October 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

I hope this message finds you well and in good spirits. I find it essential to keep you all informed about the exciting events and opportunities lined up for the month of October here at Schenectady High School.

First and foremost, I am thrilled to announce that on October 26th, all our students will have the valuable chance to take the SAT/PSATs. Information regarding this significant opportunity will be sent home shortly, so please be on the lookout for it. Whether your young ones are considering college or not, this experience will undoubtedly help them prepare for various paths that education might open up. You never know where the journey of learning might take you!

Reflecting on the month of September, it feels as if it passed by in the blink of an eye. Our first month of school is officially in the books, and it's awesome to witness the enthusiasm and dedication our students bring to their classrooms each day.

I encourage all parents to stay updated through our Patriot Post, our daily information hub for students, which is conveniently shared on our hallway screens throughout the day and emailed. It's a great way to keep track of school events, announcements, and other important news.

Looking ahead, we have an exhilarating week planned with our upcoming Spirit Week. The energy and creativity that our students bring to this event are truly inspiring. The festivities will culminate in our much-anticipated Pep Rally and Homecoming game on Friday, October 13th, followed by the Homecoming Dance on October 14th. These events are not just about celebration; they foster a sense of unity and school spirit that is truly heartwarming.

I am incredibly grateful for the active involvement and support from our parents, students, and staff. Together, we create a nurturing environment where our young people can flourish academically, socially, and emotionally.

With warm regards,

Principal Green

SHS Students & Staff Respond To Essential Question: How do I become comfortable with myself, my school and my school community?

How It Works Cont...

Why These Expectations?

How To Contact Your Child

SCSD Code of Character, Conduct, and Support

Congratulations to our 2023 National Honor Society Inductees!

Updates from our Leadership Communities

Freshman Academy

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

Students from the Freshman Academy attended the Wild Play field trip at Thacher Park in mid-September. This was an incredible experience for our students and staff.

I-Ready reading and math testing has begun and will conclude at the end of September.

We would like to thank all of our families who attended Freshman Connection, Orientation and Back to School Night! Thank you for all of your support.

October will be an exciting month. Please be on the lookout for our upcoming spirit week during Homecoming!

Humanities, Communications, & Advocacy Leadership Community

Jocelyn Hoffmann, Humanities Principal
Emily Tashjian, Assistant Principal

HCA is excited to present a live-repertoire piece called Woke-Ness in the Body & Freedom Dance Floors, a message of social justice through the arts. This event is made possible through our partnership with the Founder and Director of Create a Space Now, Hettie Barnhill. SHS students auditioned and were selected to perform in this piece alongside Hettie and her professional dance ensemble. This event is for students and staff on October 5, 2023. Interested students should sign up by October 4 to attend, by scanning the QR code on the poster below.

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

Click this link for more HCA news!

STEM Leadership Community

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

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

Thursday, September 28th, the BME LC proudly launched the soft opening of the SHS School Store. This addition to our school community will be open on Tuesdays and Thursdays during lunch periods A, B, and C.
- We are excited to offer a variety of snacks and
  beverages for both our students and staff, including items like granola bars, chips, and refreshing drinks.
- All snacks will meet the Smart Snack NYS standards.
- CASH only!

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

Important dates:

Visit our website here: SCLA Website

Meet Our Instruction and Curriculum Administrators

1. Shout out to the 9th grade team for iReady testing. Thank you so much for your hard work!

2. Please see the PSAT/SAT Letter for 10/26.

3. Academic Lab will start to run next week--Teachers, please see if your IC rosters are populated then.

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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