News
February 2019
- 15: Taste of Scotia coming to the HS cafeteria on April 1
- 15: Are tank tops allowed at the Middle School?
- 14: SAVE THE DATE: Founders Day will be held on March 27
- 12: Senior aged property tax exemption rising by $750
- 11: Trying to find names of staff members on website
- 6: Congratulations to these eight PTA Reflections regional winners
- 5: SPAC’s Classical Kids program treating grades 4 and 5 on May 9
- 5: Congratulations to these HS and MS art students who will display their work at Proctor’s from Feb. 26-March 21
- 5: Congratulations to January’s Athletes of the Month!
January 2019
- 31: Connection Circles rescheduled to Thursday, March 21
- 31: Congratulations to Zarghona Hashimi, whose work was accepted into the 3-D art show at Mohonasen
- 31: The weather outside is frightful…be sure your children are dressed appropriately; bus garage has no phone service
- 30: BOE receives update on May 2018 capital project
- 28: Sacandaga grade 5 students create Genius Hour projects
- 25: Claire McDermott reads The Mitten Tree and knits mittens for every kindergartner at Sacandaga
- 23: Is the Middle School a safe place for LGBTQ+ students?
- 18: All six S-G schools recognized as ‘Schools in Good Standing’ under the new federal ESSA law
- 17: Governor releases education aid proposal for 2018-19
- 7: Kindergartners at Sac acting as greeters to better connect with each other
- 3: Changes coming to the state’s Enhanced STAR program for seniors
- 2: Kindergartners and guests at Sacandaga gather for Storytime fun
December 2018
- 20: Grade 5 students, teachers at Sacandaga collect for Animal Protective Foundation
- 20: Jared O’Connor part of the effort to help the ill wife of a BOCES teacher
- 12: Kindergartners, first graders enjoy first Book Buddies program at Sacandaga
- 7: Sacandaga kindergartners explore wet Gingerbread men
- 6: Cookie Fundraiser on Dec. 8 will benefit the Weekend Backpack program and high school food pantry
- 5: Students recognized for their creativity in the PTA Reflections contest
- 5: PTA Reflections Contest participants – 2018
- 4: Congratulations to Abby Bacon and Gabe Winters-Bona, Athletes of the Month!
- 4: Eighth-grade students, families invited to Capital Region P-TECH information events – first is this Thursday, Dec. 6
- 3: Connection Circle to be held on Thursday, Dec. 6; SG wants to hear from families and students
- 3: Art Club students decorate a tree for the Festival of Trees
November 2018
- 29: District PTA Reflections recognition night set for Tuesday, Dec. 4
- 20: Sacandaga and Middle School students profile Heroes Around Me during Reflections Contest
- 16: First Quarter grades are now available for Middle and High School students
- 13: HS fundraiser for Glendaal student nets hundreds for her and the girls’ basketball program
October 2018
- 31: Lincoln kindergartners explore their senses at the Ellms Family Farm
- 26: Health Care College Fair, Oct. 30, Albany College of Pharmacy
- 23: Congratulations to the newest Wilson reading graduates on the SG staff!
- 16: Congratulations to the latest Athletic Hall of Fame inductees!
- 12: Went to pick up my grandson today during the school relocation drill (at Glendaal)
- 5: Vien family contributes $500 to buy 33 pies for the City Mission
- 4: The Drama Club has a play listed on the calendar for the 20th and 21st but does not say what the play is?
September 2018
- 27: S-G state test scores show high levels of proficiency
- 18: PSAT registration is Sept. 25-Oct. 3
- 10: Computers for kids program collecting names of students who need computers
- 7: Music Lovers – Join the Friends of Music!
- 6: Welcome back to school! Check out a few photos from all six schools.
August 2018
- 27: Athletic Department stresses the 7 C’s of Athletic Leadership through Service
- 23: Advice for incoming kindergarten students – and their parents
- 17: 2018-19 district calendars have been mailed
- 15: Be sure your child gets a physical before school starts if necessary
- 14: Board of Education receives capital project update
- 14: Scotia-Glenville, Niskayuna, and BOCES create new shared transportation service
- 8: Can Middle School students come into the building before schools starts?
July 2018
- 25: Katie Gallagher spending her senior year in Morocco
- 23: Board of Education adopts lower tax rates than projected in May
- 14: Are grade 9 supply lists available before school starts?
