Our Mission is to be an exemplary 21st–century learning community whose graduates are well prepared to excel in a complex, interconnected and changing world.

Budget Message from Interim Superintendent Dr. Alan McCartney

Read the budget message from Dr. McCartney here, and please voice your vote on May 21. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the High School gymnasium.

The 2013-14 budget and program

What program does the proposed budget support? What reductions have been made and how will they affect students? Answers to questions about the 2013-14 budget and program can be found here. 

Better Understand the 2013-14 budget and taxes

Why are tax bills going down if the tax levy is going up? Why do tax rates vary between towns? The answer to these questions and more can be found here.

Driving classes being offered on May 20, 21 and 22

A five-hour pre-license class will be held from 3 to 8 p.m. on Monday, May 20 in Room 35 at the high school.

A defensive driving course will also be offered from 6 to 9 p.m. on BOTH Tuesday, May 21 and Wednesday, May 22 in room 35 at the high school. Participants must attend BOTH evenings.

Contact Continuing Education coordinator Patricia Hommel (phommel@rcscsd.org) with any questions.

Middle School hall rules go Hollywood

Hallway chaos. Golden tickets. Ms. Black as a gameshow host. Butter your popcorn. It's a film experience not to be missed!

Having trouble viewing the video? Watch it here.

Vote every day until Friday, May 17 on Facebook to help A.W. Becker win a grant to rehab the Nature Trail area

A.W. Becker has applied for a "Share the Good" science grant to rehab the Nature Trail and create student-centered gardens around the school. Only the top 50 projects who receive the most votes by May 17 will compete for either a $25,000 grant or one of 15 grants of $10,000 each. [Read more]

FCCLA members make a 6,000 pound difference at the food bank

Twenty middle school and high school members of Family, Career, Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) helped out the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York on Friday, March 22. The students packaged over 6,000 pounds of food for local food banks and community services. The Regional Food Bank provides over 25 million pounds of food a year to 1,000 agencies, many of them right here in the Capital Region.

New Autism Family Support Group to meet on May 22, at A.W. Becker

The first meeting of the Autism Family Support Group will be from 6 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 22, at the A.W. Becker Elementary School, 1146 Route 9W, Selkirk.

The meeting is open to all RCS families, including pre-school families. [Read more]

Go All-American May 21: Exercise your right to vote and eat barbecue!

The Middle School chapter of Best Buddies is hosting a Frese's chicken barbecue fundraiser from 4-6:30 p.m. on May 21. Cast your ballot for the 2013-14 school year budget and Board of Education and pick up a delicious chicken dinner for the family. Order forms are available here; orders must be in by May 16.

FCCLA and Fairy Godmother's closet host spring fashion show

A fashion show at 7 p.m. on Friday, May  24 at St. Patrick's Church Hall in Ravena will showcase RCS students wearing apparel from the Fairy Godmother’s Closet, an organization which provides free prom apparel to students in need. Light refreshments and door prizes will be offered. [View Flyer]

RCS High School and Middle School Bands and Choruses Bring Home NYSSMA Awards

RCS high school and middle school music students walked away with four awards - three Gold and one Silver - during the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) Major Organization Evaluation Festivals held last week. [Read More]

PBC Revolutionary War Reenactment

History came to life on the fields of PBC with patriots, muskets and cannon fire as the fifth grade unit on the American Revolution culminated in an annual Revolutionary War reenactment on Friday, May 3.

More than 100 join second annual wellness walk

A parade of more than 100 walkers and bikers set out from Joralemon park on Sunday, April 28 to enjoy the sun and raise awareness of the importance of a healthy lifestyle for the RCS school district and community. [Read More]

Second annual Middle School-wide
art show May 14

More than 900 works of art by RCS Middle School's talented artists--including a new mural installation created by the MS Art Club will be on display at the second annual Middle School school-wide art show will be held Tuesday, May 14, from 6:30-8 p.m. [Read More and view a sampling of images from the show]

A.W. Becker Environmental Club challenges students to make treasures from trash

This takes recycling to a whole different level.

