Category Archives: Uncategorized

Troy CSD Community News Group

Posted on

Want to stay in the loop of all things in the Troy City School District? Please see their message below!

There are so many great things happening across the Troy CSD, and we want to ensure our entire community stays informed – including our neighbors without students in our classrooms.
By simply signing up for the Troy CSD Community News group, you will receive district-wide announcements, upcoming community events, annexation news, and budget information.

Become a part of the TCSD community by clicking here: Click here to subscribe to updates from Troy CSD Community News

If you already have a ParentSquare account, updates to this group will be part of your regular ParentSquare notifications. If you do not already have a ParentSquare account, you can create one after joining the group to manage your communication preferences.

Water Safety Information

Posted on

New York State Education Law §926 requires school districts to provide information to families about:

● Drowning prevention

● Water safety

● Safe and healthy swimming

 

Families are encouraged to review water safety information with their children and take steps to help prevent accidents in and around bodies of water. The New York State Department of Health provides the following resources:

● Safe Swimming Tips for Everyone

● Safe and Healthy Swimming

 

This information is also provided to parents/guardians at the beginning of the school year and to families of new enrollees during the school year.

Translation of this information is available upon request into one of the 12 most common non-English languages in New York state. For translation assistance, please contact: Kyle Barber at kbarber@wynantskillufsd.org

Dom “M’er” Martino Celebration of Life – August 16, 2:00-4:00 p.m.

Posted on

We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Dom “M’er” Martino, a beloved Gardner-Dickinson physical education teacher and dedicated volunteer.

M’er had a special gift for connecting with everyone at GD. Whether he was greeting students and staff with a high-five or a hug, jumping into activities during gym class, or playing cards with students at recess, his kindness, enthusiasm, and ever-present smile made a lasting impact on our school community.

We are honored to host a Celebration of Life, in collaboration with the Martino family and Double H Ranch, on Sunday, August 16 in the GD gymnasium. Please feel free to stop by at any point between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m.

Double H Ranch is creating a slideshow to celebrate M’er’s life and invites anyone with photos or videos to contribute. If you would like to share memories, please upload them by clicking here.

 

Summer EBT is BACK in New York for 2026!

Posted on
When school lets out for the summer, many families lose access to the meals their children count on during the school year. Summer EBT helps fill that gap by providing grocery benefits to eligible children, helping families stretch their food budgets and ensuring kids have access to nutritious food all summer long.
Summer EBT provides $120 per eligible child when school is out and school meals aren’t available. Many children will receive Summer EBT benefits automatically, but some families will need to apply via an application process with the NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA).
Unsure if your child is eligible? This online eligibility tool is designed to help families assess their child’s eligibility.
New Resources to Support Families All Summer Long
Help spread the word that Summer EBT is back in New York! Our ready-to-share flyer highlights the $120 grocery benefit available to eligible school-aged children and directs families to an online tool where they can determine whether they need to apply. Schools, summer meals sponsors, community organizations, libraries, and other partners can distribute the flyer at meal sites, family events, food distributions, and more! The flyer is available in English and Spanish.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: Troy High School Senior Award Winners

