News

June 2022

• 22: Tri-M Honor Society 2022-23 Application Due Oct. 21
• 22: O’Rourke 2022-23 Supply Lists
• 22: Summer Driver’s Ed Program Registration Deadline July 1
• 22: Rzeszotarski Named to the Capital District Sports Women of the Year
• 22: Medical Requirements for 2022-23
• 21: Board to discuss filling vacancy at July 13 meeting
• 17: Charlton Heights Principal Announces Retirement
• 15: 2022-23 School Year Supply Lists
• 9: Live Stream: Honors Night, June 16
• 8: New Teacher Feature Video (June 8)
• 1: Building Our 2nd Century II Capital Project Update: Auditorium & Business Wing

May 2022

• 27: HS Students Honor Alumni at Memorial Day Ceremony
• 25: CHES students in Mrs. Hjelmar’s Class Learn Braille
• 18: Video: National Honor Society Induction Ceremony, May 18
• 17: BH-BL Residents Pass Budget, Elect Longtin & Mitchell to Board
• 13: Meet-the-Candidates Night Recap & Recording
• 11: Learn more about school budget vote, May 17
• 3: Continuing Education Survey

April 2022

• 27: Good luck to Burdikoff & Venditti at SkillsUSA Competition April 28
• 24: FINAL Parent University Webinar May 19
• 13: BH-BL Named Among 2022 “Best Communities for Music Education”
• 8: O’Rourke OM Team Places 3rd in States, Advances to World Competition
• 1: School Bus Safety Reminders

March 2022

• 29: HS Science Research Students Win Big at Capital Region Science Fair
• 25: Congratulations to the 2022 Founder’s Day Award Recipients
• 14: Lincoln’s Love of Mustard Draws Nationwide Attention
• 7: Odyssey of the Mind Teams Wins 2nd Place
• 4: Winter Athletic Season Wraps Up With Big Wins, State Qualifications

February 2022

• 27: Governor to Lift Mask Mandate, March 2
• 18: Board Unanimously Adopts Revised Tiered Mitigation Plan 
• 2: O’Rourke Future Cities Team Take First in Regionals, Advances to Nationals
• 1: Burdikoff works alongside marketing professionals, college students at a renewable energy firm
• 1: Brooks, Mongan Award Winners at Science Symposium
• 1: Jan. 28 Update from Superintendent McGrath

January 2022

• 28: For the Love of Mustard
• 19: High School Orientation For Parents of Current Grade 8 Students (Video)
• 18: Letter from Nurses: Possible Exposure Notification Procedures

December 2021

• 31: 12/31: COVID Update from Superintendent McGrath
• 21: The Winter 2021 Edition of the Observer is ready!

November 2021

• 23: BH-BL Concert Procedures at SG Schools
• 19: November 17 COVID Update Forum Recording
• 15: Letter from Superintendent Regarding Busing Schedule and Loss of a Spartan

October 2021

• 28: BH-BL HS Recognized as a School of Distinction
• 14: Bus Route Cancellations a Potential in Near Future

September 2021

• 30: Sept. 30: Mitigation Plan Protocols Updated
• 30: Oct-Nov Board Virtual Meeting Links
• 24: BH-BL to Welcome Glenville PD School Resource Officer
• 24: Seating Charts on School Buses Begin Monday, Sept. 27
• 15: Student Parking Tag Application
• 14: UPDATED: Home Varsity Football Game Spectator Guidelines
• 13: DOH Requirements for Symptomatic Students
• 7: Special Virtual BOE Meeting, Sept. 9
• 2: Staff Opening Day Video: Back Together Again!

