saturday morning at Hudson Valley Community College. It was felt by everyone in attendance – the students, teachers, staff and families. Students wore radiant smiles, waved to their families and walked confidently across the stage in their caps and gowns to accept their high school diplomas.
Superintendent Jeff Simons Announces Retirement at the End of the School Year
November 4, 2024
After 32 years in education and currently in his ninth year leading the East Greenbush Central School District, Superintendent Jeff Simons announced his retirement in a letter to faculty, staff and families. He will retire at the end of the current school year, effective July 1, 2025.
Becky Cook Selected as a NYS Master Teacher
November 15, 2024
Great teachers never lose the student in themselves. They are always learning and developing new skills so they can better educate their students. That is certainly true for Green Meadow 2nd Grade Teacher Becky Cook, who was recently accepted into the New York State Master Teacher Program.
2024 Year in Review