- 10: Bucciferro, Feinberg elected as Board of Education officers
June 2018
- 21: Congratulations to the Class of 2018!
- 15: Grade 4 students visit Capitol; miss Tedisco so he meets them back at Sacandaga
- 15: Lincoln’s show highlights student talent
- 15: Students refurbish donated computers, tour PVA in Cohoes
- 14: FCCLA enjoys year-end celebration
- 12: Retiring staff and students are recognized by the Board of Education
- 6: Mark Gatta’s last field day at Lincoln Elementary
- 6: 12 Middle School students compete at Invention Convention
- 5: NYS Comptroller issues audit on S-G finances and extra-curricular clubs
- 4: Congratulations to the Class of 2018 Scholastic Honor Award Medalists!
May 2018
- 26: 2018 budget exit survey results available
- 22: S-G Middle School is a No Place for Hate School – again
- 22: Eight S-G students inducted into BOCES Technical Honor Society
- 21: Grades 4 and 5 field day is postponed to Wednesday
- 21: Congratulations to Coach Giammattei for being inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame!
- 21: Many thanks to our S-G After Prom 2018 sponsors!
- 17: Some Glen-Worden students may be late getting home on Friday, May 18
- 15: Thank You, Scotia-Glenville!
- 15: Don’t forget the Prom After Party this Friday into Saturday!
- 4: Congratulations to Andrew LeMorta and Kelly Mayette as May’s Athletes of the Month!
- 4: UPDATED LOCATIONS: Two more sessions scheduled to discuss details of the Capital Project on May 5 and May 14
- 3: Three students’ artwork on display at the 39th HS Juried Regional exhibit in Albany
- 3: May is Children’s Mental Health Awareness Month; check out these daily parent tips
- 1: When is the ceiling at the Middle School going to be replaced?
April 2018
- 27: Many thanks to these individuals and businesses for making the City Mission project a success!
- 23: Enjoy Peter Pan Jr. at the Middle School auditorium this Friday and Saturday
- 20: Students solve puzzles to learn about Earth Day
- 20: Middle School concludes its Choose Kindness Week by wearing kindness tee shirts
- 19: Dozens attend Community Safety Forum
- 17: Congratulations to these students and staff for being recognized by the YMCA
- 17: Check out Beauty and the Beast this Friday and Saturday at the HS auditorium!
- 16: Three candidates have filed to run for two Board of Education seats on May 15
- 16: Do you know a former athlete who should be in the Athletic Hall of Fame?
- 16: MS students are collecting “kindness” coins this week
- 13: Who was the first inductee in the SGHS hall of fame?
- 13: Third quarter HS and MS grades are now available on Power School
- 11: Congratulations to these 26 young artists
- 10: When will the 2018-19 calendar be available?
- 10: S-G Odyssey of the Mind team places third at states!
- 10: Board of Education adopts 2018-19 school budget
- 5: The Middle School PTA is seeking officers for the 2018-19 school year
- 5: State approves budget, S-G to get an additional 1.9 percent
- 2: Are you the parent of a 3 or 4 year old?
March 2018
- 29: Matthew Miller wins silver medal at state FCCLA meeting
- 29: Congratulations to the 35 newest members of the HS National Honor Society
- 28: Ever wonder what’s inside your computer?
- 27: Zorkie Nelson entertains and teaches through drums
- 27: Why would you consider cutting back on kindergarten?
- 27: Superintendent outlines possible program reductions
- 22: More details released about the May 15 capital project vote
- 20: Boys lacrosse team hosts clinic for community lacrosse players
- 20: Superintendent presents first list of potential budget reductions
- 19: Glenville police conclude investigation into social media threat
- 19: UPDATE – Two S-G students headed to states after winning in the regional PTA reflections contest
- 19: Seven Scotia-Glenville students showing artwork at Horsing Around with the Arts
- 16: Scotia-Glenville well-represented at the Four Freedoms Student Art Exhibition
- 16: 67 S-G students have artwork on display at the Student Art Exhibit at the Empire State Plaza
- 16: Student safety is job #1 at Scotia-Glenville
- 15: Tartans Teaching Tartans teaches literacy skills at Sacandaga
- 15: Board of Education hears financial impact of capital project
- 15: Board of Education reviews budget, decides not to exceed state tax levy limit
- 15: The situation the day after the social media threat
- 14: Walk Outs held despite social media threat
- 14: A message from Superintendent Susan Swartz
- 12: Grade 6 students come out to support Reading for the Mission
- 9: Congratulations to Dominic and Rianna on being named Athletes of the Month!
