
Sponsored by the Project AWARE (Advancing Wellness and Resilience in Schools) grant and conjunction with the Pupil Personnel department and entire staff at the RCSD, we are honored to have Isaiah Santiago as our inspirational speaker for students on Friday, May 17th as a culminating activity to celebrate and recognize Mental Health Awareness and Prevention week.
Visit https://www.rcsd.k12.ny.us/live-feed to see the slide show with more pictures from the week Following weeklong activities at all grade levels to bring attention to student Mental Health, Isaiah will speak to the students about getting involved in leadership and the importance of mental health. We are providing a YOUTUBE link to allow access to watch Isaiah's presentation to the students. The link will be available beginning at 12:45PM through 2:30PM if you would like to hear Isaaih's message to students. Please review Isaiah's biography and link to access Isaiah's talk with the students.
Isaiah's Bio: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1O2bYbWD4cDInBiGuC8kxGY1vVOyURm6v8W4SBxo3RJo/edit?usp=sharing
YouTube Live Stream to view Isaiah's talk: https://youtube.com/live/2a4sWIDVWjk?feature=share
Visit https://www.rcsd.k12.ny.us/live-feed to see the slide show with more pictures from the week Following weeklong activities at all grade levels to bring attention to student Mental Health, Isaiah will speak to the students about getting involved in leadership and the importance of mental health. We are providing a YOUTUBE link to allow access to watch Isaiah's presentation to the students. The link will be available beginning at 12:45PM through 2:30PM if you would like to hear Isaaih's message to students. Please review Isaiah's biography and link to access Isaiah's talk with the students.
Isaiah's Bio: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1O2bYbWD4cDInBiGuC8kxGY1vVOyURm6v8W4SBxo3RJo/edit?usp=sharing
YouTube Live Stream to view Isaiah's talk: https://youtube.com/live/2a4sWIDVWjk?feature=share


Congratulations to Our National Junior Honor Society Inductees!
Rensselaer Jr Sr High is thrilled to announce the newest members of our National Junior Honor Society! These outstanding students have demonstrated excellence in scholarship, leadership, service, and character. Their hard work and dedication have earned them this prestigious honor.
Please join us in celebrating the achievements of these exceptional students as they continue to strive for academic excellence and make a positive impact on our community.
👏 Congratulations to all the inductees! We are incredibly proud of you and look forward to seeing your continued success.
Visit https://www.rcsd.k12.ny.us/live-feed to see the slide show with more pictures from the event


Watch the Hatching of Mrs. Gillis's Classroom Chicks
Join Mrs. Gillis' Classroom for an unforgettable experience as we witness the miracle of life unfold! Our students have been eagerly anticipating the arrival of our classroom chicks, and now you can watch the incredible moment when they hatch. From the first tiny peck at the shell to their triumphant emergence, each step in the hatching process is a testament to nature's wonders. Come and share in the excitement and joy as our fluffy new friends make their debut into the world!
UPDATED LINK: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ujisf-jYm2o



Kindergarten's Annual Mother's Day Tea Party!
Kindergarten's Annual Mother's Day Tea Party was a delightful celebration! Yesterday, Ms. Deso's, Ms. Fisher's, and Mrs. Shankar's classrooms came together to honor this special occasion. 🌸 Our students brought joy to their Moms with heartfelt homemade gifts, and our wonderful Moms had a lovely time at the photo booth capturing precious memories. 📸 Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms! 💖 Your love and care are treasured not only today but every single day!
Happy Mother's Day - Day 2 by Jason Adams


Rensselaer Jr Sr High School Prom Pictures
On Friday, May 10th, RJSHS dazzled at Crystal Cove during our Prom night! The senior court was
- King: Xavier Rosario & Queen: Estelle Krause
- Jack Melchoir & Mackenzie Hennessy
- Seth Krause & Joslyn Teal
- Giovanni Stuto & Shayla Lynch
- Ronald Lacoy & Holly Mathews
- Tyler Clancy & Trinity Burrows
Design by Jason Adams


