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,

I hope this message finds you well and enjoying the start of the holiday season. December is a special time filled with celebration, reflection, and community—and it's no different here at school.

This month, we have only 19 school days, and every one of them counts. Attendance is especially important, as students continue to build on essential skills and prepare for the new year. We encourage all families to prioritize being present and on time each day to support student success.

We’re also looking forward to one of the highlights of our year: our Annual Community Enrichment Day on December 23, the final day before the holiday break. This exciting day brings our entire school community together for fun, meaningful activities designed to foster connections among students and staff. From hands-on skill-building workshops to collaborative games and creative projects, students will have the chance to engage in enriching experiences that strengthen our school spirit.

In addition to the fun, we’ll also provide dedicated time for students to meet with teachers—whether to catch up on missing assignments or to receive academic support and enrichment.

We’re proud of how our school community continues to grow stronger together, and we thank you for your partnership during this busy and joyful time of year. Wishing you and your family a warm, safe, and restful holiday season!

📱 Stay Connected with ROOMS
Have you connected with your child’s teachers through ROOMS yet? ROOMS is our communication app that allows parents and guardians to easily message teachers, receive classroom updates, and stay in the loop on what’s happening at school. It’s a great tool for keeping communication strong and supporting your student’s success! Click HERE for more information and support.

💻 Parent Portal Access
Don’t forget to check the Parent Portal regularly to view grades, attendance, and other important information. Staying engaged with your child’s academic progress has a huge impact, and the portal makes it easy to stay informed.

As always, we encourage you to read through the entire newsletter and check the Patriot Post for all the latest news, updates, and upcoming events.

Thank you for being an important part of our Patriot family. Let’s make November a month full of learning, gratitude, and connection!

Principal Green

Steinmetz Freshman Leadership Academy

Justin Lansley, Academy Principal

Kargsia McDuffie, Assistant Principal

Charles Paravella, Assistant Principal

Kees Keizer, Assistant Principal

Humanities, Communications, & Advocacy Leadership Community

Jocelyn Hoffmann, HCA Principal

Vaughn Gabbidon, HCA Assistant Principal

Happy Holidays! 

As we move through Quarter 2, it is increasingly important to stay up to date on credits earned, in progress, and Regents exam preparation.  Regents week is coming up in January, and we want to ensure students who need those exams are present and ready for success.  Families, if you would like to schedule a meeting with our team to review your child's progress, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Check out our Featured Student, Asra Ahmad, and our Featured Teacher, Mr. Lewis! See pics below for some Fun Facts!

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

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

Frank DeCrescenzo, BME Assistant Principal

Exciting News! The school store is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. The School Patriot Bank is open on Friday and it's located in the pool lobby. On Wednesday Dec. 3rd, the BME LC is taking a group of students to NYC to learn the business side of Radio City Music Hall and Madison Square Garden. Also, Entrepreneur Mr. Trent Griffin-Braff is working with our BME teachers and has started the Entrepreneur Bootcamp in the classes. Lastly, happy holidays.   

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

Visual & Performing Arts Leadership Community

Brandon Coon, VPA Principal

Marty Oldfield-Maser, VPA Assistant Principal

Congrats to Blue Roses on a successful production of Reckless by Craig Lucas in November - can't wait to see the next show!

Congrats to the Dance Connection Team and Drama Departments for successful performances at the Schenectady County Holiday Parade!

Be sure to check out the Winter Concert at the High School on Dec. 11 at 6:30, featuring choir, band, orchestra, and jazz ensembles! This will be a great evening of music and is free to the public - come and join us! (Note: snow date is Dec. 15)

VPA Google Classroom

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 (IEPs) 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                                             

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 as-needed basis.

Complete THIS FORM for your needs.