NCSD

SEPTEMBER 2026 NEWSLETTER

Dear Friends,

Welcome to the September 2026–27 Superintendent’s Newsletter. In this year’s newsletter, you’ll get a glimpse of the many learning experiences taking place across every grade level. Visiting classrooms energizes me. I enjoy hearing what students are thinking, seeing what they are creating, and asking questions that often lead them to teach me something new (we'll have more "Teach Dr. Chauncey" videos). Through photos, videos, and classroom stories, I’ll share some of these moments with you.

This month, you’ll hear students sharing why they study Spanish, see how chemistry students are organizing their learning, and explore how geography shaped life and work in the American colonies through social studies. You’ll also enjoy a look at Ms. Jackson’s tree dollhouse project. I hope these glimpses give you something to talk about at home and a closer connection to the learning happening here each day.

I’ll also share the activities and traditions that bring our school community together. This month includes photos from the Senior Sunrise Breakfast, captured by Ms. Fitzgerald, who seems to be everywhere. Having known our seniors since eighth grade, I especially enjoy seeing them begin this final year at Northville.

Thank you to our buildings and grounds staff, who worked tirelessly this summer to prepare our school while also managing the challenges of our capital project. The grounds crew refreshed our Outdoor Learning Center; be sure to stop by and sit a spell. They are also making our soccer field more accessible by adding clearly marked accessible parking spaces and concrete paths from the parking lot to the field. Thank you to Ms. Luckert for ensuring that our additional technology is available inside and outside of our upgraded cafeteria! And thank you to Mr. B. Ellsworth for all of the behind the scenes financial management for this project!

In October, we’ll share our new cafeteria space! I had hoped it would be ready for this newsletter, but we have about a week to go. Once it opens, we’ll invite the community in for a tour and treats.

Warmly, Dr. Chauncey

Thank you cafeteria staff! You have been preparing meals in a smaller space and delivering them throughout the building!

Mr. Luckert building 7 walking paths from the parking lot to the soccer field.

MS/HS PRINCIPAL, MS. DICKINSON

Join me in welcoming Ms. Dickinson to her new position this year as our MS/HS principal.

Interview Transcript

Jamie_Dickinson_Podcast_Final_2026.08.28.mp3

Class of 2027 Senior Sunrise Photos-9/24/2026, 12:22 PM.mp4

SENIOR SUNRISE 2026

Each August, I create our Senior Class bulletin board outside my office. It starts with names, and as students have their senior pictures taken, their photos are added. This is my fifth year at Northville, so I’ve known this class since they were in eighth grade. It’s hard to believe they are now beginning their final year with us. The transformation that takes place from September to June is one of the joys of watching a senior class. Plans begin to take shape, students make decisions about what comes next. I look forward to sharing this year with them and seeing where their interests lead. Thank you for the pics, Ms. Fitzgerald!

Newsletter - I STUDY SPANISH SO THAT I CAN…..mp4

I STUDY SPANISH ~ SPANISH 4 ~ MS. THOMARIE

Ms. Thomarie shared a PowerPoint featuring her students holding posters explaining why they wanted to study Spanish. I asked if the students would share their reasons in Spanish for my September newsletter, and they brought their words to life in the video! Take a moment to listen and discover what inspires them to study another language.

US History and Economics in Colonial Times-9/23/2026, 4:33 PM.mp4

EXPLORING EARLY US HISTORY ~ MS. HABLA
I enjoyed visiting a US History class where students explored how geography, land, and climate shaped early America. By analyzing historical maps and data, classes are examining how the distinct regions—the New England, Middle, and Southern colonies—built their unique communities and economies. Essential Question for the lesson: How did the geography and environment of the three colonial regions shape their economic activity? Learning Experiences: Students review data tables and maps, reading passages, videos, engage in discussions and individual and group work. In pairs, students used a Venn diagram to compare the lives of Indentured Servants and Enslaved Persons. Video History Refresher: watch the video to learn more about the resoures students used in this lesson.

CHEMISTRY NOTES & RETRIEVAL PRACTICE ~ MS. LAZINSKI

Students in Ms. Lazinski’s chemistry class are using Interactive Notebooks to record key concepts. These notes will support retrieval practice throughout the year, helping students strengthen their memory of what they have learned. Retrieval practice involves recalling information from memory, then checking notes to confirm understanding and fill in any gaps. This helps make learning stick over time. During my visit, students were reviewing and documenting what they had learned about mass, including why the mass of an object might increase, decrease, or stay the same.

