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,
As we welcome the month of May, the signs of spring are all around us—longer days, blooming flowers, and a renewed energy in the air. This time of year also brings a sense of urgency as we approach the final stretch of the academic year.
Final Exams and Regents
Finals and June Regents exams are right around the corner. This is a critical time for students to stay focused and committed. Consistent daily attendance and active participation in every class are key to strong performance. We encourage all families to help students maintain strong routines, study habits, and engagement through the last day of school.
Why Attendance Matters
Regular school attendance is essential for academic success.
Chronic absenteeism—defined in New York State as missing 10% or more of the school year (around 18 days)—can have serious academic consequences.
Chronic absenteeism is linked to:
Lower academic achievement
Poorer performance on standardized tests
Increased likelihood of not graduating on time
Campus Expectations
With warmer weather, we understand that students may feel the urge to leave campus throughout the day. Please remember:
We are a closed campus. Students are not allowed to leave school during the day and return.
Senior Privilege Pass: Only seniors with an approved pass may leave campus for a 30-minute lunch. This privilege is based on attendance, academics, and responsibility, reviewed by Leadership Community Principals.
Patriot Pass: Students without a Patriot Pass must be escorted throughout the building when transitioning outside of regularly scheduled class changes. Patriot Passes are earned through consistent positive attendance and behavior and are part of our effort to recognize and reward responsibility.
Did You Know?
Missing just 2 days per month leads to chronic absenteeism.
Graduation - June 26, 6 PM, SHS Athletic Field
Warm regards,
Principal Green
Check out our SHS Student Patriot Post
Interested in ENL Enrichment?
21st Century Afterschool Program
Alternative Locations for Lunch
Yearbook & School Pictures!
Peer tutoring available!
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Skilled Trades Fair - May 2
Thanks to Mr. Bristol....The Skilled Trades Fair went really well! There was positive feedback from students, teachers, and the presenters-- Many said our students were really interested and professional.
We had 167 students officially sign in.
Thank you to everyone who offered help, much appreciated!
Looking forward to continuing to build this program!
Updates from our Leadership Communities
Freshman Academy
Phil Weinman, Academy Principal
Kargsia McDuffie, Assistant Principal
Charles Paravella, Assistant Principal
The Freshman Academy is excited to announce several important upcoming events:
Student Information Night
Date: May 6
Location: Central Park Middle School
Join us for an informative evening about the Freshman Academy and what students and families can expect for the upcoming school year.
Board of Education Presentation
Date: May 7
The Academy will present at the Board of Education meeting to share updates and insights about the opening of the Schenectady Freshman Learning Academy (SFLA).
Honor Roll Recognition Ceremony
Date: May 29
We will celebrate our three-quarter honor roll award winners. In addition, five students will be specially recognized for exemplifying what it means to Thrive during their freshman year.
Humanities, Communications, & Advocacy Leadership Community
Jocelyn Hoffmann, HCA Principal
Justin Lansley, HCA Assistant Principal
On May 29, we will be hosting our LC Awards Ceremony, starting at 6:30 pm in the SHS Auditorium. Scholars in grades 9-11 will be recognized for their academic success. Be on the lookout for invites in the mail.
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.
On May 19, our Education students are going to Howe Elementary to help kick off College & Career Week. SHS Education students will be reading to the Elementary kids. We're looking forward to this special event.
Below is a short video clip with more information, as well as a candid photo of some of our current Education 1 students.
We are also pleased to recognize Fanes Saintil, as our Featured Student, and Ms. Graves, as our Featured Teacher! See slides below for more details.
Click this link to join our Google Classroom: HCA Google Classroom
Congratulations, Mr. Mbodj, for being recognized by the District as our Teacher of the Week!
Check out our Featured Teacher, Ms. Graves, and our Featured Student, Fanes Saintil!!
STEM Leadership Community
Wendy Ausfeld, STEM Principal
Matthew Morgan, STEM Assistant Principal
May 5-9th is Teacher Appreciation Week! Thank you for your hard work and dedication!
IB Testing is underway and will conclude on May 21st!
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 Tuesday May 20th, BME students will be participating in the Business Plan Competition at SUNY Schenectady. Students will present to a panel their business plans and compete for cash prizes. Cash prizes will be given to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places.
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
Numerous SHS Visual Arts students participated in the 36th Annual 2025 Student Art Show, presented by Capital Region BOCES. This show was located in the Atrium at NYSUT Headquarters in Latham and ran from April 1-25. Congratulations to the artists and their teachers on multiple creative and intriguing submissions!
SHS was excited to welcome back Flame the Band! to perform for our students on April 10th. Flame the Band! is a high-energy American Cover band that performs globally playing the classics through today’s hits, including some originals. Formed in 2003, they gained popularity from their appearances on Good Morning America and in People Magazine. Flame consists of talented members who happen to have disabilities. Flame’s mission is to change the world through music. Flame’s performances help change how the public perceives people with disabilities and increase the awareness and acceptance of all people, regardless of their differences. The show totally rocked!
The Blue Roses Theatre Company was excited to present School of Rock: The Musical at the beginning of the month. This show, based on the movie, featured tons of acting, singing, and dancing on stage - plus faculty and student musicians in the pit orchestra - and then students running the various production elements behind the scenes - plus a ton of faculty direction and mentorship. Congratulations to the cast, crew, and faculty on an amazing production!
The music department is excited to announce the return of the SHS chapter of Tri-M Music Honor Society! Students qualify through high levels of musicianship, community service, and maintaining good grades in their music classes. The induction ceremony was held on Wednesday, March 9th. Congratulations to the new inductees, and special thanks to Ms. Bee and Ms. Lamb for bringing this back to SHS!
On April 22nd, the high school welcomed numerous professional musicians for Liberation of Style, a melding of jazz, hip-hop, and contemporary music production into music and conversation with our students. Congratulations to Mr. Pray for performing with this group, and to the music department for another successful guest artist series!
The IB Art Exhibition is now on display in the Henry and Miriam Butzel Gallery at SHS. This show features the creative artistic works of the students in the IB Art class and features many items of different subjects and mediums. The opening reception on April 23rd featured conversations with the student artists and many excited guests. Congratulations to the student artists, their teachers, and families - and congrats to Ms. Austin on another excellent gallery opening!
The Spontaneous Arts Festival occurred on Thursday, April 24th in the William W. Ziskin Black Box Theater. This was an evening devoted to improvisation in and through the arts and various mediums of creation, including music, dance, visual art, and even yarn-making, and culminating in a collaborative, multimedia improvisatory masterpiece! Congratulations to the visual and performing arts departments and Mr. Pray for a successful evening!
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.