✊🏾 Celebrating Black History Month: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future 📚
Black History Month is a time to reflect on the remarkable achievements, resilience, and contributions of African Americans throughout history. It is also a time to set high expectations for the future, inspired by the greatness that has come before us.
We honor leaders like Booker T. Washington, who championed education and economic empowerment, and W.E.B. Du Bois, who fought tirelessly for civil rights and social justice. We remember the courage of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whose dream of equality continues to guide us, and Harriet Tubman, whose bravery led countless individuals to freedom. We celebrate innovators like Madam C.J. Walker, the first female self-made millionaire, and George Washington Carver, whose scientific breakthroughs transformed agriculture.
We recognize the groundbreaking work of Thurgood Marshall, the first African American Supreme Court Justice, who dedicated his life to justice and equality. We acknowledge the activism of Julian Bond, a lifelong champion of civil rights who co-founded the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and served as chairman of the NAACP.
The greatness of the past lays the foundation for an even brighter future. As a school community, we commit to fostering an environment of excellence, unity, and ambition. Let us continue to learn, grow, and lead—just as these trailblazers have shown us.
Black history is American history. Black history shapes our present and inspires our future.✨
🏆 Coach Mike Quinn Honored with the Jeff Blatnick Inspiration Award 🎉
Rensselaer City School District is proud to celebrate Coach Mike Quinn as the recipient of the Jeff Blatnick Inspiration Award!
The Blatnick Inspiration Award was created in memory of Jeff Blatnick—a former Section 2 champion, New York State champion, NCAA champion, Olympic gold medalist, and Burnt Hills High School coach. This prestigious award is presented annually to a student or coach in Section 2 who has overcome obstacles, helped others, gone above and beyond, or served as an inspiration.
With over two decades of coaching at RCSD, Coach Quinn’s unwavering dedication, selflessness, and passion have left a lasting impact on countless athletes and students. His influence extends far beyond the wrestling mat and weight room, shaping lives and inspiring excellence.
Please join us in congratulating Coach Quinn on this well-deserved honor! 👏🥇
📄 For more details, see the attached award and nomination.
#RCSDPride #InspirationAward #GoRams
🏀 1st Annual Jump Around Event Recap! 🎉
Last night, we hosted our 1st Annual Jump Around event, and it was a huge success! Thanks to our incredible community, we raised over $380, which will be split between Coach Trahan's family and VRES Physical Education Program.
A big thank you to everyone who came out to support this event and make it a night to remember! 💙
#JumpAround #CommunitySupport #VRESAthletics
REMINDER: Rensselaer CSD is conducting a Mental Health & Wellness Screening for 10th graders on Feb 25 & 28. Check your email for more info and to electronically sign the consent form. If not found, check spam. Questions? Contact dremillard@rcsd.k12.ny.us or (518) 396-3494.
📢 Now Enrolling 3-Year-Olds for Universal Pre-K! 🎒✨
Looking for an engaging and supportive early learning experience for your little one? CEO’s Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) & Head Start programs at Rensselaer Family Resource Center help children develop the skills and confidence they need for kindergarten success!
✅ Eligibility:
📍 Location:
1641 3rd St, Rensselaer, NY📞 Questions?
Contact Rachel Lassiter at (518) 272-6012 ext. 206📲 Apply Now!
https://ceocap.mycopa.com/familyPortal/childCare.eplSpread the word and give your child a great start! 🎉👧👦 #PreK #EarlyLearning #RensselaerNY
🏀 Winter Sports Senior Night & Varsity Boys Basketball Game Update 🏀
Due to the potential for inclement weather late Wednesday night into Thursday morning, the **Varsity Boys Basketball game has been rescheduled** for **Wednesday, February 12**.
This change also affects **Winter Sports Senior Night**, which will now take place **before the game on Wednesday**. Each senior winter sports athlete will be recognized on the court prior to the start of the **5:30 PM** basketball game.
🔹 Athletes & Parents: Please arrive by **4:50 PM**.
🔹 Ceremony Start Time: **5:00 PM**, before team warm-ups.
We appreciate your understanding as we adjust plans to ensure our students and families still have the opportunity to celebrate this special night. Thank you for your support! 🎉
#SeniorNight #RensselaerAthletics #GoRams
📢 Reminder: VRES Jump-Around is Tomorrow Night! 📢
Get ready for a night of fun! The First Annual VRES Jump-Around is happening tomorrow, and we can’t wait to see you there. Families will enjoy stations their students have been practicing during our Jump Rope Ninja unit at VRES!
📅 WHEN: Tuesday, February 11
📍 WHERE: VRES South Gym
⏰ TIME: 5:30-8 PM
🎓 GRADES: PK-5
Proceeds from this event will be used to support our community:
💙 50% of the proceeds will support the VRES Physical Education Program.
❤️ 50% will be donated to the GoFundMe for the family of Coach Dave Trahan.
Don’t miss this exciting night of jumping, fun, and community support! See you there! 🏆🎉
#VRESJumpAround #JumpRopeFun #CommunitySupport
REMEMBER: Pre-K Registration at Van Rensselaer Elementary!
