News Headlines

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.

Check out the latest parent newsletter! (PDF)

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]

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]

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]

2013-14 calendar available; May 24, 2013 is a regular school day

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.

The 2013 Enrichment Nomination period is now open!

Teachers are currently in the process of nominating students for the Challenge Math (current grades 2-4) and Scholars (current grades 3-4) programs. [Read more]

The April 25th AWB newsletter is out! 

[Read it here - PDF]

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]

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]

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]

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]

PLEASE NOTE: Bad weather causing changes

A.W. Becker and Pieter B. Coeymans elementary schools will dismiss early today- TUESDAY, MARCH 19 - at 3 p.m,; HS and MS are releasing at regular time, 2:02 p.m.

In addition, the Board of Education meeting and PBC's grade 5 band and chorus concert have both been rescheduled to next Tuesday, March 26.

Kindergarten orientation rescheduled to March 26

The A.W. Becker Kindergarten Orientation program is rescheduled to March 26th at 6 p.m.

AWB Newsletter available

Here is the March 14 AWB school newsletter (PDF)

Contest will raise awareness of the need to reduce, reuse and recycle

Students are being asked to create something new out of something old in the Trash to Treasure Contest in recognition of Earth Day on April 22. [Read more]

Parents to get an up-close view of Common Core Learning Standards

Come and learn about the new Common Core Learning Standards that have changed the curriculum in ELA and Math during the Common Core Parent Information Night on March 20 from 6 to 6:45 p.m. for all grades - PLEASE NOTE THE TIME CHANGE. [Read more]

AWB Newsletter available

Here is the March AWB school newsletter (PDF)

Eager readers recognized at Character Education assembly

Students Max Deyoe, Macie Fiore, Shameira Harding, Abigail LaPlante, Jack McFerran, Katie McFerran, Mallory Raymond, Sienna Rinella and Sam Rosen were recognized at the Feb. 15 Character Education Assembly for not only participating in the 1000 Book Club but for reading 250 or 500 books. The 1000 Book Club is sponsored by the AW Becker PTA and run by PTA members Amy LaPlante and Denise Kozlowski. Click on the photo to enlarge it.

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.

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]

PTA Family Fun Night March 1

The PTA is holding a Family Fun Night on Friday, March 1 from  6:30-8:30 p.m. at AWB. Admission is only $3 for adults and $2 per student for a night of bounce houses, face painting, sno cones, cotton candy, pop corn, music and more!

AWB Newsletter available

Here is the February AWB school newsletter (PDF)

Final fifth grade spring field trip news

The fifth grade will visit the Mystic Seaport and Aquarium on May 31 for their spring field trip. This opportunity is largely paid for through fundraising efforts, and the last two kick off Tuesday, Feb. 12 at Candyland Literacy Night. The fifth grade will host a Candyland store and basket raffle, and will launch their cookie dough fundraiser with fresh baked sample cookies from Otis Spunkmeyer. Download the field trip letter from Principal Verga.

Colonial Occupation Day

There was a colonial takeover of the AWB fourth grade on Jan. 28, but this was colonial occupation of a different sort, as fourth graders took on the role of the colonial tradespeople who built the foundation of our nation. Third graders toured the classrooms as sign painters, shipwrights, blacksmiths, weavers, wheelwrights and coopers practiced their trades and cobblers, milliners, tailors and wigmakers stitched and styled in colonial fashion. [Read more and view gallery]

Candyland Literacy Night Tuesday, Feb. 12

Pre-K, kindergarten, grade 1 and grade 2 families will experience a night with the Albany Tulip Queen and Princesses, reading, crafts and a game of CANDYLAND! Enjoy an evening of reading, games and fun during the We Love Books Literacy Night, 6:30-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 12.

AWB Newsletter available

Here is the January 23 AWB newsletter (PDF)

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.

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]

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]

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]

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.

Letter from Interim Superintendent Alan McCartney

The letter that went home to parents on Thursday, Dec. 20 regarding security at AWB is available here. [PDF] 

Fundraiser pick up Friday, Dec. 7

Fundraiser orders will be available for pickup in the AWB Band Room from 3-6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 7. Thank you for supporting our school!

AWB Newsletter Available Online

The AWB newsletter from Dec. 5 is available here [PDF]

Delicious Geography

Students in Mrs. Engelhardt's fourth-grade 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]

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, Jan. 12, 2013 at 5 p.m.

Kindergarten nursery rhyme night

Forty kindergarten students and their families attended the 5th Annual AWB Kindergarten Nursery Rhyme Night on Wednesday, Nov. 14. Each family participated in 12 hands-on stations that incorporated technology, literacy, math and motor skills, as well as crafts and snacks. Parents, grandparents and siblings were also in attendance for the fun evening. [View Gallery]

AWB Newsletter Available Online

The AWB newsletter from Nov. 13 is available here [PDF]

Looking for gently worn winter clothing for the needy...