August 2021

• 27: School Leaders Answer Reopening School Questions; Highlight Layered Mitigation Plan
• 24: BH-BL to Use New Online School Meal Payment Program
• 24: Opening School Q&A Session, Aug. 25 at 6 pm
• 19: Letter from Superintendent Dr. McGrath; Aug. 19 Forum Postponed
• 17: Opening School Mitigation Plan Letter

June 2021

• 24: Congratulations to the Class of 2021 (Video!)
• 24: Watch the 2021 Spring Musical “Every Song a Story”
• 23: Cunningham, Hodgkinson, Martindale, Smith, Sullivan & Trinchillo Receive BOCES Program Awards
• 23: Grock, Martin & Smith inducted into Capital Region BOCES National Technical Honor Society
• 18: Mama Duck & Her Ducklings Found a Home at O’Rourke MS
• 17: Reed Winner of Capital Region Prism Invasive Species Poster Contest
• 16: Elementary School Virtual STEM Fair Recording
• 15: O’Rourke’s Odyssey of the Mind Team Takes 3rd in World Finals
• 15: Congrats to Newly Inducted Math & Science Honor Society Students
• 9: COVID Relief Funding Community Input & Plan
• 8: SNN Email & Text System To Be Replaced
• 8: UPK funding slated for 70 students to attend local early childhood programs at no cost to parents
• 4: June Edition of the O’Rourke Observer is Available
• 3: S-G & BH-BL Enter Into a 5-Year Bus Repair & Maintenance Agreement
• 2: Community Forum Re: COVID Relief Funding, June 8
• 1: Fine Arts Honors Showcase Recording

May 2021

• 25: 33 Student Athletes Sign Letters of Acceptance
• 25: BH-BL senior draws a direct ‘line’ from BOCES to HVCC and (hopefully) on to National Grid
• 25: Memorial Day Ceremony Recording
• 18: Residents Approve 2021-22 Budget; Morse & Versocki Voted to Board
• 12: Three Candidates Vie for Two Board Seats, Learn more at Meet-the-Candidates Night on May 13
• 11: Nick Grock Takes 1st Place in NYS SkillsUSA Competition
• 11: Students Participate in Grave Markings to Honor Veterans
• 11: Emerich Enters International Science & Engineering Fair
• 11: Martindale Earns Professional Certification at Cap Reg BOCES
• 11: Rzeszotarski Named Gatorade NY Volleyball Player of the Year
• 4: World Languages Honor Society Induction Ceremony
• 4: After Prom Food Truck Ticket Sales End May 7

April 2021

• 30: O’Rourke Drama Club Presents 20 Years in the Making; A Musical Revue
• 27: O’Rourke’s Odyssey of the Mind Team are NYS Champions!
• 27: BH-BL Board Adopts 2021-22 Budget Proposal; Voters Go to Polls May 18
• 23: Thank you BH-BL nurses for going above & beyond to administer COVID vaccines
• 21: OMS Future City Team Takes 5th in Nation
• 14: 1001 Book Program is BACK!
• 13: BH-BL’s Music Education Program Receives National Recognition for the 9th Year in a Row

March 2021

• 30: Technology Takes a Back Seat to Pen Pals for Pashley Fourth Graders
• 26: March 26, 2021 Has Been Declared “Mr. Brunson Day”
• 23: Brooks, Emerich Awarded at Annual Greater Capital Region Science & Engineering Fair
• 23: BH-BL Games Streamed for Free for Remainder of School Year
• 18: April is “A Book for Mr. Turner” Month
• 18: Football Game Spectator Guidelines
• 15: Memorial & Tribute Videos for Mr. Turner
• 5: O’Rourke’s Future City Team Wins Regional Competition, Advances to Nationals

February 2021

• 27: BH-BL Mourns Loss of Beloved High School Teacher & Coach
• 26: PTA Proudly Recognizes Founder’s Day Award Recipients in Video Tribute 
• 23: Principal Sinnenberg’s Video Announcements
• 23: Elementary Schools Virtual Art Show
• 22: 2021-22 Kindergarten Virtual Information Meeting, Mar. 1
• 12: O’Rourke Virtual Art Show
• 12: Pashley Teachers’ Safe Valentine Activities featured in Daily Gazette
• 8: Students Perform in SPAC Dance Video
• 3: HS Students’ Artwork in All-Stars Exhibit, Jan. 28-Feb. 28
• 3: Mush! Mush! Students Learn About Iditarod Racing
• 3: Live Stream of HS & Pashley Construction Work Bid, Feb. 4