Is your child turning 3 or 4 by December 1, 2025? If you're a City of Rensselaer resident, registration for the 2025-2026 school year opens February 24th!
Please complete the online pre-registration form at https://schooltool7.neric.org/SchoolTool_RENS/OnlinePreRegistration/, and download the required paperwork. For 3-year-olds, use the 3UPK forms; for 4-year-olds, use the Pre-K Application. Forms can be mailed if you don't have access to a computer.
Remember: all required forms must be submitted at your appointment in March. Missing information will affect your registration.
Placements will be determined by lottery.
For more details, please refer to the PDF link with full hyperlinks or contact us if you have any questions! https://5il.co/36nkt
🏅 Rensselaer High School Sports Updates & Reminders 🏅
📢 Spring Sports Sign-Ups:
Students interested in playing a spring sport must sign up in the health office with Nurse Tammy Slingerland at tslingerland@rcsd.k12.ny.us.
⚠️ Uniform & Equipment Returns:
As winter sports wrap up, athletes must return all equipment and uniforms at the end of the season. This also applies to any students who played a fall sport and have yet to turn in their gear. Failure to return items will result in ineligibility for future sports. Please return them as soon as possible!
🤼 Boys Wrestling Sectionals:
The boys' wrestling team will compete in Sectionals this Saturday (2/8) at Cambridge High School. 🎟️ Spectators must purchase a digital ticket through GoFan: Click here for tickets.
Good luck, boys! 💪🏆
💪 Off-Season Training & Workouts:
Several teams will begin off-season workouts soon:
- 🏈 Football: After-school workouts on Tuesdays & Thursdays starting tomorrow (2/11). Meet in the mezzanine after school. Open to students in grades 7-11.
- Morning weight room workouts begin in March (days TBD).
- 🥎 Varsity Softball: After-school workouts on Tuesdays & Wednesdays after February break.
- ⚾ Baseball: Workouts begin after February break (days & times TBD).
🔬🏅 Science Olympiad Team Competes at Regionals! 🎉
The Science Olympiad team had a fantastic time competing at the NYS Regional Competition at Goff Middle School! 🏆 Seven Rensselaer Junior Senior High School students represented our team with dedication and enthusiasm: Faith Dobert, Mariah Rose Garrett, Lilyanna Kannes, Emma Ostrander, Xi’Kara Sifontes, Gabriella Smith, and Ashley Ziegler.
We are proud to recognize our students who earned awards in their events:
- 🥉 3rd Place - Anatomy & Physiology: Gabriella Smith and Ashley Ziegler
- 🏗️ 5th Place - Towers: Faith Dobert and Ashley Ziegler
- 📏 10th Place - Duct Tape Challenge: Emma Ostrander and Xi’Kara Sifontes
#ScienceOlympiad #RensselaerPride #FutureScientists
📢 First Annual VRES Jump-Around! 📢
Mark your calendars for a fun night! Join us for the First Annual VRES Jump-Around, where families can enjoy stations their students participate in during our Jump Rope Ninja unit at VRES!
📅 WHEN: Tuesday, February 11
📍 WHERE: VRES South Gym
⏰ TIME: 5:30-8 PM
🎓 GRADES: PK-5
Proceeds from this event will be used to support our community:
💙 50% of the proceeds will support the VRES Physical Education Program.
❤️ 50% will be donated to the GoFundMe for the family of Coach Dave Trahan.
We look forward to seeing you there for a night of fun and fitness! 🏆🎉
#VRESJumpAround #JumpRopeFun #CommunitySupport
❤️Tomorrow is National Wear Red Day – February 7! ❤️
Join us in raising awareness for heart health on National Wear Red Day® this Friday, February 7! ❤️ Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., but together, we can take steps to protect our hearts.
Wear red to show your support and help spread the message of heart health awareness. Know your risk, make heart-healthy choices, and encourage others to do the same!
Learn more at HeartTruth.gov. ❤️
#OurHearts #WearRedDay #HeartHealth #Wellness
📢 January ReCap! 🎉
A huge thank you to DR for leading the presentation of our January Recap! This month was filled with exciting events and achievements at RJSHS:
Check out the full recap here: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGQTuqU5_M/c3ZDLAeahO-gB4JYLy7pIA/view
Great job to all our students and staff for making January a success! 👏💙💛
#RJSHSReCap #StudentSuccess #WeAreRensselaer
💌 Valentines Around the World! 🌍❤️
The Pre-K Team at Van Rensselaer needs your help! We are taking on the ❤️Valentine's Across the World Challenge ❤️, and our goal is to receive a Valentine or postcard from all 50 states and beyond! 🌎✨📬
This project is a fun way for our students to learn about different places, cultures, and traditions while spreading kindness and joy. Help us make this a success by sending a Valentine our way! 💕
📬 Send Valentines to:
The Pre-K Team
25 Van Rensselaer Drive
Rensselaer, NY 12144
Thank you for helping us connect with the world, one Valentine at a time! 💖🌎
#ValentinesAroundTheWorld #PreKChallenge #SpreadTheLove
REMEMBER: Pre-K Registration at Van Rensselaer Elementary!