- 5: Superintendent outlines buildings and grounds, transportation budgets
- 5: Odyssey of the Mind High School team heading to state competition
- 3: Glen-Worden students bring joy and breakfast into the lives of those at the City Mission
- 3: Congratulations to Juliana and Dominic for their performance at the NYS Indoor Track and Field Championship!
February 2018
- 26: March is Music in Our Schools Month – video!
- 16: Camp Invention being hosted at O’Rourke Middle School July 9-13; register early for discounts
- 16: Unified Bowling offers opportunities for all students
- 15: Nick Criscone making his mark at Glen-Worden
- 15: Veterans, aged exemptions approved by the Board of Education
- 13: “Roll over” 2018-19 budget presented to the Board of Education
- 12: Bus driver shortage to continue all week
- 12: Attention Veterans – if you already get the enhanced exemption on your town and county tax bills, you’re all set
- 8: Congratulations to these Founders Day recipients!
- 6: Congratulations Krystina and Mya for having your ceramic artwork recognized!
- 5: Career and Technical School offers opportunities for students
- 5: Jeffes and Palleschi named as Scotia-Glenville Athletes of the Month
- 2: Second quarter grades at the HS and MS are now posted on Power School
- 1: BOE to consider veteran’s exemption; hearing set for Feb. 5
- 1: Scholarship packets for seniors are now available
January 2018
- 31: Information about the flu
- 31: Weekend Backpack Program helping Scotia-Glenville families
- 31: The fields used by hundreds of students each day are in rough shape, getting worse
- 30: Olivia Jack recognized by the state Assembly and Senate
- 18: Governor Unveils Executive Budget, School Aid Proposals
- 18: NYSSMA registration forms are available
- 16: Become a Substitute Teacher at Scotia-Glenville schools
- 10: McKenzie, Zeglen named Scotia-Glenville Athletes of the Month
- 9: Buzz-in security system coming to the Middle School and High School
- 8: What is the schools policy for drop off/pick up. Specifically, where am I allowed to drop off a student?
- 5: Grade 5 Parents Night set for Thursday, March 15
- 3: Sacandaga grade 5 students brighten the holidays for pets at the APF
- 2: If you have appointments all day and can’t make it back to school can you still go to your Modified Sport
December 2017
- 27: Gov. Cuomo’s executive order does not allow for prepayment of 2018 school property taxes; only city, county and town taxes
- 21: Grade 6 students try to unlock the secrets of Mars at the MiSci Challenger Learning Center
- 19: Scotia-Glenville named to Advanced Placement District Honor Roll for first time
- 18: Sacandaga’s Dinner with Santa takes students ‘around the world’
- 18: Six S-G students perform at the 38th annual Melodies of Christmas
- 18: Glen-Worden welcomes Santa during Winter Wonderland
- 11: Great Grammar Bake Off at Lincoln reinforces reading program for grade 1 students
- 11: HS students bring joy to residents at the Baptist Health Center
- 5: Scotia-Glenville’s varsity soccer team shows its talent again by walking away with many Foothills Council awards!
- 5: Eighth-graders have until March 9 to apply to TechValley High School
November 2017
- 29: Congratulations to these three senior athletes who will continue their passions in college
- 29: Do you know a child who is homeless?
- 21: Lincoln parade features Penguin, “bucket fillers”
- 18: Congratulations to Olivia Jack for winning statewide swimming honors
- 17: Honor and High Honor rolls are now posted
- 17: Honor and High Honor rolls are posted
- 17: First Quarter grades are now official in PowerSchool
- 15: Congratulations to these S-G students attending Area All-State Music Festival
- 14: Parents turn out for Sacandaga PTA Science Fair and Reflections Night
- 13: Show your Scotia-Glenville pride with TartanWear!
- 9: Save the date – Dec. 1 – for the next Middle School PTA Movie Night!
- 9: Congratulations to the newest members of the National Junior Honor Society!
- 8: Welcome to Scotia-Glenville’s new website design!