January 2021

• 19: Gas Line Break on Rte 50 Repaired, BH-BL Schools on Schedule
• 4: Winter O’Rourke Observer

December 2020

• 23: Enjoy this holiday video from the HS Broadcasting Club
• 1: Athletic Team Registration via FamilyID

November 2020

• 30: Budget Advisory Committee Reviews Human Resource Adjustment Strategy 
• 20: Program & Service Reductions Overview Provided at BAC Meeting
• 20: Spartan Pop-Up Tent Donated to BH-BL
• 13: Budget Advisory Committee Discusses Revenue Increase Strategies
• 13: Boussa & Slisher Named Commended Students
• 13: Nearly $6K Raised for BH-BL Families in Need
• 13: Congrats to Tri-M Music Honor Society Inductees
• 10: Confirmed Case of COVID-19 at Charlton Heights Elementary School

October 2020

• 30: Budget Advisory Committee Explores Short-Term Structural Changes
• 23: A head-to-toe lesson in healthcare for BH-BL HS Student Abigail Smith
• 21: Class of 2023 It’s Time to Order Class Rings
• 20: School Board Recognition Week, Oct. 19-23
• 7: Buildings Closed & Events Cancelled, Oct. 7
• 7: Board Forms Budget Advisory Committee; Work to begin in late October
• 2: Technology Information Night for Parents, Oct. 6

September 2020

• 24: Board Seeks Residents to Join Budget Advisory Committee, Submit Letters of Interest by Oct. 6
• 18: Federal Government Announces School Meals are Free for All Students Through Dec. 31
• 14: Favorite part about being back to school? (video)
• 11: Return to Fall Sports Virtual Meeting, Sept. 16
• 11: Tax Bills Due Sept. 30; Mailed to Residents Sept. 1
• 10: Important School Health Office Information
• 2: HS Orientation Dates & Details

August 2020

• 27: 2020-21 School Tax Rate Lower than Estimated
• 24: New Transportation Form Due
• 13: Reopening Information: Testing & Contact Tracing
• 13: Reopening Schools: Public Sessions & Forum Recordings

July 2020

• 31: District Submits Reopening Plan to State
• 16: NYSPHSAA To Delay Fall Sports Start Date to Sept. 21
• 16: Reopening Forum #1 Recording Available
• 10: Reopening School Virtual Forums, July 15 & 29
• 7: School Reopening Committee Work Underway

June 2020

• 22: Class of 2020 Graduation, June 26
• 18: Outstanding Students & Retirees Honored
• 16: BH-BL Residents Approve 2020-21 Budget
• 16: Live Stream of Budget Vote Canvassing, 5 pm
• 16: Remote Learning Launch Page
• 12: BH-BL Reopening School Offices, June 15
• 10: Mail-in ballots deadline, June 16
• 10: Science Research Symposium Presentations
• 8: UPDATE: Governor Extends Ballot Deadline to June 16
• 2: Congratulations to the Class of 2020
• 2: Fast Facts About Voting with an Absentee Ballot
• 1: Absentee Ballots at Post Office Monday, June 1

May 2020

• 31: Charlton Heights Odyssey of the Mind Team are World Champs!
• 29: Envelope Shortage Delays Delivery of Absentee Ballots
• 29: Honk If You See A “Class of 2020” Sign
• 22: Participation requested in statewide ThoughtExchange on the reopening of schools
• 19: May 19 Letter from Superintendent McGrath
• 8: May 12 Board Meeting via Google Meet, 5 pm
• 6: Annual school budget vote and board election to be held June 9 by absentee ballot
• 4: BH-BL HS Ranked #5 in area by US News & World Report
• 1: 5/20 UPDATE: Remote Learning Continues Through June 17

April 2020

• 27: April 27 Update: CARES Child Care Scholarship Opportunity
• 15: College Board Cancels June 6 SAT
• 13: April 15 Finance Committee & BOE Mtg Updates
• 2: O’Rourke Construction to Begin April 6
• 2: Remote Learning Guidelines

