Schenectady High School

The Patriot Newsletter

October 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,

It’s hard to believe how quickly the first quarter is flying by! As we move further into the fall season, we appreciate your continued support and involvement in our school community. October brings several key events and celebrations, and we want to ensure you're informed and prepared.

We are proud to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and honor the cultures, histories, and contributions of Hispanic Americans. Students and staff are engaging in a variety of activities that highlight the richness of this heritage.

Please note that PSAT and SAT testing will take place on Wednesday, October 23rd. This will be a half-day, and all students in attendance will be participating in the testing. It's essential that students arrive on time and are well-rested so they can perform their best.

Interim reports will be mailed home on October 16th. This midpoint in the quarter is a great time to review academic progress and connect with teachers if you have any questions or concerns.

As we move quickly through the first quarter, we want to emphasize the importance of strong daily attendance. Being present every day directly impacts student success, and we appreciate your partnership in helping students stay engaged and on track.

We also look forward to celebrating our student leaders at the National Honor Society Induction Ceremony, happening on Wednesday, October 16th, from 6:00–8:00 PM at the high school. We are proud to recognize their achievements and commitment to excellence.

Finally, please read this entire newsletter and check the Patriot Post regularly for updates on upcoming events, deadlines, and school news. Staying connected helps us all support student success.

Principal Green

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Cell Phone Policy Information

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cell phone survey data
cell phone FAQs
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Class Attendance For Student Success

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School Calendar & Report Card Schedule

2025-2026 District Calendar
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Sign up for Parent Portal!

Parent Portal Directions

Organizational Chart

organizational chart SHS

Check out our SHS Student Patriot Post!

Looking for a quiet place to have lunch?

A lunch locations
B lunch locations
21st century
senior night
ed rising
poetry out loud
college and career talks
instant admit
college app month
hiking club
trunk or treat
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potluck
hispanic heritage
picture day 1
picture day 2
picture day 3
picture day 4
Yearbooks!
math help
Fruit bowl
chess club
school bank
mock trial
yeshua club
school store
key club
black student union
LEEP
Lit Mag
bio club
RP team

Updates from our Leadership Communities

Steinmetz Freshman Leadership Academy

Justin Lansley, Academy Principal

Kargsia McDuffie, Assistant Principal

Charles Paravella, Assistant Principal

Kees Keizer, Assistant Principal

9th grade admin team
HCA admin team

Humanities, Communications, & Advocacy Leadership Community

Jocelyn Hoffmann, HCA Principal

Vaughn Gabbidon, HCA Assistant Principal

We're almost to the 5-week mark of the school year! Interim reports will be mailed home on October 16, and you will be able to check on your child's academic progress. Once you receive the report, please reach out to our team if you would like to meet to set up a collaborative support plan--we are here to help!

Also, keep in mind that parents and guardians can sign up for Parent Portal, where you'd be able to check on your child's class attendance and grades in real time. Directions can be found if you scroll up in this newsletter. Or, you can visit the district website and follow the prompts.

Check out our Featured Student, Nolan Lassiter, and our Featured Teacher, Ms. Nuzzi! See pics below for some Fun Facts!

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

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Featured teacher
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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 team

BME admin team

Business, Marketing & Entrepreneurship Leadership Community

Dr. Ady Piña, BME Principal

Frank DeCrescenzo, BME Assistant Principal

The BME LC would like to invite all students and staff to the school store. The school store will be in business Tuesday - Thursday during A and B Lunch. Also, the BME LC is partnering with entrepreneur Mr. Trent Griffin-Braff and organizing the Teen 10K Challenge and Business Bootcamp. These two experiences will help students learn real-life business skills to use now and in the future. Stay tuned for more info.

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

October 2025: The year is off to a great start in the VPA! Lots of artistry and projects in the works as students and staff prepare for fall drama productions, concerts, parades, and exhibits! Stay tuned for all the excitement to come! If you want to share your artistry, be sure to get in touch with the VPA office at the high school so we can get you involved!

VPA Google Classroom

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 (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.

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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.