- 7: If we filled out a report card request form to receive a paper copy of the report card last year, do we have to fill out another this year?
- 7: Nick Criscone appointed as new Glen-Worden principal
- 3: Why are middle school students given a numerical grade in art and music instead of pass/fail?
- 2: MS students and staff clear yard debris from 12 local yards as part of Make a Difference Day
- 1: Lincoln students and staff show their Pumpkin Spirit during decorating contest
October 2017
- 31: Sacandaga PTA sponsoring a fundraiser at Blaze Pizza in Mohawk Commons on Thursday, Nov. 2
- 27: Help the MS PTA while filling up on an all-you-can-eat pizza buffet at Carm’s on Nov. 5!
- 25: The Scotia-Glenville All Sports Booster Club and The Varsity Club Holiday Craft Fair will be on Sunday, December 3
- 24: State tax rebates are on their way this fall
- 23: The Board of Education adopts goals for the 2017-18 school year
- 23: Capital project moving forward; BOE needs to trim proposal
- 20: Glen-Worden students and staff donate to shelter during the Hive Run Food Drive
- 18: Scotia-Glenville is in need of substitute bus drivers!
- 17: Eight S-G student delegates attend Athlete Leadership Summit
- 17: BeetleJuice to be shown during Movie Night on Friday evening, Oct. 20 at the Middle School
- 12: The 2017 National School Bus Safety Week will be observed Oct. 16-20
- 4: Congratulations to the five newest members of the Athletic Hall of Fame!
- 1: NEWSLETTER STORY: Fields, auditorium proposal going to the voters May 15
September 2017
- 28: Nominate somebody for a Founder’s Day recognition – Feb. 7, 2018
- 25: It is really hot today, and several other schools are closing early. Why isn’t Scotia-Glenville doing the same?
- 18: NYS Education Department approves new learning standards
- 15: S-G students perform well in Blackbird Invite
- 15: Six students showing their work in the Roving Art Show
- 12: I know the schools received our children’s state test scores already. When are they going to be sent to us?
- 11: Teachers, nurses and school district reach four-year contract
- 11: Next Generation Learning Standards adopted by state
- 11: Enrollment stable as school opens for 2017-18
- 6: High School students return to classes, ready for a challenging 2017-18!
- 6: Middle School students return to class, eager for the new year!
- 6: Sacandaga students are ready for another challenging year!
- 6: Lincoln students return, ready for another exciting year!
- 6: Glen-Worden students start the year with enthusiasm
- 6: Glendaal students return for a busy year!
- 6: Welcome back to school, Scotia-Glenville students!
August 2017
- 23: My daughter has forgotten her lunch account number. How can we find out what the number is? My school bucks doesn’t have her number listed. Thank you.
- 23: Just as a point of information , the 2017-2018 calendar has Rosh Hashanah starting at sundown on the 21st of September. The correct date is Wednesday, the 20th of September.
- 22: What are the school supplies for 6th grade?
- 21: Why is the community only hearing about the change in the bus relocation plan to Niskayuna now? I find it hard to believe that all this happened overnight or even over a few months.
- 19: My daughters physical is not until November. What do I do? She needs one for second grade. Will you not let her attend school because of this?
- 4: Board of Education sets 2017-18 school tax rates
July 2017
- 25: I wanted to know if you would be collecting school supplies for students in need for the upcoming school year. Also, if there was a fund to donate towards breakfast/lunch for students in need. Thank you.
- 25: I noticed that the District uses the Responsive Classroom Approach – Yeah! I appreciate how the approach emphasizes how teacher language/behaviors effect children’s learning/behavior. That being said I see that it goes through 8th grade.
- 24: BOE agrees to rent space at Niskayuna bus garage
- 20: I was looking at the calendar for 2017-18. There appears to be a miscalculation in the number of instructional days.
- 10: Bucciferro, Beauchamp re-elected as BOE officers
- 6: S-G sharing Niskayuna bus garage this summer; may continue to use after school begins
June 2017
- 24: Susan Swartz’s graduation speech
- 24: Margaret Scognamiglio’s graduation speech
- 24: Aidan Chaffin’s graduation speech
- 24: Congratulations to the Class of 2017!
