February 2024

Our mission is to provide an equitable, supportive, and student-centered learning environment where all students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

From the Principal's Desk

Schenectady High School Community,

As we embrace February, a month dedicated to honoring the rich legacy of Black history, it is crucial for our students to comprehend the profound impact it has had on shaping our present society. Recognizing the trials and tribulations faced by those who paved the way for us is key to understanding our shared history. As Maya Angelou wisely said, "History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again."

Throughout this month, we will be celebrating in various ways. Please stay tuned to the Patriot Post for ongoing activities, such as our Black History T-shirt design contest. The winning design will be printed on a unique T-shirt, available exclusively in our school store. Additionally, join us for Black History Spirit Week leading up to the winter recess, featuring special days created by our incredible students as part of the Student Government Patriot Pride Committee.

Let us use this time to reinforce the importance of building equality, acknowledging that our past plays a pivotal role in defining our future. Learning from our mistakes and striving to surpass the accomplishments of those who came before us is the path to progress. Black history is not a standalone segment; it is an integral part of our collective history. While we celebrate this month, let's commit to continuous learning and celebration throughout the year.

Shifting gears to academics, as we embark on the third marking period, I want to emphasize the significance of unwavering commitment from all students. Regular attendance and active participation in every class are crucial for academic success. To our seniors, with only 20 weeks remaining until graduation, the finish line is within sight. Stay focused on your goals, push yourselves academically, and remember that your dedication now will pave the way for a brighter future.

Wishing everyone a productive and enlightening month ahead.

Principal Green

Check out our Patriot Post!

Our Patriot Post is broadcasted daily on all TVs situated in the hallways and is also disseminated during the initial moments of the first period. Additionally, it is circulated through emails provided by parents. The Patriot Post serves as a valuable resource for students and parents, offering daily and continuous updates about our school building, encompassing details about upcoming events, academic prospects, club activities, significant cultural celebrations, and more.

Building Improvement Plan

Looking for a quiet space to enjoy your lunch time? Check out these options!

A message for graduating seniors from SUNY:

Updates from our Leadership Communities

Freshman Academy

Phil Weinman, Academy Principal
Kargsia McDuffie, Assistant Principal
Charles Paravella, Assistant Principal

The Freshman Academy will be hosting the Leadership Community presentations on 2/5, after the presentations school counselors will be scheduling student courses for next year.

Additionally on 2/9, students will be attending the Education pathway presentations.

Congratulations to the over 100 students who made honor roll! We will celebrate our honor roll students with a lunch at 11:00 on 2/16.

Humanities, Communications, & Advocacy Leadership Community

Jocelyn Hoffmann, Humanities Principal
Justin Lansley, Assistant Principal

HCA is pleased to introduce Mr. Justin Lansley as our new Assistant Principal! Mr. Lansley is excited to join the Humanities, Communications, & Advocacy Leadership Community! He has been in education for eleven years. He has taught in North Carolina, Maryland, and right here in the capital region where he is originally from. Mr. Lansley is in his second year as an Assistant Principal. He has also coached soccer and wrestling at the varsity level. He is very much looking forward to working closely with the teachers, students, and families of the Schenectady Community. WELCOME, MR. LANSLEY!

Our Quarter 2 Honor Roll celebration is scheduled for February 15. The Honor Roll list will be posted on February 9. Congratulations to our high achievers!

The next HCA assembly is scheduled for February 9 with guest speaker S. Neal Currie Jr., Executive Director of The Fundisha Center Inc. and Teach Brother Teach. Here are the main points:

Date: Friday, February 9, 2024
Time: 2 sessions, 1:15-2:15 AND 2:30-3:30
Speaker: S. Neal Currie Jr. - Teach Brother Teach
Topic: Education Pathway

This assembly is intended to promote awareness of our newly minted Education Pathway, for any 9th graders who are interested in becoming educators.

Our course catalog for 2024-2025 will include a new course called Education 1, which will have 20 seats available. We're hoping that this assembly will cultivate interest in this pathway.