To promote environmental awareness in honor of Earth Day, the Environmental Club at A.W. Becker sponsored a "Trash to Treasure" contest. Students created artistic and functional objects from previously discarded material and recyclables to create a treasure. [Read more]

PBC students donate "Birthday in a Bag" to St. Patrick's pantry

Celebrating a birthday is a big occasion for any family - but one that is made much more stressful when times are tough. Students at Pieter B. Coeymans decorated birthday bags and filled them with cake mix, frosting and other items to make that once-a-year celebration a bit happier for area families. [Read more]

2013-14 budget approved in split vote; members agree that item

The Board of Education narrowly adopted a 2013-14 budget totaling $41.242 million while members agreed that they want to offer Pre-Kindergarten bus runs in the afternoon, pay for students to take Advanced Placement exams and restore a guidance counselor position. [Read More]

Check out the 2013-14 calendar

Check out the 2013-14 calendar approved by the Board of Education. [download PDF]

PLEASE NOTE: Because of the emergency closing for the power outage on Monday, April 22, THE SCHEDULED CONTINGENT DAY ON FRIDAY, MAY 24, 2013 WILL BE A REGULAR SCHOOL DAY.

Updated with candidate profiles...

Six candidates seeking three seats on the Board of Education on May 21

Six candidates have filed petitions to seek three seats on the Board of Education during the May 21 community vote, which will be held from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the high school. The A.W. Becker PTA will host a Meet The Candidates night forum at its meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 8 in the A.W. Becker library. The public hearing on the 2013-14 budget will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 14 to be followed by the Meet the Candidates Night in the High School auditorium. A regular Board of Education meeting will follow. [Read more]

Self defense is RAD

Eleven senior girls and four high school staff members participated in RAD Training, a 12-hour course designed to empower women to use good judgment and keep safe, and also learn self-defense techniques. The culmination of the course on April 24 involved three simulated attacks, where newly-learned skills were put to the test. Participants valued the training, and we hope to extend the opportunity to senior girls next year. [Click the thumbnail to view a larger photo]

Construction Career Day builds opportunity

Twenty students from the high school attended the 12th Annual Construction Career Day at the Navy Operational Support Center in Glenville, where students from all over the Capital District learned about career opportunities in the construction industry [Read more]

Learning Fair and Math Fun Night a hit with students and parents at PBC

Students showed off their best work and parents got a little hands-on math experience during tonight's Learning Fair and Math Fun Night. [Read more]

New Diploma Options for Students with IEPs on April 25 in RCS library

A meeting about new diploma options for Students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) will be held from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 25 in the high school  library. [Read more]

Help your student in grades 3-8 before he or she sits for the upcoming Common Core tests

There are ways to cope with the new state tests that students in grades 3-8 will take April 16-18 (ELA) and April 24-26 (mathematics). Check out this PDF brochure about tips for taking the tests and how to relieve the inevitable stress.
Check out this video about the new state tests: http://www.engageny.org/resource/video-for-parents-and-families-about-the-common-core-assessments
[Read more]

Board members ask administration to rework budget figures and restore programs cut over the past few years

After five years of cutting programs, Board of Education members told Interim Superintendent Alan McCartney that they want to restore some programs lost during that time and said the 2 percent tax levy increase included in the proposed 2013-14 budget before them was irresponsible and too low. [Read More]

Wellness Community Walk scheduled for April 28

The RCS Wellness Committee is sponsoring the second annual Community Wellness Walk from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 28, at Joralemon Park, 144 Starr Road, Ravena. The purpose of the walk is to create an awareness of the importance of a healthy lifestyle for all community members in the Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk school district. [Read more]

School sports physicals for grades 6-11 scheduled on April 30 and May 8

If you are planning on playing modified, junior varsity or varsity sports at RCS in the 2013-14 school year, you will need a physical. This is your chance. [Read more]

More than 100 RCS students to play in Solo Festival at Bethlehem Middle School on April 19 and 20

 More than 100 elementary, middle school and high school musicians from RCS will participate in the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) Solo/Ensemble Evaluation Festival at Bethlehem Middle School on April 19th and 20th. [Read more]

RCS Middle School recognized by Best Buddies of the Capital Region

Best Buddies of the Capital Region named RCS Middle School as the “2012-2013 Middle School of the Year” for the second year in a row. Best Buddies, which is an international organization, helps students with intellectual or developmental abilities create friends and feel included. [Read more]