- 20: Glen-Worden students take a Walk Down Memory Lane
- 19: Camp Cardinal at Glendaal a fun time despite being held inside
- 15: Turf Field program brings small crowd
- 14: Colonial America comes alive for grade 4 students at Lincoln
- 14: Remember to bring your thoughts and questions to the Fields Forum
- 13: Grade 2 students at Glen-Worden perform “Little Red Riding Hood – the Musical”
- 12: Board of Education recognized retiring staff members
- 12: Board of Education recognizes retirees and students
- 12: Board of Education statements about Class of 2017 graduates
- 12: Students create video honoring Micah and Sadie, Sacandaga’s therapy dogs
- 9: Grade 3 students at Lincoln show off their social studies projects to their parents
- 9: Nintendo Power Couple shows their video of Glendaal visit
- 8: Excelsior Scholarships could make college affordable for many
- 8: Grade 1 students at Glen-Worden learn about the first US Treasurer, Samuel Meredith
- 8: NWS meteorologist speaks with grade 5 students at Glen-Worden about weather and severe storms
- 8: Fields forum to be held Thursday, June 15 at the Middle School
- 8: Second-graders at Lincoln take in an Environmental Fair at Five Rivers
- 7: BOCES New Visions Health Careers graduates ready for the world!
- 5: MS and Sacandaga students participate in Girls on the Run 5K run at UAlbany
- 5: Congratulations to the Class of 2017 Scholastic Metal recipients!
- 1: “At the Hop” featured during Songtime 2017 on Friday, June 9 at the HS auditorium
- 1: Two Middle School students are recognized for Earth Day essays
- 1: Some phone lines are not working at S-G
- 1: Grade 6 students checking out what’s below the surface at Collins Lake
May 2017
- 30: Middle School readers get a free pass to Great Escape!
- 30: 27 grade 5 Scotia-Glenville students receive awards from the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education and Dance
- 24: Science Research symposium at the high school is a success!
- 22: Free lunches will be available again this year at Collins Park thanks to SICM
- 22: Is SG offering a Driver’s Ed course this summer? If so, is the class still available?
- 18: Twelve students and two educators nominated for YMCA Outstanding Student and Educator honors
- 18: S-G Middle School designated as a No Place for Hate Building
- 16: Thank You Scotia-Glenville!
- 16: I found out at 5 p.m. via a friend posting on Facebook that there were school district elections yesterday. I did not have time to research candidates, get home from work, and make it to a polling location by that point in the day.
- 15: After Prom set for Friday night into Saturday morning at Boulevard Bowl, Erie Boulevard
- 15: Please be sure to vote on Tuesday, May 16!
- 12: Literacy Luau a hit as everybody focuses on reading
- 11: Kindergarten students at Sacandaga develop ways to keep animals “on the farm”
- 8: Assessment growth means lower tax rate increase projected for 2017-18
- 4: Kindergartners at Glen-Worden win March Madness Reading Program!
- 3: Congratulations to these six Scotia-Glenville seniors who are heading on to college play!
- 1: Budget public hearing, Meet the Candidates forum scheduled for Wednesday, May 3
April 2017
- 25: Preschool at Sacandaga has openings for the 2017-18 school year
- 21: Four candidates file to run for three BOE seats in May 16 election
- 20: English 9 students learn the history of sugar and maple syrup
- 5: Congratulations to the newest HS National Honor Society inductees!
- 3: 2017-18 budget adopted by the Board of Education
March 2017
- 29: FCCLA students present Super Hero capes to help sick children
- 28: AP Economics class presents plans for new area businesses
- 27: Annie Jr. to be performed by MS Drama Club on April 7 and 8 at MS auditorium
- 27: Board of Education supports budget proposal as it now stands
- 24: A Community Discussion on Suicide Prevention to be held on Thursday, March 30
- 24: Grade 2 students at Glen-Worden learn about farming and agriculture
- 22: “Launch” Program to debut this summer for students in kindergarten to grade 6
- 20: Restaurants and businesses to be featured at Taste of Scotia on April 3
- 20: Superintendent presents plan to close budget tax levy gap
- 19: UPDATE – Two Scotia-Glenville students headed to states PTA reflections contest
- 18: Glen-Worden students serve breakfast at City Mission
- 16: HS Drama Club performing The Drowsy Chaperone March 31 and April 1
- 13: Board facing nearly $300,000 gap in 2017-18 budget proposal
- 10: March Madness Reading Challenge kicks off at Glen-Worden
- 10: Grade 6 students spend more than 80 minutes reading in the gym
- 6: Both Middle School teams place in regional Science Bowl
- 6: High school Odyssey of the Mind team heading to states
- 6: Most board members want to stay under the state’s tax levy cap
- 3: Glen-Worden families raised nearly $1,600 for Ronald McDonald House
- 1: Schools practice a lot of drills every year to keep students and staff safe and ready
February 2017
- 27: Superintendent presents “rollover” budget as beginning point
- 21: Science and Engineering students put science into action at YMCA pool
- 21: Second-graders at Glen-Worden celebrate 100 days at school
- 18: I would like to thank the district (particularly the administration) for the respectful yet honest responses to the stakeholders thoughts/concerns. What a wonderful gift; thank you.
