UPDATED with live links: Join Us for the Backpack Heroes Telethon at RCSD!
We are excited to partner with CBS 6 for the Backpack Heroes Telethon, supporting students in need by ensuring they have access to nutritious meals. Tune in tomorrow, Wednesday October 9th from 5-7:30 PM, when we’ll be broadcasting live from our school!
You can be a hero and make a difference by donating here: Donate Here. Your support directly helps local children, providing essential food items through the Backpack Heroes Program.
For more details, check out the Backpack Heroes 2024 Promo Video or visit the official info page: Backpack Heroes Campaign
Thank you for helping us feed the future!
Donate: https://give.regionalfoodbank.net/give/420462/#!/donation/checkout
Campaign: https://cbs6albany.com/community/backpack-heroes
Video: https://sbgi-my.sharepoint.com/personal/eguerin_sbgtv_com/_layouts/15/stream.aspx?id=%2Fpersonal%2Feguerin%5Fsbgtv%5Fcom%2FDocuments%2FBPH%202024%2FBPH2024%5FCTA%5F30%5F082924%2Emp4&nav=eyJyZWZlcnJhbEluZm8iOnsicmVmZXJyYWxBcHAiOiJPbmVEcml2ZUZvckJ1c2luZXNzIiwicmVmZXJyYWxBcHBQbGF0Zm9ybSI6IldlYiIsInJlZmVycmFsTW9kZSI6InZpZXciLCJyZWZlcnJhbFZpZXciOiJNeUZpbGVzTGlua0NvcHkifX0&ga=1&referrer=StreamWebApp%2EWeb&referrerScenario=AddressBarCopied%2Eview%2E2cdcf351%2Df34f%2D4d1a%2Da252%2D3d1f5d23ffa0
September ReCap & Looking Ahead To October
A huge thank you to Najaya Williams for presenting our first ReCap of the 2024-2025 academic year; September 2024 ReCap VIDEO and Heaven Braxton for presenting the Looking Ahead to October VIDEO. They both did a great job. Thank you to all of the teachers, faculty and staff that submitted awesome pictures and blurbs about what they are doing in their classrooms and throughout the building.
September 24 Recap & VIDEO by RJSHS Staff & Student Body
Looking Ahead To October & VIDEO by RJSHS Staff & Student Body
Join Us for LGBTQ Spooky Prom – Youth Halloween Party!
Date: Friday, October 25th, 2024
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: St. Anne Institute, 160 N. Main Ave, Albany
Admission: $10
Open to Ages: 13-18, LGBTQ+ and Allies
This event will feature food, a DJ, tarot card readings, a dance floor, and exciting prizes. It’s a safe and inclusive space for LGBTQ+ youth and allies to celebrate Halloween in a fun and festive way.
Please find the attached flyer for more details about the event. We kindly ask that you print it out and hand it to any students who might be interested in attending.
Thank you for helping us spread the word, and we look forward to seeing your students there! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
RAMfit October Newsletter
We are thrilled to announce the launch of the first RAMfit Newsletter, a collaborative effort between RCSD's Health and Wellness Committee and Mrs. Herrick's "Media & Literacy" class. This incredible partnership has produced a newsletter packed with useful content that promotes a healthy lifestyle.
Inside the RAMfit Newsletter, you'll find a variety of exciting and practical resources:
We are incredibly proud of the fantastic job everyone has done, and we can't wait for you to dive into this treasure trove of information. Whether you’re looking to adopt healthier habits or simply enjoy some new reading material, there’s something for everyone in this edition.
ENJOY! Click the link below to explore the RAMfit Newsletter and start your journey to better health and wellness today..
October RAMfit Newsletter
Rennselar Jr. Sr. High School Picture Day
Tuesday, October 1st and Wednesday, October 2nd will be Rennselar Jr. Sr. High School Picture Day.. Please come with your best smile!