7th Graders helping Kindergartens at the BASF Nature Center
On May 10th, seventh-grade students from Mrs. Sharlow's class teamed up with kindergarteners to explore the vital role of goats in supporting the BASF Nature Center. The seventh graders guided their younger peers in planting seed balls, creating colorful goat pictures, examining goat hair under microscopes, and crafting adorable goat lunch bag puppets. The highlight of the day? Getting an up-close encounter with the goats themselves! 🐐🌿
BASF nature center by Jason Adams


Rensselaer Alumni Association Senior Breakfast
Today, we extend our heartfelt thanks to the Rensselaer Alumni Association for their generous support during our senior breakfast. Not only did they provide delicious food for the occasion, but they also helped set up the delightful spread, adding to the celebratory atmosphere. Your contributions and dedication to our school community are truly appreciated!
Senior Breakfast Provided by RCSD Alumni by Jason Adams


RCSD Prom Promise
During the Prom Promise event attended by all students going to tonight's prom, officers from the Rensselaer Police Department and Rensselaer Fire Department delivered impactful messages before leading the students outside for a car crash reenactment. Officer Jay Martyn, Rensselaer County District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly, and Laura Cassini, a DWI victim, shared their insights with our students, highlighting their professionalism, expertise, and dedication to our community's safety.
Their efforts were focused on dissuading teens from driving under the influence during prom season, using vivid reenactments of motor vehicle accidents to drive home the importance of making responsible choices and prioritizing safety at all times. We deeply appreciate their continued support and collaboration in our mission to educate and empower students." 2024 RCSD Prom Promise by Jason Adams


Kindergarten's Annual Mother's Day Tea Party!
Yesterday, Mrs. Lane's, Mrs. Darby, and Mrs. Wanko's classrooms joined in celebrating Kindergarten's Annual Mother's Day Tea Party! 🌸 Our students delighted their Moms with heartfelt homemade gifts, and our lovely Moms enjoyed a charming photo booth to capture precious memories. 📸 Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms! 💖 Your love and care are cherished not just on this special day, but EVERY day! Happy Mother's Day (Presentation (16:9)) by Jason Adams


Members of the Rensselaer City School District Community,
I’m reaching out to let you know that last week, Rensselaer Jr./Sr. High School administration received a complaint from a student that included allegations about one of our staff members. Per our policies and District protocol, we immediately began investigating and took additional steps necessary to ensure the wellbeing of all those involved. Creating a safe and supportive learning environment is of utmost importance to the District and we are taking the allegations seriously. Due to the nature of the allegations and the ongoing investigation, the confidentiality of all involved is critical and more details cannot be shared at this time. We understand that this may create uncertainty and thank you for your patience while we complete our thorough investigation. If there are specific questions or concerns related to your child, please contact my office.
Joe


RCSD Softball Senior Day
Last week, our softball team celebrated senior day. ⚾ Congratulations to the following seniors:
- Estelle Krause
- Joslyn Teal




Attention Football Players and Rams Fans:
Please see the attached workout schedule for any athletes in grades 8-11 interested in playing football next fall. We have a lot of opportunities ahead to make ourselves and the team better. Starting with tomorrow morning - Football Friday!! Team workout at 6:45 in the main gym. I'll bring breakfast!
We plan to work over the next month to get ready for a team camp in early June. Please make every effort to get here. Parents, friends, family, Ram supporters, please push these boys to get here and lean on each other to hold each other accountable. We have a bright future with this group of athletes, but they need to work hard. Thank you for any support you can give. Time to get to work boys!
Coach Spath
https://5il.co/2l5xx


RCSD Baseball Senior Day
This Tuesday our baseball team celebrated senior day. ⚾ Congratulations to the following seniors:
- Eric Bates
- Jayden Dennis
- Izaiah Johnson
- Ronald LaCoy
- Jack Melchior
- Noah Vogel