Class of 2015 sponsoring Garage Sale fundraiser April 27 at the HS cafeteria

The Class of 2015 - today's sophomores - are sponsoring a garage sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 27, in the RCS High School cafeteria. Eager shoppers can get a jump on the shopping action from 8:30 - 9 on Saturday, April 27, for an early-bird $5 charge. [Read More]

RCS students receive medals at Capital Region Science Olympiad

Fifteen students from RCS High School competed in the Capital Region Science Olympiad and several received medals in the annual competition. [Read More]

Science Fair brought out budding scientists at A.W. Becker

Students at this year's A.W. Becker Science Fair truly showed their curiosity as they followed the scientific method to answer some very interesting questions and drawing eye-opening conclusions. [Read more]

Three high school student artists' work on display throughout the region

Artwork by students Rajine Martinez, Shannon Donovan and Alaina Dottino have been recognized in area displays and shows. [Read More]

PBC students and families help to meet the needs at Mohawk Hudson

After a two-week collection effort sponsored by the Student Council, PBC parents and students responded in a big way to make life a little easier for the dogs, cats and other animals at the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society in Menands. [Read More]

Fifth Annual Starlight Ball will be held on Friday, March 22 at AWB

Fourth and fifth graders at A.W. Becker will be kicking up their heels at the Fifth Annual Starlight Ball as they sway to the music while they dance the Waltz, Cha-Cha, Tango, Foxtrot, Rumba and Jitterbug. [Check out the invitation]

Student artwork part of regional art show

The artwork of 14 Pieter B. Coeymans students will be featured in a regional art show at the National Museum of Racing in Saratoga Springs from now until April 12. [Read More]

Events rescheduled to March 26

The Board of Education meeting, PBC's grade 5 band and chorus concert and A.W. Becker Kindergarten Orientation have been rescheduled to Tuesday, March 26. The orientation is at 6 p.m.; the board meeting and concert are at 7 p.m.

GED classes to begin on Monday, March 25 and Wednesday, March 27

The RCS General Education Development (GED) program will begin on Monday, March 25 and Wednesday, March 27 from 5-8 pm both days. There is NO CHARGE for the program. The program will be held in Room 26 at the high school with continuous enrollment. The program will not be offered during the first week of April because that is a school vacation week. Monday and Wednesday classes will begin again on April 8.

If the tax levy were increased by 3.85%, RCS tax bills would decline in September

If the proposed 2013-14 budget were approved by the Board of Education as it stands today - with no additional reductions - taxpayers in the four towns that comprise RCS would see a drop in their September tax bills of between $99 and $248 per property taxpayer, depending on the town where they live. [Read More]

More than 50 RCS musicians to play at the Spring All-County Music Festival March 20-22 at Greenville HS

Congratulations to all of our fine RCS student musicians! The RCS Music Department is proud to announce that more than 50 middle and high school students have been selected to participate in this year’s Greene County Music Educators Association (GCMEA) Spring All-County Music Festival. [Read More]

RCS students to perform with Capital Region Wind Ensemble on March 24

Three RCS High School band students have been selected to rehearse and perform in a concert with the Capital Region Wind Ensemble. They are: Mariah Disorbo, a 12th grade (tuba) and 11th graders Emily Buckley-Crist (clarinet) and Philip McNaughton (bassoon). [Read More]

Dylan Keyer named as the NYS Class B Scholar-Athlete of the Year

Senior Running Back and Linebacker Dylan Keyer has been awarded the NYS Class B Scholar-Athlete of the Year Award by the New York State High School Football Coaches Association in recognition of his excellence in the classroom and on the field. [Read More]

Going to the prom? Need a dress?

