Schenectady High School

The Patriot Newsletter

March 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 March, the days are growing longer, the weather is getting warmer, and time seems to be flying by! Spring is just around the corner, bringing a renewed sense of energy and growth. March is also Women’s History Month, a time to honor the remarkable contributions of women throughout history and inspire our students to reach for their own greatness.

With the school year moving quickly, every moment in the classroom matters. We need your support, encouragement, and inspiration to keep our young people motivated and engaged in academics. Daily attendance is crucial—students should be present in school and attend every class to maximize their learning opportunities. Please remind your child of the importance of staying focused as we move toward the final stretch of the academic year.

Additionally, as the weather improves, we want to remind everyone that we are a closed campus. For the safety of all students, they are not permitted to leave campus and return to the building. However, some seniors have earned the privilege of receiving a Senior Pass, which allows them to leave campus for a 30-minute lunch period. With this privilege comes great responsibility—seniors must manage their time wisely, ensuring they return promptly for their next class. Our Leadership Community Principals determine senior privileges, who review each student's eligibility and decide whether to grant or deny this privilege based on responsibility, attendance, and behavior.

If you need to dismiss your child for any reason, you must call your child’s Leadership Community to provide permission. If you are picking them up, please visit our Visitors Center, located off McClellan, next to the E-Wing entrance in the large parking lot. Calling ahead will ensure your child is ready and waiting for your arrival. Student safety remains our top priority, and we appreciate your cooperation in following our protocols.

As we continue through this busy month, please stay connected with us for important updates and upcoming events. We are grateful for your partnership in fostering a strong, supportive learning environment for all students. Thank you for your continued support, and let’s make March a month of progress and success!

Sincerely,

Principal Green

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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?

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21st Century Afterschool Program

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Dates to Remember

Alternative Locations for Lunch

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Clubs & Activities Handbook

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Writing Support
Ramadan
Womens History Month
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Yearbook & School Pictures!

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peer tutoring

Peer tutoring available!

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Cap and Gown order

Updates from our Leadership Communities

Freshman Academy

Phil Weinman, Academy Principal

Kargsia McDuffie, Assistant Principal

Charles Paravella, Assistant Principal

Welcome to March!

The Freshman Academy is excited to host our 2nd Quarter Honor Roll celebration on Thursday, March 6th, in the Library. Congratulations to the over 90 students who have achieved this distinction! We are so proud of your hard work and dedication.

As we move through the 3rd quarter, please be sure to take advantage of all available after-school academic support to continue your success.

Lastly, Spring sport sign-ups are now available on the district website. Be sure to check it out and sign up if you’re interested.

9th grade admin team
HCA admin team
Poetry Workshop

Humanities, Communications, & Advocacy Leadership Community

Jocelyn Hoffmann, HCA Principal

Justin Lansley, HCA Assistant Principal

Our Quarter 2 Honor Roll celebration will be on March 21. We are so very proud of our scholars! The list of Honor Roll recipients will be listed outside of the A1 office and posted to our HCA Google Classroom.

Congratulations to Yanei Hassell, who was the 1st place winner in the Inaugural Frosty Soup Cook off, thanks to the SHS Culinary Arts Program!  Great job, Yanei!

Some good news from Ms. Naumovitz in the Library - Rinah Williams was the winner of the Blind Date with a Book event the library offered through the month of February. She was randomly drawn from all of the entrants and won a dish of sweet treats!  Congratulations to Rinah!

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!

Check out our newest Featured Student, Michael Mercier, and our Featured Teacher, Mr. Jacobson!

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

Featured teacher
featured student
Yanei Hassell

Congratulations to Yanei Hassell, who was the 1st place winner in the Inaugural Frosty Soup Cook off, thanks to the SHS Culinary Arts Program!  Great job, Yanei!

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Some good news from Ms. Naumovitz in the Library:
Rinah Williams was the winner of the Blind Date with a Book event the library offered through the month of February. She was randomly drawn from all of the entrants and won a dish of sweet treats!  Congratulations to Rinah!

library winner

STEM Leadership Community

Wendy Ausfeld, STEM Principal

Matthew Morgan, STEM Assistant Principal

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

IB learner profile

Welcome to March! In like a lion! Please stop by C9 to see our new STEM STUDENT SPOTLIGHT board---if you have a STEM student you would like to celebrate or recognize for anything, share it with us so we can put it on the board!

We are doing a joint honor roll celebration on Friday March 21st in the library for all LC's except Freshman Academy.

STEM admin
Morgan pic

BME admin team

Business, Marketing & Entrepreneurship Leadership Community

Dr. Ady Piña, BME Principal

Daniel Hepp, BME Assistant Principal

On Friday, March 21st, in conjunction with the other LCs, we will be celebrating Quarter 2 Honor Roll Students. We will be celebrating during lunch. More details to follow.

School store is open Tuesday - Thursday during lunch periods. Please continue supporting. Thank you.

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

The music department proudly presented the mid-Winter concert celebrating Gospel and Jazz music traditions on Wednesday, Feb. 26th. The Chamber Orchestra, Treble Choir, Serenaders, and Jazz Ensembles all performed an entertaining mix of styles and genres in these American music traditions. Congratulations to the student musicians and improvisers, as well as the SHS Music Team, for such a great show!

The Winter Play, Vampire Cowboy Trilogy, was presented this past month in the Ziskin Black Box Theatre. This show featured three contrasting, poignant, and comedic short plays featuring a breadth of acting and stagecraft that displayed the full talents of the drama department! Congrats to the cast and crew and to Mr. Muste and Ms. Depeche on a job well done!

We are very excited to present a new art gallery opening of local artist Oscar Alberto Bogran! The reception was well attended and the display will continue through March 14th in the Henry & Miriam Butzel Gallery at SHS.

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

VPA admin team
BM APs

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.