Check out our Featured Student & Teacher, Benjamin Loth and Mr. Lewis! Details below...

Click this link to join our Google Classroom: HCA Google Classroom

STEM Leadership Community

Dave Preston, STEM Principal
Corie Hart-Nelson, Assistant Principal

The STEM Leadership Community will be hosting an Assembly with Jahnel Group on 2.12.24. The Jahnel Group is a Schenectady based Software Company that helps companies transform their businesses through software.

STEM LC Principal Mr. Preston will also be Chaperoning the Spanish Club's trip to Spain over February break. If students are interested in traveling to Spain in the coming years please see Mr. Preston, Ms. Tyson, Ms. Higgins or Ms. Newton to start planning the next trip.

Take a look at our Google Classroom here: STEM Google Classroom

The BME LC organized two assemblies during the month of January. During the first assembly, Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 7 discuss the benefits of the trade. In the second assembly, Ms. Adine Viscusi, owner and president of Casa Visco, presented the successes and the struggles of owning your own business.

Youth Summit Opportunity

The Youth Summit is meant to support the youth in community engagement. We aim to support them in thinking of ways they could improve their communities and bringing those ideas to fruition by means of writing a grant to the Neighborhood Foundation Challenge so that their idea(s) can become a reality. They will gain self-development, perspective growth in how they view community, and a sense of contribution and that their voices count and have the power to make change.

Location: Proctors Theater

Date: Wednesday March 20th

Time: All Day

Registration Required: See details below

Business, Marketing & Entrepreneurship Leadership Community

Ady Piña, Business Principal
Daniel Hepp, Assistant Principal

Take a look at our Google Classroom here: BME Google Classroom

Visual & Performing Arts Leadership Community

Jason Belknap, VPA Principal
Catherine Brown, VPA Assistant Principal

The Blue Roses Theatre Company will be performing: “From the Mouths of Monsters”, written by Idris Goodwin. Poster Designed by Ethan Whiting.

Student Mural in Process: FA Staircase, designed and produced by Lilly Van Wormer.

Last Call for the Faculty Art Show located in the SHS Butzel Gallery! This great show closes out on Feb 2nd.

You can also check out our Google Classroom here: VPA Google Classroom

Class Code: phr5dzk

Early College High School & SSFA Musical Theatre Program

Christopher Chank, Principal

Check our our Google Slides here: Early College High School & SSFA Musical Theatre Program

Steinmetz Career & Leadership Academy (SCLA)

Kirk Wilkinson, Principal
Michele Manners, Assistant Principal

Visit our website here: SCLA Website

Meet Our Instruction and Curriculum Administrators

Walkthrough information was shared at the last faculty meeting--the templates were printed and distributed. Educational Leadership Team will start holding Saturday Meetings. More details below:

Coordinator of Student Support Services at SHS

Mrs. Carolyn Manzella

The Coordinator of Student Support Services at SHS will collaborate closely with School Psychologists, Special Education teachers, Building Principals, and other related service providers. Together, they will craft Individualized Education Plans (I.E.Ps) and FBA/BIPS (Functional Behavior Assessments/Behavior Improvement Plans). This collaborative effort aims to ensure that program services align with the district's vision and are fully compliant with relevant laws and regulations.

Home & School Alliance

LaShanda Blanks, SHS Parent Empowerment Center Facilitator
Randy Earle, SHS Parent Liaison

SHS Pantry

The Parent Empowerment Center Pantry is able to provide our families with up to 3 days worth of meals, twice a month, while you get assistance with a permanent plan. Inventory subject to change & available on as needed basis.

Complete THIS FORM for your needs.

Important Reminder

Schenectady High School Parents, Guardians, and Caregivers,
All emails from school personnel, including myself, will come from an email address ending in SchenectadySchools.org. For example, I will always reach out to students or families from my district email address, GreenD@SchenectadySchools.org

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