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 Community,

Welcome back to a brand-new school year! I hope you've all had a restful and enjoyable summer break, filled with memories, growth, and some well-deserved relaxation. As we step into this exciting new chapter, I'm thrilled to welcome each of you back to Schenectady High School!

This year promises to be filled with opportunities for learning, growth, and success. Our Leadership Communities are ready to provide you with engaging experiences, both in and out of the classroom, that will help you explore your passions and prepare for your future. We are here to support you every step of the way, and we can't wait to see all the amazing things you'll accomplish.

Remember, your presence and participation in school are key to making this year successful. I encourage you to attend every class, engage actively in your learning, and take advantage of the extracurricular activities we have to offer. Your involvement makes our school a vibrant and dynamic place where everyone can thrive.

As we continue to build a culture of respect, responsibility, and excellence, I want to remind everyone of the importance of maintaining a focused learning environment. This includes adhering to our no cellphone policy in classrooms. By limiting distractions, we can ensure that each of you has the best opportunity to excel academically. This policy reflects our shared commitment to respecting one another's learning time, taking responsibility for our own education, and striving for excellence in all that we do.

I'm confident that together we will create an environment where everyone feels valued and supported. Let's work together to make this year one of the best yet!

Here's to an awesome school year ahead. Let's embrace every challenge, celebrate every achievement, and continue "Learning Together, Growing Stronger."

Looking forward to seeing you all on the first day of school!

Principal Green

Clubs & Activities 2024-2025

Join A Club!

Get Involved!

District Code of Character, Conduct, & Support

2024-2025

SHS Student & Parent/Guardian Handbook

Cell Phone Expectations

Updates from our Leadership Communities

Freshman Academy

Phil Weinman, Academy Principal

Kargsia McDuffie, Assistant Principal

Charles Paravella, Assistant Principal

The Freshman Academy will be hosting our Freshman Orientation on Tuesday, September 3rd at 5:00. We welcome all incoming 9th grade students and their families to join us. Students will get their academic schedules, student ID's and information about the first days of school. Community organizations, family resources and Schenectady staff will be available throughout the evening. Dinner will be served at 6:30, with an opportunity to visit the Freshman Academy classrooms afterward. We look forward to seeing everyone there. September 5th we will welcome all our students on the first day of school.

Humanities, Communications, & Advocacy Leadership Community

Jocelyn Hoffmann, Humanities Principal

Justin Lansley, Assistant Principal

HCA is excited for our students and staff to return for the new school year!

We want to thank the artists and community members who attended our amazing event on August 10, the Activated Artist Fest. For more information and the recap video, check out CreateASpaceNow.org!

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

STEM Leadership Community

Wendy Ausfeld, STEM Principal

Wendy Ausfeld is excited to take on this new role as STEM principal and she looks forward to working with the STEM community.

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

Business, Marketing & Entrepreneurship Leadership Community

Dr. Ady Piña, Business Principal

Daniel Hepp, Assistant Principal

The BME LC is highly excited for the 2024-2025 academic school year. Dr. Pina and Mr. Hepp are back to help improve and continue the positive experiences from the last academic school year. During the next school year, we will organize assemblies, school & college trips, and business competitions. Exciting times!

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

Mr. Coon is excited to join the team at Schenectady High School as Assistant Principal of Visual and Performing Arts! Mr. C is a passionate educator who finds value in all subjects and pursuits and strives to find a place where every child's unique talents can "belong" in school. He is excited to help and collaborate with the students and faculty of SHS as we move forward with pride and determination this school year.

Previously on Mr. C's career, he enjoyed teaching choir, band, jazz, piano, theatre, PreK, and college music theory, as well as advising numerous clubs. Mr. C holds three master's degrees in Music Education, Educational Leadership, and Social Justice Education and enjoys writing essays and creating spreadsheets a bit more than the average person.

When not at school, Mr. C enjoys exercise, hiking, gardening, comedy, bad horror movies, and playing a variety of board and video games. He also sings (a lot) and plays piano, brass instruments, and accordion.

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

The Visual & Performing Arts Team is excited to begin an amazing year at Schenectady High School! Nothing excites us more than the promise of electrifying new dance performances, powerful, and moving theatrical performances, melodic notes and chords from our young musicians that fill our halls and vibrant and striking visual works that spout from the fountain of creativity from our visual artists. We have added some new team members to our VPA Team this year. We are thrilled to officially welcome Mr. Brandon Coon to the role of Assistant Principal and Ms. Aleesa Karria as our VPA Office Secretary. They, along with our whole team, are looking forward to working with the students, parents and staff of the Visual & Performing Arts Leadership Community! Welcome back everyone! We are looking forward to a great 2024-2025 school year!

Jennifer Drake is a long-time Schenectady District resident with 18 years of teaching experience; 5 years in the Schenectady School District. She earned her Bachelor's degree from the College of St. Rose, her Master's degree from Concordia University, and her Administrator's Certificates from SUNY Stony Brook. She brings with her classroom experience in special education and secondary core content subjects. She has coached basketball and soccer and served as an advisor for Students Against Destructive Decisions, Odyssey of the Mind, Underwater Robotics, and Academic Club.

Meet the Restorative Practice Team

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.