Rensselaer City School District

Check out what's happening at RCSD!

View the full calendar to see district events over the next few weeks.

Outside of Building

Our Mission

The mission of the Rensselaer City School District is to ensure that all graduates are individuals who undertake challenges, believe in themselves, accept learning as a lifelong process, and determine their own futures by creating for these individuals an environment committed to the growth, enjoyment, and success of the individual where all people show mutual respect for the contributions of others.

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Live Feed & News

October 30, 2025

Annual Blood Drive Success!

Rensselaer Jr./Sr. High Schools SADD chapter hosted its Annual Blood Drive today, collecting over 30 pints of blood thanks to our amazing students, staff, and community donors. Your generosity helps s. . .

October 30, 2025

A Haunting Visit from Edgar Allan Poe!

Mr. Higgs 9th graders experienced a chilling visit from Edgar Allan Poe today during a dramatic reading of The Black Cat ! Retired RJSHS English teacher Mrs. Wright brought Poe to life, setting the . . .

October 30, 2025

5th Grade Food Truck Showcase

Our fifth graders cooked up creativity during todays Food Truck Showcase! After two weeks of planning menus, designing trucks, and building landscapes, students welcomed families and staff to explore . . .

October 29, 2025

Flame Test Fun in Chemistry Lab!

Yesterday in Mrs. Muzio's Chemistry Lab, students performed Flame Tests to identify metals based on the color of their flames. Here are a few lit moments from our Flame Test lab!

October 29, 2025

VRES Kicks Off First Character Education Assembly on Respect!

Today, Van Rensselaer Elementary School held its first Character Education assembly focusing on Respect ! The 2nd grade class performed a skit and song, while 6th graders shared creative skits highlig. . .

October 28, 2025

Restorative Refresher: Supporting Students Through Collaboration and Problem-Solving

The attached resource, shared by Mrs. Joleen Loliscio-Drescher, our Restorative Practices Coordinator, highlights Dr. Ross Greenes Collaborative and Proactive Solutions approachfocusing on solving p. . .

October 28, 2025

This Week's Sweet Rewards for Positive Referrals As Part of PBIS Program!

Congratulations to all the Rensselaer Jr.-Sr. High School students who have received positive referrals from Mr. Wood! Your hard work, respect, and positive attitude are being recognized and celebrate. . .

October 28, 2025

English Students Explore Live Theatre at Barrington Stage Company

This Fall, grades 10, 11 and 12 from Rensselaer Jr.Sr. High School traveled to the Barrington Stage Company in Pittsfield, Mass., to see the world-premiere production of The Weekend: A Stockbridge Sto. . .

October 28, 2025

Sweet Collaboration: 3rd Graders Decorate Halloween Cookies with Foods for Life Class!

Mrs. Kerrs 3rd Grade Class joined Mrs. Mahars Foods for Life students for a fun Halloween cookie decorating activity! Third graders learned how to roll out dough and use cookie cutters to create fes. . .

October 28, 2025

🎃 Join Us for the VRES PTA Trunk or Treat! 👻

Get ready for a spooktacular night of Halloween fun at Van Rensselaer Elementary School ! Tuesday, Oct. 28 (Rain date: Oct. 30) 68 p.m. Van Rensselaer Elementary parking lot Bring the family f. . .

October 26, 2025

🩸 Be a Hero — Donate Blood!

Rensselaer Jr.Sr. High School SADD is hosting a Red Cross Blood Drive on Thursday, Oct. 30, from 9 a.m.2 p.m. in the North Gym. Anyone 16 or older can donate one donation can save up to three . . .

October 24, 2025

Van Rensselaer Elementary First Graders Enjoy Fall Craft Fun!

Our first graders, parents, and teachers enjoyed a festive fall craft event filled with creativity, laughter, and seasonal treats thank you to all the parents who joined in the fun!

October 24, 2025

Halloween Movie Night at the Fire Department!

The Rensselaer Fire Department invites you to a free Halloween Movie Night featuring Hocus Pocus at the North Station (2 St. Francis Place) from dusk to 11 p.m.enjoy popcorn, drinks, and snacks!

October 22, 2025

Red Ribbon Week begins TOMORROW

Red Ribbon Week begins TOMORROW, and we are excited to share our commitment to promoting a drug-free environment at our school! This annual campaign, supported by our SADD (Students Against Destruc. . .

October 21, 2025

🍁 Vendors Wanted for the VRES PTA Fall Festival! 🎃

The Van Rensselaer Elementary PTA is excited to host our Fall Festival on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Rensselaer City School District, 25 Van Rensselaer Drive, Rensselaer, N. . .

Announcements

NOW HIRING: Non-Instructional & Instructional Substitutes

Rensselaer City School District is hiring substitutes — no long-term obligations, flexible scheduling, and competitive pay!

✅ Work as much or as little as you want
✅ Jobs that fit different skills — from driving to cleaning to teaching
✅ Earn up to $37/hour (Nurses) or $134/day (Teachers)
✅ Even entry-level roles start at $16.75/hour

Whether you’re between jobs, want a side hustle, or just looking for something new, this is a great way to bring in extra income while supporting local kids.

📍 Apply at 25 Van Rensselaer Drive, Rensselaer, NY 12144
📞 Call 518-465-7509 or ✉️ email Shailyn Payton, District Clerk

👉 Don’t wait — start earning right away with flexible, rewarding work!

2025-2026 Budget Passes!

Thanks to the Rensselaer City School District community for supporting the 2025-26 school budget!

James Preston has also been re-elected to the Board of Education.

2025-26 Budget Information

Look for Announcements Here!

You will find other district announcements in this space. Be on the lookout!

Discover Your Calling

Embark on an exciting journey towards limitless opportunities and academic excellence at our vibrant school community.
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Find Your Place

Discover firsthand the state-of-the-art facilities and welcoming atmosphere that await you!

WHY US

Everybody knows your name!

Every student is a #fRAMily member in our small school community. No one gets "lost in the mix".
80% of students graduate with college credit

Students get every advantage to bridge the gap between graduation & beyond.
Value civic involvement

Our school promotes the values of our civic minded community.
1:1 Student Devices

Rensselaer students learn to successfully operate in a digital world. All students in grades 5 - 12 receive a school-issued Chromebook to complete school related work.

Become a Ram Today!

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Check out what's happening at RCSD!

Live Feed & News

Annual Blood Drive Success!

A Haunting Visit from Edgar Allan Poe!

5th Grade Food Truck Showcase

Flame Test Fun in Chemistry Lab!

VRES Kicks Off First Character Education Assembly on Respect!

Restorative Refresher: Supporting Students Through Collaboration and Problem-Solving

This Week's Sweet Rewards for Positive Referrals As Part of PBIS Program!

English Students Explore Live Theatre at Barrington Stage Company

Sweet Collaboration: 3rd Graders Decorate Halloween Cookies with Foods for Life Class!

🎃 Join Us for the VRES PTA Trunk or Treat! 👻

🩸 Be a Hero — Donate Blood!

Van Rensselaer Elementary First Graders Enjoy Fall Craft Fun!

Halloween Movie Night at the Fire Department!

Red Ribbon Week begins TOMORROW

🍁 Vendors Wanted for the VRES PTA Fall Festival! 🎃

Announcements

NOW HIRING: Non-Instructional & Instructional Substitutes

2025-2026 Budget Passes!

Look for Announcements Here!

WHY US