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 Families, Students, and Community,

As we move into this special time of year, we want to extend our warmest wishes to all members of our school community. December is a season of connection, reflection, and celebration for many, and we hope it brings joy, peace, and togetherness to you and your loved ones.

We’re excited to invite you to our Village Holiday Party on Saturday, December 14th, 3-8 PM at SHS! Hosted by our Parent Empowerment Center and Home and School Alliance, this gathering is a wonderful opportunity for families to unite, share in the season’s spirit, and strengthen our sense of community. Whether you celebrate specific traditions or simply enjoy moments of connection, we hope to see you there.

As we prepare to welcome a new year, we want to emphasize the importance of open communication and the safety of everyone in our school. Working together helps ensure that Schenectady High School remains a secure and thriving student environment.

Open Communication and Safety Reminders

1. Stay Connected with ROOMS

Now, Schenectady City School District is making it easier to stay in touch with teachers and class information from that same app. Using the Schenectady City School District app, you can easily switch from district and school information to Rooms, where you can see your students' classes and engage directly with teachers.

Rooms can be accessed via the web and from our district app, which is available for free and can be used from both Apple and Android phones. To access Rooms, you will need to create a login and password. For more information, CLICK HERE.

2. Closed Campus Policy

Schenectady High School is a closed campus to ensure a safe learning environment. Only seniors with approved senior privileges may leave campus during their lunch period. These privileges require seniors to be eligible for a pass, which a parent or guardian must also sign.

If you need to pick up your student during the school day, please call ahead and speak with their Leadership Community office to make arrangements.

3. Visitor Procedures

All parents and visitors must use the Visitor Entrance, located on the McClelland side of the building, near the tennis and pickleball courts. This policy helps us maintain a secure campus for students and staff. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Looking Ahead

As we approach the new year, we’re reminded of the strength and resilience of our school community. Your continued involvement and support play a critical role in shaping the success and well-being of our students.

Whether this season is a time of celebration, reflection, or simply a chance to rest and recharge, we wish you and your loved ones a season filled with happiness and meaningful moments. If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Here’s to a bright and successful year ahead for all!

Principal Green

Check out our SHS Student Patriot Post

Interested in ENL Enrichment?

21st Century Afterschool Program

Alternative Locations for Lunch

Yearbook & School Pictures!

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 Quarter 1 Honor Roll lunch Tuesday, December 3rd during lunch. Congrats to the over 100 honor roll students and the 50+ team award winners!

Parents, please join us at 5:30 pm on December 4th for our "We Love the Parents" event. Dinner will be served and parent workshops will be held throughout the evening.

The KAPL mentoring program will be starting December 16th.

Lastly, if you would like to set up a parent/teacher conference to review quarter 1 academic results, please reach out to your students school counselor.

Academic support is available daily through our Gear Up after school program, 21st century, math lab and writing lab.

Humanities, Communications, & Advocacy Leadership Community

Jocelyn Hoffmann, HCA Principal

Justin Lansley, HCA Assistant Principal

Congratulations to the HCA Quarter 1 Honor Roll students! If you earned Honor Roll, please stop down to the A1 office to pick up your certificate and Dunkin' gift cards! Winners' names are posted outside the A1 office and on our HCA Google Classroom.

All Class of 2025 students, from all Leadership Communities, had the opportunity to hear about the Global Civic Initiative on November 18th. Our partners from Peoples' Perception Project and Albany District Links presented to our Senior Class. Any Senior who would like to use their voice to identify an area of need (either locally or globally) and develop a civic mission is invited to do just that! Our partners will return to provide support for students throughout the year-long initiative. Students will also get some guidance in their Social Studies classes to help with this exciting, advocacy project.

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! The workshops run from February-April, and students must SIGN UP to attend. See the flyer for details!

Congratulations to our Featured Student, Desiray Martinez, and our Featured Teacher, Mr. Lewis!

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

STEM Leadership Community

Wendy Ausfeld, STEM Principal

Matthew Morgan, STEM Assistant Principal

STEM LC is thrilled to welcome our new AP, Mr. Matthew Morgan! He is a life-long Schenectady resident, 25+ year educator (Social Studies teacher/administrator/coach), having worked in numerous public school districts in Schenectady county. He is a Union College graduate (B.A. '91, M.A.T. '95)! He did his student-teaching here at SHS (GE Scholars program)! He is a former commissioned officer in the NYANG. He lives in Glenville with his wife (who is a teacher), with his 3 adult children and 2 dogs.

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

Happy Holidays to all students! Please visit the school store Tuesdays-Thursdays during all lunches. Location: Galley Hallway/Next to Auditorium.

Also, the School Bank is open on Tuesdays and Fridays during lunch times. Location: Main Hallway/Across School Counselor Office.

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

Blue Roses Theatre Company was proud to present the play Sometimes the Rain, Sometimes the Sea by Julia Izumi on Nov. 21-23. This play, inspired by the life and works of storyteller Hans Christian Anderson, featured excellent preparation, acting, and technical execution in the William W. Ziskin Black Box Theater. The production was directed by Mr. Muste, with production and technical direction by Ms. Depeche - congrats to both of them for their expertise and nurturing such excellence in dramatics at SHS!

The opening of the Threads of Nature art exhibit in the Henry and Miriam Buzel Gallery was Nov. 18-20. This exhibit features multiple artists, including several works by SHS visual arts teacher Ms. Cathryn Hunt! Congratulations to Ms. Austin for her preparation of this exhibit!

On Nov. 23, the Dance Connection Team performed at the Schenectady Parade, braving chilly weather and technical difficulties to bring the joy of movement to the community! Congratulations to our dance team Ms. Moses, Ms. Reddick, and Ms. Young on excellent preparation and performance!

Congratulations to the Serenaders/Zero Hour Choir under the direction of Ms. Lamb for their recording for the PBS holiday special at WMHT studios in Troy on Nov. 12! The students were very excited to embark on this opportunity and share their music with a wider audience!

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

Congratulations to six SHS students for their participation in the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) Area All-State Festival. Approximately 350 students from 40 local school districts participated in a collaborative concert on Nov. 9 at Proctors Theatre. The Schenectady Musicians attending were:

Alahna Brown, grade 11, alto

Zoe Daniels, grade 10, flute

Ayan Datt, grade 9, clarinet

Ayden Chrisman, grade 11, violin

Ian Chrisman, grade 11, viola

Ciarra Miller, grade 12, violin

Area All-State is a prestigious festival, weaving together rehearsals and a spectacular performance for the most talented high school musicians in the Capital Region. Special thanks to music teachers Ms. Bee, Mr. Pray, and Ms. Lamb for nurturing these talented musicians!

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.