The RCS Junior Prom is fast approaching! It will be held from 7 to 11 p.m. on Saturday, May 4 at Treviso by Mallozzi's, 257 Washington Avenue Extension, Albany. If you need a dress, check out the Godmother's Closet Boutique from 3 to 5 p.m. on Thursday, March 28, in Faith Plaza (Shop 'n Save), Ravena. [Here is the PDF flyer about Boutique Day]

Advanced Placement Biology students studying the DNA in their own cheek cells

The Advanced Placement Biology juniors and seniors in Matt Miller's classroom have been scraping, shaking, cooling and heating cells from their cheeks as they study molecular science and the microscopic DNA of their own cells. [Read More]

PBC students challenged to read 100,000 minutes by March 25

Students at Pieter B. Coeymans are celebrating Read Across America during the month of March to celebrate the March 2 birthday of Dr. Seuss and his many wonderful children's books. [Read More]

Community members hear that RCS is on top of student safety issues

About 20 community members at the second School Safety and Security forum tonight heard local police agencies say that the Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk School District is doing an excellent job of working with them and is keeping student safety issues on the front burner. [Read More] Watch the video of the forum here - 49 minutes

Budget Roundtable scheduled for 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 12

Please plan to join us for the next Budget Roundtable at 7 pm. on Tuesday, March 12 in the high school cafeteria. [Read More]

PBC delayed opening caused by overheated backup power system

The start of school at Pieter B. Coeymans Elementary was delayed for two hours this morning - Thursday, March 7 - because of a strong odor in the building. Boilers and equipment were shut down as a safety measure. The fire department cleared the building and checked the air quality before turning the heating system back on and allowing staff to return. The odor was caused by the overheating/overcharging of a unit that serves as back-up emergency power for the phone system. The delay prevented students from sitting on school buses while the cause was being determined.

Having fun with fractions in fourth grade

There should not be a fraction of a doubt that grade 4 students at Pieter B. Coeymans Elementary know their fractions. The students recently created "fraction strips," pieces of paper that visually show them 1/2, 1/4, 1/8 and their relationship to each other. [Read More]

Letter being sent home today with high school students

This letter from High School Principal Brian Bailey about an incident involving inappropriate behavior by an American Red Cross employee toward an RCS student is being sent home today (Tuesday, March 5) with all high school students. [Read More]

School Safety and Security forum to be held March 6 at the HS library

The second School Safety and Security Forum will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 6, in the high school library. [Read MORE]

Science Olympiad draws RCS Middle School young scientists

For several hours this weekend, RCS Middle School student teams competed in 19 science events and categories and performed tasks and solved problems about anatomy, diseases, forestry, animals, heredity and a host of other topics with students from other school districts in the Capital Region. [Read More]

Ravena Swim Club competitive program begins April 15

The Ravena Swim Club's competitive swim program begins April 15. The program is designed for swimmers ages 6 to 18 and is held at the RCS High School Aquatics Center. For registration information, check out the club's website at http://www.ravenaswimclub.com.

Legislators write to Cuomo and leaders, seek restoration of school funding

Eight area legislators, including Sen. Cecilia Tkaczyk and Assemblyman Peter Lopez, signed a three-page letter to Gov. Andrew Cuomo and legislative leaders seeking restoration of education funding in the 2013-14 state budget. "These changes will help our most vulnerable students receive the educational programs they need and deserve," the letter concludes. [read the letter here - PDF]   Visit the RCS Advocacy Page.

STAR Helpers bring smiles to Glenmont seniors

RCS high school students Brandon Doty and Alley Ott visit with two senior volunteers, Helen Berhaupt and Anna Waniewski, during the Star Helpers after school program. The school district buses middle and high school students to and from Van Allen Senior Apartments in Glenmont twice a month to visit with senior residents. For further information, contact STARS Intergen at 439-1505 or starsintergen@gmail.com.

Tkaczyk urges Board of Education and community to advocate for RCS

New state Senator Cecilia Tkaczyk visited the Board of Education at its meeting tonight to hear what impacts the state budget is having on RCS students and to urge the community to work together and "turn the tide" toward equitable state funding for schools  [Read MORE]

STARS Donations to benefit individual RCS students

STARS Intergen, a nonprofit agency that provides intergenerational programs for the RCS School District, announced that it has received $700 in private donations to assist individual students with needs not otherwise met by traditional assistance programs. [Read More]

Advanced Placement students must sign up for final exams on March 6

Students planning to take the AP placement final exams must pay the $89 fee. The fee to take an AP exam will be collected from students in the high school lobby on Wednesday, March 6th, during the last 25 minutes of their lunch and during 10th period in the Counseling Center. [Read the letter to students and parents - pdf]  [here's the exam application - pdf]

GED classes to begin later than other Continuing Education programs

The RCS GED program being offered in conjunction with the Capital Region BOCES will not be starting at the same time as other Continuing Education programs this spring. Stay tuned for the GED start date.