Student Government is collecting gently used winter jackets, snow pants, boots for children needing these items. If you have any, please drop them off in the box in the lobby!

Grade 4 students explore Native American culture

While RCS borders the original Iroquois and Algonquin Native American nations, grade 4 students today didn't need to know the difference - they were immersed into all types of Native American ways and culture. [Read More]

AWB Newsletter Available Online

The AWB newsletter from October 25 is available here [PDF] .

AWB Opens Used Book Store

Starting Monday, October 29, you can trade in your old books for new books or buy used books at the Becker Used Book Store! The store will be open in the front lobby during school store hours: 9-9:30 am. Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Stop by for our grand opening to shop or drop off books. 

Author Matt McElligott visiting on Friday, October 26

Children's author and illustrator Matt McElligott will meet with students throughout the day on Friday, October 26, to discuss his books. The day will culminate at Literacy Night, scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday in the cafeteria.

· Students in kindergarten and grade 1 will focus on his book, Even Monsters Need Haircuts

· Students in grades 4 and 5 will focus on his book, Ben Franklinstein

· Students in grades 2 and 3 will focus on his book, Even Aliens Need Snacks

Check out McElligott's website www.mattmcelligott.com

Book Fair begins on Wednesday, October 24

The Fall 2012 Book Fair will be in full gear from Wednesday, October 24th to Monday, October 29th. The book fair will be held in the library. Students will stop down during the day to make their "wish lists" of books they are interested in purchasing and reading.

Students end annual PTA fundraiser with silly string

Principal Claudia Verga was a good sport to allow herself to be covered in silly string as the culminating activity of the AWB PTA fundraiser last Friday. [Read More]

AWB Explores Our World on Habitat Day

AWB students meet a crocodile, learn survival techniques and take a hike on Habitat Day. Read more and view the photo gallery here. 

September 28 Newsletter

Download the Sept. 28 school newsletter here.

Introduction to Girls Competitive Swimming Sept. 27

All girls in grades 4-8 are invited to an open swim at the RCS High School on Thursday, Sept. 27 from 4:00-5:30 p.m. Participants will be introduced to different aspects of competitive swimming with help from the varsity swim team, and information about local opportunities for competitive swimming will be presented to parents at the end of the open swim. No sign up is required to attend. Contact Coach Loughlin at eloughlin@rcscsd.org with any questions. Meet the varsity swim team here.

Our First Day in Film

Welcome back to the classes of 2013 to 2025!

 

 

A.W. Becker Receives $4,000 in Target Grants

A.W. Becker Elementary School has been awarded two Target grants, each for $2,000, to enhance Autism education and encourage awareness and respect of individual differences. [Read More]

Back-to-School Supply Lists Now Available

Get a jump start on stocking up for back to school! Supply lists for all grades are now available here.

A.W.B. Student Meets President Obama

When President Barack Obama visited University at Albany College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, A.W. Becker’s own Dalton Augar was there to greet him [READ MORE]  

National Talk To Your Kids Day

April 21 is the Partnership for Drug Free America's "National Talk your Kids Day," a day designated to promote open and honest discussion about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse. RCS encourages all parents to take part in this nationwide initiative to engage in difficult but critical conversations with our children. [Learn More]

New York State Assessments Begin April 17

New York State testing for students in grades 3-8 begins Tuesday, April 17. It is important your child be in attendance for all assessments. Please review the testing schedule and letter from Principal Claudia Verga [Read Letter - PDF] [View full schedule - PDF]

AWB Supports our Troops With Freedom Box Collection Drive

As part of our continued effort to show our support and appreciation of AWB alum Jacob Snide and his fellow marines currently serving in Afghanistan, the A.W. Becker PTA is hosting a Freedom Box Collection Drive. Items will be collected through Thursday, April 5 and sent to Jacob and his unit in Afghanistan. [READ MORE]

Dress Code Reminder

As the weather gets warmer, it's important we remember our school maintains a dress code to ensure the safety and dignity of all our students and to encourage a positive learning environment. [READ MORE]

Quality Paper Towels and Healthy Living at the AWB Science and Wellness Fairs

This year’s A.W. Becker Science fair was as fun and innovative as ever. All of our students did a wonderful job presenting their information and following the scientific method to answer some provocative questions. [READ MORE]

Submit Your School Snapshots to the Yearbook

The AW Becker Yearbook Club is hard at work on the 2011-2012 edition of the yearbook and they're looking for submissions of candid photos from classrooms, field trips, parties, concerts, assemblies and any other school event.[READ MORE]

Environmental Club Creates Posters Project

Members of the Environmental Club conducted research about the effects of habitat destruction and created posters to raise awareness both of the impact our actions have on wildlife, and to encourage sustainable actions like recycling. [READ MORE]