Visit https://vando.imagequix.com/S9SRC9J and enter the school Online Code NY21951F24 to order online. (The preorder site closes 48 hours after the last picture day.) Post picture day ordering is available once the proof sheet is emailed to your school preferred email or sent to the school, these orders include an additional shipping fee and are mailed directly to your home address.
Questions, please contact customer service at 1-855-773-3321 (M-F from 8:30 am - 4:30 pm).
Wear Pink Tomorrow for October Breast Cancer Awareness Month
About Breast Cancer
Find Support
Get Involved
📚VRES Library Card Kickoff Event! 📚
We are thrilled to announce that today, Friday the 27th, Jane Chirgwin from the Rensselaer Public Library visited our school to inspire students in grades K-5 to obtain their very own library cards! 📖✨
During her visit, Ms. Chirgwin shared exciting information about the multitude of events and programs the library offers. From story times and book clubs to craft workshops and science activities, there's something for everyone at the library. She also provided forms for the students to take home, which need to be completed and returned to get their library cards.
But that’s not all! We’re adding a fun twist to encourage everyone to participate. 🎉
We will be having a friendly competition to see which class can return the most completed library card forms. The class that submits the highest number of forms will win a fantastic prize (details to be revealed soon!). This is a wonderful opportunity for students to support each other, promote reading, and discover the incredible resources available at the library.
Parents, we encourage you to help your children fill out the forms and return them as soon as possible. Not only will your child benefit from access to a world of books and educational programs, but they will also be contributing to their class’s chance to win!
Let’s get those forms in and start our journey to becoming avid readers and lifelong learners! 📚✨
Spectrum's affordable internet service for your family
Rensselaer City School District qualifies for the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). This program helps ensure all students can access essential resources, including affordable internet at home. This program offers low-cost internet service to households that meet certain eligibility requirements.
To receive a letter verifying our district's eligibility for the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), please contact Jay Foust, jfoust@rcsd.k12.ny.us.
https://www.spectrum.com/cp/broadband-get-qualified
VRES Open House TOMORROW!
This year we will be having our Open House tomorrow, Wednesday, September 25th at 6:00 pm. Based on feedback we've received about our traditional format, we're making some changes. You have the flexibility to visit our teachers at any point, 6:00-7:00. Instead of formal presentations, teachers will focus on meeting and conversing with you. Important information and/or presentations will be sent to you prior to the 25th for your review. Copies will also be available during the Open House. If you have specific questions about the information, please talk to your child's teacher. The paperwork will include classroom expectations and the curriculum. Please understand that teachers cannot conference with you about your child's progress during the Open House. I encourage you to set up an appointment if you want to have that discussion.
Our non-classroom teachers will be located in the Elementary Library, including AIS Reading and Math, Speech, ENL, Physical Education, Art, Library, and Music. Please visit them, 6:00-7:00. Our Instructional Technology Coach, Jason Adams, will be stationed outside the Elementary Library to assist you with your SchoolTool and Thrillshare accounts. The PTA will be serving ice cream in the cafeterias starting at 6:30. Stop by for a treat after visiting your child's teachers! I hope to see you on September 25th, and thank you for your continued support!
Best regards,
Jeffrey M. Palmer Principal
https://5il.co/2x2ri
Rensselaer Jr. Sr. High School Picture Day
Tuesday, October 1st and Wednesday, October 2nd will be Rensselaer Jr. Sr. High School Picture Day.. Please come with your best smile!
Visit https://vando.imagequix.com/S9SRC9J and enter the school Online Code NY21951F24 to order online. (The preorder site closes 48 hours after the last picture day.) Post picture day ordering is available once the proof sheet is emailed to your school preferred email or sent to the school, these orders include an additional shipping fee and are mailed directly to your home address.
Questions, please contact customer service at 1-855-773-3321 (M-F from 8:30 am - 4:30 pm).
