Scotia-Glenville schools stress a solid, traditional education that emphasizes reading, writing and mathematics while nurturing creative thought, critical thinking and expression through art, music, technology, and physical education. Scotia-Glenville caters to students of all learning abilities. Strong programs are offered for the gifted and talented child as well as the academically-needy student.

Schenectady ARC’s partnership with the Scotia-Glenville School District dates back nearly 15 years, when the high school began working with our agency as part of the GIVE Program (Governor’s Initiative for Voluntary Excellence). This service-learning program was a collaboration of Capital District schools and community partners through which students learned and developed active participation in service experiences that met the community’s needs. Schenectady ARC became one of many organizations where Scotia-Glenville students could choose to volunteer. Today, the school has several teams of students that visit our group residences on a weekly basis throughout the school year.

Together, students and our consumers share conversations, play games, do crafts, bake, watch movies and go outdoors. While the GIVE program has proven to be beneficial to students, this partnership has been also a tremendous asset to Schenectady ARC. In addition to the quality time students spend with our consumers, the GIVE visits have helped to raise awareness about our agency and those we serve and more importantly contribute to our individuals being accepted and active members of the community. Beyond their weekly visits, students have put together parties for consumers and volunteered at our agency’s Annual BBQ. Seeing the smiles from the students and those we serve as they interact has made this partnership more than we could have hoped for.

In 2005, our partnership with Scotia-Glenville expanded when Schenectady ARC received a grant to operate an integrated after school program at one of the elementary schools. Scotia-Glenville offers on-site after school-care to students; however it did not always meet the needs of children with disabilities. Schenectady ARC was thrilled to be a part of a new and exciting initiative that would help fill a critical void.

Sacandaga Elementary School became one of the first integrated after school programs offered in the area, allowing children with disabilities to attend an after school program with their classmates, while still receiving the care required to meet their needs. Working alongside peers, students tackle homework, learning new adaptive physical activities and appropriate social, behavioral and recreational skills. In an amazingly short amount of time, students developed an increased awareness and understanding of the needs and issues children with disabilities face. The void that once existed has been filled. The program is exceeding everyone’s expectations. Schenectady ARC, Scotia Glenville school administrators, parents and most importantly the students have all been thrilled with the results.