Books, cookies and Candyland

The We Love Books Literacy Night at AWB entertained over 100 Pre-K through grade 2 students and their families on Tuesday evening, Feb. 12. [Read more]

Dodgeball barbecue raises more than $1,000

After a finger lickin Dinosaur BBQ dinner, RCS students and staff faced off for a Valentine's Day dodgeball tournament. The student-government sponsored event raised more than $1,000 for the Ronald McDonald House. Thanks to all who came out to eat, play or cheer on their team!

ACT workshop on Feb. 28 about Disciplining Children with Disabilities

The Advocating 4 Children Together (ACT) support group will feature attorney Jennifer Monthie on Thursday, Feb 28th at 6:30 p.m. for a free workshop in the RCS High School library to discuss Disciplining Children with Disabilities. [Read More]

RCS losing millions to state's GEA reduction

About 30 Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk school stakeholders heard Interim Superintendent Alan McCartney say that something has to change - the state's "temporary" Gap Elimination Adjustment (GEA) has cost RCS millions of dollars since 2009 and are the major cause of proposed staff reductions in next year's school budget. [Read More]

Join RCS in advocating for sufficient and equitable state education funding

Without meaningful and timely relief from our legislative leaders, RCS and public schools across the state risk losing the high quality instruction and educational opportunities they have come to know and value throughout the years. The time for change is now. RCS has joined the call to action to advocate for our schools, but our state leaders need to hear from you. Learn more and find helpful tips for becoming a powerful advocate here.

RCS graduate Kaitlyn Drobner collecting coats for the homeless

2010 RCS graduate Kaitlyn Drobner has collected 1,200 coats for the homeless as part of her "Katie's Koats" effort with Albany County. Here is the story on the YNN television station.

Student artwork on display for Black History Month

Twelve students at Pieter B. Coeymans Elementary School submitted artwork celebrating Black History Month that will be on display from Feb. 16-22 as part of Albany County's month-long celebration entitled “At the Crossroads of Freedom and Equality: The Emancipation Proclamation and the March on Washington.”  [Read More]

Your call to action begins tonight

RCS will join school district leaders, educators, parents and community members from around the region, along with representatives from 47 area school districts, for an advocacy workshop titled “A Call to Action: Your Public Schools in Fiscal Peril – Running Out of Time & Options.” [Read More]

Community roundtable Feb. 12

All RCS community members are invited to a community roundtable on Feb. 12 at 7 p.m. in the High School cafeteria to learn more about budget development for the 2013-14 school year. The roundtable will include a budget presentation followed by open, small-group question and answer sessions with department heads and administrators to help address community questions, priorities and concerns. We hope to see you there!

Spring Continuing Education Brochure now available online

The Spring 2013 Continuing Education Brochure is now available online. Download it here to peruse offerings ranging from Aqua Zumba and yoga nidra to dog obedience, quilting and driver education. In-person registration is Wednesday, February 27, from 6:30-8 p.m. in the aquatics center lobby.

RCS attends advocacy forum for improved education funding

UPDATED: Please keep this conversation going

RCS administrators, Board of Education trustees, teachers, staff, parents and community members, were among the more than 1,300 people who filled Columbia High School's auditorium on Jan. 31 for an unprecedented forum to address the fiscal crisis facing New York schools. [Read More]

“Have a Heart” Ronald McDonald Fundraiser set for Feb. 14th at the HS

What better way to show your love to that special person than by watching a dodge ball tournament and munching on Dinosaur BBQ while also benefitting the Ronald McDonald House? The RCS HS student government will host the tournament and barbecue dinner on Valentine’s Day, Thursday, Feb. 14th in the high school gym. [Read More]

STOP Leadership Conference

On Jan. 18, RCS Middle School students attended a STOP (Students Together Opposing Prejudice) leadership conference at Siena College with Mrs. Abelson and Ms. Santoni. Sponsored by the Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King Lecture Series run by the Anti-Defamation League’s A World of Difference® Institute, aims to was to empower students to lead the fight against bigotry, intolerance and all forms of hatred in their communities.