Year Book Cover Design Contest
Design the 2024-25 Rennsealer Jr. Sr. High School Year Book Cover! Please submit your crest and shield yearbook cover design by January 6th to Mrs. Tamburrino. btamburrino@rcsd.k12.ny.us
Project AWARE presents at New York State Education Department
Members of Project AWARE team (Advaning Wellness and Resiliency in Education), along with Superintendent Kardash and Superintendent Abitabile (Lansingburgh) had the privelege of presenting to Assistant Commissioner for Student Support Services, Gemma Rinefierd and her team of 9/9/2024.
They were eager to learn about the incredibile work being done through the Project AWARE grant in both school districts. We're thrilled to share that the presentation was well-received, with the Assistant Commissioner finding it very informative and appreciating how we are making a real difference for our students.
VRES Open House
This year we will be having our Open House on Wednesday, September 25th at 6:00 pm. Based on feedback we've received about our traditional format, we're making some changes. You have the flexibility to visit our teachers at any point, 6:00-7:00. Instead of formal presentations, teachers will focus on meeting and conversing with you. Important information and/or presentations will be sent to you prior to the 25th for your review. Copies will also be available during the Open House. If you have specific questions about the information, please talk to your child's teacher. The paperwork will include classroom expectations and the curriculum. Please understand that teachers cannot conference with you about your child's progress during the Open House. I encourage you to set up an appointment if you want to have that discussion.
Our non-classroom teachers will be located in the Elementary Library, including AIS Reading and Math, Speech, ENL, Physical Education, Art, Library, and Music. Please visit them, 6:00-7:00. Our Instructional Technology Coach, Jason Adams, will be stationed outside the Elementary Library to assist you with your SchoolTool and Thrillshare accounts. The PTA will be serving ice cream in the cafeterias starting at 6:30. Stop by for a treat after visiting your child's teachers! I hope to see you on September 25th, and thank you for your continued support!
Best regards,
Jeffrey M. Palmer Principal https://5il.co/2x2ri
The Rensselaer County LBGTQ+ Youth Group's first meeting is tonight at the Lansingburgh Boys & Girls Club on the 3rd Thursday of each month. 501 4th Ave, Troy, NY.
https://www.lansingburghboysandgirlsclub.com/
https://www.lansingburghboysandgirlsclub.com/
Black and Latino Achievers Program at 60% off
Your students can sign up for the Black and Latino Achievers Program at 60% off making the program fee $100 instead of $250. At the checkout screen you should use the code STAR2024. This promo ends tomorrow September 12th!
Capital District YMCA Black and Latino Achievers
Black & Latino Achievers are in the final stretch of registration and are extremely excited for the 2024-2025 program year. Our application deadline for the Black and Latino Achievers Program is THIS Saturday, September 14th . I wanted to check in to see if you had any additional questions as the deadline is rapidly approaching.
The program overview link for both Black and Latino Achievers and Youth and Government is : https://www.canva.com/design/DAGDdMPa450/KaRJmv86fhVrcB4Lqxs-wA/view?utm_content=DAGDdMPa450&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=editor . I have attached the program flyers to this email as well. Please do not let the cost of this program ($250) stop any of your students from signing up. Please let me know if there is a financial hardship and also note that families can apply for a scholarship once they have completed the program application. To access the program application link, click "Become An Achiever Today".
Dates To Remember:
- September 14th : Black and Latino Achievers Program Application & Program Fee Deadline
- September 21st : Mandatory Parent & Achiever Orientation
- September 27th - September 29th : ALL Achiever Retreat
- September 30th : Black and Latino Achievers Program Starts
- September 30th : Youth and Government Application Deadline
- October 30th : Youth and Government Program Fee Deadline
Become An Achiever Today @ https://cdymca.org/achievers-application
Capital District YMCA Black and Latino Achievers
Black & Latino Achievers are in the final stretch of registration and are extremely excited for the 2024-2025 program year. Our application deadline for the Black and Latino Achievers Program is THIS Saturday, September 14th . I wanted to check in to see if you had any additional questions as the deadline is rapidly approaching.