March 2020

• 31: Help the PTSA Celebrate HS Staff, March 31-April 6
• 30: Special Board Mtg, 3/31
• 23: March 24 Board Meeting Live Streamed
• 23: Honoring Former Superintendent Dr. O’Rourke
• 18: Remote Learning Frequently Asked Questions
• 16: Winter Edition of O’Rourke Observer
• 12: HS Drama Club Presents Thoroughly Modern Millie, March 12 (ONLY)
• 10: Hodgkinson’s curiosity puts him in the fast lane to a career as a diesel mechanic
• 5: Interested in Running for the Board of Education?
• 5: Students Meet Author at Book Signing
• 1: Building Our 2nd Century II Update: MS Construction Informational Mtg, March 10

February 2020

• 25: Students Studying Mandarin Chinese Learn About New Year Traditions from World Awareness Museum
• 25: Assemblywoman Walsh Congratulates Students for Highest Participation in “Take Me To Vote” Campaign
• 19: Congratulations to Founder’s Day Award Recipient Mrs. Mosall
• 13: Guest Speaker Talks About Importance of Learning Chinese, Shares Life Experiences
• 12: Friends of Music Purchases Recorders for EVERY 3rd Grader
• 11: School Event Location Changes, Update Your Calendars
• 11: Technology Brings Author & Students Together
• 11: Elks Club Recognizes Americanism Essay Contestants
• 11: 2020 Founders Day Honorees Recognized
• 5: Fourth Graders “Bubble” Over With Excitement at Science Demo Day
• 4: Superintendent McGrath Speaks About State Aid Concerns at Public Forum

January 2020

• 30: Grade 3 Students in Harrison’s Class to Help Australia’s Animals
• 29: Student Artists’ Work Accepted into “Art in 3D Show”
• 28: Science Research Students Take First & Second Place at Regional Competition
• 28: Student Musicians Accepted into All-County Orchestra/Jazz Festival
• 28: BH-BL HS Earns College Board AP® Computer Science Female Diversity Award
• 28: Kurt Semon Named Among NYS VFW 2020 Teacher of the Year
• 28: One School, One Book Project
• 28: Snow Fun in PE Class
• 23: Student Musicians Recognized by Board for their NYSSMA All-State Acceptance
• 14: Smart Schools Investment Plan update
• 13: Future City Team Wins Regional Competition for 3rd Consecutive Year
• 10: Hannah Shell Named Top Scholar in Regeneron Science Talent Search

December 2019

• 16: Spartans Helping Other for the Holidays
• 10: Students Make Models of Tiny Homes, Reusable Shopping Bags
• 4: NYSSMA Solo Festival Sign Ups
• 4: BHBS Ice Hockey Fundraiser

November 2019

• 25: Annual Food Drive Feeds 100 Families for the Holidays
• 21: Congrats to PTA Reflection Contest HS Winners
• 21: Dancing & Music Education at PES through Popular SPAC Program
• 19: Two Students Participate in Tech Program at Proctor’s Theater
• 15: Fire, Science & Automobile Repair for BH-BL HS Students
• 15: PES Students & NYS Troopers Workout Together
• 8: Seniors Thank Veterans at Ceremony & Breakfast
• 8: HS students win VFW Voice of Democracy Essay Contest
• 7: HS Students Tour USS Constitution & Freedom Trail

October 2019

• 29: Jami Fuson selected to perform at Carnegie Hall
• 11: High School Orchestra Featured in WorldStrides Campaign
• 11: Shell, Winslow, Poirier Named Commended Students
• 1: Fourth graders “nibble” on samples at Book Tasting

September 2019

• 26: Students Attend Safety Summit
• 26: BH-BL Students Accepted into All-County Band
• 26: Teaching kids about bullying prevention one “sweetheart and hero” at a time
• 26: Mrs. Sala’s Students Rocked Their Math Skills
• 24: Athletic games streaming on NFHS Network
• 17: BH-BL Students Accepted into NYSSMA Conference All-State
• 17: CHES Student Rocks News Channel 13
• 11: PES Collecting Box Tops
• 11: Important Procedures for Drop off/Pick up Area in HS Parking Lot
• 6: Changes to STAR Program may impact residents for the 2019-2020 school year