Ms. Jackson Tree Dollhouse Canva.mp4

TREE DOLLHOUSE ~ ART TEACHER MS. JACKSON

Ms. Jackson shared a tree dollhouse she created as part of her professional portfolio. I had the opportunity to sit down with her and record this video so you could take a closer look and hear her talk about her work. What a wonderful reminder that our teachers are artists and creators, too! Our art department brings those creative experiences into planning lessons and projects that encourage students to explore their own ideas. Enjoy this peek into Ms. Jackson’s creativity and the possibilities it can inspire in our students.

CAPTAIN'S MEETING ~ MR. KARBOWSKI

We held our first Captain's Club meeting last week. These monthly meetings will bring the athletic captains together to discuss leadership, service, and more. At our first meeting last week we talked about the responsibilities of team captains and ways that student-athletes can give back to the school community.

WELCOME OUR NEW STAFF

Please join me in welcoming our new staff members! The only newly created positions are those supporting our special education classroom; all other new staff are filling existing positions. (click to read more....)

AMANDA BETANZOS ~ CAFETERÍA

Amanda Betanzos is a proud graduate of Northville Central School and has two children attending the school. She graduated from the HFM Career and Technical Center with a diploma in Food Services and earned a degree in Culinary Arts from SUNY Schenectady County Community College. With a lifelong passion for cooking and baking, Amanda brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to her new role in our cafeteria.

BRADEN BOUDREAU ~ SPECIAL EDUCATION

Braden Boudreau grew up in Galway and attended school there before heading to St. John Fisher University in Rochester, where he earned his degree in Adolescent Education with a focus in Social Studies and Special Education. After completing his education, Braden was excited to return to the area to begin his teaching career. He loves the community and is thrilled to have the opportunity to teach closer to home.

COURTNEY BRADT ~ 6TH GRADE ELA & SCIENCE

Courtney Bradt grew up on a vegetable farm just outside of Amsterdam. After attending undergraduate school in Vermont, she returned home to work on the farm and obtained a master's degree in Childhood Education from Sage Graduate School. She has been teaching English Language Arts for the last 8 years, and she loves to share her love of reading and writing with her students.

JEN CROSBY ~ SPECIAL EDUCATION ASSISTANT

Jen graduated from Northville Central School with the Class of 1991 and went on to graduate from Fulton-Montgomery Community College in 1993, where she was a member of the Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society. Jen brings a diverse background of professional and educational experience to our school community, including more than 17 years as a Senior Vice President with Research SGA Talent, as well as three years working as a Pre-K teacher at ABC & 123 Child Development Center. Jen is also the proud mother of a 2019 NCS graduate, who has traveled to more than 15 countries, teaching English as a foreign language and working with water irrigation systems around the world.

ALANA DIMARTINO ~ CAFETERÍA

Alana is a proud mommy of one. She is eager to engage with our students and uplifting their spirt with a smile or and warm "good morning." Alana is already feeling at home with her colleagues in our new cafeteria space. She is looking forward to meeting our PreK-12 students.

FAWN DUFF ~ ART TEACHER

Fawn Duff is excited to join the Northville school community as the new Art Teacher. She brings 14 years of teaching experience, including 11 years in North Carolina before returning home to New York. Fawn holds a master's degree in Art Education and has a special passion for photography and theater arts. She is excited to teach students from Pre-K through 12th grade and looks forward to helping their creativity and confidence grow throughout the years. Fawn was drawn to Northville because of its close-knit, small-town atmosphere and the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with students, families, and colleagues.

MARLEIGH FRASIER ~ DISTRICT CLERK AND SECRETARY TO THE SUPERINTENDENT

Marleigh is especially excited to be returning to NCS, where she is a proud graduate. She looks forward to contributing to the district, supporting our school community, and getting to know students, staff, and families. Outside of work, Marleigh enjoys gardening, canning, camping, farming, and spending as much time outdoors as possible.

