Schenectady High School

The Patriot Newsletter

February 2025
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Our mission is to provide an equitable, supportive, and student-centered learning environment where all students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

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From the Principal's Desk

Dear Schenectady High School Families, Students, and Community,

As we step into February, we proudly honor Black History Month, a time to celebrate individuals' rich history, culture, and contributions throughout history. Across our building and classrooms, we will engage in meaningful activities, discussions, and projects highlighting the resilience, achievements, and impact of Black leaders, past and present. This month is an essential reminder of the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in our school community and beyond.

We also want to acknowledge the successful completion of the NYS January Regents Exams. Congratulations to all our students who put in the hard work and dedication to prepare and perform their best. As we move forward, it's important to note that we are now officially in the third quarter, with just 20 weeks of school left in the academic year. This is a critical time for students to stay focused, set academic goals, and remain engaged in their learning.

We strongly encourage parents and guardians to stay current with their child’s grades and attendance. Regular communication with teachers is key to supporting your child’s success. You should also receive your child’s report card in the mail soon. If you have not received it, please get in touch with the school office to ensure we have the correct mailing information on file.

In the coming weeks, we will hold important cohort assemblies where students will review their academic data, including grades, attendance, and progress toward graduation. These sessions are more than data-sharing; we ensure students understand what this information means, how it reflects their academic journey, and who they can turn to for support. These assemblies are collaborative, featuring not only students but also their principal team and school counseling team—because we believe that Knowledge is Power!

Thank you for your continued support as we work together to help every student succeed.

Principal Green

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black history month
2024-2025 District Calendar
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Parent Portal Directions
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Check out our SHS Student Patriot Post

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Interested in ENL Enrichment?

ENL 1
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21st Century Afterschool Program

21st Century 1
21st Century 2
21st Century 3
21st Century 3
21st Century 4
Dates to Remember

Alternative Locations for Lunch

A lunch
B lunch
C lunch

Clubs & Activities Handbook

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Writing Support
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Yearbook & School Pictures!

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peer tutoring

Peer tutoring available!

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Updates from our Leadership Communities

Freshman Academy

Phil Weinman, Academy Principal

Kargsia McDuffie, Assistant Principal

Charles Paravella, Assistant Principal

This month, we are excited to celebrate Black History Month with a series of events across the Freshman Academy. On February 12th, we will be taking a group of students to Mohon to observe their drone soccer program. Additionally, the Freshman Academy’s drone soccer program meets every Wednesday after school.

On February 13th, we will recognize our honor roll students with a celebratory lunch in the library. This is an opportunity to acknowledge their hard work and dedication.

Throughout the month, school counselors will be visiting classrooms to discuss the student schedule and leadership community selection process.

We will conclude Black History Month with a showcase at the end of February, celebrating the contributions and achievements of Black individuals and communities.

9th grade admin team
HCA admin team
Poetry Workshop

Humanities, Communications, & Advocacy Leadership Community

Jocelyn Hoffmann, HCA Principal

Justin Lansley, HCA Assistant Principal

All Class of 2025 students, from all Leadership Communities, have the opportunity to participate in the Global Civic Initiative. 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!

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

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STEM admin
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BME admin team

Business, Marketing & Entrepreneurship Leadership Community

Dr. Ady Piña, BME Principal

Daniel Hepp, BME Assistant Principal

The BME LC is responsible for the school bank and school store. The school store is open Tuesday - Thursdays during lunch. The school bank is open Tuesday & Friday during lunch. The school store is located next to the auditorium. The school bank is located across from the school counselor's office in the main hallway.

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

On Monday, January 27th, students in Ms. Lamb's choral program got the opportunity to workshop with the Yale University's The Whiffenpoofs, the world's oldest and best known collegiate a cappella group! The workshop was a combination of singing, rehearsing, and performing with students, and gave SHS students a chance to speak with Yale University students about their journeys and experiences in college.

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

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VPA admin team
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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.

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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.