The program overview link for both Black and Latino Achievers and Youth and Government is : https://www.canva.com/design/DAGDdMPa450/KaRJmv86fhVrcB4Lqxs-wA/view?utm_content=DAGDdMPa450&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=editor . I have attached the program flyers to this email as well. Please do not let the cost of this program ($250) stop any of your students from signing up. Please let me know if there is a financial hardship and also note that families can apply for a scholarship once they have completed the program application. To access the program application link, click "Become An Achiever Today".
Dates To Remember:
- September 14th : Black and Latino Achievers Program Application & Program Fee Deadline
- September 21st : Mandatory Parent & Achiever Orientation
- September 27th - September 29th : ALL Achiever Retreat
- September 30th : Black and Latino Achievers Program Starts
- September 30th : Youth and Government Application Deadline
- October 30th : Youth and Government Program Fee Deadline
Become An Achiever Today @ https://cdymca.org/achievers-application
30th Anniversary of Rensselaer Rams 1994 & 1995 Football Teams
We would like to invite any members of the 1994 & 1995 New York State Runner-Up Ram football teams and coaches to the homecoming game on October . We want to honor and celebrate the 30th Anniversary of your historic back to back state playoff runs to the carrier dome. You had the whole city (including a younger me as ball boy) excited, united and rallying behind you. We want to celebrate our rams past as we look to build toward stronger teams again in the future. Please join us on October 11 so the city and school community can celebrate and honor you.
* Please reach out to me if you plan to attend that night so we can plan accordingly. Wspath@rcsd.k12.ny.us
Coach Bill Spath
Chromebook Insurance for 2024-25 School Year<./h2>
Ensure your child is ready for the school year by enrolling in Chromebook insurance. For just $15 per student or $30 per family, you can limit your out-of-pocket costs to $100 in case of accidental damage. Coverage includes cracked screens and other common mishaps. Don't risk it - protect your investment today!
https://www.myschoolbucks.com/ver2/prdembd?ref=ZZH4UF4V22083ML_ZZ63YCY6P9ISUMD
The Rensselaer County LBGTQ+ Youth Group will be meeting at the Lansingburgh Boys & Girls Club on the 3rd Thursday of each month. The next meeting will be September 19th from 4-6 pm. 501 4th Ave, Troy, NY.
Rensselaer Fall Sports Start Days and Times for practices
Hope everyone enjoyed a fantastic summer! Fall sports are right around the corner!
Important Reminder: To participate, all athletes must have a current physical on file with the nurse's office and a completed eligibility packet. Please contact the health office with any questions about physicals.
For any other questions, feel free to reach out to Coach Spath.
Varsity Football :
- **First Day - Monday August 19: 2-3:30pm (anyone who did not receive equipment in the spring for camp should be at school at 1pm)
- Tuesday 8/20 - Saturday 8/24: 9am
- Tuesday 8/27 & Friday 8/30: 9am
- Wednesday 8/28 & Thursday 8/29: 3pm
JV & Varsity Volleyball:
- **First Day - Monday August 26: 8am
- Tuesday 8/27 & Friday 8/30: 9am
- Wednesday 8/28 & Thursday 8/29: 3pm
Varsity Cross Country:
- **First Day - Monday August 26: 9am
- Tuesday 8/27: 9am
- Wednesday 8/28 - Friday 8/30: 3pm
Varsity Girls Soccer:
- **First Day - Monday August 26: 3pm
- Tuesday 8/27 - Thursday 8/29: 3pm
- Friday 8/30 & Saturday 8/31: 10am
Modified Football:
- **First Official Practice Day - Thursday August 29: 3pm
- Coach Hillerman will reach out to athletes that signed up about voluntary workouts starting August 19.
Modified Cross Country & Modified Soccer:
- First Day of Practice ** Tuesday 9/3 - After School
Coach Spath