July 2019

• 19: Collins Named Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction
• 9: Students Sing in American Young Voices Concert

June 2019

• 26: Congratulations to the Class of 2019
• 24: Building Our 2nd Century II capital project work begins this summer
• 24: Stevens gets a “Buddy Bench”
• 18: Coaches “Camp Out” on Roof
• 18: Summer Reading Challenge
• 14: Yearbooks on sale, $40
• 6: Students Program Robots to Complete an Obstacle Course
• 6: Aquatic ‘Bots Take a Dip in HS Pool
• 6: Modified Rowers Win 1st Place in Championship
• 5: 32 student athletes sign Letters of Intent
• 3: Fourth graders present “Birth of a Nation” Living Museum

May 2019

• 29: OM Team Takes 3rd Place in World Finals
• 28: BH-BL Alum Keynote Speaker at Science Symposium
• 21: 2019-20 School Budget Vote Passes
• 17: Class of 2019 Presents Senior Gift
• 16: Leggieri Named Coach of the Year
• 15: First Graders are PARP Winners
• 15: CHES student named Junior Ambassador
• 9: HS student ‘brushes up’ on her dental knowledge
• 9: Stevens Students Set New Guinness World Record in Speed Stacking
• 8: Stevens Students Create Mosaic “Masterpiece” Out of Rubik’s Cubes
• 7: Drama Club Takes 2nd Place for Best Musical
• 7: Creative Writers Read Winning Stories at Bookstore
• 7: Ten OMS Students Receive NYS PE Leadership Awards
• 7: Kindergartner Reads 1001 Books
• 7: Kieran Thomas Named YMCA Student of the Year
• 3: Message from Superintendent McGrath
• 2: Zardezed Wins 2nd at “Raise Your Voice” Competition

April 2019

• 30: Pedersen wins 3rd in state SkillsUSA competition
• 18: HS students take 3rd place in Jr Achievement Stock Market Challenge
• 10: 2019-20 School Budget Forum Recording
• 9: Students Participate in a “Sweet” Science Experiment (video)
• 9: Students earn prestigious science research awards
• 4: BH-BL again named “Best Communities for Music Education” school

March 2019

• 27: HS students earn first & fifth place at Regional SkillsUSA competition, advance to States
• 27: CHES OM Team Won State Championship
• 8: HS Orchestra Works with Internationally Known Conductor
• 7: X-country state champs recognized at NYS Capitol
• 4: BH-BL OM teams advance to state tournament

February 2019

• 28: MS Embraces Innovative Ways to Build Character
• 19: BH-BL Celebrates another successful year of FIRST Robotics
• 13: Broadway Makeup Artist Visits MS
• 13: HS student accepted to prestigious culinary institute

January 2019

• 31: BH-BL among highest graduation rates in the region
• 29: Science Research students take first and second place wins at Symposium
• 29: Fourth-grade students get “slimed” during the high school’s annual Science Demo Day
• 23: Filling Bowls Project a Success
• 23: O’Rourke students take first place in Capital District Regional Future Cities competition

December 2018

• 21: BH-BL HS Student Wins Statewide School Bus Art Competition

November 2018

• 20: Gratitude Trees Support Kindness & Positivity As Part of “We Are O’Rourke” Initiative
• 20: Pashley Students Turn Pumpkins into Famous People
• 20: Eight Students Sign National Letters of Intent
• 15: PES Students Spread Kindness for All To See
• 13: Coach Bynon named to NYVBCA 2018 Hall of Fame Class
• 6: Snow Day, School Closing Procedures
• 6: BH-BL Continues to Support Safety & Security Measures

October 2018

• 23: BH-BL Residents Approve 2018 Capital Project Vote

September 2018

• 27: BH-BL and Siena College Sign Early Assurance MBA Agreement
• 21: Residents to decide on 21st-century instructional & infrastructure upgrades, Oct. 23
• 6: Building Our 2nd Century II NEWS