ACT guardianship workshop Jan. 31

The Advocating 4 Children Together (ACT) support group will welcome Attorney Julie Keegan on Jan. 31 at 6:30 p.m. for a free workshop in the RCS High School library to discuss Guardianship for elderly parents, disabled children or and ill family members. And open question and answer session will follow the discussion. For additional information please feel free to contact Mary MacDonald at mmacdonald1@nycap.rr.com or 767-3129. [View Flyer]

Proposed state budget boosts state aid; state Legislature must review it

Gov. Andrew Cuomo's proposed 2013-14 state budget would provide RCS with a total of $14.493 million through basic state Foundation Aid and a host of partial reimbursements for transportation, BOCES, computer hardware, software and textbook costs. The state Legislature will now massage the figures and offer changes to the governor's budget proposal. The 2013-14 state budget is supposed to be in place by April 1. [Read More]

RCS hopes to offer GED classes for adults beginning in February

The Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk CSD is hoping to revive its General Education Development (GED) program beginning in February, if at least 10 students enroll in the preparation class. [Read More]

Out-of-district transportation requests

The deadline for requests for bus service to non-public schools and other special requests is April 1 of each school year, or within 30 days of moving into the district. The 2012-13 and 2013-14 forms are available on the Transportation home page.

Jazz Ensemble and Harmonics to perform Jan. 25 at First Reformed Church of Bethlehem

The RCS High School Jazz Ensemble, under the director of Scott Andrews, and the Harmonics, under the direction of Michelle McLoughlin, will be performing a free concert on Friday, Jan. 25 at 7 p.m. at the First reformed Church of Bethlehem. [Read More]

Van Gogh at AWB

The exhibit is hung and work is underway at A.W. Becker, where a Teacher’s Discovery Traveling Exhibit is currently on display featuring the fascinating paintings of Vincent van Gogh. Students in grade 4 are creating a mural inspired by Van Gogh’s art style through a three-day workshop with muralist Julie Urtz. Check back for more as the mural is unveiled!

Seasonal flu information

Infants and young children are at a greater risk for getting seriously ill from the flu. Learn about the symptoms of influenza and find vaccine clinics and other resources to help keep your family healthy this flu season here.

Little League signups Jan. 23 and Feb. 2

Hudson Valley Little League will be registering boys and girls ages 4-12 for the 2013 baseball season on Jan. 23 at Hootz family bowling center and Feb. 2 at RCS Middle School. View the flyer here or sign up online at www.hudsonvalleylittleleague.org.

Time to empty out those closets to help RCS students attend the prom!

Fairy Godmother’s Closet is accepting donations of prom apparel to help needy RCS students attend prom in style this year. Donate any formal apparel to the Family and Consumer Sciences room #63 in the high school. Questions? Contact Molly Jennes. [Here is a flyer about the program - PDF]

Board of Education begins 2013-14 budget review

(Jan. 8, 2013) The Board of Education tonight began its review of the 2013-14 budget with the operations and maintenance and technology portions of the budget. [Read More]

Tomboys Softball to register players on Jan. 10 and 17

Already thinking about spring, Tomboys Softball will hold in-person registrations on January 10 and 17 at RCS Middle School and Bethlehem Town Hall. [Read More]

RCS HS January 2013 REVISED Testing Schedule

RCS High School will be holding midterm and final exams during the week of Tuesday, Jan. 22 through Friday, Jan. 25, 2013. These exams are an essential part of your child’s academic program and his or her participation is required. [Read more and download the REVISED full testing and transportation schedule]

Financial Aid Night for Seniors and their Parents Jan. 10

On Thursday, Jan. 10 at 6:30 p.m. in the High School Library, a representative from the Higher Education Services Corporation will give a presentation about navigating financial aid for college, including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA. College bound seniors and their parents or guardians are encouraged to attend to learn about opportunities to help pay for secondary education.

