Our mission is to provide an equitable, supportive, and student-centered learning environment where all students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Schenectady High School
From the Principal's Desk
Dear Schenectady High School Families, Students, and Community,
Spring is officially here! With longer days, blooming flowers, and warmer weather, exciting energy is in the air. As we move into April, we want to remind families that the end of the 3rd quarter is quickly approaching, and with it, the countdown to the end of the school year begins.
Please mark your calendars—Spring Break is scheduled for April 14–18. We hope everyone enjoys a restful and safe break, but we also want to emphasize the importance of returning focused and ready to finish strong.
As the temperatures rise, so does the temptation for students to leave campus during the day. We want to remind everyone that we are a closed campus. For the safety and well-being of all students, only seniors with an approved Senior Privilege Pass are allowed to leave campus during their designated 30-minute lunch period. This privilege is based on responsibility, punctuality, and academic standing, and it is monitored closely by our Leadership Community Principals. All other students are expected to remain on campus for the school day.
The finish line is in sight, and we ask for your continued partnership to ensure your child is fully prepared. This means attending all classes, staying engaged in their academics, and beginning to prepare for finals in each of their courses. These last few months are critical, especially for our seniors. June graduation is quickly approaching, and we want to ensure every student is on track.
If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s grades, academic progress, or graduation status, now is the time to reach out. Please don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with your child’s Leadership Community Principal or school counselor. We are here to support your child’s success every step of the way.
Thank you for your ongoing support and involvement. Let’s keep the momentum going and make this final stretch of the school year one to celebrate!
Warm regards,
Principal Green
Check out our SHS Student Patriot Post
Interested in ENL Enrichment?
21st Century Afterschool Program
Alternative Locations for Lunch
Circle Up Day: Exploring the Impact of Cell Phone Use in School & Daily Life
The High School Restorative Practice Team is hosting a Circle Up Day to dive into an important conversation: How does cell phone use impact academics, school culture, and students' daily lives?
📅 Date: April 11th, 2025
📍 Location: SHS (Circles - C7; Workshops - Various Classrooms)
⏰ Time: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 6th, 7th, 8th periods
This special day will feature community circles where students and staff can openly discuss their experiences with cell phones—both in school and beyond. Together, we’ll explore the effects on learning, relationships, and well-being.
Additionally, specialists will lead in-class workshops focused on what current research says about the effects of cell phone use on high school students. These sessions will provide valuable insights and practical takeaways for students and educators alike.
We encourage students and staff to participate in this day of reflection, discussion, and learning. Let’s come together to better understand the role of technology in our lives and school community.
For more information, contact the Restorative Practice Team in C7!
Let’s Circle Up and start the conversation!
Yearbook & School Pictures!
Peer tutoring available!
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The SHS Library is delighted to welcome Guyanese-Canadian author Natasha Deen. She is joining us on Thursday April 24, 2025 and we have arranged for the presentations to take place in the Black Box Theater, periods 2, 3, and 6.
Updates from our Leadership Communities
Freshman Academy
Phil Weinman, Academy Principal
Kargsia McDuffie, Assistant Principal
Charles Paravella, Assistant Principal
Dear Freshman Academy Families,
We hope this newsletter finds you well! As we continue to navigate through the school year, we wanted to share some exciting updates and upcoming events for our students.
1. Saturday Regents Review Sessions
Starting in April, we will be offering Regents Review sessions for students preparing for upcoming exams. These sessions are a great opportunity for students to reinforce their knowledge and get extra help in areas where they may need support. We encourage all students to take advantage of these sessions to feel confident going into exam season.
2. College Trips – March 26th & 28th
We are excited to announce two upcoming college trips for our Freshman Academy students:
March 26th: Ithaca College
March 28th: SUNY Polytechnic Institute
These trips provide a valuable opportunity for students to explore college campuses and learn more about what these institutions offer. We hope that these visits will help inspire our students as they begin to think about their future academic and career paths.
3. Leadership Community Selections for Next Year
As we look ahead to the next school year, students will soon be selecting their Leadership Communities for the upcoming year. This is an exciting opportunity for students to engage with different areas of leadership, explore their interests, and build skills that will help them throughout their high school career. We encourage all families to discuss these opportunities with their students and support them as they make their choices.
Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to all of the exciting things ahead for our Freshman Academy students!
Humanities, Communications, & Advocacy Leadership Community
Jocelyn Hoffmann, HCA Principal
Justin Lansley, HCA Assistant Principal
HCA is really excited about our Education Pathway. This pathway is for students interested in going into the field of education--as teachers, counselors, social workers, librarians, administrators--there are so many possibilities! This is a 3-course sequence starting in the 10th grade. Students who complete the program can graduate with a teaching assistant certification, as well as a job with the district! While employed with SCSD, students can have their college tuition paid for by the district! Interested 9th graders should let their counselors know. This is not limited to Humanities students.
Below is a short video clip with more information, as well as a candid photo of some of our current Education 1 students.
Calling all Poets! Do you like to write and read your poetry? If so, please sign up for our upcoming Poetry Workshop Series, in partnership with Adonis Richards, and Lucid Writers. This is a six-series workshop which culminates in a Poetry Slam! See the flyer for details!
Click this link to join our Google Classroom: HCA Google Classroom
Check out the Poetry Workshop group! Thanks, Mr. Richards!
Congratulations, Mr. Lewis! We are lucky to have him as a teacher in our Leadership Community!
STEM Leadership Community
Wendy Ausfeld, STEM Principal
Matthew Morgan, STEM Assistant Principal
Take a look at our Google Classroom here: STEM Google Classroom
Business, Marketing & Entrepreneurship Leadership Community
Dr. Ady Piña, BME Principal
Daniel Hepp, BME Assistant Principal
On Thursday, April 3rd, the BME LC will be participating in the JA Stock Market Challenge in the University of Albany's Campus. For this year's contest, SHS students will be competing against 500 students and 11 high schools from the Capital Region. The competition will take place from 10:00am - 12:00pm, followed by prize announcements, lunch, and an optional campus tour. If you are a BME student and interested, please follow up with any of your business teachers.
Take a look at our Google Classroom here: BME Google Classroom
Visual & Performing Arts Leadership Community
Jason Belknap, VPA Principal
Brandon Coon, VPA Assistant Principal
This was an exciting month for VPA!
The month started with the ongoing art show in the Henry & Miriam Buzel Gallery at SHS, featuring the "Emotions of Oscar Alberto Bogran," local artist. The gallery was available for students to observe and learn from through interactive and evaluative lessons. Congrats to Ms. Austin, our curator and visual arts teacher, for setting up this successful show!
We are pleased to inform that six of our high school students have been selected for the High School Regional. Congratulations to Tahreem Pirzada, Nashauna Howard, Elizabeth Saint Claire, Vanessa Mathura, Nuresha Singh, and Ethan Whiting for being chosen to participate in the 26th Annual High School Regional Juried Art Exhibition!
Sketch Comedy Night was held on March 7th in the William W. Ziskin Black Box Theater. This show featured original sketches written and performed by SHS students and was poignant and hilarious. Congrats to the students for putting on a great show!
Music Faculty Recital was heald on Tuesday, March 18th at the Oneida Middle School Auditorium. This concert featured performances from the Schenectady City Schools music teachers, in solo and collaboration, in support of the SCSD Friends of Music. Congrats to all the teacher musican-performers!
On March 27th, the SHS Jazz Bands presented a free concert in the Black Box Theatre featuring renowned trumpeter Ray Vega (performed and recorded with Tito Puente, Wynton Marsalis, Mongo Sanatamaria, Kirk Franklin, Linoel Hampton and many others). Mr. Vega played with both jazz ensembles, soloing with the high school musicians, and then performed a set along with high school band and jazz teacher, Mr. Pray. Congrats to all performers for a night of improvisation and jazz standards!
The Traveling Art Show is up at Proctors Fenimore Gallery right now until May 14. The artwork will also be up at the NYS School Board Association until April 30.
Announcing the Spontaneous Arts Festival: writers, visual artists, rappers, actors, dancers, and musicians are wanted! We will be holding the event on Thursday April 24th starting around 6 or 6:30pm (depending on participation) in the FA lobby and Black box theater. It will be free and open to the public. Please contact Mr. Pray for information at prayk@schenectadyschools.org
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
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 as-needed basis.
Complete THIS FORM for your needs.