August 2018

• 22: BH-BL Board Approves Plans for Renovations Vote
• 17: BH-BL Board Plans for Oct. 23 Renovations Vote
• 1: 2018 Renovation Committee Reviews District Needs
• 1: School Renovations Vote, Oct. 23

April 2018

• 20: BH-BL named “Best Communities for Music Education” school

March 2018

• 19: BH-BL community comes together to fill high school’s Prom Closet
• 15: Three BH-BL Students Medal at SkillsUSA
• 14: Students participate in activities to support victims of Parkland, FL
• 13: Class takes virtual trip to Lake Placid’s Olympic Center

February 2018

• 15: Letter from Superintendent McGrath
• 5: HS Science Research students presented at prestigious regional symposium

January 2018

• 25: Grade 4 students perform science experiments at the high school’s Science Demo Day
• 19: BH-BL’s robotics team earns 2nd place in Motivate Award

September 2017

• 29: Five BH-BL HS students name Commended Students by National Merit Scholarship Program
• 6: Grand Opening Ceremony draws in more than 150 people to celebrate, tour new STEAM addition

June 2017

• 7: Stevens fifth-grade students raise and release salmon

May 2017

• 30: HS Science Research student produces tRNA, prepares for a science career
• 27: Sports marketing class visits Stevens
• 26: OMS band performs peer’s original composition

April 2017

• 26: BH-BL named among “Best Communities for Music Education” fifth year in a row

March 2017

• 21: BH-BL Science Research students earn awards at Science & Engineering Fair
• 21: STEM-related projects erupt, glow, and generate power at Pashley’s Science Fair

February 2017

• 8: Board adopts Veterans’ Tax Exemption

January 2017

• 3: Native American history comes to life in students’ living museum

December 2016

• 14: Board divided on offering Veterans’ Tax Exemption
• 6: BH-BL’s School Delay and Closing Procedures Reminder

November 2016

• 30: Hurricane Sawyer blew into Charlton Heights to wreak havoc
• 22: Water testing results at BH-BL
• 15: Board to decide on Veterans’ Tax Exemption, Dec. 13

October 2016

• 24: HS Principal Brunson received Distinguished Administrator Award
• 19: MS students win Sustainable Circuit Award at National Manufacturing Day for “The Buszer”
• 11: BH-BL HS named School of Distinction for 6 consecutive years

September 2016

• 20: Board seeking community input on Veterans’ Tax Exemption Act

August 2016

• 26: Is your SNN information up to date?
• 3: Why are there piles of dirt at O’Rourke Middle School?

June 2016

• 16: Dirt tossed at STEAM ground breaking ceremony makes it official
• 1: BH-BL sells Hostetter Leadership Building

May 2016

• 18: BH-BL High School named NYS High Performing Reward School for fourth consecutive year
• 17: BH-BL student athletes sign Letters of Intent
• 17: Gwenda Law earns accolades at International Science & Engineering Fair
• 3: “Running joke” between student and teacher turns into a …well, a real running race

April 2016

• 19: BH-BL Music Department earns highest scores at WorldStrides Heritage Music Festival
• 4: 2016-17 state budget news
• 1: BH-BL students get moving at district’s math fun night

March 2016

• 11: The passing of a Spartan

January 2016

• 26: Science Demo Day
• 5: Centennial assemblies explore BH-BL history

November 2015

• 17: BH-BL sells Hostetter Leadership Building to Mekeel Christian Academy

October 2015

• 22: Centennial celebration video montage

September 2015

• 25: Centennial Celebration & Homecoming festivities a community success
• 25: Join us in celebrating 100 years of excellence at BH-BL

December 2014

• 12: 2013 Renovation projects move full steam ahead

August 2014

• 21: Project work at middle school right on schedule

July 2014

• 25: Work on the referendum project has begun

March 2014

• 18: District set to break ground on renovation project, summer 2014

October 2013

• 22: BH-BL residents approve $34.2 million Renovations Referendum

September 2013

• 7: Renovations referendum of $34.2 million to go before BH-BL voters on October 22

August 2013

• 1: Board and school leaders plan Oct. 22 referendum