Tenth Annual Fun Fair For the Very Young

RCS Community Library’s Romp & Read and the RCS School District present the Tenth Annual Fun Fairs for the very young during RCS kindergarten and pre-K registration on Jan. 8 at AWB and Jan. 10 at PBC. [Read More]

Natural Helpers and Student Volunteers chop, rake and write for a better community

The Natural Helpers and Student Volunteer clubs have been very busy over the past few months. Through their community outreach they have helped to beautify our community, support organizations in need, and assist younger students in our schools. [Read More and view Photo Gallery]

Orchestra to help raise money to fund field trips at A.W. Becker

The Big Band sounds of the Georgie Wonders Orchestra will fill the hallways at A.W. Becker from 6:30-9 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 25. Adult tickets are $5 each; students are $3 each. AWB teachers Benjamin Rau and William Hoperich play in the Georgie Wonders orchestra and will be performing that evening. [Read More]

Continuing Education for the New Year

Have you resolved to get fit in 2013? Need a way to fight off cabin fever--and those extra Christmas cookies? RCS Continuing Education has seven health and fitness programs starting up in January, with something for everyone, from yoga to indoor soccer to aqua zumba. A list of upcoming courses can be found here.

Van Gogh Travels to AWB

A.W. Becker will be displaying a Teacher’s Discovery Traveling Exhibit featuring the fascinating paintings of Vincent van Gogh, including a giant reproduction of Starry Night, from Jan. 8 through 18. Students in grade 4 will create a mural based on Van Gogh’s art style with muralist Julie Urtz and all students in K-5 will learn about the artist, his life and paintings, through the school’s art program taught by Lauren Young. Funding for this project was secured through a Target Grant and the AWB PTA.

Parents and community members hear plans for tougher security at RCS

With the school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut and rumored threats at RCS High School as a backdrop, about 25 parents and community members peppered Interim Superintendent Alan McCartney and Coeymans Police Chief Gregory Darlington with questions and concerns about school safety during an hour-long forum today at the high school library. [Read More]

RCS Collects 3,821 books for Albany Book Project

The FCCLA/Albany Book Project was an amazing success. Together, through generous donations by parents, staff and students, RCS collected a whopping 3,821 books district-wide! [Read More]

Coeymans Police Department

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Alan McCartney and Coeymans Chief of Police Gregory Darlington will be available at 4 p.m. Tuesday December 18th in the High School Library, prior to the Board of Education meeting,  to address the concerns of parents and community members regarding school safety at RCS. Read a message from the Coeymans Police Department regarding safety at RCS schools here.

Interim Superintendent Alan McCartney on RCS school safety

I am very mindful that mere words cannot calm your fears. However, rest assured that the safety, security and education of our student’s remains our priority at all times. We will always err on the side of caution when student and staff safety are in question. [Read More]

Message from Interim Superintendent Alan McCartney

Interim Superintendent Alan McCartney extends the district's sympathies to the families impacted by the tragic shooting in Newtown, Conn., and shares resources for talking to your children about school violence and other difficult news. [Read More]

Seniors in Creative Writing class share larger lessons with Pieter B. Coeymans students

Sally probably should have figured she was in for a tough day when her toothbrush got stuck to her leg and wouldn't come off. Then the fruit snacks...and the block...and the ball - all stuck themselves to her.
And this all happened on Sally's first day of first grade! [Read More]

Lunchtime crowd treated to RCS holiday performances in Albany

The RCS High School Band and Chorus performed at the South Concourse of the Empire State Plaza as part of the New York State Office of General Services annual Holiday Potpourri. [Read More]

District and police officials address gun rumor

Last week, a rumor surfaced at the High School that a student intended to bring a gun to school on December 21. School officials looked into the rumor immediately and, after interviewing a number of students involved, determined that it was a case of mistaken information and that there was no credible threat to students or staff. [Read More]

Middle School recognition awards recipients

Congratulations to our Middle School recognition awards recipients, who were celebrated at the Board of Education Meeting on Dec. 4 for achieving level four scores on their New York state exams. [Read More]

HVCC accepts 51 RCS seniors on instant admissions day

Fifty-one RCS seniors were accepted to Hudson Valley Community College on Wednesday, Nov. 28, when the High School Counseling Center hosted HVCC instant admissions day. [Read More]

RCS Stuff-the-Truck project showed families helping families

For Suni Swann, the devastation that Hurricane Sandy brought to downstate New York and New Jersey brought back the same kind of feelings she had after the attacks of September 11 and the Blizzard of '78 when she was a child in Connecticut. She along with many others here spearheaded the Stuff-The-Truck effort that brought 10,000 to 12,000 pounds of supplies to families affected by the storm. [Read More]

First annual Turkey Trot raises money and food for hurricane victims

On Tuesday, Nov. 20th, the Middle School National Junior Honor Society hosted the first annual Turkey Trot to benefit victims of Hurricane Sandy. Students paid their way out of classes with cash or non-perishable food items, and ran hundreds of miles in total, raising $450 in donations to the Red Cross for hurricane victims and collecting a small mountain of food, cleaning and personal care items. The Middle School is very proud of the first Turkey Trot and looking forward to next year!