SAMANTHA GREENQUIST ~ SECRETARY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Samantha Greenquist graduated from Northville in 2004, before attending Northeastern University to earn a Bachelor of Science degree. Samantha has often attributed the opportunity to participate in so many extracurricular activities during high school to being accepted into Northeastern University. Prior to moving back to New York and starting her position at Northville Central School, Samantha spent the past 6 years working for United Way of Connecticut as a Quality Assurance Specialist for the state of Connecticut’s child care subsidy program.

RYANN MORGAN - STUDENT TEACHER

Ryann is currently a student at Niagara University, where she is pursuing a degree in K–12 education with a specialization in mathematics, along with a master’s degree in Special Education. Over the summer, Ryann was part of the Northville community as Assistant Director of the Northville Summer Camp. She is excited to continue building connections with our students and staff as she gains valuable experience in the field of education.

KAYLA PARKER ~ SPECIAL EDUCATION AIDE

Kayla is a proud 2009 graduate of Northville Central School and is excited to return to the school community in a new role. She is also the proud mom of her daughter, Ali, who is a student here at Northville. Outside of school, Kayla enjoys spending time with her two tuxedo cats, Mr. Marley and Miss Indica. Kayla is excited to begin this new chapter and looks forward to being part of the Northville team and making a positive difference in the lives of our students.

MATALEE SISUM - SPECIAL EDUCATION AIDE

Matalee graduated from Northville in 2022. She worked in special education classrooms in local districts. She is excited to join Northville's special education team and return to the community. She loves being otudoors and spending time with her family and friends. Matlee is a produ dogm mom and loves brining him on adventures.

KATHERINE SKIPSEY ~ LIBRARIAN TA

We are delighted to welcome Katherine Skipsey as our new library teaching assistant. Katherine is an NCS graduate herself and is excited to return to the place that once helped shape her educational journey. Katherine holds a degree in Anthropology and Archaeology and brings a passion for learning, research, and discovery to her new role. As a parent of two children who currently attend NCS, Katherine has a unique connection to our students, families, and staff. She values the strong sense of community that makes our school so special. Katherine resides in the village with her husband and two children.

SARA STANKOVICH ~ HIGH SCHOOL SCIENCE TEACHER

Sara Stankovich’s journey in science began at Skidmore College, where she studied Chemistry and went on to begin her career as a Combinatorial Chemist in the pharmaceutical industry. Her rewarding experience in the field ultimately sparked her passion for teaching. She earned her Master’s in Education from The College of Saint Rose and began her teaching career in Guilderland before continuing in Pittsburgh. Sara is excited to bring her experiences and passion for science to Northville and looks forward to creating an inspiring and inclusive classroom where every student can build confidence and discover the excitement of science.

KATLEYN WALSH ~ 4th & 5th GRADE SS TEACHER

Please join me in welcoming Kate Walsh, who is excited to return home to Northville Central School this fall as our new 4th- and 5th-grade Social Studies teacher. Kate’s educational journey began right here at NCS, where she was a kindergartener herself. After earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood and Childhood Education and her Master’s Degree in Literacy, Kate and her husband moved to Texas. There, she spent five years teaching kindergarten before becoming a Literacy Specialist, supporting students and teachers in kindergarten through fifth grade. When their daughter was born, Kate and her husband knew it was time to come home and raise her surrounded by the friends, family, and small-town community they both grew up in.

SAMANTHA WESTFALL ~ SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER

Samantha Westfall is excited to join the Northville Central School District this fall as the new special education teacher. She graduated from Nazareth University in May 2026 and is thrilled to begin her teaching career in such an amazing community. Samantha is a graduate of Broadalbin-Perth High School and continues to live in the community. After spending a few years in Rochester while attending college, she knew she wanted to return to the area as it is such a special place. Samantha will be starting Northville's special education life skills program and is grateful for the opportunity to help students build the academic, social, and independent living skills they need to thrive. She is excited to become part of the Northville community and looks forward to a wonderful first school year filled with learning, growth, and meaningful connections.

RILEY YAGER ~ MATH TEACHER

Riley Yager, a seven-year veteran teacher, is excited to join Northville as a Math Teacher. He earned his bachelor's degree in Mathematics Education (7–12) and his master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction from The College of St. Rose. Riley enjoys helping students build confidence in math and develop strong problem-solving skills in a supportive and engaging classroom. He looking forward to getting to know my students, colleagues, and families and to a great year of learning together!