Is your child turning 3 or 4 by December 1, 2025? If you're a City of Rensselaer resident, registration for the 2025-2026 school year opens February 24th!
Please complete the online pre-registration form at https://schooltool7.neric.org/SchoolTool_RENS/OnlinePreRegistration/, and download the required paperwork. For 3-year-olds, use the 3UPK forms; for 4-year-olds, use the Pre-K Application. Forms can be mailed if you don't have access to a computer.
Remember: all required forms must be submitted at your appointment in March. Missing information will affect your registration.
Placements will be determined by lottery.
For more details, please refer to the PDF link with full hyperlinks or contact us if you have any questions! https://5il.co/36nkt
📢 First Annual VRES Jump-Around! 📢
Mark your calendars for a fun night! Join us for the First Annual VRES Jump-Around, where families can enjoy stations their students participate in during our Jump Rope Ninja unit at VRES!
📅 WHEN: Tuesday, February 11
📍 WHERE: VRES South Gym
⏰ TIME: 5:30-8 PM
🎓 GRADES: PK-5
Proceeds from this event will be used to support our community:
💙 50% of the proceeds will support the VRES Physical Education Program.
❤️ 50% will be donated to the GoFundMe for the family of Coach Dave Trahan.
We look forward to seeing you there for a night of fun and fitness! 🏆🎉
#VRESJumpAround #JumpRopeFun #CommunitySupport
📢 Free Student and Family Support Opportunity for Rensselaer CSD Families
Through the RCSD Project AWARE program, we are excited to announce our partnership with St. Catherine's to offer the Rensselaer Connects Program and the Family Engagement Specialist position as part of our comprehensive approach to supporting students and families.
The program aims to connect students and families with vital community-based mental health and social supports, including:
- Emergency support (food, heat, housing)
- Mental health counseling
- Referrals to additional community-based agencies
The services provided are completely FREE for any family with a child attending the RCSD Pre-K through Grade 12 school program.
Respectfully,
Jan Zadoorian
jzandoorian@rcsd.k12.ny.us
Project AWARE - Program Director
Rensselaer City School District
25 Van Rensselaer Dr.
Rensselaer, NY 12144
Through the RCSD Project AWARE program, we are excited to announce our partnership with St. Catherine's to offer the Rensselaer Connects Program and the Family Engagement Specialist position as part of our comprehensive approach to supporting students and families.
The program aims to connect students and families with vital community-based mental health and social supports, including:
Emergency support (food, heat, housing)
Mental health counseling
Referrals to additional community-based agencies
Attached is a brochure with more details about the Rensselaer Connects Program, including a contact number for parents and caregivers to reach out to St. Catherine's. We encourage families to take the first step in accessing these supports if you or a family member are in need. Once a connection is made, the Family Engagement Specialist will be available to provide assistance both inside and outside of the RCSD building.
The services provided are completely FREE for any family with a child attending the RCSD Pre-K through Grade 12 school program.
Respectfully,
Jan Zadoorian
jzandoorian@rcsd.k12.ny.us
Project AWARE - Program Director
Rensselaer City School District
25 Van Rensselaer Dr.
Rensselaer, NY 12144
✊🏿 Celebrating Black History Month ✊🏾✊🏽
As we commemorate Black History Month, we honor the countless contributions and achievements of Black individuals throughout history. Among these remarkable figures are local heroes who have left an indelible mark on the Capital District and beyond.
From Edmonia Lewis, the pioneering sculptor known for her masterpieces capturing the essence of Black and Indigenous peoples, to Peter F. Baltimore, a barber who played a vital role in the Underground Railroad.
We also recognize Henry Highland Garnet, a prominent abolitionist and clergyman whose dedication to social justice resonated throughout our community. Additionally, we remember Sergeant Henry Johnson, whose extraordinary bravery in World War I earned him the nickname "Black Death" and posthumous recognition for his valor.
Their stories, along with countless others, serve as powerful reminders of the resilience, strength, and spirit of the Black community in the face of adversity and oppression. This month, let us not only celebrate their achievements but also reflect on the ongoing journey toward justice, equality, and inclusion for all.
By educating ourselves, amplifying Black voices, and advocating for equity in all areas of society, we can build a future where every individual is valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. Happy Black History Month! ❤️🖤💚
#BlackHistoryMonth #HonorTheLegacy #BlackExcellence #EqualityForAll
🐉 Van Rensselaer Elementary Celebrates Lunar New Year! 🎊
Today, Van Rensselaer Elementary celebrated the Lunar New Year with a vibrant and joyful dragon parade! 🐉🎊 Students paraded through the halls, spreading good luck and positive energy for the Year of the Dragon.
A big shout-out to Mrs. McN for organizing and leading this wonderful tradition! Thank you to all the students and staff who participated, making this celebration a memorable one. Wishing everyone a year filled with prosperity, happiness, and good fortune! 🧧❤️