PBC student artwork on display at Empire State Plaza

The peace-themed work of PBC artists will be on display at the Concourse of the Empire State Plaza for a Martin Luther King Jr. art exhibit running from Jan. 14-Feb. 2013. Congratulations to our talented artists!

Community Greenhouse Opens at High School

After six years in development, hundreds of hours of work and generous community contributions, the RCS Community greenhouse is open and ready for growing and learning come spring. Learn how the new facility will be integrated into science curriculum and more. [Read More]

Five RCS seniors receive NYS Scholarship for Academic Excellence

Melanie Schmitt, Dylan Keyer, Christine Bianchi, Austin Snyder and Lauren McCluskey have been awarded the 2012-2013 New York State Scholarship for Academic Excellence. Selection is competitive, based on Regents exam scores. Each of these students will receive $500 or $1500 per year for up to four years of undergraduate study at a college or university in New York state. Congratulations to all on their outstanding academic achievements!

Delicious Geography

Students in Ms. Engelhard's fourth-grad class took a big bite out of their geography lessons, by decorating cookies in the shape of New York state, complete with forests, mountains, lakes and rivers. Geography never tasted so good! [View Gallery]

Friday night childcare available in December at AWB

National Honor Society Students from the High School have donated their time to help the AWB PTA provide holiday childcare for school-age children Friday evenings in December. The fees will be $10 for the first child, $5 for the second and $3 for the third, with a max of $20. All proceeds go to the AWB field trip fund. Reservations are required. Download the flyer for details. [Download flyer - PDF] 

AWB students jump for their hearts and help save lives

Students at A.W. Becker are jumping at the chance to fight heart disease and stroke, our nation’s No. 1 and No. 4 killers. On Nov. 30th, AWB will host its 3rd Annual Jump Rope For Heart event to raise money for the American Heart Association, which funds lifesaving heart and stroke research and community and educational programs for youth. [Read More]

Fifth Grade Chorus prepares to spread musical cheer

The afternoon of Dec. 20 will be filled with holiday cheer, as the Pieter B. Coeymans Fifth Grade Chorus heads out to the local community for a caroling trip. The chorus, directed by Debbie McAllister, will be singing seasonal favorites up and down Main street, spreading good cheer to local businesses. Look for the carolers between 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. Students will return to Pieter B. in time to take the afternoon bus home.

High School students hear first hand about the evils, addictions and violence of the drug culture

The 54 students in the library didn't make eye contact with each. If they happen to catch somebody else's look, they glanced away or at the floor. Sometimes, when the speakers raised their voices or swear, they would look up in an almost painful way but then glance back to the floor. One girl ran out crying. [Read More]

Culinary students create a feast to share with others

The three culinary classes at RCS High School made a Thanksgiving meal of turkey, cornbread, desert and other specialties that they shared with other students during periods 4-7 today. [Read More]

A.W. Becker Grade 5 Chorus to perform on Saturday, Jan. 12

The A.W. Becker 5th Grade Chorus will perform The National Anthem for the opening of The Albany Devils and Worcester Sharks Hockey Game at The Times Union Center in Albany, NY. The game will be held at on Saturday, January 12th, 2013 at 5 pm.

Continuing upward

As students and families prepare for final and mid-term examinations in January, RCS wants to remind everyone of the remarkable strides made in last year's Business Review rankings. RCS climbed 11 spots in the annual rankings because of the efforts and dedication of our students, families and staff. We continue to work together in 2012 to build on that progress. [Read More]

Alan R. McCartney named as RCS interim superintendent of schools

Alan R. McCartney, with 35 years of hands-on educational experience under his belt, follows a simple procedure when he decides whether to close school and keep hundreds of students home for a day - does it make common sense? [Read More]

Welcome back to the classes of 2013 to 2025!