Intramurals for students in grades 3-5

A.W. Becker intramurals for students in grades 3-5 will begin the week of Dec. 5. Grades 4 and 5 will be play on Monday afternoons from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Third grade intramurals will be held on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 3:30-4:30 p.m. [learn more]

Fifth Grade Chorus selected to participate in "Music for the Holidays" WMHT production

A.W. Becker Elementary School's Fifth Grade Chorus has been selected to be part of the upcoming "Music for the Holidays" 2011 production on WMHT in December. [learn more]

AWB students prepare Thanksgiving feast

On Nov. 18, Ms. DuBois' and Mrs. Roehr's classes joined together to eat a Thanksgiving meal, which both classes helped prepare. [READ MORE]

Students test their medieval knowledge, reading skills at Literacy Knight

AWB students in grades 3-5 recently enjoyed a fun-filled night of reading and learning about medieval knights, castles and more at Literacy Knight. [READ MORE]

AWB Drama Club presents, "We Have Jazz"

Twenty-three fifth-graders from A.W. Becker's Drama Club presented the musical, "We Haz Jazz," by John Jacobson and Kirby Shaw. [READ MORE]

Student Government sponsored book drive to benefit area school

A.W. Becker's Student Government recently held a book drive to benefit Windham-Ashland-Jewett Central School District. Over 2,000 books were donated to eight classrooms that were damaged due to flooding from Hurricane Irene. [READ MORE]

Students create special 'thank you' cards for soldiers

In honor of Veterans Day, fourth grade students in Carrie DuBois' class started creating holiday cards for former A.W. Becker student, Lance Corporal Jacob Snide, and his entire troop. [READ MORE]

Students celebrate Habitat Day

A.W. Becker’s annual Habitat Day brought some new twists and turns this year, showing students what Mother Nature has to offer. [READ MORE]

AWB students curl up with a good book at Literacy Night

Approximately 120 AWB students in pre-kindergarten through second grade and their parents recently curled up with a good book at the school's first Literacy Night of the school year. [READ MORE]

PTA collecting empty Capri Sun juice packages

The A.W. Becker PTA is collecting empty Capri Sun juice pouches in the school cafeteria. [READ MORE]

Jump Rope for Heart fundraiser

A.W. Becker Elementary School will once again be participating in the Jump Rope For Heart program to raise funds to help children with special heart conditions. The program is sponsored by the American Heart Association. [READ MORE]

Check out the new online principal's corner, "Verga Voice"

A.W. Becker Elementary Principal, Claudia Verga, has created a new online 'principal's corner' called the "Verga Voice." Check back often for updates! [READ MORE]

Seasonal flu guide for parents

The New York State Health Department has released its flu guide for the 2011-2012 school year. [informational guide from nys department of health - pdf]

AWB students recognized for high marks on state exams

On Oct. 4, the RCS Board of Education recognized 43 students from A.W. Becker Elementary who achieved a level 4 on one or more of the NYS exams taken last spring. [READ MORE]

Back-to-School Nights at AWB

A. W. Becker Elementary held two Back-To-School Nights for parents this week — one night for grades K-2 and one night for grades 3-5. The purpose of both events is to help parents understand what the school's expectations are for their children. [READ MORE]

Back-to-School Information Packet for parents and students

To start the 2011-12 school year off right, A.W. Becker has provided a Back-to-School Information Packet for parents and students with everything from a staff roster and school hours to PTA information and the dress code. [download packet - pdf]

EVENTS Calendar

May 27

Memorial Day (observed)
NO SCHOOL

June 3

Gr. 4 and 8 Science Written Assessment

June 4

Board of Education meeting, 7 p.m., HS

June 5

AWB Gr. 5 Band/Chorus Spring Concert, 7 p.m., AWB

June 6

MS/HS Instrumental Assembly for
gr. 3-5, 9:45 a.m.

June 11

AWB Gr. 1 and 34 Spring Concert,
7 p.m., HS

June 12

PTA meeting, 6:45 p.m., AWB

June 14

AWB Field Day

Flag Day

June 18

Board of Education meeting, 7 p.m., HS

June 20

Elementary schools dismiss at
12:30 p.m.

June 21

Tentative Last Day of School

Elementary schools dismiss at
12:30 p.m.

Elementary Report Cards

End of fourth marking period

Summer begins

June 22

Class of 2013 Graduation, 9 a.m., State Convention Center

July 4

Independence Day, District Offices Closed

July 9

Ramadan begins

August 9

Eid al Fitr

 

Complete 2012-13 Calendar

QUICK Links

Cafeteria/Menus

Closings and Delays

Concert Schedule

No Bullying Zone

Code of Conduct

Parent Handbook

Signing Out a Student

The Dignity Act (formerly DASA)