Around South Colonie

Continuing in honor of South Colonie’s 75th Anniversary, the district has released the fifth installment of their legacy podcast series. In this episode, communications specialist, Lauren Pfaffenbach, sits down with a father- daughter duo from the Mauriello family. Frank Mauriello, class of 1975, shares his experiences growing up in Colonie and eventually raising a family of his own. Vanessa Mauriello, class of 2007, now an English as a New Language, or (ENL) teacher at Veeder Elementary school, followed closely in her father’s footsteps.

For this episode our Communications intern, Haleigh VanWert, sat down with Current CCHS Building Principal, and proud Colonie alumnus, Thomas Kachadurian. The two discussed Mr. Kachadurian's familial ties to the district and how that impacted his choice to become an administrator in South Colonie. Kachadurian also explains his love of the Colonie community and his excitement about being in a position to give back. Kachadurian goes on to express his determination to foster lasting and meaningful connections within his building, among students and staff alike. Join us as we learn more about the Kachadurian family history, and Tom's own sentiments regarding the importance of spreading kindness, no matter where you may find yourself in life.

In this episode, we sat down with two brothers who have made a lasting impact on South Colonie- Benjamin and Steve Garry are graduates of South Colonie from the classes of 1978 and 1981. Steve has since become a beloved bus driver for the district, and Ben was the youngest person in South Colonie history to serve on the Board of Education. This family's ties to South Colonie don't stop here- the Garry family have been small business owners in the area for decades. Join us in learning about their lineage and experiences growing up in Colonie.

We sat down with Souch Colonie district employee, Christopher Robilotti, to discuss his connection to the school and our district as a second gen- Colonie grad who decided to come back and work in the district.

The first episode of the Legacy podcast features ‘84 alumni Michele Lyons Polito, and future Colonie grad Angelo Polito, focusing on their family's multi-generational connection to Colonie. The episode explores their experiences, memories and the impact the school has had on their lives over the years. Additionally, we dive into her family's involvement in the school's music department and the pride of being a part of CCHS's history. You don’t want to miss this heartwarming and nostalgic journey of Colonie through the years.

In this next episode of the Senior Spotlight Mini Podcast Series we feature senior Naomi Kayemba being interviewed by CCHS senior and district communications intern Amanda Nusbaum. This podcast series introduces a handful of senior students to find out more about their life at CCHS. From their favorite teacher, to the best lunch item on the menu and more, we get to hear the inside scoop. Through their time at Colonie they have learned what keeps them on track, makes them successful and are excited about what is on the horizon after graduation.

Kayemba plans on becoming a Physician’s Assistant after studying at SUNY Albany. She is looking forward to life after high school and has gained an abundance of experiences from various classes she has taken. Kayemba explains to listeners how the classes she has taken since freshman year influenced her field of study in college.

From the beginning of high school until now Kayemba has made unforgettable connections with teachers and fellow students. Her journey to becoming a physician's assistant is just beginning but the knowledge she has gained at Colonie will support her through the rest of her educational career.

This episode is sure to be enjoyed by many!

The South Colonie Central School District will be asking residents to vote Tuesday, May 16 on a $122 million dollar spending plan that preserves all current programs and services and provides key enhancements for students.  In this episode of around South Colonie, CCHS senior Amanda Nusbaum sits down with assistant superintendent for management services and strategic planning Jacqlene McAllister to shed some light on the proposed 2023-24 budget highlights. More information about the proposed spending plan can be found online at www.southcolonieschools.org.

In our second episode of our Senior Spotlight Mini Podcast Series, CCHS senior and district communications intern Amanda Nusbaum sits down with senior Amber Elk to talk about her final year at CCHS. Join us as we hear from this inspiring young woman about her experiences, challenges and triumphs as she prepares to take on the next chapter of her life. We'll cover everything from scholarship applications, getting involved at school and everything in between. 

You won't want to miss this amazing story of perseverance and growth!

To kickoff this series CCHS senior and district communications intern Amanda Nusbaum sits down to talk with CCHS senior Caitlin Tully.