RCSD Track & Field Senior Day
Last week, we celebrated Senior Day for our track and field teams! 🏃♂️🏃♀️ Congratulations to the following seniors:
- Chris Carter
- Avrielle Dejesus
- Seth Krause
- Mink Kyaw
- Shamel Jackson
- Jarmel Romero
- Lillie Shaw








Celebrating Our Senior Athletes' College Commitments
Rensselaer High School is thrilled to announce the college commitments of two outstanding senior athletes, Joslyn Teal and Jack Melchior, who showcased their talents and dedication at a special signing ceremony held on May 1, 2024, at 3:00 pm in the Rensselaer High School main gym.
Joslyn Teal has been awarded a scholarship and will be joining Central Connecticut State University's Division 1 softball team next year. Jack Melchior will continue to excel in baseball at Division 3 SUNY Plattsburgh.
Congratulations to these exceptional athletes for their hard work and achievements! Your dedication and passion for your sports have made us proud. Best wishes for your continued success at the collegiate level!
#GoRensselaer #SeniorAthletes #CollegeBound #HardWorkPaysOff 🎓⚾️🥎🎉






Children's Mental Health Week Schedule & Kindness Challenge
RCSD is excited to announce next week, 5/13 - 5/17, we will be observing Children's Mental Health Week across our district. This is an important opportunity for us to come together as a community and prioritize the well-being of our students.
Project AWARE, in collaboration with PPS and educators throughout the district, have planned a series of events and activities aimed at promoting mental health awareness and fostering a culture of kindness and compassion in our schools. The schedule of events is attached.
Additionally, I'm thrilled to attach our Kindness Challenge Schedule, which coincides with the elementary activities but serves as a valuable reminder for all of us to practice kindness in our daily interactions. Kindness is a powerful tool that can positively impact the mental health of both students and staff alike.
Thank you for your dedication to the well-being of our school community and for your participation and support for these activities and events. Please don't hesitate to reach out with questions or concerns.
Additionally, please share any pictures of activities or projects you are coordinating in your classrooms throughout Mental Health Awareness Month!
Daily Kindness Challenge: https://5il.co/2kuvy
RCSD Children's Mental Health Week: https://5il.co/2kuvx



April Recap with Mackenzie Hennessey
April was another great month filled with learning and fun. Here is our video:
https://www.canva.com/design/DAF-RthcSrQ/hdNKr5TTmoVbDkgRcgQ2rg/view?utm_content=DAF-RthcSrQ&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=recording_view
April Recap by Beth Anne Tamburrino

🎨2024 Geometry Construction Art Competition🖼️
Alexis D, Art Piece #2, is the winner of this year's Geometry Construction Art Piece. Every entry received at least one vote! Please check out all the entries: https://5il.co/2kiub
A huge thank you to this year's judges!


School Lunch Hero Day at RCSD
🌟 Today, on School Lunch Hero Day, we honor our amazing lunch staff at Rensselaer CSD! Their dedication to providing nutritious meals with a side of kindness is truly heroic. From preparing delicious dishes to offering smiles and support, they make a difference every day. Join us in thanking our lunch heroes for their hard work and commitment to our students' well-being! 🍎🦸♀️🦸♂️🍔
🦸♀️Additional thank you to Mrs. Hopper for your outfitting our amazing staff with their home made capes!🦸♂️

First Five Years
Your child’s first few years are so important! Learn how to make the most of them with Active Parenting: First Five Years, a program for parents and other caregivers. Written by parenting expert (and dad) Dr. Michael Popkin, this course will show you how to nurture your child with a “just right” combination of freedom and nonviolent discipline. Help your kids start strong—sign up today!
Check the flyer for additional information: https://5il.co/2khoj Contact: tdarcangelis@rensco.com
