January 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,

Happy New Year! I hope this message finds you in good spirits and ready for an amazing start to 2024. As we embark on this new year, I want to share some updates and important information with all of you.

First and foremost, a big shoutout to our incredible students as they gear up for the upcoming New York State Regents exams. Your hard work and dedication do not go unnoticed, and I'm confident that your efforts will lead to success. Remember, you've got this!

I also want to extend my gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of our recent Community Enrichment Day. It was heartwarming to see our school community come together to celebrate diversity, talent, and creativity. Your participation and support truly make a positive impact on our school.

Now, let's take a moment to reflect on the achievements of the first semester while eagerly anticipating the challenges and triumphs that the second semester and third quarter will bring. I have immense confidence in our students, faculty, and staff as we continue this educational journey together.

Speaking of new beginnings, it brings me great joy to welcome Mrs. Catherine Brown as the new Assistant Principal of the Visual and Performing Arts Leadership Community. Mrs. Brown's expertise and passion will undoubtedly enrich our school community, and we look forward to the incredible contributions she'll make.

As we dive into the rest of the school year, let's approach it with enthusiasm, kindness, and a shared commitment to fostering a positive learning environment. Thank you all for your continuous efforts and dedication.

Wishing you a fantastic start to 2024!

Community Enrichment Day - 12.22.23

Our inaugural Community Enrichment Day was a huge hit with students and staff! Here are just some of the highlights:

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.

Use this framework to set goals for the remainder of the school year!

Building Improvement Plan

January 2024 Regents Exam Schedule

The school-based health centers program, located at Mont Pleasant Middle School and Schenectady High School, is staffed and operated by Hometown Health Centers. Students from Hamilton Elementary can also be seen at Mont Pleasant Middle School, with round-trip transportation provided by the school. Each site provides medical care and treatment for students enrolled in the program with acute and chronic illness and disease, routine school or sports physicals, required immunization, administration of medication, screenings for vision, hearing, asthma, obesity, and other clinical conditions, without the student having to leave school or have a parent or guardian present.

Students must be enrolled in the School-Based Health Centers program to be seen at the health center at school. To enroll a student in the program, obtain an enrollment form from the school health center, or download the form here: https://www.hometownhealthcenters.org/

A frequently asked questions (FAQ) sheet can also be downloaded which may help to answer questions about the program.

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 movie days during lunch starting January 5th. The Living Environment Regents Exam is being administered Tuesday, January 23rd.

The academy's next assembly will be hosted on January 30th. All students that have taken the AVID Freshman Experience course will be invited to hear from upperclassman on what it is to be part of AVID.

Humanities, Communications, & Advocacy Leadership Community

Jocelyn Hoffmann, Humanities Principal

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, Keith Young and Mr. Chapman! 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

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

On Monday Jan. 8th at 9:30am, Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 7 will be visiting SHS and present an introduction to the Plumbing Trade. After 5 years of Apprenticeship, their "journeyman" are making $79 wages and benefit packages. If you're not interested in attending college or the military, the trades may be an option for you. This event is limited to Juniors and Seniors only. The assembly will take place in the auditorium. Sign-up is required.

The School Store will continue to be available. Please be sure to visit the school store on Tuesdays and Thursdays during lunch time.

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

VPA would like to welcome our new AP, Ms. Catherine Brown!

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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