Tully plans on attending SUNY Fredonia this upcoming fall and plans on majoring in music education.  She has involved herself with various clubs and activities while in high school and hopes to stay involved in her community over the summer.

In this episode, Tully explains how she uses items like her planner to stay on task and keep up with assignments.  These small tips are what has helped her and she hopes other students will benefit as well.

This episode is a great start to the series and you don’t want to miss it!

All Business: Up next in our Women's History Month mini-podcast series is Anjelieeque Martinez. In 2000, Martinez began her career at South Colonie as the district treasurer with her role evolving over the years.  She now serves as the business administrator and district treasurer for the school district overseeing seven professionals working at the district office.

Not knowing she would end up in the educational field, Martinez values the educational journey and credits her success to her background in accounting.  She also believes strongly that females should go to school, pursue their education and believe in themselves.

In this episode, Martinez sits down with South Colonie CCHS senior and communications intern Amanda Nusbaum to share more insight to the business side and the house 

Up next in our Women's History Month mini-podcast series is Linda Kennedy, secretary to Lisha Kill Middle School Principal Dr. Tresansky.

Kennedy has been serving the South Colonie Central School District since 1994.  She has worked at Roessleville Elementary, Sand Creek Middle School and is now rounding out her career at Lisha Kill Middle School. More than a building secretary, Kennedy has dedicated her time to making her Lisha Kill community a priority always creating a special environment for the students and often serves as party coordinator extraordinaire. 

In this episode, Kennedy sits down with South Colonie CCHS senior and communications intern Amanda Nusbaum to have a conversation about her career and why she gives 100% to her colleagues, staff and students that she works with each and every day.

You don’t want to miss this episode!

Get inspired this month by learning about just a few of the incredible women working at the South Colonie Central School District. 

Up first in our mini-podcast series is Joan Arthurton, a special education teacher at South Colonie. Arthurton currently serves as a teacher at the Juvenile Detention Center in Albany where South Colonie Schools has partnered with Berkshire Farm Center to provide the daily educational experience for the youth residing there. Arthurton, along with her colleagues, work with the students to provide stability, support and an educational experience that aligns with a traditional classroom setting. In this episode, Arthurtun shares insight into her work at the JDC, why she loves what she does, how she engages with her students on a daily basis and best practices for younger women on how to make an impact in the communities in which they work.

You don't want to miss this episode!

Enjoy sights, sounds, and flavors from around the world as South Colonie families, teachers, and community members come together to celebrate the diversity of cultures that make up the South Colonie student body on Friday, March 3 at Colonie Central High School Gymnasium (MUG). 

South Colonie's Kelsie Conroy sits down with event coordinator April Mlambi to learn all about the event.  

The Lunar New Year, commonly known as the Chinese New Year, is a multi-week celebration of family, prosperity and good fortune. Centered around the lunar calendar, the weeks of celebration are different each year but are steeped in rich tradition. Join South Colonie's Kelsie Conroy and Lisha Kill Middle School Teacher Cody Ng as they discuss facts, history and traditions of the holiday. 

Welcome to the South Colonie in 5 Podcast S1E11 where South Colonie's Lauren Pfaffenbach spends a few minutes speaking with Veeder's principal Mrs. Sullivan about the proposed capital projects at Saddlewood Elementary School. In this episode they share the importance of the projects and how it will impact the school community.

Welcome to the South Colonie in 5 Podcast S1E9 where South Colonie's Lauren Pfaffenbach spends a few minutes speaking with Roessleville's principal Mrs. Tedesco about the proposed capital projects at Roessleville Elementary School. In this episode they share the importance of the projects and how it will impact the school community.

Welcome to the South Colonie in 5 Podcast S1E10 where South Colonie's Lauren Pfaffenbach spends a few minutes speaking with Saddlewood's principal Mrs. Wranesh about the proposed capital projects at Saddlewood Elementary School. In this episode they share the importance of the projects and how it will impact the school community.

Welcome to the South Colonie in 5 Podcast S1E8 where South Colonie's Lauren Pfaffenbach spends a few minutes speaking with Sand Creek's Principal Mr. Marohn about the proposed capital projects at Sand Creek Middle School. In this episode they share the importance of the projects and how it will impact the school community.