- 17: Grade 1 students at Lincoln entertain parents for Valentine’s Day
- 16: Allison Atchley honored as a Friend of Education by CASDA
- 15: GE engineer discusses wind turbines with grade 7 science students
- 15: My daughter is enrolled in Scotia Glenville High School and is in 11th grade. I just moved to Schenectady but want to keep her in Scotia-Glenville schools.
- 13: You need to close the school it’s still slippery an the wind is terrible I’ll sue this district if my kids get in an accident cause of your greediness.
- 8: Three BOE seats up for election on May 16
- 7: Congratulations to these 14 Scotia-Glenville community members!
- 3: Report cards/final grades are now available on the PowerSchool portal
- 1: Sweethearts and Heroes to meet with students and parents
- 1: Makerspace Club members check out and create with cubelets
January 2017
- 30: Grade 4 students at Sacandaga to participate in Nation’s Report Card in March
- 28: Two Scotia-Glenville science research students earn medals at regional competition.
- 24: You better close never mind the money it’s about safety
- 24: Why is there school when there is clearly a lot of snow on the ground for walkers who have to walk to school should be sent a bus because how are we suppose to walk to school when there over 2 feet of snow and it’s still snowing and we’re suppose to walk that’s not fair
- 23: BOCES to hold Career and Technical Center open house on January 27
- 20: Glen-Worden PTA Bingo Night a Success!
- 20: Founder’s Day deadline for tickets extended!
- 20: S-G staff raises money and collects winter items for the City Mission
- 18: Spanish Club students create some “deadly” artwork
- 11: Is there a 2 hour delay today 1/11/17
- 5: Scotia-Glenville HS ranked 11th best area school with the best teachers
- 3: Comments from two bullying forums in December are now available.
- 3: Realistic-looking beehive adorns tree mural in Glen-Worden Library Media Center
December 2016
- 16: Kids Giving to Kids at Glen-Worden makes the holiday brighter for children at the City Mission
- 16: Eight Glendaal students attend Fuel Up to Play 60 forum
- 13: Science lesson focuses on Gingerbread Men
- 9: Grade 2 students bring holiday cheer to Glen-Worden
- 7: Meeting to discuss bullying to be held Dec. 14 and 15 at S-G Middle School
- 1: Final lead in water testing results from the MS and HS show no drinking fountains exceeded the state standard
November 2016
- 22: MS and HS students decorate trees for the YWCA Festival of Trees
- 14: All-Sport Booster Club Craft Fair set for Dec. 4 at S-G High School
October 2016
- 20: Lincoln students create costumed pumpkins as part of a decorating contest
- 15: Congratulations to the seven S-G alumni inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame
- 14: Check out the Middle School Drama Club’s new website
- 14: Students visit Siena College to strengthen computer science skills
- 14: Speaker talks to classes about the perils of distracted driving
- 13: New entry procedures kicking in on October 17 at the four elementary schools
September 2016
- 30: New state law requires lead testing in water at schools
- 21: State asks parents to comment on the proposed new state learning standards
- 16: Freshman barbecue a hit!
- 14: Middle School will be OPEN FOR BUSINESS TOMORROW – Thursday, September 15
August 2016
- 12: Advanced Therapy to offer Pre-Kindergarten classes at Sacandaga
- 11: For the third time in three years, the S-G tax rate will decline
- 7: Information about the tragic loss of Morgan Bowers; please keep her family and friends in our thoughts and prayers