Posted on
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: A huge congratulations to all of the GD alumni who received awards at Troy High School’s recent Class Night! It’s amazing to see your continued growth and success, and we know you will accomplish great things after graduation.
We’re excited to welcome all of our high school graduates back for their final walkthrough of Gardner-Dickinson on June 15 at 1:00 p.m.!
Check out all of the awards and scholarships below:
Gabe Bentley
Louis Henry Gross Foundation Scholarship
The Chuckrow Journalism Award
Alessandra Denio
The HVCC Guarantee Program Book Award
Alex Denio
Class Advisors award
Troy Teachers Association Scholarship
The Nathan Simon Humanities Prize
The Joyce Chuckrow Nadel Creative Writing Award
The Troy High Italian Club award for academic excellence and outstanding service to Italian Club
The Donna Ehmann Love of Italian Award
Brynn Mahoney
The Enfanto Memorial Scholarship
Julian Monk
Louis Henry Gross Foundation Scholarship
The Emanuel Elfenbein Memorial Scholarship Award
Troy Administrators Association Award
The THS Sports Award
Jackson Murray
Salutatorian THS Class of 2026
The Louis Henry Gross Foundation Scholarship
The Edward C. Picken Troy High School Athletic Hall of Fame Award
The New York State Board of Regents Merit Scholarship For Academic Excellence
The Dr. John C. Corelli Award for Academic Excellence
The New York State Seal of Biliteracy – Spanish and English
The THS Math Honor Society Achievement Award
Benjamin and David Chuckrow Memorial Award
Deja Marie Nicholson
The Pursuit of Excellence Award
Vanessa Quinn
The Julia O. Wells Memorial Scholarship
The Louis Henry Gross Foundation Scholarship
The Choice Physical Therapy Scholarship Award
The Edith Gajeway Memorial Award
Madison Schmidt
The Fraternal order of the Eastern Star
The Elizabeth M. and Shirlie A. Pokeda Business Award
Winston Smith
The Louis Henry Gross Foundation Scholarship
Susan Zakarka
The Louis Henry Gross Foundation Scholarship

Wynantskill Voters Approve 2026-27 Budget; Re-elect One to Board of Education

Posted on

On Tuesday, May 19th, Wynantskill voters approved a $11,600,397 budget for the 2026-27 school year. One candidates was re-elected to the Board of Education. To learn more details of the 2026-2027 school budget, you can view the budget newsletter here. or visit our budget resources page here.

 

“We are proud to provide tax relief for our community while continuing to support high-quality learning opportunities for all Gardner-Dickinson students through this upcoming budget and transition year with Troy CSD,” said Superintendent Dr. Yodis.

PROPOSITION #1 – Passed-  119 YES  / 34  NO

PROPOSITION #1: THE 2026-27 BUDGET Shall the Board of Education of the Wynantskill Union Free School District, Rensselaer County, New York be authorized to expend the total amount of $11,600,397 during the school year 2026-27 and to levy the necessary tax, therefore.

BOARD OF EDUCATION-Re-elected  Eric Strang 133 Votes

 

Class of 2026 High School Senior Walkthrough – June 15th @ 1:00pm

Posted on

Calling all GD alumni graduating high school this year:

Visit Gardner-Dickinson for a walkthrough and class reunion picture on June 15th at 1:00 pm.

 

PLEASE RSVP TO KYLE BARBER at kbarber@wynantskillufsd.org or

(518) 283-4600 ext 250

Transportation may be offered from Troy High, Averill Park, Brittonkill & Columbia but you must rsvp.

Official Annexation Order from the New York State Education Department

Posted on

Dear Wynantskill UFSD Community,

The Wynantskill Union Free School District community recently participated in a significant vote that will help shape the future of our schools. On March 31, 2026, residents approved the proposed reorganization with the Enlarged City School District of Troy by a vote of 709 in favor and 507 opposed. This outcome reflects strong community engagement and a shared commitment to expanding opportunities for our students. We extend our sincere appreciation to everyone who took part in this important decision-making process.
Yesterday afternoon, we received the official Annexation Order from the New York State Education Department, signed by Commissioner Dr. Betty Rosa. The order will take effect on July 1, 2027. While this marks the dissolution of the Wynantskill Union Free School District, it also represents an important opportunity to preserve and strengthen our school community and Gardner-Dickinson School for future generations.

Although this transition is bittersweet, the annexation with the Enlarged City School District of Troy represents a significant step forward in strengthening educational opportunities, expanding programming and resources, and providing long-term stability for Wynantskill students and the entire community.

Over the coming months, both districts will begin the transition process and develop a detailed implementation timeline while remaining committed to keeping the community informed through regular updates throughout the process.

Please click here to view the official Annexation Order issued by the New York State Education Department.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership as we move forward together.

Sincerely,
Superintendent Mary Yodis
and the Wynantskill Union Free School District Board of Education