November 2023

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

Dear Schenectady High School Community,

Greetings in this wonderful month of November! As we embrace the changing seasons, we also mark the approaching end of the first quarter, with ten weeks already behind us. It's a reminder that report cards will be making their way home soon. I encourage all parents to keep an eye out for your child's report card. Let's celebrate their achievements together and, if necessary, offer our support and encouragement to help them discover their unique talents and capabilities.

I'm thrilled to announce that we have had several students step forward to represent our school on the Schenectady City School District Board of Education. Congratulations to all these students who dared to take a leap, embracing the opportunity to become the voice of our student body. While only a couple will be selected, it's crucial to acknowledge the drive and motivation demonstrated by our young people. Remember, YOUR VOICE MATTERS!

In the spirit of celebrating diversity, did you know that November is National American Indian Heritage Month? In 1990, Congress, along with former President George H.W. Bush, designated November as a time to honor and recognize the unique and essential contributions made by the original inhabitants, the indigenous people of the North American continent. I share this information because Knowledge is Power. Recognizing the beauty in our country's diversity, which is mirrored in our school building, is vital. At SHS, we celebrate our diverse community every month. This practice helps our young people feel embraced and, most importantly, allows us to appreciate the rich tapestry that forms our amazing student and staff population.

I hope you enjoy reading this month's newsletter. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out through Let's Talk. Your active engagement is valued and appreciated.

For all things Schenectady High School check out the Patriot Post which is shown throughout the day in classes and on TV monitors throughout our halls.

SHS Students Respond To Essential Question:

How does my high school experience (in and out of school) prepare me for achieving my life/career goals?

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.

How It Works Cont...

Why These Expectations?

How To Contact Your Child

SCSD Code of Character, Conduct, and Support

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 assemblies for each of our academic teams starting November 15th. We will be celebrating our Quarter 1 academic achievements, Honor Roll students and revisiting our building wide expectations. The Academy will also start our movies during lunch in the auditorium starting November 27th. Please check our google classroom for our featured films. At the end of November we will host our Quarter 1 honor roll lunch in. Please be looking out for our invite.

Humanities, Communications, & Advocacy Leadership Community

Jocelyn Hoffmann, Humanities Principal
Emily Tashjian, Assistant Principal

HCA is looking forward to celebrating students who made Honor Roll for Quarter 1! We will post the lists by November 20th and host a celebration during the last week of November. There is still time for students to make Honor Roll as the quarter ends on November 14th!

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

STEM Leadership Community

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

STEM LC will be hosting its first assembly of the year with Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory. Knolls is interested in Mentoring Seniors who are interested in engaging in a career in Engineering and will present the pathways they've taken to their careers, pathways our students can take, and also how they can support our students as they look to a future in Engineering. Knolls oversees the Navy's Nuclear Propulsion Program. The Program has cradle-to-grave responsibility for all naval nuclear propulsion matters and includes our civilian and military personnel who design, build, operate, maintain, and manage the nuclear-powered ships and other facilities of the U.S. nuclear-powered naval Fleet. This is a great opportunity for our STEM Students. Please touch base with Mr. Preston if you are interested in a career in engineering and would like a Mentor from Knolls aka KAPL.

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

The Business LC has officially opened the school store. It's open on Tuesdays and Thursdays during A, B and C lunches. In order to purchase from the school store, the students need their ID and it must be during their scheduled lunch period.

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
Erica Wardell, Assistant Principal

Click here for VPA's Leadership Community Monthly News!

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

Spirit Week @ SCLA Oct 30th- Nov 3rd - activities organized by SCLA Student Government.

Saturday, November 4th- Get Fit Camp will begin at SCLA. Fitness camp will be held on the first Saturday of the month from November to March. Registration begins at 8:30 am. Camp is open to students, parents, SCSD staff, and community. COME GET YOUR FIT ON!

Wednesday, November 15th, SCLA will be hosting Parent Academy with presentation by Ms. Manners. Parent Academy will be held every third Wednesday.

Tea Time with Ms. Liz will also be on November 15th. You can contact Parent Engagement Liaison, Lizbeth Fernandez, for further information.

Visit our website here: SCLA Website

Meet Our Instruction and Curriculum Administrators

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 Earl, SHS Parent Liaison

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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