HONORING OUR STAFF

Each year at our symposium, we honor staff who have been with us for 10-20-30+ years. We are fortunate to have a commited, experienced teachers and support staff working with our students and families. Enjoy this video which highlights their years of service.

Honoring Our Long-Time Employees.pptx-9/24/2026, 11:05 AM.mp4

MS. SACKETT'S (COUPAS') FORMER STUDENTS

This is a picture that we were thrilled to capture at our symposium. After honoring our staff for their years of services, Ms. Sackett (center back) asked if all of the staff in the room who had her as a teacher woud come to the front for a group picture!

STUDENT BOED MEMBER ~ ALEXANDRIA SPANGENBERG

Alexandria Spangenberg is a senior at Northville Central School who has been actively involved in the school community throughout her high school career. She played JV soccer through her junior year and has participated in varsity cheerleading and JV softball all four years of high school. Last year, she joined Yearbook Club and contributed to the production of the Class of 2026 yearbook. Since freshman year, Alex has also served on Student Council, where she has helped her class organize fundraising efforts and plan initiatives to support the local community. Following graduation, A intends to pursue a college degree in criminal justice. She hopes to enter law enforcement and work directly in the field, drawn by a longstanding interest in the role police officers play in fostering safer, stronger communities.

ALTERNATE STUDENT BOED MEMBER ~ AVA DAUM

Ava Daum is a senior at Northville Central School and has been actively involved in both her school and town communities throughout her high school education. She has played varsity soccer since sophomore year and has held elected positions in both the yearbook club and student council. Ava has been a member of the National Honor Society since her sophomore year of high school. In the summer of 2026, Ava participated in the HOBY World Leadership Congress held at the Catholic University of America in Washington D.C. where she advanced her leadership skills, broadened her perspectives, learned how to be an active citizen of her community, and built her network with many others. After graduation, Ava plans on attending college and majoring in nursing, with the intention of eventually earning a specialized certification in oncology. Her goal is to become a pediatric oncology nurse and participate in research on cancer in pediatric patients.

A KING-SIZED CATCH ~ MR. HAMMONS & LOGAN

6th Grade Teacher-Doug Hammons and Son, Logan caught 2 large King salmon in the Estruary of Lake Ontario late September. (Logan’s fish=38 in, 20lbs)Salmon make their run up salmon river this time of year to lay their eggs at the end of their life cycle. These salmon were filleted at a local outdoor shop in which will later be smoked by Doug Hammons and son.

VARSITY GIRLS' SOCCER BONDING!
Mr. Hammons' shared this pic of our Girls Varsity team who had a theme practice - dress as the color of your cleats. "It was great team bonding experience. I will be doing more of these things to keep the fun but still expect hard work at training sessions."

TELEHEALTH SERVICES ~ MRS. RENNER
NCS will offer telehealth services to students and staff through Albany Medical Center for the 2025-26 school year. We are excited and hopeful that this partnership will help alleviate some of the stress that often arises when a child needs medical care. Not only will our students have this service available during the school day, but it will also be available at home to anyone, including adults! Please see the informational flyer and pre-registration form. A QR code is also included on the flyer and below for online registration. We strongly urge pre-registration to expedite care, but please be assured that your child will never be seen by a telehealth provider without your consent (every time). The Albany Med team will be at Open House on 09/16 at 6:30pm to offer insight and assist with registration. We hope many of our students take advantage of this excellent service!

Mrs. Fitzgerald posts to Northville CSD Parent Square daily to inform us about the numerous events that make our school and extended community such vibrant, welcoming spaces. Her efforts are essential to maintaining our strong sense of community. Also, be sure to check out our Facebook and Instagram pages.

We're always eager to support organizations contributing to our community's well-being. If you're involved with a community event you'd like us to promote, please don't hesitate to reach out. We're happy to help spread the word. If you would like to meet with me in person or virtually, just email or call to schedule a time during the school day or after your workday.

Be sure to visit our website to stay up to date on district news: https://www.northvillecsd.org/.

Dr. Sarah A. Chauncey, DPS-IM

Superintendent of Schools

schauncey@northvillecsd.org

Work: 518-863-7000 x4120

Cell: 845-304-8791

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